Conectar
The objective of this study was to generate evidence for strengthening the local food system to contribute to improved dietary diversity among children in Ethiopia.
A community-based cross-sectional survey.
The study was conducted in the Amhara, Oromia and Somali regions of Ethiopia.
A total of 1475 children aged 6–23 months were included. Children requiring special care or not permanently residing in the study areas were excluded.
The primary outcome measure was the adequate Minimum Dietary Diversity, defined as the consumption of at least five of the eight defined food groups in the previous 24 hours.
Only 25.6% of children met the adequate minimum dietary diversity requirement. Children from households with backyard gardening (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.43, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.88), access to communication devices (AOR=1.99, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.64), attendance at cooking demonstrations (AOR=1.99, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.74), use of labour-saving and time-saving technologies (AOR=1.55, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.09) and irrigation use for crop production (AOR=1.78, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.52) had higher odds of meeting adequate minimum dietary diversity. Residence was strongly associated with dietary outcomes: children in Amhara had more than seven times the odds of achieving adequate minimum dietary diversity of children compared with Somali (AOR=7.56, 95% CI 4.92 to 11.62), while those in Oromia had nearly twice the odds (AOR=1.74, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.60).
Dietary diversity among children was low in the study areas. Strengthening local food systems through promotion of backyard gardening, cooking demonstrations, irrigation use, communication access and appropriate technologies could improve children’s dietary diversity. Regional disparities highlight the need for context-specific strategies, particularly to address the low dietary diversity in children.
by Belachew Tekleyohannes Wogayehu
IntroductionThe prevalent condition known as hand eczema has been associated with substantial decreased quality of life, as well as considerable social and occupational expenses. Even though hairdressing is a significant source of wealth, it is linked to several kinds of medical problems mainly skin conditions. Limited studies conducted in Ethiopia to assess self-reported prevalence of hand eczema and associated factors.
ObjectiveThis study aims to assess self-reported prevalence of hand eczema and associated factors among hairdressers of Debre Berhan city.
MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 hairdressers of Debre Berhan city in North Eastern Ethiopia from January 10 to February 20, 2025. A simple random sampling technique was used to select hair dressers. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from Nordic occupational skin questionnaire and observational checklist through face to face interview and observation. Multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors of hand eczema.
ResultsPrevalence of hand eczema among hairdressers of Debre Berhan city was 56.9%. Poor knowledge (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.199–4.963), not utilizing personal protective equipment consistently over the years (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.183–7.012), low hand washing frequency per day (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.399–6.433) and not taking OHS training (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 2.617–8.709) were identified factors of hand eczema.
ConclusionsPrevalence of hand eczema among hair dressers in Debre Berhan city was high. Poor knowledge, not utilizing personal protective equipment consistently over the years, low hand washing frequency per day and not taking OHS training were identified factors. Hair dressers should utilize proper type of personal protective equipment before starting any activities in the work place. Inclusion of hand eczema education in Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) or policy-level interventions would enhance occupational health awareness, early prevention strategies and long-term skin protection practices among hairdressers.
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