Introduction COVID-19 incidence is increasing and different measures have been adopted to control the spread of the pandemic in Ethiopia. Among these measures, enhancing the knowledge, positive attitudes, and proper practices of prevention measures about the disease is a basic strategy to control it. However, community compliance to control measures is largely dependent on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. Objective To assess the current level of KAP towards COVID-19 pandemic and predictors among the rural dwellers in Sidama regional state, Southern Ethiopia; 2020. Methods This community-based prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from May 1–30, 2020 on a sample of 1,278 adult populations in Sidama regional state, Southern Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to choice the study participants. The data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. We have entered data using Epi data version 3.1 and all analyses were done using SPSS version 25. KAPs scores of study participants based on their independent variables were compared using Chi-square test, t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) as required. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with KAP. The important assumptions of the logistic regression model were checked to be satisfied. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the existence and strength of associations. Results From a total of 1,214 study participants, the overall attained knowledge, attitude and practice score about COVID-19 were 90%, 82.4% and 65%, respectively. Among these, 43.9%, 37.5%, and 24.4% of the study participants had demonstrated good knowledge, high attitude and proper practice, respectively. The mean knowledge scores were significantly different between sex, categories of marital status, educational levels, main occupation, and the monthly income quintiles of the study participants (p<0.05). Similarly, the mean attitude scores significantly varied across educational levels, main occupations and marital status (p<0.05). Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, main occupation of the government employees, education level of diploma and above, highest and second highest wealth rank were positively associated with COVID-19 prevention and control practice. Conclusions The majority of study participants had showed good knowledge and optimistic attitude toward COVID-19. But, the level of practice lower than that expected to maximize effective control measures. Further public education interventions and community sensitization campaigns are required for rural adult population in the Sidama regional state, Ethiopia.

Background Prior studies reported controversial results about the association between intestinal parasitic infections and childhood under-nutrition. We investigated the association of intestinal parasitic infections with under-nutrition among children aged 6–59 months in Boricha Woreda, Southern Ethiopia. Methods This community-based prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from January 1–30, 2019 among 622 children aged 6–59 months. A two-stage stratified sampling procedure was used. Data were collected using a structured, face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire and standard anthropometric measurements. The stool specimens were collected using standard technique and examined for the existence and species of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount, Kato Katz and staining technique. We have entered data using Epi Data 3.1 and WHO Anthro software and all analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20. The descriptive analyses were done to find descriptive measures for the socio-demographic and other important variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with under-nutrition. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to assess the presence and strength of associations. Results The total prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 48.7% (95% CI, 44.77–52.62). Approximately one-fourth (22%) of the children were infected with moderate intensity infections. Prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting were 39.3, 24 and 11.6%, respectively. The prevalence of stunting among children infected with the intestinal parasite (59.4%) was significantly higher than the prevalence in non-infected children (20.6%) ( p < 0.001). The absence of sanitation facility, living in medium and large family size, lack of shoes wearing practice, consuming raw vegetables and fruits were positively associated with intestinal parasitic infections. The presence of intestinal parasitic infections was positively associated with stunting (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.36–3.50) but not with wasting (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.3–1.13) and underweight (AOR: 0.92, 95% CI = 0.55–1.54). Conclusions Under-nutrition and intestinal parasitic infections were serious public health concerns. Consolidating the prevailing water, sanitation and hygiene packages and routine deworming of children aged 6–59 months may aid to decrease the burden of both stunting and intestinal parasitic infection in children. Also, improving modern contraceptive methods utilization to reduce family size is recommended.

Introduction Hypertension is the leading cause of death and disability in adult populations globally. Its prevalence is increasing rapidly in Ethiopia. Studies conducted to date address different population categories. However, there is lack of data on the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among civil servants working in various sectors and levels. Objective To assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among civil servants in Sidama Zone, south Ethiopia. Methods and materials An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1-30, 2019 on a sample of 546 civil servants selected randomly from different departments of Sidama Zone Administration. Data were collected using structured, face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire and standard physical measurements. The data were entered using Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with hypertension. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to assess the presence and strength of associations. Results A total of 546 civil servants responded resulting in a response rate of 94.9%. The prevalence of hypertension was 24.5% [95% CI: 23.3%-25.6%]. The identified risk factors of hypertension were male sex (AOR 4.31[95%

