8 research outputs found
Young Females Perception of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Factor Affecting Utilization of Services in High Schools of Ambo town Oromia Region, Ethiopia
No full textFACTORS AFFECTING EXPOSURE OF HIV/AIDS AMONG SCHOOL YOUTH, METTU TOWN, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA
No full textBack ground: Young people between the age of 15 and 24 years are both the most threatened population, accounting for half of all new cases of HIV and the greatest hope for turning the tide against AIDS
Unveiling the role of DHIS2 in enhancing data quality and accessibility in primary healthcare facilities: Evidence from Ethiopia.
No full textBackgroundThe implementation of DHIS2 in healthcare systems has transformed data management practices worldwide. However, its specific impact on data quality, availability, and performance in Primary Health Unit (PHU) facilities in Ethiopia remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of DHIS2 to enhancing data quality, availability, and performance within PHU facilities in Ethiopia.MethodsWe employed qualitative methods, specifically Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), to gather insights from stakeholders, including healthcare providers and administrators at PHCUs across Ethiopia. Convenience sampling was used for FGDs, while purposive sampling targeted key informants with relevant expertise. Data were systematically analysed thematically, identifying patterns and themes related to DHIS2's impact on data management within PHUs. This approach offered a comprehensive understanding of the system's effectiveness and the factors influencing its implementation, highlighting both successes and challenges in integrating DHIS2 into healthcare practices.FindingsParticipants from various regions reported significant enhancements in the timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and accessibility of health data following the implementation of DHIS2. While some concerns were raised regarding variations in reporting intervals, the consensus indicated marked improvements in data management processes. DHIS2 standardized data collection methods, enabling healthcare providers to input and access data in real-time. This advancement fostered greater accountability and transparency within the healthcare system. Additionally, unexpected benefits arose, including increased digital literacy among staff, equipping them with necessary skills for effective data management, and the creation of job opportunities, particularly for youth. Ultimately, DHIS2 emerged as a pivotal tool for enhancing data quality and promoting health service equity across Ethiopia.ConclusionDHIS2 has significantly improved data quality and accessibility in Ethiopia, enhancing healthcare management and accountability across facilities. Healthcare providers should continue to leverage its robust features and prioritize ongoing staff training to improve digital literacy and data management skills. Establishing consistent reporting practices and regular audits will further maintain data integrity and foster a culture of accountability within the healthcare system
Contributions of District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) to maternal and child health service performance in Ethiopia: An interrupted time series mixed-methods study
No full textBackground
The District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) is the primary digital platform for health management information systems (HMIS) in Ethiopia, aligning with the nation’s digitization strategy. Despite widespread implementation, its effectiveness on key health service indicators, particularly maternal and child health (MCH) services, remain unclear.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of DHIS2 on data use and the performance of selected MCH indicators in Ethiopia, comparing data before and after the implementation of DHIS2.
Methods
We analysed data from primary health care units (PHUs) across five diverse regions of Ethiopia, encompassing urban, agrarian, and pastoralist settings. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the data. The quantitative component involved examining performance reports of selected maternal and child health (MCH) indicators from 2013 to 2022 to assess changes before and after the implementation of the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2). Data were collected electronically and analysed using descriptive statistics and interrupted time series (ITS) analyses to identify trends and patterns. The qualitative component included interviews and focus group discussions with health workers and stakeholders to explore contextual factors influencing MCH service utilization and performance. The data were analysed thematically using OpenCode 4.1 software.
Results
The implementation of DHIS2 significantly contributed to the enhancement of MCH data utilization within PHU facilities. This improvement supported decision-making processes in various aspects of maternal and child healthcare delivery, including target setting, resource allocation, program monitoring, and clinical service provision. Specifically, DHIS2 led to increased monthly mean performance of key indicators such as antenatal care visits, skilled birth attendance, and immunization rates. Notable improvements in service delivery were observed, with significant increases in institutional delivery rates over time.
Conclusions
The study highlights DHIS2’s significant contribution to improving MCH services in Ethiopia, with increased institutional delivery rates and ANC coverage reflecting enhanced data-driven decision-making. Most facilities relied on DHIS2 for resource allocation and program monitoring, though challenges like offline usage and accessibility persist. To maximize impact, improving offline data management, training staff, leveraging real-time reporting, and addressing accessibility through connectivity investments are recommended
"It left me burnt": Traditional treatment and stigma experiences of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kalu district, Ethiopia.
No full textBACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health issue in Ethiopia, often causing lesions on the cheeks, nose, and lips that take months to heal, and leave permanent scars. Data on the lived experiences of people with CL in Ethiopia is needed to support design of interventions that could respond to their needs. METHODS: We interviewed 18 people with active or healed CL to understand their experiences of the disease in Kalu district, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and translated for content analysis which focused on experiences of symptoms, treatment and the consequences of living with CL. RESULTS: Experiences of CL symptoms and treatments used by people with CL in Kalu were associated with physical discomfort and significant emotional distress. CL began with pain, pruritus, bleeding and ulceration. Most people with CL used painful treatments such as plant-based traditional medicines which irritated the skin or heat to cauterize lesions at home or by traditional healers and expressed dissatisfaction at being left "burnt" but not healed. During treatment, individuals reported abstaining from sexual intercourse as this was believed to worsen CL; people also avoided contact with others who'd recently had sex. Individuals with CL experienced psychological distress, reduced self-worth, and self-exclusion from social participation due to anticipated or experienced stigma, fear of spreading the disease and worsening their own disease. CONCLUSIONS: Community engagement strategies to promote early case detection and treatment at health facilities should acknowledge the specific fears, informational needs and challenges that shape existing care-related behaviours of people with CL. Providing information about the safety of common traditional treatments and correct information about contagiousness are key areas that public health programmes could address to reduce some of the disease's impacts. Existing cultural attitudes that emphasize shared vulnerability to CL and underlie non-stigmatizing behaviors could also inform stigma interventions
Understanding experiences of neglected tropical diseases of the skin: a mixed-methods study to inform intervention development in Ethiopia.
