Introduction: Caesarean section is one of the lifesaving procedures of medical interventions attributed to the decrease of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) shows a cesarean rate between 5% and 15%. However, the prevalence of cesarean section is increasing globally as well as in Ethiopia. Different scholars argue that the prevalence and factors of the caesarian section vary in different countries and health institutions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with cesarean section in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 320 mothers who gave birth at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from July 01, 2020, to October 30, 2020. The samples were selected using the convenience sampling technique. The Data were collected using a structured checklist. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to check the association. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of cesarean section was 39.1% in the current study. Mothers age 35–39 years, educational level college and above, employed, mothers with a monthly income of >6000, and mothers with a previous history of cesarean section were significantly associated with an increased risk of cesarean section. Conclusion: The prevalence of cesarean section was high in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Age of the mothers, educational status, occupation, monthly income, and previous history of cesarean section were significantly associated with an increased occurrence of cesarean section.

Background: Problem-based learning is a student-centered innovative instructional approach in which students define their learning objectives by using triggers from the predefined problem case scenario. Problem-based learning is not about problem-solving; rather it uses appropriate problems to increase the problem-solving skills of students. This study aims to assess the medical and health science students' perception towards problem-based learning method. Methods: An institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed. All available graduating class Medical and Health Science students were included in this study. Results: More than half of the students (59.4%) strongly agree that problem-based learning was helpful to understand basic sciences knowledge and 31.5% of the students disagree that tutors are prepared and qualified to run the session. Some of the students (27.3%) disagree that tutors evaluate students fairly. About fifty-two percent of the students have used both books and Internets for self-directed learning. Conclusion: More than half of students agree that problem-based learning helped them understand basic science knowledge. Some of the students disagree that tutors are prepared and qualified to run the session, and disagree that tutors evaluate students fairly.

Purpose: Emergency drugs and essential equipment are important to successfully manage patients in the intensive care unit (ICUs). The absence of these emergency drugs and essential equipment might result in mortality and morbidity which is more compounded in resource-limited settings. This study aims to assess the availability of emergency drugs and essential equipment in ICUs in hospitals in Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed in the intensive care unit of nine Amhara regional state hospitals in Ethiopia. This study was done from August 01, 2020, to September 01, 2020. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which were adopted from the Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa (EMSSA) guidelines. Tables and narration were used to describe results. Results: There were deficiencies of essential emergency items particularly in the pediatrics domain, devices to confirm tracheal intubation and equipment for managing difficult intubation. Emergency drugs like adrenaline, salbutamol puff, atropine, aspirin, furosemide, hydrocortisone, insulin, lidocaine, and medical oxygen were available in all ICUs, whereas amiodarone, sodium bicarbonate, glucagon, ipratropium nebulization, thiamine were not available in all ICUs. Conclusions and Recommendations: There were considerable deficiencies in emergency drugs and essential equipment. Based on our findings, we recommend to develop standardized checklists, regular audits, and healthcare personnel awareness program to improve checking, maintaining, restocking, and repairing the equipment in the emergency trolley.

Background: Spinal anesthesia block is the most widely practiced anesthesia technique due to its safety margin. It is an invasive procedure that could be associated with a variety of complications like total spinal, cardiovascular collapse, meningitis, paralysis, and even death. The aim of this study to assess the current practice of spinal anesthesia. Methods: A Cross-sectional study design was conducted in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from November 01 to December 15, 2020. All anesthesia professionals who are working in the study Hospital were surveyed by the Purposive sampling technique. A standardized structured checklist prepared from recommendations of New York school of regional anesthesia guideline regarding the current Practice of spinal anesthesia was used to collect the data after taking written informed consent. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the results. Results: A total of 24 anesthetists were observed of their practice before, during, and after administer of spinal anesthesia. All of the anesthetists were practicing the preparation and assembling of all necessary anesthesia equipments, resuscitation drugs, and basic monitors while all of the anesthetists did not wash their hands, wore a sterile gown, and draped the back of the patient with fenestrated drapes in a sterile fashion. Conclusion: Most of the anesthesiology professionals in our setting have a good preparation of all necessary anesthesia equipments, and resuscitation drugs, while the assessment of patient’s emotional reaction and pain during injection, the skin preparation allowed to being dry and assessment of the degree of sensory and motor block of the patient were insufficient.

Background: Pulmonary aspiration is one of the most important complications of obstetric anesthesia. Prevention of pulmonary aspiration is commonly performed by the application of different anesthetic maneuvers and administration of drugs. This study aimed to assess the non-physician anesthetic providers current practice of aspiration prophylaxis during anesthesia for cesarean section in Ethiopia.Methods: This survey study was conducted from October 01 to November 05, 2020, on a total of 490 anesthetic providers working in hospitals in Ethiopia. A structured checklist was used to collect data from non-physician anesthetic providers.Results: Four hundred and ninety (490) anesthetic providers participated in our study. The majority of the respondents (84%) were working in the public sector. Most of the cesarean delivery was done under regional anesthesia and more than half of anesthetic providers in Ethiopia administered aspiration prophylaxis routinely. Metoclopramide was the most frequently given as a prophylaxis for pulmonary aspiration.Conclusions: More than half of the anesthetic providers administered aspiration prophylaxis routinely. Metoclopramide was the commonest administered aspiration prophylaxis for parturients who underwent cesarean delivery to prevent aspiration.

Background: The application of cricoid pressure requires good knowledge and practice of health professionals who are working in operation theatres to prevent pulmonary aspiration. This study aims to assess the application of cricoid pressure knowledge and practice in health professionals who are working in the operation theatres. Methods: This survey-based study was conducted in health care professionals who are working in the operation theatre of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from November 1 to December 1, 2020. A structured checklist was used to collect data regarding the knowledge and practice of the application of cricoid pressure. Results: A total of 43 health professionals who are working in the operation theaters were involved in this study with a response rate of 81%. The correct anatomic position of cricoid cartilage was not identified in 67% of nurses. We found that 78% of anesthetists did not use the nasogastric tube for decompression, and 83% of them complain of difficult intubation during the application of cricoid pressure. Conclusion: Health care professionals who are working in operation theatres had poor knowledge and practice in the application of cricoid pressure.