BackgroundDental caries is the most common dental health problem caused by the interaction of bacteria on tooth enamel. Risk factors for dental caries include salivary composition and inadequate fluoride. However, other factors, such as standard of living, behavior, hygiene, eating habits, social status and socio-demographic factors, also contribute to the evolution of caries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among patients attending the dental clinic in Debre Tabor General Hospital in North West Ethiopia.MethodAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 systematically selected patients attending Debre Tabor General Hospital dental clinic from May 8–20, 2017. The data were collected using pre-tested questionnaire and oral examination by a qualified dental professional. Basic hygienic procedures were observed during an oral examination. The teeth were examined for dental caries by the presence of decay, missing and filled teeth. The data were entered into Epi-Info version 3.5 and cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive summary of the data and logistic regression were used to identify possible predictors using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P-value of 0.05.ResultsA total of 280 subjects participated in the study; among whom 129 (46.1%) were female and nearly two-thirds of the respondents 208 (74.3%) attended formal education. The study revealed k8that the overall prevalence of dental caries was 78.2%. Dental caries was lower among respondents who had good oral hygiene status (AOR = 0.05, 95% CI, 0.02, 0.81). Dental caries was higher among participants who earned less than 5000 Eth Birr per month (AOR = 8.43, 95% CI, 2.6, 27.2). Dental caries was lower among respondents who had good knowledge (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI, 0.03, 0.64).ConclusionsPrevalence of dental caries was high and found public health problem. Socioeconomic status, educational level, and poor oral hygiene practices were associated factors for dental caries. Health promotion about oral hygiene and integration of services are supremely important for the prevention of the problem of dental caries.

BackgroundThe estimated HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Ethiopia is 1.2 percent and unfortunately one of every 3 children born to these women gets infected with HIV. Elimination of these mother-to-child transmissions (MTCT) of HIV is possible through HIV testing during pregnancy and taking antiretroviral medications. However, only 24 percent of the pregnant women living with HIV have yet received the medication needed to prevent the transmission of HIV. Hence, there exists a concern that the rate of HIV infection among infants born to HIV positive mothers is increasing. This study assessed the prevalence of HIV infection and associated factors among infants born to women living with HIV, in South Gondar zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia.MethodsFacility based document review was conducted upon 434 charts. The study participants were HIV exposed infants enrolled from January to December 2012. The data were reviewed from all the 17 health facilities which were providing PMTCT services in the zone. The study included 434 HIV exposed infants having an HIV Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result. The data were collected using structured data extraction tool. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the putative association of independent variables with the outcome variable. Significance was taken at a P value <0.05 and 95% confidence level.ResultThe prevalence of HIV among HIV exposed infants was 10.1% (95% CI = 7.3 - 13%). Delayed diagnosis (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.3, 29.4), mixed infant feeding (AOR = 8.8, 95% CI = 4.5, 22.8), failure to receive either antiretroviral therapy or prophylaxis during pregnancy or breast feeding (AOR = 21.6, 95% CI = 14.5, 39.8) and shorter duration of HIV treatment (AOR = 12, 95% CI = (4.2, 45.0) were the factors that increase the risk of mother- to- child transmission of HIV.ConclusionThe prevalence of HIV infection among HIV exposed infants is strikingly high. Inadequate use of antiretroviral therapy and skilled delivery care were the factors that enhance mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Integrated and audience specific education and promotion for seeking obstetric care and HIV services is instrumental to curb the devastating consequences of HIV on pregnant women and their newborns

Background. Diarrheal diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. One of the national initiatives to reduce its burden is an implementation of an open-defecation-free program. However, information related to the comparison of diarrheal diseases among residents in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free. Hence, this study assessed the magnitude of diarrheal diseases among residents in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free areas of Farta District, North Central Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 758 households (378 in open-defecation-free and 380 in non-open-defecation-free kebeles) who have under-five children using a structured questionnaire. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with diarrheal diseases in the district. Results. Overall, 29.9% of children had diarrheal diseases in the last two weeks prior to the study. The magnitude of diarrheal diseases among under-five children living in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free residents was 19.3% and 40.5%, respectively. Lack of functional handwashing facilities (AOR: 11, 95% CI (8.1–29.6)), improper excreta disposal (AOR: 3.84, 95% CI (2.15–5.65)), and residing in non-open-defecation-free areas (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI (1.72–3.23)) were factors associated with diarrheal diseases. Conclusions. The prevalence of diarrhea among children residing in open-defecation-free areas was lower than that among children those who resided in non-open-defecation-free areas. Lack of functional handwashing facilities, residing in non-open-defecation-free areas, and improper excreta disposal were significantly associated with diarrheal diseases in the district. Strengthening health promotion on non-open defecation, maintaining functional handwashing facilities, and preparing additional handwashing facilities are necessary. Continuous engagement of the community health extension workers is recommended, sustaining the implementation of open-defecation-free programs in the district.

Background Sunlight exposure serves an important purpose in human bodies. It promotes good health and plays a major role in the production of the very essential vitamin, vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the growth of healthy, normal bones. Research conducted in different areas suggested that daily exposure to sunshine remains the cheapest, safest, and most effective method of preventing rickets. Objective To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of infants to sunlight exposure among lactating women in Farta district, in 2018. MethodInstitution based cross sectional study design was conducted among mothers attending the selected health center. Systematic sampling method was used to select individual respondents. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. ResultAmong 357 respondents identified for the study, 95% (n = 339) was responding to the interview. Of the total respondents, 49.9%, 46%, and 45.7% of them had poor knowledge, unfavorable attitude, and poor practice about sunlight exposure, respectively. Conclusion and recommendation The results of this study showed that almost half of the mothers had inadequate knowledge, attitude, and inadequate practice about sunlight exposure. Therefore, mothers need to be educated about the importance of sunlight exposure.

Aim This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practice of pregnant women attending specialist antenatal clinics (ANCs) concerning malaria, ITN (insecticide-treated net) utilization and antimalarial treatment. Subjects and methods The study recruited 225 women who voluntarily presented at ANCs in Jimma town, Ethiopia. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered. Results A great majority (98.2%; 221/225) of the respondents were aware of malaria. Among them, 77.4% (174/225) indicated mosquito bites as a mode of malaria transmission. Overall, 94.3% (212/225) and 98.3% (221/225) of pregnant women had knowledge about ITNs and antimalarials, respectively. Overall, 76.8% (173/225) and 57.4% (129/ 225) of the study participants erroneously indicated mosquito bites and stagnant water as causes of malaria, respectively. In general, the majority of pregnant women were unable to distinguish between malaria transmission and cause. Chi-square analysis revealed a strong association between the educational status of the pregnant women and their daily usage of ITNs (P=0.001; χ 2 =22.9; df=8). Conclusion The results clearly suggest that although the majority of the pregnant women had ample awareness of malaria, ITN usage and antimalarial treatment, a sizable faction still had misconceptions and misunderstandings. Therefore, appropriate communication strategies should be designed and implemented among the marginalized and most vulnerable section of society, especially through health education campaigns, in order to have a constructive outcome in the near future.