UNASSIGNED: The cells of the cervical epithelial wall are the source of the malignant tumor caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) known as cervical cancer. In 2018, Ethiopia implemented the HPV vaccine specifically targeting girls aged 9-14 years. This vaccination initiative serves as an effective preventive measure against cervical cancer, provided that parents express a positive inclination to have their daughters vaccinated as part of the program.
UNASSIGNED: The aim of the study was to assess parental willingness to vaccinate their daughters against human papillomavirus and its associated factors in Woldia town, Northeast Ethiopia.
UNASSIGNED: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 parents of daughters aged 9-14 years between 10 and 25 January 2023. Respondents were selected by a systematic sampling method and a face-to-face interview was conducted to collect data. Data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariable analyses were used to examine the association between dependent and independent variables. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p-value <0.05 were used to determine statistical significance.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 410 study participants with a response rate of 99% were included in the study, and approximately 72.9% (95% CI: 68.3-77.2) of them were willing to vaccinate their daughters. This study found that parents with a family history of cervical cancer screening (AOR = 3.27, 95%; CI = 1.38-7.74), secondary and above educational status (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.29-5.73), good knowledge of the human papilloma virus vaccination (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.70-5.28), and favorable attitude toward the human papilloma virus vaccine (AOR = 4.40, 95% CI = 2.45-7.88) were significantly associated with parental willingness to vaccinate their daughters against human papilloma virus.
UNASSIGNED: In this study, most parents were willing to vaccinate their daughters against human papilloma virus. The significant determinants of parental willingness to their daughter\'s human papilloma virus vaccination were family history of cervical cancer screening, level of education, and knowledge and attitude toward the human papilloma virus vaccine. Therefore, health information regarding the human papillomavirus vaccination with an emphasis on raising community awareness should be designed.

UNASSIGNED: In Ethiopia, despite various strategies and interventions being implemented, the rate of neonatal mortality remains high. Despite numerous published articles in Ethiopia, there is a lack of sufficient data regarding the time to death and its predictors in neonatal mortality, especially in pastoral communities like the Afar region. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate neonatal mortality and its predictors among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Dubti General Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a facility-based retrospective follow-up study, involving a sample of 479 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Dubti General Hospital. Data entry was performed using Epi-Data version 4.6, and subsequent analysis was carried out using STATA version 14.1. To identify predictors of neonatal mortality, we applied the Cox-proportional hazard model.
UNASSIGNED: Out of the total, 87 neonates (18.16 %) passed away. The overall incidence of neonatal mortality was 27.2 deaths per 1000 neonate-days spent in the neonatal intensive care unit, with a 95 % confidence interval of [21.8, 34.2]. Appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration score less than or equal to 5 [AHR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.62], respiratory distress syndrome [AHR = 3.22, 95%CI: 1.71, 6.07], Neonatal hypothermia [AHR = 3.12, 95%CI: 1.31, 7.42]. No initiation of breastfeeding [AHR = 3.68, 95%CI: 1.44, 9.36], no antenatal care visits [AHR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.48] and maternal birth related complication [AHR = 2.71, 95%CI: 2.43, 11.14] are predictors.
UNASSIGNED: The mortality rate was notably high, with several factors identified as independent predictors of newborn death, including Appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration, respiratory distress syndrome, hypothermia, initiation of breastfeeding, antenatal care visits, and maternal birth-related complications. There is a pressing need for intensified programming efforts aimed at improving child survival within healthcare facilities, particularly addressing neonatal complications. Enhancing prenatal care during pregnancy and early detection and treatment of intrapartum disorders are recommended strategies for enhancing newborn health outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was predominantly studied among university students who were in their early 20s; as a result, little is known about the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and identify factors associated with premenstrual syndrome among secondary school female students in the Dessie city administration, 2023.
METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 630 participants. A structured self-administered data collection tool was used to gather the necessary information. To ensure data quality, the pretesting and training of the data collectors and supervisors were conducted. The collected data were entered into Epi-data software and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Frequency tables, graphs, means, and medians were used to describe the characteristics of the study participants. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify significant factors. Variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI) of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) in the final multivariable logistic regression were reported as statistically significant factors associated with PMS. Model fitness was evaluated using the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.
RESULTS: In the present study, the prevalence of PMS was 22%, 95% CI = 19-26%.
METHODS: Age ≥ 18 years (AOR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.86), duration of menstruation ≥ 7 days (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.25, 10.37), presence of chronic illness (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI:1.04, 4.16), coffee intake (AOR = 6.05; 95% CI: 2.05, 17.87), alcohol intake (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.86), use of pain medication (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI:1.10, 3.86), use of hormonal contraceptives (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI:1.58, 9.62), sleep disturbance (AOR = 3.82; 95% CI: 2.29, 6.42) and physical exercise (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.87) were significantly associated with PMS.
CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of students in this study were affected by premenstrual syndrome. Age, duration of menstruation, presence of chronic illness, coffee intake, use of pain medication, use of hormonal contraceptives, and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with PMS. Students should avoid excessive use of alcohol, coffee intake and use of pain medication without prescription.

