Background:Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is widely practiced in Ethiopia. Injuries are among the public health concerns in the mining sector. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of nonfatal occupational injuries and associated factors among workers in ASGM in Ethiopia. Methods:A cross-sectional study design was employed from April to June 2020. A total of 403 participants were selected with a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was utilized for the data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the information and binary logistic regression was applied to test the association. Predictor variables with P-value < .05 with an Odds ratio of 95% CI in multivariable analysis were considered as associated factors. Results:A total of 403 participants were interviewed with a response rate of 95.5%. The prevalence of nonfatal occupational injury was 25.1% in the past 12 months. About one-third of the injuries, 32 (31.7%), were on the upper extremity and feet, 18 (17.8%). Symptoms of mercury toxicity (AOR: 2.39, 95% CI [1.27-4.52]), 1 to 4 years of work experience (AOR: 4.50, 95% CI [1.57-12.9]), full work shift (AOR: 6.06, 95% CI [1.97-18.7]), and job in the task of mining activities (AOR: 4.83, 95% CI [1.48-15.7]) were associated with the injury. Conclusion:A substantially high prevalence of injuries was observed. Work-related factors were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of injury. The government body, mining sector, and workers are advised to apply interventions focusing on the improvement of working conditions and safety practices to minimize injury.

BackgroundEvery year, polluted air is costing the globe 543,000 deaths of children under five. The particulate matter below 2.5 μm diameter (PM2.5) is a part of air pollution that has adverse effects on children’s health. In Ethiopia, the effect of ambient PM2.5 is least explored. This study aimed to assess the association between PM2.5 and under-five mortality in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study used the data from the Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys conducted in 2016, collected between January 18 and June 27. All children under five who had data on child mortality and location coordinates were included in the study. Exposure to ambient PM2.5 concentration was a satellite-based estimate by the Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group at Washington and Dalhousie University, in the United States and Canada, respectively. Annual mean pollution levels and mortality datasets were matched by children’s geographical location and dates of birth, death, and interview. The relationship between ambient PM2.5 and under-five mortality was determined by a multilevel multivariable logistic regression on R software. The statistical analyses were two-sided at a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe study addressed 10,452 children with the proportion of under-five mortality being 5.4% (95% CI 5.0–6.8%). The estimated lifetime annual mean exposure of ambient total PM2.5 was 20.1 ± 3.3 μgm−3. A 10-unit increase in the lifetime annual mean ambient total PM2.5 was associated with 2.29 [95% CI 1.44, 3.65] times more odds of under-five mortality after adjusting for other variables.ConclusionChildren under five are exposed to higher levels of ambient PM2.5 concentration, exceeding the limit set by the World Health Organization. Ambient PM2.5 is significantly associated with under-five mortality, adjusting for other variables. Strong measures need to be taken to reduce air pollution.

Background Evidence suggests ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer morbidity and mortality, and all-cause mortality. Countries that implement strong policies are able to reduce ambient PM 2.5 concentration. In Ethiopia, however, PM 2.5 monitoring stations, laboratory technicians, and equipment are staggeringly limited. In this study, the spatial and temporal variation of PM 2.5 in Ethiopia was assessed. Methods Satellite-based PM 2.5 estimates, from the year 1998 to 2019, by Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group (ACAG) at a spatial resolution of 0.01° X 0.01° was used. The annual mean PM 2.5 concentration for all administrative regions and zones in Ethiopia was extracted. The average mean from the twenty-two years was also calculated. The trend of PM 2.5 concentration was graphed and quantitatively calculated using the Mann-Kendall test. The slope of the change over time was estimated using the Theil-Sen slope. At the zonal administration level, for the average annual mean, spatial dependency using univariate Global Moran’s I and clustering and outlier tests using Anselin Local Moran’s were performed. Results The country’s average annual mean PM 2.5 concentration was 17 μgm -3 . The Afar region had the highest concentration, 27.9 μgm -3 . The Mann-Kendall S was positive and significant at p<0.001. The spatial distribution of satellite-based ambient PM 2.5 concentration was non-random. Significant highest value clustering of ambient total PM 2.5 concentration exists in the Afar, Eastern Tigray, and Eastern and Southeastern Amhara while the significant lowest value dispersing was observed in the Southern Oromia and Somali region. Conclusion At the national and regional levels, the annual mean ambient PM 2.5 concentration is beyond the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended level. The ambient PM 2.5 concentration distribution is spatially dependent and significantly clustered in space. Installation of additional ground-based PM 2.5 monitoring devices, particularly in regions where PM 2.5 concentration is higher, is recommended. Validating satellite-based PM 2.5 data with ground-based measurements in the country is also advised.

