Social Activities and Risk of Dementia in Community-Dwelling Older People: Gender-Specific Findings From a Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the gender-specific associations between a wide range of social activities and dementia risk.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted involving community-dwelling older Australians (≥70 years) without significant cognitive impairment at enrolment. During the first year of enrolment, we assessed 25 self-reported social activities covering various aspects, including support from relatives and friends, community participation, social interactions with surroundings, and loneliness. Dementia diagnosis followed DSM-IV criteria, adjudicated by an international expert panel. To estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between social activities and dementia, we performed Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age, educational attainment, baseline global cognition, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Among 9,936 participants who completed all social activity questionnaires (median [IQR] age: 73.4 [71.6-77.1] years; 47.4% men), dementia was diagnosed in 3.8% of men (n = 181/4,705) and 2.6% of women (n = 138/5,231) over a median 6.4 years (IQR: 5.3-7.6, range: 0.2-10.1) follow-up. Gender-specific relationships emerged: caregiving for a person with illness/disability in women (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-0.99), and having ≥9 relatives feeling close to call for help in men (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33-0.96; reference <9 relatives) were associated with reduced dementia risk. Unexpectedly, in women, having ≥5 friends with whom they felt comfortable discussing private matters were associated with a greater dementia risk (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.10-2.59; reference ≤2 friends). Imputed models further identified that babysitting/childminding was associated with lower dementia risk in men (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.56-0.99). No other social activities showed significant associations with dementia.

DISCUSSION

This study provides evidence of social activities influencing dementia risk. Further investigations are required to uncover the mechanisms driving these observed relationships.

Population-Modifiable Risk Factors Associated With Childhood Stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa

Importance

Identifying modifiable risk factors associated with childhood stunting in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is imperative for the development of evidence-based interventions and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Objective

To evaluate key modifiable risk factors associated with childhood stunting in SSA.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study examined the most recent (2014-2021) Demographic and Health Surveys data for children younger than 5 years from 25 SSA countries.

Exposures

Modifiable risk factors included history of diarrhea within 2 weeks, consumption of dairy products, maternal body mass index, maternal educational level, antenatal care visits, place of birth, wealth index, type of toilet, and type of cooking fuel.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Stunting and severe stunting, measured using the height-for-age z score, were the main outcomes. Children who scored below -2.0 SDs or -3.0 SDs were classified as having stunted or severely stunted growth, respectively. Relative risks and 95% CIs were computed using generalized linear latent and mixed models and log-binomial link functions. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated using adjusted relative risks and prevalence estimates for key modifiable risk factors.

Results

This study included 145 900 children from 25 SSA countries. The mean (SD) age of the children was 29.4 (17.3) months, and 50.6% were male. The highest PAFs of severe childhood stunting were observed for mothers lacking a formal education (PAF, 21.9%; 95% CI, 19.0%-24.8%), children lacking consumption of dairy products (PAF, 20.8%; 95% CI, 16.8%-24.9%), unclean cooking fuel (PAF, 9.5%; 95% CI, 2.6%-16.3%), home birth (PAF, 8.3%; 95% CI, 6.3%-10.0%), and low-income household (PAF, 5.8%; 95% CI, 3.4%-8.0%). These 5 modifiable risk factors were associated with 51.6% (95% CI, 40.5%-60.9%) of the severe childhood stunting in SSA.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study identified 5 modifiable risk factors that were associated with 51.6% of severe childhood stunting in SSA. These factors should be a priority for policy makers when considering future child health interventions to address chronic malnutrition in SSA.

Intimate partner violence and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in East Africa:-A generalized mixed effect robust poisson regression model

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published estimates revealing that around one out of every three women across the globe has been a victim of either physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner or non-partner throughout their lifetime. The available evidence on intimate partner violence in East Africa is limited Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and factors linked to intimate partner violence in East Africa.

METHODS

The study utilized the most recent data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2011 and 2018/19 in 11 countries in Eastern Africa. A total of 59,000 women were included in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to exmine factors associated with IPV. A mixed effect robust Poisson regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. The adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to determine the presence of a significant association between intimate partner violence and the independent variables.

RESULTS

In this study, the prevalence of intimate partner violence in East Africa was 43.72% with 95% CI 43.32% to 44.12%. In the mixed effect robust Poisson regression model:-Marital status, working status, parity, sex of household headed, wealth index, community poverty, and residence, were significantly associated with intimate partner violence.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of intimate partner violence in East Africa is high as compared to the global prevalence 30%, which hinders The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goal 5, aim to attain gender equality and empower women and girls worldwide by the year 2030 Women being previously married and cohabitated, working, having a high number of children, rural residents were positively associated with IPV and household and community wealth index and sex of household headed were negatively related with IPV in East Africa. Therefore, we recommend establishing effective health and legal response using an integrated policy approach and Special attention should be given to women who live rural and poorest to reduce IPV and to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal 5.

Double burden of malnutrition and its associated factors among women in low and middle income countries: findings from 52 nationally representative data

BACKGROUND

Double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is an emerging global public health problem. The United Nations member states adopted eradicating all forms of malnutrition as an integral component of the global agenda. However, there is evidence of a high burden of undernutrition among women and rising rates of overweight and obesity, especially in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of underweight, overweight, and obesity among women of reproductive age in LMICs.

METHODS

Data for the study were drawn from a recent 52 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in LMICS. We included a sample of 1,099,187 women of reproductive age. A multilevel multinomial logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with DBM. Adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to show an association.

RESULTS

The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in LMICs among women of reproductive age was 15.2% (95% CI: 15.1-15.3), 19.0% (95% CI: 18.9- 19.1), and 9.1% (95% CI: 9.0-9.2), respectively. This study found that women aged 24-34 years, aged ≥ 35 years, with primary, secondary, and above educational level, from wealthy households, using modern contraceptives, exposed to media (radio and television), and with high parity (more than one birth) were more likely to have overweight and obesity and less likely to have underweight. Moreover, the risk of having obesity (RRR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.58-0.60 and overweight (RRR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.77-0.79) were lower among rural women, while the risk of being underweight was (RRR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.11-1.15) higher among rural women compared to urban women.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity was high among women of reproductive age in LMICs. Underweight, overweight, and obesity are influenced by sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral-related factors. This study shows that, in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2, a multifaceted intervention approach should be considered to prevent both forms of malnutrition in women of reproductive age. This can be achieved by raising awareness and promoting healthy behaviors such as healthy eating and physical activity, especially among educated women, women from wealthy households, and women exposed to the media.

Prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1-9 years of age children in Andabet district, northwest Ethiopia, 2023: A multi-level mixed-effect analysis

BACKGROUND

Trachoma is the chief cause of preventable blindness worldwide and has been earmarked for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Despite the five-year Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (SAFE)-based interventions in the Andabet district, the prevalence of trachomatous follicular (TF) was 37%. With such a high prevalence of TF, the determinant factors were not revealed. Besides, there were no reports on the overall prevalence of active trachoma (i.e.TF and or trachomatous intense (TI)).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1-9 years of age children in the Andabet district.

METHOD

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged under nine years from March 1-30, 2023 in Andabet district, Northwest Ethiopia. Multi-stage systematic random sampling was employed to reach 540 children. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with active trachoma. We fitted both random effect and fixed effect analysis. Finally, variables with p<0.05 in the multivariable multilevel analysis were claimed to be significantly associated with active trachoma.

RESULT

In this study, the overall prevalence of active trachoma was 35.37% (95% CI: 31.32%, 39.41%). The prevalence of TF and TI was 31.3% and 4.07% respectively. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were significantly associated with the prevalence of active trachoma.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the prevalence of active trachoma was much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold prevalence. Ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were independent determinants of active trachoma among children (1-9 years). Therefore, paying special attention to these high-risk groups could decrease the prevalence of a neglected hyperendemic disease, active trachoma.

Contraceptive use pattern based on the number and composition of children among married women in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis

BACKGROUND

The relationship between composition of children and contraception use has received limited scholarly attention in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we examined the relationship between contraceptive methods, the number and composition of children in SSA.

METHODS

Data on 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries that had a Demographic and Health Survey on or before 2015 were analysed. We applied a multilevel multinomial logistic regression model to assess the influence of family composition on contraceptive use. Adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) and 95% CI were estimated. The significant level was set at p < 0.05. All the analyses were conducted using weighted data.

RESULTS

Women who had one son and two daughters (aRRR = 0.85, CI = 0.75, 0.95), two sons and one daughter (aRRR = 0.81 CI = 0.72, 0.92), one son and three daughters (aRRR = 0.66, CI = 0.54, 0.80), two sons and two daughters (aRRR = 0.59, CI = 0.50, 0.69), and three or more sons (aRRR = 0.75, CI = 0.63, 0.91) were less likely to use temporary modern contraceptive methods. Those with two sons and two daughters were less likely to use traditional methods (aRRR = 0.52, CI = 0.35, 0.78). Women in the older age group (35-49 years) were less likely to use temporary modern methods (aRRR = 0.60; 95%CI; 0.57, 0.63). However, this group of women were more likely to use permanent (sterilization) (aRRR = 1.71; 95%CI; 1.50, 1.91) and traditional methods (aRRR = 1.28; 95%CI; 1.14, 1.43).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that contraception needs of women vary based on the composition of their children, hence a common approach or intervention will not fit. As a result, contraception interventions ought to be streamlined to meet the needs of different categories of women. The findings can inform policymakers and public health professionals in developing effective strategies to improve contraceptive use in SSA.

The Role of Social Determinants of Health in Cardiovascular Diseases: An Umbrella Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) may be the next forefront of reducing the enormous burden of CVD. SDoH can be defined as any social, economic, or environmental factor that influences a health outcome. Comprehensive evidence of the role of SDoH in CVD is lacking, nevertheless. This umbrella review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the role of SDoH in CVD. We searched systematic reviews (with or without meta-analyses) using 8 databases and included review reference lists. Four themes (economic circumstances, social/community context, early childhood development, and neighbourhood/built environment) and health literacy in the health/health care theme were considered. Seventy reviews were eligible. Despite the quality of the included reviews being low or critically low, there was consistent evidence that factors relating to economic circumstances and early childhood development themes were associated with an increased risk of CVD and CVD mortality. We also found evidence that factors in the social/community context and neighbourhood/built environment themes, such as social isolation, fewer social roles, loneliness, discrimination, ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status, violence, and environmental attributes, had a role in CVD. SDoH factors without (or with minimal) evidence synthesis for CVD were also identified. In sum, this umbrella review offers evidence that SDoH, especially economic circumstance and early childhood development, play a significant role in CVD. This calls for the strengthening of nonmedical interventions that address multiple factors simultaneously and the inclusion of SDoH in future CVD risk prediction models. Registration URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/; Unique identifier: CRD42022346994.