No full textBACKGROUND: The WHO and Ethiopia's Ministry of Health have developed strategies to expand and integrate services for co-endemic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) which manifest in the skin. To inform these strategies, we aimed to understand the social, economic and health system context of skin NTD care in Kalu woreda, Amhara region, Ethiopia, where cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and leprosy are endemic. METHODS: Between October 2020 and May 2022, we surveyed and reviewed records of 41 primary healthcare facilities and explored common disease experiences in focus group discussions (n=40) and interviews with people affected by leprosy (n=37) and CL (n=33), health workers (n=23), kebele authorities and opinion leaders (n=33) and traditional healers (n=7). Opportunities for integrated skin NTD service provision were explored through policy document review, interviews with health officials (n=25), and stakeholder meetings. RESULTS: Availability of diagnostic supplies and health worker competence to provide skin care was very limited across primary healthcare facilities, particularly for CL. People with leprosy commonly sought care from healthcare facilities, while people with CL administered self-care or sought help from traditional healers. Travel and costs of care at specialised facilities outside the district inhibited timely care-seeking for both diseases. Transmission discourses shaped different understandings of who was affected by leprosy and CL and expectations of behaviour during and after treatment. Many policy actors felt that existing supply chain interventions, decentralised treatment approaches and community engagement initiatives for leprosy could also benefit CL, but others also warned against increasing care-seeking unless CL treatment could be provided on a scale commensurate with the large burden they perceived. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate significant gaps in the provision of care for skin NTDs within primary healthcare, very different health-seeking patterns for leprosy and CL, and a need to develop new models of care, especially for CL
Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) implementations to control cholera outbreak in Oromia region, Ethiopia
No full textAbstract Background Oromia regional state experiencing cholera outbreaks in a protracted pattern despite various interventions at local and regional levels. This study aimed to examine the implementation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities for cholera outbreak control in the region. Methods We conducted a quantitative and qualitative mixed-method study. The study included 422 respondents for quantitative, 22 key informant interviews (KII), and 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for the qualitative methods. Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities were assessed using standard questionnaires adapted from national cholera guideline later categorized as poor, satisfactory and good. The findings have also been derived qualitatively from three distinct themes or pillars, specifically (coordination and logistics, RCCE, and the Oral Cholera Vaccine). The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata, version 14.0, and ATLAS.ti9 software was used for qualitative data analysis. An ordinal logistic regression model was applied to identify factors associated with the RCCE status, and a thematic content analysis was performed for the qualitative study. Odds Ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to present the findings from the quantitative analysis. Results Only 53% (223) of participants had received health information on cholera of whom 22.8% (96) had material for Social Behaviour Change (SBC) in the local language (Afan Oromo). The overall RCCE implementation status was rated as poor by 73% of the respondents, satisfactory by 23%, and only 4% rated it as good. Level of education and occupation of the house are among the factors affecting the implementation of RCCE. The qualitative findings revealed a lack of regular community dialogues, and community engagements were notably minimal during the early phase of the outbreak. Overall, the RCCE implementation activities were characterized by inconsistency, a lack of comprehensiveness, and uniformity across all levels. Conclusion The RCCE-related intervention activities were found to be minimal, inconsistent and less focused. The RCCE interventions and awareness creation need to begin with the small units of the community structures, including individuals and families and have to happen continuously with the community, and health workers' involvement at all level. Preliminary evaluation of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) materials before their distribution should be made, and adopting diverse communication modalities to control the outbreak
Understanding experiences of neglected tropical diseases of the skin: a mixed-methods study to inform intervention development in Ethiopia
No full textBackground The WHO and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health have developed strategies to expand and integrate services for co-endemic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) which manifest in the skin. To inform these strategies, we aimed to understand the social, economic and health system context of skin NTD care in Kalu woreda, Amhara region, Ethiopia, where cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and leprosy are endemic.Methods Between October 2020 and May 2022, we surveyed and reviewed records of 41 primary healthcare facilities and explored common disease experiences in focus group discussions (n=40) and interviews with people affected by leprosy (n=37) and CL (n=33), health workers (n=23), kebele authorities and opinion leaders (n=33) and traditional healers (n=7). Opportunities for integrated skin NTD service provision were explored through policy document review, interviews with health officials (n=25), and stakeholder meetings.Results Availability of diagnostic supplies and health worker competence to provide skin care was very limited across primary healthcare facilities, particularly for CL. People with leprosy commonly sought care from healthcare facilities, while people with CL administered self-care or sought help from traditional healers. Travel and costs of care at specialised facilities outside the district inhibited timely care-seeking for both diseases. Transmission discourses shaped different understandings of who was affected by leprosy and CL and expectations of behaviour during and after treatment. Many policy actors felt that existing supply chain interventions, decentralised treatment approaches and community engagement initiatives for leprosy could also benefit CL, but others also warned against increasing care-seeking unless CL treatment could be provided on a scale commensurate with the large burden they perceived.Conclusion Our findings demonstrate significant gaps in the provision of care for skin NTDs within primary healthcare, very different health-seeking patterns for leprosy and CL, and a need to develop new models of care, especially for CL
