Prevalence of depressive symptoms due to COVID-19 and associated factors among healthcare workers in Southern Ethiopia

Objectives: Globally, novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly since it was first identified and challenging the provision of essential services for low-resource countries. Healthcare workers involved in providing care are at high risk of developing mental health problems. The aim of this was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms due to COVID-19 and associated factors among healthcare workers in the West Guji zone in public health facilities, southern Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public health facilities found in the West Guji zone. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 283 study subjects. This study was used to assess the prevalence of depression symptoms using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, a depression subscale. Descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regressions were used. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval will be estimated to assess the strength of associations and statistical significance will be declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results: Out of 283 eligible healthcare workers, 275 respondents had participated in this study with a 97.2% response rate. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 21.5%. The independent predictors associated with depressive symptoms due to COVID-19 were age (adjusted odds ratio = 2.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.126–3.95), family size (adjusted odds ratio = 3.56, 95% confidence interval = 1.09–11.62), alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio = 4.31, 95% confidence interval = 1.76–10.55), medical illness (adjusted odds ratio = 9.56, 95% confidence interval = 3.71–24.59), having training on COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.37, 95% confidence interval = 0.17–0.81), and lack of knowledge on COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio = 15.34, 95% confidence interval = 6.32–37.21). Conclusion: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among healthcare workers due to COVID-19 was high. Factors associated with depressive symptoms were age, family size, alcohol use, medical illness, having training on COVID–19, and lack of knowledge on COVID-19.

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Urinary incontinence and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities of Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia

Women s Health ◽

10.1177/1745506520952009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

pp. 174550652095200

Author(s):

Arsema Berhe ◽

Abayneh Alamer ◽

Kiflom Negash ◽

Belete Assefa

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Pelvic Floor ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽

Mekelle City

Background: Urinary incontinence is any involuntary leakage of urine. It has serious negative health impacts on quality of life in pregnant women. According to the scientific committee of the International Continence Society report, worldwide prevalence of urinary incontinence estimated ranges between 32% and 64% among pregnant women. However, there is scarcity of evidence on prevalence and associated factors of urinary incontinence in Ethiopia. Objective: The aims of this study were to assess prevalence and associated factors of urinary incontinence among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities of Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methodology: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Physical examination was done to assess the strength of pelvic floor muscles. The data were entered to EPI Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to investigate the factors associated with urinary incontinence. Results: Among 317 respondents, the prevalence of urinary incontinence was 23%. The contributing factors that had statistically significant association with urinary incontinence were gestational age (adjusted odds ratio: 9.6 (1.87–49.39, 95%), parity (adjusted odds ratio: 6.32 (1.48–27.05), 95% confidence interval), prior miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio: 6.28 (2.15–18.28), 95% confidence interval), constipation (adjusted odds ratio: 8.25 (3.12–21.84), 95% confidence interval), respiratory problem (adjusted odds ratio: 6.31 (2.05–19.43), 95% confidence interval), and weak pelvic floor muscle (adjusted odds ratio: 7.55 (2.51–22.67), 95% confidence interval). Conclusion: The prevalence of urinary incontinence is moderate compared to other studies. Gestational age, parity, prior miscarriage, having constipation, having respiratory problem, and weak pelvic floor muscle had significant association with urinary incontinence. This finding will help to increase the awareness of health care professionals involved in the care of pregnant women about urinary incontinence.

