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☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Spatial distribution and determinants of solitary childbirth in Ethiopia: Evidence from the 2019 interim demographic and health survey

by Tadesse Tarik Tamir, Berhan Tekeba, Alebachew Ferede Zegeye, Deresse Abebe Gebrehana, Mulugeta Wassie, Gebreeyesus Abera Zeleke, Enyew Getaneh Mekonen

Introduction

Solitary childbirth—giving birth without any form of assistance—remains a serious global public health issue, especially in low-resource settings. It is associated with preventable maternal complications such as hemorrhage and sepsis, and poses significant risks to newborns, including birth asphyxia, infection, and early neonatal death. In Ethiopia, where many births occur outside health facilities, understanding the spatial and socio-demographic patterns of solitary childbirth is vital for informing targeted interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes. This study aims to identify and map the spatial distribution of solitary childbirth across Ethiopia and to analyze its determinants using data from the 2019 national Interim Demographic and Health Survey.

Method

We analyzed data from the 2019 Interim Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey to determine the spatial distribution and factors of solitary birth in Ethiopia. A total weighted sample of 3,884 women was included in the analysis. Spatial analysis was used to determine the regional distribution of solitary birth, and multilevel logistic regression was employed to identify its determinants. ArcGIS 10.8 was used for spatial analysis, and Stata 17 was used for multilevel analysis. The fixed effect was analyzed by determining the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.

Result

The prevalence of solitary childbirths in Ethiopia was 12.73%, with a 95% confidence interval spanning from 11.71% to 13.81%. The western and southern parts of Oromia, all of Benishangul-Gumuz, most parts of the SNNPR, and the west of Amhara regions were hotspot areas for solitary birth. Having no formal education, not attending ANC visits, and residing in pastoral regions were significantly associated with higher odds of solitary birth in Ethiopia.

Cocnlusion

A notable proportion of women are experiencing childbirth alone, which highlights a significant aspect of maternal health in the country, reflecting both the challenges and improvements in childbirth practices. The distribution of solitary births exhibited spatial clustering with its hotspot areas located in western and southern parts of Oromia, all of Benishangul-Gumuz, most parts of the SNNPR, and west of Amhara regions. Lack of education, not having an ANC visit, and being a resident of pastoral regions were significant determinants of solitary birth. The implementation of maternal and child health strategies in Ethiopia could benefit from considering the hotspot areas and determinants of solitary birth.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Psycho-social experiences and coping strategies of infertile couples attending infertility clinics in Saint Pauls Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Por: Behude · Y. T. · Sendo · E. G. · Tamir · H. H. — Septiembre 17th 2025 at 06:57
Background

Infertility is a significant reproductive health issue that affects couples physically, emotionally and socially. This qualitative study aims to explore the psycho-social experiences and coping strategies of infertile couples attending infertility clinics at Saint Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

This study employed a descriptive phenomenological research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 purposively selected couples experiencing infertility. The study used thematic analysis to capture the emotional, social and psychological impacts of infertility on individuals and their relationships.

Results

Key themes identified include emotional distress, social stigma, marital strain and a sense of isolation. Participants reported experiencing feelings of shame, depression and anxiety, often exacerbated by societal expectations and pressure to conceive. Coping strategies varied across individuals and included seeking medical intervention, social support, religious faith and, in some cases, withdrawal from social interactions.

Conclusions

The study highlights the need for comprehensive psychological support and counselling services in infertility care to address the mental health and social challenges faced by infertile couples. Promoting awareness to reduce stigma and enhancing social support systems may improve the overall well-being of affected individuals.

☐ ☆ ✇ NURE Investigación

Relación entre autocuidado y automedicación en estudiantes de ciencias de salud de una universidad pública

Objetivo. Analizar la prevalencia de la automedicación y su relación con la capacidad de autocuidado en estudiantes del Centro de Ciencias de la Salud de una universidad pública. Metodología. Se llevó a cabo un estudio cuantitativo, relacional y observacional con una muestra de 330 estudiantes seleccionados aleatoriamente. Se utilizaron dos instrumentos validados para medir la automedicación y la capacidad de autocuidado, además de un formulario para variables sociodemográficas. Los datos se analizaron con SPSS versión 25, utilizando pruebas de normalidad, independencia y Chi-cuadrado de Pearson. Resultados. El 81,5% de los estudiantes presentó una capacidad media de autocuidado, mientras que el 18,5% tuvo una capacidad alta. No se encontraron estudiantes con baja capacidad de autocuidado. La prevalencia de la automedicación fue del 73,9%, siendo los fármacos más comunes antidiarreicos (10,6%), anfetaminas (10%), anticonceptivos orales y acetaminofén (7,6% cada uno). Los síntomas principales para automedicarse fueron dolor estomacal (9,7%), desgano/agotamiento (9,4%) y dolor de cabeza (9,1%). La carrera de Enfermería mostró la mayor prevalencia de automedicación (80,6%), seguida de Terapia Física (78,6%) y Medicina (76,4%). Se identificó dependencia estadísticamente significativa entre automedicación y capacidad de autocuidado. Discusión. Existe alta prevalencia de automedicación entre los estudiantes del área de salud. Es crucial reevaluar la independencia de ambas variables y abordar los factores que llevan a los estudiantes a automedicarse, ya que este comportamiento podría afectar su capacidad para proporcionar cuidados seguros y adecuados a los pacientes. Aun cuando no hay independencia entre variables.

