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Khan MN, Harris ML, Hassen TA, Bagade T, Shifti DM, Feyissa TR, Chojenta C. Effects of short birth interval on child malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024; 20:e13643. [PMID: 38530129 PMCID: PMC11168362 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Child malnutrition remains a significant concern in the Asia-Pacific region, with short birth intervals recognised as a potential risk factor. However, evidence of this association is inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically review the existing evidence and assess the summary effects of short birth interval on child malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region. Five electronic databases were searched in May 2023 to identify relevant studies reporting the association between short birth interval and child malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, underweight, anaemia and overall malnutrition, in Asia-Pacific region between September 2000 and May 2023. Fixed-effects or random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the summary effects of short birth interval on child malnutrition. Out of 56 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 48 were included in quantitative synthesis through meta-analysis. We found a slightly higher likelihood of stunting (n = 25, odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97-1.32) and overall malnutrition (n = 3, OR = 2.42; 95% CI: 0.88-6.65) among children born in short birth intervals compared to those with nonshort intervals, although the effect was not statistically significant. However, caution is warranted due to identified heterogeneity across studies. Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant effects of short birth intervals on child malnutrition in national-level studies and studies with larger sample sizes. These findings underscore short birth intervals as a significant contributor to child malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region. Implementing effective policies and programs is vital to alleviate this burden, ultimately reducing child malnutrition and associated adverse outcomes, including child mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nuruzzaman Khan
- Department of Population ScienceJatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam UniversityMymensinghBangladesh
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Melissa L. Harris
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tahir A. Hassen
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tanmay Bagade
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Desalegn M. Shifti
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Child Health Research CentreThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Tesfaye R. Feyissa
- Deakin Rural Health, School of Medicine, Faculty of HealthDeakin UniversityBurwoodVictoriaAustralia
| | - Catherine Chojenta
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
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Alam MB, Rana MS, Kabir MA, Khanam SJ, Khan MN. Pattern of contraceptive use among reproductive-aged women with disabilities in Bangladesh: Evidence from multiple indicator cluster survey 2019. Disabil Health J 2024:101651. [PMID: 38866623 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101651] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contraception is crucial for reproductive-aged women with disabilities, empowering them to manage reproductive choices and enhancing overall health, autonomy, and well-being. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the usage patterns of contraceptive methods among reproductive-aged women with disabilities in Bangladesh. METHODS We analyzed data from 47,465 reproductive-aged women from the 2019 Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. Outcome variables included contraceptive usage patterns, grouped into any contraceptive methods, any modern contraceptive methods, and any traditional contraceptive methods. The primary explanatory variable considered was disabilities level (women with no disabilities, women with moderate disabilities, and women with severe disabilities), along with types of disabilities. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to assess associations between outcomes and explanatory variables while accounting for confounding. RESULTS The prevalence of any contraceptive methods use was 66.4 %, declining to 54 % among women with severe disabilities. The odd of modern contraception use was 31 % lower (aOR, 0.69, 95 % CI, 0.65-0.73) among women with moderate disabilities and 47 % lower (aOR, 0.53, 95 % CI, 0.47-0.60) among those with severe disabilities, compared to women with no disabilities. Within the individual domains of disabilities, those with vision, walking, cognitive, and self-care-related disabilities reported lower odds of modern contraception uptake than those with no disabilities. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights that women with disabilities use contraceptives less often, increasing vulnerability to unintended and short interval pregnancies and unsafe abortion. Strengthening family planning and prioritizing women with disabilities for modern contraceptives are vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Badsha Alam
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shohel Rana
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md Awal Kabir
- Department of Social Work, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Pabna, Bangladesh
| | - Shimlin Jahan Khanam
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nuruzzaman Khan
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
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Hassen TA, Chojenta C, Khan MN, Shifti DM, Harris ML. Short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04072. [PMID: 38700432 PMCID: PMC11067827 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Short birth interval is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes for mothers and children. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Thus, this study aimed to synthesise evidence related to the definition, classification, prevalence, and predictors of short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Methods Five databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Maternity and Infant Care, and Web of Science) were searched for studies published between September 2000 and May 2023 (the last search was conducted for all databases in May 2023). We included original studies published in English that reported on short birth interval in the Asia-Pacific region. Studies that combined birth interval with birth order, used multi-country data and were published as conference abstracts and commentaries were excluded. Three independent reviewers screened the articles for relevancy, and two reviewers performed the data extraction and quality assessment. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. The findings were both qualitatively and quantitatively synthesised and presented. Results A total of 140 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. About 58% (n = 82) of the studies defined short birth interval, while 42% (n = 58) did not. Out of 82 studies, nearly half (n = 39) measured a birth-to-birth interval, 37 studies measured a birth-to-pregnancy, four measured a pregnancy-to-pregnancy, and two studies measured a pregnancy loss-to-conception. Approximately 39% (n = 55) and 6% (n = 8) of studies classified short birth intervals as <24 months and <33 months, respectively. Most of the included studies were cross-sectional, and about two-thirds had either medium or high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of short birth interval was 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 23.0-44.6, I2 = 99.9%, P < 0.01) among the studies that used the World Health Organization definition. Conclusions This review's findings highlighted significant variations in the definition, measurement, classification, and reported prevalence of short birth interval across the included studies. Future research is needed to harmonise the definition and classification of short birth interval to ensure consistency and comparability across studies and facilitate the development of targeted interventions and policies. Registration PROSPERO CRD42023426975.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Ahmed Hassen
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Catherine Chojenta
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Md Nuruzzaman Khan
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Australia
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Desalegn Markos Shifti
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Melissa Leigh Harris
- Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Australia
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Saraswati CM, Judge MA, Weeda LJZ, Bassat Q, Prata N, Le Souëf PN, Bradshaw CJA. Net benefit of smaller human populations to environmental integrity and individual health and wellbeing. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1339933. [PMID: 38504675 PMCID: PMC10949988 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1339933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The global human population is still growing such that our collective enterprise is driving environmental catastrophe. Despite a decline in average population growth rate, we are still experiencing the highest annual increase of global human population size in the history of our species-averaging an additional 84 million people per year since 1990. No review to date has accumulated the available evidence describing the associations between increasing population and environmental decline, nor solutions for mitigating the problems arising. Methods We summarize the available evidence of the relationships between human population size and growth and environmental integrity, human prosperity and wellbeing, and climate change. We used PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify all relevant peer-reviewed and gray-literature sources examining the consequences of human population size and growth on the biosphere. We reviewed papers describing and quantifying the risks associated with population growth, especially relating to climate change. Results These risks are global in scale, such as greenhouse-gas emissions, climate disruption, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and spread of disease-all potentially catastrophic for human standards of living, health, and general wellbeing. The trends increasing the risks of global population growth are country development, demographics, maternal education, access to family planning, and child and maternal health. Conclusion Support for nations still going through a demographic transition is required to ensure progress occurs within planetary boundaries and promotes equity and human rights. Ensuring the wellbeing for all under this aim itself will lower population growth and further promote environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melinda A. Judge
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Lewis J. Z. Weeda
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Paediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ndola Prata
- Bixby Center for Population Health and Sustainability, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Peter N. Le Souëf
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Corey J. A. Bradshaw
- Global Ecology | Partuyarta Ngadluku Wardli Kuu, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Singh P, Singh KK. Trends, patterns and predictors of high-risk fertility behaviour among Indian women: evidence from National Family Health Survey. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:626. [PMID: 38413929 PMCID: PMC10900591 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18046-3] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have demonstrated that high-risk fertility behaviour (HRFB), which includes maternal age below 18 or above 34 years, short birth intervals (less than 24 months), and high parity (birth order above 4), is associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes. There is a substantial research gap in the domain of high-risk fertility behaviour in the Indian context. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the current trends and patterns in the prevalence of high-risk births among Indian women, with a primary focus on identifying contributing factors associated with this prevalence. METHODS The study utilized data from the nationally representative National Family Health Survey (NFHS), which has been conducted in five rounds since 1992-93. Data from all rounds were used to assess the overall trend. However, data from the most recent round of NFHS, conducted during 2019-21, were employed to evaluate current levels and patterns of HRFB prevalence and to identify socio-economic and demographic predictors of HRFB using binomial and multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS The prevalence of HRFB has exhibited a consistent decreasing pattern from 1992 to 93 to 2019-21 in India. However, 29.56% of married women continue to experience high-risk births with notably higher rates in several states (e.g., 49.85% in Meghalaya and 46.41% in Bihar). Furthermore, socio-demographic factors like wealth index, educational level, social group, religion, mass media exposure, family size, age at marriage, type and region of residence, and reproductive factors like birth intention, place and type of delivery, ANC visits and current contraceptive use were identified as significant predictors of high-risk births among women in India. CONCLUSION Despite a 20.4 percentage point decline in HRFB prevalence over the past three decades, a significant proportion of women in specific regions and demographic subgroups continue to experience high-risk births. Therefore, the present study recommends interventions aimed at preventing high-risk births among women in India, with particular emphasis on states with high HRFB prevalence and women from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Singh