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Quality of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women attending government hospitals in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211058055 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110580

Author(s):

Assefa Philipos Kare ◽

Amelo Bolka Gujo ◽

Nigussie Yohanes Yote

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Care ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Selection Of

Background: Good-quality antenatal care improves maternal health in the least developed countries. This study was aimed at assessing the quality of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women attending hospitals in the Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 February to 30 April 2020 among 372 pregnant women. A two-stage sampling technique—the first stage, selection of health facilities; the second stage, selection of respondents—was used. Trained data collectors administered exit interviews. Data were entered into EPI Info 7 and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Quality of care was assessed using a validated questionnaire containing 68 attributes of quality. Good quality of care was determined by the proportion of respondents who scored ⩾80% of 68 variables. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used in the analysis. The outputs were presented using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Results: This study revealed that 41.2% (95% confidence interval: 36.2%–46.2%) of pregnant women had received good-quality antenatal care. Increased odds of the utilization of quality antenatal care were observed among women who lived in urban areas (adjusted odds ratio = 4.32, 95% confidence interval: 2.58–7.21), attained primary education and more (adjusted odds ratio = 2.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.60–4.48), earned a monthly income >3000 Ethiopia Birr (US$93.3) (adjusted odds ratio = 3.86, 95% confidence interval: 2.28–6.51), and visited hospitals for antenatal care ⩾4 times (adjusted odds ratio = 3.68, 95% confidence interval: 2.21–6.10). Conclusions: The proportion of women who received good-quality antenatal care was low. Good quality care was associated with residence, education status, income level, and frequency of antenatal care visits. Training care providers, strengthening counseling, and promoting women’s economic empowerment to improve the utilization of quality antenatal care are recommended.

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Salmonella and Shigella among patients with diarrhea at public health facilities in Adama, Ethiopia: Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312119846041 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 205031211984604

Author(s):

Bedada Teshome ◽

Zelalem Teklemariam ◽

Desalegn Admassu Ayana ◽

Dadi Marami ◽

Nega Asaminew

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Susceptibility Pattern ◽

Public Health Facilities ◽

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern ◽

Bacterial Diarrhea

Background: The frequent occurrence of bacteria-associated diarrhea together with increased antimicrobial resistance poses a significant public health challenge worldwide. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among patients with diarrhea at public health facilities in Adama, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 patients with diarrhea at public health facilities in Adama, Ethiopia, from February 2017 to March 2017. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were examined for Salmonella and Shigella species using the culture and serological methods. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of independent variables with the outcome. A p-value ⩽ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella-associated acute diarrhea was 18.1%. The most common isolates were Shigella dysenteriae (23.8%) and Salmonella typhi (21.4%). S. dysenteriae was 80% resistant to both chloramphenicol and tetracycline. S. typhi was 66.7% resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. Those patients aged 11–20 years (adjusted odds ratio: 4.61, 95% confidence interval: 2.48, 7.34), who feed raw vegetables (adjusted odds ratio: 3.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.32, 8.59), and who did not wash hands with soap before a meal (adjusted odds ratio: 2.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.96, 7.48) and after using the toilet (adjusted odds ratio: 3.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.43, 7.36) had higher odds of acute bacterial diarrhea. Conclusion: S. dysenteriae and S. typhi were the major causes of acute diarrhea. Most of the isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. Patients aged 11–20 years, who feed raw vegetables, and who did not wash hands with soap before the meal and after using the toilet had higher odds of acute bacterial diarrhea. Continuous surveillance and the implementation of infection prevention strategies are needed to mitigate acute bacterial diarrhea.

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Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers toward COVID-19 and its prevention in Ethiopia: A multicenter study

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211034389 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110343

Author(s):

Bedru Jemal ◽

Zemedu Aweke ◽

Simeneh Mola ◽

Sileshi Hailu ◽

Sileshi Abiy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Medical Illness ◽

Chronic Medical Illness ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Route Of Transmission ◽