UNASSIGNED: Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 infections have been sharply rising in Ethiopia, and the virus significantly increases morbidity and fatality rates in patients with coexisting chronic conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate Risk perception of patients with chronic illnesses toward the SARS-CoV-2 in northeastern Ethiopia in 2020.
UNASSIGNED: From July 21 to August 5, 2020, a cross-sectional study was carried out in a hospital setting with individuals who had chronic illnesses. The study populations included all patients with chronic conditions. The study employed multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the factors that influence patients\' evaluation of the Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 as low-risk.
UNASSIGNED: Four hundred thirteen chronic illness patients participated in this study. Overall, individuals\' perceptions of their risk of contracting the Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 were low in 37.3 % (95 % CI: 32.4-41.9). The results of multivariable analysis showed that low perception of risk towards the outcome was strongly correlated with young adults (AOR = 2.21; 95 % CI: 1.26-3.87), female sex (AOR = 2.16; 95 % CI: 1.37-3.42), and face mask nonusers (AOR = 2.17; 95 % CI: 1.35-3.49).
UNASSIGNED: According to this survey, a significant number of patients thought the pandemic posed little risk. The sense of low-risk towards the disease was independently predicted by being female, being a young adult, and not wearing face masks. Patients with chronic illnesses must get focused and enhanced health education in order to lower their elevated risk of morbidity and death.

