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Tesfaye A, Tamiru D, Belachew T. Effect of nutrition counseling on nutritional status and gestational weight gain of pregnant adolescents in West Arsi, Central Ethiopia: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5070. [PMID: 38429426 PMCID: PMC10907709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55709-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
When pregnancy occurs in adolescence, the growth and development of the mother and fetus may be impaired due to strong competition for nutrients between the still-growing adolescent and the fetus. Pregnant adolescents constitute an underserved population; they lack adequate nutritional knowledge. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of nutritional behavior change communication (NBCC) through alliance for development (AFD) on the nutritional status and gestational weight gain (GWG) of pregnant adolescents. A two-arm parallel cluster randomized controlled community trial was conducted in the West Arsi Zone, central Ethiopia, from August 2022 to July 2023. The nutritional status of the pregnant adolescent was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference. Weight was measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. A total of 207 and 219 pregnant adolescents participated in the intervention and control clusters, respectively. The intervention started before 16 weeks of gestation, and the intervention group attended four NBCC sessions. The NBCC was based on the health belief model (HBM) and was given at the participants' homes with their husbands. The NBCC intervention was delivered by AFDs and community-level health actors. Pregnant adolescents in the control group received routine nutrition education from the health care system. A linear mixed-effects model and difference in difference (DID) were used to measure the intervention effect after adjusting for potential confounders. After the implementation of the trial, the mean mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in the intervention arm significantly increased from baseline (p ≤ 0.001), 23.19 ± 2.1 to 25.06 ± 2.9 among intervention group and 23.49 ± 2.1 to 23.56 ± 2.0 among control group and the mean difference in the MUAC (DID) was 1.89 ± 2 cm (p ≤ 0.001); the mean GWG in the intervention arm significantly increased from baseline; 51.54 ± 4.7 to 60.98 ± 4.6 among intervention group and 52.86 ± 5.27 to 58 ± 5.3 among control group; the mean GWG in the intervention group was 9.4 kg, and that in the control group was 5.14 kg, and the difference in difference was 4.23 kg and this was statically significant p ≤ 0.001). This study demonstrated that the use of the HBM for NBCC delivered through the AFD was effective at improving the nutritional status and GWG of pregnant adolescents. These results imply the need for the design of model-based nutritional counseling guidelines.Clinical trial registration: PACTR202203696996305, Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, date of first registration: 16/03/2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adane Tesfaye
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
| | - Dessalegn Tamiru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Belachew
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Hakizimana D, Shitu K, Rankin KC, Alemie GA, Walson J, Guthrie BL, Means AR. Optimising scale-up for public health impact: a multimethod implementation science research protocol to improve infant health outcomes in Ethiopia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075817. [PMID: 38011972 PMCID: PMC10685948 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Child mortality rates remain high in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. We are conducting a cluster randomised control trial in the Gondar zone of the Amhara region to determine the impact of pairing Orthodox priests with community health workers, known locally as the Health Development Army (HDA), on newborns' nutritional status, early illness identification and treatment, and vaccination completeness.Ensuring intervention efficacy with scientific rigour is essential, but there are often delays in adopting evidence into policy and programmes. Here, we present a protocol for conducting parallel implementation research alongside an efficacy study to understand intervention implementability and scalability. This will help develop a scale-up strategy for effective elements of the intervention to ensure rapid implementation at scale. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a stakeholder analysis of key implementation stakeholders and readiness surveys to assess their readiness to scale up the intervention. We will conduct semistructured interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders, including HDA members, health workers, Orthodox priests, and caregivers, to determine the core intervention elements that need to be scaled, barriers and facilitators to scaling up the intervention in diverse sociocultural settings, as well as the human and technical requirements for national and regional implementation. Finally, to determine the financial resources necessary for sustaining and scaling the intervention, we will conduct activity-based costing to estimate implementation costs from the provider's perspective. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study received approval from the University of Gondar Institutional Review Board (approval no: VP/RTT/05/1030/2022) and the University of Washington Human Subjects Division (approval no: STUDY00015369). Participants will consent to participate. Results will be disseminated through workshops with stakeholders, local community meetings, presentations at local and international conferences, and journal publications. The study will provide evidence for factors to consider in developing a scale-up strategy to integrate the intervention into routine health system practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kegnie Shitu
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Katherine C Rankin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Getahun A Alemie
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Judd Walson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brandon L Guthrie
- Department of Global Health/Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Arianna Rubin Means
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Tesfay N, Kebede M, Asamene N, Tadesse M, Begna D, Woldeyohannes F. Factors determining antenatal care utilization among mothers of deceased perinates in Ethiopia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1203758. [PMID: 38020089 PMCID: PMC10663362 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1203758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Receiving adequate antenatal care (ANC) had an integral role in improving maternal and child health outcomes. However, several factors influence the utilization of ANC from the individual level up to the community level factors. Thus, this study aims to investigate factors that determine ANC service utilization among mothers of deceased perinate using the proper count regression model. Method Secondary data analysis was performed on perinatal death surveillance data. A total of 3,814 mothers of deceased perinates were included in this study. Hurdle Poisson regression with a random intercept at both count-and zero-part (MHPR.ERE) model was selected as a best-fitted model. The result of the model was presented in two ways, the first part of the count segment of the model was presented using the incidence rate ratio (IRR), while the zero parts of the model utilized the adjusted odds ratio (AOR). Result This study revealed that 33.0% of mothers of deceased perinates had four ANC visits. Being in advanced maternal age [IRR = 1.03; 95CI: (1.01-1.09)], attending primary level education [IRR = 1.08; 95 CI: (1.02-1.15)], having an advanced education (secondary and above) [IRR = 1.14; 95 CI: (1.07-1.21)] and being resident of a city administration [IRR = 1.17; 95 CI: (1.05-1.31)] were associated with a significantly higher frequency of ANC visits. On the other hand, women with secondary and above education [AOR = 0.37; 95CI: (0.26-0.53)] and women who live in urban areas [AOR = 0.42; 95 CI: (0.33-0.54)] were less likely to have unbooked ANC visit, while women who resided in pastoralist regions [AOR = 2.63; 95 CI: (1.02-6.81)] were more likely to have no ANC visit. Conclusion The uptake of ANC service among mothers having a deceased perinate was determined by both individual (maternal age and educational status) and community (residence and type of region) level factors. Thus, a concerted effort is needed to improve community awareness through various means of communication by targeting younger women. Furthermore, efforts should be intensified to narrow down inequalities observed in ANC service provision due to the residence of the mothers by availing necessary personnel and improving the accessibility of service in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neamin Tesfay
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mandefro Kebede
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Negga Asamene
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Muse Tadesse
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dumesa Begna
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fitsum Woldeyohannes
- Health Financing Program, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Shibeshi K, Lemu Y, Gebretsadik L, Gebretsadik A, Morankar S. Gender-based roles, psychosocial variation, and power relations during delivery and postnatal care: a qualitative case study in rural Ethiopia. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 4:1155064. [PMID: 37941873 PMCID: PMC10627791 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1155064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly encouraged men to support women in receiving maternal healthcare. However, especially in developing countries, maternal healthcare has traditionally been viewed as an issue in women, with men making little or no contribution, even though sexuality and children are shared products. The study aims to understand how gender-based roles, psychosocial variation, and power relations are related to child delivery and postnatal care (PNC) services. Methods The study was conducted in three rural districts of Oromia regional state, Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. An in-depth interview and focus group discussion were held with carefully chosen health professionals, health extension workers, community health development armies, and religious leaders. The data was collected, translated, and transcribed by experienced men and women qualitative researchers. For data analysis, ATLAS.ti version 9 was used. The data were coded and categorized concerning delivery and PNC service utilization. Independent and shared gender-based roles were identified as a means to improve maternal healthcare service delivery. Results The result obtained three categories, namely, gender-based roles, psychosocial variation, and power relations. Men can persuade pregnant women to use delivery services and PNC. The place of delivery is determined by the levels of gender-based power relations at the household level, but women are usually the last decision-makers. The belief of the community that giving birth in a health facility makes women look clean and neat, as opposed to home delivery, increases their intention to use maternal healthcare services. Discussion The study contributes that the role of a man as a husband is crucial in mobilizing others to carry pregnant women to health facilities, contributing to early intervention during labor. The decision-making capacity of women has improved over time, with men accepting their right to make decisions about their health and fetuses. Home delivery and men not being present during delivery are perceived as signs of backwardness, whereas giving birth in health institutes is seen as a sign of modernization and the rights of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketema Shibeshi
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Lemu
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lakew Gebretsadik
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Gebretsadik
