Smartphone use has become widespread and continues to grow rapidly. Medical students, already highly susceptible to sleep deprivation, may experience exacerbated issues due to smartphone usage, particularly at bedtime. Therefore, understanding the potential negative impacts of this behavior is crucial. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of sleep quality among medical students bed time smart phone users in Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 354 undergraduate medical students selected through simple random sampling from Debre Marko's University, the University of Gondar, and Debre Berhan University. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and structured interviews. Variables with a p-value of ≤0.2 in bivariable regression were included in multivariable logistic regression. Crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios were calculated, while chi-square tests were used to assess assumptions. In multivariable regression, variables with a p-value of ≤0.05 were deemed significant predictors at the 95 % confidence interval. The results showed that among bedtime smartphone users, 67.52 % had a poor sleep quality index greater than 5. Poor sleep quality was significantly linked to factors such as sex, regular coffee consumption, the purpose of smartphone use, phone position during use, the duration of smartphone use, and a history of disease. Social media usage was the most common activity, accounting for 41.60 % of smartphone use, followed by watching videos (21.65 %). This study highlights the detrimental effects of bedtime smartphone use on sleep quality, which subsequently impacts mental. Given these findings, it is strongly recommended that medical students reduce their smartphone use before bedtime to improve their sleep quality.

Background: Blood donation is vital for health systems, yet global shortages persist due to low donor participation. Understanding the psychological determinants of donation is critical to improving recruitment and retention. The Theory of Planned Behavior has been widely applied to predict donation intention and behavior. Objective: This review aimed to map and synthesize the evidence on blood donation practices and behavioral intentions through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior, identifying key determinants, barriers, facilitators, and research gaps. Methods: We conducted a scoping review guided by PRISMA-ScR. Major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane, Hinari, and the WHO library) and grey literature were searched for studies published between January 1, 2004, and August 31, 2025. Eligible studies applied the theory of planned behavior constructs to blood donation practices across different populations and settings. Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most (n = 12) focused on students, while others examined healthcare workers or established donors. Cross-sectional designs predominated. Theory of planned behavior constructs, including attitude, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, moral norms, and anticipated regret were strong predictors of intention to donate blood. However, intention alone was insufficient to consistently predict actual donation behavior. Reported barriers included fear, low self-efficacy, and systemic challenges; facilitators included altruism, positive attitudes, social influence, and prior donation experience. Conclusion: Theory of planned behavior provides a robust framework for understanding blood donation intentions, but augmenting it with moral norms and past behavior may improve the prediction of actual behavior. Interventions should target attitudes, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, and supportive social norms, while addressing systemic barriers, to strengthen voluntary donor recruitment and retention.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has not confirmed the eradication of the COVID-19 pandemic or the development of a cure. Ongoing research is necessary to update public understanding, attitudes, and behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 among students in Ethiopia. Objective: To estimate the pooled proportions and associated factors of knowledge, positive attitude, and prevention practice toward COVID-19 among students in Ethiopia. Methods: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered on the PROSPERO database. Data extraction was done using an Excel spreadsheet, and analysis was conducted using STATA. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) grading approach. A narrative summary and random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval were used. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. The results were presented using a forest plot and tables. Result: Out of 2089 studies reviewed, only 16 met the inclusion criteria. The pooled proportions of COVID-19 good knowledge, positive attitude, and good prevention practice among students in Ethiopia were found to be 62.68% [95% CI 50.96–74.40, I2 = 98.93%], 60.22% [95% CI 51.64–68.80, I2 = 97.68%], 48.47% [95% CI, 44.16–52.78, I2 = 91.45%] respectively. Factors that affected knowledge included marital status, family size, sex, study year, and residency. Knowledge and residency were identified as predictors of attitude. Determinants of practice included knowledge, attitude, sex, study program, and residency. Conclusion: The pooled proportion of students in Ethiopia with good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding COVID-19 was low. Policymakers, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Institutions, and other stakeholders should intensify their efforts on COVID-19 and develop interventions aimed at females, rural residents, and extension students. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database with ID = CRD42023478234.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic causes major morbidity and mortality in the world. Timely behavioral response assessment of the community is important to shape the next effective interventions and risk communication strategies to adopt preventive behavior. Hence, this study aimed to assess behavioral responses for facemask-use messages to prevent COVID-19 and its predictors among residents of Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia, 2021 by using the Extended Parallel Process Model. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with the guide of the Extended Parallel Process Model in Bahir Dar city from March 9 to April 9, 2021. A multistage sampling technique was used, and data was collected through a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire using Epicollect5. Descriptive statistics and Binary logistic regression were computed using SPSS V.25. Variable with P < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis was a candidate for multivariable analysis to control confounding effect. In multivariable analysis, variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant and the result was presented using an adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 616 participants with a response rate of 97.1% were included. Of the total participants, 229(37.2%) were in the danger control response. The behavioral response was affected by Occupational status [AOR (95%CI) 3.53(1.67–7.46)], the number of people living together [AOR (95%CI) 2.62(1.28–5.39)], self-control [AOR (95%CI) 1.14(1.05–1.25)], a friend for the preferred source of information [AOR (95%CI) 5.18(3.22–8.33)] and printed materials for the preferred channel [AOR (95%CI) 2.14(1.35–3.43)]. Above one-third of the participants were in the danger control response. Occupational status, number of people living together, self-control, a friend for the preferred source of information, and printed materials for the preferred channel were independent predictors of resident behavioral response to the use of facemasks. Policymakers should consider students and people who live alone. Message developers should use a friendly person to transmit messages and should prepare printed materials. Activities and strategies should also focus on self-control and perceived efficacy without ignoring the perceived threat.

Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) has been identified as a vital strategy to enhance maternal health; however, achieving sustained adherence remains challenging. There is insufficient evidence on the potential of contextually appropriate behavioral interventions to improve MMS-related knowledge, attitudes, and adherence beyond routine antenatal care. Thus, this trial was designed to provide empirical evidence on whether these specific strategies could improve MMS knowledge, attitudes, and adherence among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A post-test-only cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted from June 20, to October 20, 2024 in 29 health centers across 6 woredas in 5 Regions in Ethiopia to evaluate the effects of three behavioral interventions on MMS (knowledge, attitude, and adherence). A total of 588 pregnant women were assessed at the end-line, with 151 mothers in Treatment 1, 164 in Treatment 2, 106 in Treatment 3, and 167 in the control group. For both primary and secondary outcome variables, we employed mixed-effects logistic regression with a random intercept for the cluster to account for within-cluster correlation. The models adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics and pregnancy related profiles of participants. The mean age of participants was 25.3 years (SD ± 5), with significant differences across the four study arms (p < 0.001). Overall, participants demonstrated high knowledge and attitude toward MMS, whereas adherence remained suboptimal. Compared to the intervention group the control group had highest knowledge score AOR = 0.20 (95% CI 0.07–0.54, p = 0.002). None of the intervention groups demonstrated a statistically significant impact on attitude toward MMS uptake. The Gameboard intervention had three times effect on adherence to MMS uptake in the last three months compared with the control group (AOR = 3.32 (95% CI 1.73–6.42), p < 0.001). Overall knowledge and attitudes toward MMS were high across all four study groups, while the adherence remained lower. The behavioral interventions exhibited mixed effects on MMS related to knowledge, attitude and adherence. Overall, the findings suggest that behaviorally informed approaches may have potential to support MMS adherence when integrated with routine maternal health services. Trial registration: PACTR202605655695088. Trial protocol: The trial protocol and statistical analysis plan was developed according to WHO’s recommended format for a 'research protocol' and uploaded as supplementary files with Protocol Identifying Code of MMS-BI-ETH-2024/01.

Background: Women living with HIV (WLHIV) face a sixfold increased risk of cervical cancer compared to HIV-negative women. Most WLHIV residing in the Southern and Eastern African regions have a substantial HIV-related cervical cancer burden. Studies on precancerous cervical lesions (PCCL) and associated factors in WLHIV from these regions have inconsistent and inconclusive findings. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize the pooled prevalence of PCCL and associated factors among WLHIV in Southern and Eastern Africa. Methods: This study was registered under PROSPERO (CRD420251123583) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 standards. Primary studies published from inception to 2025 in Southern and Eastern Africa were included. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data extraction and statistical analyses were done in Microsoft Excel and STATA 17, respectively. Pooled prevalence, publication bias, subgroup, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Associations were expressed as odds ratios (OR), and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 44 studies met the inclusion criteria, with a sample size of 47,009. The pooled prevalence of PCCL was 22.25% (95% CI: 19.57, 24.93). Age at first sexual intercourse (< 18 years) (OR = 2.99, (2.34, 3.82)), multiparity (OR = 4.97, (3.21, 7.69)), having multiple sexual partners (OR = 3.06 (2.45, 3.83)), having a history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) (OR = 3.93 (3.23, 4.78)), smoking (OR = 7.01, (3.39, 14.49)), ever taking oral contraceptive pills (OR = 2.69, (1.85, 3.90)), low CD4 count (OR = 1.79, (1.56, 2.05)), and having not initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) (OR = 2.02, (1.56, 2.62)) were significantly associated with an increased risk of PCCL. Conclusion and recommendations: The pooled prevalence of PCCL was high. Additionally, early first sexual intercourse, parity, STIs, multiple sexual partners, smoking, oral contraceptive use, CD4 count, and ART were positively associated with the occurrence of PCCL. Therefore, stakeholders shall implement interventions to avert future incidents of PCCL and address the identified factors.