Background Despite efforts to decrease the burden, vaccine reluctance is increasing worldwide and hindering efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, understanding the willingness of a community to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will help to develop and implement effective means of promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Objectives This study was aimed to assess the willingness of the Ethiopian population to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and its determinant factors. Methods E-survey was conducted from February 2021 to March 2021. After developing the questionnaire, the template was created on Google Forms and disseminated in public on different social media channels (e.g., Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, email, etc.) by using a shareable link. Descriptive statistics were performed. Finally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to assess their relationship with socio-demographic factors. Results In total, 31.4% (n = 372) of respondents were willing to get a vaccine. One-third of respondents, 32.2% (n = 381), reported that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Almost all 94.9% (n = 1124) responded that health workers should be vaccinated first. Only 21.7% (n = 257) willing to buy the vaccine if it is not provided free. Being female [OR (95% CI):1.85 (1.05–3.25)], aged less than 25 years old [OR (95% CI): 5.09 (3.41–7.59)], aged between 26–30 years [OR (95% CI): 3.57 (2.55–5.00)], being unmarried[OR (95% CI):1.12 (0.81–1.55)], urban in residence [OR (95% CI): 1.06 (0.69–1.62)], private sector worker in occupation [OR (95% CI):0.45 (0.26 –0.77)], university/college student [OR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.59–1.32)], not having a health-related job [OR (95% CI): 4.08 (2.57–6.48)], orthodox [OR (95% CI): 1.16 (0.61–2.19)], Muslim [OR (95% CI): 0.285 (0.13 –0.61)], educational status of university/above [OR (95% CI): 4.87 (3.15–7.53)] have a statistically significant association and were more likely willing to take COVID-19 than their counterparts. Conclusion This study found that only 31.4% were willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Being female, older age, marital status, residence, occupations, not having a health-related job, religion, educational status were statistically significantly associated with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Introduction Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic bilateral severe form of allergic conjunctivitis which affects normal activities in school/work. It is a severe form of allergies in warm and dry tropical and sub-tropical countries. Its prevalence in Ethiopia ranges from 5.2% to7.3%. Most studies are institution based and do not address specific factors associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. There is no a study that shows the magnitude of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in the study area. Objective To assess the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and its associated factors among children in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2018. Methods and materials A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 25 to May 12, 2018, in Gambella town. A total of 578 study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, torch, and magnifying loop were used to collect data. The data was entered into epidemiological information 7.1 and exported to statistical package for social science for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis model was fitted to identify factors associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Odds ratio with respected 95% CI was used to identify the direction and strength of association. Results A total of 574 children participated in this study representing a response rate of 99.30%. The mean age of the participants was 9.74±4.0 years. The prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis was 11.10% (95% CI: 8.70, 13.90). Male sex (adjusted odds ratio = 4.12(95% CI: 1.42, 11.91)), close animal contact (adjusted odds ratio = 3.45(95% CI: 1.14, 10.41)), dust exposure (adjusted odds ratio = 3.38(95% CI: 1.31, 10.04)), and personal systemic allergy history (adjusted odds ratio = 4.82(1.40, 16.72) were independently associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Conclusion The prevalence of VKC was high among children in Gambella town. Sex being male, close animal contact, personal systemic allergy history, and dust exposure were positively associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis independently.

