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Research Papers
Precision mapping of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school age children: Targeting interventions in western Kenya
Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are major public health issues, especially for school-aged children who are most at risk due to frequent exposure to parasite-infested environments. Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma worms, is widespread, with around 90% of cases found in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, both intestinal (Schistosoma mansoni) and urogenital (Schistosoma haematobium) schistosomiasis are endemic, with about 9 million people infected. STH infections are equally concerning, with the main species—Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and ho Read MoreResearch PapersThe socio-cultural aspects of sexual medicine: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)
This narrative review explores how cultural, historical, religious, legal, and societal factors shape sexual practices and influence clinical care in sexual medicine. Focusing on female genital mutilation/cutting, penile circumcision, and unconsummated marriages, the study highlights the complex interplay between socio-cultural norms and sexual health outcomes. Through extensive literature review and expert discussion, the authors emphasize the importance of patient empowerment, respect for self-determination, and the need for culturally sensitive clinical approaches. The paper advocates for c
Read MoreResearch PapersThe state of youth sexual and reproductive health problems and service utilisation in major towns of Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of reproductive health issues and service utilization among youths in 13 urban towns in Ethiopia, involving 1954 community youths and 1261 students from higher education institutions. Findings revealed that 35% of youths engaged in high-risk sexual behavior (HRSB), over 14% experienced unwanted pregnancies, and only 26.7% had used sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Family planning (FP) usage among female youths was low at 26.4%. Service uptake was notably lower among unmarried youths, those aged 18–19, and individuals with limite
Read MoreResearch PapersThe Relationship of Climate Change and Malaria Incidence in the Gambella Region, Ethiopia.
This study examined the relationship between climate variables and malaria incidence in Ethiopia’s Gambella region using 30 years of satellite-derived climate data and 10 years of malaria records. Employing autoregressive modeling, the analysis revealed significant upward trends in rainfall, relative humidity, and temperature, which correlated with increased malaria cases. Relative humidity had the strongest immediate and sustained impact on malaria incidence, while rainfall showed delayed effects and temperature had minimal influence. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating c
Read MoreResearch PapersGroundwater Suitability Mapping in Jimma and Borena Zones of Ethiopia Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques
This study applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify groundwater potential zones in Ethiopia’s Jimma and Borena regions, where surface water is scarce. By analyzing hydrogeological factors such as lithology, slope, land use/land cover, drainage density, and recharge, the study produced suitability maps showing that only 4.6% of Jimma and 6.2% of Borena are highly suitable for groundwater development. Most areas in both zones were found to have low suitability due to topographic and geological constraints. Validat
Read MoreResearch PapersGender disparities and barriers to access and use of essential health services in Ethiopia: Designing primary health care through gender lens.
This exploratory qualitative study investigated gender-related barriers to accessing maternal and child health (MCH) services in Ethiopia’s primary health care system, despite national efforts to improve health service delivery through the “Optimizing Ethiopian Health Extension Program” strategy. Conducted across nine districts with 221 participants, the study revealed that socio-cultural norms, gender power imbalances, and institutional gaps hinder women’s access to MCH services. Women’s heavy household workloads, limited decision-making power, and low male awareness of MCH needs fu
Read MoreResearch PapersCost-Effectiveness of Youth-Friendly Health Services in Health Post Settings in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of implementing Youth-Friendly Health Services (YFHS) in rural health posts in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia, to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Using an ingredient-based costing approach and modeling health outcomes through disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted, the study found that YFHS reached nearly five times more adolescents than routine services and significantly improved health outcomes, including increased antenatal care and contraceptive use. The intervention averted 52.11 DALYs at an incremental cost-effectiveness
Read MoreResearch PapersThe Vaccine Trust Framework: mixed-method development of a tool for understanding and quantifying trust in health systems and vaccines
This study developed and validated a contextually grounded Vaccine Trust Framework to better understand and measure trust in vaccines across low- and middle-income countries. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach, ethnographic research in Nigeria, Kenya, and Pakistan informed the creation of a framework encompassing four domains—health system promise, health system delivery, vaccine promise, and vaccine delivery—across 15 measurable dimensions. A nationally representative survey of caregivers in Kenya and Pakistan confirmed the framework’s validity, showing strong associ
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