UNASSIGNED: Time management is a widely ignored concern in all types of organizations, including the healthcare system, despite its crucial role in the achievement of personal and organizational goals. Therefore, determining the practice of time management and its associated factors among health professionals is of paramount importance.
UNASSIGNED: We aimed to assess time management practice and associated factors among health professionals working in public and private hospitals in Dessie City, Northeast Ethiopia.
UNASSIGNED: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 24 March to 24 April 24 2021 among 660 health professionals (220 from private hospitals and 440 from public hospitals), who were randomly selected using a stratified sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was run separately for public and private hospitals. A p-value of < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were reported to be statistically significant.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 615 participants responded to the survey, which resulted in a response rate of 93.2%. The magnitude of good time management practice among health professionals in both public and private hospitals was reported to be 57.1% (95% CI: 53.5-60.8%). However, the magnitude differed between public [50.1% (95% CI:45.5-54.7%)] and private hospitals [70.9% (95% CI: 63.5-76.7%)]. Living with families (AOR: 5.39, 95% CI: 1.84-15.77), satisfaction with compensation and benefits (AOR: 7.83, 95% CI: 1.97-31.16), satisfaction with work autonomy (AOR: 7.10, 95% CI: 1.94-25.95), and having a good plan (AOR: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.15-10.13) were statistically significant predictors of time management practice in private hospitals. Satisfaction with an organizational policy and strategy (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.25-4.36), performance appraisal (AOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.13-3.36), work autonomy (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.12-3.27), and the good approach of employees toward time (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.26-3.58) were statistically significant predictors of time management practice in public hospitals.
UNASSIGNED: The magnitude of a good time management practice in public and private hospitals in the study area was low. The practice was observed to be higher in private hospitals than in public hospitals. The study revealed that the magnitude and associated factors of time management practice vary between hospitals, indicating the need for targeted intervention.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice is a significant contributor to illness and death in newborns, leading to frequent admissions to neonatal intensive care units. To better understand this issue, a study was conducted to identify the factors contributing to neonatal jaundice among newborns admitted to Dessie and Woldia comprehensive specialized hospitals in northeast Ethiopia.
METHODS: The study took place from April 1 to May 30, 2022, using unmatched case-control design. A total of 320 neonates paired with their mothers were involved, including 64 cases and 256 controls. Data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and a review of medical records. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23, and a multivariate logistic regression model was employed to understand the relationship between independent factors and the occurrence of neonatal jaundice. Statistical significance was determined at a threshold of P value less than 0.05.
RESULTS: The study findings revealed that maternal age over 35 years, residing in urban areas [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23, 4.82], male gender (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.90, 9.74), prematurity (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.88, 8.09), and ABO incompatibility (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.16, 5.96) were significant determinants of neonatal jaundice. Conversely, the study indicated that cesarean birth was associated with a 76% lower likelihood of infant jaundice compared to vaginal delivery (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.72).
CONCLUSIONS: To prevent, diagnose, and treat neonatal jaundice effectively, efforts should primarily focus on managing ABO incompatibility and early detection of prematurity. Additionally, special attention should be given to neonates born through vaginal delivery, those with mothers over 35 years old, and those residing in urban areas, as they are at higher risk of developing newborn jaundice. Close monitoring of high-risk mother-infant pairs during the antenatal and postnatal periods, along with early intervention, is crucial for reducing the severity of neonatal jaundice in this study setting.

UNASSIGNED: Neonatal jaundice is a prevalent illness affecting approximately 60%-80% of newborns. In severe cases, it can result in severe neurological distress. Approximately 1.1 million neonates are affected annually on a global scale, with the vast majority living in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. It is common in newborns in the first week of life. This study aims to assess the magnitude and determinants of jaundice in newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of public hospitals in the city of Dessie in northern Ethiopia.
UNASSIGNED: An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted at the NICU at Dessie town public hospitals from 30 March to 30 April 2020. A systematic random sampling procedure was used to select the study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with mothers using a structured questionnaire and by reviewing neonatal medical records using a checklist. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of neonatal jaundice. A significance level of less than 0.05 was used to declare the statistical significance in the final model.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 218 neonates with their mothers were included in the study. The prevalence rate of neonatal jaundice was found to be 28.4%. The major associated factors for neonatal jaundice were sepsis [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 10.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.36, 43.56], preterm < 37 weeks (AOR: 6.03, 95% CI = 1.41, 25.79) low APGAR score < 7 (AOR: 7.34, 95% CI = 1.34, 39.65), ABO incompatibility (AOR: 24.55 95% CI = 1.58, 68.83), prolonged labor (AOR 9.03, 95% CI = 1.67, 48.33), and Rh incompatibility (AOR = 30.40, 95% CI = 2.01, 66.20).
UNASSIGNED: The magnitude of neonatal jaundice among neonates was determined to be high. Therefore, both maternal and neonatal factors contributed significantly to the management of neonatal jaundice and also influenced the use of phototherapy treatment. Proper consideration of these factors is crucial for the prevention and treatment of neonatal jaundice.

