Nega, B. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2020

Sero-prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundAnti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests are being increasingly used for sero-epidemiological purposes to provide better understanding of the extent of the infection in the community, and monitoring the progression of the COVID-19 epidemic. We conducted sero-prevalence study to estimate prior infection with with SARS-CoV-2 in Addis Ababa. MethodsA cross-sectional study was done from April 23 to 28, 2020 among 301 randomly selected residents of Addis Ababa; with no known history of contact with confirmed COVID-19 person. Interviews on socio demographic and behavioural risk factor followed by serological tests were performed for SARS-CoV-2 IgM, and IgG antibodies, using COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette. The test has sensitivity of 87{middle dot}9% and specificity of 100% for lgM; and a sensitivity of 97{middle dot}2% and specificity of 100% for IgG. RT-PCR test was also done on combined nasopharyngeal and oropharengeal swabs as an important public health consideration. FindingsThe unadjusted antibody-based crude SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 7{middle dot}6% and the adjusted true SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was estimated at 8{middle dot}8% (95% CI 5{middle dot}5%-11{middle dot}6%) for the study population. Higher sero-prevalence were observed for males (9.0%), age below 50 years (8.2%), students and unemployed (15.6%), those with primary education (12.1%), smokers (7.8%), alcohol consumers (8.6%), chatt-chewers (13.6%) and shish smokers (18.8%). Seroprevalence was not significantly associated neither with socio-demographic not behavioral characteristics. According to the findings, possibly more individuals had been infected in Addis Ababa than what was being detected and reported by RT-PCR test suggestive of community transmission. The use of serological test for epidemiological estimation of the extent of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic gives a more precise estimate of magnitude which would be used for further monitoring and surveillance of the magnitude of the SARS CoV-2 infection.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Health care seeking behavior and associated factor among mothers/caregivers of under-five children with acute diarrhea in Dangila zuria Woreda, North west Ethiopia

IntroductionHealth care seeking interventions can reduce child mortality from easily treatable diseases, however, significant numbers of children die by diarrheal disease due to delays in seeking care in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was assessed health care seeking behavior and associated factors among mothers/caregivers of under-five children with acute diarrhea in Dangila zuria Woreda, North West Ethiopia, 2018.\n\nMethodCommunity-based cross-sectional study design was conducted using structured questionnaires. Data were entered Epi Data Version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 23. Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns of health care seeking behavior and multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with health care seeking behavior\n\nResultThe magnitude of health care seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers of under-five children with acute diarrhea was found to be 77.7%. Primary level of education [AOR = 2.0; 95% (CI (1.1-3.9)], sex of child (male) [AOR = 1.7; 95% (CI 1.1-2.6)], availability of health facilities within 60 minutes walking distance [AOR = 2.4; 95 %(CI 1.4-4.1)], severity of illness [AOR=7.5; 95% (CI 3.7-15.2)], two or more under-five children in the family [AOR=0.6;95% (CI 0.4-0.9)], perceived cause of acute diarrhea, (new teeth [AOR =0.3;95% (CI 0.2-0.5)] were significantly associated with health care seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers.\n\nConclusionIncreasing the proximity of health facilities and educate mothers/caregivers about the importance of health care seeking behavior and cause of acute diarrhea were recommended to improve health care seeking behavior.

epidemiology↗