Estimating the impact of birth interval on under-five mortality in east african countries: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Under-five mortality remains a global public health concern, particularly in East African countries. Short birth interval is highly associated with under-five mortality, and birth spacing has a significant effect on a child's likelihood of survival. The association between short birth intervals and under-five mortality was demonstrated by numerous observational studies. However, the effect of short birth intervals on under-five mortality has not been investigated yet. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of short birth intervals on under-five mortality in East Africa using Propensity Matched Analysis.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was conducted based on the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data of 12 East African countries. A total weighted sample of 105,662 live births was considered for this study. A PSM analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of short birth intervals on under-five mortality. Under-five mortality was the outcome variable, while the short birth interval was considered a treatment variable. To determine the Average Treatment Effect on the population (ATE), Average Treatment Effect on the treated (ATT), and Average Treatment Effect on the untreated (ATU), we performed PSM analysis with a logit-based model using the psmatch2 ate STATA function. The quality of matching was assessed statistically and graphically. The common support assumption was checked and fulfilled. We have employed Mantel-Haenszel bounds to examine whether the result would be free from hidden bias or not.

RESULTS

The prevalence of short birth intervals in East Africa was 44%. The under-five mortality rate among mothers who had optimal birth intervals was 39.9 (95% CI: 38.3, 41.5) per 1000 live births while it was 60.6 (95% CI: 58.5, 62.8) per 1000 live births among mothers who had a short birth intervals. Propensity score matching split births from mothers into treatment and control groups based on the preceding birth interval. In the PSM analysis, the ATT values in the treated and control groups were 6.09% and 3.97%, respectively, showed under-five mortality among births to mothers with short birth intervals was 2.17% higher than births to mothers who had an optimal birth interval. The ATU values in the intervention and control groups were 3.90% and 6.06%, respectively, indicating that for births from women who had an optimal birth interval, the chance of dying within five years would increase by 2.17% if they were born to mother with short birth interval. The final ATE estimate was 2.14% among the population. After matching, there was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the treated and control groups (p-value > 0.05), which indicates the quality of matching was good.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that enhancing mothers to have optimal birth spacing is likely to be an effective approach to reducing the incidence of under-five mortality. Our findings suggest that births to mothers with short birth intervals have an increased risk of death in the first five years of life than births to mothers who had an optimal birth interval. Therefore, public health programs should enhance interventions targeting improving birth spacing to reduce the incidence of under-five mortality in low-and middle-income countries like East African countries. Moreover, to achieve a significant reduction in the under-five mortality rate, interventions that encourage birth spacing should be considered. This will improve child survival and help in attaining Sustainable Development Goal targets in East African countries.

Lifetime posttraumatic stress disorder as a predictor of mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) could potentially increase the risk of mortality, and there is a need for a meta-analysis to quantify this association. This study aims to determine the extent to which PTSD is a predictor of mortality.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched systematically on 12th February 2020, with updated searches conducted in July 2021, and December 2022 (PROSPERO CRD42019142971). Studies involving community-dwelling participants with a diagnosis of PTSD or PTSD symptoms, and a comparator group of individuals without PTSD, and which assessed mortality risk, were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted on studies reporting Odds Ratio (OR), Hazard Ratio (HR), and Risk Ratio (RR), and subgroup analysis was also performed by age, sex, type of trauma experienced, PTSD diagnosis, and cause of death.

RESULTS

A total of 30 eligible studies of mostly good methodological quality were identified, with a total of more than 2.1 million participants with PTSD. The majority of studies involved male-dominated, veteran populations. PTSD was associated with a 47% (95% CI: 1.06-2.04) greater risk of mortality across six studies that reported OR/RR, and a 32% increased risk across 18 studies which reported time to death (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.10-1.59). There was very high study heterogeneity (I² > 94%) and this was not explained by the prespecified subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSION

PTSD is associated with increased mortality risk, however further research is required amongst civilians, involving women, and in individuals from underdeveloped countries.

Assessing the effects of duration of birth interval on adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa: a propensity score-matched analysis

OBJECTIVES

Unlike high-income countries, sub-Saharan African countries have the highest burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight and preterm births. The WHO set optimal birth spacing as a key strategy to improve pregnancy outcomes. Estimating the impact of short and long birth intervals on adverse pregnancy outcomes based on an observational study like the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) is prone to selection bias. Therefore, we used the propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis to estimate the actual impact of short and long birth intervals on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted based on the DHS data.

SETTING

We used the recent DHS data of 36 sub-Saharan African countries.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 302 580 pregnant women for stillbirth and abortion, 153 431 for birth weight and 115 556 births for preterm births were considered.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

To estimate the impact of duration of birth interval (short/long) on adverse pregnancy outcomes, we used PSM analysis with logit model using psmatch2 ate STATA command to find average treatment effect on the population (ATE), treated and untreated. The quality of matching was assessed statistically and graphically. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of the PSM estimates using the Mantel-Haenszel test statistic.

RESULTS

The prevalence of short and long birth intervals in sub-Saharan Africa was 46.85% and 13.61%, respectively. The prevalence rates of abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, macrosomia, and preterm births were 6.11%, 0.84%, 9.63%, 9.04%, and 4.87%, respectively. In the PSM analysis, the differences in ATE of short birth intervals on abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, and preterm births were 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%, respectively, and -2.6% for macrosomia. The difference in ATE among the treated group was 1%, 1%, and 1.1% increased risk of abortion, low birth weight, and preterm births, respectively, while there was no difference in risk of stillbirth between the treated and control groups. The ATEs of long birth intervals on abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, macrosomia and preterm births were 1.3%, 0.4%, 1.0%, 3.4%, and 0.2%, respectively. The ATE on the treated group had 0.9%, 0.4%, 2.4%, 2.8%, and 0.2% increased risk of abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, macrosomia, and preterm births, respectively. The estimates were insensitive to hidden bias and had a good quality of matching.

CONCLUSION

Short and long birth intervals had a significant positive impact on stillbirth, abortion, low birth weight, macrosomia and preterm births after matching treated and control groups by observed variables. These findings highlighted maternal and newborn healthcare programmes and policies to empower reproductive-aged women to exercise optimal birth spacing to reduce the incidence of stillbirth, abortion, low birth weight, macrosomia and preterm births.

Effectiveness of social prescribing for chronic disease prevention in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Social prescribing (SP) enables healthcare professionals to link patients with non-medical interventions available in the community to address underlying socioeconomic and behavioural determinants. We synthesised the evidence to understand the effectiveness of SP for chronic disease prevention.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using five databases and two registries. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials of SP among community-dwelling adults recruited from primary care or community setting, investigating any chronic disease risk factors defined by the WHO (behavioural factors: smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol consumption; metabolic factors: raised blood pressure, overweight/obesity, hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia). Random effect meta-analyses were performed at two time points: completion of intervention and follow-up after trial.

RESULTS

We identified nine reports from eight trials totalling 4621 participants. All studies evaluated SP exercise interventions which were highly heterogeneous regarding the content, duration, frequency and length of follow-up. Majority of studies had some concerns for risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed that SP likely increased physical activity (completion: mean difference (MD) 21 min/week, 95% CI 3 to 39, I²=0%; follow-up ≤12 months: MD 19 min/week, 95% CI 8 to 29, I²=0%). However, SP may not improve markers of adiposity, blood pressure, glucose and serum lipid. There were no eligible studies that primarily target unhealthy diet, smoking and excessive alcohol drinking behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS

SP exercise interventions probably increased physical activity slightly; however, no benefits were observed for metabolic factors. Determining whether SP is effective in modifying the determinants of chronic diseases and promotes sustainable healthy behaviours is limited by the current evidence of quantification and uncertainty, warranting further rigorous studies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022346687.

The relationship between social isolation, social support, and loneliness with cardiovascular disease and shared risk factors: A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the greatest contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Poor social health plays a critical role in CVD incidence. Additionally, the relationship between social health and CVD may be mediated through CVD risk factors. However, the underlying mechanisms between social health and CVD are poorly understood. Certain social health constructs (social isolation, low social support and loneliness) have complicated the characterisation of a causal relationship between social health and CVD.

AIM

To provide an overview of the relationship between social health and CVD (and its shared risk factors).

METHOD

In this narrative review, we examined published literature on the relationship between three social health constructs (social isolation, social support, and loneliness) and CVD. Evidence was synthesised in a narrative format, focusing on the potential ways in which social health affects CVD, including shared risk factors.

RESULTS

The current literature highlights an established relationship between social health and CVD with a likelihood for bi-directionality. However, there is speculation and varied evidence regarding how these relationships may be mediated through CVD risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Social health can be considered an established risk factor for CVD. However, the potential bi-directional pathways of social health with CVD risk factors are less established. Further research is needed to understand whether targeting certain constructs of social health may directly improve the management of CVD risk factors. Given the health and economic burdens of poor social health and CVD, improvements to addressing or preventing these interrelated health conditions would have societal benefits.

Appropriate feeding practice and associated factors among under-five children with diarrheal disease in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-country analysis

BACKGROUND

Diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of child mortality and morbidity in low-income countries. Although the provision of more fluid and solid foods during diarrhea are important to treat the diseases, in Africa, food and fluid restrictions are common during diarrheal illness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine appropriate feeding practice and associated factors among under-five children with diarrheal disease in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

METHODS

We have used the appended most recent demographic and health survey (DHS) datasets of 35 sub-Saharan countries conducted from 2010 to 2020. A total weighted sample of 42,882 living children with diarrhea were included in the analyses. Multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with appropriate child feeding practice in SSA. A p value of ≤ 0.05 was used as a cut of point to declare statistically significant variables.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of appropriate child feeding practice in this study was 10.45% (95% CI 10.17-10.74). The odds of having appropriate child feeding practice was higher among women with primary (AOR = 1.27: 1.17-1.37), secondary (AOR = 1.38: 1.25-1.52), and higher education level (AOR = 1.52: 1.21-1.90), media exposure (AOR = 1.11: 1.11-1.29), richer (AOR = 1.23:1.01-1.26) and richest (AOR = 1.19:1.05-1.35) wealth index, and currently working (AOR = 1.12: 1.04-1.19).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of appropriate child feeding practice in this study was found to be very low. It advisable to reduce diarrhea-related child mortality through enhancing diarrhea management practice especially by working on the after mentioned factors.

