Spatial distribution and associated factors of co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and Anemia among women in the reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis, DHS 2016-2021

BACKGROUND

Overweight/obesity is one of the major public health problems that affect both developed and developing nations. The co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia is thought to be largely preventable if detected early. To date, no spatial analyses have been performed to identify areas of hotspots for the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia among reproductive women in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia among women of reproductive age.

METHODS

Data for the study were drawn from the Demographic and Health Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey conducted in the era of Sustainable Development Goals, in which the World Health Assembly decided and planned to cease all forms of malnutrition by 2030. Seventeen sub-Saharan African countries and a total weighted sample of 108,161 reproductive women (15-49 years) were included in our study. The data extraction, recoding and analysis were done using STATA V.17. For the spatial analysis (autocorrelation, hot-spot and interpolation), ArcGIS version 10.7 software, and for the SaTScan analysis, SaTScan version 10.1 software was used. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequency tables and percentages. We employed multilevel logistic regression to investigate associated factors. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value of ≤0.05 are considered as a significant factor associated with co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia among women aged 15-49 years.

RESULTS

The overall co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia among women in sub-Saharan Africa was 12% (95%CI: 9-14%). The spatial analysis revealed that the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia among women significantly varied across sub-Saharan Africa. (Global Moran's I = 0.583163, p<0.001). In the spatial window, the primary-cluster was located in Liberia, Guinea, Gambia, Sira Leon, Mauritania, Mali, Cameron and Nigeria with a Log-Likelihood Ratio (LRR) of 1687.30, and Relative Risk (RR) of 2.58 at a p-value < 0.001. In multilevel analysis, women aged 25-34 years (AOR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.78, 2.04), women aged 35-49 years (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 2.76, 3.17), married (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.46), widowed (AOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.40), divorced (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.50), media exposure (AOR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.23, 1.39), middle income (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.28), high income/rich (AOR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.26, 1.46), not working (AOR = 1.13, 95% CI:1.07, 1.19), traditional contraceptive utilization (AOR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.23, 1.58) and no contraceptive use (AOR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.20, 1.56), and no health insurance coverage (AOR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.25, 1.49), were individual level significant variables. From community-level variables urban residence (AOR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.50, 1.73), lower middle-income country (AOR = 2.50, 95%CI: 2.34, 2.66) and upper middle-income country (AOR = 2.87, 95%CI: 2.47, 3.34), were significantly associated with higher odds of co-occurrence of overweight/ obesity and anemia.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The spatial distribution of the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia was significantly varied across the sub-Saharan African country. Both individual and community-level factors were significantly associated with the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and anemia. Therefore, public health programmers and other stalk holders who are involved in maternal healthcare should work together and give priority to hotspot areas of co-occurrence in sub-Saharan Africa.

Determinants of household decision making autonomy among rural married women based on Ethiopian demography health survey: a multilevel analysis

INTRODUCTION

Decisions made at the household level have great impact on the welfare of the individual, the local community, as well as the welfare of the nation. Women's independent decision on reproductive health increases women's access to health information and utilization of reproductive services. This has great impact on maternal and child health outcomes. However, women in developing or low-income countries often have limited autonomy and control over their household decisions. Therefore the main purpose of this research project is to investigate the potential determinants of rural women's household decision making autonomy.

METHODS

A multi level analysis was performed using the fourth Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 data set. A weighted sample of 8,565 married rural women was included in the final analysis. Women were considered to be autonomous if they made decisions alone or jointly with their husband in all three household decision components. It was dichotomized as yes = 1 and no = 0. Multico linearity and chi-square tests were checked and variables which did not fulfill the assumptions were excluded from the analysis. Four models were fitted. Variables with p-value ≤ 0.25 in the bi-variable multilevel logistic regression were included in the multivariable multilevel logistic regression. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was computed. Variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 in the multi-variable multilevel logistic regression were declared as statistically significant predictors.

RESULT

A total of 8,565 weighted participants involved. From the total respondents, 68.55% (CI: 67.5%, 69.5%) of women had decision making autonomy. wealth index (poor: AOR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.97 and middle: AOR: 0.85; 95% CI 0.73, 0.98), literacy (illiterate: AOR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.86), respondents working status (Not working; AOR 0.68; 95% CI; 0.60, 0.76) ,who decides on marriage (parents: AOR 0.76; 95% CI; 0.67, 0.87), and proportion of early marriage in the community (high proportion of early marriage AOR: 1.35; 95% CI; 1.10, 1.72).

CONCLUSION

Women decision making autonomy was significantly determined by women economic participation (their wealth and their working status), women's literacy, proportion of early marriage in the community and women's involvement in decision of their marriage. Improving women's economic participation and enhancing women's participation to decide on their marriage will enhance women's decision making autonomy.

