Knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards mental illness among residents of Dessie town, northeast, Ethiopia, a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Knowledge and attitude towards mental illness are poor and neglected as compared to medical illness. However, there is an increasing burden of mental illness in the community. As per the knowledge of the investigators, studies are scarce and not done in the study area about knowledge and attitudes of mental illness. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards mental illness among, Dessie town residents. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie town, Northeast, Ethiopia from October 27 to November 29/2020. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. The data were collected from 477 study participants using a standard structured questionnaire, which were Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and Community Attitude to Mental Illness Inventory (CAMI) respectively. Data were entered using Epi-data version 3.1 and, then exported to SPSS version 26 for analyses. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression analyses was employed. Results From 477 study participants the prevalence of poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude towards mental illness were 55.3% (95% CI: 50.9, 60.0) and 45.1% (95% CI: 40.7,49.5) respectively. Being female [AOR = 1.62 (95% CI:1.06,2.47)], could not read and write [AOR = 6.28 (95% CI: 2.56, 15.39)], lack of information about mental illness [AOR = 5.82 (95% CI: 3.78,8.94)] and unfavorable attitude [AOR =1.73 (95% CI: 1.12,2.66)] were variables found statistical significant with poor knowledge. Whereas, income < 2166 [AOR = 1.64, (95% CI: 1.12, 2.41)], poor social support [AOR = 2.04, (95% CI: 1.13, 3.68)], moderate social support [AOR = 2.44, (95% CI: 1.45, 3.97)] and poor knowledge [AOR = 1.66, (95% CI: 1.13,2.43)] were variables significantly associated with unfavorable attitude toward mental illness. Conclusion In this study about half of the community have poor knowledge, and less than half of the participants have an unfavorable attitude to wards mental illness. There are many factors associated with poor knowledge and unfavorable attitudes. This having poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude may cause certain problems like a decrease in health care of a person with mental illness. Therefore, we recommend practice-based awareness in the community regarding mental health problems needs to be addressed.

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Public Knowledge and Attitude towards Epilepsy and Its Associated Factors: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Ethiopia, 2019

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2020/6801979 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Abate Dargie Wubetu ◽

Elyas Admasu Basha ◽

Nigus Alemnew Engidaw

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

General Knowledge ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

Modern Education ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Unfavorable Attitude ◽

Study Participants

Background. Epilepsy is a disease of the brain defined by any of the following conditions. First, at least two unprovoked (or reflex) seizures occurring greater than 24 hours apart, and secondly, the presence of one unprovoked (or reflex) seizure and a probability of further seizures. Due to persisted misunderstandings and negative attitudes, individuals living with epilepsy live with a poor quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the community general knowledge about epilepsy and attitude towards person living with epilepsy and its associated factors. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study conducted from March 10 to June 10, 2019, to assess the community general knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy and its associated factors. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and transported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Results. 596 study participants participated in a response rate of 98%. Among the study participants, 43.6% (95% CI: 39.6, 47.5) had poor knowledge and 41.3% (95% CI: 37.4, 45.1) had an unfavorable attitude. Lack of modern education, married, never witnessed a seizure, and not hearing the term epilepsy showed statistically significant association with poor knowledge about epilepsy. Lack of modern education, earning less than 1000 Ethiopian birr, not witnessing seizure, not hearing the term epilepsy, and half to one-hour walking time from health facility variables showed statistically significant association with the unfavorable attitude about epilepsy. Conclusions. The current study revealed that nearly half of Debre Berhan dwellers have deficits in terms of general knowledge about epilepsy and attitude towards a person living with epilepsy. Poor knowledge about epilepsy and unfavorable attitude towards a person living with epilepsy are likely to have an important impact on stigmatization and treatment-seeking behavior, and it should be given due attention. It would be better if health educators give special emphasis for the individuals with predictors of poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude.

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Knowledge of the community regarding mental health problems: a cross-sectional study

BMC Psychology ◽

10.1186/s40359-021-00607-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yonas Tesfaye ◽