Socioeconomic Inequality in Knowledge About HIV and Its Contributing Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multicountry and Decomposition Analysis

Aim

To examine the socioeconomic inequality in knowledge about HIV and its contributing factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We have used the most recent demographic and health survey data of the 15 sub-Saharan African countries. 204,495 women of reproductive age made up the entire weighted sample. Erreygers normalized concentration index (ECI) was utilized to evaluate socioeconomic inequality in knowledge about HIV. The variables that contributed to the observed socioeconomic inequality were determined using decomposition analysis.

Results

We found the pro-rich inequality in knowledge about HIV (the weighted ECI was 0.16 with a Standard error = 0.007 and P value< 0.001). The decomposition analysis indicated that educational status (46.10%), wealth status (30.85%), listening to the radio (21.73%), and reading newspapers (7.05%) were among the contributors to the pro-rich socioeconomic inequalities in knowledge about HIV.

Conclusion

Having knowledge about HIV is concentrated among rich reproductive-age women. Educational status, wealth status, and media exposure were the major contributors and should be a priority for interventions to reduce the inequality in knowledge about HIV.

Exploring spatial variations and the individual and contextual factors of uptake of measles-containing second dose vaccine among children aged 24 to 35 months in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

To eliminate measles, which is a devastating contagious disease, Ethiopia introduced the measles-containing second dose vaccine (MCV2) that will be given in the second year of life. Despite its paramount benefit, the coverage was low worldwide and, in Ethiopia, there is scarce evidence on the geographic variations and factors associated with uptake of MCV2.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the spatial variations and the individual and contextual factors of uptake of measles-containing second dose vaccine among children aged 24 to 35 months in Ethiopia.

METHODS

We used the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey data. A total weighted sample of 800 children aged 24 to 35 months was used. Multilevel analysis was employed and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. Factors with a p-value<0.05 in the multivariable analysis were declared to be significant predictors of MCV2 uptake. To explore the spatial variations of MCV2 uptake, we have conducted spatial analysis using both Arc GIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 software.

RESULTS

The proportion of MCV2 uptake was 9.84% (95% CI: 7.96%, 12.11%). Children whose mothers were aged 20-34 years (AOR = 0.19; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.69) and 35-49 years (AOR = 0.21; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.90), being the 4th-5th child (AOR = 4.02; 95%CI: 1.45, 11.14) and 6th and above child (AOR = 4.12; 95%CI: 1.42, 13.05) and children who did not receive full childhood vaccinations (AOR = 0.44; 95%CI: 0.25, 0.77) were significantly associated with MCV2 uptake. Besides, MCV2 uptake was clustered in Ethiopia (Global Moran's I = 0.074, p-value <0.01). The primary cluster spatial window was detected in the Benishangul-Gumuz region with LLR = 10.05 and p = 0.011.

CONCLUSION

The uptake of MCV2 in Ethiopia was low. Maternal age, birth order, and uptake of the other basic vaccines were associated with MCV2 uptake. Besides, MCV2 uptake was clustered in Ethiopia and the primary cluster spatial window was located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region. Therefore, special concern should be given to regions with lower MCV2 uptake such as the Benishangul-Gumuz region. Besides, it is better to give attention to basic vaccination programs.

Factors associated with short birth interval among reproductive-age women in East Africa

BACKGROUND

Child and maternal mortality continue as a major public health concern in East African countries. Optimal birth interval is a key strategy to curve the huge burden of maternal, neonatal, infant, and child mortality. To reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 33 months between two consecutive births. Even though short birth interval is most common in many East African countries, as to our search of literature there is limited study published on factors associated with short birth interval. Therefore, this study investigated factors associated with short birth intervals among women in East Africa.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with short birth intervals among reproductive-age women in East Africa based on the most recent demographic and health survey data.

DESIGN

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted based on the most recent demographic and health survey data of 12 East African countries. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique was employed to recruit the study participants.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total weighted sample of 105,782 reproductive-age women who had two or more births were included. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with short birth interval. Four nested models were fitted and a model with the lowest deviance value (-2log-likelihood ratio) was chosen. In the multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio with the 95% confidence interval was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association between short birth interval and independent variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of short birth interval in East Africa was 16.99% (95% confidence interval: 16.76%, 17.21%). Women aged 25-34 years, who completed their primary education, and did not perceive the distance to the health facility as a major problem had lower odds of short birth interval. On the contrary, women who belonged to the poorest household, made their own decisions with their husbands/partners or by their husbands or parents alone, lived in households headed by men, had unmet family planning needs, and were multiparous had higher odds of having short birth interval.

CONCLUSION

Nearly one-fifth of births in East Africa had short birth interval. Therefore, it is essential to promote family planning coverage, improve maternal education, and empower women to decrease the incidence of short birth intervals and their effects.

Prevalence and factors associated with unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa, a multilevel analysis

BACKGROUND

Unintended pregnancy predisposes women to unsafe abortion, malnutrition, mental illness, and even death. Though adolescent girls and young women are at higher risk of unintended pregnancy, there is a paucity of evidence in its burden and associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHOD

This study was a secondary data analysis of 36 sub-Saharan African countries with a total weighted sample of 17,797 adolescent girls and young women. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted and, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to assess the association between the independent variables and unintended pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

RESULT

The pooled prevalence of unintended pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa was 30.01 with 95% CI (29.38-30.74). In multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis, adolescent girls, and young women with higher education (AOR = 0.71 95%CI 0.52-0.97), those who know modern contraceptive methods (AOR = 0.86 95%CI 0.75-0.98), and traditional contraceptive methods (AOR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.59-0.95), married (AOR = 0.80, 95%CI 0.73-0.88), those from female-headed households (AOR = 0.86,95%CI 0.78-0.94), had lower odds of unintended pregnancy. Whereas adolescent girls and young women from Central Africa (AOR = 2.09,95%CI 1.23-3.55), southern Africa (AOR = 5.23, 95%CI 2.71-10.09), and Eastern Africa (AOR = 1.07,95%CI 1.07-2.66) had higher odds of unintended pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of unintended pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa is high. Therefore, educating adolescent girls and young women, and improving their knowledge about family planning services is vital. It is also better for the government of countries in sub-Saharan Africa and other global and local stakeholders to work hard to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including family planning, education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs to reduce unintended pregnancy.

Understanding the rural-urban disparity in acute respiratory infection symptoms among under-five children in Sub-Saharan Africa: a multivariate decomposition analysis

Background

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) account for more than 6% of the worldwide disease burden in children under the age of five, with the majority occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rural children are more vulnerable to and disproportionately affected by ARIs. As a result, we examined the rural–urban disparity in the prevalence of ARI symptoms and associated factors among children under the age of five in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We used the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 36 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study included 199,130 weighted samples in total. To identify variables associated with ARIs symptoms, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI was used to determine the statistical significance and strength of the association. To explain the rural–urban disparity in ARI prevalence, a logit-based multivariate decomposition analysis was used.

Results

Being female, ever breastfeeding, belonging to a poorer, better wealth status, and having better maternal educational status were significantly associated with lower odds of ARIs among under-five children. Whereas, small size or large size at birth, not taking vitamin A supplementation, being severely underweight, having diarrhea, didn’t have media exposure, never had the vaccination, being aged 36–47 months, and being aged 48–59 months were significantly associated with higher odds of ARIs among under-five children. The multivariate decomposition analysis revealed that the difference in characteristics (endowment) across residences explained 64.7% of the overall rural–urban difference in the prevalence of ARIs, while the difference in the effect of characteristics (change in coefficient) explained 35.3%.

Conclusion

This study found that rural children were highly affected by ARIs in SSA. To reduce the excess ARIs in rural children, public health interventions aimed at impoverished households, home births, and unvaccinated and malnourished children are crucial.

Suboptimal blood pressure control and its associated factors among people living with diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal blood pressure control among people living with diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular complications and death in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of suboptimal blood pressure control in SSA. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate its pooled prevalence and associated factors among people living with DM in SSA.  METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, African Journals OnLine, HINARI, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and direct Google to access observational studies conducted in SSA. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used to extract the data, which was exported into STATA/MP version 16.0 for further analyses. Heterogeneity across studies was checked using Cochran's Q test statistics and I² test, and small study effect was checked using Funnel plot symmetry and Egger's statistical test at a 5% significant level. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of suboptimal blood pressure control at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 7329 articles retrieved, 21 articles were eligible for the meta-analysis. After performing random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure control was 69.8% (95% CI: 63.43, 76.25%). Poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.03-2.80, I² = 0.0%, p = 0.531) and overweight (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.57-3.68, I² = 0.00%, p = 0.47) were significantly associated with suboptimal blood pressure control.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure control among diabetic patients in SSA was high, and poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment and overweight were significantly associated with suboptimal blood pressure control. Hence, there is an urgent need for initiatives to improve and control hypertension, and preventive measures should concentrate on modifiable risk factors.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020187901.

Spatial variation and factors associated with home delivery after ANC visit in Ethiopia; spatial and multilevel analysis

Introduction

Institutional delivery is crucial to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality as well as serious morbidities. However, in Ethiopia, home delivery (attended by an unskilled birth attendant) after antenatal care (ANC) visit is highly in practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial variation and determinants of home delivery after antenatal care visits in Ethiopia.

Method

A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2019 mini Ethiopian demographic and health survey. A total of 2,923 women who had ANC visits were included. Spatial analysis was done by using GIS 10.7 and SaTscan 9.6. The risk areas for home delivery from GIS and spatial scan statistics results were reported. A multi-level logistic regression model was fitted using Stata14 to identify individual and community-level factors associated with home delivery after ANC visit. Finally, AOR with 95% CI and random effects were reported.

Result

Home delivery after ANC visit was spatially clustered in Ethiopia(Moran’s index = 0.52, p-value <0.01). The primary clusters were detected in Oromia and SNNP region (LLR = 37.48, p < 0.001 and RR = 2.30) and secondary clusters were located in Benishangul Gumuz, Amhara, Tigray and Afar (LLR = 29.45, p<0.001 and RR = 1.54). Being rural resident (AOR = 2.52; 95%CI 1.09–5.78), having no formal education (AOR = 3.19;95% CI 1.11–9.16), being in the poor (AOR = 2.20;95%CI 1.51–3.22) and middle wealth index (AOR = 2.07;95% CI 1.44–2.98), having one ANC visit (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.41–4.94), and living in the agrarian region (AOR = 3.63; 95%CI 1.03–12.77) had increased the odds of home delivery after ANC visit.

