IntroductionImproper positioning, attachment, and suckling are constructs for ineffective breastfeeding technique (IBT). IBT results in inadequate intake of breast milk, which leads to poor weight gain, stunting, and declines immunity. Besides, IBT increases the risk of postpartum breast problems. Despite its impact on maternal and child health, breastfeeding technique is not well studied in Ethiopia. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of IBT and associated factors among lactating mothers attending public health facilities of South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia. Materials and methodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 lactating mothers attending public health facilities of South Ari district from March 1-29, 2019. A structured observational checklist and interviewer-administered questionnaires were used. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were carried out using binary logistic regression to assess the association between explanatory variables and IBT. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. ResultsOverall, the prevalence of IBT was 63.5% [95% confidence interval (CI); 59.0%, 68.0%]. Having no formal education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.0, 95% CI: 2.3, 10.5], delivering at home [AOR: 4.5; 95% CI; 1.6, 13.1], having breast problems [AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.7], being primiparous [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.2], not receiving counseling during pregnancy and postnatal period [AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.9 and AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.1 respectively] were significantly associated with IBT.

Background: Birth weight is one of the major determinants of perinatal survival, infant morbidity, and mortality. There are only few published reports on assessment of low birth weight in Ethiopia and the determinants of low birth weight have not been well characterized. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess determinants of low birth weight among live birth newborns delivered at public hospitals in Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based case control study was conducted from February 25 to April 25, 2018 and consecutively selected 60 cases and 240 controls were enrolled in this study. The data were collected using face-to-face interview and review of medical records. Moreover, we have measured the newborns’ birth weight using a standard weight scale and mother’s mid-upper arm circumference using a standard World Health Organization mid-upper arm circumference measuring tape. Statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 300 newborns were included in the study. Late antenatal care booking (adjusted odds ratio = 1.87, confidence interval = [1.32–2.6]), birth interval <2 years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.385, confidence interval = [0.176–0.83]), anemia (adjusted odds ratio = 4.4, confidence interval = [1.84–10.5]), mid-upper arm circumference <23 cm (adjusted odds ratio = 7.99, confidence interval = [3.5–20.3]), nutritional counseling (adjusted odds ratio = 5.85, confidence interval = [2.14–14.8]), and husband smoking (adjusted odds ratio = 4.73; confidence interval = [1.42–15.7]) were found to be determinant factors of low birth weight. Conclusion: Most of the determining factors of low birth weight were preventable. Therefore, clinical and public health interventions should target on those determinant factors to prevent its adverse effects.

Background: The postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) is an effective, reliable, safe and recommended contraceptive method for the postpartum women. However, only a small proportion of women who gave birth at health facilities in the world have used it. There are limited studies about determinants of PPIUCD utilization. Therefore, this study aimed to assess determinants of postpartum IUCD utilization among mothers who gave birth in Gamo zone health facilities, southern Ethiopia. Methods: A facility based unmatched case-control study was done at Gamo zone public health facilities, southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire from March 1 to April 15, 2019. The data were coded, cleaned and entered into Epi-Info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for advanced analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify the determinants of PPIUCD utilization. Results: A total of 510 (175 cases and 335 controls) participants were involved in the study yielding a response rate of 95.1%. Partner support for IUCD insertion (AOR [95% CI]: 10 [4.03, 24.3]), birth interval (AOR [95% CI]: 9.7 [1.7, 55.1]), fertility plan (AOR [95% CI]: 4 [1.44, 10.84]), and timing of counseling (AOR [95% CI]:1.25 [0.034, 0.46]) are the determinant factors for postpartum IUCD. Conclusion and Recommendation: Birth interval, fertility plan, timing of counseling, pregnancy plan and partner support were the determinant factors identified in this study. Therefore, counseling of both partners during antenatal follow-up, delivery and immediately after delivery by health professionals are recommended.