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Sudhakar Morankar
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Shibeshi K, Lemu Y, Gebretsadik L, Gebretsadik A, Morankar S. Understanding Gender-Based Perception During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1523-1535. [PMID: 37849848 PMCID: PMC10577245 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s418653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Gender-based perceptions about maternal health care during pregnancy draw attention to the existence of gender inequity in maternal health care. This study aimed to understand the gender-based perception of gender roles and norms, gender relations, social support, and psychosocial variation in maternal health care during pregnancy. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in three rural districts of Jimma, Ethiopia. Participants were purposefully chosen from the community groups, including male and female health development armies, religious leaders, health extension workers, midwifery nurses, and primary health care unit directors. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The actual data was collected by men and women qualitative study experts. Atlas ti Ver 9 was used for the analysis. The data was initially coded then changed to a sub-category and at last converted to a category. Results Four categories emerged: Gender-based roles and norms, psychosocial variation, social support, and gender relations. The informants described men's and women's independent and shared roles improve maternal health care service usage during pregnancy. Once the women became pregnant, men undertook a variety of demanding duties to enhance maternity service consumption. Gender relations and shared decision-making were essential in facilitating maternal healthcare utilization during pregnancy and beyond. Conclusion This study revealed that maternal health care should not be limited to women alone. Men's and women's prior maternal health experiences, in addition to their knowledge and beliefs, have significantly impacted the utilization of maternal healthcare services during pregnancy. Policymakers and academics should consider men's essential contribution to maternal health care during pregnancy. However, in order to increase their intention to use maternal health care services, it is necessary to clearly identify the interests of women in which men should be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketema Shibeshi
- Dire Dawa University Department of Public Health, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Lemu
- Jimma University Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lakew Gebretsadik
- Jimma University Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Gebretsadik
- Jimma University Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Sudhakar Morankar
- Jimma University Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Muhammad EA, Hunegnaw MT, Gonete KA, Worku N, Alemu K, Abebe Z, Astale T, Mitike G, Belew AK. Practical contribution of women development army on growth monitoring and promotion service at Dembya and Gondar Zuria districts, Central Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia: a community based mixed study. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:319. [PMID: 37353741 PMCID: PMC10288738 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04124-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-2 aims to eliminate child hunger or end all forms of child malnutrition by 2030. To achieve this goal the cost-effective method is the implementation of growth monitoring and promotion service with the contribution of Women Development Army (WDA) as community volunteers. However, According to the data, the program's implementation varies throughout the country and lack of evidence on the practical contribution of the WDA to enhancing child nutritional care outcomes. Therefore this study aimed to determine practical contribution of WDA and associated factors on growth monitoring and promotion service in two rural districts of central Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A community based mixed study was conducted from March 6 to April 7, 2022 among 615 Women Development Army. Multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and in-depth interview were used to generate qualitative information. Qualitative data were coded and grouped and discussed using identified themes. Binary logistic regression was fitted, odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was estimated to identify factors of practical contribution of WDA and qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS In this study practical contribution of WDA on growth monitoring was 31.4% (95% CI: 28.0-35.3%). Having GMP training (AOR = 4.2, 95%CI: 1.63, 10.58), regular community conversation (AOR = 6.0, 95%CI: 3.12, 11.54), good knowledge about GMP (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.17, 3.83) and not having regular schedule of GMP service in the area (AOR = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.09), were statistically significantly associated with practical contribution of growth monitoring. During in-depth interview, lack of training, low motivation or commitment among WDA and low communication between WDA and health extension workers were mentioned among the problems faced during growth monitoring service. CONCLUSION In this study, practical contribution of growth monitoring among WDA was low. GMP training regular community conversation, knowledge about GMP and regular schedule of GMP service in the local area were significantly associated for practical contribution of growth monitoring service. Lack of training, low motivation or commitment among WDA and low communication between WDA and health extension workers were reasons for did not contribute effectively for GMP service. Therefore, giving training for WDA and improving community conversation at kebeles level are important to improve GM service. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmael Ali Muhammad
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Tamir Hunegnaw
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kedir Abdela Gonete
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Netsanet Worku
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kasahun Alemu
- Department of epidemiology and biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zegeye Abebe
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Tigist Astale
- International Institute for Primary Health Care -Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Mitike
- International Institute for Primary Health Care -Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aysheshim Kassahun Belew
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Tessema GA, Berheto TM, Pereira G, Misganaw A, Kinfu Y. National and subnational burden of under-5, infant, and neonatal mortality in Ethiopia, 1990-2019: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001471. [PMID: 37343009 PMCID: PMC10284418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The under-5 mortality rate is a commonly used indicator of population health and socioeconomic status worldwide. However, as in most low- and middle-income countries settings, deaths among children under-5 and in any age group in Ethiopia remain underreported and fragmented. We aimed to systematically estimate neonatal, infant, and under-5 mortality trends, identify underlying causes, and make subnational (regional and chartered cities) comparisons between 1990 and 2019. We used the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD 2019) to estimate three key under-5 mortality indicators-the probability of death between the date of birth and 28 days (neonatal mortality rate, NMR), the date of birth and 1 year (infant mortality rate, IMR), and the date of birth and 5 years (under-5 mortality rate, U5MR). The causes of death by age groups, sex, and year were estimated using Cause of Death Ensemble modelling (CODEm). Specifically, this involved a multi-stage process that includes a non-linear mixed-effects model, source bias correction, spatiotemporal smoothing, and a Gaussian process regression to synthesise mortality estimates by age, sex, location, and year. In 2019, an estimated 190,173 (95% uncertainty interval 149,789-242,575) under-5 deaths occurred in Ethiopia. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of under-5 deaths in 2019 were within the first year of life, and over half (52%) in the first 28 days. The overall U5MR, IMR, and NMR in the country were estimated to be 52.4 (44.7-62.4), 41.5 (35.2-50.0), and 26.6 (22.6-31.5) deaths per 1000 livebirths, respectively, with substantial variations between administrative regions. Over three-quarters of under-5 deaths in 2019 were due to five leading causes, namely neonatal disorders (40.7%), diarrhoeal diseases (13.2%), lower respiratory infections (10.3%), congenital birth defects (7.0%), and malaria (6.0%). During the same period, neonatal disorders alone accounted for about 76.4% (70.2-79.6) of neonatal and 54.7% (51.9-57.2) of infant deaths in Ethiopia. While all regional states in Ethiopia have experienced a decline in under-5, infant, and neonatal mortality rates in the past three decades, the rate of change was not large enough to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Inter-regional disparities in under 5 mortality also remain significant, with the biggest differences being in the neonatal period. A concerted effort is required to improve neonatal survival and lessen regional disparity, which may require strengthening essential obstetric and neonatal care services, among others. Our study also highlights the urgent need for primary studies to improve the accuracy of regional estimates in Ethiopia, particularly in pastoralist regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizachew A. Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tezera Moshago Berheto
- HIV and TB Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Awoke Misganaw
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- National Data Management Center for Health, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Kinfu
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territor, Australia
- International Institute of Global Health, United Nations University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Hailemariam T, Atnafu A, Gezie LD, Kaasbøll JJ, Klein J, Tilahun B. Individual and contextual level enablers and barriers determining electronic community health information system implementation in northwest Ethiopia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:644. [PMID: 37328840 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09629-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The government of Ethiopia has envisioned digitalizing primary healthcare units through the electronic community health information system (eCHIS) program as a re-engineering strategy aiming to improve healthcare data quality, use, and service provision. The eCHIS is intended as a community-wide initiative to integrate lower health structure with higher administrative health and service delivery unit with the ultimate goal of improving community health. However, the success or failure of the program depends on the level of identifying enablers and barriers of the implementation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore individual and contextual-level enablers and barriers determining eCHIS implementation. METHOD We conducted an exploratory study to determine the enablers and barriers to successfully implementing eCHIS in rural Wogera district, northwest Ethiopia. In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were applied at participants from multiple sites. A thematic content analysis was conducted based on the key themes reported. We applied the five components of consolidated framework for implementation research to interpret the findings. RESULTS First, based on the intervention's characteristics, implementers valued the eCHIS program. However, its implementation was impacted by the heavy workload, limited or absent network and electricity. Outer-setting challenges were staff turnover, presence of competing projects, and lack of incentive mechanisms. In terms of the inner setting, lack of institutionalization and ownership were mentioned as barriers to the implementation. Resource allocation, community mobilization, leaders' engagement, and availability of help desk need emphasis for a better achievement. With regard to characteristics of the individuals, limited digital literacy, older age, lack of peer-to-peer support, and limited self-expectancy posed challenges to the implementation. Finally, the importance of mentoring and engaging community and religious leaders, volunteers, having defined plan and regular meetings were identified elements of the implementation process and need emphasis. CONCLUSION The findings underlined the potential enablers and barriers of eCHIS program for quality health data generation, use, and service provision and highlighted areas that require emphasis for further scale-up. The success and sustainability of the eCHIS require ongoing government commitment, sufficient resource allocation, institutionalization, capacity building, communication, planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesfahun Hailemariam