Background Stunting remains one of the most common malnutrition problems among children in Ethiopia. Identifying the risk factors of stunting assists health planners to prioritize prevention strategies, and is a fundamental step for intervention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors associated with stunting among children aged 6–59 months in Bensa district, Sidama Region, South Ethiopia, 2018. Methods A facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from January 10 to March 10, 2018, on a sample of 237(79 cases and 158 controls) children aged 6–59 months with their respective mothers/caretakers. Data were collected using a structured, face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire and standard physical measurements. The data were entered into EP INFO version 7 and WHO Anthro software and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The variables were entered into the multivariable model using the backward stepwise regression approach. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with stunting. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) and p-value <0.05 was used to declare the significance. Results Sex distribution was almost equal (Males = 52.3%, Females = 47.7%).The mean (standard deviation) age of cases and controls was 27.35 (±12.71) and 28.70 (±13.27) months respectively. The risk factors for stunting were diarrhea in the past two weeks (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.42–5.16), being male (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.224–4.59), inappropriate exclusive breastfeeding (AOR =2.07, 95%CI: 1.07–4.01), having less than or equal to three under-five children in the household (AOR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.03–4.64), and mothers who had no formal education (AOR =3.28, 95%CI :1.56–6.924). Conclusions Diarrhea in the past two weeks, sex of a child, inappropriate exclusive breastfeeding, number of under-five children in the household, and mothers who had no formal education were the risk factors of stunting. Thus organized efforts aimed at focus on prevention of diarrhea as part of an overall public health strategy for improving child health and nutrition. Educating mothers/caretakers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding should be considered. Moreover, mothers need to be encouraged to space birth between children through the use of family planning services.

Background. Regular utilization of maternal health care services decreases maternal morbidity and mortality. However, major predictors that influence the utilization of the existing maternal health care services are complex and differ from place to place. Therefore, assessing these predictors assists health planners to prioritize promotion strategies and is a fundamental step for intervention. This study assessed the utilization and predictors of maternal health care services among women of the reproductive age in Hawassa Health and Demographic Surveillance System site, South Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 682 women of the reproductive age from January to February, in 2019. A two-stage stratified sampling method was utilized. Data were collected using a structured, face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered using Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The variables were entered into the multivariable model using the backward stepwise regression approach. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with utilization of the maternal health care. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to assess the presence and strength of associations. Result. The overall utilization of ANC, institutional delivery, and PNC was 69.1, 52.1, and 32.7%, respectively. The odds of utilizing ANC were 4.72 times higher for women who have a formal education (AOR: 4.72, 95% CI = 2.82–7.90) as compared to those who have no formal education. The odds of utilizing institutional delivery were 5.96 times higher for women who had ANC follow-up (AOR: 5.96; 95% CI = 3.88–9.18) as compared to those who had no ANC follow-up. Presence of information about the PNC (AOR: 3.66; 95% CI = 2.18–6.14) and autonomy of a woman to make decision on health issues (AOR: 6.13, 95% CI = 3.86–9.73) were positively associated with utilization of PNC. Conclusion. The utilization of maternal health care services is far below the national target in the study area. Maternal and paternal education status, autonomy of the woman to make decision on the health issues, wealth status, and having a plan on the current pregnancy were major predictors of the maternal health care service utilization. Providing information and training about the model household to the women about maternal health care service utilization using various methods of health education should be considered.