Background Diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder which becomes common in middle and low incomes countries since few decades. Microvascular complications include retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy all of which can lead to disability, dependency, accelerate their morbidity, and mortality. In Ethiopia, there is paucity data regarding this topic. Hence, this study aimed to assess prevalence of microvascular complications and its predictors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020 at Dessie town hospitals. We used simple random sampling to recruit study participants and pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire to collect the data. Data was entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and exported to SPSS-23 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was done to select potential variables to be adjusted at p ≤ 0.25. After running multivariable regression, variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 were declared as statistically significant. Results Three hundred and thirty-five type 2 DM patients participated in the study, of which 54.6% were males. One hundred and twenty-seven [37.9% (95% CI 32.5%–43.3%)] of diabetes mellitus had at least one microvascular complications. These were retinopathy 24.8%, nephropathy 16.1%, and neuropathy 8.1%. Age 60–87 years (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.02–7.46), duration of diabetes > 5 years (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI 2.40–6.96), mellitus and co-morbid hypertension (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI 2.09–5.95), were statistically significant. Conclusions In this study, diabetic microvascular complications are prevalent. Increasing the age of participants, longer duration of diabetes mellitus and co-morbid hypertension were independent predictors. Health workers should give emphasis for diabetes mellitus through early screening and health education, abrupt medication for aged patients with long duration of diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and also early detection and management of microvascular complication.

Background Glaucoma is a chronic optic nerve disease, often asymptomatic in an early stage, which is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Good adherence to ocular hypotensive agents is essential to control the intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. There is limited information on glaucoma drug adherence and associated factors in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Objective To determine the level of glaucoma drug adherence and associated factors among adult glaucoma patients attending Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Materials and Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Felege Hiwot specialized Hospital from March 2019 to May 2019. A systematic random sampling method was used to select 402 study participants. A structured questionnaire was prepared, and adherence was assessed by using self-report questions. The collected data were entered into Epi data version 4.2.2.1 and exported into Statistical Package for Social Science version 23 for analysis. Tables, graphs, frequency, mean, and standard deviation were used for descriptive statistics. Variables with a p-value of <0.2 in the bivariable logistic regression were entered in the multivariable logistic regression, and variables with a p-value of <0.05 under multivariable analysis were taken as statistically significant factors for glaucoma drug adherence. Results Among a total of 390 study participants, 212 (56.2%) were adherent to their topical medication. Early glaucoma (AOR=2.8: 95% CI =1.29–5.91), normal vision (AOR=1.9: 95% CI=1.15–3.09), urban residence (AOR=1.6: 95% CI=1.03–2.51), family support (AOR=1.7: 95% CI=1.06–2.76) and information from pharmacist (AOR=1.8: 95% CI=1.11–2.99) were significantly associated with adherence. Conclusion The level of glaucoma drug adherence was 56.2% among patients attending Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital. Early glaucoma, normal visual acuity, family support, information on medication from the pharmacist, and urban residence were positively associated with adherence.

Background Myopia is the leading cause of correctable visual impairment and preventable blindness worldwide. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of myopia. Myopia is appearing with greater prevalence in young children. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of myopia among school children in Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods and materials A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among school children of 6 to 18 years of age in Bahir Dar city from October to November 2019. A pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data among 634 participants using a multi-stage sampling technique from primary and secondary schools. Cycloplegic refraction was performed by optometrists for each student with 1% cyclopentolate eye drop, and subjective refraction was carried out to determine the final prescription of the students. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refractive error of ≥ 0.5 diopter in either eye. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 for analysis. Tables, frequency, and mean were used for descriptive statistics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify risk factors of myopia. Odds ratio with 95% confidence level was determined and variables with p–value of < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results Among a total of 601 study participants, 51 (8.49%) were myopic. Age group of 10–13 years (AOR = 6.54: 95% CI = 5.56–10.86), 14–18 years (AOR = 6.32: 95% CI = 5.32–9.69), 2–4 hour per day mobile exposure (AOR = 3.69: 95% CI = 1.63–8.38), > 4 hour per day mobile exposure (AOR = 11.6: 95% CI = 4.41–30.42), near working distance of < 33 centimeter (AOR = 6.89: 95% CI = 2.71–17.56) and outdoor activity (AOR = 3.94: 95% CI = 1.87–8.31) were significantly associated with myopia. Conclusions The prevalence of myopia was high among school children in Bahir Dar city. Older age, longer duration of mobile exposure, shorter near working distance were the risk factors for the development of myopia whereas having outdoor activity was the protective factor.

