Background Considering its pandemicity and absence of effective treatment, authorities across the globe have designed various mitigation strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19. Although adherence towards preventive measures is the only means to tackle the virus, reluctance to do so has been reported to be a major problem everywhere. Thus, this study aimed to assess the community’s adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation strategies and its associated factors among Gondar City residents, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 635 respondents from April 20–27, 2020. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Epi-Data version 4.6 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regressions (Bivariable and multivariable) were performed to identify statistically significant variables. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model. Results The overall prevalence of good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures was 51.04% (95%CI: 47.11, 54.96). Female respondents [AOR: 2.39; 95%CI (1.66, 3.45)], receiving adequate information about COVID-19 [AOR: 1.58; 95%CI (1.03, 2.43)], and favorable attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures were significantly associated with good adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Whereas, those respondents who had high risk perception of COVID-19 were less likely to adhere towards COVID-19 mitigation measures [AOR: 0.61; 95% CI (0.41, 0.92)]. Conclusions The findings have indicated that nearly half of the study participants had poor adherence towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Sex, level of information exposure, attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures, and risk perception of COVID-19 were factors which significantly influenced the adherence of the community towards COVID-19 mitigation measures. Therefore, it is crucial to track adherence responses towards the COVID-19 preventive measures, scale up the community’s awareness of COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies through appropriate information outlets, mainstream media, and rely on updating information from TV, radio, and health care workers about COVID-19.

IntroductionLow back pain (LBP) is yet the persistent public health challenges around the globe. It substantially affects quality of life and poses disability, particularly to the global working population. The profound losses in productivity and compensation premiums due to the condition have also been a challenge to contemporary occupational health. As such, it no doubt demands informed management and due response. The objective of this research was therefore to investigate the prevalence and work-related factors associated with low back pain among nurses in public hospitals in western Ethiopia.MethodsA health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2017. A sample of 422 nurses was selected using systematic random sampling technique. The standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal survey was interviewer-administered for data collection. The association of different explanatory variables with LBP was explored using a binary logistic regression analysis. The significance of associations was ascertained at a p value of < 0.05 and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe response rate was 99% (N = 418). The mean age was 31.39 (standard deviation ± 7.01) years. The prevalence of LBP in the past 12 months was 63.6% (N = 266) [95% CI (58.9, 68.2)]. About 34.2% (n = 91) of the victims had sought medical care. The prevalence in the last 7 days was 53.4% (n = 142). The majority, 72.2% (n = 192), indicated that their activity was limited. Work experience [AOR 4.332; 95% CI (2.550, 7.360)], shift work [AOR 2.118; 95% CI (1.165, 3.850)], and health and safety training [AOR 2.058; 95% CI (1.127, 3.063)] were significantly associated with low back pain.ConclusionsThe prevalence of low back pain was high, as in many other studies. The finding implies that practices and implementations that focus on the prevention and control of back pain injuries should target proper management of workplace conditions, like shift work and provision of health and safety training.

Background Workplace violence is the intentional use of power, threatened or actual, against another person or against a group, in work-related circumstances, that either results in or has a high degree of likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, mal development, or deprivation. The aim of this study is to assess magnitude and predictors of workplace violence among healthcare workers in health facilities of Gondar city. Methods Institutional based cross sectional study design was employed to conduct this study. The study conducted in Gondar town from February 21 to march 21, 2016. Five hundred fifty three health care workers selected from health facilities of Gondar City administration. A stratified sampling technique was used for selecting the study subjects through simple random sampling. Data was collected by structured self administered questionnaire which is adapted from ILO/ICN/WHO/PSI after it is pretested & prepared in Amharic. The data was coded and entered in to EPI info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. The degree of association for variables was assessed using odds ratios with 95% confidence interval and p -value ≤0.05. Results The prevalence of workplace violence was found to be 58.2% with [95% confidence interval (CI): (53.7, 62.3)] in which verbal abuse 282(53.1%) followed by physical attack 117(22.0%) and 38(7.2%) sexual harassment. Working at emergency departments [AOR = 3.99,95% CI:(1.49,10.73)], working at shifts [AOR = 1.98,95%, CI: (1.28,3.03)],short experiences [AOR = 3.09,95% CI: (1.20,7.98)], being nurse or midwife [AOR = 4.06, 95% CI: (1.20,13.74)] were positively associated with workplace violence. The main sources of violence are visitors/patient relatives followed by colleagues and patients. Conclusion workplace violence is major public health problem across health facilities and the Ministry of Health should incorporate interventions in its different health sector development & management safety initiative.

