Background. Despite numerous life-saving measures, neonatal mortality remains high. This research aims to investigate the incidence and predictors of early neonatal mortality among newborns admitted to intensive care units in public hospitals in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 689 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Cox proportional hazard regression by STATA was used. Results. This study followed for 3439 person-days found an incidence rate of 16.9 deaths per 1000 person-days. Birth weight [AHR = 4.4, 95% CI; 1.29, 14.94], APGAR score at the fifth minute 4 to 6 [AHR = 0.42, 95% CI; 0.2, 0.87], hypoglycemia [AHR = 8.1, 95% CI; 2.17, 30.43], no treated with oxygen [AHR = 2.6, 95% CI; 1.1, 5.9], and obstetric complications [AHR = 0.41, 95% CI; 0.18, 0.93] predicted early neonatal mortality. Conclusion. The study revealed a high neonatal mortality rate, necessitating increased focus on oxygen treatment for newborns and improved early diagnosis and treatment of obstetric complications.

Medical waste is material generated during health facilities that constitutes a serious health hazard to its handlers and the patients. However, medical waste handling has received less attention in practice, and existing research is inconclusive as well. Therefore, this study assessed the perception of medical waste exposure prevention among medical waste handlers in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using quantitative and qualitative methods among 325 medical waste handlers from May 5 to June 5, 2022. A pretested, structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, and checklists were used to collect qualitative data from eight in-depth interview participants and later triangulated with quantitative findings. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of the likelihood of taking action by using an odds ratio with a 95%CI. The likelihood of engaging in medical waste exposure prevention was found to be 56.3% [AOR = 3.19, 2.73, 6.34]. Independent predictors: experience of more than 10 years (AOR = 5.27, 1.55–17.86), adequate knowledge (AOR = 4.30, 1.92–9.64), training (AOR = 3.81, 1.70–8.53), perceived susceptibility (AOR = 3.79, 1.71–8.39), perceived severity (AOR = 4.08, 2.52–6.63), perceived benefit (AOR = 2.87, 1.13–7.28), and perceived barrier (AOR = 0.42, 0.20–0.88). A qualitative response from an interview has also confirmed that there was a lack of on-the-job training, and supply of personal protective equipment. The likelihood of realizing the desired results in practice of preventive measures against medical waste exposure in the area is unlikely to occur unless there is a strong focus on creating health-seeking behavior. The study suggests that stakeholders should improve medical waste handlers’ perception through the provision of professional health training and addressing the challenges to its practice.

Background and Aims: Neonatal intensive care units are important to save the lives of premature babies. However, the mothers face several stressful situations during the period of admission. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the experience of mothers with premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Nigist Elleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Hossana, Central Ethiopia. Methods: A phenomenological‐descriptive study was conducted among thirteen mothers who were purposefully selected. Data were coded and transcribed verbatim, translated, and inductive thematic analysis was employed. ATLAS.ti8 software was used to manage data. The findings were presented systematically by stating each major theme and category with the support of the evidence of direct quotes. Results: This study explored the experiences of mothers with preterm newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit. Five major themes and related categories included mothers’ emotional experiences, maternal expectations, healthcare professionals’ needs, factors related to healthcare facilities, and perceived incompetence in the care of premature infants. The study found that mothers experienced negative emotions due to medication shortages, inadequate laboratory tests, a lack of toilets, inadequate water supplies, and a lack of confidence in caring for their infants, despite a range of support from nursing staff, as an important public health issue. Conclusion: This study revealed that mothers of preterm infants in NICUs face significant emotional and practical challenges. Key issues include inadequate medical resources, poor facility conditions, and low maternal confidence. Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving neonatal and maternal care.