RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminthes pose the main health impact in tropical and sub-tropical regions, with children being at increased risk of infection. This study assessed the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes among school children and their association with water, sanitation, and hygiene condition in Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study design was employed on randomly selected 549 school-age children from 11 schools by using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. Stool samples were collected and tested as fresh within 2 hours using the Kato-Katz technique as standard procedure. Data were analyzed by SPSS software; results were summarized using descriptive statistics, and a logistic regression model. Levels of considerable tests were determined with a 95% confidence interval and P-values <0.05. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes was 49.7% (95% CI: 45.7%, 53.9%). Overall, water and latrines services were below the standard of 20 liters per person per day and one latrine seat per 50 boys and 25 girls respectively. In particular, no habit of washing hands with water and soap, 1.9%, (95% CI: 1.2%, 3.0%); inaccessible to safe drinking water, 10.8%, (95% CI: 3.96%, 30.26%); inaccessible to improved latrine, 10.8%, (95% CI: 1.5%, 78.4%); and practicing open defecation at school compound, 9.4%, (95% CI: 1.5%, 57.2%) were the main issues of concern observed. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Almost half of the studied children were infected with one or more soil-transmitted helminthes. Schools had inadequate water, sanitation, and poor personal hygiene practices. The infection by soil-transmitted helminthes among school children was high. This study has indicated that water, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors were the main risk factors for helminthes infestation in the study area. The school community needs to focus on actions that promote hygiene practices in the school.
Asunto(s)
Agua Potable , Helmintiasis , Helmintos , Masculino , Femenino , Animales , Humanos , Niño , Saneamiento , Suelo , Etiopía/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Helmintiasis/epidemiología , Helmintiasis/prevención & control , Higiene , Prevalencia , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, cervical cancer is a public health concern, as it is the second most cause of cancer deaths among reproductive age women and it affects the country's most vulnerable groups like; rural, poor, and HIV-positive women. Despite the strong evidence that cervical cancer screening results in decreased mortality from this disease, its utilization remains low. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2 to April 1/2019 to assess the level and factors affecting utilization of cervical cancer screening among HIV positive women in Hawassa town. Quantitative data collection methods were used. Data were gathered using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Epi-Info version 7 and SPSS version 23 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Statistically significant association of variables was determined based on Adjusted Odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval and p-value of ≤0.05. RESULTS: Of the 342 women interviewed, 40.1% (95% CI: 35.00, 45.33%) of them were screened. Having a post primary education (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 1.8, 14.5), less than 500 cell/mm3 CD4 count (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.9); duration since HIV diagnosis (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.1, 8.5), partner support (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.3, 9.4), having knowledge about risk factors (AOR = 2.9 (95% CI: 1.2, 6.9) and having favorable attitude towards cervical cancer and its screening (AOR = 3.7 (95% CI: 1.8, 7.5) were associated with cervical cancer screening utilization. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed utilization of cervical cancer screening service was low among HIV positive women. Educational status, duration of HIV diagnosis, partner support, knowledge status about risk factor, CD4 count and attitude towards cervical cancer and its screening were associated with cervical cancer screening utilization. Health care workers need to provide intensive counseling services for all ART care attendants to increase utilization.