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Abadit Hadush ¹, Mekuria Kassa ¹, Kalayou Kidanu ¹, Weyzer Tilahun ¹

Affiliations
1 Mekelle University, College of Health Science, School of Nursing, Mekelle, ET

Abstract

The most recent estimates suggest that 130 million babies born every year, 4 million die in neonatal period. Neonatal mortality now accounts for approximately two-thirds of the 8 million deaths in infants less than 1 year of age and nearly four tenths of all deaths in children less than 5 year of age. Worldwide 98% of all neonatal death occurs in developing countries .Mostly at home, and attributable to infection birth asphyxias, injuries and consequences of prematurely, low birth weight and congenital anomalies. To assess the knowledge and practice of neonatal care among post natal mothers attending in governmental hospitals found in Mekelle town, Tigray, Ethiopia 2013. Study was conducted on knowledge and practice of neonatal care among post natal mothers and the study design of the research project is facility based cross-sectional study design was used. The data period from May—June 2013 .The data was collected from 290 post natal mothers by trained interviewers using structure questionnaire .The data was analyzed using Microsoft excel 2007. Out of the total 290 respondents 153 (53%) were in the age group of 25-29 years and the remaining 45 (16%) were 30-34 year and 18 (6%) were between 35-39 years. The mean age were 27.04(± 5.9). Out of the total study participants 220(75.86%) of the respondents were knew that vaccine given to prevent from infection, 53(18.28) of them responded that to improve the health of the baby. Of the total respondents 247(85.17%) responded that nothing should be put on the umbilical cord to dry, 43 (14.83%) of the respondents put something to the umbilical cord stump such as animal dung and butter .Of the total study participants 112(38.6%) of the mothers said that first bath should be started after twenty-four hour, but more than half of the respondents 178(61.4%) were not. Out of total study participants the total 107(36.9%) were practiced traditional malpractice, like uvulectomy 58(20%). majority of mothers have had good knowledge, toward benefits of vaccination, initiation of Brest milk, umbilical care and new born danger sing. Health education played significant role to increase their knowledge. This study revealed that malpractice was still concern in the study area and significant number of study participants conducted malpractice and lack of awareness was main reason for traditional malpractice.

Keywords

Knowledge, Practice, Neonatal Care and Antenatal Care.

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Tirhas Gebremedhin ¹, Mekuria Kassa ¹, Kebede Abrha ¹, Tewodros Haile ¹

Affiliations
1 Aksum University, College of Health Sciences, Department of public Health, ET

Abstract

Although the epidemic is currently declining, HIV/AIDS remains a major developmental obstacle worldwide. Behavioral changes interventions particularly on the adolescent and young population is needed to prevent the disease. The aim of this study was to assess students' risk perception of HIV/AIDS and preventive practices in Aksum University. Cross sectional, institutional based survey was conducted between June to October 2013 using mixed method. The quantitative study was conducted on 845 students using multistage sampling. The data were collected using self administered questionnaire and SPSS was used for analysis. The qualitative part included two focus group discussions which were analyzed using thematic areas. Two hundred thirty three (33%) of respondents were sexually active, of which 167 (64%) sexual debut was 15 to 19 years of age (mean age 17.2). Among all respondents 99 (41%) had Multiple sexual partners, 49 (21%) male respondents practiced sex with Commercial sex workers and 48 percent used condom consistently. Among 796 participants, only 150 (19%) had positive perception (fear to acquiring HIV infection) and 692(87%) mentioned at least one of HIV preventive practices of which, (48%) abstinence, (23%) faithfulness and always condom use (15%). Moreover, Sixty seven percent were tested and eighty percent had willingness to voluntary counseling and testing. From Multivariate analysis, Chat chewing, ever had sex, and Misconception variables such as AIDS is curable (OR 1.9, AOR 2.3(1.2-4.5) and Premarital sex is indicated for a boy (OR, 2.9 AOR 2.3(1.4-3.7) showed strong association to risk perception of HIV/AIDS. The qualitative data was also in line with these findings. Risk perception for HIV/AIDS was low. Moreover, risky sexual behaviors and misconceptions on HIV/AIDS were observed.

Keywords

Aksum University, HIV, Risk Perception, Risky Sexual Behavior, Practice.

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