Common mental disorders and associated factors among adult chronic kidney disease patients attending referral hospitals in Amhara Regional State

Common mental disorders (CMDs) are a wide term that includes disorders like depression, anxiety, and somatic manifestations. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at high risk of developing a common mental disorders, which leads to a lower survival rate, poor clinical outcome, longer hospitalization, increased health-care utilization, difficulty adhering to medications, an increased risk of initiation of dialysis, poor quality of life, and an increased risk of mortality. However, there is limited study done related to common mental disorders and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients attending referral hospitals in Amhara Regional State. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized and Felege Hiwot Referral Hospitals from January to April 2020. The study participants were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Common mental disorders were assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-Falk Institute (SRQ-F) tool. Data were entered into Epi Data Version 3.0 then exported into STATA 14 for analysis. Both bivariable and multi-variable binary logistic regressions were done to identify factors associated with common mental disorders. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 were declared as a statistically associated with common mental disorders. In this study, 424 CKD patients were included, with a response rate of 100%. Among screened CKD patients, 40.8% was positive for common mental disorders, with a 95% CI (36-45%). Independent predictors of common mental disorders among CKD patients were poor social support [(AOR 3.1, 95% CI (1.67-5.77)], family history of mental disorders, [AOR 3.6, 95% CI (1.12-11.8)], comorbidity [AOR 1.7, 95% CI (1.03-2.78)], being female [AOR 2.69, 95% CI (1.72-4.20)], and duration of CKD (AOR 3.5; 95% CI (2.28-5.54). Two out of five CKD patients screened for CMDs were found to be positive. Common mental disorders were more common among CKD patients with poor social support, a family history of mental disorders, comorbidity, being female, and the duration of CKD. Therefore, screening CKD patients for common mental disorders is recommended.

Diagnostic accuracy of serological rk-39 test for visceral Leishmaniasis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), or kala-azar, is a vector-borne tropical disease caused by a group of intracellular hemoflagellate protozoa belonging to the family of Trypanosomatide and the genus Leishmania. The disease is distributed around the world and transmitted via the bite of infected female Phlebotomine sandflies, and there is variation in the diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled global sensitivity and specificity of the rk-39 test and to evaluate if there is a difference between the different parts of the world.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted on the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy. After setting eligibility criteria, literature was searched in four databases and one searching engine. Articles were screened, critically appraised, and extracted independently by two reviewers, and any disagreements were resolved with the involvement of a third person. The quality of the included studies had been assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS 2) tool. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were determined by bivariate random effect analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by Higgins's I2, and when it was present, mitigation was conducted by using sensitivity analysis.

RESULT

A total of 409 studies were identified, and finally 18 articles were eligible for the review with a total sample size of 5, 253. The bivariate random effect meta-analysis of the 7 diagnostic accuracy studies showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.89 (0.76-0.95) and specificity of 0.86 (0.72-0.94). The +LR was 6.32 (95% CI: 2.85-14.02), the-LR was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.06-0.30), and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 47.8 (95% CI: 11.3-203.2). Abdel-Latif (2018) was both an outlier and influential for sensitivity, and Walter (2011) was both an outlier and influential for specificity, and removing them from sensitivity and specificity, respectively, was beneficial for reducing the heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Rk-39 is found to have highly accurate measures in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. Both sensitivity and specificity were found to be highly accurate in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.91 (0.88-0.93) and a pooled specificity of 0.89 (0.85-0.91).

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

As we will use secondary data for the systematic review and meta-analysis, ethical concerns are not necessary.

Geospatial variations and determinants of contraceptive utilization among married reproductive age women in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, 2019

Introduction

Contraception is the most effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancies and their associated disadvantages. It is critical to recognize one's desire to utilize contraceptives before drafting and implementing a good family planning program, especially in developing nations like Ethiopia.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the geospatial variations and determinants affecting the utilization of contraceptives among married reproductive age women in Ethiopia.

Method

This study was based on an extensive national survey, the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A total weighted sample of 5,743 married reproductive-age women was included. Because of the hierarchical nature of the DHS data, a spatial analysis multilevel logistic regression model was used to study individual and community-level factors that may influence contraceptives. The Bernoulli model was used by applying Kulldorff methods using the SaTScan software to analyze the purely spatial clusters of contraceptive usage. ArcGIS version 10.3 was used to visualize the distribution of contraceptives. A 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.

Result

The overall utilization of contraceptives was discovered at 41.25% (39.98, 42.53). Participants age range of 25-34 years [AOR = 0.80, CI: (0.66, 0.96,)] and 35-49 years [AOR = 0.50, CI 95%:(0.66, 0.96)] times less likely to use contraceptives than 15-24 years old respectively. Having primary [AOR = 1.47, CI 95%: (1.25, 1.73)], secondary [AOR = 1.42, CI 95%: (1.09, 1.83)] and higher education level [AOR = 1.92, CI 95%: (1.41, 2.60)], middle wealth [AOR = 1.48, CI 95%: (1.14, 1.90)], richer [AOR = 1.41, CI 95%: (1.07, 1.86)] and richest [AOR = 2.17, CI 95%: (1.52, 3.11)], having 1-4 ANC follow up have [AOR = 1.60, CI 95%: (1.26, 2.03)], gave birth at age of 35-44 [AOR = 0.29, CI 95%: (0.22, 0.37)], having 3-5 children [AOR = 1.26, CI 95%: (1.03, 1.52)], being from community of high level women education [AOR = 1.61, CI 95%: (1.21, 2.15)] were associated positively. Participants from Amhara, Oromia, Benishangul and SNNPR regions have revealed [AOR = 2.40, CI 95%: (1.53, 3.77)], [AOR = 1.64, CI 95%: (1.05, 2.56)], [AOR = 1.62, CI 95%: (1.01, 2.62)] and [AOR = 2.04, CI 95: (1.31, 3.19)], in contrast, Somali and Afar regions have shown [AOR = 011, CI 95%: (0.05, 0.22)] and [AOR = 0.31, CI 95%: (0.18, 0.54)] times less likely to use contraceptive services than Tigray Region respectively. The spatial analysis of contraceptive usage discovered that the northern, central and southern parts of the country had higher utilization of contraceptives than the eastern and northeastern of the country.

