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Samei B, Babaie J, Tabrizi JS, Sadeghi-Bazargani H, Aghdash SA, Derakhshani N, Rezapour R. Exploring hospitals' functional preparedness effective factors in response to disasters: a qualitative study in a lower middle-income country. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:197. [PMID: 38350908 PMCID: PMC10865653 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10630-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical services are among the most urgent needs of the disaster-affected population. Consequently, hospital preparedness -as the main health services provider- is one of the vital factors in effective response to disasters. The present study aims to explore the perspectives of study participants about the influential factors of hospital functional preparedness in a lower middle-income country. METHODS In this qualitative study, data were collected through 17 semi-structured interviews with disaster management authorities selected by purposive sampling. Content-Analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS 138 codes were developed and categorized into ten categories and 34 subcategories. The main categories were: 1- leadership, command, and coordination (4 subcategories); 2- risk assessment (3 subcategories); 3- legislating and developing protocols, guidelines, and programs (3 subcategories); 4- estimating and storing the necessary supplies and equipment (3 subcategories); 5- human resource management (4 subcategories); 6- education, training, and development of staff (6 subcategories); 7- vital routes and facilities (3 subcategories); 8- communication (3 subcategories); 9- security, safety and locating of safe zones (3 subcategories); 10- underlying disaster risk factors (2 subcategories). CONCLUSION According to the participants of this study, ten categories of factors can affect hospitals' functional preparedness; hospital managers and decision-makers can consider these factors to ensure the proper provision of medical services during disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Samei
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Babaie
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Centre, School of Management & Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Jafar Sadegh Tabrizi
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Saber Azami Aghdash
- Medical Philosophy and History Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Naser Derakhshani
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Rezapour
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Debalkie Atnafu D, Assefa Alemu Y. Multidimensional determinants of willingness to pay for community-based health insurance in Ethiopia and its implication towards universal health coverage: A narrative synthesis. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102474. [PMID: 38116251 PMCID: PMC10728330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102474] [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] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pooling resources to pay for healthcare services and attain universal health coverage is a viable global agenda, especially for underdeveloped health systems. Ethiopia has implemented community-based health insurance (CBHI) since 2011 to improve healthcare funding. However, comprehensive evidence on the demand and determinants of health insurance in Ethiopia is lacking. Therefore, this review aimed at identifying determinants of willingness to pay (WTP) for CBHI in Ethiopia. A narrative review was conducted using search terms from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, African Journal Online, and Google Scholar databases. Screening process considered publication year, settings, English language, and study participants. Newcastle Ottawa tool assessed the quality of included studies. A thematic framework was applied. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO with an ID number CRD42022296840. The review included 10 studies. The synthesis identified 25 determinants of WTP for CBHI in Ethiopia. Socio-demographic and economic, scheme-related, and health-related determinants of WTP for the CBHI were identified. Determinants of household WTP for CBHI in Ethiopia were multi-dimensional. Socio-demographic, socio-economic, scheme-related, and health-related factors are among the common determinants documented. CBHI is thus an alternative and potential source of financing for the healthcare system, primarily for people with low socioeconomic status and a fragile health system. The health system, socioeconomic leaders, and political figures play a significant role in influencing communities towards WTP for CBHI while increasing government spending on health toward UHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desta Debalkie Atnafu
- Department of Health System Management and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
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Fallah R, Maleki M, Aryankhesal A, Haghdoost A. Reviewing the National Health Services Quality Policies and Strategies of the Iranian Health System: A Document Analysis. Int J Prev Med 2023; 14:107. [PMID: 37854999 PMCID: PMC10580188 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_1_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High-quality health care is an important component of efforts to reach Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Given this pivotal fact, poor quality of care is a significant bottleneck in the endeavors of Iran to UHC. This study was part of a broader qualitative study and aimed to provide supplementary data about the documents related to the National Quality Policies and Strategies (NQPS) health services in the health system of Iran to determine the degree of alignment with the World Health Organization (WHO) approach for NQPS, and to track change and development over time. Methods This document analysis was performed following the READ approach for systematic document analysis in health policy research. Furthermore, qualitative content analysis following parallel forms of the mixed analysis in which the textual material proceeded with different inductive and deductive content-analytical procedures simultaneously, applying the WHO practical approach for NQPS, was selected. Results The 15 included records that met the inclusion criteria were released in the post-Islamic Revolution period. The Ministry of Health was found as the most responsible authority for publishing the NQPS among the other authorities. Furthermore, 67% of NQPS was aligned with the goals and priorities of a broader national plan or policy. Contradictions, variations, and ambiguities were also found in the literature circumstances of the NQPS. There was no NQPS concentrated on the entire pathway of care in the Iranian health system, which developed according to the WHO approach for NQPS. Conclusions Qualitative analysis of the current NQPSs based on the eight inter-dependent elements and critical supplements, the technical perspective of broad stakeholders, community engagement, and steady commitment of policymakers are our recommendations for future efforts towards having NQPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Fallah
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Maleki
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aidin Aryankhesal
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Haghdoost
