Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk–outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4·45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4·01–4·94) deaths and 105 million (95·0–116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44·4% (41·3–48·4) of all cancer deaths and 42·0% (39·1–45·6) of all DALYs. There were 2·88 million (2·60–3·18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50·6% [47·8–54·1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1·58 million (1·36–1·84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36·3% [32·5–41·3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20·4% (12·6–28·4) and DALYs by 16·8% (8·8–25·0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34·7% [27·9–42·8] and 33·3% [25·8–42·0]). The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Approximately 16 million adolescent girls aged 15–19 years and 2 million adolescents under the age of 15 years give birth annually in the world. In Africa, where premarital sex is not accepted, especially for young women, unintended pregnancies mostly happen outside marriage. Recent data indicate that 18% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 years in eastern/southern region of Africa and 21% in western/central region of Africa had initiated childbearing. Teenage pregnancy and parenting remain important public health issues that deserve continued attention. The specific factors and beliefs that lead to contraceptive nonuse remain obscure, and up-to-date, evidence-based data on personal and environmental determinants of teenage pregnancy and case–control studies also are lacking in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of teenage pregnancy to help policymakers, program managers, and health-care authorities with better decision-making in planning and problem-solving in Ethiopia. A case–control study was conducted using data set obtained from 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey conducted throughout the country from January 18, 2016, to June 27, 2016. All teenagers who had a pregnancy history were enrolled as cases (381) and 1524 teenagers who were not pregnant were taken as controls.. Necessary variables were extracted from the DHS data set after literatures were revised. Then, variables with P ≤ 0.25 were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. Educational level, wealth index, knowledge of ovulatory cycle after period ended, knowledge of family planning method, contraceptive use, and reasons for not using contraceptives were higher among the cases and were statistically significant. Knowledge of family planning and ovulatory cycle, primary school educational level, richest wealth category, and contraception use were the determinants of teenage pregnancy. Hence, educational level, knowledge gap, and economy should be emphasized to eradicate teenage pregnancy from Ethiopia.

Background: Newborn morbidity and mortality are forecasted using the Apgar scores. Obstetricians worldwide have used the Apgar score for more than half a century for the assessment of immediate newborn conditions. It is a simple and convenient evaluation system that offers a standardized and effective assessment of newborn infants. Neonatal morbidity and mortality can be reduced if high-risk neonates are identified and managed adequately. This study aimed to assess the determinants of 5th minute low Apgar score among newborns at Public hospitals in Hawassa city, South Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted at Public Hospitals in Hawassa city. Data were collected from 134 cases and 267 controls using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire by observing, interviewing, and reviewing patient cards. Newborns who delivered with a 5th minute Apgar score < 7 were considered as cases; whereas a similar group of newborns with a 5th minute Apgar score of ≥ 7 were categorized as controls. A consecutive sampling technique was employed to recruit cases, while a simple random sampling technique was used to select controls. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi Data version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 respectively. Binary and multivariable analyses with a 95 % confidence level were performed. In the final model, variables withP < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: After controlling for possible confounding factors, the results showed that lack of physical and emotional support during labor and delivery [AOR = 3.5, 95 %CI:1.82–6.76], rural residence [AOR = 4, 95 %CI: 2.21–7.34], lack of antenatal care follow up [AOR = 3.5, 95 % CI: 1.91–6.33], anemia during pregnancy [AOR = 2.3,95 %CI: 1.10–4.71] and low birth weight [AOR = 6.2, 95 %CI: 2.78–14.03] were determinant factors of low Apgar scores. The area under the Apgar score ROC curve was 87.4 %.Conclusions: Lack of physical and emotional support, rural residence, lack of ANC follow-up, low birth weight, and anemia during pregnancy were determinant factors of a low Apgar score. `Effective health education during preconception about anemia during pregnancy and ANC will help in detecting high-risk pregnancies that lead to a low Apgar score. In addition to the standard care of using electronic fetal monitoring, increasing access to compassion ships during labor and delivery is recommended.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus which emerged in Wuhan. Recently this virus has rapidly spread throughout Ethiopia. The current preventive measure practices and knowledge have gaps. Therefore this study aimed to assess COVID-19 preventive measure practices and knowledge of pregnant women in Guraghe Zone hospitals. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 27–August 27, 2020 among pregnant women in Guraghe zone hospitals. Systematic random sampling technique were employed to select 403 participants. Data were checked manually for completeness, cleaned, and stored in Epi Data and exported to SPSS for further analysis. Variables which have a P-value less than 0.25 on bivariate analysis were taken to multivariate analysis. A P-value of less than 0.05 and 95% confidence level was used as a cut-off point for presence of association in multivariate analysis. Results: COVID-19 preventive measure practice and knowledge of pregnant women visiting Guraghe Zone hospitals was 76.2% and 54.84%, respectively. Those aged 20– 24 (AOR=1.22, 95% CI=1.15– 22.24), 25– 29 (AOR=1.32, 95% CI=1.20– 20.25), and 30– 34 (AOR=2.57, 95% CI– 2.32– 43.38) were more likely to practice COVID-19 preventive measures. Those residing in urban area (AOR=2.16, 95% CI=1.24– 3.77) and perceiving that COVID-19 is worst for people with chronic disease (AOR=5.12, 95% CI=1.73– 15.17) were more likely to practice COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion: COVID-19 preventive measure practices and knowledge were low. Age, residence, and perception of COVID-19 on chronic disease were independent factors associated with preventive measure practices. Pregnant women aged ≥ 35 need to be counseled on practices of preventing COVID-19 by their healthcare providers.