Background: Real-time monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations and assessing the health impact are limited in Ethiopia. The objective of this study is to describe current levels of PM2.5 air pollution in Addis Ababa and examine temporal patterns and to consider the health impact of current PM2.5 exposure levels. Methods: PM2.5 concentrations were measured using a centrally-located Beta Attenuator Monitor (BAM-1022) for 3 years (1 April 2017 to 31 March 2020), with data downloaded biweekly. Deaths attributable to current PM2.5 concentration levels were estimated using the AirQ+ tool. The daily average was estimated using hourly data. Results: The daily mean (SD) PM2.5 concentration was 42.4 mu g/m(3) (15.98). Two daily extremes were observed: morning (high) and afternoon (low). Sundays had the lowest PM2.5 concentration, while Mondays to Thursdays saw a continuous increase; Fridays showed the highest concentration. Seasons showed marked variation, with the highest values during the wet season. Concentration spikes reflected periods of intensive fuel combustion. A total of 502 deaths (4.44%) were attributable to current air pollution levels referenced to the 35 mu g/m(3) WHO interim target annual level and 2,043 (17.7%) at the WHO 10 mu g/m(3) annual guideline. Conclusion: PM2.5 daily levels were 1.7 times higher than the WHO-recommended 24-hour guideline. The current annual mean PM2.5 concentration results in a substantial burden of attributable deaths compared to an annual mean of 10 mu g/m(3). The high PM2.5 level and its variability across days and seasons calls for citywide interventions to promote clean air.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Ethiopia since March 13, 2020, when the first case was detected in Addis Ababa. Since then, the incidence of cases has continued to increase day by day. As a result, the health sector has recommended universal preventive measures to be practiced by the public. However, studies on adherence to these preventive measures are limited. Objective To monitor the status of preventive practices of the population related to hand washing, physical distancing, and respiratory hygiene practices at selected sites within the city of Addis Ababa. Methods Weekly cross-sectional non-participatory observations were done during the period of April-June, 2020. Data was collected using the Open Data Kit (ODK) tool in ten public sites involving eight public facilities targeted for individual observations. Ten individuals were randomly observed at each facility over two days a week at peak hours of public services. WHO operational definitions of the preventive behaviors were adopted for this study. Observations were conducted anonymously at gates or entrances of public facilities and places. Results A total of 12,056 individual observations with 53% males and 82% in an estimated age range of 18–50 years age group were involved in this study. There was an increase in the practice of respiratory hygiene from 14% in week one to 77% in week 10, while those of hand hygiene and physical distancing changed little over the weeks from their baseline of 24% and 34%, respectively. Overall, respiratory hygiene demonstrated an increased rate of 6% per week, while hand hygiene and physical distancing had less than a 1% change per week, Females and the estimated age group of 18–50 years had practice changes in respiratory hygiene with no difference in hand hygiene and physical distancing practices. Respiratory hygiene took about six weeks to reach a level of 77% from its baseline of 24%, making an increment of about 9% per week. Conclusion The public practice of respiratory hygiene improved threefold whereas hand hygiene and physical distancing revealed no change. Regularly sustained public mobilization and mass education are required to sustain the achievements gained in respiratory hygiene and further hand hygiene and physical distancing.

Background: Real-time monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations and assessing the health impact are limited in Ethiopia. The objective of this study is to describe current levels of PM2.5 air pollution in Addis Ababa and examine temporal patterns and to consider the health impact of current PM2.5 exposure levels. Methods: PM2.5 concentrations were measured using a centrally-located Beta Attenuator Monitor (BAM-1022) for 3 years (1 April 2017 to 31 March 2020), with data downloaded biweekly. Deaths attributable to current PM2.5 concentration levels were estimated using the AirQ+ tool. The daily average was estimated using hourly data. Results: The daily mean (SD) PM2.5 concentration was 42.4 µg/m3 (15.98). Two daily extremes were observed: morning (high) and afternoon (low). Sundays had the lowest PM2.5 concentration, while Mondays to Thursdays saw a continuous increase; Fridays showed the highest concentration. Seasons showed marked variation, with the highest values during the wet season. Concentration spikes reflected periods of intensive fuel combustion. A total of 502 deaths (4.44%) were attributable to current air pollution levels referenced to the 35 µg/m3 WHO interim target annual level and 2,043 (17.7%) at the WHO 10 µg/m3 annual guideline. Conclusion: PM2.5 daily levels were 1.7 times higher than the WHO-recommended 24-hour guideline. The current annual mean PM2.5 concentration results in a substantial burden of attributable deaths compared to an annual mean of 10 µg/m3. The high PM2.5 level and its variability across days and seasons calls for citywide interventions to promote clean air.

