Research Article
Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Parasites Among Addis Alem Primary School Students, Dessie, Ethiopia
Lubaba Seid Awol
,
Ismail Ebrie Ali*,
Mekonnen Mohammed,
Kewser Seid Mohammed,
Tilahun Haile Tesho,
Birhanu Getahun,
Hanan Getahun Yimam,
Arebu Gashaw Yimer,
Kalkidan Teklu Demissie,
Yesuf Ebrahim Adem,
Mohammed Kassa Mohammed,
Mulugeta Teshome
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-9
Received:
12 November 2025
Accepted:
24 November 2025
Published:
26 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260201.11
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Abstract: Background: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern among school-aged children in developing countries, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among students at Addis Alem Primary School in Dessie, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 354 students aged 6–15 years. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct saline wet mount techniques. Data were analyzed for prevalence rates across age groups, genders, and parasite species. Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 3.95% (14/354). Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent parasite (71.4% of infections), followed by Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, and Enterobius vermicularis (7.1% each). Age-specific analysis revealed the highest infection rate in the 12–15-year age group (10%) and the lowest in 8–10-year-olds (2.63%). Females had a higher infection rate (5.02%) than males (2.85%). Although the prevalence of IPIs in this study was lower than national estimates, the predominance of H. nana and higher infection rates among females and older students highlight the need for targeted interventions. Improved school-based deworming programs, enhanced water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and health education are recommended to reduce transmission and mitigate health impacts.
Abstract: Background: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern among school-aged children in developing countries, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among students at Addis Alem Primary School in ...
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Report
Massive Vulvar Edema in a Patient with Preeclampsia with Severe Features Managed with Needle Fenestration: A Case Report
Sisay Beyazn*,
Awoke Belete
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
10-14
Received:
18 November 2025
Accepted:
27 November 2025
Published:
29 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260201.12
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Abstract: Massive vulvar edema is an uncommon but distressing complication during pregnancy, most frequently associated with preeclampsia with severe features, and can result in significant maternal discomfort, functional impairment, urinary obstruction, and difficulty with obstetric assessment. Although conservative management-such as pelvic elevation, cold compresses, and analgesia-is typically the first-line approach, severe cases may necessitate alternative interventions. We report the case of a 30-year-old primigravida at 33+1 weeks’ gestation who presented with sudden-onset, rapidly progressive vulvar swelling over two days, accompanied by severe pain, inability to abduct the thighs, difficulty walking, urinary retention, persistent headache, and blurred vision. On examination, her blood pressure was 170/110 mmHg with significant proteinuria, fulfilling criteria for preeclampsia with severe features. Initial management included antihypertensive therapy, magnesium sulfate for seizure prophylaxis, and dexamethasone for fetal lung maturation. Conservative measures failed to relieve the swelling, and urinary catheterization was impossible due to extreme edema. Multiple superficial needle fenestrations (“needle prickering”) were performed under sterile conditions, resulting in immediate decompression of the vulvar tissue, enabling catheter placement, and providing rapid relief of pain and improved mobility. The patient was managed expectantly until spontaneous labor at 34 weeks, delivering a 1700 g female neonate with good Apgar scores, and both mother and newborn were discharged in stable condition. This case demonstrates that needle fenestration is a simple, minimally invasive, and effective intervention for rapid decompression in severe vulvar edema associated with preeclampsia when conservative measures fail, and highlights its potential value as a supportive measure in selected patients.
Abstract: Massive vulvar edema is an uncommon but distressing complication during pregnancy, most frequently associated with preeclampsia with severe features, and can result in significant maternal discomfort, functional impairment, urinary obstruction, and difficulty with obstetric assessment. Although conservative management-such as pelvic elevation, cold...
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Research Article
Practice of Essential Nutrition Action Messages and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Children Aged 0-24 Months in Rural and Urban Kebeles of the Southern Zone, Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
15-27
Received:
16 November 2025
Accepted:
1 December 2025
Published:
30 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260201.13
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Abstract: Background: Essential Nutrition Actions (ENA) is a comprehensive nutrition program during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two. One-fourth of nutrition-related morbidity and mortality rates are caused by inadequate implementation practice of essential nutrition actions. However, some studies conducted predominantly emphasized only rural settings or only urban settings but no studies show the prevalence of ENA practices by comparing urban and rural setting for prioritization of intervention purpose. Therefore, this study sought to close this gap by assessing adherence to essential nutrition action messages and factors associated among mothers of children aged 0-24 months in rural and urban kebeles of the Southern zone. Methods: A community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 466 participants 233 from urban and 233 from rural. A structured interviewer administrated questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered into Epi Info and then transported to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the percentages and frequency. During bivariable logistic regression analysis at P value less than 0.25 was candidate variable included in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P value <0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model. Result: The study results were found to be 50.2% of urban mothers and 57.1% of rural mother’s demonstrated poor ENA practice. Among urban kebeles prim-parous mothers [AOR=2.580, 95% CI: 1.269-5.245] were associated with poor ENA practices. Among rural kebeles mothers having nutritional counseling during ANC [AOR=0.342, 95% CI: 0.110-1.063] and mothers who are adequate in dietary diversity [AOR=0.267, 95% CI: 0.093- 0.769] was identified as a predictor. Conclusion and recommendation: The study shows that the prevalence of poor ENA practices higher among rural than urban kebeles. All concerned bodies should give community based education about ENA messages (maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding) and counseling to mothers to increase awareness about the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and increase practice of key ENA messages.
Abstract: Background: Essential Nutrition Actions (ENA) is a comprehensive nutrition program during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two. One-fourth of nutrition-related morbidity and mortality rates are caused by inadequate implementation practice of essential nutrition actions. However, some studies conducted predominantly emphasized on...
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