Background: Postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUCD) utilization remains very low in Ethiopia beside high levels of unmet need for postpartum family planning even if nongovernmental organizations efforts to promote its use. This study investigates immediate PPIUCD utilization and influencing factors. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on public hospitals of Addis Ababa city. All public hospitals which have PPIUCD service were included and systematic random sampling technique was used to select 286 participants. Data were entered using Epi Data and exported to SPSS for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of independent variables on immediate PPIUCD utilization. Variables which have P-value< 0.2 on bivariate analysis were candidate for multivariate analysis. Variables which have P-value ≤0.05 on multivariate analysis was considered as statistically significant. Results: Utilization of immediate PPIUCD among participants who gave birth in Addis Ababa public hospitals was 26.6% (95%CI: 21.3, 31.8). Eighty one percent respondents occupation was housewife were (AOR = 0.19, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.67) less likely to utilize PPIUCD compared to those who have personal job. In the other hand respondents who have discuss about PPFP with their partner were 1.21times (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.14, 25.67) more likely to utilize PPIUCD compared to those who never discuss. Contrarily 81% of respondents who need partner approval were (AOR = 0.19, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.79) less likely to utilize PPIUCD compared to those who doesn’t need approval. Respondents who have been counseled about PPIUCD were 1.13 times (AOR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.21) more likely to utilize PPIUCD compared to those who were not counseled. Similarly respondents who have good knowledge about PPIUCD were 7.50 times (AOR = 7.50, 95%CI: 4.06, 9.31) more likely to utilize PPIUCD compared to those who have poor knowledge. Conclusion: This study verifies that immediate PPIUCD utilization is high compared to other studies. Having a housewife occupation and necessity of partner approval to utilize PPIUCD have negative influences, whereas spousal discussion about PPIUCD, counseled during pregnancy and having good knowledge have positive influences on PPIUCD utilization. Therefor empowering women by the government and other organizations working on maternal health will advance immediate PPIUCD utilization.

Background: A Midwifery-led continuity care (MLCC) model is the provision of care by a known midwife (caseload model) or a team of midwives (team midwifery model) for women throughout the antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal period. Evidence shows that a MLCC model becomes the first choice for women and improves maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Despite this, little is known about pregnant women’s perception of the MLCC model in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore pregnant women’s perception and experience of a MLCC model in Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Gurage zone public hospital, Southwest Ethiopia, from May 1^st to 15^th, 2022. Three focused group discussions and eight in-depth interviews were conducted among pregnant women who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were first transcribed and then translated from Amharic (local language) to English. Finally, the thematic analysis technique using open code software was used for analysis. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that women want a continuity of care model. Four themes emerged. Three were specific to women’s improved care. That is, (1) improved continuum of care, (2) improved woman-centred care, and (3) improved satisfaction of care. Theme four (4), barrier to implementation, was concerned with possible barriers to implementation of the model. Conclusion: The finding of this study shows that pregnant women had positive experiences and showed a willingness to receive midwifery-led continuity care. Woman-centred care, improved satisfaction of care, and continuum of care were identified as the main themes. Therefore, it is reasonable to adopt and implement midwifery-led continuity care for low-risk pregnant women in Ethiopia.