Previous studies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focused on PM characteristics and sources, but PM's biological activity in this area has not been adequately investigated. In this study, cellular and acellular ROS activities were measured to assess PM toxicity. PM2.5 samples in Addis Ababa were collected from November 2015 to November 2016 and their chemical composition was analyzed (organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC), ions, elements, and organic molecular markers). PM-induced ROS activity was measured in vitro in alveolar macrophage cells and using the acellular DTT assay. PM2.5 in Addis Ababa primarily consisted of primary pollutants (e.g., EC, waterinsoluble OC). Annual average cellular ROS activities (+/- SD) were 46.5 +/- 15.5 mu g Zymosan/m3 and 995 +/- 403 mu g Zymosan/mg PM (normalized to air volume and PM2.5 mass, respectively), with no clear seasonal variations. The annual average DTT consumption rates (+/- SD) were 2.35 +/- 0.83 nmol/min/m3 and 51.9 +/- 17.6 nmol/min/mg PM, respectively, and were also similar throughout the year. Only the monthly air volume-based ROS activity had a similar trend to monthly mass concentration. Compared to other major cities worldwide, Addis Ababa PM2.5 had much lower ROS activity with no strong seasonal trends, paralleling the lack of seasonal changes in PM composition and sources. Poor correlations were observed between ROS activity and all components except mobile source tracers. This difference might be due to lower secondary aerosol content in PM2.5 in Addis Ababa than in other cities.

Background. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is an amalgam of visual symptoms caused by continued use of computers. Worldwide, up to 70 million workers are at risk for computer vision syndrome resulting in reduced productivity at work and reduced quality of life. Bank employees are among the risky workers with unknown magnitude of the syndrome. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CVS and its associated personal factors among employees of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Methods. A total of three hundred and fifty-nine bank workers participated in the study between February and March 2018. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, CVS symptoms, and its personal factors. Snellen chart tool was used to measure blurred vision. Data entry and analysis were performed via Epi Info™ 7 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Binary logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the association and control the potential confounders. Result. The prevalence of computer vision syndrome in the last 12 months among the total study subjects, 359 (98% response rate), was 262 (74.6%) (95% confidence interval [CI] = 70.1, 79.5). Risk factors that could not be intervened with were sex (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI (1–3)) and age group (AOR: 3.11; 95% CI (1.2–8)). Causal factors that could be intervened with were use of electronic materials outside work (AOR: 3.11; 95% CI (1.15–8.36). Protective factor that could be intervened with was habit of taking a break (AOR: 0.44; 95% CI (0.3–0.8)). Conclusion and Recommendation. Three-fours of the employees were at risk. Sex, age, habit of taking a break, and use of electronic materials outside work environment were significantly associated with the presence of CVS. Remedial actions need to be considered at individual level.

The development of infrastructure, a rapidly increasing population, and urbanization has resulted in increasing air pollution levels in the African city of Addis Ababa. Prior investigations into air pollution have not yet sufficiently addressed the sources of atmospheric particulate matter. This study aims to identify the major sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its seasonal contribution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Twenty-four-hour average PM2.5 mass samples were collected every 6th day, from November 2015 through November 2016. Chemical species were measured in samples and source apportionment was conducted using a chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor model that uses particle-phase organic tracer concentrations to estimate source contributions to PM2.5 organic carbon (OC) and the overall PM2.5 mass. Vehicular sources (28%), biomass burning (18.3%), plus soil dust (17.4%) comprise about two-thirds of the PM2.5 mass, followed by sulfate (6.5%). The sources of air pollution vary seasonally, particularly during the main wet season (June–September) and short rain season (February–April): From motor vehicles, (31.0 ± 2.6%) vs. (24.7 ± 1.2%); biomass burning, (21.5 ± 5%) vs. (14 ± 2%); and soil dust, (11 ± 6.4%) vs. (22.7 ± 8.4%), respectively, are amongst the three principal sources of ambient PM2.5 mass in the city. We suggest policy measures focusing on transportation, cleaner fuel or energy, waste management, and increasing awareness on the impact of air pollution on the public’s health.