History Of ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background: An emerging respiratory disease abbreviated as coronavirus disease 2019 was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China. The virus is zoonotic and tends to be transmitted between animals to humans and humans to humans. The major route of transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 is droplet and close contact. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has initiated training for health care workers at a different level. Thus, the main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health workers in Ethiopia toward coronavirus disease 2019 and its prevention techniques. Method: An institution-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in each of eight teaching and referral hospitals. A total of 422 Ethiopian healthcare workers were selected for the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward coronavirus disease 2019. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the attitude and knowledge of healthcare workers toward coronavirus disease 2019 at a significance level of p < 0.05. Result: Three hundred ninety-seven healthcare workers participated in the study, with a response rate of 94%. Among these, 88.2% and 94.7% of respondents had good knowledge and positive attitudes, respectively. A respondent with a history of chronic medical illness (odds ratio: 0.193, 95% confidence interval: 0.063–0.593), social media, telecommunication, and television/radio as a source of information were significantly associated with knowledge (odds ratio: 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–7.4, OR: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–14.3 and odds ratio: 3.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–7.2). In addition, respondents with a history of chronic medical illness were significantly associated with a negative attitude toward coronavirus disease 2019. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude were good while; the practice was relatively low. Sources of information such as social media, telecommunication, and television/radio were positively associated with healthcare workers' knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019.

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High Baseline CD4 Count and Exclusive Breastfeeding Are Associated with Lower Rates of Mother to Child HIV Transmission in Northwestern Uganda: A Two-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Advances in Public Health ◽

10.1155/2018/4140254 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jonathan Izudi ◽

Pontius Apangu ◽

Francis Bajunirwe ◽

Edgar Mulogo ◽

Vincent Batwala

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Cd4 Count ◽

World Health ◽

High Baseline ◽

Health Organization

Background. Under Option B plus, the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) along the Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV cascade remains unknown. We described HIV transmission along the EID cascade and determined associated factors at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Northwestern Uganda. Methods. Data on 295 mother-baby pairs in EID care (January 2014 and April 2015) was extracted, cleaned, and analysed in STATA. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Independently associated factors were stated in adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p-values. Results. 233 (89.0%) mothers were above 30 years, 251 (85.1%) were in World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stages I/II at enrolment, 170 (57.6%) attended antenatal care (ANC) visits during recent pregnancy, and 204 (69.1%) delivered in a health facility. Meanwhile, 257 (87.1%) HIV Exposed Infants (HEIs) received Nevirapine prophylaxis from birth up to 6 weeks and 245 (83.0%) were exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months. Of 295 mother-baby pairs, 25 (8.5%) HEIs turned HIV-positive along the EID cascade. Baseline maternal CD4 count of more than 500 cells/ul compared to less than 500 cells/ul (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.29; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.10–0.85; p = 0.024) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first 6 months of delivery in contrast to not EBF in the first 6 months (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.52–0.55; p = 0.003) reduced HIV transmission. Meanwhile, ANC visits, place of delivery, time of Nevirapine initiation, and maternal antiretroviral therapy use were not significantly associated with infant HIV transmission. Conclusion. HIV transmission was high. High baseline CD4 count and exclusive breastfeeding reduced HIV transmission.

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Predictors of pregnant women’s intention to vaccinate against coronavirus disease 2019: A facility-based cross-sectional study in southwest Ethiopia

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211038454 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110384

Author(s):

Shewangizaw Hailemariam ◽

Besufekad Mekonnen ◽

Nigusie Shifera ◽

Biruk Endalkachew ◽

Molla Asnake ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Public Health Intervention ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Southwest Ethiopia

Objective: Ethiopia is planning to vaccinate 20% of its population against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic by the end of 2021—however, there is no single piece of evidence regarding pregnant women’s intention to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019; hence, the objective of this study was to investigate predicting factors of intention to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 among pregnant women in Bench-Sheko Zone, southwest Ethiopia. Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from 1 February to 1 March 2021 in southwest Ethiopia. The study was carried out among pregnant women who came for antenatal care service in the selected public health facilities. Interviewer-administered structured tool was used to collect the data. Data were entered into EpiData (version 3.1) and then analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Results: The study revealed that only 31.3% (95% confidence interval: 26.7–35.2) of the participants had an intention to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 when the vaccine will be made available in Ethiopia. Participants’ intention to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 was significantly associated with attaining secondary school and above (adjusted odds ratio = 4.24, 95% confidence interval: 2.23–9.32), residing in urban areas (adjusted odds ratio = 2.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–5.40), being compliant with coronavirus disease 2019 guidelines (adjusted odds ratio = 5.86, 95% confidence interval: 3.40–10.09), and having good perception toward coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine (adjusted odds ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.64–5.62). Conclusion: Above all, in this study, pregnant women’s intention to vaccinate against coronavirus disease 2019 was very low when compared with previous studies. Hence, before commencing the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination program in Ethiopia, it is essential to launch a widespread public health education campaign that could improve people’s perception of the vaccine. Besides, the upcoming public health intervention programs better put special emphasis on community members with lower educational attainment backgrounds and rural residents.