Background. Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEDs) often present remarkable health and economic burdens on society. Occupational barbers are usually neglected both in research and policy actions, mainly in developing countries, and hence are likely subjected to the conditions. So far, information about factors that influence WUEDs among barbers in Ethiopia is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate prevalence and factors associated with WUEDs among barbers in Gondar town, Ethiopia. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study from March to April 2018. A sample of 424 participants were recruited using systematic random sampling technique. A standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. We set statistical significances at <0.05 p value with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and computed odds ratios to evaluate strength of associations. Results. The response rate was 98.3% (N=417). The mean age was 26.39 (SD + 4.805) years. The prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders over the past 12 months was 56.8% (N=237). Upper back pain was observed in 38.8% (N=162) participants, whereas shoulder (27.1% (N=113)), neck pain and elbow/forearms (each 29.3% (N=122)), and wrists/hand disorders (32.4% (N=135)) were the common body sites indicated. Age (AOR: 2.614; 95% CI (1.287, 5.307)), alcohol use (AOR: 3.556; 95% CI (2.212, 5.717)), frequent standing (AOR: 1.536; 95% CI (1.006, 2.346)), physical exercises (AOR: 1.938; 95% CI (1.216, 3.089)), and low monthly salary (AOR: 3.125; 95% CI (1.157, 5.441)) were factors associated with work-related upper extremity disorders. Conclusions. Work-related upper extremity disorder is common among hairdressing professionals. Worksite health promotions targeted to lifestyle behaviors, like physical exercise and alcohol consumption require urgent public health actions in Ethiopia. Moreover, adaption of flexible work postures and proper management of workplace conditions related to aging workforces are also imperative to trace the complaints.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the major threats to public health, with a significant impact on workers, employers, and the general population. Musculoskeletal disorder related to work not only results in adverse health effects such as physical injury, disability, and a reduction in workers' quality of life, but it also places immense burdens on the use of healthcare facilities and a substantial loss of productivity. The purpose of this research was to discover the prevalence and associated factors of work-related MSDs among hairdressers in Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfine, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out between March and April 2019. We included a total of 699 hairdressers with a systematic random sampling technique. Work-related MSDs was evaluated with the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal survey, and the survey was administered by the interviewer. We employed SPSS version 20 software to perform a bivariate and multivariate analysis. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered a significant association. Results: In total, 652 hairdressers were interviewed with a response rate of 93.2%. Participants' mean age was 33.19 (SD ± 9.639) years. The prevalence of work-related MSDs was 70.2% (N = 458) [95% CI (66.7, 73.9)] and 55.7% in the past 12-months and 7 days, respectively. The study showed the highest prevalence rate was observed in shoulder 53.7% (n = 350) followed by 53.4% (n = 348) neck and 53.2% (n = 347) low back. Of the participants, 33.4% (n = 153) perceived their pain to be severe whereas 28% (n = 128) a high disabling. Almost one-third (n = 187) of the respondents used healthcare services. Age [AOR = 2.73; 95% CI (2.55, 5.46)], work experience [AOR = 1.51; 95% CI (1.03, 2.20)], number of customers served per day [AOR = 2.35; 95% CI (1.35, 4.11)], and hours spent standing to make hair [AOR = 3.4; 95% CI (2.49, 7.77)] were significantly associated factors.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) caused by occupational-related factors continue to place huge burdens on global workforces. Significant numbers of workers report potential adverse health outcomes related to the condition, such as physical injury, disability, and decline in quality of life. Occupational-related MSD also poses additional burdens to healthcare services and diminishes productivity at work. The condition usually worsens in informal sectors where the work environments are often poorly designed. This paper explored occupational and physical environmental factors that induce work-related neck and/or shoulder pains among self-employed tailors in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted across-sectional survey from April to May 2019 on 422 tailors selected with systematic random sampling technique. Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to measure pains in neck and/or shoulder, and the questionnaire was pretested and administered by interviewers. Work-related factors such as working posture, rest break, training in safety and health, and the availability of adjustable chairs at workplaces were assessed. The significance of associations was set at a < 0.05 p-value and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% were used to determine strength of associations. Results: A total of 419 tailors participated with a response rate of 99.3%. The mean age and mean years of experience were 29.23 (SD ± 7.03) and 1.48 (SD ± 0.50) years, respectively. The study found that the prevalence of pain in either neck or shoulder or both sites in the last 12 months was 66.6% (N = 279) [95% CI (62.1, 71.1)]. Pains in shoulder and neck were observed in 72.1% (N = 302)[95% CI (67.8, 76.4)] and 68.3% (N = 286) [95% CI (64.0, 72.6)] of the interviewees, respectively. The majority, 78.1% (n = 218) of those with pains indicated they were prevented from doing normal daily activities. Work