Ambient air pollution is a growing public health concern in major African cities, including Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), where little information is available on fine particulate matter (PM2.5, with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm) pollution. This paper aims to characterize annual PM2.5, including bulk composition and seasonal patterns, in Addis Ababa. We collected 24-h PM2.5 samples in the central city every 6 days from November 2015 to November 2016. The mean (±SD) daily PM2.5 concentration was 53.8 (±25.0) µg/m3, with 90% of sampled days exceeding the World Health Organization’s guidelines. Principal components were organic matter (OM, 44.5%), elemental carbon (EC, 25.4%), soil dust (13.5%), and SNA (sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium ions, 8.2%). Higher PM2.5 concentrations were observed during the heavy rain season, while crustal dust concentrations ranged from 2.9 to 37.6%, with higher levels during dry months. Meteorological variables, vehicle emissions, biomass fuels, unpaved roads, and construction activity contribute to poor air quality. Compared to the Air Quality Index (AQI), 31% and 36% of observed days were unhealthy for everyone and unhealthy for sensitive groups, respectively. We recommend adopting effective prevention strategies and pursuing research on vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and dust control to curb air pollution in the city.

BACKGROUND:Dodonaea angustifolia is used in Ethiopian traditional medicine to treat malaria. The objective of this work was to conduct bioassay guided fractionation of the leaves of D. angustifolia using Plasmodium berghei infected mice.METHOD:The antiplasmodial activity of the extracts and pure compounds was evaluated using the standard Peter's four-day suppressive method. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated using chemi-cal and spectroscopic methods.RESULTS:In this study, the ethyl acetate soluble portion of the 80% aqueous MeOH extract of the leaves significantly suppressed parasitaemia in Plasmodium berghei infected mice (80.28% at 150 mg/kg). Three active compounds which exhibited significant percent suppression of parasitaemia by 81% at 40 mg/kg, 80% at 50 mg/kg and 70% at 40 mg/kg, respectively were identified. These are the flavanone pinocembrin (1), the flavanol santin (2) and the clerodane diterpene 2-hydroxy-15,16-epoxyceloda-3,13(16),14-trien-18-oic acid (3). Under similar conditions, chloroquine suppressed parasitaemia by 100% at 25 mg/kg. Chemical study of the ethanol extract of the leaves yielded 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (4), ent-16-hydroxy-labdan-3α,8β-dihydroxy,13(14)-en-15,16-olide (5) and 5,6,7-trihydroxy-3,4'-dimethoxyflavone (6). Compound 6 has not been reported before as a natural product.CONCLUSION:From the leaves of D. angustifolia, three compounds with significant antiplasmodial activi-ties were isolated and characterized, with pinocembrin as the most active compound.

