Background: In developing countries as well as Ethiopia, stunting continues to be a major public health burden. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize the updated pooled prevalence and its determinants of stunting in Ethiopia. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis follow the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, University of York Center for Reviews, and disseminated at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/ , with the registration number (CRD42024542984). A wide-ranging literature search was carried out using PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Hinari, AJOL, and Google Scholar. All lists of qualified study references from 2013 to 2023 were recovered. The pooled estimate with a 95% CI was calculated using a random-effects model in STATA version 13 software. I 2 and meta-bias statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of the incorporated studies. Results: This study included 29 articles with a total of 23,511 participants from 29 qualified studies. The current study found that the pooled prevalence of stunting among children aged 6–59 months was 43% (95% CI: 42–44). Children who were not exclusively breastfed (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.61–3.54), male children (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13–2.31), children whose mothers had no antenatal care follow-up (OR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.36–6.76), and women who had no formal education (OR = 4.55; 95% CI: 2.29–9.05) were significantly associated with stunting. Conclusions: In Ethiopia, nearly half of the children suffer from stunting, with those who are not breastfed, the sex of the child, children whose mothers had no antenatal care follow-up, and had no formal education having higher odds of stunting. To reduce the burden, strategies must be designed to intervene and improve maternal health literacy, focusing on children’s nutrition and health-care utilization.
Background: Sudan, among the Subsaharan African countries has a low prevalence of HIV infection particularly in the North of the predominantly Muslim population. The peace agreement (2005) which stopped the civil war in the South opened the boarders with the HIV-high prevalence countries of Central and West Africa. This is expected to increase the transmission of HIV in the whole of Sudan. Methods and results: The present study interviewed 635 HIV positive individuals reporting for testing in three voluntary counseling and treatment (VCT) centres in Khartoum. Socio-cultural determinants of the infection showed that the young adults less than 50 years constitute 66.1% of all infected, with 60% males, 40% females and majority 64.9% are either illiterate or had minimum level of education. 61% of them were Muslims and 39% were Christians or non believers, 50.1% were married. The quality of life changed in 89% of individuals.Conclusion: It is concluded that the infection with HIV in Sudan may increase and health education messages need to be tailored according to the sociocultural determinants of the infection in a multicultural, multi-religious country like the Sudan. Muslims will not be protected against HIV infection unless they adhere to the code of Islam.Keywords: human immuno-deficiency virus, Muslims, Subsaharan
A short birth interval is a universal public health problem resulting in adverse maternal, neonatal, and child outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify determinants of short birth interval among ever married reproductive age mothers who live in Jigjiga city administration, Eastern Ethiopia, 2020.A community-based unmatched case-control study was used among 194 cases and 194 controls in Jigjiga city administration from September to December 2020. Cases were women with short birth interval (less than 3 years) and controls were women with optimum birth interval (3-5 years). Simple random sampling technique was employed to select cases and controls. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.2 and analysis with SPSS version 22. Binary logistic regression with 95% confidence interval at p < 0.05 is used to declare significantly associated predictors of short birth interval.This study reported that women who have not attended formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 5.28, 95% confidence interval: (2.25-12.36)), attended primary education (adjusted odds ratio = 2.79, 95% confidence interval: (1.46-5.34)), women who married to a polygamous husband (adjusted odds ratio = 3.69, 95% confidence interval: (1.80-7.58)), having a history of neonatal death (adjusted odds ratio = 2.15, 95% confidence interval: (1.07-4.32)), preceding child being female (adjusted odds ratio = 3.69, 95% confidence interval: (2.02-6.72)), and never used contraceptive methods (adjusted odds ratio = 3.69, 95% confidence interval: (2.02-6.72)) were identified as determinants of the short birth interval.Short birth intervals were associated with educational level of the women, sex of the baby, husband marriage types, history of neonatal death, and contraceptive utilization. Strategy should be engaged to enhance women education, contraceptive uses, and to decrease neonatal death.
Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality globally, and it is accountable for many causes of premature deaths. Despite the negative consequences of cigarette smoking, studies to identify factors associated with cigarette smoking are scanty and little is known about this practice in the Somali region so far, so this study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking and associated factors among adolescents in the Gode, eastern Ethiopia 2020.A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 341 adolescents in the Godey administration of the Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia from July to August 2020. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered with Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 software for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the true effect of predictor variables on the outcome variable after controlling for possible confounders. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.Over all, the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adolescents was found to be 21.1% (95% CI: (16.7-25.5). Having smoker parents [AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: (1.32-5.02)], whose friends smoke cigarette [AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: (2.12-10.76)], and currently chewing khat [AOR = 6.01, 95% CI: (2.96-12.23)] were significantly associated predictors of current cigarette smoking in the final model of multivariable analysis.The prevalence of cigarette smoking was relatively high in this study area. This study reported having smokers' parents, having smokers' friends and chewing khat were found to be independent predictors for cigarette smoking. Therefore, effective smoking prevention and intervention programs are required in this area.