BackgroundOccupational skin diseases are the second most common occupational diseases and are responsible for an estimated 25% of all lost work days. Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) comprises 70–90% of all occupational skin diseases. In Ethiopia, information about the prevalence and factors which determine developments of contact dermatitis is not recognized. The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence and factors influencing the occurrences of occupational-related contact dermatitis among healthcare workers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsWe employed a healthcare-based cross-sectional study from March to April 2018. A stratified sampling method followed by simple random sampling method was used to select 422 participants. The standardized Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. We used SPSS version 20 to conduct a binary logistic regression analysis. We set ≤ 0.05 p value to ascertain significance and 95% CI with odds ratios to evaluate the strength of associations.ResultsResponse rate was 100%. The majority, 52.4% (N = 221), were males. The mean age was 22.6 (SD ± 6.3) years. The overall prevalence of self-report occupational contact dermatitis in the previous 12 months was 31.5% (N = 133) [95% CI (27, 36.2)]. The highest symptoms indicated was redness, 28.5% (n = 38), followed by burning, 17.3% (n = 23). The hand is the most commonly affected body sites, 22% (N = 93). Hand washing frequency [AOR 1.80, 95% CI (1.10, 3.20)], pairs of hand gloves used per day [AOR 3.22, 95% CI (2.05, 5.87)], personal history of allergy [AOR 2.37, 95% CI (1.32, 4.61)], and lack of health and safety training [AOR 2.12, 95% CI (1.12, 2.25)] were factors considerably associated with contact dermatitis.ConclusionsThe prevalence of occupational-induced contact dermatitis is common among healthcare workers in Ethiopia. Therefore, our finding indicates that intervention aiming at workers’ health and safety training demands urgent public health responses to tackle the ailment. The result also demonstrates that healthcare workers should be aware of when and how hands should be washed. The number of pairs of gloves used per day should also be taken into consideration while devising prevention strategies.

BackgroundMaternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) is still the major public health problem in about 25 countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. However, the utilization of intervention strategies, like tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization remains low in these countries. In Ethiopia, only 49% of the pregnant mothers received TT2+ in 2016. This study was designed to evaluate perceptions and factors affecting the utilization of TT immunization among reproductive-age women in Dukem town, Eastern Ethiopia, 2016.MethodsWe conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from May to October 2016. A simple random sampling method was employed to select samples of 422 women. Data were collected using a, pretested semi-structured and a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. We entered data in to Epi Info version 7 and analyzed them by SPSS version 20 software. Odds ratios and a 95% CI at 0 < 0.05 p-value were calculated to ascertain the significance of associations.ResultsResponse rate was 98.6% (N = 416). Mean age with standard deviation was 29.25± 5.11 years, and average family size was 4.19. Our study showed the utilization of TT immunization was 39.2% (N = 163). Of the participants, 33.9% (N = 141) had never been vaccinated. ANC follow up service [AOR: 2.56, 95% CI: (1.18, 5.49)], distance from health facilities [AOR: 2.27, 95% CI: (1.27, 4.09)], knowing vaccination date [AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: (1.23, 3.18)], having a TV set in the house [AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: (1.11, 2.917)], maternal education [AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: (1.84, 2.30), and place of delivery [AOR: 1.19, 95% CI: (1.00, 1.43)] were factors significantly associated with the utilization of TT immunization.ConclusionsThis study indicated the utilization of TT immunization was low. ANC service follow up, distance from health facilities, knowing vaccination date, having a TV in the house, mothers’ educational status, and place of delivery were significant predictors. Our study suggests that policymakers and other stakeholders should consider the need for increasing access to maternal education, like basic adult education, ANC follow up services, providing accessible health facilities, improving varieties of communication media, promoting female occupational status, and providing appropriate vaccination cards.