Flooding exacerbates health challenges by spreading waterborne diseases like diarrhea throughthe destruction of sanitation infrastructure and contamination of drinking water sources. However,evidence on the prevalence and contributing factors of diarrheal diseases among under-five childrenin the Dasenech district is limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of acute diarrhea andits determinants among under-five children in flood-affected areas of the South Ethiopia region. Acommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to July 15, 2024, in flood-affectedareas of the Dasenech district, involving 696 under-five children. Five kebeles were purposivelyselected, followed by the proportional allocation of households, after which a systematic samplingtechnique was applied to identify study participants. Data were collected using a pretested andstructured questionnaire administered by trained interviewers. Multivariable logistic regressionanalysis was performed to identify factors associated with acute diarrhea, with statistical significanceset at p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The prevalence of acute diarrhea was 31.6% (95%CI: 28.7–34.3%). Significant predictors of acute diarrhea included non-adherence to exclusivebreastfeeding (AOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.65–3.98), lack of latrines (AOR: 12.08, 95% CI: 9.77–13.13), unsafedisposal of child excreta (AOR: 3.86, 95% CI: 2.38–6.26), home delivery (AOR: 6.02, 95% CI: 5.53–8.82),and a recent history of diarrhea among mothers or caregivers (AOR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.33–5.66). Acutediarrhea is highly prevalent among under-five children in the Dasenech district. The findings underscorethe need for targeted public health measures, such as improving waste management, promotingexclusive breastfeeding, constructing and utilizing latrines, and addressing maternal and caregiverhealth, to mitigate the burden of diarrheal diseases in this vulnerable population.Keywords Acute diarrhea, Dasenech district, Ethiopia, Flood-affected, Under-five childrenDiarrhea is defined as an increase in bowel movement frequency or a change in stool consistency, commonlyidentified as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools within a 24-h period1. This condition oftenresults from intestinal infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which are closely associated withlimited access to safe water and inadequate sanitation facilities2. Inadequate water and sanitation contributeto over 94% of the four billion annual cases of diarrhea worldwide3,4. This condition claims approximately twomillion lives each year, representing 4% of global mortality. Alarmingly, 1.3 million of these deaths occur amongchildren annually5.

BackgroundIn the intensive care unit (ICU), mechanical ventilation (MV) is a typical way of respiratorysupport. The severity of the illness raises the likelihood of death in patients who require MV.Several studies have been done in Ethiopia; however, the mortality rate differs among them.The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide a pooled prevalenceof mortality and associated factors among ICU-admitted patients receiving MV in Ethiopianhospitals.MethodsWe used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) 2020 criteria to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysisin this study. We searched PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Embase, Hinari, and Web of Sci-ence and found 22 articles that met our inclusion criteria. We used a random-effects model.To identify heterogeneity within the included studies, meta-regression and subgroup analy-sis were used. We employed Egger’s regression test and funnel plots for assessing publica-tion bias. STATA version 17.0 software was used for all statistical analyses.ResultsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of mortality among 7507ICU-admitted patients from 22 articles, who received MV was estimated to be 54.74% [95%CI = 47.93, 61.55]. In the subgroup analysis by region, the Southern Nations, Nationalities,
and Peoples (SNNP) subgroup (64.28%, 95% CI = 51.19, 77.37) had the highest preva-lence. Patients with COVID-19 have the highest mortality rate (75.80%, 95% CI = 51.10,100.00). Sepsis (OR = 6.85, 95%CI = 3.24, 14.46), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score

