Objective: This study was aimed to identify factors affecting neonatal mortality in Ethiopia. Results:According to the multilevel multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of neonatal mortality was significantly associated with husbands with no education (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.10, 4.83), female birth (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.39, 0.83), twin birth (AOR = 13.62, 95% CI 7.14, 25.99), pre-term birth (AOR = 15.07, 95% CI 7.80, 29.12) and mothers with no antenatal care (ANC) visit during pregnancy (AOR = 1.90 95% CI 1.11, 3.25).

IntroductionAnemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. In Ethiopia, Adolescent girls are more vulnerable to anemia because of gender norms can leave girls disproportionately impacted by food insecurity, increased iron requirements related to their rapid growth, and menstrual loss. However, evidence on the problem is scarce because it has not been given due attention in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among late adolescent girls attending high schools in Dembia District, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA school based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dembia District from March 1 to April 30/ 2017. Out of the randomly selected three high schools, 462 adolescents were included using the simple random sampling technique. A Standardized structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Capillary blood samples were drawn from adolescents using a portable Hb201+ instrument to measure hemoglobin. A bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with anemia. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was computed to show the strength of associations.ResultsThe overall prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls was 25.5%, (95%CI, 21.4, and 29.2). Of the total anemic adolescents, 109(92.4%) had mild anaemia, while 7(5.9%) and 2(1.7%) were found with moderate and severe anaemia, respectively. Dietary diversity score ((AOR =4.2(95% CI;1.7, 10.5)), household food security status ((AOR = 4.1(95% CI; 1.3, 13.2)), living status of adolescents with either of the two parents((AOR = 2;(95%CI;1.14,3.6)) and guardians ((AOR = 2.4;(95% CI;1.02,5.6)) showed statistically significant association with anemia.ConclusionAnemia is a moderate public health problem in Dembia District. Dietary diversity score, household food security status, and living status of adolescents were the key determinants of anemia. Therefore, the government should focus on preventing food insecurity with increasing productivity to improve dietary diversification of the adolescent girls.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.

Background Globally, in every three preschool children one is affected by malnutrition. In Ethiopia, child undernutrition continues to be a serious public health problem. Data are scarce, especially in 24-59 months age children. We aimed at estimating under nutrition and its associated factors among children 24–59 months age in Aykel Town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 24–59 months in Aykel Town from January to February 2017. A total of 416 children were included in to the study using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by interview and anthropometric measurements. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify the predictors of stunting, wasting and underweight. Results The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 28.4, 10 and 13.5%, respectively. Children from low birth order; 1 st (AOR = 8.60, 95%CI: 2.40, 3.70) and 2nd -4th (AOR = 5.80, 95%CI: 1.80, 18.90), from large family size (AOR = 3.67, 95%CI: 1.92, 7.00), and had meal frequency < 3/day (AOR = 5.09, 95%CI: 2.96, 8.74) were at a higher risk of stunting. Children who had not fed on cow milk (AOR = 5.50, 95%CI: 2.30, 13.00), and from mothers who had poor hand washing practice (AOR = 11.00, 95%CI: 4.30, 27.9) were more likely to be wasted. Children who had not fed on cow milk (AOR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.40, 6.00), breast fed for less than 24 months (AOR = 2.60, 95%CI: 1.35, 5.00), consumed foods from less than four food groups (AOR = 6.30, 95%CI: 1.70, 23.00), and were from mothers’ who had poor hand washing practice (AOR = 2.50, 95%CI: 1.30, 4.70) had higher odds of being underweight. Conclusion Stunting, wasting and underweight are high among children aged 24–59 months in Aykel Town. Poor child feeding and maternal hygienic practices were identified as risk factors of undernutrition. Educating mothers/care givers on the advantages of proper child feeding and maintaining hygienic practices at critical times is valuable in improving the nutritional status of children.

Background: Institutional delivery is a delivery that takes place at any medical facility staffed by skilled delivery assistance. It is estimated that using institutional delivery could reduce 16 to 33% of maternal deaths. Despite the importance of delivering at health institutions, in Ethiopia, mothers prefer to give birth at home. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare institutional delivery service utilization and associated factors among rural and urban mothers in Mana district,

Background Neonatal sepsis contributes substantially to neonatal morbidity and mortality and is an ongoing major global public health challenge particularly in developing countries. Studies conducted on the proportion and risk factors of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia are from referral hospitals, which may not be generalized to primary health care units where a significant proportion of mothers give birth in these health facilities. This study sought to determine the proportion of clinical neonatal sepsis and associated factors in the study areas. Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2019, in Amhara regional state, central Gondar zone public primary hospitals in Ethiopia. A total of 352 subjects (mother-neonate pairs) were selected using a systematic random sampling technique and pre-tested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify factors associated with neonatal sepsis. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to show the strength of associations and variables with p-values of <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results The overall proportion of neonatal sepsis was 64.8% (95% CI (59.2, 69.2)). Being male neonate (AOR=3.7; 95% CI (1.76, 7.89)), history of urinary tract infections during the index pregnancy (AOR =6, 26; 95% CI (1.16, 33.62)), frequency of per-vaginal examination greater than three during labor and delivery (AOR=6.06; 95% CI (2.45, 14.99)), neonatal resuscitation at birth (AOR=6.1; 95% CI (1.71, 21.84)), place of delivery at the health center (AOR=3.05; 95% CI (1.19, 7.79)), lack of training of health workers on neonatal resuscitation and infection prevention practices (AOR=2.14; 95% CI (1.04, 4.44)), late age of neonate at onset of illness (AOR=0.05; 95% CI (0.01, 0.21)) and maternal age of 30–34 years (AOR=0.19; 95% CI (0.047, 0.81)) were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion The proportion of neonatal sepsis is high. Maternal, neonatal, and health service related factors were identified for neonatal sepsis. Therefore, training of health workers, provision of health care services as per standards, and monitoring and evaluation of obstetrical/neonatal care during labor and delivery are mandatory.