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Background: Despite the implementation of high-impact interventions, both acute and chronic childhood malnutrition has continued to be a critical public health concerns in Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to assess the spatial distributions of underweight and associated factors among 6-59 month old children in 18 urban and 34 rural areas of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 11,004 households from June to July 2019. Nutritional status of 11,004 children was evaluated by calculating weight-for-age anthropometric index and categorized into three groups namely severely underweight (< -3.0 z scores), moderately underweight (-3.0 to -2.01 z scores) and normal (> -2.0 z scores). An ordinal logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of underweight. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the association between independent variables and underweight. Spatial clustering of underweight was determined using SATSCAN and GIS softwares. Results: The overall prevalence of underweight was found to be 21.16% (95% CI = 19.54-22.86%). Of these 25.65% (95% CI = 22.2029.21%) and 74.35% (95% CI = 72.34-76.46%) were severely and moderately underweight, respectively. Children whose mothers lived in rural areas (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.11-1.49), severe households food insecurity (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.07-1.54), had fever (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.11-1.48), had diarrhea (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.08-1.49), had cough (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.34) and male (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.17-1.40) were more likely to be underweight. Moreover, children whose mothers had college or above education were less likely to be underweight than children whose mothers had no education (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.37-0.62). Conclusion: The burden of underweight among under-five children from Tigray was unacceptably high. In order to reduce the burden of underweight in the region, improving household level food insecurity, prevention of common childhood illnesses, maternal education and age appropriate feeding are recommended. Keywords: underweight, ordinal logistic, spatial distribution, rural, urban, Tigray

In large food establishments, food is handled by many individuals, thereby increasing the chances of contamination leading to foodborne illness. Foodborne illness is a major public health problem worldwide. Improper practice, a poor attitude, and a lack of knowledge by food handlers are its contributing factors. The purpose of this study was to assess food handlers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of food safety, as well as the microbiological quality of food served in food service establishments in Mohoni District, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 343 randomly selected participants from January to May 2020. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered, pretested questionnaire and through observation. The quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Software Version 25. Furthermore; forty-one (41) food samples were aseptically collected from 10% of the total food establishments included in the present study and tested for their microbiological quality. Food handlers had a good level of knowledge (73.8%) and a positive attitude (64.4%) but poor hygienic practices (57.7%). Sex (AOR = 3.812, 95% CI = 2.184–6.6530), secondary education (AOR = 4.472, 95% CI = 1.318–17.053), and diploma and above levels (AOR = 8.672, 95% CI = 2.239–33.592) were associated with the knowledge of study participants toward food safety. Work experience of at least 4 years (AOR = 2.094, CI = 1.286–3.409) was also significantly associated with food handlers’ attitudes toward food safety. There were significant associations between sex (AOR = 6.477, 95% CI = 3.692–11.362), marital status (AOR = 0.257, 95% CI = 0.085–0.773), secondary education level (AOR = 4.947, 95% CI = 1.108–22.086), and diploma and higher education level (AOR = 13.126, 95% CI = 2.799–61.567), and the level of food handling practices. Furthermore, the microbial count of food samples was generally higher than the permissible limits of food safety standards. Food handlers’ food safety knowledge and attitude did not result in good food safety practices, which resulted in unacceptable food quality. Thus, due attention should be given to improve food handling practices through regular supervision of the food establishments and providing continuous training for food service employees.

BackgroundIndustrialisation in Ethiopia is gaining momentum, with the objective of transforming the traditional, agriculture-dependent economy. However, occupational health and safety is not in place to address health risks.ObjectiveThus, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of occupational exposure to noise, heat and associated factors among Metehara sugarcane factory workers.MethodTo this effect, a cross-sectional study was employed involving 552 workers and using stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected by a pre-tested, structured, interview-administered questionnaire and hazard and risk analysis checklist. Noise levels were measured by hand-held, model HD600 sound level meters. Heat levels were assessed using “heat stress (HT) 30” area heat stress monitors. Data were entered into Epi Info 7 software and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis.ResultsThe results show that 418 (75.7%) and 243 (44%) workers were exposed to excessive heat and noise, respectively. Lack of labour inspections and safety audits, lack of personal protective equipment, absence of job rotation and job dissatisfaction were associated significantly with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) at 6.74 (2.65, 7.12), 6.62 (2.48, 7.62), 2.13 (1.35, 3.36), 2.44 (1.31, 4.53) and 5.4 (3.22, 9.06), respectively. Occupational exposure to heat and noise were found to exceed occupational exposure limits. Hence, the prevention of occupational exposure targeted at the identified factors is crucial.

