BackgroundUtilization of reproductive health services is an important component in preventing adolescents from different sexual and reproductive health problems. As a result, the extent of their service utilization should be determined before implementing any kind of interventions. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the level of reproductive health services utilization and its associated factors among adolescents who live in Debre Berhan town.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional method was employed in this study from April 5–May 1, 2016. A multi-stage systematic sampling technique was applied to select a total of 648 adolescents living in 5 randomly selected kebeles of Debre Berhan town. Moreover, a logistic regression was done to identify independent predictors of reproductive health service utilization.ResultsAccordingly, the major findings of this study reveals that about one-third (33.8%) of adolescents utilized at least one of reproductive health services. Adolescents who had discussed sexual and reproductive health issues with their sexual partner and peers were two times more likely to use reproductive health services than their counter parts (AOR = 2.368, 95% CI: 1.168–4.802 and AOR = 2.360, 95% CI: 1.155–4.820 respectively). Adolescents who weren’t co-resided with both their parents were also about two times more likely to utilize reproductive health service than those who were living together (AOR = 2.570, 95% CI = 1.155–4.820). Positive perception of oneself towards acquisition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus urged the adolescents to use RH services twice than those who didn’t perceive themselves as risky (AOR = 2.231, 95%CI: 1.001–4.975).ConclusionSuccinctly speaking, the analysis of the major finding suggests that the utilization of reproductive health services among adolescents in the study area was low. Discussion with sexual partner and peers, risk perception of oneself towards the acquisition of human immune-deficiency virus was among the predictors of reproductive health services usage.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12978-018-0659-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective Pregnancy is a happy time for women and their families although it can also a period of concern and anxiety, for some women, lose their babies during early or late pregnancy, give birth earlier than the expected date or face low birth weight. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes and associated factors among women who delivered in the North Wollo zone, northeast Ethiopia. Result The prevalence of adverse birth outcomes among women who delivered in North Wollo zone was 31. 8%. Living in rural area (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.13, 2.78), age ≥ 34 years (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.21, 4.05), mid-upper-arm circumference < 23 cm (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.90, 4.94), multigravida women (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.08, 3.06), lack of antenatal care visit (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.02, 4.40) and complications during pregnancy (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.23, 3.55) were significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. The prevalence of adverse birth outcomes was high and is a major public health problem in Ethiopia particularly in the study area. Hence, increasing the access to health institutions, developing strategies to prevent and treat complications, and providing focused antenatal care follow-up for pregnant women is recommended.

BackgroundBreast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, very low-cost, non-invasive early detection method used to detect breast cancer at early stage. It should be done for all women older than 20 years. The aim of this study was to assess BSE practice and associated factors among female undergraduate students in Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Departments were selected from College of Business and Economics by using lottery method. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 407 female students from each department. Data were collected by using structured self-administered and pretested questionnaire. Quantitative method was employed. Binary logistic regression and multiple logistic regressions were done to confirm association between variables.ResultsThe finding of this study revealed that 87 (21.4%) of the study participants have practiced BSE. Of whom, 45 (51.7%) participants perform BSE every month and 9 (10.5%) of the study participants perform BSE at the right time, which is 2–3 days after menstruation. Family history of breast cancer, knowledge, and attitude of BSE were found to be significantly associated with BSE practice.ConclusionThis study revealed that majority of study subjects did not practice BSE. So, It’s recommended that the concerned bodies create awareness around BSE and train students on how to practice BSE.

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Purpose: This paper reports the methodology for undertaking a randomized controlled trial to assess the combined effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and activity pacing on fatigue experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Method: Fifty-eight patients experiencing severe fatigue will be randomized to a CBT group or usual care group. The intervention will be given for 6 sessions by a trained oncology nurse. Primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, the sixth week of intervention and at the third month post intervention. The primary outcome measure is fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory) and secondary outcome measures include depression (Patient Health Questionnaire) and quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire). The protocol is designed using the SPIRIT guidelines which is one of the EQUATOR checklists. Discussion: This is the first RCT that will determine the efficacy of CBT by integrating with activity pacing to reduce fatigue among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The intervention design is novel in addressing multiple precipitating and perpetuating factors of fatigue and integrated with activity pacing in CBT. Conclusion: If the intervention is effective, this therapeutic approach can be incorporated into a routine health care for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Trial registration: The study have been registered in Pan-African Clinical Trial Registry (website) on August 24, 2020. The trial registration number is PACTR202008881026130.