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

Author(s):  
Kessete Ayelgn ◽  
Tadesse Guadu ◽  
Atalay Getachew

Abstract BackgroundTrachoma 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.ObjectiveTo 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.MethodA 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionThe 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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kessete Ayelgn ◽  
Tadesse Guadu ◽  
Atalay Getachew

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 2580-2590
Author(s):  
Tadesse Dagget Tesfaye ◽  
Worku Animaw Temesgen ◽  
Ayele Semachew Kasa ◽  
Yeshaneh Seyoum Yismaw

Background: Nowadays, among non-communicable diseases hypertension is a growing public health important disease both in developed and developing nations. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension in Amhara Regional State city and its’ surrounding rural districts, Ethiopia. Method: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban and rural communities living in Amhara Regional State city and its’ surrounding rural districts administrations in 2015. The WHO Stepwise approach was used for data collection.Result: A total of 1405 subjects participated and the response rate was 95.5%. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 11.4% either previously diagnosed or undiagnosed and was higher in older ages. Whereas the prevalence of hypertension was 13% for urban and 10% for rural residents. Nearly half of them (46.3%) were newly diagnosed. A family history of hypertension, being underweight, overweight, obese, and raised fasting blood sugar were found to be significantly associated with raised blood pressure.Conclusion: One among every three (37.4 %) and one among every nine study participants were found to have pre-hypertension and hypertension respectively.Keywords: Prevalence of hypertension, blood pressure, Bahir Dar.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assaye Belay Gelaw ◽  
Solomon Abebaw Andargie

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and it is the most important of public health problem worldwide. A critical element in tackling the COVID-19 crisis is personal behavioral change; however, there is a paucity of evidence about peoples’ awareness towards COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the aim of this was to assess the community’s awareness status towards COVID-19 in Sheka, Southwestern Ethiopia.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted 10th to 21th April 2020. Four hundred-nineteen individuals participated during the study. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant factors of awareness status, and variables with p-value<0.05 indicated it significantly influences the awareness status of the individuals towards COVID-19.Results: According to the study’s results, nearly half (49.4 %) of the participants had awareness about COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such being female equal (AOR: 0.476, 95%CI: 0.293, 0.772),education being secondary and above(AOR:2.178,95%CI:1.323,3.586),and prevention methods being fully used (AOR,8.127,95%CI: 1.273, 51.871)were significantly influencing the awareness status of the community towards COVID-19 pandemic than their counterparts.Conclusion: The study showed that there is a low awareness status among people towards COVID-19.Hence, programs to improve awareness towards COVID-19 pandemic is essential to prevent and control the pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alehegn Bishaw Geremew ◽  
Abebaw Addis Gelagay ◽  
Telake Azale Bisetegn ◽  
Yohannes Ayanaw Habitu ◽  
Solomon Mekonen Abebe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Violence as a known serious public health problem affects people in all stages of life, from childhood to the elderly. In society, one of the most visible forms of violence is young people violence, whereas they, adolescents and young adults, are the main victims of such violence. There was limited information on the burden of violence and factors among this age group. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of violence and its associated factors among youth in Northwest, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted to estimate the magnitude of violence among youth in Northwest, Ethiopia. The calculated sample size was 1765. A structured and pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to get the study participants. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7 and then exported to STATA 14 for data analysis. The bivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine factors associated with violence. Results From the total 1765 representatives of the youth population, 1597 (90.5%) youth participated in the study. Overall, the prevalence of violence among youth aged 15–24 years for the last 12 months was 21.5%. In the multivariate logistic regression model, factors significantly associated with violence were being married and divorced (AOR= 1.77, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.79) and (AOR=5.67, 95%CI: 2.93, 10.99), respectively, Living with mother’s only (AOR= 1.85, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.66) and father’s only (AOR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.63), and substance use (AOR= 2.38, 95% CI: 1.56, 3.66). Conclusions The prevalence of violence among youth was high compared to other studies. Special emphasis should be given to reduce the burden of youth violence and preventing and controlling the identified factors by modifying the existing policies/strategies or developing new strategies and interventions program. Keywords: Violence, Youth, Physical violence, Sexual violence, Psychological violence