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public Health School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Hedayati M, Masoudi Asl I, Maleki M, Fazaeli AA, Goharinezhad S. Policy analysis of the protection of Iranian households against catastrophic health expenditures: a qualitative analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:445. [PMID: 37147681 PMCID: PMC10161991 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09275-0] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the adoption of various policies and strategies in recent decades, the Iranian health system has not succeeded in protecting households against catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and impoverishment. Accordingly, this qualitative study aimed to critically analyze current policies for reducing CHE. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted as a retrospective policy analysis based on a document review and semi-structured interviews with key informants between July to October 2022. Two theoretical frameworks were used, including the Analysis of Determinants of Policy Impact (ADEPT) model and Walt and Gilson's "Policy Triangle framework." The country's related documents were searched through databases. In total, 35 participants were interviewed. Interviews and documents were analyzed using directed content analysis in MAXQDA v12 software. Interobserver reliability, peer check, and member check were done to confirm the trustworthiness of the data. RESULTS Twelve main themes and 42 sub-themes emerged from the data. The findings revealed that policy accessibility, policy background, and a clear statement of goals influenced the policy process. However, resources, monitoring and evaluation, opportunities, and obligations negatively affected the implementation process. In addition, a policy analysis based on the policy triangle framework demonstrated that the main factors affecting the policy on reducing CHE in Iran were "conflicts of interest," "contextual factors," "monitoring and evaluation," and "intersectoral relationship" factors. CONCLUSION The present study reflected the multifaceted nature of the barriers to reducing CHE in Iran. The implementation of the policy on reducing CHE requires the political will to improve intersectoral collaboration, strengthen the stewardship role of the Ministry of Health, design monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and prevent personal and organizational conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hedayati
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iravan Masoudi Asl
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Maleki
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Fazaeli
- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, Tehran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salime Goharinezhad
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhang T, Zhang H, Miao W, Xu J, Shi Q, Liu J, Deng F, He J, Chen F, Kang Z, Wu Q, Tian G. What has affected the governance effect of the whole population coverage of medical insurance in China in the past decade? Lessons for other countries. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1079173. [PMID: 37064691 PMCID: PMC10097977 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1079173] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the current state of governance of full population coverage of health insurance in China and its influencing factors to provide empirical references for countries with similar social backgrounds as China. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted nationwide between 22 January 2020 and 26 January 2020, with descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and logistic regression models via SPSS 25.0 to analyze the effectiveness and influencing factors of the governance of full population coverage of health insurance in China. Results The effectiveness of the governance relating to the total population coverage of health insurance was rated as good by 59% of the survey respondents. According to the statistical results, the governance of the public's ability to participate in insurance (OR = 1.516), the degree of information construction in the medical insurance sector (OR = 2.345), the government's governance capacity (OR = 4.284), and completeness of the government's governance tools (OR = 1.370) were all positively correlated (p < 0.05) on the governance effect of the whole population coverage of health insurance. Conclusions The governance of Chinese health insurance relating to the total population coverage is effective. To effectively improve the effectiveness of the governance relating to the total population coverage of health insurance, health insurance information construction, governance capacity, and governance tools should be the focus of governance to further improve the accurate expansion of and increase the coverage of health insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenqing Miao
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jinpeng Xu
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qi Shi
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jian Liu
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Fangmin Deng
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingran He
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Fangting Chen
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zheng Kang
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Zheng Kang
| | - Qunhong Wu
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guomei Tian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Rezapour R, Khosravi A, Farahbakhsh M, Ahmadnezhad E, Azami-Aghdash S, Tabrizi JS. Developing Iranian sub-national Primary Health Care Measurement Framework: a study protocol. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2022; 23:e62. [PMID: 36217764 PMCID: PMC9641646 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423622000469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing an effective system for measurement and improvement of primary health care (PHC) based on the conditions and characteristics of the countries' health systems is one of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. AIMS This study will aim to develop a framework to assess the Iranian sub-national PHC system performance using the WHO measurement framework for PHC. METHODS/DESIGNS This is a mix-method study with a triangulation design. The Iranian sub-national PHC Measurement Framework (PHCMF) will be developed through a review of the WHO's PHC measurement conceptual framework (for selecting key performance indicators (KPIs)), literature review (academic database), PHC-related national documents, consultations with national experts, and the Delphi technique for finalizing the framework. The required data for calculating selected KPIs is expected to encompass qualitative and quantitative data. Discussion: Iranian PHC system performance is not measured based on the holistic and scientific framework and international standards. The information obtained from this project will guide managers and policymakers to be aware of the current situation and the success rate of the PHC system in achieving the desired goals, as well as identify strengths and weaknesses of the PHC system and provide the solution to better policy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Rezapour
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ardeshir Khosravi
- Center for Primary Health Care Management, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Farahbakhsh
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Ahmadnezhad
- National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Azami-Aghdash
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jafar Sadegh Tabrizi
