Background: Malnutrition is one of the most significant child health problems in developing countries, accounting for an estimated 53% of child deaths per year. Depression is the leading cause of disease-related disability in women and adversely affects the health and well-being of mothers and their children. Studies have shown that maternal depression has an impact on infant growth and nutritional status. However, evidence is scarce regarding the relationship between maternal depression and child malnutrition.Objectives: The general objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression among mothers of undernourished children at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia in 2023.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 465 participants. Outcome variables were assessed using a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using SPSS-25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: The prevalence of maternal depression among mothers of children with undernutrition was 36.4% (95% CI = 32%–41%). According to a multivariate analysis, lack of maternal education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.872, 95% CI = 1.502–5.492), unemployment (AOR = 2.581, 95% CI = 1.497–4.451), poor social support (AOR = 2.209, 95% CI = 1.314–3.713), perceived stigma (AOR = 2.243, 95% CI = 1.414–3.560), and stunting (AOR = 1.913, 95% CI = 1.129–3.241) were factors significantly associated with maternal depression.Conclusion: The overall prevalence of maternal depression was higher among mothers of children with undernutrition. This higher prevalence was associated with several factors, including lack of education, unemployment, poor social support, high perceived stigma, and stunted physical growth in the children themselves. To decrease maternal depression, we can address these factors by increasing the level of maternal education and employment opportunities, strengthening social support systems, reducing stigma, and providing interventions to reduce stunting.

Globally, youth in violent conflict and war-affected areas are experiencing an increase in the rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). War leads to severe social crises worldwide, with youths being the most vulnerable group. They often endure severe traumatic events and are at high risk of falling victim to violent crime, which further increases their susceptibility to developing symptoms of PTSD. PTSD is a prevalent in Ethiopian regions affected by war, although empirical data on its prevalence and associated factors among youth in these areas are scarce. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among youth in Kobo Town, Northeast Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 595 participants. Outcome variables were assessed using the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5). Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PTSD symptoms. The presence of an association was indicated by an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among youths was 62.2% with 95% CI: 58.2, 66.1). Being female [AOR = 2.62 (95% CI = 1.27, 3.66)], experiencing childhood trauma [AOR = 1.71(95% CI = 1.033, 2.76)], having depression symptoms [AOR = 1.69 (95% CI = 1.12, 2.95)], having anxiety symptoms [AOR = 1.68 (95% CI = 1.09, 2.59)], having physical injury [AOR = 3.38(95% CI: 2.17, 5.28] and having poor social support [AOR = 3.52(95% CI = 2.08, 5.99)] were factors associated with PTSD symptoms. PTSD symptoms is highly prevalent among youth in the war-affected areas of Northeast Ethiopia. Being female, depressive and anxiety symptoms, childhood abuse and neglect, physical injury during war, and poor social support were factors associated with PTSD symptoms among youth. To combat this, early screening and treatment should be provided for youth with PTSD symptoms.

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, significantly impacting global health, particularly for women. It accounts for 4.3% of the total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), making it a major contributor to global disability. The high rate of depression in developing nations, the caregiving responsibilities of caregivers, their susceptibility to depression, and maternal mental health in these nations may significantly impact childhood development. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the predictors of depression among caregivers of children with malnutrition in Gedeo Zone public hospitals. A facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 226 caregivers (113 cases and 113 controls). Depression of caregivers was assessed using a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors, and the association was presented with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval. In this study, not attended formal education [AOR = 2.9(95%CI: 1.0-8.1)], unemployment [AOR = 3.7, (95% CI: 1.4–9.7)], low socioeconomic status [AOR = 3.3 (95% CI: 1.2–9.4)], physical abuse [AOR = 2.3(95% CI = 1.2–3.3)], poor social support [AOR = 2.6(95% CI: 1.0–6.5)], and stunting [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3–3.4] were a significant positive predictors of depression. Nearly half of the study participants had a significant burden of depression among caregivers of malnourished children; particularly those facing not attended formal education, unemployment, low socioeconomic status, physical abuse, poor social support, and having a stunted child. Therefore, implementing early depression screening and interventions is crucial. Additionally, enhancing caregiver education, reducing unemployment, strengthening social support systems, preventing stunted physical growth, and boosting parents’ financial stability with malnourished children are essential strategies for sustainable improvement.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that significantly disrupt daily life. Medical students may be uniquely susceptible to obsessive compulsive symptoms due to their constant exposure to potential contaminants and infectious diseases during their training. Obsessive Compulsive symptoms among medical students are often overlooked, which can significantly impact their academic performance, well-being, and future career prospects. The prevalence and factors of obsessive compulsive symptom is not widely studied in low and middle income countries and there are limited studies in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of obsessive compulsive symptoms among medical students. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 370 students. The outcome variable was assessed using the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised scale (OCI-R). The collected data were entered using kobo collect tool box version 1.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with Obsessive Compulsive symptoms and variables with P-values less than 0.05 were considered to have significant association with 95% confidence interval. The probable prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder among medical and health science students was 28% with (95% CI: 26.4–32.7). Being female [AOR = 1.33(95%CI: 1.09, 2.18)], Depressive symptoms [AOR = 2.12(95%CI: 1.95, 4.06)], Maladaptive coping mechanism [AOR = 1.74 (95%CI: 1.23, 2.50)], and Poor sleep quality [(AOR = 1.48(95%CI: 1.08, 2.24)] were significantly associated with obsessive compulsive symptoms. Obsessive Compulsive Symptom has a high probable prevalence among medical and health science students. Being female, experiencing depressive symptoms, employing maladaptive coping mechanisms, and having poor sleep quality were significantly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, early detection, screening, and appropriate intervention for obsessive-compulsive symptoms in medical students are crucial.

