Maternity and Reproductive Health Nursing
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Item Diabetes Health Literacy, Self-Care Behaviors and Associated Factors among Adult Diabetes Patient Attending Follow-Up Care at Public Hospitals in the East Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia,2025.(2025-06-04) Abebe Basha; Fekadu Aga; Sosina WorkinehBackground: Diabetes health literacy and self-care behavior play an important role in avoiding and controlling complications of diabetes mellitus and are positively associated with good glycemic control and quality of life improvement. However, we lack evidence describing their magnitude in the East Arsi zone of the Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of diabetes health literacy, self-care behavior, and associated factors among adult diabetes patients attending follow-up care at selected public hospitals in East Arsi zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2025. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was employed in five public hospitals found in East Arsi zone, which was selected by simple random sampling, with a sample size of 468 adult diabetes patients. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using binary logistic regression to assess associations between dependent and independent variables. Result: More than half, 270 (57.7%) of the study participants had low diabetes health literacy level (DHL), and 260(55.6%) had poor self-care behavior. Being male (AOR=0.602, 95%CI:0.401-0.905), low level of education (AOR=0.519, 95%CI: 0.283-0.949), living in rural areas (AOR=1.619, 95%CI: 1.055-2.485), had not attended diabetes education (AOR=1.588, 95%CI:1.004-2.513) and receiving diabetes information only from one source (AOR=0.629, 95%CI: 0.414-0.955), were significantly associated with low DHL. Again, younger (AOR=3.397,95%CI:1.407-11.224), lives in rural (AOR=0.489, 95%CI:0.316-0.755), never having been exposed to DM education (AOR=1.796, 95% CI: 1.111-2.901) and a monthly income of <1000 (AOR=0.234, 95% CI: 0.092-0.591) and 2001-3000 (AOR=0.531, 95% CI: 0.142-0.869) were significantly associated with poor diabetes self-care behavior. Conclusion: Large number of the study participant had low diabetes health literacy level and poor self-care behavior; improving and monitoring awareness of diabetes patient will improve further.Item To Assess the Level and Factors Influencing Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Military Women and Their Families at Armed Forces Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Andualem Chifiraw; Haweni Adugna; Kerebh AbereBackground: The birth preparedness and complication readiness are a critical plan to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity in promoting timely access to skilled care during childbirth. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the level of Birth preparedness and complication readiness and identify the factors influencing it among pregnant military women at the Armed Forces Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, 2025. Methodology: An institutional cross-sectional study took place from March 10 to April 23, 2025, involving a total of 404 female participants. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire that administered structured survey questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 to determine the associations among dependent and inducement variables. The strength and direction of the association were evaluated using odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), and statistical implication was determined accordingly at a P value of 0.05. Result: In this study, 41.6% of respondents were well-prepared for birth and its complications. The factors influencing BP/CR included military women, who had a high (AOR = 15.03; 95% 95% CI: 4.32- 51.66) for being prepared and government (AOR =.35; 95% CI: 1.55- 12.19), indicating that occupational stability contributes positively to preparedness. Women with a history of abortion (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.12–3.26) were more likely to be prepared. Choosing spontaneous delivery was associated with higher preparedness (AOR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.47- 6.29). Furthermore, gaining information regarding BPCR improved readiness (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.27-0.75). While living with a partner was less likely preparedness (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI:0.26- 0.83), there was a significant connection with birth preparedness and complication readiness. Conclusion: The result of this study indicates that a low level of birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR), emphasizing the necessity for enhanced awareness and training among healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. The level of readiness is influenced by factors such as military profession and maternal recognition of obstetric complications.Item Knowledge and Practice of Instrument Processing and Its Associated Factors for Nurses Working at Addis Ababa University, Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2021(Addis Ababa University, 2021-02-01) Rigbe Seged; Niguse Tedale; Debela GelaIntroduction: There are a number of requirements and necessary steps involved in instrument processing, including preparation, cleaning and packaging of instruments for sterilization. The nurses require a high level of knowledge in instrument processing and skills to practice it in operation room to prevent hospital acquired infection. This will enable quality care which increase likelihood of infection prevention and promote optimal quality care. Objective: To determine knowledge and practice of instrument processing and associated factors among operation room nurses at Addis Ababa University, Black Lion Hospital, 2020 Methodology: Institution based Cross sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of instrument processing and associated factors among operation room nurses at Black Lion Hospital, 2021. Systematic random sampling was done to select study subjects. The Practice of sterile technique was assessed by using the observation checklist among Operating room nurses. Structured questionnaire was also used for collection knowledge and associated data. Instruments was pre tested, cheeked, cleaned and entered in to Epi-data version 3.1 and imported to SPSS version 25.0 software for analysis. Associations between independent variables and dependent variables were analyzed by using binary logistic regression model with bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis technique. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The overall knowledge and practice of participants on instrument processing was 37(31.10%) and 41(34.5%) respectively,. Service year [(AOR=0.002) (95%CI) 0.10(0.02, 0.43)], Higher level of education [(AOR=0.02) (95%CI) 0.09(0.01, 0.12)], positive attitude [AOR=0.01 (95%CI) 7.33(3.01, 12.99)], training [(AOR=0.012) (95%CI) 0.30(.12, 0.76)], Refreshment and promotion [(AOR=0.001)(95%CI)1.33(1.01, 2.92)] and Availability of disinfectant [(AOR=0.012) (95%CI)3.42(1.32, 8.88)] are significantly associated with knowledge and practice of instrument processing. Conclusion: Only about one third of participants have good knowledge and good practice on instrument processing. The finding alerts stake holders to do something in changing the condition.Item Knowledge and Practice of First aid For Pediatrics Burn Injury and Its Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children Under 18 Years Old in Ambo Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2025.(Addis Ababa Univerity, 2025) Eftu Hawera; Yosef TsigeBackground: Burns are skin injuries from heat, chemicals, or electricity, posing serious risks to children aged 1–5. They vary in severity and can cause shock, infection, and trauma. Quick first aid like using cold water helps, but many caregivers lack proper knowledge due to cultural and training gaps. Prevention and timely care are essential. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ambo town from January to February 2025. The study involved 374 participants selected through systematic random sampling from various kebeles. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which then cleaned, coded, and entered into EPI data version 4.7 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis. Results were presented using frequency tables, charts, and graphs. Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between independent versus dependent variables, with significance determined by an Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR), 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and p-values < 0.05. Result: A total of 374 participants responded to this study with response rate of 100%. The mean age of study participants was 31.05 with a standard deviation of 9.845. This study determined that about 180 caregivers (48.1%) had a good level of knowledge and 197 caregivers (52.7%) showed good practices towards paediatrics burn first aid. The results showed that factors such as place of residence [AOR=3.582; 95%CI:(1.241,10.341), P=0.018], educational background [AOR=5.043; 95%CI:(1.496,16.998; P=0.009], the caregiver’s relationship to the child AOR=6.159; 95%CI:(1.667,22.757); P=0.006]. and prior exposure to burn first aid information AOR=2.010; 95%CI:(1.148,3.517); P=0.014] were significantly associated with high level of knowledge. Additionally, having personal experience with burn injuries was significantly associated with better practices in administering paediatric burn first aid [ AOR=2.206; 95%CI:(1.367,3.561); P=0.001]. Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed a clear gap in caregivers’ knowledge and practice regarding paediatric burn first aid, highlighting the need for action across all levels of the health system. Strengthening community awareness, integrating burn first aid into health programs, and providing targeted training particularly are crucial. National strategies should also incorporate burn first aid into health promotion efforts, school curricula, and maternal and child health services.Item Assessment of Knowledge and Practice Towards Disaster Preparedness and Its Associated Factors Among Frontline Health Care Providers Working in the Emergency Department of Selected Government Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Hana Getahun; Andualem Wubetie Asmamaw AbebeBackground: Health professional’s disaster preparedness is a key factor to minimize the effects of disaster and to save resources as well as human lives. Therefore, the level of knowledge and practice of health professionals should be determined frequently in order to equip professionals with the basics of disaster preparedness. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge and practice towards disaster preparedness and its associated factors among frontline health care providers working in the Emergency Department of selected government hospitals of Addis Ababa, 2025. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of frontline health care providers towards disaster preparedness at randomly selected public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from April 1to 30, 2025.Data were collected by pretested self-administered questionnaire using kobo tool box, and statistical package for social sciences version 27 software was utilized to analyze the collected data. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, binary logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to identify factors associated with knowledge and practice of frontline health care providers towards disaster preparedness. Furthermore, P value <0.05 was taken statistically significant for the statistical outputs. Result: A total of 170 health professionals were included in this study. Seventy-nine (46.5%) of them were males and 65 (38.2%) of them were under the age group of 25-29 with the mean age of 31+4 SD. Eighty-six (50.6%) of them had good knowledge and 51 (30%) of them have good practice. Drills, working hospitals and level of education were the variables that showed significant association with the good knowledge of participants while having disaster preparedness plan, being a member of disaster committee and educational level were the variables that showed significant association with good practice at p value<0.05. Conclusion: The study showed that over half of participants had good knowledge of disaster preparedness while only one third of them had good practice, showing a significant gap between knowledge and practice levels, also varying levels of knowledge and practice among professions.Item Prevalence of Depression and its Associated Factor Among Women Undergoing Abortion in Addis Ababa Selected Public Health Facilities,(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-10) Feruza Shamil; Leul Deribe; Addishiwot Fantahun; Semaria BerheBackground: Abortion is defined as the loss of an intrauterine pregnancy before fetal viability. Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health issues among women who experience an abortion. Regardless of whether they are from high-income or low-income countries, post-abortion depression poses a significant public health concern, as it adversely affects women's mental well-being and overall health. Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among women undergoing abortion in Addis Ababa selected public health facility of, Ethiopia, 2025 Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March 01 to April 15, 2025. A total of 422 women seeking abortion services were selected through consecutive sampling. Stratified random sampling was employed to select health facilities, followed by simple random sampling within each facility, with proportional allocation based on facility size. Data were collected via telephone interviews using Kobo-Toolbox, and depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The EPDS was pre-tested at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital on 21 women or 5% of the sample. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors associated with depression. Result: Of the 422 women approached, 409 (96.9%) completed the interview successfully. The positive depression screening (EPDS score ≥ 13) was 39.9%, with 163 participants scoring 13 or higher. Multivariate analysis identified significant factors associated with depression, including educational level, relationship duration, type of abortion procedure, recurrent pregnancy loss, intimate partner violence, pregnancy intention, and levels of social support. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study result revealed two in five women were found to likely have depression. These findings highlight the need to screen women after abortion for depression and integrate mental health services into post-abortion care.Item The Assessment of Postnatal Weight Gain Pattern and its Predictor Among Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Selected Public Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025.(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Simeneh Tsegaye; .Fekadu Aga; Teshome HabteIntroduction: very low birth weight preterm neonates are birth weight less or equal to 1500gram at birth and delivered before 37 week of gestation. It is strong predictors of new born death during the neonatal period, which is the 1st 28 days after delivery. Despite advancements in neonatal care, addressing the poor growth of very low birth weight preterm neonates remains challenging and needs to be unraveled. Objective: To assess the pattern of post natal weight gain and identify its predictor among very low birth weight preterm neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care units of selected public hospital in Addis Ababa, 2025. Methods: An institutional based retrospective study was conducted among 422 very low birth weight preterm neonates from Jan 1,2022 to Dec 30, 2024. The sample size was calculated by using single proportion formula with prevalence of 50%. Proportional allocation was done. Data were collected, coded and entered using kobo toolbox then export to Statistical package of social science Version.27 for analysis. Variable with p-value<0.25 used for bivariate analysis and entered in a multivariate logistic regression analysis and p < 0.05 were declared statistically significant. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p-values was used. Results: a total of 413 sample was analyzed and 78.2% exhibited adequate postnatal weight gain and the average weight gain was 19.6g/kg/d. Very low birth neonates delivered via SVD[AOR=2.56(1.402-4.69], age at regain birth weight within 14 days[AOR=4.906(1.28-18.75)],frequency of feeding every two hour [AOR=3.3(1.79-6.097], neonates in kangaroo mother care[AOR=4.42(2.38-8.205)], and neonates who use oxygen less than 9 days[AOR=2.75( 1.299-5.843)], had statistical significant association with adequate postnatal weight gain pattern. Conclusion and recommendations: from this result postnatal weight gain in very low birth weight neonates exceeded the recommended weight gain outlined in the Ethiopian neonatal intensive care unit viii guidelines. Based on these we recommend that implementing enhanced care protocols for very low birth weight preterm neonates, prioritizing early detection and management of comorbidities and encouragingItem Challenges of Providing Antenatal Care Service at Selected Referral Hospitals in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, Health Provider’s and Women’s Perspective’s: A Qualitative Study(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Hayat Ali; Semarya Berhe; Haweni AdugnaBackground: ANC is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being of pregnant women and their babies, delivered by skilled healthcare professionals. However, like several other sub-Saharan African countries, Ethiopia faces a high maternal mortality ratio (MMR). To reduce these deaths, it is imperative to enhance the utilization of ANC. Objectives: The objective of this research is to investigate the challenges faced by healthcare providers in delivering ANC services and the challenges experienced by women in selected referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2022. Methods: To achieve the research objectives, a descriptive explorative study design was employed. The study participants were selected using purposive sampling, with a total of 18 individuals included in the sample, determined based on data saturation. Face-to-face interviews were conducted utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire. Thematic analysis was performed, aided by the use of ATLAS.ti 9 qualitative software for data analysis and management. Results: Various factors impact the provision of antenatal care