Objectives: The study aimed to assess the magnitude of undiagnosed hypertension, and its associated factors among adult HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Butajira General Hospital, southern Ethiopia. Methods: We applied an institutional-based cross-sectional study design at Butajira General Hospital from 1 May to 1 July 2021. We used a systematic random sampling technique to select the total number of participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to collect the data (sociodemographic characteristics, clinical-related factors, and lifestyle-related factors from the study participants. Data were entered using Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed by statistical package for social science version 25. We applied a multivariable logistic regression analysis model to identify variables significantly associated with hypertension. Results: The study comprised 388 participants with 39 years (10.6 SD) as the mean age of the participants. Of the total participants, 235 (60.6%) were female. In this study the magnitude of undiagnosed hypertension among HIV-positive patients was 18.8% (95% CI: 14.7%–23.2%). Having comorbidity of diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio = 5.29, 95% CI: 2.154, 12.99), habit of alcohol drinking (adjusted odds ratio = 2.909, 95% CI: 1.306, 6.481), duration of antiretroviral therapy ⩾ 5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.087, 95% CI: 1.558, 6.115), and age ⩾ 40 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.642, 95% CI: 1.450, 4.813) were factors significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension. Conclusions and recommendations: The magnitude of undiagnosed hypertension among HIV-positive patients attending the antiretroviral therapy clinic of Butajira General Hospital is high. The findings of this study implied that HIV-positive patients attending antiretroviral therapy clinics should be monitored routinely for hypertension; especially participants aged ⩾40 years, highly active antiretroviral therapy duration ⩾5 years, having diabetes mellitus comorbidity need more attention. Primary healthcare integration is also vital to enhance the health of HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy.

Introduction Internationally, countries have reacted to the COVID-19 outbreak by introducing key public health non-pharmaceutical interventions to protect vulnerable population groups. In response to COVID-19, the Government of Ethiopia has been taking a series of policy actions beyond public health initiatives alone. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the applicability of basic preventive measures of the pandemic COVID-19 and associated factors among the residents of Guraghe Zone from 18th to 29th September, 2020. Methods Community based cross sectional study was conducted at Guraghe Zone from 18th to 29th September, 2020. Systematic random sampling method was applied among the predetermined 634 samples. Variables which had p-value less than 0.25 in bivariate analysis were considered as candidate for multivariable logistic regression model. P-value <0.05 was used as a cutoff point to determine statistical significance in multiple logistic regressions for the final model. Result In this study, 17.7% (95% CI: 14.7, 20.5) of the respondents apply the basic preventive measures towards the prevention of the pandemic COVID-19. In addition, being rural resident (AOR: 4.78,; 95%CI: 2.50, 8.90), being studied grade 1–8 (AOR: 3.70; 95%CI: 1.70, 7.90), being a farmer (AOR: 4.10; 95%CI: 1.25, 13.35), currently not married (AOR: 2.20, 95%CI: 1.24, 4.06), having family size 1-3(AOR: 6.50; 95%CI: 3.21, 3.35), have no diagnosed medical illness (AOR: 6.40; 95%CI: 3.85, 10.83) and having poor knowledge (AOR: 3.50; 95%CI: 1.60, 7.40) were factors which are statistically significant in multivariable logistic regression model. Conclusion Despite the application of preventive measures and vaccine delivery, the applicability of the pandemic COVID-19 preventive measures was too low, which indicate that the Zone is at risk for the infection. Rural residents, those who have lower educational level, farmers, non-marrieds, those who have lower family size, those who have diagnosed medical illnesses and those who have poor knowledge were prone to the infection with the pandemic COVID-19 due to the lower practice of applying the basic preventive measures. In addition, awareness creation should be in practice at all levels of the community especially lower educational classes and rural residents.