Background: Hypothermia contributes to morbidity and mortality of newborns. While there have been improvements in neonatal mortality both globally and nationally, there are still important regional differences. Adopting prevention and intervention practices to reduce hypothermia at birth may help achieve the global and national goal of reducing neonatal mortality. Purpose: To assess the contribution of admission hypothermia to mortality among hospitalized newborn infants. Methods: Retrospective cohort study was conducted in Sheik Hassan Yabare Jigjiga University Referral Hospital. Neonates were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were selected by using simple-random sampling technique from record of neonates. Descriptive survival analysis such as Log rank test, life table and Kaplan–Meier survival curve and bivariate and multivariate inferential Cox regression were used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Among 588 neonates, 146 (24.8%) died and 442 (75.2%) were censored. A total of 2509 days were followed for hypothermic neonates and 2337 days for normothermic neonates. The death rate was 37 per 1000 days and 22 per 1000 days for hypothermic and normothermic neonates, respectively. Survival function between the two groups differed significantly. Hypothermic neonates had a 59% (AHR: 1.59, CI: 1.1, 2.3) hazard of death than normothermic neonates. Not having initiated breastfeeding (AHR: 1.9, CI: 1.13, 3.1), vaginal mode of delivery (AHR: 0.68, CI: 0.5, 0.98), suspected sepsis (AHR: 1.5, CI: 1.06, 2.1), and respiratory distress (AHR: 2, CI: 1.44, 2.88) were significant predictors of neonatal death. Conclusion: The death rate for hospitalized, hypothermic neonates was greater than those who were normothermic. Hospitalized newborns should be monitored closely and hypothermia minimized. Management and guidelines to minimize hypothermia management practices should be rigorously evaluated in medical resource-limited settings. Keywords: effect, admission hypothermia, neonatal mortality, survival, NICU, SHYRH, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
Background: Anemia is a significant public health concern in many developing countries, particularly during pregnancy, and it has adverse effects on mother and fetus/baby. Objective: To determine the factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Jigjiga public health facilities, Somali Region, East Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based unmatched case–control study was conducted. The sample size was 228 pregnant women; comprising 114 presenting with anemia and 114 controls. Hemoglobin levels were measured using a portable heme analyzer. Socio-demographic, dietary, medical history, and nutrition-related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 for cleaning and analyses. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed and statistical significance was considered at a level of p< 0.05. Results: Three predictors of anemia among pregnant women were identified in this study. An inadequate intake of red meat (i.e. those who consumed red meat 1– 2 times a month [AOR=7.245; 95% CI=(2.007– 26.151)] or not at all [AOR=8.690; 95% CI=(1.795– 42.072)]), and insufficient consumption of green vegetables (i.e. 1– 2 times a week [AOR=2.970; 95% CI=(1.012– 8.716)] or 1– 2 times a month [AOR=8.057; 95% CI=(2.358– 27.526)]) were associated with anemia. Also, having a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of less than 23 cm was strongly associated [AOR=16.432; 95% CI= (5.240– 51.526)] with anemia. Conclusion: This study revealed three key factors to be associated with anemia among pregnant women in Jigjiga Town, namely reduced intake of red meat and green vegetables, and low MUAC. Interventions including nutrition counselling and enrolling pregnant women with low nutritional status in nutritional programs should be the core components of anemia control strategies, needed to address the high prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in developing countries. Keywords: risk factors, anemia, pregnant women, antenatal care, Jigjiga Town
Background One of the tropical illnesses that is often overlooked is soil-transmitted helminths, or STHs. In tropical and subtropical nations, where poor sanitation and contaminated water sources are common, they mostly impact the most vulnerable populations. Objective The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of STHs and related risk factors among the people living in Jigjiga town, Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was revealed from June 1 to July 21, 2023. Study participants were selected through a multistage sampling method, where households were randomly chosen from the kebeles. A semi-structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect some of the data. A stool sample was collected from each participant, and a single Kato-Katz was performed to detect STHs. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and statistical significance was declared at a level of p -value < 0.05 between the outcome and independent variables. Results There were 507 participants in this study, and 90.9% of them responded. STH prevalence was 11.4% overall (95% CI = 9.0, 14.0). With a prevalent parasite species, A. lumbricoides was 9.3%, T. trichiura was 2.8%, and hookworms were 0.2%. Of the overall positive cases, 93.1% are due to single parasite infections. Independent predictors of STHs included low wealth status (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.25, 7.75; p = 0.015), infrequent hand washing before meals (AOR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.55, 6.57; p = 0.002), earthen floors (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.12, 4.79; p = 0.023), and no drinking water treatment habit (AOR = 5.07; 95% CI = 1.89, 13.57; p = 0.001). Conclusion Jigjiga town had a low prevalence of STHs infections. Infrequent hand washing habits before meals, earthen floors, low wealth status, and no habit of treating drinking water were significant associated factors. Health education on handwashing, regular deworming, improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities to reduce the burden of STH effectively.
