Explore the vast range of titles available.

Optimizing women's health and knowledge of preconception healthcare before conceiving a pregnancy decreases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, preconception health care is one of the missing pillars in the continuum of maternal and child health care in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge of pre-conception health, its relation to planned pregnancy, parity, family planning use, and education among married women in Southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 337 married women recruited from March 25 to April 30, 2018 in Jinka town. A simple random sampling technique was employed and the data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis involved calculating frequencies, percentages, and logistic regression. Associations were assessed using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with statistical significance determined at a p-value < 0.05. The overall women's preconception health care knowledge score in this study was 55.2%, which is a moderate score. In multivariable analyses, women's secondary level of education [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.13-4.87], family planning use [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.37-4.87], planned pregnancy [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.35-7.44], Nullyparity [AOR = 21.2; 95% CI = 4.92-91.5], and market trade vendors [AOR = 2.5; 95%CI = 1.06-6.03], were significantly associated with knowledge of preconception health care. The findings show that women's knowledge of preconception health care is moderate. Women's knowledge of preconception health care can be linked to their level of education, use of family planning methods, pregnancy planning, and Nullyparity. Therefore, the government and other key stakeholders need to develop a specific education package that improves women's knowledge of preconception care and pregnancy planning, taking into account factors such as levels of education and literacy when designing implementation strategies.

Neural tube defects affect the brain and the spinal cord of the developing embryo. The defects occur due to incomplete or failure of closure of the neural tube. The condition eventually causes death and lifelong disability. Worldwide, more than 300,000 babies are born with neural tube defects each year. The highest burden is in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aims to identify the risk factors associated with neural tube defects among mothers who gave birth in North Shoa Zone Hospitals. A hospital based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 243 (81 cases and 162 controls) study participants in North Shoa Zone Hospitals. The hospitals were selected using simple random sampling and all cases and randomly selected controls in the selected hospitals were included in the study. The data were collected by using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Different factors were identified to have association with neural tube defect. Family annual cash income less than 24000ETB (AOR: 3.73, 95%CI: 1.35, 10.26), history of still birth (AOR: 3.63, 95%CI: 1.03, 12.2), history of abortion (AOR: 6.15, 95%CI: 2.63, 18.56), preconception tea use (AOR: 2.36, 95%CI: 1.15, 4.86) and pesticides/chemical exposure (AOR: 5.34, 95%CI: 1.77, 16.05) were positively associated factors. In contrast, preconception care (AOR: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.39) and taking iron/folic acid/multivitamin during the current pregnancy (AOR: 0.16, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.33) showed a protective effect. Family annual income less than 24000ETB, history of still birth, history of abortion, preconception tea uses and pesticides/chemical exposure were associated factors of neural tube defects. Preconception counseling and screening should be recommended for women who plan for pregnancy.

Background Lower respiratory tract infections are the most common health problem, demanding frequent consultation and hospitalization. Moreover, there has been a dramatic rise in antibiotic resistance among respiratory pathogens. Objective This study aimed to assess the bacterial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of lower respiratory tract infection among patients attending at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2023. Method A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 305 study participants from May 1 to July 30, 2023. Purulent sputum samples were collected and streaked onto chocolate agar, blood agar, and MacConkey agar. Chocolate agar and blood agar plates were incubated at 35–37 °C for 24 h with 5% carbon dioxide in a candle jar. MacConkey agar was incubated aerobically at 35–37 °C for 24 h. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined via the disk diffusion method (Kirby–Bauer) on Mueller-Hinton agar. A logistic regression model was used to show the relationship between the outcome and independent variables. Result Of a total of 305 samples, 33.4% (95% CI: 29.2–38.8%) samples showed growth of various species of bacteria. The predominant pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae 31/102 (30.4%), Streptococcus pneumoniae 21/102 (20.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 16/102 (15.7%). The overall magnitude of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 47.1%. Having > 58 age groups (AOR = 7.180, 95% CI: 1.858–27.743), being illiterate (AOR = 2.76, 95 CI: 1.158–6.578), chronic cough (AOR = 5.26, 95% CI: 1.725–16.038), and alcohol drinking (AOR = 6.542, 95% CI: 2.570-16.654), were determinants of lower respiratory tract infection. Conclusion K. pneumoniae and S. pneumoniae were the most predominant pathogens. A high levels antibiotic resistance was present in the majority of the isolates. Therefore, antibiotic susceptibility testing should be applied to guide treatment decisions.

