A quantitative, descriptive, explorative survey was conducted to explore and describe factors contributing to underutilisation of HIV testing services among tuberculosis patients and clients in Malawi. Sampled were 282 participants attending an outpatient clinic. A self administered questionnaire was used. The findings revealed that 80.5% of the respondents perceived themselves susceptible to HIV infection, 55% believed there were negative consequences of HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC), 87.6% perceived HTC had benefits, most of the respondents (76.8%) mentioned the benefit of knowing the HIV status helping one to plan life, 65% believed in themselves, that they could accept and undergo HIV testing with ease. The study recommends that all HTC providers be thoroughly trained in knowledge and skills to offer services with confidentiality and avoid stigma and discrimination of those found HIV positive. The importance and benefits of HTC should be emphasised in all behaviour communication messages / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Cervical cancer remains the main source of mortality among women around the world. It is a burden in developing countries and generally recognized through the complications of the advanced stages. The aim of this study was to investigate the utilisation of cervical cancer screening services among women living with HIV in Hawassa in order to develop a strategy to enhance cervical cancer screening service utilisation among this population in Ethiopia. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional study design was used in this study. The data were collected using a standard structured questionnaire from 309 women living with HIV attending health care facilities in Hawassa city Administration. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 software was used to analyse data. The results are presented based on the Health belief Model’s construct. The result revealed a low utilisation of cervical cancer screening services. Knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening service were also low. The main reason for being not screened was feeling healthy, lack of awareness, and embarrassment. Knowledge of cervical cancer was affected by factors such as knowing someone with cervical cancer, educational status, and monthly income. The finding indicated that utilisation of screenings could be determined by composite knowledge, perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer, duration on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Treatment and willingness to be screened. The findings of this study, findings from the literature review and relevant legislation guided the researcher to develop a strategy to enhance cervical cancer screening service utilisation among women living with HIV Ethiopia. Relevant recommendations were put forward to promote utilisation of strategy and also for future research. The utilisation of the developed strategy may improve the uptake of screening for cervical cancer, improve early diagnosis and treatment of cervical malignant growth, and decrease mortality among women living with HIV in Hawassa city organization. / Health Studies / Ph. D. (Public Health)

Text in English / This study aimed at exploring Barriers to compliance with exclusive breastfeeding and timely introduction of complementary feeding practices in Ofla District, Tigray Region in Ethiopia. A quantitative exploratory descriptive study was conducted to explore and describe the barriers that restrict mothers /caregivers to comply with exclusive breast feeding practice until six months and with introduction of solid, semi-solid and soft foods at six months in Ofla District. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, from a total of 112 samples of which 75 mothers and care givers with children aged 0-5 months and 38 children aged 6-8 months participated. The data were entered into a computer and analysed though the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings revealed that there are barriers related Doer mothers and Non-Doer mothers perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, cues for actions, perceived social acceptability and positive and negative attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding and initiation of complementary feeding. On the other hand, the participant’s perception of both groups with regard to perception of Divine (God’s) Will on two child feeding practices was insignificantly the same. Both groups perceived that children could get sometimes malnourished because of spiritual or supernatural causes. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Text in English / This study aimed at exploring Barriers to compliance with exclusive breastfeeding and timely introduction of complementary feeding practices in Ofla District, Tigray Region in Ethiopia. A quantitative exploratory descriptive study was conducted to explore and describe the barriers that restrict mothers /caregivers to comply with exclusive breast feeding practice until six months and with introduction of solid, semi-solid and soft foods at six months in Ofla District. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, from a total of 112 samples of which 75 mothers and care givers with children aged 0-5 months and 38 children aged 6-8 months participated. The data were entered into a computer and analysed though the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings revealed that there are barriers related Doer mothers and Non-Doer mothers perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, cues for actions, perceived social acceptability and positive and negative attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding and initiation of complementary feeding. On the other hand, the participant’s perception of both groups with regard to perception of Divine (God’s) Will on two child feeding practices was insignificantly the same. Both groups perceived that children could get sometimes malnourished because of spiritual or supernatural causes. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)