Sleep problems pose global public health concerns, particularly among nurses, with approximately two-thirds experiencing sleep disturbances and fatigue. Although poor sleep hygiene and fatigue can impair nurses' performance and alertness, increasing work-related accidents, chronic diseases, absenteeism, burnout, and medical errors, ultimately threatening both nurses' well-being and patient safety, no studies have been conducted in Ethiopia. This study assesses sleep hygiene practices and perceived fatigue, examines their associations and associated factors among nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 nurses via simple random sampling. Data collected using self-administered Sleep Hygiene Index, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaires analyzed with SPSS Version 26.0. Bivariate, multivariate, and Pearson correlation analyses were done. The study revealed that 52.3% and 89.3% of nurses had poor sleep hygiene practices, and perceived fatigue respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between poor sleep hygiene and fatigue (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). Burnout syndrome (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI: 2.60, 8.05), depression (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.09), current alcohol drinkers (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.08), shift work sleep disorders (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.82), poor sleep quality (AOR = 5.04,95% CI:2.33,9.52), and job-related stress (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.76-6.98) were associated factors. Over half of nurses had poor sleep hygiene, and highly experienced perceived fatigue. A significant positive correlation was found between poor sleep hygiene practices and fatigue. Thus, promoting good sleep habits to manage and prevent fatigue among nurses are crucial.

Objective: To assess prevalence and associated factors of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among patients with severe mood disorders (SMDs). Design: An institution-based cross-sectional study. Setting: Gedeo Zone Public Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia. Participants: 374 patients with SMDs were recruited using a systematic sampling technique. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The data were collected using an interview-administered questionnaire and medical chart review. The outcome variable was assessed using the ACEs questionnaire. Data were coded and entered into Epi Data 3.1 and analysed using SPSS V.26. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with ACEs. The presence of an association was examined using an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI. Variables with P-values less than 0.05 were considered a statistically significant association. Results: The overall prevalence of ACEs among patients with SMDs was 51.6% (95% CI 49.2 to 53.9), and the prevalence of ACEs among patients with severe bipolar disorders and depressive disorders was 14.7% with (95% CI 46.8 to 52.4) and 36.9% with (95% CI 46.7 to 55.8), respectively. Having low socioeconomic status (SES) (AOR=2.04 (95% CI 1.40 to 3.45), poor social support (AOR=2.43 (95% CI 1.74 to 4.17)), low resilient coping strategies (AOR=1.48 (95% CI 1.21 to 2.83)) and severity of depressive symptoms (AOR=3.82 (95% CI 2.89 to 6.00)) were significantly associated with ACEs. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of ACEs among patients with SMDs, with more than half of the participants reporting at least one ACE. Low SES, low resilient coping strategies and poor social support were factors significantly associated with ACEs, and severe depressive symptoms were significantly associated with ACEs. Therefore, these findings underscore the importance of early screening and appropriate intervention for SMDs and ACEs, and providing more holistic mental healthcare for SMDs and ACEs, improving access to education and economic support, strengthening social support networks, enhancing resilience-building programmes and integrating routine ACEs assessments into mental health evaluations could potentially contribute to improved clinical outcomes and support long-term recovery. Trial registration: Not applicable