BackgroundPost-intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is defined as various physical, psycho-logical, and cognitive, impairments that can arise during an ICU stay, continueafter leaving the ICU, or even persist following hospital discharge. It impactsboth patients and their family’s quality of life. Various primary studies worldwidehave reported prevalence of PICS among ICU survivors. However, these studiesexhibit inconsistency and wide variations. Therefore, this systematic review andmeta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of post intensive caresyndrome among intensive care unit survivors along with its association with ICUlength of stay.MethodsWe used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) 2020 checklist for this review. We searched PubMed/Medline, CINHAL,Embase, and Google scholar to retrieve articles. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS)was used for quality assessment of articles. The random effects model with I-squaredtest was used to estimate the prevalence of PICS and its association with ICU lengthof stay. To identify the source of heterogeneity within the included studies, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used. We employed Egger’s regression testand funnel plots for assessing publication bias. STATA version 17.0 software wasused for all statistical analyses. A p-value of < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval wasused declare statistically significant.
ResultsA total of 19 articles with a population of 10179 ICU-survivors were included in thisreview. The pooled prevalence of PICS was found to be 54.35% (95% CI = 45.54,63.15). In sub-group analysis by region, the highest prevalence was observed instudies done in south and north America with overall prevalence of 61.95% (95%CI = 28.33, 95.62). Among the three domains of PICS (physical, cognitive and mentaldomains), the highest prevalence score was observed in the physical domain withoverall prevalence of 45.99% (95% CI = 34.66, 57.31). In this meta-analysis, thosepatients who stayed more than four days in the ICU were 1.207 [95% CI = 1.119,1.295] times more likely to develop at least one among the three domains of PICS inthe post-intensive care period than their counterparts.ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate a high prevalence of PICSamong ICU survivors, and highlight the significant association between ICU lengthof stay and the development of PICS. These findings underscore the need for tar-geted interventions to mitigate the long-term effects of critical illness, particularly forpatients with prolonged ICU stays.

Introduction: Occupational health problems are the major issues of the world, particularly in developing countries. Sanitation workers are facing various health problems with little attention while conducting their day today activities. The review emphasizes the critical need for policies that ensure safety standards, provide proper protective gear, and establish regular health monitoring to protect workers' health and wellbeing.
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors among sanitation workers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods and materials: This systematic review and meta-analysis was done based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA 2020). Literatures were searched using various database like Google scholar, Science-Direct, Pub-Med (Medline), Hinari, and Google. From eligible studies, data was extracted using Microsoft excel and exported to STATA version 14 statistical software for analysis. The prevalence of respiratory symptom was estimated using a random effect model. Publication bias was determined using Egger test and funnel plot whereas heterogeneity was evaluated using I2. Fortunately, 13 studies were included with a total participants of 4,401.
Results: The pooled prevalence of respiratory symptoms among sanitation workers was 43.79% (95% CI: 35.26, 52.33; I 2 = 97.3%, p < 0.000). Sanitation workers with a history of respiratory illness were 4.16 times more likely to have had respiratory symptoms compared to those without a history (OR: 4.16, 95% CI: 2.67, 5.66). Additionally, sanitation workers who did not wear nose/mouse masks were 2.36 times more likely to experience respiratory symptoms compared to their counterparts (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.40, 3.32). Moreover, Sanitation workers with working experiences of greater than five were 1.81 times more likely to experience respiratory symptoms than those with less than 5 years working experiences (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.39).
Conclusion: Generally, half of the sanitation workers experienced respiratory symptoms. The symptoms were associated with history of respiratory illness, utilizing of nose/ mouth face mask and working experience. Hence, awareness creation session should conducted mainly for those with history of respiratory illness and poor personal protective users.

Keywords: Sub Saharan Africa; prevalence; respiratory–epidemiology; risk factors; sanitation workers; systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea and accounts for the majority of sexuallytransmitted infections globally. There are few studies on the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patternsof N. gonorrhoeae in Ethiopia.Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factorsof N. gonorrhoeae.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women attending Debre Markos town health institutions;in Northwest Ethiopia from June 1, 2022 to October 30, 2022. An endocervical swab was collected and culturedon Modified Thayer Martin medium. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the modifiedKirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique for isolates, following Clinical and laboratory standards institute guidelines.Logistic regression was applied to show the relationship between dependent and independent variables. P-value