- Department of Statistics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Kaushalendra Kumar Singh
- Department of Statistics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Aleye B, Usso AA, Mengistie B, Dessie Y, Adem HA, Alemu A, Yuya M, Mohammed A. Determinants of short birth interval among married multiparous women in Chinaksen district, eastern Ethiopia: a case-control study. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 4:1278777. [PMID: 38273876 PMCID: PMC10809846 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1278777] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The short birth interval is a common public health issue that affects women's and children's health in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite a higher burden of short birth intervals reported in Ethiopia, there is limited evidence to indicate the primary risk factors, particularly in rural eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the determinants of the short birth interval among married multiparous women in Chinaksen district, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based case-control study was conducted among randomly selected 210 cases and 210 controls from April 01 to June 30, 2019. The total sample size (219 cases and 219 controls) were calculated using Epi-Info software version 7.2. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 27, and multivariable logistic regression analyses conducted to identify the determinants of short birth intervals. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the strength of association and statistical significance declared at p-value < 0.05. Results The women in the young age group (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.03, 5.26), missed their antenatal care visits (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.21), failed to utilize postpartum contraceptives (AOR = 5.98, 95% CI: 3.62, 9.89), did not attend postnatal care visit (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.05), nonexclusive breastfed (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 2.18, 7.52), short and medium period of breastfeeding (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI: 1.34, 12.10) and (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.62, 7.82), respectively and female sex of preceding child (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.12) were the important risk factors of short birth interval. Conclusions Women's age, antenatal care visits, postnatal care attendance, utilization of postpartum contraceptives, exclusive breastfeeding practice, duration of breastfeeding, and sex of the preceding child were the primary predictors of short birth intervals. Improving the utilization of maternal healthcare services in health facilities would be imperative to prevent and reduce short birth intervals, and its negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekry Aleye
- East Hararghe Health Office, Oromia Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmedin Aliyi Usso
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bezatu Mengistie
- School of Public Health, Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Hassen Abdi Adem
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Alemu
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Yuya
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Aminu Mohammed
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
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Khan MN, Khanam SJ. The effectiveness of WHO's interpregnancy interval advice. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1476-e1477. [PMID: 37734777 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00402-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Md Nuruzzaman Khan
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh 2220, Bangladesh; Centre for Women's Health Research, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Shimlin Jahan Khanam
- Department of Population Science, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh 2220, Bangladesh
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Yosef T, Debela D, Shifera N. Determinants of short birth interval among child-bearing age women in the Gedeb Hasasa district of the West Arsi zone, Ethiopia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1025111. [PMID: 36760403 PMCID: PMC9902654 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1025111] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Short birth intervals have been linked to higher rates of fetal loss, prenatal mortality, and poorer child survival. Therefore, for countries like Ethiopia that have a population policy intended at reducing fertility, understanding the level and factors influencing birth spacing is crucial in order to apply appropriate intervention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of the short birth interval among child-bearing age women in the Gedeb Hasasa district of the West Arsi zone, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 July to 20 August 2018. A multistage sampling method was used. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to gather data. The collected data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and later exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the short birth interval. The level of significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05. Results A total of 714 women participated, with a 98% response rate. The median birth interval length was 32 months. The prevalence of the short birth interval was 50.4%. After adjusting for confounding variables, being a rural resident [AOR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.52, 4.09)], having an illiterate husband [AOR = 4.14, 95% CI (2.15, 8.45)], breastfeeding duration for 7-12 months [AOR = 3.16, 95% CI (1.95, 5.13)] and 13-23 months [AOR = 2.45, 95% CI (1.52, 3.95)], sex of the prior child [AOR = 0.63, 95% CI (0.45, 0.88)], and previous child alive [AOR = 0.20, 95% CI (0.14, 0.96)] were the determinants of short birth interval. Conclusion and recommendation One in every two women practiced short birth intervals. The median birth interval duration was 32 months, which is below the minimum standard recommended by the WHO duration for the birth interval, which is 33 months. Short birth intervals were determined independently by residence, husband education, breastfeeding time, previous child's sex, and previous child's survival. Therefore, increasing women's awareness of the ideal birth interval should be done through community health professionals and health developmental armies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tewodros Yosef
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia
| | - Degfachew Debela
- Public Health Department, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Harare Regional Health Bureau, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Nigusie Shifera
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia
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