services. These include challenges related to the health care providers include limited infrastructure (lack of work space, unavailability of medical equipment), excessive workloads and shortage of health care provider, and loss of job satisfaction ( lack of training, inadequate salaries ), and challenges experienced by women (equipment supply, medication availability, long waiting times, communication difficulties). Conclusion and recommendation: several factors influence the provision of antenatal care services, such as challenges related to healthcare providers, and challenges experienced by women. Hospital management should prioritize strong relationships, effective communication, and adequate resources for healthcare needs. Healthcare providers should focus on positive relationships and open communication with pregnant women. Further studies are needed to investigate this topic.Item Prevalence And Associated Factors of Visual Impairment Among Individuals Aged 40 Years and Above in The Selected Military Hospitals in Addis Ababa, 2025(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Meles Gizachew; Zeleke Argaw; Aklil HailuBackground: Visual impairment among older age groups is a significant public health concern. Studies indicate that approximately 10-20% of individuals aged 40 years and older experience some form of visual impairment globally. Visual impairment is influenced by age related conditions, lifestyle factors, diabetes, hypertension, education, and occupational exposure to visual stressors, with older adults at higher risk due to natural aging and lifestyle changes. Objectives: to assess prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among individuals aged 40 years and above in the selected military hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals from January 20 to February 20, 2025, involving 213 participants. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and vision assessment tools. Descriptive analysis summarized demographic characteristics, while chi-square tests assessed associations between variables and visual impairment. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study involved 213 participants, 100% response rate, aged 40-92 years, with a mean age of 56 and a median of 53.6%. 63% were men, and 46.5% were retired. Most lived in urban areas, with 193 (90.6%) in urban areas. The study found that 33.8% of participants had cataracts, with hypertension(29.1%) and diabetes(25.8%) being other chronic conditions. 48.4% had normal vision, and 46.9% had their eyes examined in the current year. The overall prevalence of visual impairment among participants aged 40 and above was found to be 51.6%, age, cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors (RE), diabetes mellitus (DM), difficulties in watching television, and cigarette smoking were significantly associated with the occurrence of VI. Conclusion:. The study identified several significant factors associated with visual impairment, including age, cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors (RE), diabetes mellitus (DM), difficulties in watching television, and cigarette smoking. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted interventions and comprehensive eye care strategies for this demographic.Item Assessment of Knowledge and Practice Towards Disaster Preparedness and Its Associated Factors Among Frontline Health Care Providers Working in The Emergency Department of Selected Government Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Hana Getahun; Andualem Wubetie; Asmamaw AbebeBackground: Health professional’s disaster preparedness is a key factor to minimize the effects of disaster and to save resources as well as human lives. Therefore the level of knowledge and practice of health professionals should be determined frequently in order to equip professionals with the basics of disaster preparedness. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge and practice towards disaster preparedness and its associated factors among frontline health care providers working in the Emergency Department of selected government hospitals of Addis Ababa, 2025. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of frontline health care providers towards disaster preparedness at randomly selected public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from April 1to 30, 2025.Data were collected by pretested self-administered questionnaire using kobo tool box, and statistical package for social sciences version 27 software was utilized to analyze the collected data. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, binary logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to identify factors associated with knowledge and practice of frontline health care providers towards disaster preparedness. Furthermore, P value <0.05 was taken statistical significant for the statistical outputs. Result: A total of 170 health professionals were included in this study. Seventy nine (46.5%) of them were males and 65 (38.2%) of them were under the age group of 25-29 with the mean age of 31+4 SD.Eighty six (50.6%) of them had good knowledge and 51 (30%) of them have good practice. Drills, working hospitals and level of education were the variables that showed significant association with the good knowledge of participants while having disaster preparedness plan, being a member of disaster committee and educational level were the variables that showed significant association with good practice at p value<0.05. Conclusion: The study showed that over half of participants had good knowledge of disaster preparedness while only one third of them had good practice, showing a significant gap between knowledge and practice levels, also varying levels of knowledge and practice among professions.Item Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Assisted Reproductive Technology Among Women Attending Infertility Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-12) Eman Nassir; Jembere Tesfaye; Mesfin AbebeBackground: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are effective fertility treatments involving eggs or embryos outside of a body. Despite their growing use and success, many women still lack adequate understanding of the treatment. Assessment of knowledge and attitude is significant