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Health Sciences, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
| | - Asmamaw Atnafu
- Department of Health System and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Lemma Derseh Gezie
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Jörn Klein
- Department of Nursing and Health Sciences Campus Porsgrunn, University of South-Eastern Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway
| | - Binyam Tilahun
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Buller AM, Pichon M, Hidrobo M, Mulford M, Amare T, Sintayehu W, Tadesse S, Ranganathan M. Cash plus programming and intimate partner violence: a qualitative evaluation of the benefits of group-based platforms for delivering activities in support of the Ethiopian government's Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069939. [PMID: 37137564 PMCID: PMC10163490 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health challenge but there is evidence that cash and cash 'plus' interventions reduce IPV. An increasingly popular design feature of these kind of interventions is the group-based modality for delivering plus activities, however, evidence of the mechanisms through which this modality of delivery impacts IPV is limited. We explore how the group-based modality of delivering plus activities that complemented the Government of Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Programme contributed to modifying intermediate outcomes on the pathway to IPV. DESIGN Qualitative study using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions between February and March 2020. Data were analysed using a thematic content and gender lens approach. Findings were interpreted, refined and drafted in collaboration with our local research partners. SETTING Amhara and Oromia regions in Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS In total 115 men and women beneficiaries from the Strengthen PSNP4 Institutions and Resilience (SPIR) programme took part in the study. Fifty-eight were interviewed and 57 took part in 7 focus group discussions. RESULTS We found that Village Economic and Social Associations-through which SPIR activities were delivered-improved financial security and increased economic resilience against income shocks. The group-based delivery of plus activities to couples appeared to enhance individual agency, collective power and social networks, which in turn strengthened social support, gender relations and joint decision-making. Critical reflective dialogues provided a reference group to support the shift away from social norms that condone IPV. Finally, there appeared to be gender differences, with men highlighting the financial benefits and enhanced social status afforded by the groups, whereas women's accounts focused primarily on strengthened social networks and social capital. CONCLUSION Our study offers important insights into the mechanisms by which the group-based delivery of plus activities affects intermediate outcomes on the pathway to IPV. It underscores the importance of the modality of delivery in such programmes, and suggests that policy-makers should consider gender-specific needs as men and women might differentially benefit from interventions that enhance social capital to generate gender transformative impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Buller
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marjorie Pichon
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa Hidrobo
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Tseday Amare
- CARE International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Meghna Ranganathan
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Kibret GD, Demant D, Hayen A. The effect of distance to health facility on neonatal mortality in Ethiopia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:114. [PMID: 36737761 PMCID: PMC9896723 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09070-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Ethiopia, more than half of newborn babies do not have access to Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) services. Understanding the effect of distance to health facilities on service use and neonatal survival is crucial to recommend policymakers and improving resource distribution. We aimed to investigate the effect of distance to health services on maternal service use and neonatal mortality. METHODS We implemented a data integration method based on geographic coordinates. We calculated straight-line (Euclidean) distances from the Ethiopian 2016 demographic and health survey (EDHS) clusters to the closest health facility. We computed the distance in ESRI ArcGIS Version 10.3 using the geographic coordinates of DHS clusters and health facilities. Generalised Structural Equation Modelling (GSEM) was used to estimate the effect of distance on neonatal mortality. RESULTS Poor geographic accessibility to health facilities affects maternal service usage and increases the risk of newborn mortality. For every ten kilometres (km) increase in distance to a health facility, the odds of neonatal mortality increased by 1.33% (95% CI: 1.06% to 1.67%). Distance also negatively affected antenatal care, facility delivery and postnatal counselling service use. CONCLUSIONS A lack of geographical access to health facilities decreases the likelihood of newborns surviving their first month of life and affects health services use during pregnancy and immediately after birth. The study also showed that antenatal care use was positively associated with facility delivery service use and that both positively influenced postnatal care use, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the components of continuum of care for maternal and neonatal care services. Policymakers can leverage the findings from this study to improve accessibility barriers to health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getiye Dejenu Kibret
- grid.449044.90000 0004 0480 6730Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia ,grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW Australia
| | - Daniel Demant
- grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW Australia
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Mezen MK, Lemlem GA, Biru YB, Yimer AM. Association of War With Vaccination Dropout Among Children Younger Than 2 Years in the North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2255098. [PMID: 36749587 PMCID: PMC10408260 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.55098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A civil war that lasted for about 6 months in the North Wollo zone of Ethiopia destroyed numerous health care facilities. However, no studies have been conducted to determine the association of the war with vaccination dropout in the area. OBJECTIVE To assess the association of war with vaccination dropout among children younger than 2 years in the North Wollo zone. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the North Wollo zone from April 1 to June 30, 2022. Participants included children younger than 2 years and their mothers. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES A vaccination dropout rate (yes or no) was assessed by interviewing mothers. RESULTS The study included 449 children younger than 2 years and their mothers, 291 (64.8%) of whom were 20 to 34 years of age. Almost all of the mothers (426 [94.9%]) were married. More than half of the mothers (271 [60.4%]) had a primary level education. Seventy-one children (15.8%) in the area received all basic vaccinations. One hundred ninety-eight children (44.1%) who started vaccination prior to the war dropped out of the immunization program. Additionally, 64 children (14.3%) born during the war did not receive any vaccination. Losing a family member (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.11 [95% CI, 1.63-5.93]; P = .001), not being informed about catch-up vaccination (AOR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.39-3.43]; P < .001), being a rural resident (AOR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.37-3.58]; P < .001), home birth (AOR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.11-2.77]; P = .002), and length of war (AOR for 5 months, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.28-0.93; P = .04]) were associated with the outcome variable. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that nearly 60% of children in the North Wollo zone remained undervaccinated or unvaccinated. Stakeholders should make coordinated efforts to overcome the humanitarian crisis in the area and optimize the accessibility of health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Getasew Assefa Lemlem
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Computational Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Yemisrach Belete Biru
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Abebaw Mengesha Yimer
- Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Social Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
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Gebregizabher FA, Medhanyie AA, Bezabih AM, Persson LÅ, Abegaz DB. Is Women's Engagement in Women's Development Groups Associated with Enhanced Utilization of Maternal and Neonatal Health Services? A Cross-Sectional Study in Ethiopia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1351. [PMID: 36674107 PMCID: PMC9858998 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ethiopia, the Women Development Group program is a community mobilization initiative aimed at enhancing Universal Health Coverage through supporting the primary healthcare services for mothers and newborns. This study aimed to assess the association between engagement in women's groups and the utilization of maternal and neonatal health services. METHOD A cluster-sampled community-based survey was conducted in Oromia, Amhara, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples, and Tigray regions of Ethiopia from mid-December 2018 to mid-February 2019. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed, considering the cluster character of the sample. RESULTS A total of 6296 women (13 to 49 years) from 181 clusters were interviewed. Of these, 896 women delivered in the 12 months prior to the survey. Only 79 (9%) of these women including Women Development Group leaders reported contact with Women Development Groups in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Women who had educations and greater economic status had more frequent contact with Women Development Group leaders. Women who had contact with Women Development Groups had better knowledge on pregnancy danger signs. Being a Women Development Group leader or having contact with Women Development Groups in the last 12 months were associated with antenatal care utilization (AOR 2.82, 95% CI (1.23, 6.45)) but not with the use of facility delivery and utilization of postnatal care services. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to improve the organization and management of the Women Development Group program as well as a need to strengthen the Women Development Group leaders' engagement in group activities to promote the utilization of maternal and neonatal health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fisseha Ashebir Gebregizabher