Conclusion

The study revealed that contraceptive usage among married women is comparatively low, with wide regional variation. Raising awareness among mothers about the importance of antenatal care and assisting mothers who are financially disadvantaged or do not have access to health facilities will aid in providing better family planning services. Improving contraceptive information dissemination at community and regional levels is key to averting potential barriers.

Electrocardiogram Abnormalities and Associated Factors Among People with and without Epilepsy Attending the Outpatient Department at Referral Hospitals in Amhara Regional State, Northern Ethiopia, 2022: Institutional-Based Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Epilepsy is a brain disease that is associated with electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities. However, this evidence is limited in Ethiopia. Studying ECG abnormality in epileptic patients could help minimize the cardiac problems and death of epileptic patients by early screening. This study was aimed to assess electrocardiogram abnormalities and associated factors among people with and without epilepsy at referral hospitals in Amhara Regional State (ARS), northern Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods

Institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from April 20 to June 20, 2022. Three referral hospitals in ARS were selected by simple random sampling. Epileptic patients were selected by systematic random sampling, and 403 age- and sex-matched participants were selected from attendants of patients in the outpatient department. Interviewer-administered questionnaire and digital electrocardiograph were used for data collection. Data were entered to EpiData version 4.6 and exported to stata version 14 for analysis. Variables with P value <0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered to multivariable binary logistic regression. Strength of association was determined by adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The prevalence of ECG abnormality was 40.0% (95% CI = 34.7-46.8) and 29.0% (95% CI = 23.2-34.3) in epileptic and non-epileptic subjects, respectively. The odds of ECG abnormality was 58% higher among epileptic patients. Divorce, duration of epilepsy, uncontrolled epilepsy, former/current smoker, adequate physical activity, hypertension, and overweight/obesity were associated with ECG abnormality among epileptic patients.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The proportion of ECG abnormality was higher among the epileptic than the non-epileptic group. This should be a wake-up call for stakeholders to establish appropriate measurements to reduce cardiac issues of epileptic patients.

Myopia and its associated factors among pregnant women at health institutions in Gondar District, Northwest Ethiopia: A multi-center cross-sectional study

Background

Myopia is the most common form of uncorrected refractive error with a growing burden worldwide. It is the principal complaint of most women during pregnancy. Although myopia has led to several consequences across the standard life of pregnant women, there is no previous study in Ethiopia regarding this topic. Thus, this study determined the prevalence of myopia and identifies its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care units at governmental health institutions in Gondar City District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 08 February to 08 April 2021. From the selected health centres, study participants were recruited by systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested, structured-interviewer-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic variables, obstetric and clinical-related variables was used to collect the required data. Non-cycloplegic refraction was performed using trial lenses, trial frames, and retinoscopy in a semi-dark examination room. EpiData 3 and STATA 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were executed to identify associated factors of myopia. Variables with a p-value ≤0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were declared as statistically significant with myopia. Model fitness was checked by Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of test (at p > 0.05).

Results

A total of four-hundred and twenty-three pregnant women participated with a 100% response rate in this study. The overall prevalence of myopia among pregnant women was 26.48% (95% CI: 22.48-30.91). Eighty-Eight (20.81%) and Eighty-Four (19.85%) of the study participants had myopia in their right and left eyes respectively. The prevalence of myopia was significantly associated with age (AOR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09-1.28), the third trimester of gestation (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.08-3.90), multi & grand multipara (AOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.59-6.25), and history of contraceptive use (AOR = 3.30; 95% CI: 1. 50-7.28).

Conclusion

The finding of our study shows that there is a higher prevalence of myopia among pregnant women in our study area. Further prospective analytical studies regarding visual systems among pregnant women, particularly as a result of pregnancy, are strongly recommended.

Factors associated with diabetic retinopathy screening and regular eye checkup practice among diabetic patients attending Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital

AIM: To identify associated factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening and ey e check-up practice among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients attending Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was applied from October 4, 2019 to January 12, 2020 at Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit participants and an interviewer-administered questionnaire was employed to collect the data. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and transposed to SPSS version 24 for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were executed and associated factors were identified using binary logistic regression. The strength of association between the independent and the outcome variable was determined using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Four hundred and six participants partake with a response rate of 95.7% and a mean age of 47±11.5y. The magnitude of DR screening was 308 (75.9%, 95%CI: 71.5%, 79.8%). Higher educational level (AOR=3.25; 95%CI: 1.40, 8.78), good knowledge of DR (AOR=2.50; 95%CI: 1.55, 4.46), and family history of DM (AOR=2.15; 95%CI: 1.41, 3.85) were significantly associated with DR screening. On the other side, rural residence [AOR=3.11 (1.89, 5.02)] and undesirable attitudes toward DR [AOR=5.65 (3.14, 8.76)] were significantly associated with poor regular eye checkup practice. CONCLUSION: Most of the participants are screened for DR. Higher education, family history, and good knowledge are associated with DR screening. In addition, rural residence and undesirable attitudes toward DR are associated with regular eye checkup practice.

