College of Health Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.mu.edu.et/handle/123456789/67

Browse

Start date: 2024

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 103
  • Item
    MAGNITUDE OF UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIV POSITIVE PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMENS ATTENDING PMTCT SERVICE IN MEKELLE PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITY MEKELLE TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2025
    (Mekelle University, 2025-08-28) MEBRAHTOM GEBREMARIAM
    Background:-Unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy that is untimely or unplanned at the time of conception but may be wanted later. The burden and negative consequences of unintended pregnancy can be severe, especially among women living with HIV. There is a lack of evidence regarding unintended pregnancy among HIV-positive women in the study area. Objective: - To assess the magnitude of unintended pregnancy and associated factors among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women attending PMTCT services in Mekelle public health facilities, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2025. Methods and materials: - An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1st to April 30th, 2025. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 278 eligible women. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and chart review. Data were entered into Kobo Toolbox, exported to Excel, and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Independent variables with p < 0.25 were included in the binary logistic regression analysis, and a multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Statistical significance was declared based on adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and a p-value ≤ 0.05. . Results:- The magnitude of unintended pregnancy among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women in Mekelle Town public health facilities was 57.2% (95% CI: 51.3–63.1). Factors significantly associated with unintended pregnancy included primary education (AOR = 12.57; 95% CI: 2.17–72.65), no desire for additional children (AOR = 3.27; 95% CI: 1.48–7.23), and non-disclosure of HIV status (AOR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.56–12.93). Women with no prior history of unintended pregnancy were significantly less likely to experience it (AOR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03–0.50), suggesting that previous experience may enhance awareness and consistent contraceptive use. Conclusion and Recommendations: - Unintended pregnancy remains a major concern among HIV-positive women in Mekelle, influenced by education, HIV disclosure, fertility intentions, and prior pregnancies. Strengthening education, promoting safe disclosure of HIV status, and improving access to family planning services are essential to reduce unintended pregnancies and improve maternal and child health outcomes in this population.
  • Item
    Magnitude and Factors Associated With Low Birth Weight in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia, 2024: A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Mekelle University, 2025-09-28) Netsanet Mezgebe
    Background - Internationally, low birth weight remains to be a major problem and is related with a range of short-and long-term consequences. Infants weighing less than 2,500 grams are approximately 20 times more likely to die than heavier babies. However, studies on magnitude and associated factors of low birth weight among newborns born in tertiary hospitals of Ethiopia like Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital during crisis times like war are unavailable. Objective – To assess the magnitude and identify factors associated with low birth weight among newborns born in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH), Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia from October 2024 to December 2024. Methods –A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 279 mothers their respective newborns recruited by systematic random sampling technique. Data related to birth weight and associated factors were collected using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and checklist, developed through a review of relevant literature. The sources of data included interviews conducted with mothers, medical records, and direct anthropometric measurements. Data were collected by trained midwives. The Open Data Kit (ODK) Collect mobile application was used for data collection. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percent, measure of central tendency, and measure of dispersion were employed to describe characteristics of the participants. In addition, A multivariable logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with low birth weight and explain the association using odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Result: The mean age of the women was 28.8 years. The magnitude of low birth weight in this study was 23.7%. The adjusted odds of low birth weight were 5.5 times higher among pregnant women with a MUAC of less than 23 cm (AOR=5.5; 95% CI: 2.2 to 13.4) compared to those with a MUAC of 23 cm or more. The adjusted odds of low birth weight were 11.6 times higher among pregnant women who gained less than 10 kg (AOR=11.6; 95% CI: 3.2 to 42.3) during pregnancy compared to those who gained 10 kg or more. Lastly, the adjusted odds of low birth weight were 2.5 times higher among women living in food-insecure households (AOR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.1 to 5.9) compared to those in food-secure households. Conclusion and recommendation: The present study revealed that recent Tigray war has significantly increased the magnitude of low birth weight (LBW) compared to the pre-war status. The magnitude of LBW is remarkably higher among women with a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) below 23 cm (with malnutrition), those with small weight gain during pregnancy, and women living in food-insecure households. Nutritional screening during pregnancy, nutritional counseling, targeted nutritional support and micronutrient supplementation, and awareness campaigns on the importance of maternal nutrition should be implemented to reduce the occurrence of LBW, especially in war-affected areas like Tigray.
