Preconception care refers to things women can do before and between pregnancies to increase the chance of having a healthy baby and being a healthy mother. Unfortunately, millions of women in the world do not have access to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy health services and childbirth with suitable quality. Therefore, addressing this significant gap and coming up with the necessary information is helpful to improve maternal and child health in our country. So, this study was aimed to assess the utilization of preconception care and associated factors among reproductive age group women in Debre Birhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia. A mixed method of community based cross-sectional study was employed from March 1st to 30; 2017. Systematic sampling technique was used to select a total of 424 reproductive age women. The data were collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaire and eight in-depth interviews were done using an interview guide. The collected data were coded and entered into Epi data 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for cleaning and analysis. Logistic regression was run to look for the association between dependent and explanatory variables; and using variables which have p-value ≤0.25 binary logistic regression was fitted. Association presented in Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and significance determined at P-value less than 0.05. A total of 410 subjects were participated with a response rate of 96.7%. The overall utilization of Preconception care was 13.4%. Woman’s age, marital status, knowledge and availability of unit for preconception care were significantly associated with utilization of preconception care with (AOR: 3.567; 95% CI: 1.082, 11.758), (AOR: 0.062; 95% CI: 0.007, 0.585), (AOR = 6.263; 95% CI: 2.855, 13.739) and AOR: 13.938; 95% CI: 3.516, 55.251) respectively. The finding of this study showed that women’s utilization of preconception care is relatively low. A woman’s age, marital status, educational status, knowledge about preconception care services and availability of unit for preconception care were factors affecting utilization of preconception care. Therefore, establishing preconception care strategies which can address all the components of the care will be essential when designing effective implementation strategies for improving the uptake of preconception care.

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a great threat to the public. University students living in school compound with groups and sharing a common cafeteria are more susceptible to contract and spread the virus. Risk perception multiplies fear and anxiety that triggers precautionary action. However, research is scant in this particular field. Objective: To assess the perceived risk of COVID-19 and its associated factors among University Students in Northeast Ethiopia during school reopening. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 682 Debre Berhan University students from December 1– 15, 2020, when students just get back to school. Data was collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were run to summarize the results. Results: The overall perceived risk of COVID-19 was 296 (43.4%), 95% CI (39.4– 47.4). Age (AOR (CI) =3.27 (1.87– 5.71), open relationship (AOR (CI) =3.17 (1.73– 5.79), fathers’ education (AOR (CI) =2.29 (1.31– 4.02), having diabetes (AOR (CI) =2.64 (1.15– 6.07), and information source from ministry of health (MOH) (AOR (CI) =1.87 (1.27– 2.75) had significantly high-risk perception. However, students who use Facebook (AOR (CI) =0.57 (0.39– 0.82) and Websites/articles (AOR (CI) =0.14 (0.06– 0.34) had significantly low-risk perception. Television (59.8%) and Telegram (66.6%) were the primary sources of information, while the World Health Organization (68.3%) was the most trusted source of information. Conclusion: University students perceived a low risk towards COVID-19 pandemics at the time of school resumption. It was influenced by students’ demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, social media, and information sources. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education should properly promote risk communication among university students.

Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of immediate postpartum family planning utilisation and the associated factors among postpartum women at public hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. Design and methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 1–30 May 2020. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the participants. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, p<0.05 and adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI were used to declare statistically significant factors. Setting and participants The study was conducted at public hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 394 postpartum women within 48 hours after giving birth before discharge from the selected hospitals were enrolled in the study. Outcome Immediate postpartum family planning utilisation (used or not used). Results Of the total 394 participants, 84 (21.3%) used immediate postpartum family planning. The factors associated with immediate postpartum family planning utilisation were women’s age (30–34 years) (AOR: 0.118; 95% CI 0.023 to 0.616), planning status of pregnancy (AOR: 3.175; 95% CI 1.063 to 9.484), reproductive intention (AOR: 5.046; 95% CI 1.545 to 16.479), partner support (AOR: 4.293; 95% CI 1.181 to 15.61), attitude towards family planning (AOR: 2.908; 95% CI 1.081 to 7.824) and maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care (AOR: 6.243; 95% CI 2.166 to 17.994). Conclusion In the study area, only less than a quarter of postpartum women used immediate postpartum family planning. Therefore, enhancing immediate postpartum family planning utilisation, strengthening community awareness to develop a favourable attitude towards family planning, promoting partner involvement in family planning and ensuring maternal satisfaction during intrapartum care are essential.

