Background: Dietary diversity is a proxy indicator of nutrient adequacy. However, little is documented on dietary diversity among pregnant women in Ethiopia in general and specifically in the study area. This study assessed dietary diversity and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities in Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bale Zone from January to March 2017. The sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula. Data were collected by pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaires from a total of 413 pregnant women who were identified through systematic random sampling. The sample was drawn proportionally from selected public health facilities based on the client load. Dietary diversity was computed from information about the nine food groups obtained using a 24-hour dietary recall method. Statistical analysis was done using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression with the P-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women was 26.93 with standard deviation ±6.12 years. About 55.2% of the pregnant women had inadequate dietary diversity. Getting information from a health professional [AOR =5.26, 95% CI (1.60, 17.36)], being an urban dweller [AOR =8.95, 95% CI (4.42, 18.16)], having a protected water source [AOR =11.16, 95% CI (4.74, 26.27)], having a latrine [AOR =8.21, 95% CI (4.01, 16.80)], having a home garden [AOR =4.26, 95% CI (2.08, 8.70)], having a bank account [AOR =12.25, 95% CI (6.01, 24.97)] and having use of a mobile phone [AOR =3.82, 95% CI (1.92, 7.62)] were significantly associated with dietary diversity. Conclusion: In this community, the prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity is high.Variables which indicate a better living condition such as having a protected source of water, having a latrine, having a home garden, being an urban dweller, having a bank account and having use of a mobile phone were independent predictors of dietary diversity. Therefore, attention should be paid to improve to better living conditions of pregnant women by addressing determinate variables through community awareness.

BackgroundIodine deficiency remains a public health problem in the world. It is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage worldwide. Though 12 million school age children are at risk of developing iodine deficiency, there is a scarcity of literature showing the magnitude of iodine deficiency in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of iodine deficiency among school children in Robe District, southeast Ethiopia.MethodsA school based cross–sectional study was conducted from February to June, 2015. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select 422 children. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with iodine deficiency. In the multivariate analysis, variables with a P-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 393 school children participated in the study. The median urinary iodine level was 78 μg/l. About 57 and 43.5 % of the children were found with low urinary iodine level and goiter, respectively. Only 29 % of the households utilized adequately iodized salt. The result of the multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of iodine deficiency were higher among female [AOR = 2.23; 95 % CI: 1.54, 3.55] and older (10–12 years) [AOR = 2.21; 95 % CI: 1.44, 3.42] children.ConclusionIn this community, the prevalence of goiter and low urine iodine level is high. Thus, iodine deficiency exists as severe public health problem. In addition, there is a low utilization of iodized salt in the setting. Therefore, it is crucial to intensify efforts in the implementation of iodized salt. Moreover, attention should be given to school children to address ID.

Objective Adverse birth outcomes, which include stillbirth, preterm birth, low birthweight, congenital abnormalities, and stillbirth, are the leading cause of neonatal and infant mortality worldwide. We assessed adverse birth outcomes and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in Bale zone hospitals, Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods We used systematic random sampling in this cross-sectional study. We identified factors associated with adverse birth outcomes using bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results The proportion of adverse birth outcomes among participants was 21%. Of 576 births, 70 (12.2%) were low birthweight, 49 (8.5%) were preterm birth, 45 (7.8%) were stillbirth, and 18 (3.1%) infants had congenital anomalies. Inadequate antenatal care (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.25–13.32), multiple pregnancy (AOR  =  4.74, 95% CI 1.55–14.45), premature rupture of membranes in the current pregnancy (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.26–4.21), hemoglobin level  < 11 g/dL (AOR = 3.22, 95% CI 1.85–5.58), and mid-upper arm circumference less than 23 cm (AOR = 5.93, 95% CI 3.49–10.08) were all significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. Conclusions Approximately one in five study participants had adverse birth outcomes. Increasing antenatal care uptake, ferrous supplementation during pregnancy, and improving the quality of maternal health services are recommended.

Background: Iodine is a micronutrient required by the body in small amounts to prevent iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), which is a global public health concern. There were no specific data at household level of adequately iodised salt in the study area. Thus this study aimed to assess availability of adequately iodised salt and its associated factors at household level in Bale-Robe, South East Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Robe town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia in April 2015. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires from a total of 367 households, which were identified through systematic random sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated using rapid testing kits at the household level. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the prevalence, and association between dependent and independent variables was computed by using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: Of 374 samples, 370 respondents were interviewed yielding a response rate of 99%. One-third (32.7%) of the household levels used adequately iodised salt. Respondents' educational status, exposure to information on how to handle iodised salt and type of salt used by the respondents were independent factors for availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level. Salt that had been stored in a dry place was twice as likely to have an adequate iodine content compared with salt stored in a high-moisture area or near a fire (AOR = 2.13, CI = 1.19-3.72). Conclusion: Availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level was very low. Factors that were associated with household levels' access to adequately iodised salt included educational level, age of the respondents and place where salt is stored, and had an effect on whether households iodise salt adequately. Strategies to educate residents regarding the appropriate storage conditions to minimise iodine losses in iodised salt are required in Bale-Robe district of South East Ethiopia.

Background The women-friendly care approach focuses on women’s rights to have access to quality care for themselves as individuals, as mothers, and for their infants. However, access to quality health services is not guaranteed for many women, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Hence, this study aimed to assess the level of women-friendly care provision and associated factors among mothers in the immediate post-partum period at public hospitals of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia 2021. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was employed among mothers in the immediate post-partum period in public hospitals of Bale Zone from March 1–30, 2021. A total of 363 mothers were recruited by systematic random sampling technique in this study. Data was collected through pre-tested structured questionnaires. A 21-verified questionnaire was used to measure the outcome variable. The data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6.2.0 and exported to the statistical package of social science version 26.0 for analysis. A variable with a P value of less than 0.25 in the bi-variable binary logistic regression model was transferred to a multivariable binary logistics regression model. Hosmer and Lemeshow’s goodness of fit model was checked. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the strength of association between the outcome variable and independent variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significantly associated. Results The level of women-friendly care provision among mothers in immediate post-partum at public hospitals of Bale Zone was found to be 61% [95% confidence interval (55.73–66.04)]. Being prim para mother [Adjusted odds ratio = 1.88(1.07–3.33)], having planned pregnancy [Adjusted odds ratio = 1.94(1.04–3.63)] and staying at a health facility after delivery [Adjusted odds ratio = 4.8(1.71–13.39)] were found to be statistically significant predictors of level of women-friendly care provision. Conclusion The women-friendly care provision among mothers in the immediate post-partum period in this study area was found to be low against most of the pre-existing findings. Strong counseling on planned pregnancy and staying at a health facility after delivery is recommended.