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Public health problems related to tuberculosis (TB) remain substantial globally, particularly in resource-limited countries. Determining TB treatment outcomes and identifying contributing factors are the basic components of the TB control strategy. In Ethiopia, different studies have been done on treatment outcomes and multiple associated factors, and there is also a little information on the effect of nutritional status on TB treatment outcomes. So there is a need for comprehensive research that examines the combined effects of multiple factors along with nutritional status. A five-year institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, South West Ethiopia. This study included all tuberculosis patients who were documented in the TB registration and had known treatment outcomes at the treatment facility between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Data was collected through a pretested structured data extraction checklist. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed through SPSS version 22. Multiple logistic regression was employed to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the total 625 TB patients, 283 (45.3%), 175 (28%), and 167 (26.7%) had smear-positive, extra-pulmonary, and smear-negative tuberculosis, respectively. The majority of study participants had normal weight (62.2%), were in the age group of 15-44 (67.4%), were new cases (73.8%), and were from urban areas (69.4%). About 32.2% of cases were HIV-positive. The overall unsuccessful treatment rate was 25%. From the total unsuccessful treatment rates, the highest proportion was a death rate of 90 (14.4%), followed by a treatment failure of 56 (9%). Being female (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.5), HIV positive (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.9-4.1), undernutrition (BMI<18.5kg/m2) (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.9), and smear-negative pulmonary TB (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1-2.5) were independent predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes. The treatment success rate in the study area is very poor. Poor treatment outcomes were associated with undernutrition, female gender, HIV positivity and smear-negative pulmonary TB. So, continuous and serious supervision and monitoring of directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) program accomplishment, early detection of HIV and TB, prompt anti TB and antiretroviral treatment initiation and adherence, enhanced nutritional assessment, and counseling services need to be strengthened to improve treatment outcomes.

Dietary diversity is a useful proxy indicator of diet quality and nutrient adequacy, which plays an important role in children’s growth and development. Meeting the standard of dietary diversity remains a challenge in developing countries. In Ethiopia, including the study area, there is limited evidence on dietary diversity and associated factors in children aged 6–23 months. Minimum dietary diversity and its associated factors among children of 6–23 months. A Community -based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April 11, 2023 to May 20, 2023 among 597 study participants. Nutrition counseling was measured through various metrics such as attendance rates, client satisfaction and feedback, the number of sessions per month or year, and the duration of each session. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by structured questionnaire, and the data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 software. Later, IBM SPSS version 27 was used to perform bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. To check for multicollinearity, the variance inflation factors (VIF) were used. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to assess model fitness. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used to identify statistically significant factors at P values 0.05. The results showed that the prevalence of acceptable dietary diversity was 35.5% [95% CI 31.5, 39.7]. The study also found that factors such as equal decision-making power (AOR: 2.46, 95% CI (1, 24, 4.9)), participation in cooking demonstrations (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI (1.10, 2.363), attendance at ANC follow-ups (AOR = 5.027, 95% CI (2.02, 12.46)), have nutrition counseling (AOR = 2.450, 95% CI (1.32), 4.54), food secured family (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI (1.8, 4.06), and child growth and development-monitoring behavior (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.24, 2.6) were significantly associated with unacceptable dietary diversity. The study found that factors such as equal decision-making power, participation in cooking demonstrations, ANC follow-ups, nutrition counseling, food security, and monitoring child growth significantly influence dietary diversity. It recommends implementing strategies to promote dietary diversity and health for children aged 6–23 months, providing nutritional information to lactating mothers, and empowering mothers to alleviate food insecurity through home gardening.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is increasingly recognized as a global public health challenge. Continuous monitoring of the prevalence of MDR-TB and its associated factors is crucial for the effective control and management of this disease. While alarming rates of MDR-TB have been reported in various parts of Ethiopia, data from rural health settings like Wolkite Health Center remain limited and underexplored. We aim to assess the prevalence of MDR-TB and its associated factors among tuberculosis (TB) patients at Wolkite Health Center. A three-year institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Wolkite Health Center, in the central Ethiopian region, Ethiopia. We have included all tuberculosis patients recorded in the tuberculosis (TB) registration form from February 4, 2021, to December 31, 2023. Data collection was carried out using a pretested structured data extraction checklist. Epidata version 3.1 and SPSS version 22 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 452 TB cases were included in our study. Of the total TB cases, around 10.4% (47/452) were rifampicin-resistant(RR) TB. Approximately 28.1% (127 out of 452) of the participants reported having been infected with TB at some point in their lifetime. The prevalence of RR TB remains relatively stable, with rates of 10.2% (15 out of 147 cases) in 2021, 8.7% (13 out of 149 cases) in 2022, and 12.2% (19 out of 156 cases) in 2023. Variables such as age, history of previous TB, and HIV status were found to be significantly associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis. Previous TB diseases were 5.1 times [AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: (2.5–10.1)], and HIV-positive TB cases were 6.6 times [AOR = 6.6, 95% CI: (3.5–9.7)] more likely to develop RR TB, whereas young adults aged 18 to 34 have a 95% lower risk of developing rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis compared to older adults over 60 years old [AOR = 0.05, 95% CI: (0.02–0.26)]. As a conclusion, over the three-year period from 2021 to 2023, there is no significant change in the prevalence of RR-TB. The significant association of previous TB treatment, HIV status, and age with drug resistance highlights the need for targeted interventions and comprehensive care strategies.