Introduction: Barber-related infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), continue to be a major cause of illness and death. Numerous beauticians use razors and scissors on multiple customers without adequately sanitizing these tools. There is a lack of published research on the prevention practices and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among barbers in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the practice and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among barbers.
Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 411 barbers selected through simple random sampling. Data collection was performed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. The collected data were first cleaned and entered into EpiData version 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Model fitness was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and multicollinearity was evaluated with the variance inflation factor. A binary logistic regression model was employed for the analysis. To address confounding factors, explanatory variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression were included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Factors with a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant.
Results: Among the 411 participants, 328 (79.8, 95% CI: 75.6-83.6%) exhibited unsafe hepatitis B virus infection prevention practices. Unsafe practices were significantly associated with barbers who could not read or write (AOR 3.75, 95% CI: 1.39-10.12); primary and secondary education (AOR 3.44, 95% CI: 1.89-6.27) compared to those with college education and above; not using ultraviolet sterilizers (AOR 2.85, 95% CI: 1.30-6.27); insufficient knowledge (AOR 4.23, 95% CI: 2.13-8.40); unfavorable attitudes toward infection control (AOR 2.40, 95% CI: 1.34-4.31); and working hours of less than 8 h (AOR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.15-0.50).
Conclusion: Nearly four-fifths of barbers exhibited unsafe practices in preventing hepatitis B virus infection. Low education levels, not utilizing UV sterilizers, lack of knowledge, working fewer hours, and negative attitudes toward infection prevention were all strongly associated with unsafe practices in the prevention of hepatitis B virus among barbers. Consequently, these findings underscore the need for targeted educational programs, improved access to sterilization tools, and policy changes to promote safer practices.

Keywords: Ethiopia; barber; factors; hepatitis B virus; prevention practices.

Background: In any field, professionalism is essential. A profession can fulfill itsresponsibilities when professionals develop their knowledge in various ways, suchas continuing professional development, expanding their skill levels, adhering tothe norms of the profession, and demonstrating high levels of commitment.Developing professionalism in nurses is a key strategy for improving the qualityof nursing care and healthcare. However, no study has shown a comprehensiveoverview of professionalism in nursing in Ethiopia. Thus, this systematic reviewand meta-analysis aim to present a comprehensive assessment of the overalllevel of professionalism in nursing in Ethiopia.Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis standard was followed in the reporting of this systematic review andmeta-analysis. An extensive exploration of digital repositories, including PubMed(MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane, Africa Journal of Online, Google Scholar, and anadvanced Google search, was conducted to obtain published studies detailingprofessionalism in nursing in Ethiopia. STATA version 17 commands created thepooled estimate with a 95% confidence interval. The I2 test and Egger’s test wereused to identify the presence of heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively.To manage heterogeneity, a subgroup analysis and random effect model wereused.Results: A total of 11 articles with a total of 3,581 participants were includedin the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimate ofprofessionalism in nursing in Ethiopia was 54% (95% CI: 44, 66%). In thesubgroup analysis, the highest pooled estimate of professionalism in nursingwas observed in South Ethiopia, which is 64% (95% CI: 43–86%).Conclusion: The level of professionalism in nursing in Ethiopia is suboptimal.Being female, having a higher educational level, having long years of experience,having a low workload, having favorable job satisfaction, being a member ofa nursing organization, having a good working environment, working in non-stressful units, and having a good organizational culture were the major factorsthat had a positive association with professionalism in nursing. Therefore,healthcare professionals, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders shouldfocus on interventions to enhance the organizational culture, job satisfaction,working unit, and working schedule for nurses.KEYWORDSnursing, nurses, Ethiopia, caring behavior, factors, professionalism in nursing