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Address for correspondence: Jafar Sadegh Tabrizi, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. E-mail:
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Endalamaw A, Gilks CF, Ambaw F, Assefa Y. Universality of universal health coverage: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269507. [PMID: 35994455 PMCID: PMC9394787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269507] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The progress of Universal health coverage (UHC) is measured using tracer indicators of key interventions, which have been implemented in healthcare system. UHC is about population, comprehensive health services and financial coverage for equitable quality services and health outcome. There is dearth of evidence about the extent of the universality of UHC in terms of types of health services, its integrated definition (dimensions) and tracer indicators utilized in the measurement of UHC. Therefore, we mapped the existing literature to assess universality of UHC and summarize the challenges towards UHC. METHODS The checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews was used. A systematic search was carried out in the Web of Science and PubMed databases. Hand searches were also conducted to find articles from Google Scholar, the World Bank Library, the World Health Organization Library, the United Nations Digital Library Collections, and Google. Article search date was between 20 October 2021 and 12 November 2021 and the most recent update was done on 03 March 2022. Articles on UHC coverage, financial risk protection, quality of care, and inequity were included. The Population, Concept, and Context framework was used to determine the eligibility of research questions. A stepwise approach was used to identify and select relevant studies, conduct data charting, collation and summarization, as well as report results. Simple descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis were used to present the findings. RESULTS Forty-seven papers were included in the final review. One-fourth of the articles (25.5%) were from the African region and 29.8% were from lower-middle-income countries. More than half of the articles (54.1%) followed a quantitative research approach. Of included articles, coverage was assessed by 53.2% of articles; financial risk protection by 27.7%, inequity by 25.5% and quality by 6.4% of the articles as the main research objectives or mentioned in result section. Most (42.5%) of articles investigated health promotion and 2.1% palliation and rehabilitation services. Policy and healthcare level and cross-cutting barriers of UHC were identified. Financing, leadership/governance, inequity, weak regulation and supervision mechanism, and poverty were most repeated policy level barriers. Poor quality health services and inadequate health workforce were the common barriers from health sector challenges. Lack of common understanding on UHC was frequently mentioned as a cross-cutting barrier. CONCLUSIONS The review showed that majority of the articles were from the African region. Methodologically, quantitative research design was more frequently used to investigate UHC. Palliation and rehabilitation health care services need attention in the monitoring and evaluation of UHC progress. It is also noteworthy to focus on quality and inequity of health services. The study implies that urgent action on the identified policy, health system and cross-cutting barriers is required to achieve UHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aklilu Endalamaw
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Charles F. Gilks
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Fentie Ambaw
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Habte A, Tamene A, Ejajo T, Dessu S, Endale F, Gizachew A, Sulamo D. Towards universal health coverage: The level and determinants of enrollment in the Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) scheme in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272959. [PMID: 35980888 PMCID: PMC9387799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community-based health insurance (CBHI) is a risk-pooling approach that tries to disperse health expenditures across families with varying health profiles to provide greater access to healthcare services by allowing cross-subsidies from wealthy to poor populations. It is crucial to assess the level of CBHI enrolment and its determinants in Ethiopia, where government health spending is limited to less than 5% of GDP, far below the Alma Ata Declaration’s benchmark of 15%. Although various epidemiological studies on CBHI enrolment status and its determinants have been undertaken in Ethiopia, the results have been inconsistent, with significant variability. However, no nationwide study assessing the pooled estimates exists today. Furthermore, the estimated strength of association at the country level varied and was inconsistent across studies. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of CBHI enrolment and its determinants in Ethiopia. Methods A comprehensive search of studies was done by using PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, HINARI, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The database search was complemented by google scholar and some repositories for grey literature. The search was carried out from February 11 to March 12, 2022. The relevant data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheet and analyzed using STATATM Version 16. Studies reporting the level and determinants of CBHI enrolment in Ethiopia were considered. A weighted DerSimonian Laired random effect model was applied to estimate the pooled national prevalence of CBHI enrolment. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. A funnel plot, Begg’s and Egger’s tests, were used to check for the presence of publication bias. Results Fifteen studies were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis with a total of 8418 study participants. The overall pooled prevalence of CBHI enrolment in Ethiopia was 45.5% (95% CI: 32.19, 58.50). Affordability of premium for the scheme[OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.68, 3.47], knowledge of respondents on the CBHI scheme[OR = 4.35, 95% CI 2.69, 6.01], perceived quality of service[OR = 3.21, 95% CI 2.04, 4.38], trust in the scheme[OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.57, 3.07], and the presence of a person with a chronic disease in the household [OR = 3.58, 95% CI 2.37, 4.78] were all found to influence CBHI enrolment. Conclusion Community health workers (CHWs) need to make a high effort to improve knowledge of CBHI in rural communities by providing health education. To deal with the issue of affordability, due emphasis should be placed on building local solidarity groups and strengthening local initiatives to aid poor members. Stakeholders in the health service delivery points need to focus on the dimensions of high service quality. The financial gap created by the adverse selection of households with chronically ill members should be rectified by implementing targeted subsidies with robust plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aklilu Habte
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Aiggan Tamene
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
| | - Tekle Ejajo
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Dessu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Fitsum Endale
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
| | - Addisalem Gizachew
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Sulamo
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
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