BackgroundOccupational exposure to bagasse dust is known to pose direct and indirect costs to workers. However, the paucity of information on the extent of occupational exposure to sugarcane workers in Ethiopia is a challenge. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the magnitude of occupational exposure to bagasse dust and associated factors.Study area and periodThe study was conducted at Metehara Sugarcane Factory from February 15–May 15, 2017.Study designA cross-sectional study design was employed among 552 participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. In addition, the DustTrak™ Aerosol Monitor, CELL-880, brand name Casella, was used to measure exposure. Then, the data were entered and cleaned using Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Finally, the crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted OR (AOR), together with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were computed. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant in this study.ResultsLack of labor inspections and safety audits, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), absence of job rotation, absence of ventilation, weekly working hours and job dissatisfaction were significantly associated, with AOR = 6.12 (2.52, 7.48), 7.17 (4.05, 8.87), 1.96 (1.27, 3.02), 3.63 (2.28, 5.78), 5.9 (3.64, 9.56), 6.34 (3.79, 10.62) and 2.19 (1.05, 4.57), respectively.ConclusionsLack of safety audits and labor inspections, lack of PPE, absence of job rotation, absence of ventilation and current job dissatisfaction were found to be predictors of occupational exposure to bagasse dust. Hence, the identified factors should be considered to minimize exposure of sugarcane factory workers to bagasse dust.

BackgroundEarly diagnosis and treatment of malaria should take place within 24 h of the onset of symptoms. However, delay in malaria diagnosis and treatment is a major problem in Ethiopia. A paucity of information on the magnitude and associated factors is aggravating the problem.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess the delay in malaria diagnosis and treatment and respective determinants in rural communities of Oromia Special Zone, Ethiopia, to generate information to improve diagnosis and treatment.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 14 February to 21 April 2017. A structured questionnaire was prepared in English by reviewing the literature and translated into the local language (Afan Oromo). To assure the quality of data, the questionnaire was pre-tested. Logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with delay. Then, all explanatory variables associated with the outcome variable in bivariate analysis were included in multivariable analysis.ResultsA total of 394 respondents were included in the study with 100% response rate. Of the participants, 241 (61%) did not seek diagnosis and treatment on time. Households located more than 5 km away from a health facility (AOR = 4.18; 2.82–6.22; p < 0.001) were more likely to experience delay in diagnosis and treatment. Those respondents who had knowledge about the prevention of malaria were less likely to experience delay. In addition, respondents who had no history of death from malaria among their family members were more likely to delay (AOR = 2.5; 1.27–5.05; p = 0.008). Alcohol users were more likely to be late seeking a diagnosis and treatment than those who did not drink alcohol (AOR = 5.55; 3.53–8.73; p < 0.001).ConclusionDistance from the health facility, history of death from malaria in the family and alcohol use were associated with delay. However, knowledge about malaria prevention and control was a protective factor. Therefore, service providers might focus on the identified factors for early diagnosis and treatment.

It is estimated that about 1.2 billion people, mostly in arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and Africa, live in regions where water is physically scarce. Recently, rainwater harvesting and more effective water storage are suggested as important means for investment to cope against water scarcity and as an adaption to climate change. Cognizant of this fact, contribution of atmospheric deposition contaminant to rainwater harvesting systems, in the semi-arid city of Mekelle was investigated at four locations (industrial, commercial, traffic and residential areas). A total of 24 bulk samples were collected during the rainy season from May to September 2014. Physicochemical water quality analysis was performed following standard protocols. The results revealed that alkaline pH (6.95–10.29) was recorded in all the locations, with a mean pH of 8.11. The major ions analysis indicated the dominance of bicarbonates and carbonate types and to some extent sulfate and chloride type mixtures justifying the source of alkaline pH. Mean concentrations of ions follow the order of SO 4 2− > Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > CI − > NO 3 − > Na + > NH 4 + > K. Correlation between SO 4 2− and NO 3 − ( r  = 0.436), and Mg 2+ and K + ( r  = 0.707) suggested their anthropogenic and crustal origin, respectively, while the correlation between NH 4 + with Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ascribed their role in alkalization of the rainwater. Moreover, principal component analysis showed spatiotemporal variation of atmospheric bulk components in the study area. Thus, this primary investigation demonstrated that atmospheric bulk deposition might pose public health risk due to poor rainwater quality in Mekelle city. Therefore, development of rainwater harvesting systems for semi-arid urban centers should be supplemented with low-cost water treatment technologies.