Conclusion and recommendation

Home delivery after ANC visit was spatially clustered in Ethiopia. Factors like maternal education, wealth index, number of ANC visits, residency and region were significantly associated with home delivery after ANC visit. Therefore, it is better to increase the number of ANC contact by giving health education, especially for women with low levels of education and better to improve the wealth status of women. A special strategy is also vital to reduce home delivery after ANC visit in those high-risk regions.

Incidence of infant mortality and its predictors in East Africa using Gompertz gamma shared frailty model

Background

Globally, infant mortality is a major public health concern and a sensitive indicator of countries' socio-economic and health status. Despite the substantial reduction of under-five mortality in sub-Saharan African countries specifically in East Africa, the infant mortality rate remains highest and too far below to achieve the WHO target. As to our search of the literature is concerned, there is a dearth of evidence on the incidence and predictors of infant mortality in East Africa. Therefore, this study investigated the incidence of infant mortality and its predictors in East Africa.

Methods

The present study has utilized 138,803 weighted samples from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) of 12 East African countries. Considering the hierarchical nature of DHS data shared frailty parametric survival models were fitted and compared based on deviance (-2LLR), AIC, and BIC. Gompertz gamma shared frailty model was the best-fitted model for the data since it had the lowest deviance, AIC, and BIC values. Variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable Gompertz gamma shared analysis, the Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the significant predictors of infant mortality.

Results

The infant mortality rate in East Africa was 41.41 per 1000 live births. Mothers aged 25–34 years, wanted birth, health facility delivery, 1–3 ANC visit, being 2nd- 4th birth order, 5th and above, the birth interval of 24–48 months, and birth interval of 49 months and above were significantly associated with lower risk of infant mortality. Whereas women who didn’t have formal education, women who didn't participate in making health care decisions making, being male children, cesarean delivery, small size at birth, and large size at birth were significantly associated with a higher risk of infant mortality.

Conclusion

Despite the substantial progress in improving maternal and child health, this study showed that infant mortality is still a major public health concern in East Africa. Maternal age, place of delivery, maternal education, birth size, sex of the child, mode of delivery, women's autonomy, birth order, birth interval, and ANC visit were found to be significant predictors of infant mortality. Therefore, public health interventions enhancing health facility delivery, ANC visit, maternal education, birth spacing, and empowering women are crucial for reducing the incidence of infant mortality in East Africa.

Fertility decision and its associated factors in Sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis

Background

Fertility desire is one of the predictors of contraceptive behavior and fertility-related outcomes. However, information is scarce on individual and community-level factors of women’s fertility decisions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective

To assess fertility decisions and their associated factors in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

The 35 Sub-Saharan African country’s most recent demographic and health surveys (DHS) data conducted from 2008 to 2020 was used. A total of 284,744 (weighted) married women were used for analysis. The proportion of fertility decisions with their 95%CI was estimated. To assess the factors associated with fertility decisions, both random effect and fixed effect analyses were conducted. In the fixed analysis, particularly in the multivariable analysis, adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported and variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered significant predictors of fertility decisions.

Results

In this study, 64.35% (95%CI: 64.2%, 64.5%) of the study participants had fertility desire. However, 5.4% (95%CI: 5.3, 5.5) of the study participants had undecided fertility behavior. In the multivariable analysis, desire for more children and undecided fertility desire were relatively lower among older women, women with primary, secondary, and higher education, working women, women who currently use contraceptives, women with a higher number of living children, women with higher parity, women from eastern and southern Africa, and women from wealthy households. While, the ideal number of children, women who had decision-making autonomy, and women from the rural residence were all associated with a relatively higher desire for more children and undecided fertility desire. Furthermore, respondents' education and sex of household head were associated with the desire for more children while media exposure was associated with undecided fertility desire.

Conclusion

In this study, around two-thirds of women had a desire for more children and only 5.4% of women had undecided fertility desires. Both individual and community-level factors were associated with both desires for more children and undecided fertility desires. As a result, the aforementioned factors should be considered while developing reproductive health programs.

Glycemic control in newly insulin-initiated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective follow-up study at a university hospital in Ethiopia

Background

Though many trials had examined the effectiveness of taking insulin with or without oral agents, there are limited real-world data, particularly among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the resource limited settings. This study aimed to examine level of glycemic control among patients with T2DM after initiation of insulin and factors associated with poor glycemic control.

Methods

An analysis of retrospective medical records of patients with T2DM who initiated insulin due to uncontrolled hyperglycemia by oral agents was conducted from 2015–2020 in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Difference in median fasting plasma glucose (FPG) before and after insulin initiations was examined by a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Kruskal Wallis test was performed to explore difference in the median level of FPG among treatment groups. A logistic regression model was also used to identify associated factors of poor glycemic control after insulin initiation. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

Results

Of 424 enrolled patients with T2DM, 54.7% were males and the mean age was 59.3±9.3 years. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that there was significant deference in FPG before and after insulin initiation (P < 0.001). A declining trend of blood glucose was observed during the 1-year follow-up period of post-initiation. However, majority of the participants did not achieve target glucose levels. Participants who had higher FPG and systolic blood pressure (SBP) before insulin initiation were found more likely to have poor glycemic control after insulin initiation. Similarly, patients who received atorvastatin compared with simvastatin were found to have poor glycemic control in the post-period of initiation (P = 0.04). Premixed insulin was associated with a lower likelihood of poor glycemic control than neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Following insulin initiation, a significant change in glycemic level and declining trend of FPG was observed during a 1-year follow-up period. However, the majority of patients still had a poorly controlled glycemic level. Appropriate management focusing on predictors of glycemic control would be of a great benefit to achieve glycemic control.

Multilevel analysis of determinants of anemia among young women (15-24) in sub-Sahara Africa

Background

Anemia is a disorder by which the body’s red blood cells are inadequate to fulfill The physiological needs of the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anemia as having a hemoglobin (Hb) level of less than 120 g/l for nonpregnant women and 110 g/l for pregnant women. It has serious implications for human health as well as negative social and economic consequences like decreased workforce, impaired learning, and stunted child development. As these women are highly vulnerable to different micro and macro-nutritive deficiency associated with rapid physical, mental and psychological development, particular attention should be given to a young woman (15–24). Therefore this study assesses the magnitude and determinants of anemia among young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

This was a secondary data analysis based on the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. We pooled the most recent DHS surveys done in 31 sub-Sahara Africa and a total weighted sample of 88, 832 young women (15–24 years) were included. At bivariable analysis, variables with a p-value of ≤0.2 were selected for multivariable analysis, and at the multivariable analysis variables with a p-value of ≤0.05 were considered as a significant factor associated with anemia among young women (15–24 years).

Results

The pooled prevalence of anemia among young women (15–24) in sub-Sahara Africa was 42.17% [95%CI: 41.85, 42.50]. Young women of aged 20–24 years [AOR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.89–0.95], women from rich household [AOR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.80–0.87], young women with primary [AOR = 0.7, 95%CI: 0.67–0.72], secondary [AOR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.69–0.75] and higher educational status [AOR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.53–0.64], married women [AOR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.08–1.17], divorced/separated/widowed women [AOR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.08–1.25], women who use modern contraceptive [AOR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.62–0.67], young women who ever had terminated pregnancy [AOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.14–1.29], overweight young woman [AOR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.76–0.82] and young women from female-headed household [AOR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.91–0.97] were the individual-level factors that significantly associated with anemia of young women. Meanwhile, being a rural dweller [AOR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.79–0.85] and high community educational level [AOR = 0.87, 95%CI: 0.70–0.97] were the community level determinant of anemia. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Median Odds Ratio (MOR) and Percentage change in variance (PCV) were done for the assessment of the random effect model of the multilevel analysis. The ICC value in the null model was 0.05, which indicates that 5% of the variation in anemia among young women in sub-Saharan Africa was attributed to community-level factors.

Conclusion

The prevalence of anemia among young women in this study was higher compared with reports from the previous studies. Divorced/separated/widowed women, married women and women with ever terminated pregnancy, young women with primary, secondary and higher educational achievement, being rural dwellers, young women aged 20–24 years, being from rich households and women who used modern contraceptives were factors that significantly associated with anemia among young women. Therefore, particular attention should be given to those higher-risk women including, young women with a history of a terminated pregnancy, those from rural areas and young women aged 15–19 years to reduce the burden of anemia among these young women as the continuity of the future generation depends on the health of young women.

Minimum acceptable diet feeding practice and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in east Africa: a multilevel binary logistic regression analysis of 2008-2018 demographic health survey data

BACKGROUND

Despite the proportion of receiving a minimum acceptable diet (minimum meal frequency and minimum dietary diversity) is lower in east Africa, there is limited evidence on minimum acceptable diet. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in east Africa.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis of the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data of 12 east African countries was done. A total weighted sample of 34, 097 children aged 6-23 months were included. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was applied. The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Median Odds Ratio (MOR) were calculated to assess the clustering effect. Besides, deviance was used for model comparison as the models are nested models. Both crude and adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were reported as potential predictors of minimum acceptable diet feeding practice.

RESULTS

The prevalence of minimum acceptable diet feeding practice among children in east Africa was 11.56%; [95%CI; 11.22%, 11.90%]. In the multilevel analysis; child age of 12-17 month (AOR = 1.33: 95%CI; 1.20, 1.48), maternal primary (AOR = 1.21: 95%CI; 1.08, 1.35), secondary (AOR = 1.63: 95%CI; 1.44, 1.86) higher (AOR = 2.97: 95%CI; 2.30, 3.38) education level, media exposure (AOR = 1.38, 95%CI; 1.26, 1.51), household wealth statues (AOR = 1.28, 95%CI; 1.15, 1.42 for middle and AOR = 1.50: 95%CI; 1.42, 1.71 foe rich), employed mother (AOR = 1.27: 95%CI; 1.17, 1.37), maternal age 25-34 (AOR = 1.20: 95%CI; 1.09, 1.32) and 35-49 (AOR = 1.22: 95%; 1.06, 1.40) years, delivery in health facility (AOR = 1.43: 95%CI; 1.29, 1.59) and high community education level (AOR = 1.05: 95%CI; 1.01, 1.17) were positively associated with minimum acceptable diet child feeding practice. Meanwhile, the use of wood (AOR = 0.72: 95%CI; 0.61, 0.86) and animal dug (AOR = 0.34: 95%CI; 0.12, 0.95) as a source of cooking fuel and being from female-headed households (AOR = 0.88: 95%CI; 0.81, 0.96) were negatively associated with minimum acceptable diet feeding practice.