Introduction:- Significant numbers of women are giving birth at home; in this case community based newborn care is a means of bringing life-saving care to mothers and newborns at the community level. However, practice is challenging within the Ethiopian health system. Objective:- The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of community based newborn care practices and its associated factors among women who gave birth at home in Amaro Woreda, southern Ethiopia, 2019. Methods:- Across-sectional study was conducted on 490 women in the reproductive age groups of 15-49 in Amaro district and by using simple random sampling technique individual was recruited. Data collected through face-to-face interview at household level. EpiData version 3.1 statistical software was used for entry and SPSS version 20 for was used for data cleaning, management and analysis. Bi-variate and multivariate logistic regression analysis employed for analysis of factors associated with Community based newborn care practices. Results:- A total 490 of study participants were included in the analysis and only 29% practiced community based essential newborn care. Educational status of father [AOR=2.28; 95%CI:1.07-4.84] & mother [AOR=0.35; 95%CI: 0.16-0.75], last delivery assisted by relative/friends [AOR=3.58; 95%CI: 1.66-7.73], having awareness about Community based newborn care [AOR=3.49; 95%CI: 2.11-5.77], awareness about newborn danger sign [AOR=2.18; 95%CI: 1.29-3.68] and having birth preparedness and complication readiness plan [AOR=3.52; 95%CI: 1.97-6.29] were an identified independent factors associated with Community based newborn care Practice. Conclusion and recommendation:- Around three-fourth (71%) of mothers were not practicing Community based newborn care. Educational status of family, awareness about community based newborn care and newborn danger sign, last delivery assisted by relative or friends at home, and having birth preparedness and complication readiness plan were identified as independent factors for community based newborn care practice. Promotion of information at community level, women empowerment and health extension program strengthening are recommending.

There is growing evidence suggesting that young people in school are practicing risky sexual behaviors. Ethiopian people aged 10 to 24 years have emerged as the segments of the population most vulnerable to a broad spectrum of serious sexual health problems. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among preparatory school students in Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia. An institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 465 study participants from April 20 to June 2, 2018. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done using binary logistic regression. In this study, 22.4% (95%CI: 18.6%, 26.2%) of study participants had risky sexual behaviors. Marital status, education and occupational status of the father, occupation of the mother, watching pornographic movies, drinking alcohol, using hashish/shisha and knowledge about HIV/AIDS were significantly associated with odds (AOR=3.

Background Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) refers to an amniotic fluid that is green in color or mixed with meconium. MSAF leads to a serious maternal complication that increases the likelihood of operative delivery and poses a hazard to the fetus or the neonate. This in turn enhances the chances of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. So, the identification of determinants helps to breach this vicious cycle. The current study aimed to assess the determinants of MSAF. Methods An institution-based, unmatched case-control study with a sample size of 363 participants (121 cases and 242 controls) was conducted on mothers who gave birth at Hadiya zone public hospitals between March and April 2020. A proportionate distribution was made to each facility depending on the volume of patients, and cases and control mothers were chosen sequentially. The data was gathered through in-person interviews and secondary data extraction. In multivariable logistic regression, variables with (p < 0.25) in bivariate analysis were included. After multivariable logistic regression was finished, statistical significance was declared at (p < 0.05). Results A total of 121 cases and 242 controls were included in this study Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age ≥ 41 week (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.02–11.63), premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.98–6.93) obstructed labor (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.15–7.33) preeclampsia (AOR = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.29–13.35) and non-reassuring fetal heart rate (AOR = 6.75, 95% CI: 3.45–13.19) were significantly associated with MSAF. Conclusion Advanced gestational age, an early membrane rupture, an obstructed labor, preeclampsia, and non-reassuring fetal heart rate all increase the incidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid in laboring mothers. Making every effort to prevent, identify, and treat those obstetric determinants as early as feasible should be taken into consideration throughout follow-up of pregnancy, labor, and delivery could assist to lower the incidence of MSAF.

Introduction: Unintended pregnancies and unplanned births can have serious health, economic, and social consequences for women and their families. The immediate outcome of some unintended pregnancies is induced abortion which is unsafe in many countries that have highly restrictive abortion laws. In these countries, abortion often damages women’s health and sometimes results in their death. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 420 study participants were recruited. Simple random sampling was used to draw participants; the collected data were entered into EPI- Data version (7.9.0.) and then exported to SPSS Version 20.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were carried out, Odds ratio with 95% CI were calculated. Result: the prevalence of unintended pregnancy was found to be 30.2%. Multiple logistic regression results showed that the previous history of abortion (AOR=8.262; 95%CI=3.692, 18.489), not discussing the sexual reproductive health (SRH) issues with their husband (AOR=3.086; 95%CI=1.830, 5.205) age of the last child less than three years (AOR=1.870; 95%CI=1.100, 3.179) were significantly associated with unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: This study shown that the prevalence of unintended pregnancy is high in the study area, hence, strengthening the provision of post abortion services, counseling on long term family planning services and male involvement in all reproductive health services are highly recommended.