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Background and Aims: Despite its prioritization by the World Health Organization, improving access to cervical cancer screening remains a challenge in Ethiopia. Educated individuals, particularly teachers, are viewed as key influencers in promoting healthy lifestyles among youth and can significantly contribute to cervical cancer prevention. However, there is a notable gap in research regarding cervical cancer screening practices among female educators in the studied region. This study aimed to assess the cervical cancer screening practices and associated factors among female school teachers in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: A school‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from May 27 to June 28, 2024, involving 561 female school teachers in Bahir Dar City, using a stratified multistage sampling method. Data were gathered through a pretested structured questionnaire, entered in Epi‐data version‐4.6, and analyzed with SPSS version‐23. Bi‐variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed, considering variables with p values < 0.05 as statistically significant. Multicollinearity was assessed, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test evaluated the model's fit. Results: The proportion of female school teachers practicing cervical cancer screening was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.57%–17.66%). Significant factors associated with screening included having more than one lifetime sexual partner (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.48–4.92), a history of gynecological examinations (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.28–5.23), a fair understanding of cervical cancer (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.12–4.17), a positive attitude toward screening (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.65–6.33), and a high perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.34–4.93). Conclusions: Cervical cancer screening rates among female school teachers in Bahir Dar City fall short of the HSTP‐II target. Independent predictors of screening include having multiple sexual partners, a history of gynecological exams, knowledge of cervical cancer, attitudes toward screening, and perceived susceptibility. To improve these rates, initiatives should focus on raising awareness and fostering positive attitudes among teachers about cervical cancer and health‐seeking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Deciduous teeth extraction (DTE) is a harmful traditional practice often performed by traditional healers. This practice can lead to both acute and chronic complications that significantly impact children's health. Despite national strategies and initiatives, DTE remains prevalent in Ethiopia, especially in the Gambella region. However, there is limited information on its prevalence and determinants in this area. Method: Both qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted. A community‐based cross‐sectional study involved 803 mothers with children under five in the Gambella region. Multistage simple random sampling was employed, and data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and in‐depth interviews. Data entry was performed using Epi Data version 4.6, and the analysis was conducted in SPSS version 25. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with deciduous tooth extraction (DTE). Odds ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval, and a p‐value of less than 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Result: The prevalence of Deciduous teeth extraction practice among < 5 years was 48.3% (95% CI: 0.44–0.51). Mothers lack of awareness (AOR = 2.08; 95 CI:1.21–3.58), mothers lack of information on scientific solutions of teething symptoms (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.21–3.60), mother's positive attitude towards milk tooth extraction (AOR = 10.06; 95%CI: 6.36–15.91), being ill during teething eruption (AOR = 8.70; 95% CI: 5.56–13.62) and Community DTE tradition (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.34–3.15) were significantly associated. The qualitative findings also found that culture, misconception about DTE, peer and social pressure as factors. Conclusions: Deciduous teeth extraction practice in the Gambella region poses a significant public health concern. Lack of awareness regarding the consequences and scientific solutions for teething symptoms, mothers' attitudes, illness perceptions during teething, and community traditions were identified factors. Hence, comprehensive awareness campaigns involving all stakeholders should be emphasized. Health care providers should play a crucial role to educate both mothers and traditional healers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual violence is a major public health problem that affects the health and well-being of millions of young people. Housemaids are the most vulnerable group to sexual violence due to their nature of work. It leads to various physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health problems, especially in our country's context. However, they have limited information regarding the magnitude and the factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and risk factors for sexual violence among female housemaids attending night school in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 340 housemaids attending night school in Bahir Dar city from May 15 to June 20, 2022. Participants were selected using simple random sampling through computer-generated techniques. An interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire was used. Data were entered, coded, and cleaned using EPI Data