- Tigray Regional Health Bureau, Mekelle P.O. Box 07, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 1871, Ethiopia
| | - Araya Abrha Medhanyie
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 1871, Ethiopia
| | - Afework Mulugeta Bezabih
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 1871, Ethiopia
| | - Lars Åke Persson
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia
| | - Della Berhanu Abegaz
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia
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Kebede Y, Teshome F, Binu W, Kebede A, Seid A, Kasaye HK, Alemayehu YK, Tekalign W, Medhin G, Abera Y, Tadesse D, Gerbaba MJ. Structural, programmatic, and sociocultural intersectionality of gender influencing access-uptake of reproductive, maternal, and child health services in developing regions of Ethiopia: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282711. [PMID: 36881602 PMCID: PMC10045587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender remains a critical social factor in reproductive, maternal, and child health and family planning (RMNCH/FP) care. However, its intersectionality with other social determinants of the RMNCH remains poorly documented. This study aimed to explore the influence of gender intersectionality on the access uptake of RMNCH/FP in Developing Regional States (DRS) in Ethiopia. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study to explore the intersectionality of gender with other social and structural factors and its influence on RMNCH/FP use in 20 selected districts in four DRS of Ethiopia. We conducted 20 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 32 in-depth and key informant interviews (IDIs/KIIs) among men and women of reproductive age who were purposively selected from communities and organizations in different settings. Audio-recorded data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. FINDINGS Women in the DRS were responsible for the children and families' health care and information, and household chores, whereas men mainly engaged in income generation, decision making, and resource control. Women who were overburdened with household chores were not involved in decision-making, and resource control was less likely to incur transport expenses and use RMNCH/FP services. FP was less utilized than antenatal, child, and delivery services in the DRS,as it was mainly affected by the sociocultural, structural, and programmatic intersectionality of gender. The women-focused RMNCH/FP education initiatives that followed the deployment of female frontline health extension workers (HEWs) created a high demand for FP among women. Nonetheless, the unmet need for FP worsened as a result of the RMNCH/FP initiatives that strategically marginalized men, who often have resource control and decision-making virtues that emanate from the sociocultural, religious, and structural positions they assumed. CONCLUSIONS Structural, sociocultural, religious, and programmatic intersectionality of gender shaped access to and use of RMNCH/FP services. Men's dominance in resource control and decision-making in sociocultural-religious affairs intersected with their poor engagement in health empowerment initiatives that mainly engaged women set the key barrier to RMNCH/FP uptake. Improved access to and uptake of RMNCH would best result from gender-responsive strategies established through a systemic understanding of intersectional gender inequalities and through increased participation of men in RMNCH programs in the DRS of Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Kebede
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Firanbon Teshome
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Wakgari Binu
- School of Public Health, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Ayantu Kebede
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Anwar Seid
- Department of Nursing, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Samara University, Semera, Ethiopia
| | | | - Yibeltal Kiflie Alemayehu
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Health policy and management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- MERQ Consultancy PLC, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | - Girmay Medhin
- MERQ Consultancy PLC, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yared Abera
- USAID Transform Health in Developing Regions, Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Derebe Tadesse
- USAID Transform Health in Developing Regions, Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mulusew J. Gerbaba
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Tesfay N, Hailu G, Woldeyohannes F. Effect of optimal antenatal care on maternal and perinatal health in Ethiopia. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1120979. [PMID: 36824654 PMCID: PMC9941639 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1120979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Receiving at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits have paramount importance on the health of mothers and perinates. In Ethiopia, several studies were conducted on ANC service utilization; however, limited studies quantified the effect of care on maternal and perinate health. In response to this gap, this study is conducted to quantify the effect of optimal ANC care (≥4 visits) on maternal and perinatal health among women who received optimal care in comparison to women who did not receive optimal care. METHODS The study utilized the Ethiopian perinatal death surveillance and response (PDSR) system dataset. A total of 3,814 reviewed perinatal deaths were included in the study. Considering the nature of the data, preferential within propensity score matching (PWPSM) was performed to determine the effect of optimal ANC care on maternal and perinatal health. The effect of optimal care was reported using average treatment effects of the treated [ATT]. RESULT The result revealed that optimal ANC care had a positive effect on reducing perinatal death, due to respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, [ATT = -0.015, 95%CI (-0.029 to -0.001)] and extending intrauterine life by one week [ATT = 1.277, 95%CI: (0.563-1.991)]. While it's effect on maternal health includes, avoiding the risk of having uterine rupture [ATT = -0.012, 95%CI: (-0.018 to -0.005)], improving the utilization of operative vaginal delivery (OVD) [ATT = 0.032, 95%CI: (0.001-0.062)] and avoiding delay to decide to seek care [ATT = -0.187, 95%CI: (-0.354 to -0.021)]. CONCLUSION Obtaining optimal ANC care has a positive effect on both maternal and perinatal health. Therefore, policies and interventions geared towards improving the coverage and quality of ANC services should be the top priority to maximize the benefit of the care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neamin Tesfay
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Hailu
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fitsum Woldeyohannes
- Health Financing Department, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Teferi HM, San Sebastian M, Baroudi M. Factors associated with home delivery preference among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2080934. [PMID: 35867544 PMCID: PMC9310790 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2080934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Home delivery is associated with a high risk of maternal and neonatal mortality. The prevalence and factors associated with home delivery have been studied retrospectively among women in Ethiopia. However, no national studies have assessed pregnant women’s preferences for home delivery. Objective To assess factors associated with preferences for home delivery among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods We analysed a sample of 678 pregnant women derived from the 2019 performance monitoring for action cross-sectional survey. The association between pregnant women’s preferences for home delivery and several individual, household, healthcare, and community factors were explored through log-Poisson regression with robust variance. Results The weighted prevalence of pregnant women’s preferences for home delivery in Ethiopia was 33%. Pregnant women between the ages of 15–19 years (PR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.43–4.00) had a higher preference for home delivery compared to those above 34 years. Those who had no Antenatal care (ANC) visit in the current pregnancy (PR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.11–2.11), multipara women (PR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.19–2.92) those who did not discuss place of delivery with their partners (PR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.18–2.10), did not participate in a community-based program called ‘1 to 5’ network meetings (PR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.09–18.95), and those who perceived low community support for facility delivery (PR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.53–3.20) had a higher prevalence of home delivery preference compared to their references. Conclusions A significant proportion of pregnant women preferred home deliveries in Ethiopia. Household and community supporting factors such as not discussing place of delivery with a partner, not participating in women developmental army meetings, and perceived low community support were associated with preference for home delivery. Interventions should address these factors to increase facility deliveries in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mazen Baroudi
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Pieterse P. Conducting rapid research to aid the design of a health systems governance intervention in the Somali Region of Ethiopia. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2022; 7:947970. [PMID: 36159163 PMCID: PMC9492999 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.947970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rapid research described in this chapter was conducted as an assignment for a UN agency in Ethiopia's Somali Region. The agency's aim was support the implementation of an interim citizen engagement intervention, with a view of supporting of the Ethiopian Government's Citizen Score Card at primary healthcare facilities and hospitals in future. Many health facilities in Somali Region struggle with budget shortages related to ineffective budget planning and budget execution at woreda health office levels. In this context, an intervention to first improve budget accountability, through the implementation of citizen audits, was proposed. METHODOLOGY The rapid study focused on five woredas (districts) within Somali Region, where interviews were conducted with the heads of woreda health offices. In the same five woredas, directors of healthcare facilities were interviewed and offices and healthcare facilities were observed. The framework of assessment and analysis was based on health systems literature on fragile and conflict affected states guided the questions for the health authorities and health facility management. FINDINGS The research yielded five distinct mini case studies covering woreda health office planning and budgeting capacity and support (or lack thereof), and related impressions of challenges regarding healthcare delivery at health facilities in the same five woredas. RESULTS The findings demonstrated that the capacity for healthcare planning and budgeting Somali Region at woreda level varied significantly and that little guidance was available from regional level health authorities. Frontline health services clearly suffered from budget shortages as a result. CONCLUSION The research provided an evidence base for the delay of the roll-out of the Community Scorecard implementation across Somali Region. In a context whereby health facilities remain under-resourced due to budgeting constraints, a citizen-service provider-focused accountability intervention would have been of limited utility. The rapid case study research, conducted by condensing the usual case study research process, allowed for the production of evidence that was "robust enough" to demonstrate heterogeneity and challenges regarding budgeting quality across the five research sites. This evidence clearly transcended the hitherto anecdotal evidence that woreda-level health budget planning remains an area that faces significant shortcomings.