CONCLUSION

Child age, mother's educational level, source of cooking fuel, exposure to media, sex of household head, household wealth status, mother working status, age of the mother, place of delivery and community-level education were the significant determinants of minimum acceptable diet feeding practices. Therefore, designing public health interventions targeting higher-risk children such as those from the poorest household and strengthening mothers' education on acceptable child feed practices are recommended.

Barriers for health care access affects maternal continuum of care utilization in Ethiopia; spatial analysis and generalized estimating equation

BACKGROUND

Although Ethiopia had made a significant change in maternal morbidity and mortality over the past decades, it remains a major public health concern. World Health Organization designed maternal continuum of care to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. However, majority of the mothers didn't utilize the maternal continuum of care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care and its associated factors in Ethiopia.

METHODS

This study was based on 2016 Demographic and Health Survey data of Ethiopia. A total weighted sample of 4,772 reproductive aged women were included. The study used ArcGIS and SaTScan software to explore the spatial distribution of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care. Besides, multivariable Generalized Estimating Equation was fitted to identify the associated factors of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care using STATA software. Model comparison was made based on Quasi Information Criteria. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval of the selected model was reported to identify significantly associated factors of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care.

RESULTS

The spatial analysis revealed that incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care had significant spatial variation across the country. Primary clusters were detected at Somali, North-Eastern part of Oromia, and East part of Southern Nation Nationalities while secondary clusters were detected in the Central Amhara region. In multivariate GEE, rural residency, secondary education, higher education, Protestant religious follower's, Muslim religious follower's, poorer wealth index, richer wealth index, richest wealth index, currently working, having barriers for accessing health care, and exposure for mass media were significantly associated with incomplete utilization maternal continuum of care.

CONCLUSION

Incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care had significant spatial variations in Ethiopia. Residence, wealth index, education, religion, and barriers for health care access, mass media exposure, and currently working were significantly associated with incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care. Therefore, public health interventions targeted to enhance maternal service utilization and women empowerment in hotspot areas of incomplete utilization of maternal continuum of care are crucial for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.

Prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among young (15-24) women in eastern Africa: a multilevel analysis of demographic health survey data (2008-2018)

Background

According to available evidence, only 15% of young women in sub-Saharan Africa know their Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) status. Despite a high prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents and young women, policymakers give less attention to HIV testing and counseling services. So, this study aimed to investigate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among young women in east Africa.

Methods

The most recent DHS surveys done among 11 east African countries were pooled and a weighted sample of 73,661 young women were included. At bivariable analysis variables with a p-value≤0.2 were selected for multivariable analysis and variables with a p-value of ≤0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered as a statistically significant determinant of HIV testing.

Results

Pooled prevalence of HIV testing among young women was 55.3%: 95% CI (54.97%, 55.69%). In the multilevel multivariable analysis: respondent age, marital status, educational level, occupation, media exposure, having higher and comprehensive knowledge about HIV / AIDS, having some and higher risky sexual behavior, visiting health care facilities, being rural dweller, being from rich households, having multiple sexual partners, early sex initiation and community-level education were significantly associated with HIV testing.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HIV testing among young women was significantly affected by both individual and community-level factors. To prevent the transmission and dissemination of HIV, there should be a systematic and coordinated approach and policy for HIV testing among young people.

Factors associated with unmet need for family planning in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel multinomial logistic regression analysis

Background

More than one out of every ten married women in the world, and one out of every five women in Africa, have unmet family planning needs. Despite this, studies concerning sub-Saharan Africa as well as the community-level factors that may influence the unmet need for family planning are scarce.

Objective

To assess factors associated with unmet need for family planning in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

This study used the nineteen demographic and health surveys (DHS) conducted between 2015 and 2020 in sub-Saharan Africa. A total weighted sample of 175, 820 women of reproductive age who were married during the survey was used for this study. To assess the factors associated with unmet need for family planning, I have employed a multilevel multinomial logistic regression model. After selecting variables using the bivariable analysis, a multivariable model was fitted. Finally, an adjusted relative risk ratio with its 95% Confidence Interval was reported and variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were declared to be significant predictors of unmet need for family planning.

Result

The overall prevalence of unmet need for family planning in sub-Saharan Africa was 23.70%, of which unmet need for spacing and limiting was 15.81% and 7.90% respectively. In the multivariable multilevel multinomial model, women’s age, women’s education, age at cohabitation, heard about family planning through media, parity, number of under-five children, and knowledge about modern contraceptive methods were among the individual-level factors that were associated with both the unmet need for spacing and limiting. Place of residence, community level of women illiteracy, and region were among the community-level factors that were associated with both unmet needs for spacing and limiting. Household size and visiting the health facility in the last 12 months were associated with unmet need for spacing only and husband education was associated with unmet need for limiting only.

Conclusion

Unmet need for family planning in sub-Saharan Africa was high. Both individual and community level factors were associated with both unmet need for spacing and limiting. Therefore, it is better to consider interventions at both individual and community levels.

Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis using the most recent demographic and health survey of each country

Background

Women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan African (SSA) share the greatest burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Comprehensive knowledge about HIV is seen as pivotal in combating the epidemic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective

To examine comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We used the most recent SSA countries Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data. To assess comprehensive knowledge, a composite score of six separate questions (can get HIV by witchcraft or supernatural means, can reduce risk of getting HIV by using condoms during sex, reduce the risk of getting HIV by having one sex partner only, can get HIV from mosquito bites, can get HIV by sharing food with a person who has HIV/AIDS, and a healthy-looking person can have HIV) was used. Those who answered all six questions correctly were considered to have comprehensive knowledge. To assess the factors associated with comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS, we used a multilevel binary logistic regression model since the data had hierarchical nature.

Results

In this study, the comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS was 38.56% (95% CI: 38.32, 38.75). Both individual and community-level factors were associated with comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Among individual-level factors, older age, having primary and above educational level, being from wealthy households, contraceptive use, listening to the radio, and reading newspaper were associated with higher odds of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Being from urban areas and the Eastern African region were the community-level factors that were associated with higher odds of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

The study found that comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS is low. Individual and community-level factors were associated with comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Therefore, giving special attention to those young women, women who had no formal education, those from poor socioeconomic status, and those who are from remote areas could decrease the epidemics of HIV/AIDS by increasing the comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Besides, it is better to strengthen media campaigns regarding HIV/AIDS to increase comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS and its associated factors among adult population in 15 sub-Saharan African nations

Background

Discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS is one of the reported obstacles to the achievement of universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support programs. Many international agencies have made combating HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination a top priority. However, previous evidence in different parts of Africa revealed that the magnitude of HIV/AIDS-related discriminatory attitude is significantly high.

Objective

To assess discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS and its associated factors among the adult population in 15 sub-Saharan African nations.

Methods

We have used the 15 Demographic and Health Survey data that were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 2015 to 2019/20. Each country’s data was appended and a total weighted sample of 318,186 (unweighted sample = 315,448) adults who had ever heard of AIDS was used for the final analysis. The two discriminatory attitude questions were used to get the outcome variable and those who answered “Yes” or “don’t know” for both questions were counted as if they had no discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS. To assess the factors associated with discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS, we have fitted a multilevel binary logistic regression model. Bivariable analysis was done to select eligible variables for the multivariable analysis. Finally, variables with p<0.05, in the multivariable analysis, were considered as significant predictors of discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS.

Results

The prevalence of discriminatory attitude towards HIV/AIDS in the 15 sub-Saharan African nations was 47.08% (95% CI: 47.08, 47.42), which ranges from 17.64% (95% CI: 17.22, 18.07) in Malawi to 79.75% (95% CI: 79.02, 80.45) in Guinea. In the multivariable analysis, both individual level and community level variables were significantly associated with discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS. Being younger age, no formal education, never married, low socioeconomic status, male-headed household, non-contraceptive use, no mass media exposure, and incorrect comprehensive knowledge towards HIV/AIDS were among the individual-level factors that were associated with higher odds of discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS. While being from urban residence and the western SSA region were among the community-level factors that were significantly associated with higher odds discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

The prevalence of discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS in 15 sub-Saharan African nations was high. Both individual and community-level factors were associated with discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, special attention should be given to those who are poor, uneducated, and younger adults. In addition, it is better to strengthen the accessibilities of different media for adult populations to create an appropriate attitude towards people with HIV/AIDS.

Determinants of accessing healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa: a mixed-effect analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys from 36 countries

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the determinants of accessing healthcare among reproductive-age women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

DESIGN, SETTING AND ANALYSIS

Cross-sectional data were sourced from recent Demographic and Health Surveys in 36 SSA countries. We employed mixed-effect analysis to identify the determinants of accessing healthcare in SSA. OR and its 95% CI were reported for determinants associated with accessing healthcare.

OUTCOME

The outcome for this study was whether accessing healthcare was a 'big problem' or 'not a big problem'. Responses to these questions were categorised as a big problem and not a big problem.

PARTICIPANTS

A total weighted sample of 500 439 reproductive-age (15-49 years) women from each country's recent Demographic and Health Surveys from 2006 to 2018 were included in this study.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of healthcare access among reproductive-age women in SSA was 42.56% (95% CI 42.43% to 42.69%). The results of the mixed-effect analysis revealed that the determinants of accessing healthcare were urban residence (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.25, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.73), ability to read and write (AOR=1.15, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.28), primary education (AOR=1.08, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.12), secondary education and above (AOR=1.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.14), husband with primary education (AOR=1.06, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.1.12), husband with secondary education and above (AOR=1.22, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.27), middle wealth index (AOR=1.43, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.47), rich wealth index (AOR=2.19, 95% CI 2.13 to 2.24) and wanted pregnancy (AOR=1.27, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.29).

CONCLUSION

Healthcare access in SSA was found at 42.56%, which is very low even if Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 targeted universal health coverage for everyone so they can obtain the health services they need. The major determinants of healthcare access among reproductive-age women in SSA were urban residence, higher educational level, higher wealth index and wanted pregnancy. The findings of this study suggest and recommend strengthening and improving healthcare access for women who reside in the countryside, women with low level of education and women of low socioeconomic status.