Background: Intestinal parasites are the commonest cause of childhood diarrhea and malnutrition in Ethiopia. Information about intestinal parasites is the first fundamental step for designing intervention strategies against them. Hence, health planners can maximize their efforts. Information is scarce about intestinal parasites among children of under-five years of age in Boricha district. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasites among children of age 6 to 59 months in Boricha district, South Ethiopia. Methods: A community based analytical cross sectional study was conducted among 624 children of age 6 to 59 months from January 1 to 30; in 2018. We have utilized two stage stratified sampling method. Firstly, simple random sampling was used to select sample Kebeles. Secondly, systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Structured and interviewer administrated questionnaire was used to collect data. Parasitological examination of children's stool was conducted microscopically. Data were entered into Epi-info, exported and analyzed by SPSS version 22. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify association between explanatory variables and outcome variable. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was computed, and P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Descriptive statistics was presented using texts, tables and figures. Result: A total of 622 participants were included in the analysis which makes a response rate of 99.9%. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was 48.7% (95%CI, 44.8-52.6) in this study. Higher family size (AOR = 2.7, 95%CI = 1.5-5.0), medium family size (AOR = 2.3,95%CI,1.3-4.2), absence of laterine facility in the household (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.6-5.3), unable to put on shoes (AOR = 3.5,95%CI = 2.2-5.7), and eating raw vegetables (AOR = 2.6,95%CI = 1.6-4.7) were factors positively associated with intestinal parasites in this study. Conclusion: Overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was almost high. Latrine facility, family size, shoes wearing habit and eating raw vegetables were significantly associated with intestinal parasites. Family planning service, sanitation and hygiene practices should be intensified through community education. Activate support of deworming program should be considered. Moreover, policy makers should give priority on creating awareness to prevent intestinal parasite.

Background: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals state that by 2030, the global maternal mortality rate (MMR) should be lower than 70 per 100,000 live births. MMR is still one of Africa’s leading causes of death among women. The leading causes of maternal mortality in Africa are hemorrhage and eclampsia. This research aims to study regional trends in maternal mortality (MM) in Africa. Methods: We extracted data for maternal mortality rates per 100,000 births from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) databank from 2000 to 2017, 2017 being the last date available. Joinpoint regression was used to study the trends and estimate the annual percent change (APC). Results: Maternal mortality has decreased in Africa over the study period by an average APC of −3.0% (95% CI −2.9; −3,2%). All regions showed significant downward trends, with the greatest decreases in the South. Only the North African region is close to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals for Maternal mortality. The remaining Sub-Saharan African regions are still far from achieving the goals. Conclusions: Maternal mortality has decreased in Africa, especially in the South African region. The only region close to the United Nations’ target is the North African region. The remaining Sub-Saharan African regions are still far from achieving the goals. The West African region needs more extraordinary efforts to achieve the goals of the United Nations. Policies should ensure that all pregnant women have antenatal visits and give birth in a health facility staffed by specialized personnel.

Background Maternal health services are affected by complex factors from one setting to another. Consequently, health planners should prioritize different interventions and design appropriate programs to enhance maternal health services utilization. Results of prior studies are conflicting. Furthermore, only few studies were done from antenatal to postnatal continuum of care in Ethiopia. Objectives This study aimed to assess prevalence and predictors of skilled maternal health services utilization at Dale-Wonsho health and demographic surveillance site of the Hawassa University, South Ethiopia, in 2019. Methods A community based cross sectional study was conducted from January 1–30; 2019. A total of 682 women who gave birth in the last twelve months were selected by using a two stage sampling technique. Data were collected through face to face interview. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1. Then, they were exported and analyzed by SPSS version 22. Bi-variable logistic regression analysis was done and variables with p-value less than 0.05 were considered as candidate for multivariable logistic regression analysis. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% CI were computed, and p-value less than 0.01 was computed to determine the level of significance. Result Prevalence of antenatal care, institutional delivery and postnatal care utilizations were 69.1%, 52.1% and 32.7% respectively. Educated women (AOR = 4.72, 95%CI,2.82,7.9), household training (AOR = 8.52,95%CI = 5.5,13.1), middle wealth quantile(AOR = 0.8,95%CI,0.4–0.7), being richest wealth quantile (AOR = 0.16;95%CI = 0.06,0.41) and pregnancy plan (AOR = 3.65,95%CI,1.67–8.0) were factors positively associated with antenatal care utilization. Husband education (AOR = 4.96,95CI,3.08–8.0), and antenatal care (AOR = 5.9; 95%CI,3.87,9.1) were factors associated with institutional delivery. Maternal education (AOR = 2.5,95CI,1.4–4.4), information about postnatal care service utilization (AOR = 3.6,95CI,2.1,6.2) and women autonomy(AOR = 6.1,95CI,3.8,9.7) were positively associated with postnatal care service. Conclusion Prevalence of antenatal care, institutional delivery and postnatal care services were lower than the targeted plan. Policy makers should focus on capacity building of women both economically and academically. So, women should be more autonomous to utilize health services effectively. Moreover, awareness creation among women should be enhanced about maternal health service.