Liyew Agenagnew ◽

Susan Anand ◽

Gudina Terefe Tucho ◽

Zewdie Birhanu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Problems ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Jimma Zone ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background Knowledge of the community regarding mental health problems has a remarkable impact on the attitude, the help-seeking path, and prevention of stigma and discrimination against patients with mental health problems. It is also the cornerstone for designing evidence-based community mental health interventions. However, the evidence is scarce in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding mental health problems and associated factors among communities of Jimma Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jimma zone from March 1 to 22, 2020. A structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 420 study participants selected through a systematic sampling technique. The knowledge about mental health was measured by the adapted version of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule tool. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done, and p-value < 0.05 and 95% CI were used to determine the predictors of the outcome variable. Results The overall knowledge score showed (188, 44.8%) of the respondents had inadequate knowledge. Moreover, (75, 17.9%) of the respondents reported psychiatric disorders are contagious, and (138, 32.9%) mentioned leaving alone is the treatment for mental illness. Talking or laughing alone and showing strange or unusual behaviors were described as symptoms of mental illness by the majority (407, 96.9%) and (403, 96.0%) of respondents, respectively. Brain dysfunction was attributed to the cause of mental illness by most (390, 92.9%) of the study participants. Similarly, the percentage of responses that attributed the causes of mental illness to possession by an evil spirit, God’s punishment, and witchcraft were significantly high (368, 87.6%), (321, 76.4%) and (259, 67.1%), respectively. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that respondents who were able to read and write were 64% less likely to have adequate knowledge than those in secondary school and above educational status (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI (0.16–0.69)). Conclusion Knowledge of mental illness among the general public was relatively poor and higher levels of education were associated with good knowledge of mental health problems; this suggests the need for due emphasis on public education to improve the mental health literacy status of the community.

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Public knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy and its associated factors in Debre Berhan, North Shoa, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2018/19. Community-based cross-sectional study

10.1101/19001578 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Abate Dargie ◽

Nigus Alemnew ◽

Elyas Admasu

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

General Knowledge ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Debre Berhan ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Unfavorable Attitude ◽

Study Participants

AbstractIntroductionEpilepsy is chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent derangement of the nervous system due to the sudden excessive disorderly discharge of the cerebral neurons. People living with epilepsy continue to suffer from enacted or perceived stigma that is based on myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings that have persisted for many years. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the community general knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy.MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess public general knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy and its associated factors using structured pretested questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and transported to SPSS version 21 further analysis. Both Bivariable and Multivariable Logistic Regression was done to identify associated factors. Odds Ratios and their 95% Confidence interval were computed and variables with p-value less than 0.05 was considered significantly associated factors.Results596 study participants participated in a response rate of 98%. Among the study participants, 43.6 (95% CI: 39.6, 47.5) had poor knowledge and 41.3 (95% CI: 37.4, 45.1) had an unfavorable attitude. Being secondary education, marital status, witnessed a seizure and heard the term epilepsy were showed statistically significant association with poor knowledge about epilepsy. Level of education, low average monthly income, not witnessed a seizure, not heard the term epilepsy and distant from health facility showed statically significant association with the unfavorable attitude.ConclusionIn this study, Debre Berhan communities were found to have deficits in terms of general knowledge and attitude about epilepsy; and it should be given due attention.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Reproductive-Aged Women in Sayint Adjibar Town, Northeast Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Anemia ◽

10.1155/2020/8683946 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Berhanu Woldu ◽

Bamlaku Enawgaw ◽

Fikir Asrie ◽

Elias Shiferaw ◽

Zegeye Getaneh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Formal Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Northeast Ethiopia ◽

Study Participants ◽

Reproductive Aged Women ◽

Prevalence Of Anemia

Background. Globally, anemia affects one-fourth of the world population including 30% of nonpregnant reproductive-aged women. It has a number of causes including micronutrient deficiencies and chronic infections, inherited or acquired disorders of hemoglobin synthesis and red blood cell production, or survival alterations. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among reproductive-aged women in Sayint Adjibar town, South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April among 359 reproductive-aged women (RAW). Systematic random sampling technique was implemented to select study participants. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and reproductive histories of study participants were collected using the structured and pretested questionnaire. Capillary blood and stool samples were collected from each study participant for hemoglobin and parasitological analysis, respectively. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of anemia. p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result. The median age of the study participants was 25 years. The overall prevalence of anemia was 24.2%. Among those anemic individuals, 49 (56.3%) were mildly anemic. Age category 36–49 years (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.05, 6.60), no formal educational status (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.06, 4.92), food insecurity (AOR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.01–3.65), and body mass index of above 25 kg/m2 (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08–0.87) were found to be statistically significant with anemia. Conclusion. The prevalence of anemia in this study was found as a moderate public health problem. The prevalence was significantly associated with women who had no formal education and were of older age group and those women living with household food insecurity and with higher body mass index. Therefore, it is better to design appropriate interventional strategies to reduce reproductive-aged women anemia. These include information, education, and communication activities focused on reproductive-aged women with no formal education and life-cycle-focused food security rather than targeted to only infants and young children or pregnant women.