Background Sedentary life style is becoming increasingly common in this industrial age due to changes on the way people manufacture, transport and communicate. Sedentary lifestyle is associated with chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer), depression, obesity and premature mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of sedentary behavior. Methods School based cross sectional study was conducted among 580 students from April 20 to May 10, 2019 in secondary schools in Debre Berhan City Administration. Sedentary behavior was measured using time spent on four activities (watching TV/Video, listening to music, surfing internet and playing games). Adolescents are considered sedentary if they spend two or more hours in one or all listed activities per day. Data was entered to Epidata version 4.2.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Result A total of 580 (44.3% male and 55.7% female) students participated in this study. The magnitude of sedentary behavior (≥2 h per day) was 65.5% (95% CI = 61.32% - 69.08). Family monthly income greater than 8000 birr (AOR: 6.42, 95%CI = 2.18–18.78), maternal education (AOR: 5.12, 95%CI = 1.09–23.83), access to TV (AOR: 4.87, 95%CI = 1.99–11.87), access to mobile internet (AOR: 2.37, 95% CI = 1.14–4.93) and utilization of social media (AOR: 2.98, 95%CI = 1.43–6.17) were positively associated with adolescent sedentary behavior. Conclusion The prevalence of sedentary behavior was high among adolescents of Debre Berhan town. Therefore, schools in the town should work towards creating awareness on the wise use of screen based entertainments.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder is a limiting, painful condition that affects the muscular, skeletal, articular, and nervous tissues of the body. The condition is mainly associated with poor working conditions and awkward body positions. Health professionals, including midwives, are among the most affected workforce globally. The condition affects the health of the professionals and the quality of care that professionals are expected to provide. However, there is a scarcity of information on the magnitude of the condition, its effect on midwifery practice, and associated factors. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorder, its effect on midwifery practice, and associated factors among midwives in North Shoa Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study assessed the magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD), the effect on midwifery practice, and associated factors. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Scale was used to assess the presence of WRMSDs in the nine regional body parts and its effect. A stepwise backward elimination logistic regression model was used, and significant association was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05. A total of 473 (252 (53.3%) female and 221 (46.7%) male) midwives participated in this study. Overall, in the last 12 months, 355 (75.05%, 95% CI: 71.15% - 78.95%) midwives were affected by WRMSD, which was seen in any one of the nine regional body parts. About 45% (162) of them reported being unable to perform their daily tasks while they were affected, and 27% (96) of them sought treatment for their condition. The lower back was the most affected axial body part, reported by 300 (63.4%, 95% CI: 59% - 68%) midwives. Working in awkward or uncomfortable positions was significantly associated with the development of WRMSD (AOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.15-2.87). Similarly, awkward positions significantly affected the development of area-specific WRMSD in the lower back, upper back, neck, and limbs. Working in the same position for a longer time, seeing clients daily, and moving heavy objects were among the risk factors associated with developing area-specific WRMSD among midwives. The magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is high among midwives, and a significant number of them were unable to perform their daily tasks. The lower and upper back are the most commonly affected areas. Working in uncomfortable positions and attending to large clients daily were common risk factors. Therefore, training midwives about safe working positions and reducing the workload is commendable.

Background Multimorbidity is increasing over time and causes a major global health challenge among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The growing prevalence of multimorbidity coupled with its complex management leads to a significant concern for the healthcare system. Evidence of existing studies on multimorbidity showed inconsistencies across different regions in the world. This study aimed to summarize and estimate the pooled global prevalence of multimorbidity and its associated factors among patients with T2D. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including studies up to January 2025. PubMed, HINARI, CINAHL/EBSCO, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Google were used to search studies. The quality of the selected articles was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effect model with a 95% confidence interval (CI), while a fixed effect model was used to assess the pooled adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for the exposure variables. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics and Cochran’s Q test (p-value). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to identify the sources of variation. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test (p-value < 0.05). Results In this review, a total of 32 studies and 2,934,500 participants were included. The pooled global prevalence of multimorbidity among T2D was 83.17%, concordant conditions (related to T2D) was 50.21%, discordant conditions (unrelated to T2D) was 47.24%, and combined conditions (having both chronic conditions) was 58.90%. Age 40–59 years (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.17–3.55), being retired (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.96–1.66), non-formal education (AOR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.44–4.42), being widowed (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.04–2.96), and being a current smoker (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.16–3.50) were the predictors of multimorbidity. Being an urban resident (AOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.95–2.44) was associated with concordant chronic conditions. Conclusions Multimorbidity is highly prevalent among type 2 diabetes, emphasizing a major public health challenge. It is important to develop a well-designed and comprehensive strategy to enhance the prevention and management of multimorbidity. Particular emphasis should be given to older adults, people who have a low level of education, retired individuals, smokers, widowed individuals, and people living in urban residences. Trial registration PROSPERO-CRD42025639310. Registered on January 16/2025.

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast and colon cancer. But, adolescents are insufficiently physically active. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess self- reported physical activity status and associated factors among adolescents in Debre Birhan town, Ethiopia. School based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 20 to May 10/2019 in Debre Berhan town Secondary schools. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 580 study participants from three secondary schools. Physical activity was assessed using questions adopted from recreation, sport, and leisure-time physical activity assessment section of international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Adolescents who have done moderate to vigorous exercise for 60 minutes per day for at least three days in the last seven days were categorized as physically active. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. Probability value less than 0.05 was used as a cut of point to determined statistically significant association. A total of 580 students participated in this study. Less than 1 in 5 (17.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 14.13%-20.27%) students were physically active. Male student (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.63, 95%CI = 1.5-4.59), age less than or equal to 16 (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI = 1.12-3.71) and access to sports center (gymnasium) (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI = 1.12-3.89 were positively associated with physical activity. Physical activity status was very low. Therefore, the local, regional and national administrators in collaboration with sport and health offices administrators should make facilities accessible.