Introduction: Congenital anomalies are a major public health problem which is defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life which can be detected prenatally, at birth, or sometimes may only be detected later in infancy. The impact of congenital anomalies is severe in middle- and low-income countries than in other developed and developing countries. Objective: To assess the prevalence and trends of congenital anomalies among neonates admitted at Jimma Medical Center from 2017 to 2019. Methods: A facility-based retrospective, descriptive crossectional study was conducted among neonates admitted at Jimma Medical Center from 2017– 2019. Descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage) was calculated for the variables. The result was present in the table, text, and figure. Results: From a total of 3346 admitted neonates, 199 (5.95%) neonates were diagnosed with congenital anomalies; of which 120 (60.3%), 146 (73.4%), 144 (72.4%) and 30 (15.1%) of neonates were males, urban dwellers, delivered with normal birth weight and had multiple congenital anomalies, respectively. Central nervous system was the most commonly affected body system 56 (28.1%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract 41 (20.1%) and musculoskeletal system 32 (16.1%). The proportion of congenital anomalies was significantly increasing over time. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of congenital anomalies was high and increased from year to year. The proportions observed in the study indicated that a significant number of neonates were affected and suffered from the impacts of congenital anomalies which need immediate preventive actions such as iron folate supplementation during preconception and early pregnancy. Therefore, design strategies to create community awareness and prevention mechanism of congenital anomalies, and strengthening the care and rehabilitation services for affected patients are crucial.

Background: In developing countries, home delivery without a skilled birth attendant is a common practice. It has been evidenced that unattended birth is linked with serious life-threatening complications for both the women and the newborn. Institutional delivery with a skilled birth assistance could reduce 20–30% of neonatal mortality. This study aimed to assess traditional birth attendants’ (TBAs) utilization and associated factors for women who gave birth in the last two years in Angolella Tara District, Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 416 women who gave birth in the last two years at rural Angolella Tara District. Study participants were recruited by using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Epi Data 4.6 and SPSS version 25 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with women’s utilization of traditional birth attendants. The level of significance in the last model was determined at a p-value of <0.05.Result: Overall, 131 (31.5%) participants were used traditional birth attendants in their recent birth. Unmarried marital status (AOR 2.63; 95% CI: 1.16, 5.97), age at first marriage (AOR 2.31; 95%CI: 1.30, 4.09), time to reach health facility (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI: 1.94, 6.17), know danger sign of pregnancy and childbirth (AOR = 5.59, 95% CI; 2.89, 10.81), positive attitude towards traditional birth attendants (AOR = 2.56 95% CI; 1.21,5.52), had antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 0.11 95% CI 0.058, 0.21), and listening radio (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.99) were significantly associated factors with the use of traditional birth attendants.Conclusion: Nearly one-third of women used traditional birth attendant services for their recent birth. TBAs availability and accessibility in the community, and respect for culture and tradition, problems regarding infrastructure, delay or unavailability of ambulance upon call, and some participants knowing only TBAs for birth assistance were reasons for preference of TBAs. Therefore, effort should be made by care providers and policymakers to ensure that modern health care services are accessible for women in a friendly and culturally sensitive manner. In addition, advocacy through mass media about the importance of maternal health service utilization, particularly antenatal care would be important.

Objective This study aimed to assess the morbidity and mortality patterns of preterm neonates with low birth weight admitted in the Amhara region referral hospitals in Ethiopia. Design Hospital-based retrospective follow-up study. Setting Amhara region referral hospitals, Ethiopia. Participants A total of 291 preterm neonates low birth weight that were admitted to referral hospitals in the Amhara region between 1 January 2017 and 30 December 2018 were reviewed. Data were entered into Epi-data V.4.4.2.1 and exported to STATA V.14 for analysis, and variables with a p value of <0.05 at 95% confidence level in multivariable logistic regression model analysis were declared as statistically significant associated factors of mortality. Primary outcome Morbidity and mortality patterns in preterm low birthweight neonates. Results This study revealed that 37.8% (95% CI 32.4% to 43.5%) of preterm low birthweight neonates died. The most common morbidities found were 219 (75.26%) hypothermia, followed by 201 (69.07%), 145 (49.83%), 39 (13.4%) and 24 (8.25%) with sepsis, respiratory distress, jaundice and congenital anomalies, respectively. Sepsis (AOR: 2.0; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.89), respiratory distress (AOR: 4.6; 95% CI 2.51 to 8.40), hypoglycaemia (AOR 3.91; 95% CI 1.09 to 10.52), APGAR score at fifth minute <7 (AOR 0.39; 95% CI (0.18 to 0.82) and duration of hospital stay below mean (<9.82 days) (AOR 0.17; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.33) were associated with mortality. Conclusion The mortality rate of preterm low birthweight neonates was high, indicating that this is a public health issue. Hypothermia, sepsis, respiratory distress, jaundice and congenital anomalies were the common morbidities. Sepsis, respiratory distress, hypoglycaemia, Apgar score at fifth minute <7 and duration of hospital stay below the mean were independent factors of mortality. However, these need to be further investigated in future research and appropriately addressed using prospective follow-up.