Factors associated with healthcare-seeking behavior for symptomatic acute respiratory infection among children in East Africa: a cross-sectional study

Background

Although there has been promising progress in the reduction of child mortality from ARI, the magnitude is high yet, especially in East Africa. Since mothers/guardians decide upon the type and frequency of healthcare services for children, their good healthcare-seeking behavior could prevent acute respiratory infections (ARI) related mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the pooled prevalence and factors associated with healthcare-seeking behavior of children younger than five years with ARI symptoms by using data from nationally representative surveys of East Africa.

Methods

We analyzed secondary data based on the eleven East African Demographic and Health Survey data. Both Individual and community level variables were considered for this study and a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors of children’s healthcare-seeking behavior for ARI symptoms. STATA V.14 software was used to clean, recode and analyze the data. All variables with a p-value = 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were considered for the multivariable multilevel analysis. Adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI was reported to reveal significantly associated factors in the multivariable multilevel analysis.

Result

The overall prevalence of healthcare-seeking behavior of under-five children for ARI symptoms was 64.4% in East Africa. In the multilevel analysis, the following characteristics were found to be the most important factors of children healthcare seeking behavior for ARI symptoms (P < 0.05): Rural residence [AOR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.37–0.65)], high community level media usage [AOR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.49–1.79)], high community level women education [AOR = 1.51, 95% CI (1.39–1.66)], primary education [AOR = 1.62, 95% CI (1.45–1.82)], secondary education and above [AOR = 1.99, 95% CI (1.71–2.32)], working mother [AOR = 1.33, 95% CI (1.20–1.48)], unmarried women [AOR = 1.15, 95% CI (1.04–1.27)], media access [AOR = 1.43, 95% CI (1.20–1.58)], richest [AOR = 1.39, 95% CI (1.29–1.51)], distance to health facility not a big problem [AOR = 1.11, 95% CI (1.02–1.21)], Place of delivery at health facilities [AOR = 1.77, 95% CI (1.60–1.95)], age of child 7–23 months [AOR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.39–1.82)], age of child 24–59 months [AOR = 1.24, 95% CI (1.09–1.41)] in comparison with children aged 0–6 months, family size > 10 [AOR = 1.53, 95% CI (1.22–1.92)].

Conclusions and recommendations

The overall prevalence of children’s healthcare-seeking behavior for ARI symptoms was found relatively low in East Africa, ARI symptoms were determined by individual-level variables and community-level factors. Targeted interventions are needed to improve socioeconomic and health systems to overcome the problem of acute respiratory infection in children. Special attention is required to empower local health staff and health facilities to provide proper diagnosis and management of ARI cases in East Africa.

Measles second dose vaccine utilization and associated factors among children aged 24–35 months in Sub-Saharan Africa, a multi-level analysis from recent DHS surveys

Background

Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, measles remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity among young children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The WHO and UNICEF recommended measles-containing vaccine dose 2 (MCV2) in addition to measles-containing vaccine dose 1 (MCV1) through routine services strategies. Many factors could contribute to the routine dose of MCV2 coverage remaining far below targets in many countries of this region. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MCV2 utilization among children aged 24–35 months and analyze factors associated with it by using recent nationally representative surveys of SSA countries.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was done based on recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from eight Sub-Saharan African countries. In this region, only eight countries have a record of routine doses of measles-containing vaccine dose 2 in their DHS dataset. The multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify significantly associated factors. Variables were extracted from each of the eight country’s KR files. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p-value ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable model were used to declare significant factors associated with measles-containing vaccine dose 2 utilization.

Result

The pooled prevalence of MCV2 utilization in SSA was 44.77% (95% CI: 27.10–62.43%). In the multilevel analysis, mothers aged 25–34 years [AOR = 1.15,95% CI (1.05–1.26), mothers aged 35 years and above [AOR = 1.26, 95% CI (1.14–1.41)], maternal secondary education and above [AOR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.13–1.43)], not big problem to access health facilities [AOR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.12–1.31)], four and above ANC visit [AOR = 2.75, 95% CI (2.35–3.24)], PNC visit [AOR = 1.13, 95% CI (1.04–1.23)], health facility delivery [AOR = 2.24, 95% CI (2.04–2.46)], were positively associated with MCV2 utilization. In contrast, multiple twin [AOR = 0.70, 95% CI (0.53–0.95)], rural residence [AOR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.57–0.82)] and high community poverty [AOR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.54–0.80)] were found to be negatively associated with MCV2 utilization.