Background: In countries with a high prevalence of TB, such as Ethiopia, direct sputum smear microscopy remains the most cost-effective tool for diagnosing patients with infectious tuberculosis and monitoring their progress on treatment. However, poor-quality sputum microscopy services may lead to the failure to detect persons with active tuberculosis and may cause unnecessary anti-TB treatment for non-TB cases. Proficiency level is the percentage agreement between participants'readings and the reference panel results. The aim of this study was to assess proficiency and associated factors of laboratory professionals in sputum smear microscopy for acid-fast bacilli at selected peripheral public and private diagnostic laboratories in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2023.
Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 2023 to June 2023 at selected peripheral public diagnostic laboratories in East Gojjam Zone. 65 laboratory professionals were selected randomly from 41 peripheral public diagnostic laboratories in the study area. A validated questionnaire and 10 panel slides were used as data collection tools. The panel consisted of 5 pre-stained and 5 unstained slides. Data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS version 20). P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant when looking for associations between dependent and independent variables.
Result: The overall proficiency level of laboratory professionals in tuberculosis smear microscopy was 81.92% with 95% CI [78.46-85.38]. Previous TB smear microscopy training, work experience, and institution of education had a significant association with the overall performance of laboratory professionals in TB smear microscopy.
Conclusion: The overall TB smear microscopy performance level of laboratory professionals at peripheral diagnostic laboratories in Ethiopia, was satisfactory, indicating a good level of competence. However, notable technical errors related to smear reading and reporting were observed. Thus, higher education institutions, especially private institutions, and the Zonal Health Department, should implement educational and training interventions to address the identified gaps and ultimately contribute to the national TB control program.

Keywords: AFB microscopy; AFB panel slide preparation; Proficiency testing; Tuberculosis.

Heavy metals pose a significant threat to public health and economic stability in Ethiopia,contaminating various environmental media, including water, soil, and air. This paper aimed toprovide an overview of the public health and economic burden of heavy metals in Ethiopia.Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic has been linked tonumerous adverse health effects, including neurological disorders, renal failure, cardiovasculardiseases, and cancer. In Ethiopia, populations are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal exposuredue to various factors, such as artisanal mining, industrial activities, agricultural practices, andinadequate waste management systems. The economic burden of heavy metal contaminationmanifests through increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and environmental remedia-tion expenses. Furthermore, the impact extends to sectors such as agriculture and tourism,affecting national development goals and exacerbating poverty levels. Efforts to mitigate thepublic health and economic burdens of heavy metals in Ethiopia require multidisciplinary ap-proaches, including policy interventions, regulatory enforcement, public awareness campaigns,and investment in sustainable development practices. Strengthening monitoring systems,implementing pollution control measures, and promoting research on alternative technologies forwaste management are essential steps toward addressing this pressing issue. In conclusion,addressing the public health and economic challenges posed by heavy metal contamination inEthiopia necessitates concerted efforts from the government, industry, academia, and civil societyto safeguard human health, preserve the environment, and promote sustainable development.
Keywords: Economic burden, Heavy metals, Lead, Public health, Strategies

Now adays people express and share their opinions on various events on the internet thanks to socialmedia. Opinion mining is the process of interpreting user-generated opinion data on social media.Aside from its lack of resources in opinion-mining tasks, Amharic presents numerous difficultiesbecause of its complex structure and variety of dialects. Analyzing every comment written in Amharicis a challenging task. Significant advancements in opinion mining have been achieved using deeplearning. An opinion-mining model was used in this study to classify user comments written in Amharicas positive or negative. The domains that we focus on in this study are YouTube and Facebook. Fromthe Ethiopian broadcasts YouTube and Facebook official pages, we gathered 11,872 unstructured datafor this study using www.exportcomment.com, and Facebook page tools. Text preprocessing andfeature extraction techniques were used, in addition to manual annotation by linguistic specialists.The dataset was prepared for the experiment after annotation, preprocessing, and representation.LSTM, GRU, BiGRU, BiLSTM, and a hybrid of CNN with BiLSTM classifiers from the TensorFlow Kerasdeep learning library were used to train the model using the dataset, which was split using the 80/20train-test method, which proved effective for classification problems. Finally, we achieved of 94.27%,95.20%, 95.49%, 95.62%, and 96.08% using GRU, BiGRU, LSTM, BiLSTM, and CNN with BiLSTM,respectively, in word2vec embedding model.Keywords: Opinion mining, Deep learning, Recurrent neural network, Word2vec, Fast text