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Treatment outcomes of acute appendicitis and associated factors among admitted patients with a diagnosis of acute abdomen in Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia

Journal of Perioperative Practice ◽

10.1177/1750458920928473 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 175045892092847

Author(s):

Abebe Dilie Afenigus ◽

Agumas Mossie Bayieh ◽

Berhanu Kassahun

Keyword(s):

Treatment Outcome ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Acute Appendicitis ◽

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Acute Abdomen ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Appendiceal Abscess

Introduction Appendicitis is an inflammation of the vermiform appendix and is one of the most common causes of an acute abdomen in young adults. If left untreated, it can lead to appendiceal abscess, perforation and peritonitis. Objective To assess treatment outcomes of acute appendicitis and associated factors among admitted patients with a diagnosis of acute abdomen. Methods and materials: A cross sectional study was employed among 169 patients using a census. Data were collected from patient medical records by using a checklist. Data were entered using Epi-data and analysed by statistical product and service solution. Logistic regression analysis was employed. Results Among 303 patients with a diagnosis of acute abdomen, 169 (55.7%) developed acute appendicitis; of whom, 45 (26.6%) developed unfavourable treatment outcomes. Patients who had elevated white blood cell count at the time of presentation (adjusted odds ratio = 4.7; 95% confidence interval (1.95, 11.35)) and intraoperative appendiceal abscess (adjusted odds ratio = 3.8; 95% confidence interval (1.61, 9.07)) were significantly associated with an unfavourable appendicitis treatment outcome. Conclusion and recommendation: Nearly a quarter of the patients developed unfavourable treatment outcomes. Elevated white blood cell count and intraoperative appendiceal abscess were significantly associated with unfavourable appendicitis treatment outcome. Therefore, early detection and treatment of appendiceal abscess is crucial for a better outcome.

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Hepatitis B surface antigen and associated factors among mothers who had antenatal care contact in Attat Hospital, southern Ethiopia

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211024462 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110244

Author(s):

Yohannes Fikadu Geda ◽

Hailu Desse ◽

Molalegn Mesele Gesesse ◽

Tamirat Melis Berhe

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Antenatal Care ◽

Surface Antigen ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽

Pregnant Mothers

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus is a viral infection which can cause both acute and chronic liver disease. Predominately, this virus transmitted through the mother-to-child route. It is an endemic disease in low-resource setting countries like Ethiopia. Objective: Therefore, this study was used to assess magnitude and associated factors of hepatitis B surface antigen among pregnant mothers, who had antenatal care in Attat Hospital. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 September 2019 to 30 January 2020. The data were collected from serological testing in laboratory and interview in antenatal care on 422 pregnant mothers. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 24.0 for further analysis. Variables on bivariate analysis at p < 0.25 were taken to multivariate analysis. A p value of less than 0.05 on multivariate analysis was considered significant. Result: From 438 total samples, 422 respondents were participated and the mean age of the participants was 25.4 years (standard deviation ± 4.85). Magnitude of hepatitis B surface antigen was 10.9% (95% confidence interval: 8.3, 14.0). Respondents whose occupation was in government or self-employed were 67% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.12, 0.91) and whose number of gravidity was 3 and below were 79% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.21, 95% confidence interval: 0.04, 0.68) less likely to have hepatitis B surface antigen. Respondents who respond that hepatitis B surface antigen has cured were 1.52 times (adjusted odds ratio = 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.7, 9.4) more likely to have hepatitis B surface antigen. Respondents who answered hepatitis B surface antigen has vaccine were 57% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.43, 95% confidence interval: 0.05, 0.75) less likely to have hepatitis B surface antigen. Conclusion: Magnitude of hepatitis B surface antigen among mothers who were on antenatal care in Attat Hospital was high compared to other studies. Being employed in government or self-employed, gravida 3 and below, those who think that the disease has vaccine and those who think hepatitis B surface antigen was curable were statistically significant factors. Health promotion should be an important recommendation to be done by the hospital.