  • Item
    Assessment of Preterm Birth and Predictive Factors at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: An Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis
    (Mekelle University, 2025-08-28) DANIEL ABATE
    Background: Preterm birth is a major public health concern due to its important impact on infant mortality and morbidity. Previous studies conducted in Ethiopia have examined the prevalence and risk factors of preterm birth, using a binary outcome of preterm birth, without considering the severity of preterm birth. Objective: -To assess Predictive Factors of Preterm Birth severity at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North Ethiopia from 2018 to 2020. Methods: A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 2082 preterm and term neonates from February 2018 to May 2020 at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The minimum sample size was 538. All preterm and term neonates were included in this study. Ordinal logistic regression with partial proportional odd model (PPOM) was used to determine predictors of preterm. Parallel line assumption was tested using Brant test. Odd Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to assess the strength of association between independent and dependent variables. Result- The overall prevalence of preterm was found to be 36.7% (95%C. I:34.67, 38.86). Being having congenital malformation the odd very preterm versus (moderate preterm, late preterm and term) increased by OR= 2.295(95% C.I :1.566,3.363) times. Being having multiple gestation the odd very preterm versus (moderate preterm, late preterm and term) increased by OR= 2.319(95% C.I:1.526,3.524) times, Being having history of preterm birth the odd very preterm versus (moderate preterm, late preterm and term) increased by OR= 10.03(95% C.I:6.803,14.788). Being having hypertension the odd having higher preterm level increased by OR= 3.835(95% C.I:2.036,7.226). Being having ANC visit the odd of having higher preterm level decreased by 91.8% OR= 0.182(95% C.I:0.039,0.841). Conclusions and Recommendations- in the PPOM, the variables congenital malformation, multiple gestation, history of preterm birth, hypertension, and malaria infection, had a positive significant association with the odd of preterm birth, whereas ANC visit had a negative significant effect. In order to decrease the probability of preterm birth, every mother should prevent chronic disease by changing life style. Health professional should provide health education, early screening of chronic disease and aware mothers to have appropriate ANC follow up during prenatal period.
  • Item
    Patients’ Beliefs about Medicines, Adherence and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Cancer Treatment: A Tripartite Study at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-08-28) Tsegay Lemma
    Background: Patients’ beliefs about medications, adherence to therapy, and of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are critical in optimizing cancer treatment outcomes and ensuring safety. Understanding these factors can enhance adherence and reduce the risks associated with polypharmacy. Objective: This study assessed beliefs about medicines, medication adherence, and the prevalence of DDIs among cancer chemotherapy patients at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Mekelle, Ethiopia. It also explored factors influencing these outcomes and the relationships between them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2024 to March 2025 involving 385 ambulatory cancer patients aged ≥18 years. Participants were randomly selected and evaluated using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) and the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Data analysis employed SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and Pearson’s correlation. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The study analyzed data from 385 patients (mean age 45.6 years; 74.3% female). Most were married (60.8%), had no formal education (44.2%), and low monthly income (71.4% earned ≤1500 ETB). Among them, 94.3% had been diagnosed within five years, 90.1% had no comorbidities, and 60% had non-breast cancers. BMQ findings showed that 92.7% believed in the necessity of their medications, but 67.3% had concerns about harm. MMAS-8 results revealed 71.7% adherence, with 94.8% reporting they rarely forget doses. 88.3% of cases of major DDI were those between 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. Adherence was correlated positively with necessity and negatively with concerns and harm. Conclusion: The study revealed a high level of perceived necessity and moderate adherence, higher than reported in comparable settings. However, concerns about medication and the high prevalence of DDIs highlight the need for improved patient counseling and medication safety practices.