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simeneh Mola ◽  
Zemedu Aweke ◽  
Bedru Jemal ◽  
Robel Hussein ◽  
Sileshi Hailu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: COVID-19 first broke out in china, Hubei province on December 29, 2019. Since then it took more than hundred thousand lives worldwide. Although all countries are taking varying degree of measures to curb the dissemination, the virus is still spreading rapidly in all part of the world. Adherence of peoples for COVID-19 precautions measures is one of the most important factors which determine the effectiveness of curbing the spread. However without having good attitude adherence of people toward precaution measures could be challenging. Therefore the aim of this study is to assess the attitude, practice and associated factors of southern Ethiopian residents toward COVID-19 and its prevention. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 585 Southern Ethiopian residents. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine association between dependent and independent variables. Adjusted odds ratio with their 95% CI was used show the strength of association. P-value < 0.05 was used to decide statistically significant association.Result: Most of the study participants (90.3%) have good attitude toward COVID-19 and its prevention. Being younger age group, having chronic medical illness, using television as a source of information and having good knowledge were significantly associated with good attitude toward COVID-19.On other hand; only 20% of the study participants have good practice toward COVID-19 prevention. Educational status, occupation and having chronic medical illness, uses of religious teaching as information sources are associated factors for good practice against COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: We conclude that despite the presence good attitude in majority of respondents much work needed to improve rare practice of COVID-19 preventive measures.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assaye Belay Gelaw ◽  
Solomon Abebaw Andargie

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and it is the most important of public health problem worldwide. A critical element in tackling the COVID-19 crisis is personal behavioral change; however, there is a paucity of evidence about peoples’ awareness towards COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the people’s awareness status towards COVID-19 in Sheka, Southwestern Ethiopia.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between 10th to 21th April 2020. Four hundred-nineteen individuals participated during the study. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant factors of awareness status, and variables with p-value<0.05 indicated it significantly influences the awareness status of the individuals towards COVID-19.Results: According to the study’s results, nearly half (49.4 %) of the participants had awareness about COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as sex, education level, religion, symptom, and knowing prevention methods were significantly associated with awareness of individuals towards COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents who did know all prevention methods (AOR: 8.1, 95% CI: 1.3, 51.9) are more likely to aware of COVID-19 than their counterparts.Conclusion: The study showed that there is a low awareness status among people towards COVID-19.Hence, programs to improve awareness towards COVID-19 pandemic is is essential to prevent and control the pandemic.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Endale WoldeKidan ◽  
Deresse Daka ◽  
Deresse Legesse ◽  
Tariku Laelago ◽  
Bealu Betebo

Abstract Background Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading infectious cause of blindness. It is transmitted via personal contact with infected ocular and nasal secretions by hands, fomites and eye- seeking flies. Active trachoma is more common among children aged 1 to 9 years. The objective of this study was determining the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1 to 9 years in rural community of Lemo district. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2018 in rural community of Lemo district. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 589 study participants. Data were collected by using structured pre-tested questionnaire, physical examination and observation. Binocular loupe was used to identify active trachoma cases. The data were entered by using EPi-data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with active trachoma. Variables with p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were used to declare significance of association. Result Eighty seven (15.2%) children were positive for active trachoma. Absence of solid waste disposal pit (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI (1.12-4.37), do not use latrine as reported by respondent (AOR = 7.53, 95% CI (2.86-19.84), do not use soap for face washing as reported by respondent (AOR =2.3, 95% CI (1.32–4.12), washing face frequency as reported by respondent (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI (1.06–3.26), and family size greater than five (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI (1.06–3.67) were significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion Active trachoma among children aged 1 to 9 years is high. Do not use latrine, do not use soap for face washing, and face washing frequency in a day as reported by respondents and family size were associated with active trachoma. Access to adequate water and sanitation can be important components in working towards eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Therefore, prompt measures must be taken by concerned bodies to increase access to adequate water and sanitation facilities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anteneh Fikrie ◽  
Yonatan G. Mariam ◽  
Elias Amaje ◽  
Henok Bekele