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Debel LN, Nigusso FT. Integrated Community Case Management Utilization Status and Associated Factors Among Caretakers of Sick Children Under the Age of 5 Years in West Shewa, Ethiopia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:929764. [PMID: 35937261 PMCID: PMC9347826 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.929764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the utilization status and associated factors of integrated community case management (ICCM) of caretakers with <5 years of sick children. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study was employed with caretakers whose child was sick in the last 3 months before data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. Results About 624 respondents participated in the study; 325 (52.1%) utilized integrated community case management. Caring for children between the ages 24–36 months old, (AOR = 1.26, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.90); women health development army (WHDA) training, (AOR = 5.76, 95%CI: 3.57, 9.30); certified as model family, (AOR = 3.98, 95%CI: 2.45, 6.46); perceived severity, (AOR = 5.29, 95%CI: 2.64, 10.60); awareness of danger sign, (AOR = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.69, 4.50), and awareness of ICCM, (AOR = 5.42, 95%CI: 1.67, 17.58) were associated with ICCM utilization. Conclusion This study revealed that age of the child, caretakers' awareness of ICCM, awareness of danger signs, illness severity, women's health developmental army training, and graduation as a model family were associated with ICCM utilization. Therefore, it is recommended that promote health education using community-level intervention modalities focusing on common childhood illness symptoms, danger signs, severity, and care-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemessa Negeri Debel
- Department of HIV and TB Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fikadu Tadesse Nigusso
- School-Based Programme Unit, World Food Programme, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- *Correspondence: Fikadu Tadesse Nigusso
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Geta TG, Gebremedhin S, Omigbodun AO. Dietary Diversity Among Pregnant Women in Gurage Zone, South Central Ethiopia: Assessment Based on Longitudinal Repeated Measurement. Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:599-615. [PMID: 35497262 PMCID: PMC9048948 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s354536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dietary diversity is a key proxy indicator of nutrient adequacy; however, limited studies have been done on it among pregnant women in Ethiopia. The study aimed to examine the prevalence of sub-optimal dietary diversity and its associated factors among pregnant women in Gurage zone, South Central Ethiopia. Materials and Methods A mixed-method approach, a longitudinal study complemented with an exploratory qualitative study, was conducted. In the longitudinal study, a consecutively included sample of 668 pregnant women was followed in three rounds of survey. Dietary diversity was assessed using the minimum dietary diversity score for women (MDD-W) tool. The average of three dietary diversity scores was used to define overall diversity. Consuming less than 5 of 10 standard food groups was considered as suboptimal dietary diversity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of suboptimal dietary diversity. Qualitative data were analysed using the thematic analysis method. Results During the 16 to 20, 28 to 29 and 36 to 37 weeks of gestation surveys, 75.0, 78.7 and 76.5% of the women had sub-optimal dietary diversity. In aggregate, 84.4% (95% CI: 81.6, 87.3) of the women had sub-optimal dietary diversity. Rural residents (AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.62), women with no formal education (AOR: 5.51, 95% CI: 1.96, 15.53) and from food insecure households (AOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.07, 5.59) had higher odds of suboptimal dietary diversity. Women with higher nutritional knowledge (AOR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.98) were less likely to have suboptimal dietary diversity. Food taboos, poor nutritional literacy and pregnancy complications were also reported as factors affecting dietary diversity. Conclusion Majority of pregnant women in the area had sub-optimal dietary diversity. Improving the socio-economic status and promoting nutrition knowledge may improve women’s dietary diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teshome Gensa Geta
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia.,Pan African University, Life and Earth Science Institutes (Including Health and Agriculture), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Samson Gebremedhin
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Akinyinka O Omigbodun
- Pan African University, Life and Earth Science Institutes (Including Health and Agriculture), Ibadan, Nigeria.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Dereje S, Yenus H, Amare G, Amare T. Maternity waiting homes utilization and associated factors among childbearing women in rural settings of Finfinnee special zone, central Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265182. [PMID: 35298504 PMCID: PMC8929623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternity waiting home (MWH) is one of the strategies designed for improved access to comprehensive obstetric care for pregnant women living far from health facilities. Hence, it is vital to promote MWHs for pregnant women in Ethiopia, where most people reside in rural settings and have a high mortality rate. Therefore, this study aimed to assess MWHs utilization and associated factors among women who gave birth in the rural settings of Finfinnee special zone, central Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15th October to 20th November 2019 among women who gave birth in the last six months before data collection. Multistage random sampling was employed among 636 women from six rural kebeles to collect data through a face-to-face interview. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted, and a 95% confidence level with a p-value <0.05 was used to determine the level and significance of the association. Results Overall, MWHs utilization was 34.0% (30.3% - 37.7%). The higher age (AOR: 4.77; 95% CI: 2.76–8.24), career women (AOR: 0.39 95% CI: 0.20–0.74), non-farmer husband (AOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14–0.55), rich women (AOR:1.84; 95% CI: 1.12–3.02), living greater than 60 minutes far from a health facility (AOR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.16–2.80), and four and more livebirths (AOR: 5.72; 95% CI: 1.53–21.35) significantly associated with MWHs utilization. The common services provided were latrine, bedding, and health professional checkups with 98.2%, 96.8%, and 75.4%, respectively. Besides, feeding service was provided by 39.8%. The primary reason not to use MWHs was the absence of enough information on MWHs. Conclusion One-third of the women who delivered within the last six months utilized MWHs in the Finfinnee special zone. Our results support the primary purpose of MWHs, that women far from the health facility are more likely to utilize MWHs, but lack of adequate information is the reason not to use MWHs. Therefore, it is better to promote MWHs to fill the information gap among women with geographical barriers to reach health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surafel Dereje
- Maternal and child health office, Finfinnee special zone health department, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hedija Yenus
- Department of Reproductive Health, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getasew Amare
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegaw Amare
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
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Tareke KG, Solomon N, Teshome F. Barriers for the Functional Implementation of Community Health Volunteers in Health Developmental Army in Debre Libanos District, Oromia, Ethiopia: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:103-114. [PMID: 35046664 PMCID: PMC8760987 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s342711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasahun Girma Tareke
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Kasahun Girma Tareke Email
| | - Nahom Solomon
- Department of Public Health, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Firanbon Teshome
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Sarriot E, Davis T, Morrow M, Kabore T, Perry H. Motivation and Performance of Community Health Workers: Nothing New Under the Sun, and Yet…. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021; 9:716-724. [PMID: 34933969 PMCID: PMC8691878 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We know that both financial and nonfinancial incentives matter if we want community health workers (CHWs) who are motivated and performing. What are the practical implications for CHWs themselves and for effective management of viable CHW programs?
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sarriot
- Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Tom Davis
- World Vision International, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Henry Perry
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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22
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Towards Sustainable Community-Based Systems for Infectious Disease and Disaster Response; Lessons from Local Initiatives in Four African Countries. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su131810083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper explores the role of decentralised community-based care systems in achieving sustainable healthcare in resource-poor areas. Based on case studies from Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Uganda and Ethiopia, the paper argues that a community-based system of healthcare is more effective in the prevention, early diagnosis, and primary care in response to the zoonotic and infectious diseases associated with extreme weather events as well as their direct health impacts. Community-based systems of care have a more holistic view of the determinants of health and can integrate responses to health challenges, social wellbeing, ecological and economic viability. The case studies profiled in this paper reveal the importance of expanding notions of health to encompass the whole environment (physical and social, across time and space) in which people live, including the explicit recognition of ecological interests and their interconnections with health. While much work still needs to be done in defining and measuring successful community responses to health and other crises, we identify two potentially core criteria: the inclusion and integration of local knowledge in response planning and actions, and the involvement of researchers and practitioners, e.g., community-embedded health workers and NGO staff, as trusted key interlocuters in brokering knowledge and devising sustainable community systems of care.
