Browsing by Author "Melkamu, Yilma(PhD)"

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    Assessmenet of VCT Utilization among Attendees of Familly Planning, ANC, and Delivery Care Services, Butajira, SNNPR, Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba Universty, 2006-08) misganawe, Aweke; Melkamu, Yilma(PhD)
    To date all efforts that are aimed at developing a drug that completely clears HIV infection and a vaccine that prevents it have ended up in no conclusive outcomes. The disease is overwhelmingly spreading and it is resulting in huge tolls of morbidity and mortality of human kind all over the world. The only option to avert the spread of the infection is changing behavior through proper behavior change communication. In this study, Knowledge, Attitude and practices related to HIV test and counseling and its link with FP, ANC, and Delivery care services were assessed on those mothers coming to health facilities for the later services. A cross - sectional study was carried out from Jan10-Feb 15, 2006 among attendees of FP, ANC, and Delivery care Services at Butajira Hospital and Butajira Health center. A total of 405 women participants involved using quota sampling technique. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies used. Questions addressed socio-demographic characteristics, VCT related knowledge, attitude and practices, and the linkage between VCT and FP, ANC, and Delivery care services. Data collected using an interviewer administered Amharic version structured questioner, nonparticipant observation checklist for the process of service delivery, and indepth interview with service providers. Trained interview teams administered the questioner. Finally the data were analyzed for the target group as appropriate. Overall, 52.8% of the study subjects have sufficient knowledge score and 81.2% have favorable attitude and 44% have good VCT practice. There was a significant difference between ANC and FP attendees, respectively, level of knowledge 53% & 50%, favorable attitude 86%& 77%, and good VCT practice 86% and 29% (p<0.05). Generally, VCT service linkage with FP, ANC and Delivery care services was weak. Specifically the linkage vii with FP was very weak. FP services were not available in VCT settings. Similarly, on both sides almost no referral. Respondents from ANC and delivery were better informed and referred for PMTCT. The study revealed that participants have high level of knowledge and also favorable attitude but low VCT practice. To increase utilization of services need to strengthen the PMTCT programs, VCT providers should refer their clients to MCH (FP&ANC) and vice versa to minimize missed opportunities and service delivery guideline to integrate especially FP with VCT is required.
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    Assessment of knowledge attitude and practice with regard to AIDS hotline service among preparatory school students in Addis Ababa.
    (Addis Abeba Universty, 2007-07) Mamo, Emebet; Melkamu, Yilma(PhD)
    Young peoples specific needs of sexual and reproductive information and service remained poorly understood or served in most of the countries of the world. These days; however, since young people SRH problems are becoming serious public health issues in many countries the needs of specific youth friendly SRH services for young people have gained attention. A cross sectional descriptive survey through a self administered anonymous and structured questionnaire was conducted from March 2007- April 2007 in randomly selected preparatory schools found in Addis Ababa. Students who are in grade 11 and 12 were included to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice with regard to AIDS hotline counseling service. In this study 805 participants filled out a structured and pre tested questionnaire. Focus group discussion also conducted with two groups (male and female) students selected from Anti AIDS club members both in governmental and non governmental schools prior to the quantitative data collection in order to know any information which may be essential for the preparation of the questionnaire as well to supplement the findings of quantitative result. Among the respondents 424 (52.8%) were male and the mean age (+SD) of respondents was 16.98 (+1.2) years. Six hundred ninety seven (86.7%) of the participants reported that they knew about the existence of AIDS hotline counseling services and 211 (30.2 %) used the service of whom 118 (56.0%) were males and 93 (44.0%) were females and the major reason for calling was facts such as ways of HIV/AIDS transmission and related facts.
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    Assessment of Reproductive Health Behavior and Needs of Street Youth in Dessie Town, Amhara Region
    (Addis Abeba Universty, 2007-07) Yimam, Ejigayehu; Melkamu, Yilma(PhD)
    Background: Street youth are exposed to situations that make them vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health problems. The majority of street children are living in conditions of severe deprivation, which place them at all kinds of health risks. Street youth have risky sexual behaviors that increase the likelihood of adverse sexual and reproductive health consequences. Objectives and methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 343 street youth with focus group discussions to assess reproductive health behavior and needs of street youth in Dessie Town. The total number of street youth in the town was determined to be 1900 after conducting census for two days. The study subjects were identified by using systematic sampling from the sampling frame. Data was collected using structured questionnaire, entered and analyzed using EPI info and SPSS statistical program respectively. Results: Majority, 67.9%, of the respondents had started sexual intercourse with the mean age of 15.2 years. Ever having sex was associated with being male, income of 5-10 birr and greater than 10 birr per day, more than one year on the street, former residence being rural areas, alcohol drinking and khat chewing. 80.6% of the respondents have more than one sexual partners and the mean lifetime number of sexual partners was 4.85. Among sexually active street youth, 63.9 % had ever used modern contraceptives and it was associated with type of street life, sex, marital status, secondary education and alcohol drinking. Consistent use of condoms was found to be low, 22.8%. Living with peers and alone, former residence being rural areas, more than one year on the street and number of sexual partners above one were found to be associated with consistent use of condoms. It is important to mention that the level of awareness about contraception, HIV/AIDS and other STIs was considerably high; nevertheless, most of them are found to be involved in risky sexual behaviors and the great majority of them considered themselves at low risk for HIV. Conclusion: It was concluded that despite the majority of street youth had adequate knowledge of selected reproductive health issues, most street youth engage in high risk sexual practices. This fact calls for a coordinated and comprehensive effort by responsible organizations to mobilize peer based interventions to bring behavioral change in reducing risky sexual practices.
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    Why Pregnant Women Delay to Attend Prenatal Care? Cross Sectional Study on Timing of First Antenatal Care Booking at Public Health Institutions in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Abeba Universty, 2008-06) Tariku, Alemayehu; Melkamu, Yilma(PhD)
    Background: The purpose of antenatal care is to improve pregnancy outcome for both the mother and the fetus. Antenatal care is more beneficial in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes when it is sought early in the pregnancy and continued through to delivery. However, existing evidence from developing countries including Ethiopia indicate that few women seek ANC at early stage of their pregnancy. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess timing of fist antenatal care booking and factors that influence the timing. Method: A cross sectional study design was used to collect data from 630 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care service at 10 government health centers in Addis Ababa from March 1 to 30, 2008. Result: The proportion of respondents who made their first antenatal care within the recommended time [before or at 12 weeks of gestation] was found to be 40.2%. The timing of antenatal care booking ranges from 1st month to 9th months of gestation. The mean timing was 4 months [SD 1.8]. Multivariate analysis revealed that respondents with parity zero, who said their pregnancy was planned and who received advice on advantage of early booking were more likely to book timely compared to others [OR= 1.860, 95% CI: 1.005, 3.441], [OR=1.918, 95% CI:1.105,3.328] and [OR=10.236, 95%CI: 4.580, 22.875] respectively. Past service utilization did not seen as predictors for timely booking. Conclusions: Majority of pregnant mothers do not practice early booking of antenatal care provided that the service is accessible. In order to improve the situation, implementation of focused antenatal care, clear guidelines for the service, and the need for training service providers are important.