  • Item
    Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of cystic echinococcosis in humans and slaughtered cattle in peri-urban dogowning smallholder farms in Mekelle zone, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-28) MESSELE GEBREMICAEL
    Background: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, poses significant public health and economic challenges in Ethiopia. Despite its impact, data on its prevalence in humans, slaughtered cattle, and dogs particularly in the Tigray Regional State, remain limited. Objective: Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of cystic echinococcosis in humans and slaughtered cattle in peri-urban dog- owning smallholder farms in Mekelle zone, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2024 to March 2025 involving 832 human participants, 212 cattle, and 384 dogs. Human participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique, while the peri-urban smallholder farms owning dogs were purposively selected in the Mekelle Zone. Hydatidosis screening was performed using abdominal ultrasound, and laboratory analysis was conducted on specimens from slaughtered cattle and fecal samples from their dogs. Microscopic examination (40×) was used to detect hydatid cysts in cattle and taeniid eggs in dog feces. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, applying descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors associated with CE at a significance level of p < 0.05. Result: The overall prevalence of CE from six purposively selected sub-districts of Mekelle zone was found to be 0.24% (2/832) in humans, 22.64% (48/212) in cattle, and 17.45% (67/384) in dogs. The two human cases involved a 45-year-old male, and 50-yearold women. In cattle, distribution of cysts was primarily found (68.75%) in the lungs and (25.0%) in liver and (2.08%) each in the kidneys, heart, and spleen. Fertility and viability in cattle (68.8%) in lungs and (25.0%) in liver. CE prevalence was higher in male cattle (24.52%) than in females (16.0%), and poor body condition (40.0%) compared to those with medium (22.45%), and good (17.07%). Backyard-slaughtered cattle had a higher infection rate (34.69%) than those slaughtered in abattoirs (19.01%). Factors significantly associated with CE in cattle included age, sex, body condition, and slaughter location (p < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis adult cattle (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI:1.501,4.400; P = 0. 001), cattle with poor body condition score (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI: 2.177,7.618; P = 0.000), and cattle slaughtered at backyard slabs (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.300,3.940; P = 0.004) were more likely to acquire hydatid cysts than the others. After adjusting for potential confounders, dogs with stray roaming behavior (AOR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.11–7.71; p = 0.029) and feed raw offal (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.38–5.93; p = 0.005) had significantly higher odds of CE infection. Conclusion: The present study showed that CE is a considerably prevalent disease in human, cattle and dogs in the study area. This emphasizes the need to avoid backyard slaughter practice, unsafe offal feeding of dogs, and proper waste disposal which requires public awareness on the use of abattoirs.
  • Item
    Determinants of parental knowledge on childhood foreign body aspiration
    (Mekelle University, 2025-08-28) BRHANU HAILE ASGEDOM
    Background: Although foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a life-threatening event with grave consequences, it is still Preventable. One of the most important risk factors for FBA-related consequences is a lack of knowledge by the caregivers. Better understanding of FBA is very essential to prevent complication and premature death due to FBA. However, there is a limited shred of evidence regarding the knowledge of FBA related among parents in Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray. Objectives: To assess determinants of parental knowledge on childhood foreign body aspiration among clients visiting ACSH. Methods: A facility-based, cross-sectional study was carried out among 423 parents attending Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January to March, 2025. A pre-tested structured interviewer-administered 12 FBA-related items questionnaire is used for data collection. Descriptive frequency used to see the level of knowledge then binary logistic regression model was carried to see factors associated with parental knowledge of foreign body aspiration Result: From the total respondent, 271(64.07%) [95% CI, 59%-68%] had good levels of knowledge on the consequences of FBA. Parents with a college degree or higher (AOR=7.19, 95% CI: 4.21–12.29),Having more than three children (AOR=2.25, 95% CI: 1.34–3.78) Parents whose youngest child was less than one year old (AOR=4.55, 95% CI: 1.71–12.10) or between one and five years old (AOR=3.03, 95% CI: 1.23–7.44) Previous experience with FBA: parents who had encountered FBA once (AOR=2.68, 95% CI: 1.30–5.54) or twice (AOR=2.97, 95% CI: 1.44–6.11) were significantly associated with parents’ knowledge on the foreign body aspiration. Conclusion: This study revealed that a majority of parents (64.07%) possess good knowledge regarding body aspiration (FBA). Higher educational attainment, having more children, younger age of the youngest child, and previous experience with FBA were all significantly associated with better parental knowledge.