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23
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Tadele A, Teka B. Adequacy of prenatal care services and associated factors in Southern Ethiopia. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:94. [PMID: 34099020 PMCID: PMC8183068 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00614-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal care is an important component for the continuum of care in maternal and child health services. Despite increased attention on prenatal care service coverage, the adequacy of service provision has not been well addressed in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the status of the adequacy of prenatal care and its associated factors in Southern Ethiopia. METHOD A longitudinal study done by the Performance care Monitoring and Accountability (PMA2020) project was used. The study was conducted from August 2016 to January 2017 in Southern Ethiopia. A multistage stratified cluster design in which all enumeration areas were randomly selected using probability proportional to size and all households were screened to identify 324 pregnant women of six or more months. Questions regarding early attendance of prenatal care, enough visits, and sufficient services were asked to measure the adequacy of prenatal care. Finally, an ordered logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with the adequacy of prenatal care services. RESULTS Of the total pregnant women 44.21 % attended enough visits, 84.10 % had early visits, and 42.03 % received sufficient services. The women residing in urban areas had 2.35 odds of having adequate prenatal care in reference to rural areas (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.35 [95 % CI 1.05-5.31]). Women who attended primary and secondary education had 2.42(aOR 2.42 [95 % C.I. 1.04, 5.65]), and 4.18 (aOR 4.18 [95 % CI 1.32, 13.29]) odds of adequate prenatal care in reference with those who never attended education respectively. The women participating in one to five networks have 2.18 odds of adequate prenatal care in reference to their counterparts (aOR 2.78 [95 % CI 1.01, 7.71]). CONCLUSIONS The adequacy of prenatal care services in Southern Ethiopia is very low. The Ethiopian health care system should strengthen one to five networks to discuss on family health issues. Further research, should validate the tools and measure the adequacy of the services in different contexts of Ethiopia using a mixed method study for an in-depth understanding of the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afework Tadele
- Population and Family Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Bekelu Teka
- Population and Family Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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24
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Miller NP, Bagheri Ardestani F, Wong H, Stokes S, Mengistu B, Paulos M, Agonafir N, Sylla M, Ameha A, Birhanu BG, Khan S, Lemango ET. Barriers to the utilization of community-based child and newborn health services in Ethiopia: a scoping review. Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:1187-1196. [PMID: 33885143 PMCID: PMC8496769 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health and partners have scaled up integrated
community case management (iCCM) and community-based newborn care (CBNC),
allowing health extension workers (HEWs) to manage the major causes of child and
newborn death at the community level. However, low service uptake remains a key
challenge. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature to
assess barriers to the utilization of HEW services and to explore potential
solutions. The review, which was conducted to inform the Optimizing the Health
Extension Program project, which aimed to increase the utilization of iCCM and
CBNC services, included 24 peer-reviewed articles and 18 grey literature
documents. Demand-side barriers to utilization included lack of knowledge about
the signs and symptoms of childhood illnesses and danger signs; low awareness of
curative services offered by HEWs; preference for home-based care, traditional
care, or religious intervention; distance, lack of transportation and cost of
care seeking; the need to obtain husband’s permission to seek care and
opposition of traditional or religious leaders. Supply-side barriers included
health post closures, drug stockouts, disrespectful care and limited skill and
confidence of HEWs, particularly with regard to the management of newborn
illnesses. Potential solutions included community education and demand
generation activities, finding ways to facilitate and subsidize transportation
to health facilities, engaging family members and traditional and religious
leaders, ensuring consistent availability of services at health posts and
strengthening supervision and supply chain management. Both demand generation
and improvement of service delivery are necessary to achieve the expected impact
of iCCM and CBNC. Key steps for improving utilization would be carrying out
multifaceted demand generation activities, ensuring availability of HEWs in
health posts and ensuring consistent supplies of essential commodities. The
Women’s Development Army has the potential to improving linkages between
HEWs and communities, but this strategy needs to be strengthened to be
effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Miller
- Health Section, UNICEF, 3 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA.,Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Hayes Wong
- Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sonya Stokes
- Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Birkety Mengistu
- PATH Ethiopia, Bole Medhaniyalem Street #03, Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Meron Paulos
- PATH Ethiopia, Bole Medhaniyalem Street #03, Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nesibu Agonafir
- PATH Ethiopia, Bole Medhaniyalem Street #03, Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mariame Sylla
- Health Section, UNICEF Ethiopia, UNECA Compound, Zambezi Building, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Agazi Ameha
- Health Section, UNICEF Ethiopia, UNECA Compound, Zambezi Building, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bizuhan Gelaw Birhanu
- Health Section, UNICEF Ethiopia, UNECA Compound, Zambezi Building, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sadaf Khan
- Maternal Newborn Child Health and Nutrition, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave. Ste 200, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Ephrem Tekle Lemango
- Programs Section, Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Directorate, Ministry of Health, Sudan Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Defar A, Alemu K, Tigabu Z, Persson LÅ, Okwaraji YB. Caregivers' and Health Extension Workers' Perceptions and Experiences of Outreach Management of Childhood Illnesses in Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073816. [PMID: 33917415 PMCID: PMC8038672 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ethiopian Health Extension Workers provide facility-based and outreach services, including home visits to manage sick children, aiming to increase equity in service coverage. Little is known about the scope of the outreach services and caregivers' and health workers' perceptions of these services. We aimed at exploring mothers' and health extension workers' perceptions and experiences of the outreach services provided for the management of childhood illnesses. METHODS Four focus groups and eight key informant interviews were conducted. A total of 45 community members participated. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. We applied thematic content analysis, identified challenges in providing outreach services, and suggestions for improvement. We balanced the data collection by selecting half of the participants for interview and focus group discussions from remote areas and the other half from areas closer to the health posts. RESULTS Mothers reported that health extension workers visited their homes for preventive services but not for managing childhood illnesses. They showed lack of trust in the health workers' ability to treat children at home. The health extension workers reported that they provide sick children treatment during outreach services but also stated that in most cases, mothers visit the health posts when their child is sick. On the other hand, mothers considered distance from home to health post not to be a problem if the quality of services improved. Workload, long distances, and lack of incentives were perceived as demotivating factors for outreach services. The health workers called for support, incentives, and capacity development activities. CONCLUSIONS Mothers and health extension workers had partly divergent perceptions of whether outreach curative services for children were available. Mothers wanted improvements in the quality of services while health workers requested capacity development and more support for providing effective community-based child health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atkure Defar
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (L.Å.P.); (Y.B.O.)
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Kassahun Alemu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia;
| | - Zemene Tigabu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia;
| | - Lars Åke Persson
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (L.Å.P.); (Y.B.O.)
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Yemisrach B. Okwaraji
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (L.Å.P.); (Y.B.O.)