Timely initiation of antenatal care and its associated factors among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: A multicountry analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys

BACKGROUND

Timely initiation of antenatal care (ANC) is an important component of ANC services that improve the health of the mother and the newborn. Mothers who begin attending ANC in a timely manner, can fully benefit from preventive and curative services. However, evidence in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) indicated that the majority of pregnant mothers did not start their first visit timely. As our search concerned, there is no study that incorporates a large number of sub-Saharan Africa countries. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of timely initiation of ANC and its associated factors in 36 sSA countries.

METHODS

The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 36 sSA countries were used for the analysis. The total weighted sample of 233,349 women aged 15-49 years who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey and who had ANC visit for their last child were included. A multi-level logistic regression model was used to examine the individual and community-level factors that influence the timely initiation of ANC. Results were presented using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

In this study, overall timely initiation of ANC visit was 38.0% (95% CI: 37.8-38.2), ranging from 14.5% in Mozambique to 68.6% in Liberia. In the final multilevel logistic regression model:- women with secondary education (AOR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.11), higher education (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.36, 1.51), women aged 25-34 years (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.23), ≥35 years (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.26, 1.35), women from richest household (AOR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.22), women perceiving distance from the health facility as not a big problem (AOR = 1.05; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.07), women exposed to media (AOR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.26, 1.32), women living in communities with medium percentage of literacy (AOR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.40, 1.63), and women living in communities with high percentage of literacy (AOR = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.38, 1.76) were more likely to initiate ANC timely. However, women who wanted their pregnancy later (AOR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.82, 0.86), wanted no more pregnancy (AOR = 0.80; 95%CI: 0.77, 0.83), and women residing in the rural area (AOR = 0.90; 95%CI: 0.87, 0.92) were less likely to initiate ANC timely.

CONCLUSION

Even though the WHO recommends all women initiate ANC within 12 weeks of gestation, sSA recorded a low overall prevalence of timely initiation of ANC. Maternal education, pregnancy intention, residence, age, wealth status, media exposure, distance from health facility, and community-level literacy were significantly associated with timely initiation of ANC. Therefore, intervention efforts should focus on the identified factors in order to improve timely initiation of ANC in sSA. This can be done through the providing information and education to the community on the timing and importance of attending antenatal care and family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancy, especially in rural settings.

Determinants of HIV voluntary counseling and testing: a multilevel modelling of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing services are vital to reduce the spread of HIV infection, and to create an opportunity for early treatment and reduction of HIV/AIDS-related mortality. However, only 12 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries reached the first 90% target (90% of people living with HIV to know their status). Hence, this study aimed to investigate the determinants of HIV counseling and testing among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS 2016) data was used to identify the determinants of HIV counseling and testing among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. A weighted sample of 14,599 reproductive age women was included in the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the determinants of HIV counseling and testing. The odds' ratio with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and the corresponding P-value ≤ 0.05 was employed to declare the statistically significant variables.

RESULTS

In this study, both individual and community-level variables were significantly associated with Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) uptake among women. Women aged 25-34 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.29, 95% CI 2.05, 2.56), aged ≥ 35 years (AOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.38, 1.75), attending primary education (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.51, 1.88), secondary education (AOR 3.07, 95% CI 2.64, 3.58), and higher education (AOR 5.15, 95% CI 4.17, 6.36), women with medium household wealth (AOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.32, 1.84), richer (AOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.58, 2.24), and richest wealth index (AOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.91, 2.94), having comprehensive knowledge (AOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06, 1.37), ever married (AOR 3.87, 95% CI 3.46, 4.32), having sexual risky behavior (AOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.69, 2.49), women from communities with high HIV knowledge (AOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.68, 2.45), women from communities with high literacy level (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05, 1.51) and women from communities with high wealth quintile (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03,1.57) had higher odds of VCT uptake. However, those women having stigma (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74, 0.92) had reduced odds of VCT uptake.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that not only individual level factors but also community level factors determine the status of HIV voluntary counseling and testing. Hence, strengthening both individual and community based interventions are crucial to increase the women HIV counseling and testing practice in the country.

Preterm birth and its associated factors among reproductive aged women in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from the recent demographic and health surveys of sub-Sharan African countries

BACKGROUND

Globally, preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal and under-five children mortality. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) accounts for the majority of preterm birth and death following its complications. Despite this, there is limited evidence about the pooled prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth at SSA level using nation-wide representative large dataset. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth among reproductive aged women.

METHODS

The recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) data of 36 SSA countries were used. We included a total weighted sample of 172,774 reproductive-aged women who were giving birth within five years preceding the most recent survey of SSA countries were included in the analysis. We used a multilevel logistic regression model to identify the associated factors of preterm birth in SSA. We considered a statistical significance at a p-value less than 0.05.

RESULTS

In this study, 5.33% (95% CI: 5.23, 5.44%) of respondents in SSA had delivered preterm baby. Being form eastern Africa, southern Africa, rural area, being educated, substance use, having multiple pregnancy, currently working history, having history of terminated pregnancy, and previous cesarean section delivery, primi-parity, and short birth interval were associated with higher odds of preterm birth among reproductive aged women. However, having better wealth index, being married, wanted pregnancy, and having four or more antenatal care visit were associated with lower odds for a preterm birth among reproductive aged women.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of preterm birth among reproductive-aged women remains a major public health problem in SSA. Preterm birth was affected by various socio-economic and obstetrical factors. Therefore, it is better to consider the high-risk groups during intervention to prevent the short-term and long-term consequences of preterm birth.

Incidence and predictors of under-five mortality in East Africa using multilevel Weibull regression modeling

BACKGROUND

In 2017, an estimated 5.3 million under-five children died annually in Sub-Saharan African countries, more than half of those deaths occurred in East Africa. Though East African countries share the huge burden of global under-five mortality, there is limited evidence on the incidence and predictors of under-five mortality. Therefore, this study investigated the incidence and predictors of under-five mortality in East Africa.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was done based on the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data of 12 East African countries conducted from 2008 to 2019. A total weighted sample of 138,803 live births within 5 years preceding the survey were included for analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-rank test were done to assess the children's survival experience across variable categories. The Global Schoenfeld residual test was employed for checking Proportional Hazard (PH) assumptions and it was violated (p-value< 0.05). Considering the hierarchical nature of DHS data, multilevel parametric survival models were fitted. Model comparison was made by AIC, deviance, and shape of the hazard function. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multilevel Weibull regression analysis, the Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the significant predictors of under-five mortality.

RESULTS

Under-five mortality rate in East Africa was 51.318 (95% CI: 51.311, 51.323) per 1000 live births. Babies born to mothers attained secondary education and above (AHR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.91), being 2nd - 4th birth order (AHR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.67), ≥ 5th birth order (AHR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.76), health facility delivery (AHR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.93), 1-3 ANC visit (AHR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.68), births interval of 24-48 months (AHR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.57), wanted pregnancy (AHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.76), middle wealth status (AHR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.97), and richest wealth status (AHR = 0.81, 95% CI:0.73, 0.90) were significantly associated with lower hazards of under-five mortality. Whereas, advanced maternal age (≥35 years) (AHR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.24),, babies born to household who did not have media exposure (AHR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.20), twin births (AHR = 3.81, 95% CI: 3.52, 4.12), being male child (AHR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.21, 1.33), small birth size at birth (AHR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.63, 1.84), and large size at birth (AHR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.11) were significantly associated with higher hazards of under-five mortality.

CONCLUSION

Under-five mortality is a major public health concern in East African countries. Health facility delivery, ANC visit, higher wealth status, adequate birth spacing, wanted pregnancy, and maternal education were significantly correlated with a lower risk of under-5 mortality. Whereas, higher birth order, small or large size at birth, male birth, twin birth, advanced maternal age and mothers who didn't have media exposure were significantly correlated with a higher risk of under-five mortality. This study highlights that public health programs should enhance health facility delivery, ANC visit, media exposure, maternal education, and adequate birth spacing to decrease the incidence of under-five mortality in East Africa.

Geographic weighted regression analysis of hot spots of anemia and its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Ethiopia: A geographic weighted regression analysis and multilevel robust Poisson regression analysis

INTRODUCTION

Anemia among children aged 6-59 months remains a major public health problem in low-and high-income countries including Ethiopia. Anemia is associated with significant consequences on the health of children such as under-five morbidity and mortality, increased risk of infection, and poor academic performance. The prevalence of anemia in Ethiopia has varied across areas. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the geographic weighted regression analysis of anemia and its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Ethiopia.

METHODS

This study was based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total weighted sample of 8482 children aged 6-59 months was included. For the spatial analysis, Arc-GIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software were used. Spatial regression was done to identify factors associated with the hotspots of anemia and model comparison was based on adjusted R2 and Corrected Akaike Information Criteria (AICc). For the associated factors, the multilevel robust Poisson regression was fitted since the prevalence of anemia was greater than 10%. Variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable multilevel robust Poisson regression analysis, the adjusted prevalence ratio with the 95% confidence interval was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia among children aged 6-59 months was 57.56% (95%CI: 56.50%, 58.61%) with significant spatial variation across regions in Ethiopia. The significant hot spot areas of anemia among children aged 6-59 months were detected in the central, west, and east Afar, Somali, Dire Dawa, Harari, and northwest Gambella regions. Mothers who had anemia, a child aged 23-59 months, mothers aged 15-19 years, and coming from a household with a poorer or poorest household were significant predictors of the spatial variations of anemia among children aged 6-59 months. In the multilevel robust Poisson analysis, born to mothers aged 30-39 (APR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92) and 40-49 years (APR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.83), mothers who didn't have formal education (APR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.20), Children in the poorest household wealth index (APR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.29), being 4-6 (APR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13) and above 6 order of birth (APR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.23), children born to anemic mothers (APR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.29), children aged 24-59 months (APR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.73), stunted children (APR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.13) and underweight children (APR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.13) were significantly associated with anemia among children aged 6-59 months.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Anemia is still a public health problem for children in Ethiopia. Residing in a geographic area where a high proportion of children born to mothers aged 15-19 years, a child aged 6-23 months, coming from a household with poorer or poorest wealth index, and mothers with anemia increased the risk of experiencing anemia among children aged 6-59 months. Maternal education, maternal age, child age, household wealth, stunting, underweight, birth order, and maternal anemia were significant predictors of anemia among children. The detailed map of anemia hot spots among children aged 6-59 months and its predictors could assist program planners and decision-makers to design targeted public health interventions.