ABSTRACT

Objective. To analyze the prevalence of self-medication and its relationship with the capacity of self-care among students of the Health Sciences Center in a public university. Methodology. A quantitative, relational and observational study was performed to a sample group of 330 students randomly selected. Two validated instruments were used to measure self-medication and self-care capacity, as well as a form for sociodemographic variables. All data were analyzed utilizing SPSS version 25, and using tests of normality, independence, and Pearson's Chi-square. Results. 81.5% of the students showed having a medium capacity of self-care, while 18.5% showed having a high capacity. Students with low self-care capacity were not found. The prevalence of self-medication was 73.9%, with the most common drugs being antidiarrheals (10.6%), amphetamines (10%), oral contraceptives, and acetaminophen (7.6% each). The main symptoms for self-medication resulted being stomach pain (9.7%), apathy / exhaustion (9.4%), and headache (9.1%). The Nursing career resulted with the highest prevalence of self-medication (80.6%), followed by Physical Therapy (78.6%) and Medicine (76.4%). A statistically significant dependency was identified between self-medication and self-care capacity. Discussion. There is a high prevalence of self-medication among health students. It is crucial to reevaluate the independence of both variables and address the factors that lead students to self-medication, as this behavior could affect their ability to provide safe and appropriate care to patients. Even when there is no independence between variables.

☐ ☆ ✇ NURE Investigación

Experiencia vivida de enfermeras al cuidado de su familiar en proceso de cronicidad y muerte

Por: Ramiro Altamira Camacho — Abril 1st 2025 at 00:00

Introducción. El fenómeno de la muerte resulta importante para las enfermeras identifiquen fortalezas y oportunidades para el cuidado como práctica esencial en la disciplina. Objetivo. Interpretar la experiencia vivida de enfermeras al cuidado de su familiar en proceso de cronicidad y muerte. Método. Estudio cualitativo con enfoque fenomenológico hermenéutico. Criterios de estudio: profesionales de enfermería con cualquier grado académico, ambos sexos, que hayan cuidado a familiar en casa u hospital por 6 meses o más. Se realizó la ntrevista fenomenológica en el lugar seleccionado por participante evitando la intrusión a sus modos de ser. La selección se desarrolló en cadena de referencia y alcanzó la saturación de la información teórica. Cumplió criterios de Ley General de Salud en materia de investigación. Análisis a través del círculo hermenéutico heideggeriano. Resultados. Se exploró vivencias de 6 enfermeras, edades entre 42 y 55 años. Todas profesan religión católica, y en común las siguientes unidades de significado; Ontológicamente: angustia en la impropiedad de la clínica, delegación del compromiso, sentimientos autosuficientes sin reciprocidad, responsabilidad auto asignada. Ónticamente: angustia proyectada y cansancio por la enfermedad. Discusión. Se destaca la muerte como etapa vital, fase que es inevitable. Vivir el proceso de morir es un fenómeno complejo, debe ser abordado bajo esquemas contemporáneos propiamente disciplinares. Conclusión: Ser que cuida de su familiar en este proceso crea lazo afectivo, involucrándose inconscientemente. Se coincide el alivio para evitar el sufrimiento es la muerte del familiar, y generando satisfacción de hacer menos su agonía.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. The phenomenon of death is important for nurses to identify strengths and opportunities for care as an essential practice in the discipline. Objective. To interpret the lived experience of nurses caring for their relative in the process of chronicity and death. Methodology. Qualitative study with a hermeneutical phenomenological approach. Study criteria: nursing professionals with any academic degree, both genders, who have cared for a family member at home or in a hospital for 6 months or more. Phenomenological interview in the place selected by the participant, avoiding intrusion into their ways of being. The selection was developed in a reference chain and reached the saturation of the theoretical information. It met the criteria of the General Health Law regarding research. Analysis through the Heideggerian hermeneutic circle. Results. The experiences of 6 nurses, ages between 42 and 55 years, were explored. They all profess the Catholic religion, and in common the following units of meaning; Ontologically: anguish in the impropriety of the clinic, delegation of commitment, self-sufficient feelings without reciprocity, self-assigned responsibility. Ontic mind: projected anguish and fatigue due to illness. Discussion. Death is highlighted as a vital stage, a phase that is inevitable. Living the process of dying is a complex phenomenon, it must be approached under properly disciplinary contemporary schemes. Conclusion. Being that you take care of your relative in this process creates an affective bond, getting involved unconsciously. The relief to avoid suffering is the death of the family member and generating satisfaction of making their agony less.

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