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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26
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Yitbarek K, Birhanu Z, Tucho GT, Anand S, Agenagnew L, Ahmed G, Getnet M, Tesfaye Y. Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing Mental Health Services into the Ethiopian Health Extension Program: A Qualitative Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:1199-1210. [PMID: 33776497 PMCID: PMC7989539 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s298190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has integrated mental health services into the community health service, but it has not yet been implemented. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of mental health service implementation in the Ethiopian community health program. METHODS A qualitative case study was conducted in the Ethiopian primary health care system in 2019. We have conducted about eight key informant interviews with policymakers, service managers, and service providers. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed manually using the World Health Organization building blocks framework. RESULTS The Health Ministry of Ethiopia has recently included mental health services into the health extension package but not yet implemented as part of integrated services. The identified barriers were low political commitment, shortage of resources, non-functional referral system, lack of interest from private health service organizations, attitudinal problems from both the society and service providers, and lack of consistent reporting system of the mental health problems. However, the well-designed primary health care system, trained health extension workers, changing political commitment and attitude of the community could facilitate the mental health service implementation. CONCLUSION A series of activities are expected, especially from the healthcare system managers to implement, follow, and evaluate mental health services implementation at the health extension programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiddus Yitbarek
- Departemnt of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdie Birhanu
- Department of Health Behaviors and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gudina Terefe Tucho
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Susan Anand
- Department of Nursing, Faculty Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Liyew Agenagnew
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gutema Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Masrie Getnet
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Tesfaye
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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27
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Ashebir F, Medhanyie AA, Mulugeta A, Persson LÅ, Berhanu D. Women's development group leaders' promotion of maternal, neonatal and child health care in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Glob Health Action 2021; 13:1748845. [PMID: 32456555 PMCID: PMC7783097 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1748845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women’s development group leaders are volunteer community health workers in Ethiopia who, among other duties, promote health and prevention of diseases. They link and extend essential health services from health posts to households. Objective To assess the characteristics, knowledge, and practice of women’s development group leaders in the field of maternal, neonatal, and child health care. Method This study used a cluster-sampled cross-sectional survey conducted from December 2016 to February 2017 in four regions of Ethiopia: Oromia, Amhara, Tigray and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples. One of the volunteers, who was available at the time of the survey, was included from each cluster. A total of 187 women’s development group leaders participated in this quantitative study. Result Close to half of the women’s development group leaders were illiterate. The leaders had a wide variation in the number of women in their groups. Two-thirds had received some training during the last year, covering a broad range of health topics. Their knowledge of maternal, newborn, and child health was relatively low. Two-thirds had monthly contact with health extension workers. Around half had interacted with other local stakeholders on maternal and child health matters during the last three months. Two-thirds had visited pregnant women, and half had made home visits after delivery in the previous quarter. Activities regarding sick newborns and under-five children were less frequent. Conclusion The women leaders were given a wide range of tasks, despite having a low educational level and receiving training through brief orientations. They also showed limited knowledge but had a relatively high level of activities related to maternal health, while less so on neonatal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fisseha Ashebir
- Tigray Regional Health Bureau , Mekelle, Ethiopia.,College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Mekelle University , Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Araya Abrha Medhanyie
- College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Mekelle University , Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Afework Mulugeta
- College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Mekelle University , Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Lars Åke Persson
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London, UK.,Ethiopian Public Health Institute , Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Della Berhanu
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London, UK.,Ethiopian Public Health Institute , Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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28
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Tola W, Negash E, Sileshi T, Wakgari N. Late initiation of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of Ilu Ababor Zone, southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246230. [PMID: 33513182 PMCID: PMC7845970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Timely entries to antenatal care have various benefits for pregnant women and birth outcomes. The aim of antenatal care is to assure that every pregnancy culminates in the delivery of a healthy baby without negative effects on the health of pregnant women through health promotion and disease prevention, early detection, and treatment of complications and existing diseases. Hence, this study assessed the late initiation of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at public health centers of Ilu Ababor Zone, southwest Ethiopia. An Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 389 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care service at twelve randomly selected health centers. A systematic sampling technique was employed to recruit pregnant women. Pretested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were entered into Epidata and exported to SPSS for analysis. Those women who started antenatal care follow up after 12 weeks of gestational age were categorized as booked lately. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify an association between the independent predictors and the outcome variable. In this study, 277 (71.2%) of the participants were booked their first antenatal care visit lately. Having family size of ≥ 4 (AOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.07–4.74), maternal age ≥ 25 years (AOR: 2.30; 95%CI: 1.02–5.18) and perceived the right time of booking > 12 weeks of gestation (AOR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.13–5.04) had higher odds of late antenatal care initiation. Similarly, not being a member of women’s health developmental army (AOR: 2.35; 95%CI: 1.09–5.07) and ANC not attended previously (AOR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.17–9.42) had also a more likelihood of booking antenatal care lately. In this study, the majority of women started antenatal care lately. Thus, the provision of health education on the importance of attending first antenatal care early is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqgari Tola
- Oromia, TVET Commission, Mettu Health Science College, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Efrem Negash
- Faculty of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Sileshi
- Faculty of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Negash Wakgari
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
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29
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Zewdie S, Fage SG, Tura AK, Weldegebreal F. Undernutrition among Pregnant Women in Rural Communities in Southern Ethiopia. Int J Womens Health 2021; 13:73-79. [PMID: 33447094 PMCID: PMC7802823 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s285132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal undernutrition rates in Ethiopia are among the highest in the world. In addition, a huge inequity exists within the country, with pregnant women in rural communities being at increased risk. This study assessed the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among pregnant women in a rural community in southern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 randomly selected pregnant women. Data were collected through face-to-face interview followed by mid–upper arm circumference measurement. Household food insecurity and minimum dietary diversity for women were assessed. Data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS 20 for analysis. Logistic regression models were fitted to check associations between independent variables and undernutrition. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results The prevalence of undernutrition was 41.2% (95% CI 36.3%–46.3%). Unintended pregnancy (AOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.27–3.36) and not participating in Wome's Health Development Army meetings (AOR 3.64, 95% CI 1.51–8.77) were independent predictors of undernutrition. However, minimum dietary diversity for women of five or more food groups (AOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.82), having at least one antenatal care visit (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27–0.78), age at first pregnancy ≥20 years (AOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21–0.76), and being from food-secure households (AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.16–0.43) were independent protective factors against undernutrition. Conclusion Undernutrition among pregnant women was highly prevalent in the study area. Interventions aiming to reduce undernutrition should focus on discouraging teenage and unintended pregnancy, reducing household food insecurity, and promoting antenatal care visits and encouraging consumption of diversified diets by women. Strengthening the existing network of the Women’s Health Development Army seems to be very important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Zewdie
- Goro Dola Woreda Health Office, Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Goro Dola, Ethiopia
| | - Sagni Girma Fage
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Kenay Tura
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Fitsum Weldegebreal
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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30
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Megersa BS, Bussmann H, Bärnighausen T, Muche AA, Alemu K, Deckert A. Community cervical cancer screening: Barriers to successful home-based HPV self-sampling in Dabat district, North Gondar, Ethiopia. A qualitative study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243036. [PMID: 33306681 PMCID: PMC7732077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the barriers to successful home-based human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling in North Gondar, Ethiopia. METHODS The study participants were women who had previously participated in a community-wide home-based HPV self-sampling pilot study, community health workers, women's development army leaders, and the sample collectors of the home-based HPV self-sampling pilot study. A community based qualitative descriptive study was conducted. We applied purposive and convenience sampling. In total, 47 women participated in the study (in-depth interviews n = 22, four focus group discussions n = 25, 6-7 participants each). The study employed thematic analysis for clustering the emerged themes. RESULTS Husband disapproval was identified as the main barrier to the acceptance of home-based HPV self-sampling. Social influence, lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, lack of health education on cervical cancer and HPV-based screening, feeling healthy, and religious influence were identified as additional barriers. Fear of using Evalyn brush® for self-sampling was found to be the main barrier to the provision of a quality sample. The inability of the sample collectors to check the proper utilization of Evalyn brush® and the difficulty in understanding the instructions did also contribute to the low-quality. Providing health education concerning cervical cancer and HPV self-sapling to women, male involvement in the screening program, and linking the screening service to existing local health facilities were suggested to guarantee the success of home-based HPV self-sampling. CONCLUSIONS Educating women regarding cervical cancer and HPV testing, providing clear instructions on how to collect self-sample, and male involvement in the screening program are prerequisites for a successful implementation of home-based HPV testing. Women empowerment should also be focused to overcome the identified sociocultural barriers. Furthermore, the screening program should guarantee the timely provision of the test results and offering women follow-up examinations and treatment for abnormal findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikila Soboka Megersa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Hermann Bussmann
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Achenef Asmamaw Muche
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Alemu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Andreas Deckert
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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31
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Assefa Y, Hill PS, Gilks CF, Admassu M, Tesfaye D, Van Damme W. Primary health care contributions to universal health coverage, Ethiopia. Bull World Health Organ 2020; 98:894-905A. [PMID: 33293750 PMCID: PMC7716108 DOI: 10.2471/blt.19.248328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many global health institutions, including the World Health Organization, consider primary health care as the path towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC). However, there remain concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach in low-resource countries. Ethiopia has been implementing the primary health-care approach since the mid-1970s, with primary health care at the core of the health system since 1993. Nevertheless, comprehensive and systemic evidence on the practice and role of primary health care towards UHC is lacking in Ethiopia. We made a document review of publicly available qualitative and quantitative data. Using the framework of the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative we describe and analyse the practice of primary health care and identify successes and challenges. Implementation of the primary health-care approach in Ethiopia has been possible through policies, strategies and programmes that are aligned with country priorities. There has been a diagonal approach to disease control programmes along with health-systems strengthening, community empowerment and multisectoral action. These strategies have enabled the country to increase health services coverage and improve the population’s health status. However, key challenges remain to be addressed, including inadequate coverage of services, inequity of access, slow health-systems transition to provide services for noncommunicable diseases, inadequate quality of care, and high out-of-pocket expenditure. To resolve gaps in the health system and beyond, the country needs to improve its domestic financing for health and target disadvantaged locations and populations through a precision public health approach. These challenges need to be addressed through the whole sustainable development agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter S Hill
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Charles F Gilks
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mengesha Admassu
- International Institute of Primary Health Care, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dessalegn Tesfaye
- United States Agency for International Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Berhanu D, Okwaraji YB, Defar A, Bekele A, Lemango ET, Medhanyie AA, Wordofa MA, Yitayal M, W/Gebriel F, Desta A, Gebregizabher FA, Daka DW, Hunduma A, Beyene H, Getahun T, Getachew T, Woldemariam AT, Wolassa D, Persson LÅ, Schellenberg J. Does a complex intervention targeting communities, health facilities and district health managers increase the utilisation of community-based child health services? A before and after study in intervention and comparison areas of Ethiopia. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040868. [PMID: 32933966 PMCID: PMC7493123 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ethiopia successfully reduced mortality in children below 5 years of age during the past few decades, but the utilisation of child health services was still low. Optimising the Health Extension Programme was a 2-year intervention in 26 districts, focusing on community engagement, capacity strengthening of primary care workers and reinforcement of district accountability of child health services. We report the intervention's effectiveness on care utilisation for common childhood illnesses. METHODS We included a representative sample of 5773 households with 2874 under-five children at baseline (December 2016 to February 2017) and 10 788 households and 5639 under-five children at endline surveys (December 2018 to February 2019) in intervention and comparison areas. Health facilities were also included. We assessed the effect of the intervention using difference-in-differences analyses. RESULTS There were 31 intervention activities; many were one-off and implemented late. In eight districts, activities were interrupted for 4 months. Care-seeking for any illness in the 2 weeks before the survey for children aged 2-59 months at baseline was 58% (95% CI 47 to 68) in intervention and 49% (95% CI 39 to 60) in comparison areas. At end-line it was 39% (95% CI 32 to 45) in intervention and 34% (95% CI 27 to 41) in comparison areas (difference-in-differences -4 percentage points, adjusted OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.95). The intervention neither had an effect on care-seeking among sick neonates, nor on household participation in community engagement forums, supportive supervision of primary care workers, nor on indicators of district accountability for child health services. CONCLUSION We found no evidence to suggest that the intervention increased the utilisation of care for sick children. The lack of effect could partly be attributed to the short implementation period of a complex intervention and implementation interruption. Future funding schemes should take into consideration that complex interventions that include behaviour change may need an extended implementation period. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN12040912.