Spatial distribution and determinants of undernutrition among reproductive age women of Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis

INTRODUCTION

Malnutrition is one of the most devastating problems in Ethiopia and is inextricably linked with poverty. Women in the reproductive age group and children are most vulnerable to malnutrition due to low dietary intakes, inequitable distribution of food within the household, improper food storage and preparation, dietary taboos, infectious diseases, and care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and determinants of undernutrition among reproductive age of Ethiopia.

METHODS

The study was based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The study included a total sampled weight of 15,139 women aged 15-49 years. The ArcGIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software were used for exploring the spatial distribution of undernutrition. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to determine the individual and community level factors associated with women undernutrition. Finally, the factors which were significant at 95% confidence interval were reported.

RESULT

The spatial analysis revealed that women undernutrition was significantly varied across the country. The SaTScan analysis identified a total of 144 significant hotspot areas of maternal undernutrition with three significant spatial windows. Of these, 134 clusters were primary. The primary spatial window was identified in the southeast Tigray, northwest Afar, central and north Amhara regions (LLR = 57.48, P<0.01, RR = 1.51). Age at first marriage (AOR = 1.57: CI 1.33, 1.99), middle wealth index (AOR = 3.15: CI 1.4, 6.97), rural residence (AOR = 2.82: CI 1.22, 6.52), being in Afar region, Tigray region and Harari region (AOR = 4.88: CI 1.71, 13.91), (AOR = 4.17: CI 1.57, 11.06) and (AOR = 3.01: CI 1.05, 8.68) respectively were significantly associated with women undernutrition.

CONCLUSION

In Ethiopia, undernutrition had significant spatial variations across the country. Residence, age at first marriage, wealth index and region were significantly associated with undernutrition. Therefore, public health interventions that reduce reproductive age women undernutrition and enhance women awareness towards undernutrition in hotspot areas of undernutrition is crucial.

Prelacteal feeding practice and its associated factors among mothers having children less than 2 years of age in East Africa: a multilevel analysis of the recent demographic and health surveys

Background

Prelacteal feeding is a major public health problem that increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in children. It also result delayed breastfeeding initiation and interferes with exclusive breastfeeding. Although numerous studies have been done on prelacteal feeding in individual East African countries, most of them did not consider community-level factors that could affect the likelihood of prelacteal feeding. This study, thus, aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of prelacteal feeding practice in East Africa.

Methods

We used pooled data from the 12 east Africa countries Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). A total weighted sample of 33,423 women was included in the final analysis. We employed multilevel logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Finally, the Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence (CI) interval was reported and variables with p value< 0.05, in the multivariable analysis, were declared to be significant predictors of prelacteal feeding practice.

Result

In this study, the pooled prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice was 11.85% (95%CI: 11.50, 12.20) with great variation between countries, ranging from 3.08% (95%CI: 2.35, 3.81) in Malawi to 39.21% (95%CI: 36.36, 42.06) in Comoros. Both individual and community-level factors were associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Of the individual-level factors, home delivery, multiple birth, cesarean delivery, non-exposure to media, delayed initiation of breastfeeding, and being a small-sized baby were associated with higher odds of prelacteal feeding practice. Among the community-level factors, rural residence and higher community-level of media exposure were associated with lower odds of prelacteal feeding practice.

Conclusion

In this study, the pooled prevalence of prelacteal feeding is high. Both individual and community level variables were associated with prelacteal feeding practice. Therefore, individual and community-level interventions that encourage mothers to deliver in the health facility and promoting timely initiation of breastfeeding are needed to reduce prelacteal feeding practices in east Africa. Moreover, media campaigns regarding this harmful traditional practice could be strengthened.

Individual and community-level determinants of knowledge of ovulatory cycle among women of childbearing age in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis based on 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of the ovulatory cycle (KOC) aids women to refrain and engage in sexual intercourse to avoid and to get pregnancy, respectively. The effect of community-level factors on KOC was not yet known in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the community- and individual-level determinants of KOC among women of childbearing age.

METHODS

We used the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, and total weighted samples of 15,683 women were included. Intra-class correlation, median odds ratio, and deviance were executed for model comparison in which a model with the lowest deviance was the best model i.e. model III in this case. A multivariable multilevel logistic regression model was employed to identify community- and individual-level factors of correct KOC. In the ultimate model, an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was reported and variables with a p<0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

In this study, 3,698 [23.58% (95% CI; 22.92-24.25)] participants had correct KOC. Women's age in years, i.e. 20-24 (AOR = 1.46;1.28-1.68) 25-29 (AOR = 1.72; 1.49-1.99), 30-34 (AOR = 2.21; 1.89-2.58), 35-39 (AOR = 1.78; 1.51-2.09), 40-44 (AOR = 1.97; 1.65-2.37), and 45-49 (AOR = 1.78; 1.44-2.19), knowledge of contraceptive methods (AOR = 3.08; 2.07-4.58), increased women's educational level, i.e. higher (AOR = 4.24; 3.54-5.07), secondary (AOR = 2.89; 2.48-3.36), and primary (AOR = 1.57; 1.39-1.78), higher household's wealth index, i.e. richest (AOR = 1.71; 1.35-2.16), richer (AOR = 1.42; 1.16-1.72), middle (AOR = 1.29; 1.07-1.56), and poorer (AOR = 1.24; 1.03-1.48), current contraceptive use (AOR = 1.26; 1.13-1.39), menstruating in the last six weeks (AOR = 1.13; 1.03-1.24), women's media exposure (AOR = 1.20; 1.07-1.35), and being in the community with a high level of media exposure (AOR = 1.53; 1.24-1.88) were statistically significant with KOC.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the ovulatory cycle was low in this study, which demands health education for women of childbearing age. Special attention should be given to teenagers, those with lower educational, and lower economic status. Besides, the strengthening of media campaigns could increase women's KOC, which is crucial for preventing unintended pregnancy.

Spatial distribution and determinants of iron supplementation among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis

BACKGROUND

Maternal anemia continues as a global public health concern particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia. It is associated with an increased risk of maternal death, obstetric complications, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Even though maternal anemia is the commonest problem in Ethiopia, there is limited evidence on the spatial distribution and determinants of iron supplementation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution and determinants of iron supplementation among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

METHOD

A secondary data analysis was conducted based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total weighted sample of 7589 women was included for analysis. For the spatial analysis; ArcGIS version 10.6, and SaT Scan version 9.6 statistical software were employed to explore the spatial distribution, and to identify significant hotspot areas of iron supplementation in Ethiopia. For the determinant factors, multilevel logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify significant individual and community level determinants of iron supplementation. Deviance, Median Odds Ratio (MOR), and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used for model comparison and for assessing model fitness. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were considered in the multivariable multilevel analysis. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to declare significant determinants of iron supplementation.

RESULTS

The spatial distribution of iron supplementation was significantly varied across the country with Global Moran's index value of 0.3 (p < 0.001). The SaTScan analysis identified a total of 271 significant clusters, of these 89 clusters were primary clusters located in the Southwest Somali and Central Oromia regions (LLR = 66.69, P < 0.001, RR = 1.35). ANC visit (AOR = 3.66, 95%CI: 3.21, 417), community education [AOR = 1.31, 95%CI, 1.07, 1.59), media exposure (AOR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.53), distance to health facility (AOR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.16, 1.50), region and household wealth index were statistically significant determinant factors of iron supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Iron supplementation among pregnant women were significantly varied across the country. Therefore, the finding of this study could help to design effective public health interventions targeting areas with low iron supplementation and maternal health services should be delivered in all areas of our country. Besides, public health programs should enhance iron supplementation through promoting ANC visits, media exposure, and giving special emphasis to marginalized and remote areas.

Prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among reproductive-age women in eastern Africa: multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys

BACKGROUND

Despite efforts made to reduce the spread of the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV), its testing coverage remains low in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Besides, information on factors associated with HIV counseling and testing among reproductive-age women is not sufficiently available. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and factors associated with HIV testing among reproductive-age women in eastern Africa.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis was conducted based on the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data conducted in East African countries. We pooled the most recent DHS surveys done in 11 East African countries. A total weighted sample of 183,411 reproductive-age women was included for this study. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression models were fitted. Variables with a p-value ≤0.2 in the bivariable analysis were selected for multivariable analysis. Finally, in the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value ≤0.05 were considered as significant factors affecting HIV testing.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of HIV testing in eastern Africa was 66.92% (95%CI: 66.70, 67.13%). In the multivariable multilevel analysis factors such as the age of respondent, marital status, educational level, HIV knowledge, HIV stigma indicator, risky sexual behavior and women who visit a health facility were positively associated with HIV testing coverage among reproductive-age women. While women from rich and richest households, having multiple sexual partners, being from rural dwellers, late initiation of sex and higher community illiteracy level had a lower chance of being tested for HIV.

CONCLUSION

The pooled prevalence of HIV testing in eastern Africa was higher than most previous studies. Age of respondent, residence, wealth index, marital status, educational level, HIV knowledge, stigma indicator, risky sexual behavior, women who visit a health facility, multiple sexual partnerships, early initiation of sex and community illiteracy level were significantly associated with HIV testing. There should be an integrated strategic plan to give education about methods of HIV transmission and the implication of HIV testing and counseling. So all the stakeholders should have an integrated approach by giving special attention to the factors that hinder HIV testing to increase awareness regarding the benefit of HIV testing and counseling to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Factors associated with births protected against neonatal tetanus in Africa: Evidences from Demographic and health surveys of five African countries

INTRODUCTION

Maternal and neonatal tetanus remains a global public health problem affecting mainly the poorest and most marginalized subpopulations. In spite of the problem, studies conducted on the associated factors of births protected against neonatal tetanus are scarce in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to identify both individual and community-level factors associated with births protected against neonatal tetanus in the region.

METHODS

The most recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets of five African countries (Ethiopia, Burundi, Comoros, Zimbabwe and Zambia) were used to investigate the associated factors of births protected from neonatal tetanus. STATA Version 14 statistical software was used for the analysis. The data were weighted before doing any statistical analysis and deviance was used for model comparison. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of births protected against neonatal tetanus. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for each potential factors included in the multivariable multilevel logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total weighted sample of 30897 reproductive age women who had a birth within 5 years preceding the survey were included in the analysis. Those women with age of 20-34 (AOR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.18-1.48) and 35-49 years (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10-1.44), high community level of women education (AOR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04-1.23), being from poorer(AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14-1.33), middle (AOR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.21-1.43), richer (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.11-1.32) and richest households (AOR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.44-1.74), having antenatal care follow up (AOR = 9.62, 95% CI: 8.79-10.54), not perceiving distance to health facility as a big problem (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: (1.11-1.25) had higher odds of having births protected against neonatal tetanus.