BACKGROUND The health effects of air pollution are generally global problems, but they have, since recently become issues of particular concern for developing countries. This review assessed the situation of air pollution and related health effects in the context of Ethiopia. METHODS The materials reviewed in this publication are published scientific papers from online search engines, unpublished government reports and academic theses/dissertations. In addition, interview data obtained from authorities and experts involved in the management of air quality were analyzed, interpreted and reported in the article. RESULTS Review of the few studies conducted in Ethiopia showed that average concentrations of PM2.5 reached as high as 280 µg/m3 for 24-hour measurements (range: 2,417-12,739 µg/m3). Indoor carbon monoxide (CO) levels were universally higher than regulatory limits for the United States and were found to be much higher among households using traditional stoves and solid biomass fuels. The use of traditional stoves and solid biomass fuels was reported in >95% of the households considered. High average levels of NO2 (97 ppb) were reported in a large longitudinal study. The ambient PM10 level was below the WHO guideline values in the majority of the samples. About 50% of the on-road CO samples taken from traffic roads in Addis Ababa were found to be less than the guideline values while the number of motor vehicles in Ethiopia is reported to be increasing by more than 9% per annum. There is a very limited air quality monitoring capacity in the country. The co-ordination between stakeholders in this regard is also inadequate. The limited evidence available on health effects of air pollution indicates that the prevalence of acute respiratory illness among children living in households using crude biomass fuels is significantly higher than the national average figures. CONCLUSION The limited evidence reviewed and reported in this article indicates high levels of indoor air pollution and trends of worsening outdoor air pollution. This tentative conclusion carries with it the urgent need for more evidence-based research and capacity building in the areas of indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Background In September, 2015, the UN General Assembly established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs specify 17 universal goals, 169 targets, and 230 indicators leading up to 2030. We provide an analysis of 33 health-related SDG indicators based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2015 (GBD 2015).Methods We applied statistical methods to systematically compiled data to estimate the performance of 33 health-related SDG indicators for 188 countries from 1990 to 2015. We rescaled each indicator on a scale from 0 (worst observed value between 1990 and 2015) to 100 (best observed). Indices representing all 33 health-related SDG indicators (health-related SDG index), health-related SDG indicators included in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG index), and health-related indicators not included in the MDGs (non-MDG index) were computed as the geometric mean of the rescaled indicators by SDG target. We used spline regressions to examine the relations between the Socio-demographic Index (SDI, a summary measure based on average income per person, educational attainment, and total fertility rate) and each of the health-related SDG indicators and indices.Findings In 2015, the median health-related SDG index was 59.3 (95% uncertainty interval 56.8-61.8) and varied widely by country, ranging from 85.5 (84.2-86.5) in Iceland to 20.4 (15.4-24.9) in Central African Republic. SDI was a good predictor of the health-related SDG index (r(2) = 0.88) and the MDG index (r(2) = 0.92), whereas the non-MDG index had a weaker relation with SDI (r(2) = 0.79). Between 2000 and 2015, the health-related SDG index improved by a median of 7.9 (IQR 5.0-10.4), and gains on the MDG index (a median change of 10.0 [6.7-13.1]) exceeded that of the nonMDG index (a median change of 5.5 [2.1-8.9]). Since 2000, pronounced progress occurred for indicators such as met need with modern contraception, under-5 mortality, and neonatal mortality, as well as the indicator for universal health coverage tracer interventions. Moderate improvements were found for indicators such as HIV and tuberculosis incidence, minimal changes for hepatitis B incidence took place, and childhood overweight considerably worsened.Interpretation GBD provides an independent, comparable avenue for monitoring progress towards the health-related SDGs. Our analysis not only highlights the importance of income, education, and fertility as drivers of health improvement but also emphasises that investments in these areas alone will not be sufficient. Although considerable progress on the health-related MDG indicators has been made, these gains will need to be sustained and, in many cases, accelerated to achieve the ambitious SDG targets. The minimal improvement in or worsening of health-related indicators beyond the MDGs highlight the need for additional resources to effectively address the expanded scope of the health-related SDGs.

Background: Collection of household waste is a job which requires repeated heavy physical activities such as lifting, carrying, pulling, and pushing. Like many developing countries, in Ethiopia municipal solid waste is collected manually. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the extent of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Addis Ababa City.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 876 respondents sampled from 92 unions. A pre-tested structured questionnaire and observation check list were used to collect data. Crude odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to see the presence of association between selected independent variables and occupational injury. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was made to see the relative effect of independent variable on the dependent variable by controlling the effect of other variables. To maintain stability, only variables that have a p-value less than 0.30 in the binary logistic regression analysis were kept in the subsequent model. Enter method was used hierarchically.Results: The response rate of this study was 97.9%. Female respondents accounted 71.2%. The median age of the study subjects was 33 year (with 52 inter quartile range). The overall occupational injury prevalence rate in the last 12 months was 383 (43.7%). Utilization of personal protective devices and family size in the household were statistically associated with injury. As compared to workers who used personal protective equipments while being on duty, odds of injury among workers not used personal protective equipments were 2.62 higher (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.48-4.63). As compared to those who had five and more children, odds of injuries among those who had 3-4 children was reduced by half (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.93).Conclusion: The extent of occupational injuries among Addis Ababa city solid waste collectors is present in a level that needs immediate public health action. Implementation of basic occupational health and safety services including training on occupational health and safety, ensuring the provision and use of personal protective devices are highly advisable.

