BackgroundHypertension is a growing public health problem in many developing countries including Ethiopia. It is a silent killer and most patients are detected to have it incidentally when they are admitted to hospital for unrelated disease or subjected to pre-employment or preoperative medical checkups. Information on the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors is to be considered vital to focus and improve prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. The study population consisted of adults aged 25–65 years who lived in Jigjiga city of eastern Ethiopia for at least 6 months. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, and blood pressure was measured using standardized instruments by trained clinical nurses. Hypertension was defined as having Systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or Diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or reported use of regular anti-hypertensive medications prescribed by professionals for raised BP. Data were entered into a computer using Epi Info Version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 16.0 for analysis. Multiple logistic regressions were fitted and Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify independently associated factors.ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension was 28.3%. Family history of Hypertension [Adjusted OR 5.7; 95% CI (2.9, 10.9)], having high level of income [Adjusted OR 3.1; 95% CI (1.5, 6.3)], being male [Adjusted OR 2.4; 95% CI (1.3, 4.3)], being above grade 12 [Adjusted OR 2.2; 95% CI (1.2, 3.9)], and having BMI ≥ 25 [Adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI (1.1, 3.5)] were significantly associated with hypertension.ConclusionConsistent with the literatures, the prevalence of hypertension was high and may show a hidden epidemic in this population. If established with more robust and nationally representative studies, the finding calls for efficient health screening and regular checkups as well as interventions promoting healthy lifestyles. Accordingly, health promotion regarding hypertension should be provided in the population as means of primary prevention.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-017-2966-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Lack of exclusive breastfeeding is the most important risk factor for infant and young child morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the factors that influence EBF is important in order to promote appropriate infant feeding practices. The return to work due to short maternity leave time may hinder employed mothers from breastfeeding their infants exclusively for the recommended six months duration. Methods A community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2016 in the Fafan zone, of the Somali Regional State, of Ethiopia. A total of 558 mothers with infants from ages 3–5 months, living in the five districts (Jigjiga city, Kebribeyah town, Aubere town, Bombas town and Babile) were included in the analysis. Logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of maternal employment on EBF practice. Results This study has demonstrated a 24.8 and 82.9% prevalence of EBF practices among employed and unemployed mothers of index infants of 3–5 months respectively in the 24 h preceding the survey. Unemployed mothers were accounted for thusly: [Adjusted OR = 26.5; 95% CI (13.6, 51.6). Other adjustments included monthly income of 500–2000 birr [Adjusted OR = 2.7; 95% CI (1.4, 5.2)]; monthly income of 2001–3500 birr [Adjusted OR = 2.2; 95% CI (1.2, 4.0)]; timely initiation of breastfeeding [Adjusted OR = 2.6; 95% CI (1.4, 4.8)]; maternal education (secondary and higher) [Adjusted OR = 3.8; 95% CI (1.5, 9.5)]; having an index infant aged 3 months [Adjusted OR = 2.2; 95% CI (1.2, 4.1)], and having an index infant aged 4 months [Adjusted OR = 2.2; 95% CI (1.2, 3.8)] were found to be significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Conclusion Exclusive breastfeeding practices were very low among mothers employed in governmental and non-governmental organizations in the study area. Therefore, maternal employment may be hindering Exclusive breastfeeding practices. Thus, establishing breastfeeding-friendly working environment; and Information, Education and Communication programs should be provided, particularly for working mothers to promote exclusive breastfeeding practices.