CONCLUSION

Both individual and community level factors were found to be associated with births protected against neonatal tetanus in Africa. This suggests that a variety of factors are affecting births protected against neonatal tetanus in the region. Hence, the impact of these factors should be recognized while developing strategies to reduce neonatal tetanus in the region.

Knowledge about mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS, its prevention and associated factors among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from 33 countries recent Demographic and Health Surveys

BACKGROUND

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) 90 percent of babies acquired HIV/AIDS from infected mothers. Maternal knowledge about mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV/AIDS and its prevention is a cornerstone for elimination of MTCT of HIV/AIDS. Despite this, there is limited evidence about knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention and associated factors in SSA. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge of MTCT of HIV/AIDS, its prevention (PMTCT) and, associated factors among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE

To assess Knowledge about mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and its prevention and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

The recent SSA countries' Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), which were conducted from 2008/09 to 2018/19, was our data source. We appended 33 countries' DHS data for our analysis. For our study, a total weighted sample of 350,888 reproductive-age women was used. Due to the hierarchical nature of the DHS data, we conducted a multilevel analysis. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was reported, and variables with p-value≤0.05 were considered as significant predictors of knowledge of MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention.

RESULTS

In this study, 56.21% (95% CI: 56.05-56.38) of respondents had correct knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention among reproductive-age women in SSA. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis: being in the older age group, better education level, being from a rich household, having mass media exposure, having parity of one and above were associated with higher odds of knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention. However, being perceiving distance from the health facility as a big problem was associated with lower odds of knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about MTCT of HIV/AIDS and its prevention among reproductive-age women in SSA was low. Therefore, it is better to consider the high-risk groups during the intervention to increase awareness about this essential public health issue and to tackle its devastating outcome.

Prevalence of stillbirth and its associated factors in East Africa: generalized linear mixed modeling

BACKGROUND

Stillbirth is the most frequently reported adverse pregnancy outcome worldwide, which imposes significant psychological and economic consequences to mothers and affected families. East African countries account for one-third of the 2.6 million stillbirths globally. Though stillbirth is a common public health problem in East African countries, there is limited evidence on the pooled prevalence and associated factors of stillbirth in East Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of stillbirth and its associated factors in East Africa.

METHODS

This study was based on the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) of 12 East African countries. A total weighted sample of 138,800 reproductive-age women who gave birth during the study period were included in this study. The prevalence of stillbirth with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported using a forest plot. A mixed-effect binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify significantly associated factors of stillbirth. Since the DHS data has hierarchical nature, the presence of clustering effect was assessed using the Likelihood Ratio (LR) test, and Intra-cluster Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and deviance were used for model comparison. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable mixed-effect binary logistic regression analysis, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% CI were reported to declare the strength and significance of the association.

RESULTS

The prevalence of stillbirth in East Africa was 0.86% (95% CI: 0.82, 0.91) ranged from 0.39% in Kenya to 2.28% in Burundi. In the mixed-effect analysis; country, women aged 25-34 years (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.45), women aged ≥ 35 years (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.44), poor household wealth (AOR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.23), women who didn't have media exposure (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.25), divorced/widowed/separated marital status (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 2.04, 4.39), caesarean delivery (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.52, 2.15), preceding birth interval < 24 months (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.24), women attained secondary education or above (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.81) and preceding birth interval ≥ 49 months (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.65) were significantly associated with stillbirth.

CONCLUSIONS

Stillbirth remains a major public health problem in East Africa, which varied significantly across countries. These findings highlight the weak health care system of East African countries. Preceding birth interval, county, maternal education media exposure, household wealth status, marital status, and mode of delivery were significantly associated with stillbirth. Therefore, public health programs enhancing maternal education, media access, and optimizing birth spacing should be designed to reduce the incidence of stillbirth.

Spatial Distribution and Factors Associated with Multiple Sexual Partnerships among Reproductive-Aged Men in Ethiopia: A Spatial and Mixed-Effect Analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

Background

Though multiple sexual partnerships (MSPs) increase the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, they are still common in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate spatial distribution and factors associated with MSPs among reproductive-age men in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study was based on Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data. A total weighted sample of 12,688 men aged 15–59 years was included. Spatial analysis was conducted using Arc GIS 10.3 and SaTScan 9.6 statistical software. Mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between MSPs and independent variables. Variables with p<0.05 on multivariable mixed-effect analysis were considered significant predictors of MSPs.

Results

MSPs had significant variations across the country (global Moran’s I=0.109, p<0.001). The primary-cluster spatial window was located in the southwest Oromia and Somalia regions, withrelative risk of 3 and log-likelihood ratio of 24.49 (P<0.001). Age 20–29 years (AOR 2.79, 95% CI 1.83–4.26), 30–39 years (AOR 4.04, 95% CI 2.48–6.58), and 40–59 years (AOR 7.13, 95% CI 4.36–11.68), never married (AOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.13–2.08), femle-headed household (AOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.48–2.44), Internet usage (AOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.21–2.17), ever chewing khat (AOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.37–2.18), ever drinking alcohol (AOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.74–3.08), and being from regions other than Tigray, Harari, and Dire Dawa were significant factors associated with increased odds of MSPs.

Conclusion

MSPs showed significant variations across the country, with the primary-cluster spatial window located in Oromia and Somalia regions. Therefore, special attention should be paid to high-risk regions and groups, particularly those who are unmarried and substance users, to decrease MSPs and their serious consequences, such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Individual and community level factors associated with use of iodized salt in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis of demographic health surveys

Introduction

Iodine deficiency disorder a common problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It affects not only the health of the affected individual but also the economic development of the country. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is a scarcity in literature about the associated factors of iodized salt utilization in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to identify both individual and community level determinants of iodized salt utilization in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

This study used the appended datasets of the most recent demographic and health survey from 31 sub-Saharan countries. A total weighted sample of 391,463 households was included in the study. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression were done to determine the associated factors of iodized salt utilization in SSA. P value ≤ 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant variables.

Results

Those households with primary (AOR  =  1.53, 95% CI  =  1.50–1.57), secondary (AOR  = 1.81, 95% CI  =  1.76–1.86) and higher education level (AOR  =  2.28, 95% CI  =  2.17–2.40) had higher odds of iodized salt utilization. Households with middle (AOR  =  1.05, 95% CI  =  1.02–1.08), richer (AOR  = 1.13, 95% CI  =  1.09–1.17) and richest wealth index (AOR  =  1.23, 95% CI  =  1.18–1.28) also had an increased chance of using iodized salt. Households from high community media exposure (AOR  =  2.07, 95% CI  =  1.71–2.51), high community education level (AOR  =  3.78, 95% CI  =  3.14–4.56), and low community poverty level (AOR = 1.29, CI  =  1.07–1.56) had higher odds of using salt containing iodine.

Conclusion

Both individual and community level factors were found to be associated with use of salt containing iodine in sub-Saharan Africa. Education level, media exposure, community poverty level, wealth index, community education, and community media exposure were found to be associated with use of salt containing iodine in SSA. Therefore, to improve the use of iodized salt in the region, there is a need to increase access to media sources and develop the socioeconomic status of the community.

Prevalence and determinants of anemia among pregnant women in East Africa; A multi-level analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys

Introduction

Anemia during pregnancy is a public health problem that leads to different life-threatening complications and poor pregnancy outcomes. So far, the evidence is scarce on pooled prevalence and determinants of anemia during pregnancy in East Africa for integrated intervention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among pregnant women in eastern Africa using recent Demographic and Health Surveys.

Method

Secondary data analysis was conducted using data from recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets from 10 East African countries. A total of 8583 (weighted sample) pregnant women were included in the analysis. The multi-level mixed-effects generalized linear model (Poisson regression with robust error variance) was fitted to identify determinants of anemia. Finally, the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with 95% CI and random effects for the multilevel generalized linear mixed-effects model was reported.

Results

In this study, the overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was 41.82% (95% CI: 40.78, 42.87) with a large difference between specific countries which ranged from 23.36% in Rwanda to 57.10% in Tanzania. In the multi-level analysis, teenage pregnant women (aPR = 1.22;95%CI:1.02, 1.40), unmarried women (aPR = 1.14; 95% CI;1.02,1.28), pregnant women who had unimproved toilet facility (aPR = 1.17;95%CI:1.06,1.27), and those women from countries with high illiteracy level (aPR = 1.12;95%CI; 1.07,1.18) had a higher prevalence of anemia during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Anemia is still a public health problem in East Africa. Therefore, enabling the households to have improved toilet facilities by strengthening the existing health extension program, reducing teenage pregnancy, and improving the community literacy level is vital to reduce the prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in East Africa.

Determinants of under-five mortality in the high mortality regions of Ethiopia: mixed-effect logistic regression analysis

BACKGROUND

Even though the global under-five mortality rate substantially decreased over time, Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries including Ethiopia continue to share the huge burden of under-five mortality. Ethiopia showed a substantial reduction in under-five mortality over time but the rate of reduction has varied across regions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate determinants of under-five mortality in the high mortality regions of Ethiopia.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was done based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total weighted sample of 3446 live births were included for this study. For the determinants of under-five mortality, mixed-effect logistic regression was fitted. The Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and Median Odds Ratio (MOR) were done to assess the presence of a significant clustering effect. The standard binary logistic regression and the mixed-effect logistic regression model were fitted and deviance (-2LL) was used for model comparison as the models were nested models. Variables with a p-value less than 0.2 in the bi-variable mixed-effect binary logistic regression analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression analysis, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association of under-five mortality and the determinant factors.

RESULTS

Overall, the under-five mortality rate in the high mortality regions of Ethiopia was 74 per 1000 live births and it was highest among twin births (262 per 1000 live births). In the multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression analysis, being having 6 and above births (AOR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.55, 8.67), preceding birth interval of 2-3 years (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.81) and above 3 years (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.55), being twin (AOR = 5.12, 95% CI: 2.28, 11.46), and being having antenatal care (ANC) visit during pregnancy (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.45) were significant determinants of under-five mortality.

CONCLUSION

In this study, under-five mortality rate was highest in high mortality regions of Ethiopia. Parity, ANC visit, preceding birth interval, and multiple births were significant predictors of under-five mortality. Therefore, public health interventions that increase maternal health service utilization such as ANC and family planning service utilization to increase birth interval are needed to reduce under-five mortality among these regions of Ethiopia.