The prevalence of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is on the rise in Ethiopia, necessitating effective management and preventive strategies. A crucial aspect of combating EPTB is the continuous identification of its contributing factors and monitoring its prevalence. So, this study aims to assess the magnitude of EPTB and identify associated factors among tuberculosis-suspected patients at Wolkite University Specialized Hospital in Central Ethiopia. An institution-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to August 31, 2024, in Wolkite University Specialized Hospital (WKUSH) in Ethiopia. A total of 400 presumptive EPTB cases were included in the study using a convenience sampling technique. Samples of body fluid like cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, and pus (abscess) were collected and processed by Xpert MTB/RIF assay. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, residence, marital status, and clinical data like HIV status, history of pulmonary tuberculosis, and other comorbidities. Data were entered through Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics like frequency and percentage were calculated. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to determine the presence of a statistically significant association between independent variables and EPTB status. Statistical significance was declared at p-value ≤ 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. About 29.5% (118/400) of the participants were HIV positive, while about 33.7% (135/400) of the total participants had chronic illnesses other than HIV/AIDS. Our study found that the overall prevalence of EPTB detected by the Xpert MTB/RIF assay was 18.8% (75/400) among all presumptive EPTB cases. The most common forms of EPTB identified were pleural tuberculosis (23%), followed by TB lymphadenitis (20%) and bone tuberculosis (20%). Participants who were HIV positive (AOR = 16.3, 95% CI 8.5–33.0) and those with a prior history of pulmonary TB (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI 2.5–13.2) were more likely to be EPTB positive compared to HIV-negative participants and those without a history of pulmonary TB. The overall prevalence of EPTB is high in Wolkite University Specialized Hospital. EPTB were found to be significantly associated with being HIV positive and having a history of pulmonary TB. So, early screening for EPTB, along with evaluating the factors associated with the risk of EPTB in suspected patients, is essential for prompt treatment. This approach is crucial to reduce the severity, mortality, and morbidity associated with the disease.

Background and Aims Foodborne illnesses are widespread in both developed and developing countries. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data about food hygiene practices among food handlers in public catering establishments in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Consequently, this research seeks to evaluate the extent of food hygiene practices and the associated factors among food handlers in public food and beverage establishments in Mizan‐Aman town, Southwest Ethiopia, in 2023. Methodology This study employed an institution‐based cross‐sectional design involving 372 food handlers. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique from individuals employed at randomly chosen public food catering establishments. The data were subsequently entered into Epi Data Version 3.02 and exported to SPSS Version 20 for further analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Variables with a p‐value of less than 0.25 were included in a multiple binary logistic regression model. Significant factors were ultimately determined based on a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p‐value of less than 0.05. Results The prevalence of good food hygiene practices among food handlers working in public food and drink establishments in the study area was 64.6%. An average monthly income of ≥ 1100 ETB (AOR = 5.22; 95% CI = 2.40–11.34, p‐value < 0.001), attendance at training (AOR = 4.21; 95% CI = 1.74–10.17, p‐value = 0.001), and the availability of a separate dressing room (AOR = 4.89; 95% CI = 1.88, 12.72, p‐value = 0.001) were significantly associated with good food hygiene practices. Conclusion This study showed the prevalence of good food hygiene practices among food handlers who work in public food and drink establishments in Mizan‐Aman town was low. The variables such as average monthly income of ≥ 1100 ETB, ever attended training on food hygiene, and having a separate dressing room in the facility were significantly associated factors for good food hygiene practice in the study area.

Background: Globally, hypertension is becoming a serious problem affecting the health and wellbeing of the adult population. Anthropometric indices like body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) have long been utilized to screen hypertension; in contrast, other evidence indicates the superior utility of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) to screen hypertension. There are inconclusive results from different studies done in different settings regarding the best screening index for hypertension. In addition, there is a paucity of information on the evaluation of anthropometric indices for screening hypertension in the study area. Therefore, this study evaluates the utility of anthropometric indices for screening hypertension among Mizan Tepi University employees, southwestern Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Mizan Tepi University employees. A gender-based stratifed simple random sampling technique was used to select 585 employees. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between anthropometric indices and hypertension. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was employed to evaluate anthropometric indices for screening hypertension, and optimal cutoff points were also developed based on Youden index (sensitivity + specificity--1) and presented with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV). Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 20.9%, which was 22.5% in males and 18.7% in females. Among males, WHtR, WHR, and BMI were significantly associated with hypertension, while, in females, only BMI was associated with hypertension. WHtR had a higher screening ability for hypertension followed by WC in both sexes. For males, the cutoff point for WHR, WC, BMI, and WHtR for screening hypertension was 0.897, 85.17cm, 24.6kg/[m.sup.2], and 0.51, respectively. In females, the cutoff point developed for screening hypertension for WHR, WC, BMI, and WHtR were 0.92, 85.67cm, 24.8kg/[m.sup.2], and 0.52, respectively. Conclusion: The waist-to-height ratio was found to be the best obesity index to screen hypertension than BMI, WC, and WHR. The finding supports the use of WHtR for screening hypertension in resource-limited settings. Keywords: obesity, WHtR, BMI, WHR, WC

Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) programmes have been implemented for decades in almost all countries. Despite this long history of implementation, GMP has been criticised for being ineffective, calling for a rethink of the programme. With a view of contributing evidence towards the redesign of GMP, we conducted a qualitative evaluation of the programme in various contexts of Ethiopia. We conducted focus‐group discussions (FGDs; n  = 28) and key informant interviews (KIIs; n  = 193) with programme managers, service providers and caregivers beneficiaries. Supply‐side, service delivery, and barriers hindering effective coverage were identified. Lack of functional weighing scales, budget constraints, limited transportation facilities, overlap of interventions, and the low motivation and performance of health workers were identified as main barriers affecting the quality‐of‐service delivery. The benefits of participating in GMP were not always clear to beneficiaries. Competing priorities like household chores, long travel distances to health centres, and in some contexts culturally insensitive practices deterred participation. Although GMP can serve as an entry point for mainstreaming nutrition into universal health coverage (UHC), the programme would need to be redesigned and supported by adequate supply, resources (financial and human), planning, and quality service delivery that is contextual and culturally sensitive. Supply and resource constraints along with the work overload and the low motivation and performance of health workers affect the quality of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) service delivery. Caregivers did not always see the benefit of GMP. GMP sessions were avoided by child caregivers due to competing priorities like household chores, the long travel distances to health centres, and the fear of being judged by others. Malnutrition screening is undermined by a systemic failure to ensure diagnosed children receive the subsequent services and support they desperately need. GMP programme should be redesigned and be supported by adequate supply, resources (financial and human), planning, and quality service delivery that is contextual and culturally sensitive.

BackgroundGender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global issue that transcends cultural, economic and educational boundaries, with an exceptionally high prevalence among refugees. Despite extensive research on GBV in Ethiopia, evidence of its occurrence in refugee settings remains limited.ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence and contributing factors of GBV among reproductive-age women in the Okugu Refugee Camp, Gambella, Ethiopia.Study designA facility-based cross-sectional study.ParticipantsThis study analysed 416 reproductive-age women living in Okugu Refugee Camp.SettingThe study was conducted in the Okugu Refugee Camp from 15 March to 30 May 2023.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe study’s primary outcome was gender-based violence, while the secondary outcome focused on the factors influencing it.ResultA total of 422 reproductive-age women participated in the study, with a response rate of 98.6%. The prevalence of gender-based violence was 64.4% (95% CI: 59% to 69%). Among the participants, 51.9% experienced physical violence, while 34.9% had a history of sexual violence. Factors, illiterate women (AOR=2.73, 95% CI: 1.509 to 4.942), those who had lived in the camp for more than 4 years (AOR=3.24, 95% CI: 1.964 to 5.372), women who did not discuss sexual intercourse with their family or intimate partner (AOR=4.7, 95% CI: 2.83 to 7.80) and women who consumed alcohol (AOR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.69) were at significantly higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence.ConclusionGender-based violence in the study area was highly prevalent. Key determinants included illiteracy, alcohol consumption, lack of discussion and prolonged stay in the camp. Stakeholders should prioritise interventions such as promoting female education, fostering open discussions and addressing substance use to mitigate gender-based violence in the refugee camp.

Background The under-five mortality rate is a reliable indicator of a country’s general level of development and the wellbeing of its children. Life expectancy is a good indicator of a population’s standard of living. Objectives To identify Socio-demographic and Environmental determinants of under-five child mortality in Ethiopia. Methods A national representative cross sectional study and a quantitative study were conducted among 5753 households selected based on 2019 Mini-Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS-2019) data. The analysis was done using STATA version 14 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used. To assess the determinants of under-five child mortality in multivariate analysis, p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant, and odds ratios with 95% CI (confidence interval) were used. Results A total of 5,753 children were included in the study. Sex of the head of the household being female (AOR = 2:350, 95% CI: 1.310, 4.215), the U5CM for being their mother were currently married (AOR = 2:094, 95% CI: 1.076, 4.072), The odds of U5CM was less by 80% (AOR = 1.797, 95% CI: 1.159–2.782) with the number of under-five children at the household born 2-4th order as compared to those children born on the first order. For the mothers visit anti natal care four and above visit (AOR = 1:803, 95% CI: 1.032, 3.149), for the way of delivery (AOR = 0:478, 95% CI: 0.233, 0.982). Conclusion Multivariate logistic analysis reflected that way of delivery, mothers had being currently marred, sex of the head of the household and number of antenatal care visit were found to be significant predictors of under-five child mortality. So, government policy, nongovernmental organizations, and all concerned bodies should be focused on the major determinants of under-five child mortality and put in a lot more effort to reduce under-five child mortality.