Conclusions and recommendations

Measles-containing vaccine doses 2 utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa was relatively low. Individual-level factors and community-level factors were significantly associated with low measles-containing vaccine dose 2 utilization. The MCV2 utilization could be improved through public health intervention by targeting rural residents, children of uneducated mothers, economically poor women, and other significant factors this study revealed.

Shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers at public hospitals, the case of Sidama national regional state, Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Introduction

Shift-work disrupts circadian rhythm, resulting in disturbed sleep time and excessive sleepiness during the work shift. Little is known about shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers in Ethiopia. This study examined the magnitude and associated factors of shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers in Public Hospitals in Sidama National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 398 health care workers selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of insomnia, sleepiness scales and international classification of sleep disorder criteria items was employed. Epi data version 4.6 and Stata 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis respectively. Binary logistic regression was fitted to determine associated factors and decision for the statistical significance was made at p<0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression.

Results

Three hundred and ninety-eight health care workers (female = 53%) were included in the analysis with a response rate of 94.8%. The prevalence of shift-work sleep disorder was 33.67% (95% CI: 29.17%-38.45%). Being married (AOR = 1.88 (1.01–3.28)), three-shift (AOR = 1.078 (1.00–3.16)), ≥11 night shifts per month (AOR = 2.44 (1.36–4.38)), missing nap (AOR = 1.85 (1.04–3.30)), daily sleep time < 7hours (AOR = 1.88 (1.05–3.38)), khat chewing (AOR = 2.98 (1.27–8.09)), alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.6(1.45–4.92)), and cigarette smoking (AOR = 3.32 (1.35–8.14)) were significantly associated with shift-work sleep disorder.

Conclusion

This study showed a high prevalence of shift-work sleep disorder. Two shift schedule, napping, and reduction of substance use might reduce shift-work sleep disorder.

Hypertension and Its Associated Factors Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in Ethiopia

Introduction

Hypertension is rising globally and is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. It affects people of different groups; however, owing to a rise in a sedentary lifestyle it is more prevalent among long-distance truck drivers. However, the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among truck drivers in Ethiopia is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 long-distance truck drivers selected by systematic random sampling technique at Modjo dry port from May 15 to 30, 2021. The data were collected and entered into Epi-data 4.6 then it was exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were executed. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed. In the final model, a variable with a p ≤ 0.05 was declared as a predictor of hypertension.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia was 34.7%. The odds of hypertension was higher among drivers who were ≥45 years old [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.32; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 2.16, 8.62], obese [AOR= 5.12; 95% CI: 1.33, 19.8], alcohol drinkers [AOR=3.05; 95% CI: 1.27, 7.31], and cigarette smokers [AOR= 3.74; 95% CI: 1.64, 8.51]. Drivers who had regular physical exercise were less likely [AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.63] to have hypertension than drivers with no physical activity.

Conclusion

More than a third of the participants in Ethiopia had hypertension. Higher age, obesity, absence of rest between driving, short sleep duration, smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical inactivity were significantly associated with hypertension. Therefore, health education on lifestyle modifications, sleep habits, and the importance of rest breaks between driving should be considered to prevent hypertension and further complications.

Knowledge of intensive care nurses’ towards prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in North West Ethiopia referral hospitals, 2021: A multicenter, cross-sectional study

Introduction

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common nosocomial infection that occurs in critically ill patients who are on intubation and mechanical ventilation. Nurses' lack of knowledge may be a barrier to adherence to evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of intensive care nurses’ towards the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in the intensive care unit from April to July 2021. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data. All intensive care nurses working in the study area were included in the study. Data was entered into Epi-data 4.1 version (EpiData Association, Denmark) and transferred to STATA version 14 (College Station, Texas 77845-4512 USA) statistical software for analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knowledge of intensive care unit nurse. Variables with a p-value less than <0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were fitted into the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Both Crude and Adjusted Odds Ratio with the corresponding 95% Confidence Interval was calculated to show the strength of association. In multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Result

A total of 213 intensive care nurses were included in the study, with a response rate of 204(95.77%). The mean knowledge score of intensive care nurses regarding the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia out of 20 questions is (10.1 ± 2.41). There are 98 (48.04%) of the participants have been found to have good knowledge and 106 (51.96%) of them are rendered poor knowledge about the overall knowledge related to the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Higher academic qualifications and taking intensive care unit training were significantly associated with good knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention in multi-variable logistic regression.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the knowledge of intensive care nurses about ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention is not sufficient. Higher academic qualifications and taking intensive care unit training are significantly associated with a good level of knowledge. Therefore it shows the necessity for thorough training and education.

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The knowledge of intensive care nurses about ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention is not sufficient.

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Only 98 (48.04%) of the participants have been found to have good knowledge.

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Higher academic qualifications and taking intensive care unit training are significantly associated with a good level of knowledge.