  • Item
    Unveiling the Hidden Burden of Neural Tube Defects Crisis: A Triple-Lens Investigation of Prevalence, Risk Factors and Maternal Folate Deficiency in War-Torn Tigray, Northern Ethiopi
    (Mekelle University, 2025-10-12) Birhane Alem Berihu
    Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most severe congenital anomalies globally, with disproportionately high prevalence in low-resource settings. The Tigray regional state in northern Ethiopia, already facing one of the highest NTD burdens in sub-Saharan Africa, has endured an extensive armed conflict for several decades and as recently as in 2020, resulting in the collapse of its healthcare system, widespread famine, and profound maternal health challenges. Despite anecdotal reports of increased birth defects during the conflict, empirical data have been lacking. Objective: This dissertation aimed to assess the prevalence, and associated factors of NTDs in war affected areas of Tigray. It also evaluated maternal red blood cell (RBC) folate levels in NTD high-risk regions to explore biochemical risk factors contributing to these anomalies. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed across three interrelated studies. Quantitative data were obtained through hospital-based retrospective chart reviews, prospective observational assessments, and laboratory analyses of RBC folate concentrations in first-trimester pregnant women. Socio demographic, obstetric, nutritional, and biochemical variables were analyzed to identify risk factors associated with NTDs. Results: The findings revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of NTDs (262 per 10, 000 births) in the conflict-affected health facilities of Tigray, significantly exceeding national and regional estimates. Risk factor analysis of our study showed strong links between NTDs and factors such as young maternal age, rural residence, unplanned pregnancy, poor prenatal care, low education, high birth order, and lack of folic acid use. Additional risks included poor folate awareness, food insecurity, low dietary diversity, violence exposure, and limited healthcare access. Biochemical assays showed widespread deficiencies in RBC folate among pregnant women in high-risk areas, with levels frequently falling below WHO recommended thresholds for NTD prevention, with dietary diversity strongly influencing folate status, emphasizing the key role of nutrition in NTD prevention. Conclusion: This study demonstrates an alarming surge in NTDs in war-affected Tigray, primarily driven by widespread folate deficiency, poor dietary diversity, and the collapse of maternal health services. Additional risk was compounded by key socio demographic factors such as low education attainment, rural residence, and limited reproductive autonomy. These findings underscore how conflict magnifies preventable health crises through the convergence of nutritional, medical, and social failures. Hence, efforts should prioritize the restoration of antenatal care services, targeted folic acid supplementation for women of reproductive age, and community-based nutrition education to improve dietary diversity. In the longer term, food fortification with folic acid should be considered once health systems stabilize. These targeted interventions fall within the study’s evidence base and are feasible within conflict-affected and resource-limited contexts.
  • Item
    Assessment of Lipid Profiles and Blood Glucose Level among Adult Asthmatic Patients with and without corticosteroid use attending at Aksum Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2024/25: A Comparative Cross Sectional Study.
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-22) Shumondi Tekle
    Background: Corticosteroids are the most popular and successful asthma control medications, but their prolonged usage has been observed to affect and induce changes in blood glucose level and lipid profiles. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the serum lipid profiles and blood glucose level among adult asthmatic patients with and without corticosteroid use at Aksum University Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2024/25. Method: Hospital based comparative cross sectional study using convenience sampling technique was conducted to enroll 51 corticosteroid user asthmatic patients and another 51 asthmatic patients who were not on corticosteroid use attending Aksum University Comprehensive Specialized Referral hospital chronic, Emergency and inpatient treatment centers from January/2024 to May 30 /2025. The data obtained was entered, cleaned, categorized and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Student's independent t-test was used to compare the results. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the variation in the lipid profile and FBS between the types of corticosteroids. Linear regression was used to determine the changes in blood glucose and lipid profile in relation to the dose and duration of corticosteroid use. Findings were presented by texts, pictures and tables. Results: This study showed that the mean serum level of HDL-c, LDL-c, TC, TG and FBG in corticosteroid user asthmatic patients is 49.82±6.86, 90.99±9.79, 172.66±21.02, 124.34±14.58 and 96.56±10.63 respectively and it is 53.16±5.76, 86.11±6.06, 156.44±21.46, 113.09±12.30 and 89.40±7.90 respectively in non-corticosteroid user asthmatic patients. The result between the two groups is significantly different (P= 0.009, 0.003*, 0.000*, 0.000* and 0.001* respectively). Similarly the mean serum levels of HDL-c, LDL-c, TC, TG and FBG among the inhalational systemic and combined corticosteroid users is significantly different with P-value of P=0.000 for all. Conclusions: Corticosteroid user asthmatic patients had higher levels of FBS and higher mean serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL but lower mean serum HDL-c levels than non-user controls. The FBS and mean serum lipid profile is significantly different among the systemic, combined and inhalational corticosteroid users.