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Affiliation(s)
- Della Berhanu
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Health Systems and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yemisrach Behailu Okwaraji
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Atkure Defar
- Health Systems and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Bekele
- Health Systems and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ephrem Tekle Lemango
- Maternal and Child Health Directorate, Ethiopia Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Araya Abrha Medhanyie
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Muluemebet Abera Wordofa
- Department of Population and Family Health, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mezgebu Yitayal
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Fitsum W/Gebriel
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Alem Desta
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Fisseha Ashebir Gebregizabher
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
- Tigray Regional Health Bureau, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Wolde Daka
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Hunduma
- Department of Population and Family Health, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Beyene
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- Southern Nations, Nationalities & Peoples Regional Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Getahun
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Baher Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Theodros Getachew
- Health Systems and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Tariku Woldemariam
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Desta Wolassa
- Health Systems and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lars Åke Persson
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Health Systems and Reproductive Health Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Joanna Schellenberg
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Beyene H, Hailu D, Tadele H, Persson LÅ, Berhanu D. Insufficient referral practices of sick children in Ethiopia shown in a cross-sectional survey. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:1867-1874. [PMID: 31999877 PMCID: PMC7496527 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Aim This study aimed at assessing the referral of sick young infants and children from the community, health posts and health centres to higher levels. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in four of the largest Ethiopian regions from December 2016 to February 2017. Referral practices were assessed at each level in 46 districts of these regions. Interviews were supplemented by reviews of registers at health posts and health centres. Results The women's development group leaders, who do not provide health services, referred half of the sick children they visited in the community to the health posts. The health extension workers referred 16% of the sick young infants and 6% of older infants and children to higher levels. From health centres, the health workers referred 6% of sick young infants and 1% of older infants and children to hospital. Many cases of possible severe bacterial infection were not referred to higher levels. A functional ambulance was available for a bit more than a third of the health centres. Conclusion Referral practices of sick young infants and children at all levels were weak that may threaten the continued reduction of child mortality in Ethiopia. Referral logistics were insufficient, which partly could explain the missing referrals of severely ill infants and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habtamu Beyene
- Southern Nations, Nationalities & Peoples Regional Health Bureau Hawassa Ethiopia
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences Hawassa University Hawassa Ethiopia
| | - Dejene Hailu
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences Hawassa University Hawassa Ethiopia
| | - Henok Tadele
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health College of Health Sciences Addis Ababa University Addis Ababa Ethiopia
| | | | - Della Berhanu
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine London UK
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Bergen N, Zhu G, Yedenekal SA, Mamo A, Abebe Gebretsadik L, Morankar S, Labonté R. Promoting equity in maternal, newborn and child health - how does gender factor in? Perceptions of public servants in the Ethiopian health sector. Glob Health Action 2020; 13:1704530. [PMID: 31935164 PMCID: PMC7006674 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2019.1704530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Advancing gender equality and health equity are concurrent priorities of the Ethiopian health sector. While gender is regarded as an important determinant of health, there is a paucity of literature that considers the interface between how these two priorities are pursued. Objective: This article explores how government stakeholders understand gender issues (gender barriers and roles) in the promotion of maternal, newborn and child health equity in Ethiopia. Methods: Adopting an exploratory qualitative case study design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 purposively-selected stakeholders working in leadership positions with the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as part of a larger study regarding the promotion of health equity in maternal, newborn and child health. A post hoc content and thematic sub-analysis was done to explore how participants raised gender issues in conversations about health equity. Results: Efforts to address gender inequalities were synonymous with the promotion of a women’s health agenda, which was largely oriented towards promoting health service use. Men were predominant decision makers with regards to women’s health and health care seeking in both public and private spheres. Participants reported persisting gender-related barriers to health stemming from traditional gender roles, and noted the increased inclusion of women in the health workforce since the introduction of the Health Extension Program. Conclusions: The framing of gender as a women’s health issue, advanced through patriarchal structures, does little to elevate the status of women, or promote power differentials that contribute to health inequity. Encouraging leadership roles for women as health decision makers and redressing certain gender-based norms, attitudes, practices and discrimination are possible ways forward in re-orienting gender equality efforts to align with the promotion of health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bergen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Grace Zhu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Shifera Asfaw Yedenekal
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Mamo
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lakew Abebe Gebretsadik
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Sudhakar Morankar
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Ronald Labonté
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Shifti DM, Chojenta C, G. Holliday E, Loxton D. Individual and community level determinants of short birth interval in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227798. [PMID: 31935262 PMCID: PMC6959604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 33 months between two consecutive live births to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. However, determinants of short birth interval have not been well understood in Ethiopia. Objective The aim of this study was to assess individual- and community-level determinants of short birth interval among women in Ethiopia. Methods A detailed analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data was performed. A total of 8,448 women were included in the analysis. A two-level multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated individual- and community-level factors and estimate between-community variance. Results At the individual-level, women aged between 20 and 24 years at first marriage (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.18–1.60), women aged between 25 and 29 years at first marriage (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.20–2.25), having a husband who attended higher education (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.01–1.73), being unemployed (AOR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03–1.31), having an unemployed husband (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04–1.45), being in the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.39–2.39), being in the poorer wealth quintile (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.21–2.06), being in the middle wealth quintile (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.24–2.10), being in the richer wealth quintile (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.19–2.00), increased total number of children born before the index child (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03–1.10) and death of the preceding child (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.59–2.45) were associated with increased odds of short birth interval. At the community-level, living in a pastoralist region (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.68–2.39), being a city dweller (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.38–2.22), high community-level female illiteracy (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05–1.45) and increased distance to health facilities (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.11–1.56) were associated with higher odds of experiencing short birth interval. Random effects showed significant variation in short birth interval between communities. Conclusion Determinants of short birth interval are varied and complex. Multifaceted intervention approaches supported by policy initiatives are required to prevent short birth interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desalegn Markos Shifti
- Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Catherine Chojenta
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Holliday
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Loxton
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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