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Prevalence and associated factors of diabetic foot ulcers among type 2 diabetic patients attending chronic follow-up clinics at governmental hospitals of Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia: A 5-year (2013–2017) retrospective study

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312120987385 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212098738

Author(s):

Assefa Tola ◽

Lemma Demissie Regassa ◽

Yohanes Ayele

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Diabetic Foot ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Diabetic Foot Ulcers ◽

Diabetes Patients

Introduction: Diabetic foot disease is a growing major public health problem and the leading cause of prolonged hospital admission, health-related costs, and reduced quality of life for diabetes patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes patients in Harari Region, East Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based retrospective study was conducted from 28 March to 30 April 2018, among type 2 diabetes patients diagnosed between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017, at three government hospitals of Harari Region. Data were collected using a standard checklist format. Data were entered into Epi Info Version 7 and analyzed using SPSS 24. Binary and multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the associated factors. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to determine level of association. Result: A document of 502 type 2 diabetes patients was reviewed and included in the final analysis in this study. The prevalence of DFU among type 2 diabetes patients was 21.1%. Being currently married decreased the odds of DFU by 60% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.40; 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.96). Factors associated with increased diabetes ulcers chance were physical inactivity 2.29 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.17–4.48), starting treatment with insulin 4.43 times (adjusted odds ratio = 4.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.84–10.67), obesity 27.76 (adjusted odds ratio = 27.76; 95% confidence interval: 13.96–55.23), delay to start follow-up 2.22 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–4.82), history of infection 3.50 (adjusted odds ratio= 3.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.83–6.69), and hypertension 3.99 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.99; 95% confidence interval: 2.08–7.65). Conclusion: The prevalence of DFU among type 2 diabetes is substantially high as more than one in five patients have this complication. Moreover, marital status, physical activity, baseline medication, obesity, delay for follow-up, infection history, and hypertension were significantly associated with the development of DFU.

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Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among children aged 6–59 months in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A multilevel analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248969 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0248969

Author(s):

Sengtavanh Keokenchanh ◽

Sengchanh Kounnavong ◽

Kaoru Midorikawa ◽

Wakaha Ikeda ◽

Akemi Morita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Democratic Republic ◽

Lao People’S Democratic Republic ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Lao People's Democratic Republic ◽

Childhood Anemia ◽

Prevalence Of Anemia

Anemia is a major public health concern among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Thus far, no study has determined the factors associated with anemia among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic using a nationwide representative sample. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors with multilevel variations among children aged 6–59 months. This quantitative, cross-sectional study used a nationally representative sample from the Lao Social Indicator Survey II, 2017. Children aged 6–59 months tested for anemia were included in this study through multistage sampling approaches. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level of <11.0 g/dL. Multilevel binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the adjusted effect of the factors associated with anemia. Among the 5,087 children included, the overall prevalence of anemia was 43.0%. Three factors were associated with higher odds of developing anemia—male sex (adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.34), underweight (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.55), and residence in central provinces (adjusted odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–1.95) and southern provinces (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.81). However, the other three factors—age, educational level of the household head, and Hmong-Mien ethnicity—were inversely associated with anemia. To resolve the problem regarding the severity of the anemia among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Our findings highlight the need for designing an effective approach to address each factor associated with childhood anemia. Interventions should focus on the prevention of childhood anemia, which is considered a major priority of public health intervention in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

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