Background Respectful maternity care, as recommended by the World Health Organization, includes allowing women to give birth in the position of their choice. Dynamic birth positions, which enable women to adopt various positions during labor and delivery, are associated with improved obstetric outcomes. However, the extent of knowledge and practice regarding dynamic birth positions among Ethiopian midwives remains poorly understood. Objective To assess midwives’ awareness and practice of dynamic birth positions and explore their perspectives and experiences. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed to evaluate midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dynamic birth positions. Quantitative data were analyzed using stepwise backward elimination logistic regression to identify key predictors, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Results The study included 483 midwives, with 473 participating in the quantitative survey and 10 in the qualitative interviews. Fewer than half of the midwives demonstrated good levels of knowledge (45%) and attitude (49.5%), while only 22.6% reported regular practice of dynamic birth positions. Participation in training emerged as the strongest predictor of knowledge, attitude, and practice. Thematic analysis revealed six key themes: routine practices, awareness, clinical implementation, barriers, facilitators, and user needs. Conclusion Awareness and practice of dynamic birth positions among Ethiopian midwives are notably low. Key barriers include limited awareness and suboptimal working conditions, whereas targeted training significantly enhances all assessed domains. To promote the adoption of dynamic birth positions, efforts should focus on increasing awareness, modifying delivery equipment, and improving the clinical environment.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global public health concern and a violation of human rights, particularly pronounced in conflict settings where it is often used as a tool of warfare to instill fear and control populations. Assessment of Magnitude, Associated Factors, and Health Consequences of GBV among women living in war-affected woredas of North Shewa zone, Ethiopia, 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 845 randomly selected women living in conflict zones. Data on GBV experiences over the previous 3 months were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires developed from literature review. The collected data underwent validation, entry into EPI data, and analysis using SPSS. Findings are summarized using descriptive statistics, AOR and 95% confidence interval. The magnitude of GBV in this study was (490, 58.0%) where, (466, 55.0%) psychological violence, (254, 30.1%) physical violence, and (135, 16.0%) reported sexual violence. A majority of the physical violence, (161, 63.4%), occurred during conflict period, with (143, 56.3%) of these cases involving armed forces, and (161, 63.4%) women experiencing physical violence in their homes. Urban Residence AOR = 2.65, CI, (1.82-3.89), Educational status of Secondary education AOR = 0.33, CI, (0.19-0.57, and ≥College AOR = 0.17, CI, (0.09-0.35), Occupation of Housewife AOR = 1.88, CI, (1.20-2.94), Private employee AOR = 6.95, CI, (3.70-13.04), Gov't employee AOR = 5.80, CI, (2.92-11.50), and others (Students) AOR = 3.46, CI, (1.98-6.01), Ever had sexual intercourse AOR = 0.46, CI, (0.25-0.83), Have heard about SRH AOR = 0.59, CI, (0.40-0.89), Have had previous GBV exposure AOR = 0.24, CI, (0.15-0.38), having a previous history of sexual violence AOR = 0.30, CI, (0.16-0.57), and Number of sexual partner AOR = 1.84, CI, (1.13-2.99) were identified to be associated factors of GBV in our study area. The most commonly reported consequences of GBV were Anxiety, depression, physical injuries, self-blame, women had school dropout, and abortion. The study reveals a higher prevalence of GBV, resulting in profound physical, social, mental, and reproductive health challenges for survivors. To address this, multi-sectoral cooperation is advised to enhance women's empowerment, access to information, and psycho-social support in affected areas. Furthermore, national policymakers are urged to implement preventive measures during conflict and establish legal mechanisms to ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Background Infertility is a significant public health concern affecting millions of couples globally, with a particularly high prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its social and psychological impacts are profound. Despite advances in reproductive health research, comprehensive data on infertility in the region remain limited, and existing studies often yield inconsistent and inconclusive findings. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis conducted to estimate the prevalence of infertility and identify its risk factors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature using predefined search terms. Original articles published in English between January 1, 2000, and May 30, 2024, reporting the prevalence and/or associated factors of infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa were included. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023428778). Data were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. A random-effects meta-analysis using STATA version 14 generated pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I² statistics; publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Result Sixteen primary studies from ten Sub-Saharan African countries, comprising a total of 22,303 participants were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of infertility in the region was 16.98% (95% CI: 11.62, 22.33%). Factors such as obstetric complications (OR = 7.94, 95% CI: 4.74, 13.30), STIs / PID (OR = 3.24; 95% CI: 2.33, 4.52), substance use (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.71, 8.63), and women’s age (OR = 2.19, CI: 1.48, 3.22) were identified as significant risk factors of infertility. Conclusions Nearly one in six couples in Sub-Saharan Africa experience infertility. Key contributing factors include STIs/PID, substance use, and obstetric complications. These findings highlight the need for targeted, context-specific reproductive health interventions and policies to mitigate the burden of infertility in the region.