Abstract Background Globally, at least 1 billion people have a vision impairment that could have been easily prevented or easily treated. Cataract is the leading preventable and most treatable causes of blindness and bilateral low vision among adults. Despite being the leading cause of preventable and most treatable blindness, the lack of knowledge about the disease and its option of treatment is still a major barrier in reducing the blindness owing to cataract in the developing countries particularly in Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study is to determine the level of knowledge about cataract and associated factors among adults in Yirgalem Town, Sidama National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia, 2020. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among randomly selected 599 adult’s age 18 years and above from May 10–30, 2020. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using pre-tested and structured face-to-face interview questionnaires. The collected data were entered to Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of knowledge about cataract. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) together with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to declare the statistical association between dependent and independent variables. Results Of the total study participants, 379 (64.7%), [(95% CI: 60.7–68.6%)] of them had good knowledge about cataract. Age (≥40 years) [AOR = 2.29(95% CI 1.18–4.44)], Elementary school completed [AOR = 2.31(95% CI 1.30–4.10)], High school & above [AOR = 5.55(95% CI 2.81–10.89)], governmental and non-governmental employed [AOR = 5.62 (95% CI 2.78–11.38)], Merchant [AOR = 1.72(95% CI 1.03–2.88)], Positive Attitude [AOR = 3.85(95% CI 2.94–6.47)] were positively significantly associated with knowledge about cataract. Whereas, rural residence [AOR = 0.19 (95% CI: 0.12–0.31)] was negatively associated with knowledge about cataract. Conclusions More than one third of the participants still had poor knowledge about cataract. This implies that health facilities should be engaged and raises the awareness of the community and empowers people about eye care needs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firaol Regea

Abstract Background: Hypertension affects more than one quarter of adults worldwide and one in three peoples in developing countries. Although Hypertension is known to be a silent medical condition, there is limited information on the prevalence of unscreened hypertension and associated factors among rural dwellers in Ethiopia in general and Dano district in particular. Objective: To assess the prevalence of Unscreened hypertension and associated factors among adults living in the rural area of Dano district, West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia 2020.Methods and materials - A community-based cross-sectional study was employed. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 605 Adults from the rural community of Dano District from May 23 -July 5, 2020. Data were collected by trained BSc nurses and Public health officers. Standardized WHO STEPS survey tool was used to collect socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the participants. Standardized digital blood pressure device was used to measure Blood pressure. The mean score of three blood measurements was used to classify hypertension after intra-class correlation was tested. GmateTM blood glucose measuring device was used to measure blood sugar. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors independently associated with unscreened hypertension. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% CI was estimated to measure the strength of association. The level of statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. The results presented by tables and figures. Result: The prevalence of Unscreened Hypertension was 14.6%, (95% CI: 11.95%, 17.4%). Being in age of 19-33 years[(AOR: 2.5,95%CI:( 1,6)], having family history of hypertension [AOR=3.1,95%CI:(1.23,7.77)],having other chronic disease [AOR=0.28,95%CI:(0.11, 0.72)], Participants’ health-seeking behaviour to hypertension[AOR=3.3,95%CI:(1.6,6.5)] and participants knowledge about hypertension[AOR=2.3,95%CI:(1.2,4.5)]were independently associated with unscreened Hypertension.Conclusion - The evidence from this study shows unscreened hypertension is prevalent among adults in the study area. Therefore, opportunistic screening of adults regardless of their age and health status is important.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merhawit Gebremeskel Hagos ◽  
Teferi Gebru Gebremeskel ◽  
Selam Shushay Kassahun ◽  
Birhane Hailu Gebrezgi ◽  
Manay Kifle Woldegebriel

Abstract Background Delay in receiving immunization is a major public health problem that has been associated with vaccine preventable disease epidemics. In Ethiopia, many children have not received the benefits of age appropriate immunization; thus more than 90% of child deaths are largely due to preventable communicable diseases. Therefore, assessment of magnitude and associated factors of delayed child immunization is essential to prevent morbidity and mortality among children. Objective To assess magnitude and factors associated with delayed immunization among 11 -23 months old children in Edagahamus Town, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2018 G.C. Method and materials A community based Cross-Sectional study was carried out on July1-30, 2018. Simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. Information was collected using structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Vaccination dates were obtained from children immunization cards and timeliness assessed based on the recommended age ranges. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Variable with P-value < 0.2 in bivariatewere exported to multivariate. The strength of association was identified using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value of <0.05 in multivariate was taken statistically significant. Results In this study the overall magnitude of delayed immunization was29.5%(95%CI 26.7-45). Private firm work of mothers(AOR=0.205 95% CI 0.068-0.617), sickness of the child(AOR= 11.8, 95% CI 6.16-22.65), Mothers who attend tertiary education (AOR 0.169, 95% CI 0.032-0.882) and secondary education (AOR 0.269, 95% CI 0.114-0.636) were significantly associated with delayed immunization. Conclusion From the study it is concluded that the magnitude of delayed immunization for children aged 12-23 months is high (29.5%) in Edagahamus. Delayed immunizations of children were predicted by Mother’s occupation, education and experience of illness of the child.


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