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This study shows the necessity of in-service training and continuing education for intensive care nurses about the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Patterns and associated factors of electrocardiographic abnormality among type 2 diabetic patients in Amhara National Regional State Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia: a multicenter institution-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are the most causes of mortality and morbidity among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes are common in the early course of the disease. Little is known about the electrocardiographic abnormalities among type 2 DM patients in Ethiopia. This study determined the overall prevalence, its patterns, and the associated factors of ECG abnormalities among people living with T2DM in Amhara National Regional State referral hospitals, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A multicenter institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 April to 30 May 2021. A simple random sampling and systematic sampling techniques were employed to select the referral hospitals and study participants, respectively. A digital electrocardiograph was used to measure the ECG parameters and the other data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Epi-data version-4.6 and Stata-14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. The descriptive statistics were presented with tables and graphs. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors of ECG abnormality. In the final model, statistical significance was decided at p≤0.05, and the strength of association was indicated using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and fifty-eight participants (response rate = 99.6%) were included for the analysis. The prevalence of overall ECG abnormality was 45% (95% CI: 39, 51%). On the basis of the electrocardiographic patterns, 57 (21.1%; 95% CI: 14.6, 32.6%) were presented with T-wave abnormality, 36 (14%; 95% CI: 10.1, 18.8%) left axis deviation, and 24 (9.3% [6.3, 13.5%]) sinus tachycardia. Higher monthly income (> 90$) (AOR = 0.51 [0.31, 0.83]), over 10 years duration of DM (AOR = 4.5[1.05, 18.94]), hypertension (AOR = 3.9 [1.6, 9.40]), fasting blood sugar of ≥ 130 mg/dl (AOR = 5.01[2.13, 12.20]), and overweight (AOR = 2.65[1.17, 5.98]) were statistically significant factors of overall ECG abnormality.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly, half of the participants had at least one ECG abnormality. Higher-income, prolonged disease duration, hypertension, higher fasting blood sugar, and overweight were significantly associated with ECG abnormality. The findings of this study suggest the need to institute routine ECG screening for all T2DM patients to reduce ECG abnormalities and further complications.

Cognitive impairment and associated factors among mature and older adults living in the community of Gondar town, Ethiopia, 2020

Cognitive impairment and dementia are age-related major public health concerns in the elderly population. It is a major cause of disability, dependency, and poor quality of life. However, in Ethiopia, the magnitude of this cognitive impairment among the elderly community was not investigated. Hence, this study sought to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and associated factors among mature and older adults living in the community of Gondar town, Ethiopia, in 2020. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Gondar town, from February 20 to April 30, 2020. Using a single-stage cluster sampling technique, 403 study participants were recruited. Data was collected by a pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire which consisting of sociodemographic variables, the Oslo Social Support Scale, and a Standardized Mini-mental State Examination (SMMSE) tool. Epi data version 3.0 was used to enter coded data and then exported into STATA 14 for analysis. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regression were included in the multivariable regression. From multivariable logistic regression, variables having a p-value ≤ 0.05 were declared as statistically significant variables. In this study, a total of 403 study participants were involved, and 393 (97.5%) of them completed the survey. Among older participants screened for cognitive impairment, 43.8% was positive for cognitive impairment with a 95% CI (38.8-48.7%). The majority of the participants were (57.5%) male and (44.8%) aged over 60 years. After adjustment, the variables associated with cognitive impairment were age ≥ 75 years [odds ratio (OR) = 7.03, 95% CI 2.78-17.77] and between 61 and 74 years [OR = 3.18, 95% CI 1.81-5.59], and unable to read and write [OR = 5.05, 95% CI 2.04-12.50], low income level [OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.26-5.20], being female [OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.50-4.26], poor social support [OR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.30-4.81], and rural residence [OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.26-4.51]. The prevalence of older participants who screened positively for cognitive impairment was high at Gondar town. The independent predictors of cognitive impairment among older individuals were older age, being unable to read and write, being female, low income, poor social support, and rural dwelling. Therefore, routine screening and social support, as well as free healthcare services for the mature and older community, are needed. Moreover, we strongly recommend the next researcher to use a diagnosis tool to estimate the actual prevalence of the problems among older people.

Spatial distribution and determinants of bottle feeding among children 0-23 months in Ethiopia: spatial and multi-level analysis based on 2016 EDHS

Background

Bottle feeding is associated with diarrheal disease morbidity and mortality and risk of pyloric stenosis, especially in developing countries. Even though, World Health Organization (WHO) recommended avoiding bottle feeding among children, still higher magnitude was reported in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and determinants of bottle feeding among children 0-23 months in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study was conducted based on Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys data (EDHS). The data were weighted using sampling weight for probability sampling and non-response to restore the representativeness of the data and get valid statistical estimates. Then a total of 4,275 weighted samples of under two years children were used to investigate the study. The data were cleaned using MS excel and extracted and analyzed using STATA V.16 software. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted. P-value < 0.05 was taken to declare statistical significance. A spatial analysis was done using ArcGIS and SaTScan software.

Results

The prevalence of bottle feeding practice among under two years children in Ethiopia were 13.5% (95%CI: 11.16, 15.29) and ranges from the lowest 5.16% (95% CI: 3.28, 78.73) Amhara region to the highest 55.98% (95% CI: 47.98, 61.46) Addis Ababa region. Women with secondary and above education status [AOR=2.49; 95%CI; 1.66, 3.74], women from richest household [AOR=1.33; 95%CI; 1.01, 1.78], child 12-23 months age [AOR= 1.59; 95%CI; 1.23, 2.05], multiple birth [AOR=4.30; 95%CI; 1.88, 9.84], rural residence [AOR=0.49; 95%CI; 0.16, 0.82] and large central region [AOR= 0.15; 95%CI; 0.08, 0.27] have significantly associated with bottle feeding. Addis Ababa, Central Oromia, Dire Dewa, Somali and Harari regions were the hot spot areas for bottle feeding practice among under two years children.