Background: Near visual impairment leads to difficulty with near tasks at a working distance (40 centimeters) when near visual acuity is 6/12 (N8) or worse. High cost is the main barrier reported for low near vision spectacle coverage. Objective: This study aimed to determine near vision spectacle coverage and associated factors among adults living in Finote Selam town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was applied from June 3 to 25, 2019. A total of 565 study participants aged ≥35 years were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested questionnaire with adequate physical examination was used for data collection. The data were entered into EPI INFO software and exported to a statistical package for science for analysis. Mean (standard), frequencies, tables, and figures were used to present descriptive statistics. A bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between independent variables and outcome variable with a P-value of less than 0.20 and a P-value of less than 0.05, respectively. Odds ratios and a 95% confidence interval were used to show strength of association. Results: A total of 549 adults participated, with a response rate of 97.20% and a mean age of 46.4±8.7 years. The near vision spectacle coverage was 156 (28.42%; 95% CI=24.65-32.31). Higher education level (AOR=2.8; 95% CI=1.21-5.21), history of eye examination (AOR=2.40; 95% CI=1.51-3.81), awareness about near vision problems (AOR=2.12; 95% CI=1.41-3.24), and need of a high plus lens (AOR=4.21; 95% CI=2.41-7.39) were associated with near vision spectacle coverage. Conclusion: Near vision spectacle coverage was low among adults living in Finote Selam town. Higher educational level, history of eye examination, awareness about near vision problems, and need of a high plus lens were associated with near vision spectacle coverage.

Background Visual impairment (VI) is a decreased ability to see things which is critical problem for health professionals and students to whom normal vision is essential for their daily activity. If it is not timely managed, visual impairment leads to physical, psychological, and socio-economic malfunctions to the victims and nation. Despite the above impacts, currently there is no study in Ethiopia on this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among Medical and Health Science students at the University of Gondar. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 among Medical and Health Science students. After recruiting study participants using systematic random sampling technique, we applied pre-tested self-administered questionnaire for sociodemographic variables and also visual acuity measurement was performed using Snellen chart placed at a distance of 6 meters. Visual acuity tested separately for each eye and for both eyes in a well- illuminated area. Pinhole was used for those participants with a visual acuity of < 6/9. Participants with a presenting visual acuity of < 6/12 in the better eye were diagnosed as having visual impairment. Epi data version 3.1 and stata version 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used, and the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association between VI and independent variables. Results A total of 654 students were screened for visual acuity. The prevalence of visual impairment was 12.5% (95% CI: 10.21, 15.31). Age above 25 years (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.26) and current alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.7, 5.00), were statistically significant factors of visual impairment. Conclusion The prevalence of visual impairment among medical and health science students was high. Age of study participant and current alcohol consumption were statically significant factors. This study warrants the routine screening of Medical and Health science students for visual impairment.

Introduction A pterygium is a wing-shaped fibro-vascular growth of conjunctiva on the superficial cornea/ conjunctiva. It is an elastotic degeneration of conjunctival stroma mainly due to Ultraviolet light exposure. The prevalence of pterygium varies in different environmental conditions. Its magnitude varies widely from 1.1% to 53% globally and in Ethiopia, it reaches from 8.8% to 38.7%. Objective To determine the prevalence of pterygium and its associated factors among adults aged 18 years and above in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods and materials A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 15 to May 3, 2019, in Gambella town. A total of 402 study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, torch, and magnifying loops were used to collect data. The data was entered into epidemiological information 7.1 and exported to statistical package for social science version 20 for analysis. The binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis model was fitted to identify factors associated with pterygium. Odds ratio with respected 95% CI was used to identify the direction and strength of association. Results A total of 400 participants were examined with a response rate of 99.50%. The mean age of the study participants was 39.9±9.8years. The prevalence of pterygium among adults aged 18 years and above in Gambella town was 127(31.80%), (95% CI: 27.3, 36.3). male sex (