Background: The burden of occupational injury in most developing countries including Ethiopia is becoming a public health problem.Therefore, information that shows the magnitude and predictors of occupational injury in most risky work places in Ethiopia such as large scale metal manufacturing industries is indispensable for proper health intervention programs.Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors affecting occupational injuries among workers engaged in large scale metal manufacturing industries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: Facility based cross sectional study was conducted among 829 workers engaged in large scale metal manufacturing industries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from February 1 to March 30, 2010.Fifty percent (50%) of large scale metal manufacturing industries were selected by simple random sampling after stratification.Then, calculated sample size was allocated for each industry by probability to proportional sample size.Subjects were stratified by working sections and those who were directly engaged in the work were selected from each stratum by simple random sampling after preparing a frame from payroll of those industries.The data were collected by pretested structured questionnaire.Observational checklist and in-depth interview with key informants were held to triangulate the information with quantitative findings.Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done to identify factors of occupational injury.Results: The magnitude of occupational injury was 489 per 1000 exposed workers per year.Twenty nine percent of injured workers were hospitalized of which 98 (82.4%) for 24 or more working hours.Sex of workers [AOR: 3.32, 95% CI: (1.88, 5.85)], safety and health supervision [AOR: 1.60, 95% CI: (1.03, 2.60)], hours worked per week [AOR: 2.37, (95% CI: (1.55, 3.61)], cigarette smoking [AOR: 3.36, 95% CI: (1.73, 6.50) ] and presence of functional danger signs/posts [AOR: 2.65, (95% CI: (1.67, 4.19)] were significantly associated factors with magnitude of occupational injury.Conclusion: The burden of occupational injury in metal manufacturing industry is really significant public health problem.Emphasis should be given to provide health and safety services on sex of workers, safety and health supervision, hours worked per week, cigarette smoking and functional danger signs.

Background : Diarrheal disease is widely recognized as a major cause of child morbidity and mortality in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. There exist variations in explanatory variables of diarrhea depending on the context of the study. Objective : To examine the effects of selected environmental, socio-economic and behavioral factors on childhood diarrhea in Mecha District, West Gojjam, Ethiopia. Methods : A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in February 2009. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 768 households that had at least one under-five child. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire by trained data collectors. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify predictors of childhood diarrhea. Results : The prevalence of diarrhea among mothers and under-five children was 8.2% and 18.0%, respectively. Maternal education (AOR=5.6, 95% CI: 1.5 - 19.4), maternal history of recent diarrhea (AOR, 5.5; 95% CI, 2.9 - 9.8), availability of latrine facility (AOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4), duration of breast feeding (AOR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.1- 7.3), and age of the child (AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.3 - 5.9) had a significant association. Conclusion: From this study, variation in the level of diarrheal morbidity is well explained by maternal factors and presence of latrine facility. Educating mothers focusing on sustained behavioral changes in the use of latrine integrated with personal hygiene is an important intervention for the prevention and control of diarrhea among children. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2011;25;(3):192-200]

The unique Ethiopian cultural tradition of the coffee ceremony increases inhalation exposures to combustion byproducts. This pilot study evaluated exposures to particulate matter and carbon monoxide in ten Addis Ababa homes during coffee ceremonies. For coffee preparers the geometric mean (57 μg/m3) and median (72 μg/m3) contributions to an increase in a 24-hour time-weighted average exposure were above World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. At 40% of the study sites the contribution to the 24-hour average exposure was greater than twice the WHO guideline. Similar exposure increases existed for ceremony participants. Particulate matter concentrations may be related to the use of incense during the ceremony. In nearly all homes the WHO guideline for a 60-minute exposure to carbon monoxide was exceeded. Finding control measures to reduce these exposures will be challenging due to the deeply engrained nature of this cultural practice and the lack of availability of alternative fuels.

Background: Ethiopia's Health Extension Workers (HEW) deliver preventive interventions and treat childhood diarrhea and malaria, but not pneumonia. Most of Ethiopia's annual estimated 4 million childhood pneumonia cases go untreated.Objective: Evaluate the performance of volunteers in providing Community Case Management (CCM) for diarrhea, fever and pneumonia - in a pre-HEW setting in Liben Woreda, Oromiya Regional State.Methods: Save the Children supported Ministry of Health and communities to deliver child survival interventions from 1997-2006. We obtained permission in 2005 to train 45 volunteers from remote kebeles in CCM. We evaluated the strategy through reviewing registers and supervision records; examining CCM workers; focus group discussions; and three household surveys.Results: The CCM workers treated 4787 cases, mainly: malaria (36%), pneumonia (26%), conjunctivitis (14%), and watery diarrhea with some dehydration (12%). They saw 2.5 times more cases of childhood fever, pneumonia, and diarrhea than all the woreda's health facility staff combined. Quality of care was good.Conclusion: The availability, quality, demand, and use of CCM were high. These CCM workers were less educated and less trained than HEWs who perform complicated tasks (Rapid Diagnostic Tests) and dispense expensive antimalarial drugs like Coartem (R). They should also treat pneumonia with inexpensive drugs like cotrimoxazole to help achieve Millennium Development Goal 4. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2009; 23(1): 120-126]