Conclusion and recommendations

The prevalence of bottle feeding practices in Ethiopia is relatively moderate. Maternal education, wealth index, child age, multiple births, residence and region were significant predictors of bottle feeding. These findings highlight that, the Ministry of Health Ethiopia (MOH), policymakers, and other stakeholders had better give prior attention to preventable factors such as empowering women, enhancing household wealth status to decreasing bottle feeding practice in Ethiopia.

Predictors of dream enactment behavior among medical students: The case of the University of Gondar, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Dream enactment behavior is one of the features of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. It might be a manifestation of neurodegenerative diseases and can lead to fall associated injuries. There is no evidence of dream enactment behavior and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Hence, this study targeted to pinpoint the predictors of dream enactment behavior among Medical students at the University of Gondar.

METHODS

The cross-sectional survey was carried out at the University of Gondar among Medical students selected by simple random sampling technique from Dec 2020 to Feb 2021. We used a structured pretested questionnaire to collect the data and dream enactment behavior was evaluated using rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder single question. Descriptive statistics were computed, and determinant factors were identified using binary logistic regression model. In the final model, explanatory variables with a p<0.05 were considered as predictors (statistically significant) of the dream enactment behavior. The strength of association was determined using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI.

RESULTS

Four-hundred and twelve students took part in the study with 97.4% response rate. The mean age of participants was 20.82(±1.88) years and 291(70.63%) were males. The prevalence of dream enactment was 34.47% (95% CI: 30.02-39.20). Daytime sleepiness score (AOR = 1.104; 95% CI: 1.053-1.160), age (AOR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.019-1.290), monthly pocket money (AOR = 0.9991; 95% CI: 0.9985-0.9997), alcohol drink (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.076-6.846), and perceived stress (AOR = 3.854; 95% CI: 1.802-8.242) were statistically significant factors of dream enactment behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the magnitude of dream enactment behavior was high which was significantly associated with daytime sleepiness score, age, monthly pocket money, alcohol drink, and perceived stress all of which are modifiable except age. The University of Gondar has to plan a strategy to avert the condition via the prevention of the determinant factors. Students need to reduce stress and avoid alcohol drink. We strongly urge forthcoming scholars to ascertain association of dream enactment and academic performance of university students.

Visual impairment and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care units at health institutions in Gondar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Visual impairment is a major public health concern among women of reproductive age groups in Ethiopia, which is getting worse during pregnancy. Though visual impairment has lots of serious consequences across the life course of pregnant women, there is no previous study on this topic in Ethiopia. Thus, this study determined the prevalence of visual impairment and identified associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care units at the governmental health institutions in Gondar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic, clinical and pregnancy-related variables to collect the required data. Snellen’s illiterate “E” chart was used to determine visual impairment. EpiData 3 and Stata 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were executed to identify associated factors of visual impairment. Variables with a p-value ≤0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were declared as statistically significant with visual impairment.

Results

A total of 417 (response rate = 98.6%) participants were involved in this study, with a median age of 27 years. The overall prevalence of visual impairment was 22.5% (95% CI: 18.5–26.6). Thirty (7.2%) and thirty-two (7.7%) of the study participants had moderate to severe visual impairments in their right and left eyes, respectively. Participants aged from 31 to 49 years (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–4.0), being 3rd trimester (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.3–4.5), multi & grand multipara (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2–4.6), and history of contraceptive use (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.3) had higher chance of visual impairment.

Conclusion

The magnitude of visual impairment among pregnant women was high in the study area. Therefore, routine screening and evaluation of pregnant women for visual condition during antenatal care visits is recommended. Further investigations of visual changes, particularly as a result of pregnancy, are warranted.

Pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms and associated factors among cotton-ginning workers at Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cotton dust is one of the risk factors for occupational respiratory diseases, a condition characterized by reduced pulmonary function and overwhelming respiratory symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to determine pulmonary function parameters, respiratory symptoms, and associated factors among cotton-ginning workers at Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 166 (83 cotton-ginning workers and 83 healthy controls) individuals. Simple random sampling and convenience sampling techniques were used to recruit cotton-ginning workers and controls, respectively. Pulmonary function parameters were measured using Spirometer. Data on respiratory symptoms were collected using the Modified American Thoracic Society questionnaire. We used Chi-square (χ2) and independent "t" test to compare the outcome variables between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of respiratory symptoms among cotton-ginning workers. The strength of association was determined using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) and statistical significance was decided at P<0.05.