In comparison to other types of resilience, livelihood resilience in the context of climate-related extremes like droughts is grounded in actual-life scenarios with the purpose of carefully assessing and improving the resiliency of individuals, households, communities, and nations. This study assesses households\' livelihood resilience to droughts in Raya Kobo District. A mixed approach with a concurrent research design was used to achieve this goal. The quantitative data were collected from 354 randomly selected survey respondents, while the qualitative data were collected from purposefully chosen FGD and KI participants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models were employed to analyse the quantitative data, whereas thematic data analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data through the creation of major and sub-themes. To determine households\' livelihood resilience, the livelihood resilience index (LRI) was measured using thirty-eight indicators of resilience based on the five livelihood assets. The study identified fifteen latent dimensions, such as infrastructure, technology, water harvesting scheme, land quality, cropping season, household working capacity, farm experience, educational status, social trust, risk response, social security, support service, income, crop diversity, and assets. The average score of these latent dimensions is 0.3999, suggesting that households in the study area are less resilient. The MLR results show a positive association between the latent dimensions and LRI and the relative importance of the latent dimensions for LRI. These findings provide significant policy implications regarding mitigating vulnerability, strengthening resilience, and establishing pathways out of livelihood insecurity. Education, healthcare, road construction, agricultural inputs (pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and improved seeds), irrigation technologies (small-scale drip irrigation systems and human-powered pedals), income diversification, social trust, risk response, social security, support services, and asset building should be the focus of policymakers.

UNASSIGNED: Clinical laboratory reference intervals play a vital role in evaluating overall well-being, tracking the progression of diseases, and detecting potential harmful effects and complications. Despite evidence revealing disparities, many African nations currently rely on reference intervals for blood analysis obtained mainly from Western populations. This practice increases the risk of misidentifying and misdiagnosing healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to establish common hematological parameters reference intervals for healthy adults in Northeast Ethiopia.
UNASSIGNED: This community-based cross-sectional study consisted of 328 individuals who were presumed to be in good health. To assess their blood-related characteristics, blood samples were collected and analyzed using the advanced Dirui BF-6500 analyzer, along with serological testing. In accordance with guidelines provided by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the study employed a non-parametric approach to calculate the medians and 95% confidence intervals. To explore potential variations between males and females, a statistical test known as the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the reference intervals.
UNASSIGNED: The established reference intervals were: white blood cells 3.5-11.3×109/L; red blood cells 4.0-6.1×1012/L; hemoglobin 11.2-17.5g/dL; hematocrit 35.4-52.0%; MCV 77.9-93.8fl; MCH 24.7-32.0pg; MCHC 306-349g/L; RDW-CV 12.1-13.8% and platelet 131-391×109/L. The reference values of monocytes, eosinophils, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and RDW-CV in males were higher than females, while females had significantly higher platelet counts compared to males. The reference intervals discovered differed from the reference intervals now in use, those mentioned in earlier research in Ethiopia or other African nations, as well as those conducted on Western populations.
UNASSIGNED: In the adult demographic of Northeast Ethiopia, specific reference intervals for commonly observed hematological parameters were established, tailored to the local community. Consequently, these reference intervals hold the potential to enhance informed decision-making within this population, by providing valuable guidance when interpreting laboratory test outcomes.

UNASSIGNED: The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified viral hepatitis, caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), as one of the main global public health issues. People who work in the collection of waste materials, from either household or medical environments, are at greatest risk.
UNASSIGNED: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with HBV and HCV among medical and domestic waste handlers in Northeast Ethiopia.
UNASSIGNED: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2021 at selected healthcare facilities and municipal settings in Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia. The sample size was determined using a double population proportion formula, and a simple random sampling technique was employed to select 70 individuals in the medical waste handlers (MWHs) group and 206 in the domestic waste handlers (DWHs) group. Five milliliters of venous blood was collected from each participant and tested for HBV and HCV using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23; the prevalence was computed, Fisher\'s exact test was used, and logistic regression was applied.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 276 study participants were enrolled and the overall seroprevalence of hepatitis virus was 5.1%. The seroprevalence of HBV infection among MWHs and DWHs was 8.6% and 1.9%, respectively. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infections among MWHs and DWHs was 4.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Medical waste handling, having a history of needle stick injury, and not using personal protective equipment were factors significantly associated with HBV infection.
UNASSIGNED: The overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis was high. The prevalence of HBV infection among MWHs was in line with the high endemicity classification of the WHO, and there was a significant difference in prevalence between DWHs and MWHs. Both groups of waste handlers should receive proper attention to protect them from HBV and HCV infection.