Objectives: To assess neonatal sepsis and associated factors among neonates admitted neonatal intensive care unit in selected public hospitals in Somali region, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study design was conducted in selected public hospitals. Data was collected using structured questionnaire adopted from other literature, entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and then was exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Frequency was used for descriptive analysis. Bivariate analysis was used to determine the association between different risk factors and the outcome variable. Those variables which have significant association at 5% significance level and fulfilling the minimum requirement of 0.2 level of significance with neonatal sepsis was entered for further analysis to multivariate analysis, significance was taken at α = < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of this study was 42.9% CI = (38.4-47.8) and associated factors was age of the neonate AOR = 0.085 (CI = 0.01, 0.73), Residence shown AOR = 2.567 (CI = 1.01, 6.5) Gestational age AOR = 1.869 (CI = 1.05, 3.31), Meconium stained Amniotic fluid AOR = 2.718 (CI = 1.89, 6.74), Antenatal care AOR = 8.933 (CI = 4.9, 15.9), and Mechanical ventilation after birth OR = 3.376 (CI = 1.65, 6.88). Conclusions: The present study found that the overall prevalence of neonatal sepsis in selected hospitals was 42.9%. The study identified, Age of the neonate, Residence, Gestational age, Meconium stained amniotic fluid. Antenatal care, Mechanical ventilation after birth. The findings underscore the importance of routine assessment and close monitoring of neonates. It is therefore recommended to have more skilled health personnel and advanced equipment while providing maternal and new-born health care services.
Tuberculosis and undernutrition are the public health concerns of people living in middle and low-income countries. When patient develops TB, undernutrition is not only a risk factor for progression of latent TB infection to active disease, but also intensifies the risk of drug toxicity, relapse and death. Nutritional supplementation in patients with TB is associated with faster sputum conversion, higher cure and treatment completion rates, and body-weight gain.To find out the magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among adult tuberculosis patients in jigjiga public health facilities.A facility-based cross-sectional study design was applied. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire while anthropometric measurements were collected in their scale measurements. The data were entered into an Epi-data version 3.1, then were exported and analyzed using SPSS v20. Bivariate logistic regression was done to assess the association between the outcome variable and the independent variables, value <0.25 was considered as a candidate for multivariate logistic regression at 95% CI. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05.The magnitude of undernutrition was 44.3% [95% CI (38.2, 49.7)]. Sex (female) [AOR=1.769, CI=1.035, 3.024], educational status [AOR=3.939, CI=2.285, 6.792] and being Bedridden [AOR=3.718, CI=1.115, 12.394) were predictors of Undernutrition among adult tuberculosis patients.The magnitude of undernutrition among adult patients with TB was high in the area. Overall routine appropriate nutrition assessment and support should be given to undernourished patients with TB. The level of education about nutrition should be improved by counseling on a balanced diet to all patients with TB and particularly for female patients. Appropriate nutrition support should be provided to undernourished TB patients, and more focused on those who are bedridden.
Abstract Background Somalia has been ravaged by more than two decades of armed conflict causing immense damage to the country’s infrastructure and mass displacement and suffering among its people. An influx of humanitarian actors has sought to provide basic services, including health services for women and children, throughout the conflict. This study aimed to better understand the humanitarian health response for women and children in Somalia since 2000. Methods The study utilized a mixed-methods design. We collated intervention coverage data from publically available large-scale household surveys and we conducted 32 interviews with representatives from government, UN agencies, NGOs, and health facility staff. Qualitative data were analyzed using latent content analysis. Results The available quantitative data on intervention coverage in Somalia are extremely limited, making it difficult to discern patterns or trends over time or by region. Underlying sociocultural and other contextual factors most strongly affecting the humanitarian health response for women and children included clan dynamics and female disempowerment. The most salient operational influences included the assessment of population needs, donors’ priorities, and insufficient and inflexible funding. Key barriers to service delivery included chronic commodity and human resource shortages, poor infrastructure, and limited access to highly vulnerable populations, all against the backdrop of ongoing insecurity. Various strategies to mitigate these barriers were discussed. In-country coordination of humanitarian health actors and their activities has improved over time, with federal and state-level ministries of health playing increasingly active roles. Conclusions Emerging recommendations include further exploration of government partnerships with private-sector service providers to make services available throughout Somalia free of charge, with further research on innovative uses of technology to help reaches remote and inaccessible areas. To mitigate chronic skilled health worker shortages, more operational research is needed on the expanded use of community health workers. Persistent gaps in service provision across the continuum must be addressed, including for adolescents, for example. The is also a clear need for longer term development focus to enable the provision of health and nutrition services for women and children beyond those included in recurrent emergency response.
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