Background Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires lifelong medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. Even though patients often neglect their own needs, self-care is an important factor in preventing and delaying complications related to diabetes. There are limited studies about self-care practice, and most of the studies conducted in Ethiopia focused on some parts of the recommended self-care practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the self-care practice and associated factors among diabetic patients in Gurage zone, south Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 6 to March 29, 2021. A systematic sampling method was employed to select 420 study participants. The data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. All variables with P < 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regression analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression analysis. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results A total of 384 diabetes patients participated with a response rate of 91.4%. This study showed that more than half (60.4%) of the study participants had poor self-care practices. Being female (AOR: 2.40; 95% CI:1.31–4.40), rural residence (AOR:7.16;95% CI: 3.31–15.46), duration of diabetes treatment 5–10 years (AOR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.1–0.11), duration of diabetes treatment ≥ 10 years (AOR:0.8; 95% CI: 0.03–0.21), haven’t social support (AOR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05–0.23), haven’t got health education (AOR: 0.17,95%CI 0.09–0.32) were factors significantly associated with self-care practice. Conclusions Despite, the importance of diabetes self-care practice for the management of diabetes and preventing its complications, a high number of diabetes patients had poor self-care practices. Female, rural residence, duration of diabetes mellitus, lack of social support, and not get of health education were significantly associated with poor self-care practice. Therefore, health care providers should give attention to diabetic patients with the aforementioned factors that affect diabetic patients’ self-care practices.

A pressure ulcer is a localized skin injury and underlying tissue, usually as a result of friction or pressure against the surface of the skin. The global mortality rate of pressure ulcers was above 60% for hospitalized patients who wait 1 year of hospital stay. Nurses are the primary responsible body and forefront line care providers for the prevention of pressure ulcers, so nurses’ knowledge and practices are the major rollers to handling this preventable problem. Objective: To assess pressure ulcer prevention knowledge, practices, and their associated factors among nurses in Gurage Zone Hospitals, South Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gurage Zone hospitals from May to June 2021. Data were collected using a structured self-administered paper questionnaire from 372 participants using a simple random sampling procedure, and the collected data were checked for their completeness and entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Results: In this study, 176 (49%) of nurses have good knowledge and 210 (58.5 %) of nurses have good practices. Variables having masters and above (adjusted odds ratio = 2.075; confidence interval: 1.886, 4.861), using guideline (adjusted odds ratio = 1.617; confidence interval: 1.017, 2.572), and cooperativeness of patients (1.859; confidence interval: 1.066, 3.242) was significantly associated with nurses prevention knowledge. Being divorced (adjusted odds ratio = 3.002; confidence interval: 1.023, 4.219), degree nurse (adjusted odds ratio = 2.639; confidence interval: 1.388, 3.051), workload (adjusted odds ratio = 0.480; confidence interval: 0.245–0.939), unproportioned nurse to patient ratio (adjusted odds ratio = 0.480; confidence interval: 0.158–0.747), patient cooperativeness (adjusted odds ratio = 1.859; confidence interval: 1.066–3.242), and nurses having good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 1.684; confidence interval: 1.078–2.632) statistically significant with prevention practices. Conclusion: The overall level of pressure ulcer prevention knowledge and practice of nurses were good. Qualification of nurses’ degree and above, use of pressure ulcer prevention guidelines, over workload, unproportionate nurse-to-patient ratio, and patient cooperativeness were statistically significant factors for pressure ulcer prevention knowledge and practices. Therefore, health managers should provide continuous professional development, and ensure proportionated nurse-to-patient ratio allocation policy.

Introduction Hypertension affects over a billion people worldwide, making it a major public health problem. The problem is significant in both developed and developing countries. However, studies are scarce in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Objectives This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors at the community level, in South Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed on a sample of 680 participants in the study from April 1 to June 30, 2022. An interview administer was conducted using a standardized and pretested questionnaire was employed. The Epi data 3.1 versions were used to enter data and then exported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. All variables in the multivariable logistic analysis were a candidate with a bi-variable at p < .25. The multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the predictors of hypertension, and the significance level was established with p < .05. Results There were a total of 635 participants and the response rate was 93.4%. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 22.0% [95% CI; 19.1–25.4]. The mean age of the participants was 40.8 ± 12.88 years. Being older age (AOR: 1.95; 95%CI; 1.13–3.36), family history [AOR: 2.65, 95%; CI (1.29–5.45)], eating animal fat [AOR: 0.21, 95%; CI (0.08–0.52)], smoking cigarettes [AOR: 4.06, 95%; CI (2.24–7.36)] and had poor knowledge about hypertension [AOR: 2.69, 95%; CI (1.61–4.49)] were significantly associated with raised blood pressure. Conclusions Hypertension was prevalent in one out of every five study participants. Older age, family history of hypertension, animal fat intake, cigarette smoking, and lack of knowledge were found to be significant factors for hypertension. To address the burden of hypertension, health care practitioners should provide broad health education, routine screening, and promotion of recommended lifestyle measures.