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Undernutrition and associated factors in orphan children aged 6–59 months in Gambella Southwest, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045892 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e045892

Author(s):

Solomon Feleke ◽

Gudina Egata ◽

Firehiwot Mesfin ◽

Gizachew Yilak ◽

Abebaw Molla

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Wealth Index ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Access To Health Services ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Orphaned Children ◽

Access To Health ◽

Study Participants ◽

Children Under 5

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and associated factors in orphaned children under 5 years old.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingGambella City, Ethiopia.ParticipantsA sample of 419 under 5 orphaned children included in the study. Eligible households with orphans had selected using a systematic random sampling method. The lottery method was used when more than one eligible study participants live in the household. An OR with 95% CI was performed to measure the strength of association between each dependent variable and independent variables. Variables with p<0.05 were declared statistically significant.Primary outcomeThe main outcome of this study was the prevalence of undernutrition among orphaned under 5 and its associated factors.ResultsPrevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight in orphan children under 5 were 12.2%, 37.8% and 21.7%, respectively. The prevalnce of wasting peaks among age group of 36–47 months (42.5%), whereas underweight peaks in 48–59 months (27.7%). Food insecurity, wealth index, family size, vitamin A supplementation, diarrhoea, fever 2 weeks before the survey, children under 5 and parents’ death were associated with undernutrition.ConclusionThe prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among orphan children under 5 was significantly high. Multisectoral collaborative efforts towards access to health services, improving income-generating activities, micronutrient supplementation and social support and protection targeting orphan and vulnerable populations have to be built up.

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Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a multi‐center facility‐based cross‐sectional study

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03647-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maru Mekie ◽

Dagne Addisu ◽

Minale Bezie ◽

Abenezer Melkie ◽

Dejen Getaneh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

First Trimester ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Study Participants ◽

South Gondar

Abstract Background Preeclampsia has the greatest impact on maternal mortality which complicates nearly a tenth of pregnancies worldwide. It is one of the top five maternal mortality causes and responsible for 16 % of direct maternal death in Ethiopia. Little is known about the level of knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia in Ethiopia. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study was implemented in four selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone among 423 pregnant women. Multistage random sampling and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the study sites and the study participants respectively. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.1 while cleaned and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval were used to identify the significance of the association between the level of knowledge on preeclampsia and its predictors. Results In this study, 118 (28.8 %), 120 (29.3 %) of the study participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards preeclampsia respectively. The likelihood of having good knowledge on preeclampsia was found to be low among women with no education (AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI (0.06, 0.85)), one antenatal care visit (ANC) (AOR = 0.13, 95 % CI (0.03, 0.59)). Whereas, those who booked for ANC in the first trimester (AOR = 6.59, 95 % CI (1.43, 30.33)), gave the last birth at a health facility (AOR = 2.61, 955 CI (1.03, 6.61)), and experienced a complication during previous births (AOR = 3.67, 95 % CI (1.78, 7.57)) were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Conclusions No formal education and not attending four ANC visits were associated with poor knowledge of preeclampsia. While participants who visited health facilities during the first trimester, who gave birth at health facilities, and those who experienced a complication in previous births were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Improving the numbers of ANC visits and encouraging facility delivery are important measures to improve women’s knowledge on preeclampsia. Health education regarding preeclampsia risk factors, symptoms, and complications shall be emphasized.

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Low prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

Italian Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s13052-021-01064-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kessete Ayelgn ◽

Tadesse Guadu ◽

Atalay Getachew

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Active Trachoma ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited. Objective To determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Method A community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1–9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Results A total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95% CI, 9.5–13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5–8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3–6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2–26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion The current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.

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Knowledge, Attitude and Associated Factors towards Safe Abortion among Private College Female Students of Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia: A cross sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.15471/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Birye Dessalegn Mekonnen ◽

Chalachew Adugna Wubneh

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Private College ◽

Female Students ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Safe Abortion ◽

College Female ◽

Gondar Town ◽

Unfavorable Attitude

Abstract Background: Unwanted pregnancies in youths and complications of induced abortions are an important health problem. Inadequate knowledge, unfavorable attitude towards safe abortion results in unsafe abortion. Most women die because of complications arising from unsafe abortion in developing countries are likely to have had little knowledge. Studies on knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards safe abortion among private college students are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards safe abortion among private college female students in Gondar town, northwest EthiopiaMethods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 30, 2019 to May 30, 2019 among private college students in Gondar town. Data were collected from 633female students using self-administered questionnaires by simple random sampling technique. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify association of dependent and independent variables using SPSS version 20.Result: A total of 633 respondents participated in this study with the response rate of 97.7%. Regarding the overall knowledge, 433(68.4%) of students had good knowledge towards safe abortion. Age (AOR= 2.81, 95% CI: 1.13, 7.47), residence (AOR=2.33, 95% CI: 1.22, 4.46), family education (AOR=3.29, 95% CI: 1.22, 6.46) and ever heard about safe abortion, (AOR=4.31, 95% CI: 1.79, 10.33) were factors associated with knowledge of students on safe abortion. Regarding attitude, 361 (57%) of students had favorable attitude towards safe abortion. Age (AOR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.70, 4.04) and residents (AOR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.17) were factors significantly associated with attitude towards safe abortion.Conclusion: More than half of the participants have good knowledge and attitude towards safe abortion but still significant proportion of students have poor knowledge and unfavorable attitude. Information, Education and Communications programs on youth reproductive health should be provided to address topics on safe abortion for students. Forums and panel discussions on safe abortion need to be undertaken especially, among youths and students who came from rural area.

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