in clearing the misconceptions and myths about assisted reproductive technology. Objective: The main of object of the study is to assess knowledge and attitude towards assisted reproductive technology among women attending infertility clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025. Methods: An institutional cross-sectional study design was conducted among 408 infertile women attending an infertility clinic, selected using simple random sampling from February 30- April 30, 2025.A sampling frame was prepared using a daily list of eligible women. Data was collected through structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using the kobo Toolbox. The collected data were exported to an Excel spreadsheet and subsequently imported into SPSS version 25 for analysis. Variables with a p-value of < 0.25 in bivariate were a candidates for multivariate and those variables with a p-value of <0.05 in multivariate logistic regression were considered as a statistically significant factors for knowledge and attitude of ART. Result: A total of 408 study participants with a response rate of 96.6% were included in this study. Among the participants 65.4% have inadequate knowledge and 62.3% of them exhibit unfavorable attitude. Participants younger than 34 years, less than 5 years duration of infertility, paternal educational level of college and above and favorable attitudes were positively associated with better knowledge of ART. In turn those with adequate knowledge and prior awareness about ART were significantly more likely to have favorable attitude towards ART. Conclusion: A significant proportion of women attending infertility clinic had limited knowledge and unfavorable attitude towards ART. These findings highlight that the need for context-specific educational interventions and community involvement techniques to promote greater knowledge and acceptance of ART.Item Sexual Violence During Clinical Practice: Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Graduating Health Science Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study, 2025(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-01) Mahelet Gizaw; Jembere Tesfaye; Yeshi BerhanBackground: Sexual violence during clinical practice is a critical issue affecting the safety and professional development of health science students. Despite its impact, research in Addis Ababa remains limited, leaving a gap in evidence-based interventions. Objective: This pioneering study examines the prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence among graduating health science students in Addis Ababa, providing essential insights for institutional reforms and policy development. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 graduating health science students from two major governmental teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique, ensuring representation from various health science disciplines. Data collection was carried out through a structured, self-administered questionnaire, adapted from internationally recognized frameworks. Descriptive statistics summarized key variables, while chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of sexual violence. Results: Over 53.3% of students reported experiencing sexual violence during clinical attachments. The most common form was physical harassment (42.2%), followed by verbal harassment (32%). Female students faced a significantly higher risk (AOR = 5.00, 95% CI: 2.80–9.22, p < 0.001), and single students were more vulnerable (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.40 8.20, p = 0.005). Medical students were at greater risk compared to those in nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, and laboratory sciences. Institutional gaps—including limited training on sexual harassment (83.3%) and weak reporting systems—contributed to low reporting rates (16%), further exacerbating the issue. Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms to protect students in clinical environments. Strengthening anti-harassment measures, enforcing institutional reporting systems, and integrating mandatory awareness training are essential for ensuring safer learning conditions. Future research should explore long-term effects and test intervention strategies to support affected students and prevent workplace sexual violence in healthcare settings.Item Barriers To Accessing Safe Abortion Services by Women with Disabilities: Insights from Visually Impaired Undergraduate Students at Addis Ababa University(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05-01) Ayda Getaneh; Endalew Gemechu; Erdaw TachbeleBackground: Access to safe abortion is a crucial reproductive right, yet women with disabilities face significant barriers. These barriers, compounded by societal stigma and systemic inequalities, are particularly pronounced in developing contexts. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensuring equitable access to reproductive healthcare and promoting the autonomy and well-being of this vulnerable population. Objective: To explore barriers to accessing safe abortion services by women with disabilities: insights from visually impaired undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia – a qualitative study, 2025. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among purposively sampled female students with disabilities at Addis Ababa University studying in various departments. Individual in-depth interviews with visually impaired, as well as key informant interviews, were conducted utilizing an interview guide. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and codes generated manually. Results: Barriers that could prevent women with disability from taking the step to seek safe abortion services. Multi-Layered Barriers to Access safe abortion service, Disability-Specific Challenges and Exacerbation of Existing Barriers and Recommendations to Improve Support Systems and Inclusive Practices have been identified to provide in-depth descriptions of the barriers to accessing safe abortion services by women with disabilities: insights from visually impaired. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study revealed that women with disabilities attending undergraduate programs at Addis Ababa University face numerous and intersecting barriers when seeking safe abortion services. Participants in the study made a number of suggestions to enhance inclusive behaviors and support networks in light of these difficulties. Education and awareness initiatives that are especially suited to the requirements of women with disabilities were the main recommendationsItem Experience of the informed consent during elective caesarian delivery at Selected Public Hospital in Addis Ababa Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06-11) Aster Kelbesa; Roza Teshome; Workensh SinishawBackground: Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal principle that ensures patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare. It requires healthcare providers to clearly communicate the risks, benefits, complications, and alternatives of medical procedures, enabling voluntary and informed patient approval. Objective: To explore the experience of informed consent during elective cesarean delivery from the perspectives of healthcare providers and postpartum women in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, from February to March 2025. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital, St. Paul Hospital, and Ras Desta Demtow Memorial Hospital. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 healthcare providers and 15 postpartum women. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Coding was carried out using both inductive and deductive approaches. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns, supported by ATLAS.ti 9 for data organization. Results: The study revealed gaps in informed consent practices for elective cesarean delivery. From healthcare providers’ perspectives, three main themes emerged: experience of informed consent, challenges in obtaining consent, and suggestions for improvement. From postpartum women’s perspectives, themes included their experience of informed consent, communication with providers, and perception of autonomy and decision-making. While providers claimed to inform patients, they often did not fully explain the consent form. Most women reported receiving limited information focused mainly on the indication for surgery. Conclusion: The informed consent process for elective cesarean delivery was improperly practiced. Improving provider communication, enhancing training, digitalizing the consent process, redesign consent form and empowering women about their rights are essential to achieving ethical, patient-centered care.Item Perceived and Actual Knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Factors among Nurses at Selected Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, 2024(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-11) Tigist Kinfe; Fekadu AgaDiabetes mellitus is a chronic diseases affecting huge number of people worldwide. Nurses are expected to have adequate knowledge of diabetes for effective management and care of patients. But studies showed that there are gaps in actual and perceived level knowledge of diabetes of nursesItem Perception of Caring Self-Efficacy and Associated Factors among Nurse’s in Pediatric Units in Selected Government Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05-08) Tigist Nigussie; Rajalakshmi MuruganCaring Self-efficacy in nursing has been linked to improved patient outcomes, nurse resilience, and job satisfaction. However, more information is needed to determine a critical gap in understanding how pediatric nurses perceive and evaluate their caring self-efficacy. Therefore, this study investigated pediatric nurses’ caring self-efficacy, identifying potential challenges, strengths, and factors influencing their competenciesItem Admission Hypothermia and Associated Factors among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care unit in Public Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-19) Abebe Hodie; Yeshi BerhanNeonatal hypothermia is a worldwide problem and an important contributing factor for neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. The risk is higher for infants who are smaller birth weight and more premature. In Ethiopia specifically, admission hypothermia is estimated to be present in a staggering 69.4% of all neonatal deaths.Item Health Professional’s Communication and Laboring Mother’s Autonomy During Giving Birth in Selected Governmental Hospitals in Addis Ababa Ethiopia: a Mixed Study(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-13) Bezawit Worku; Roza Teshomeeffective communication and autonomy between health care professionals and women in labor, is one of the means for increasing the quality of care. It helps women feel informed and could plausibly also empower disadvantaged women to speak up about the care they receive. In this regard, limited information is currently known about communication skills and laboring mother’s autonomy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine health professional’s communication skills and laboring mother’s autonomy in selected governmental hospitalsItem Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Children with Rheumatic Heart Disease Attending Cardiac Outpatients at Selected Public Hospitals In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-13) Bira Lema; Rajalakshmi MuruganRheumatic heart disease has a great negative impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children by limiting their physical activity, cognitive and emotional, social, and academic functioning. Children with RHD have significantly varying HRQOLs in different parts of the world. However, there was no study done on HRQOL of children with RHD in the study.Item Magnitude and Associated Factors of Hospital Acquired Infection in Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care unit in Selected Public Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-19) Birhan Asafaw; Erdaw TachbeleNeonates are particularly vulnerable to Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) due to the severity of the illness, compromised immune systems, and exposure to invasive medical procedures. It is global health concerns, particularly in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that causes morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and higher treatment costs in both developed and developing nations.