Introduction Many countries around the world are still affected by the global pandemic of coronavirus disease. The vaccine is the most effective method of controlling Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, attitudes toward vaccination are heavily affected by different factors besides vaccine availability. Objectives This study aimed to determine community attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 15th to December 15th, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 364 participants in the study area. An interview-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data; the data was entered into Epidata 3.1 version, and then exported to SPSS version 23 for further analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the characteristics of study participants. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses with a p-value of less than 0.05 were used as a measure of significance. Results In this study, 44.7% of study participants had a favorable attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine. Perceived potential vaccine harm [AOR: 1.85; 95% CI (1.15–2.96)], Having ever had a chronic disease [AOR: 3.22; 95% CI (2.02–5.14)], community belief on the effectiveness of the vaccine [AOR: 2.02; 95% CI (1.27–3.22)], and average monthly income 3001–5000 ETB [AOR: 0.54; 95% CI (0.30–0.97)], average monthly income 5001–10000 ETB [AOR: 0.48; 95% CI(0.27–0.86)] were statistically significantly towards COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions Overall, less than half of the participants had a favorable attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine. Perceived potential vaccine harm, having ever had a chronic disease, community belief in the effectiveness of the vaccine, and average monthly income were determinant factors of the community’s attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, information conversation with the community’s awareness of the COVID-19 vaccination in reducing vaccine-related suspicion.

Background: Nurses are the backbone of healthcare services, and nurses at work should be held responsible for providing highquality care. A common problem at all levels of healthcare institutions is the negative attitude of the nursing profession. There is limited research on the subject of students' attitudes. The nursing profession and its evolution are influenced by social, cultural, and moral factors. Objective: To identify the attitudes of nursing students towards the nursing profession at wolkite university, 2021. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2 and May 30, 2021. The chosen nursing students were selected using a simple random sampling method. A pretest and a standardized self-administer questionnaire were used to get the data. Epi data 3.1 versions were used to enter the data, which was subsequently exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to find the associated factors of attitude toward the nursing profession. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value < 0.05. Results: A total of 364 participants completed the study questionnaires giving a response rate of 86.6%. Nearly half of 170 (46.7%) with a range of (41.0-52.2) the study participants showed a positive attitude towards the nursing profession.

Background: Needlesticks and sharp injuries are occupational hazards for healthcare workers that result from the accidental piercing of the skin. Needlestick injuries expose healthcare workers to blood and body fluids that may be infected and can be transmitted to them. Healthcare workers have been exposed to blood-borne pathogens through contaminated needles and other sharp materials every day. Around 20 blood-borne diseases can be transmitted through casual needlesticks and sharp injuries. Objective: To assess needlestick and sharp injuries and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Southern Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: The hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 341 healthcare workers in Worabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from June 10 to July 6, 2021. A stratified sampling technique was used and data were collected using standardized structural questionnaires by BSc nursing professionals. The collected data were checked for completeness and consistency by the investigator. The completed questionnaire was given an identification number and entered into EpiData version 3.5.1. The data were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 26 using a binary logistic regression model and presented with texts, tables, and graphs. Results: The finding revealed that 30.6% of healthcare workers had experienced needlestick and sharp injuries within their working area. Healthcare workers not trained on safety measures of needlestick and sharp injury (adjusted odds ratio: 7.179 (3.494–14.749)), working in the delivery unit (adjusted odds ratio: 6.528 (3.171–11.834)), being older age (adjusted odds ratio: 3.394 (1.775–7.126)), working in inpatient unit (3.278 (1.804–5.231)), working in an emergency unit (adjusted odds ratio: 5.718 (4.326–6.398)), working in an operation room theater (adjusted odds ratio: 2.359 (1.781–4.430)), working as a medical laboratory technician (adjusted odds ratio: 1.070 (1.432–3.304)), working in pediatrics unit (adjusted odds ratio: 1.063 (1.431–2.843)), working as cleaners (adjusted odds ratio: 0.018 (0.002–0.195)), working <40 h per week (adjusted odds ratio: 0.036 (0.004–0.345)), and seldom needle recapping (adjusted odds ratio: 0.043 (0.015–0.125)) were statistically associated with needlestick and sharp injury. Conclusions: In this study, there is a high magnitude of needlestick or sharp injuries among healthcare workers. Lack of training on work-related safety measures; working in delivery; being older age; working in the inpatient unit, emergency, operation room, and pediatrics units; being laboratory technicians, and cleaners; working hours per week; and seldom needle recapping were significant predictors of needlestick and sharp injury.