RESULTS

Cotton-ginning workers had reduced FVC, FVC%, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, PEFR and FEF25-75%) as compared with controls. The prevalence of overall respiratory symptom was 68.6% (95% CI: 57.8, 77.8) among cotton-ginning workers and 19.2% (95% CI: 12, 29.3) among controls. Females (AOR=5.9, 95% CI: 1.19, 29.9), those with primary and secondary education (AOR=7.9, 95% CI: 1.2, 52), working at ginning department (AOR=9.4, 95% CI 1.6, 53) and pressing department (AOR=8.0, 95% CI: 1.3, 48) and not using personal protective equipment (PPE) (AOR=9.1, 95% CI: 1.8, 45.1) had an increased odds of having respiratory symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Reduced pulmonary function parameters and a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms were observed among cotton-ginning workers than controls. This suggests the need to tailor workplace safety measures to prevent occupational respiratory diseases.

Visual impairment and its associated factors among medical and health sciences students at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Visual impairment (VI) is a decreased ability to see things which is critical problem for health professionals and students to whom normal vision is essential for their daily activity. If it is not timely managed, visual impairment leads to physical, psychological, and socio-economic malfunctions to the victims and nation. Despite the above impacts, currently there is no study in Ethiopia on this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among Medical and Health Science students at the University of Gondar.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 among Medical and Health Science students. After recruiting study participants using systematic random sampling technique, we applied pre-tested self-administered questionnaire for sociodemographic variables and also visual acuity measurement was performed using Snellen chart placed at a distance of 6 meters. Visual acuity tested separately for each eye and for both eyes in a well- illuminated area. Pinhole was used for those participants with a visual acuity of < 6/9. Participants with a presenting visual acuity of < 6/12 in the better eye were diagnosed as having visual impairment. Epi data version 3.1 and stata version 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used, and the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association between VI and independent variables.

Results

A total of 654 students were screened for visual acuity. The prevalence of visual impairment was 12.5% (95% CI: 10.21, 15.31). Age above 25 years (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.26) and current alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.7, 5.00), were statistically significant factors of visual impairment.

Conclusion

The prevalence of visual impairment among medical and health science students was high. Age of study participant and current alcohol consumption were statically significant factors. This study warrants the routine screening of Medical and Health science students for visual impairment.

Microvascular complications and its predictors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Dessie town hospitals, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder which becomes common in middle and low incomes countries since few decades. Microvascular complications include retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy all of which can lead to disability, dependency, accelerate their morbidity, and mortality. In Ethiopia, there is paucity data regarding this topic. Hence, this study aimed to assess prevalence of microvascular complications and its predictors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020 at Dessie town hospitals. We used simple random sampling to recruit study participants and pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire to collect the data. Data was entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and exported to SPSS-23 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was done to select potential variables to be adjusted at p ≤ 0.25. After running multivariable regression, variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 were declared as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Three hundred and thirty-five type 2 DM patients participated in the study, of which 54.6% were males. One hundred and twenty-seven [37.9% (95% CI 32.5%-43.3%)] of diabetes mellitus had at least one microvascular complications. These were retinopathy 24.8%, nephropathy 16.1%, and neuropathy 8.1%. Age 60-87 years (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.02-7.46), duration of diabetes > 5 years (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI 2.40-6.96), mellitus and co-morbid hypertension (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI 2.09-5.95), were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, diabetic microvascular complications are prevalent. Increasing the age of participants, longer duration of diabetes mellitus and co-morbid hypertension were independent predictors. Health workers should give emphasis for diabetes mellitus through early screening and health education, abrupt medication for aged patients with long duration of diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and also early detection and management of microvascular complication.

Willingness of Ethiopian Population to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

BACKGROUND

Despite efforts to decrease the burden, vaccine reluctance is increasing worldwide and hindering efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, understanding the willingness of a community to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will help to develop and implement effective means of promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to assess the willingness of the Ethiopian population to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and its determinant factors.

METHODS

E-survey was conducted from February 2021 to March 2021. After developing the questionnaire, the template was created on Google Forms and disseminated in public on different social media channels (e.g., Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, email, etc.) by using a shareable link. Descriptive statistics were performed. Finally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to assess their relationship with socio-demographic factors.

RESULTS

In total, 31.4% (n = 372) of respondents were willing to get a vaccine. One-third of respondents, 32.2% (n = 381), reported that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Almost all 94.9% (n = 1124) responded that health workers should be vaccinated first. Only 21.7% (n = 257) willing to buy the vaccine if it is not provided free. Being female [OR (95% CI):1.85 (1.05-3.25)], aged less than 25 years old [OR (95% CI): 5.09 (3.41-7.59)], aged between 26-30 years [OR (95% CI): 3.57 (2.55-5.00)], being unmarried[OR (95% CI):1.12 (0.81-1.55)], urban in residence [OR (95% CI): 1.06 (0.69-1.62)], private sector worker in occupation [OR (95% CI):0.45 (0.26 -0.77)], university/college student [OR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.59-1.32)], not having a health-related job [OR (95% CI): 4.08 (2.57-6.48)], orthodox [OR (95% CI): 1.16 (0.61-2.19)], Muslim [OR (95% CI): 0.285 (0.13 -0.61)], educational status of university/above [OR (95% CI): 4.87 (3.15-7.53)] have a statistically significant association and were more likely willing to take COVID-19 than their counterparts.

CONCLUSION

This study found that only 31.4% were willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Being female, older age, marital status, residence, occupations, not having a health-related job, religion, educational status were statistically significantly associated with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.