version 4.6.0.2, and exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were done to identify factors associated with sexual violence. P-value and 95% confidence interval were used to declare the statistical association. Result: The magnitude of sexual violence after being a housemaid was 30.3% with a 95% confidence interval (25.3–35.38). Ever had sex [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 4.67; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (2.60, 8.39)], no discussion of sexual and reproductive issues [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 2.32; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (1.29, 4.16)], poor social support [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 2.69; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (1.32, 5.52)], were identified as factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids. Similarly, academic performance [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.96; 95%; Confidence Interval (CI) (0.93, 0.99)], and distance to reach school [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.04; 95%; Confidence Interval (CI) (1.19, 3.48)] were identified as factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids. Conclusion: This study identified that the magnitude of sexual violence among housemaids was high. Housemaids who ever had sex, no discussion of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) with anyone, poor social support, poor academic performance, and distance to reach school were factors associated with sexual violence. Therefore, creating a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) discussion session for housemaids is important for securing their sexual rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: neonatal death is a global issue in both developed and developing countries. Evidence on determinants of neonatal mortality is scarce, particularly in the pastoralist and agro-pastoralist areas of Ethiopia, including the Somali region. This study aimed to identify the determinants of mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units at selected public hospitals, in the Somali region, eastern Ethiopia., Methods: an unmatched case-control study design was employed from January 1 st -30 th , 2020. The total sample size was 312 neonates (156 cases and 156 controls) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2018 to December 30 th , 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select neonates. The data were collected by a structured checklist. Data entry and analysis were done by EpiData version 4.6 and SPSS version 23, respectively. Binary logistic regression using bivariate and multivariable analysis was done to identify determinants. Odds ratios were computed at 95% CI and a P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: a total of 310 neonates with complete medical charts (155 cases and 155 control) were included in the study. Lack of antenatal care (AOR 4.71; 95%CI: 1.41-15.75), rural residence (AOR=8.38; 95%CI: 2.22-31.69), premature rupture of membrane (AOR=4.29; 95%CI: 1.21-15.19), five-minutes APGAR score below-seven (AOR=9.87; 95%CI: 2.30-42.33), prenatal asphyxia (AOR=14.71; 95%CI: 2.79-77.33) and length of hospital stay ≤3 days (AOR=15.09; 95%CI: 2.89-78.62) were significantly associated with neonatal mortality., Conclusion: this study identifies rural residence, lack of antenatal care, premature rupture of membranes, low APGAR scores, prenatal asphyxia, and short hospital stays as determinants. Hence, improving access to basic health services such as antenatal care and early screening for pregnant mothers and newborns is critical. By prioritizing these interventions, healthcare systems can effectively work towards reducing neonatal mortality rates, ultimately improving the health outcomes of infants and their mothers., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Zemenu Shiferaw Yadita et al.)

Introduction: sexual violence is currently a serious public health problem affecting women´s health. Globally, 1 in 3 women faces sexual violence in their lifetime. Female industry workers are at an increased risk of sexual violence. Assessing the magnitude and factors associated with sexual violence among female industrial workers is important for interventions. The objective was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with sexual violence among female large-scale industries workers in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2021., Methods: institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 807 female industry workers from September to October 2021. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were done by Epi data v.3.1 and SPSS v.23, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors. Adjusted odds ratios were computed at 95%CI. A P-value below 0.05 was used to declare association., Results: the prevalence of sexual violence were 59.4% (95% CI; 56.0%-62.6%). The significantly associated factors include; age less than twenty-five (AOR=4.01, 95%CI; 2.81, 10.83), never-married women (AOR=3.07, 95%CI; 1.11, 8.46), being secondary education (AOR=2.65, 95%CI; 1.51, 4.66), being contract employee (AOR=4.65, 95%CI; 1.92, 11.22), drinking alcohol (AOR=3.01, 95%CI; 1.49, 6.09), and night work shift (AOR=9.01, 95%CI; 4.53, 17.93)., Conclusion: high rate (59.4%) of sexual violence was reported. Age, marital status, educational status, contract type of work agreement, drinking alcohol, and working night work shift were risk factors. Hence, emphasis on creating safe working environment & transportation, education on reproductive rights and reporting of sexual violence., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Melkamu Atalel et al.)