  • Item
    Assessment of serum lipid profile in chronic kidney disease patients at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital,2024/2025
    (Mekelle University, 2025-08-25) YEMANE TEKLEHAYMANOT
    Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide with increasing incidence and prevalence with antecedent high medical cost and poor outcome. Dyslipidemia is a common complication in CKD patients and is associated with the decline of kidney function. There is a paucity of data in Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray region, regarding the pattern and progression of lipid profile abnormalities in CKD patients. Objective: To assess serum lipid profile in chronic kidney disease patients at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2025. Methods: Comparative cross-sectional study design was carried out on 41 CKD patients and 41 age and sex matched controls, at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 2025 to March 2025. Fasting blood samples were collected for the estimation of lipid profiles. Data was entered using Epi-data software version 4.7 and exported to SPSS software version 27 for analysis. Variables with P-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Independent t-test was used to determine the lipid profile result of CKD patients in comparison to controls. A one-way ANOVA was used to identify the variation of lipid profiles across CKD stages. Correlation was used to determine the strength of association between the e-GFR and the lipid profiles. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate was calculated using CKD-EPI 2021 equation. Results: Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL c) levels were significantly higher and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) level was significantly lower in CKD patients than in controls. As CKD progressed from stage 1 to stage 4; TC, TG and LDL-c levels increase significantly and HDL-c decrease significantly. There was a significant negative correlation of e-GFR with TC, TG, LDL-c and a significant positive correlation with HDL-c. Conclusions: There was dyslipidemia in CKD patients characterized by elevated level of TC, TG, LDL-c and reduced HDL-c level. As CKD progressed from stage 1 to stage 4, there was a progressive increase in TC, TG, LDL-c and a progressive decrease in HDL-c and there was a significant correlation of e-GFR with lipid profiles. Early diagnosis and management of dyslipidemia in CKD patients is important for positive outcome.
  • Item
    PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF VITAMIN -A DEFICIENCY(BITOT’S SPOT AND NIGHT BLINDNESS) AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN ENDAMOHONI RURAL DISTRICTS, SOUTHERN TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY, 2024
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-25) YEMANE GITET
    Background Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a significant public health issue, particularly among preschool children in low-income countries. In Ethiopia, despite national efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies, clinical signs of VAD—such as night blindness and Bitot’s spots— persist, especially in rural communities. However, existing research has largely focused on biochemical assessments or national-level data, with limited attention to the clinical presentation and contextual risk factors of VAD in rural districts. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of clinical Vitamin A deficiency and its associated factors among preschool-aged children in a rural district of Southern Tigray, Endamokoni wereda, where local evidence is scarce and the problem remains poorly addressed. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 609 preschool children of Endamohoni District Southern Tigrai, from August to October, 2024. A multi-stage sampling, followed by a systematic sampling technique was employed to select study participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Quantitative data were entered using Epi Data statistical software and analysed by using SPSS version 20 statistical software package.Using a descriptive, binary logistic regression model and multivariable analysis was fitted to identify the associated factors of vitamin-A deficiency. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95 % confidence interval was computed to assess the strength of the association, and variables with a p value of <0.25 in binarylogistic regression model and <0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered as statistically significant. Results Six hundred nine preschool children were included in the study, The overall prevalence of Clinical vitamin A deficiency was 3.3%,and prevalence of Bitot’s spot and night blindness was 1.8% and 1.5%, respectively. The result of the multivariable analysis revealed that Children aged 12–35 months are at the highest risk of Vitamin A deficiency(AOR = 56.028 (95% CI: 2.545 – 1233.445, p = 0.011) , followed by those aged 36–47 months(AOR = 20.120 (95% CI: 1.706 – 237.224, p = 0.017), when compared to older preschool children (48–72 months). Both groups are statistically significant predictors of VAD in the multivariate model, indicating that younger preschool children are more vulnerable to Vitamin A deficiency. Children who had both diarrhea and respiratory infections were found to have significantly higher odds of Vitamin A deficiency (AOR = 10.001; 95% CI: 0.000–20.604; p = 0.035). However, the extremely wide confidence interval indicates considerable uncertainty in the estimate, likely due to a small sample size or sparse data. Mothers who had experienced stillb irth had significantly lower odds of having a child with Vitamin A deficiency compared to those who had not (AOR = 0.142; 95% CI: 0.023–0.867; p = 0.034). Conclusions Based on WHO thresholds, the overall finding indicates that clinical vitamin A deficiency is a severe public health problem in the population studied. All three indicators — clinical VAD (3.3%), Bitot’s spots (1.8%), and night blindness (1.5%) — exceed the WHO cutoff of 1%, which classifies the situation as severe and requiring urgent public health intervention, and is associated with age of the child,a child with diarrhea and respiratory tract infection and a mother who had experienced still birth which could be used to target interventions to further reduce existing VAD. Overall, the findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions among younger children and those with frequent infections in rural settings. Further strengthening antenatal and postnatal care utilization and giving emphasis to preschool children will help to mitigate vitamin A deficiency in the study area.