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Research Article
Prison as a Measure to Control Users of Illegal Drugs in Oman
Hamida Al Harthi*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-10
Received:
23 July 2025
Accepted:
27 January 2026
Published:
25 February 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Illegal drug use is a rising problem that affects Omani youth. This research aimed to study a group of young Omani men who were imprisoned more than once for illegal drug use, focusing on exploring their lifestyle experiences inside and outside the prison and whether these contributed to their early relapse and re-imprisonment. Methods: 19 Omani males aged 18–35 years imprisoned in Oman Central Prison were recruited using purposive sampling. A focused ethnography was conducted over 8 months to explore drug-related experiences outside prison and during imprisonment. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the participants yielded detailed transcripts and field notes. These were thematically analyzed, and the results were compared with the existing literature. Results: The participants’ voices yielded new insights into the lives of young Omani men imprisoned for illegal drug use, including their sufferings and challenges in prison. These included: entry shock, timing and boredom, drug trafficking in prison, as well as physical and psychological health issues. Overall, imprisonment was reported to have negatively impacted the participants’ health, personality, self-concept, emotions, attitudes, behavior, and life expectations. Conclusion: This study concludes that imprisonment is largely ineffective in controlling drug use in Oman. Urgent action is required across multiple sectors to improve the lives and prospects of users of illegal drugs within and outside the prison to minimize factors contributing to early relapse.
Abstract: Introduction: Illegal drug use is a rising problem that affects Omani youth. This research aimed to study a group of young Omani men who were imprisoned more than once for illegal drug use, focusing on exploring their lifestyle experiences inside and outside the prison and whether these contributed to their early relapse and re-imprisonment. Method...
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Review Article
Preventing Childhood Obesity: A Case for Synergistic Action Across Family, School, and Government
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
11-15
Received:
14 December 2025
Accepted:
25 December 2025
Published:
25 February 2026
Abstract: Introduction: The global escalation of childhood obesity necessitates a critical review of prevention strategies that have historically focused on single agents of change. This article argues that individual interventions by families, schools, or governments are not sufficient to address the multifaceted drivers of this epidemic. Instead, effective prevention requires an integrated and synergistic approach across all three domains. Discussion: Families establish essential health behaviors, but they are often undermined by structural and environmental inequalities that drive obesity and limit healthy choices. Schools provide a central context for population-level intervention through education and the environment, but their impact is limited without broader policy and community support. Government regulation and fiscal policies are essential to create healthier assumptions, from restricting the marketing of harmful foods to ensuring equitable access to nutritious foods and safe spaces for physical activity. Conclusion: Drawing on international comparisons and evidence from socioecological models, this analysis concludes that only through coordinated action in which policy activates school-based programs and structurally supports families can a sustainable and equitable path to reducing childhood obesity be achieved. In this model, regulation protects children from harmful influences, schools operationalize health promotion daily, and families are supported in making healthier choices for their children. Ultimately, defeating this epidemic requires not just multiple players, but a unified system working in concert.
Abstract: Introduction: The global escalation of childhood obesity necessitates a critical review of prevention strategies that have historically focused on single agents of change. This article argues that individual interventions by families, schools, or governments are not sufficient to address the multifaceted drivers of this epidemic. Instead, effective...
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Research Article
Knowledge and Practice of Mothers Regarding Home Management of Diarrheal Diseases Among Children Under-Five Year in Banja Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Lalem Tilahun Kebede*,
Yonas Wondie Bamlaku,
Ayenew Genet Kebede,
Wubet Tazeb Wondie
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
16-24
Received:
15 January 2026
Accepted:
12 February 2026
Published:
4 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdh.20260101.13
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Abstract: Diarrheal disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in Ethiopia despite being largely preventable, and appropriate home-based management by mothers plays a vital role in reducing complications and deaths. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023 among 419 mothers of under-five children with diarrhea attending selected health centers in Banja Woreda, northwest Ethiopia, to assess their knowledge and practice regarding home management of diarrheal diseases. Data were collected using a pretested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from World Health Organization guidelines and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Of the respondents (response rate: 99.8%), 60.6% (95% CI: 55.8–65.3) had good knowledge, and 58.5% (95% CI: 53.7–63.2) demonstrated good practice. Occupational and marital status were significantly associated with knowledge, while occupational status and monthly income were significantly associated with practice. Although mothers’ knowledge was relatively moderate, actual home management practices were suboptimal. Strengthening targeted health education interventions focusing on practical skills, particularly among low-income and non-employed mothers, is therefore recommended.
Abstract: Diarrheal disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in Ethiopia despite being largely preventable, and appropriate home-based management by mothers plays a vital role in reducing complications and deaths. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023 among 419 mothers of unde...
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Research Article
Effects of Climate Variability on Malaria Outbreak in Delomenna District, Bale Zone, Ethiopia
Million Ejara Zegeye*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
25-37
Received:
18 January 2026
Accepted:
21 February 2026
Published:
9 March 2026
Abstract: Malaria is the major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Almost half of the Bale Zone's surface area is at risk for malaria. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of climate variability on the malaria outbreak in Delomena District and recommend control and preventive measures. Meteorological variables (monthly total rainfall, average relative humidity, and mean maximum and minimum temperature) and malaria case data from 2013 to 2022 were used to analyze correlation and regression using SPSS 20v software. The results indicated that the monthly peak of malaria incidence in the Delomena district occurred in June (11 cases), 2021, a year after the main rainy season, while the lowest malaria incidence occurred in January (0 cases), following a short rainy season. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation analysis showed that monthly mean rainfall, relative humidity, and mean minimum temperature had a positive correlation with malaria occurrence but a negative correlation with mean maximum temperature. Also, the negative binomial regression model indicates that, by 1 mm and% increase, both monthly total rainfalls (0.9%) and average relative humidity (3%) at three- and two-month lagged effects were the most significant for malaria occurrence in the study area, respectively, but mean maximum temperature at zero-month lagged effect was negative. However, the mean minimum temperature has an insignificant effect on malaria incidence for all lags. The study concludes that malaria incidences in the last ten years seem to have a significant association and effect with meteorological variables. To reduce malaria outbreaks in the study area, local government and district health experts should promote early warning systems and climate-informed malaria control strategies.
Abstract: Malaria is the major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Almost half of the Bale Zone's surface area is at risk for malaria. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of climate variability on the malaria outbreak in Delomena District and recommend control and preventive measures. Meteorological variables (m...
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Research Article
Scabies and Its Determinants Among Pre-school Children in East Badawacho District, Hadiyya Zone, Central Ethiopia: A Case Control Study
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
38-48
Received:
25 November 2025
Accepted:
29 December 2025
Published:
7 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdh.20260101.15
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Abstract: Background: Scabies affects over 200 million people globally, with an estimated 5-50% of children living in communities of limited resources. Scabies is a widespread issue in Ethiopia, particularly during natural or man-made disasters like flooding, drought, and conflict, as well as when there is a lack of access to clean water and sanitary facilities and congested living circumstances. This study aimed to determine the scabies and its determinants among preschool children in East Badawacho District, Hadiya Zone of Central Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based, unmatched case-control study with 348 participants compared scabies-infested preschool children to non-scabies preschool children for their past exposure to scabies in East Badawacho District, Central Ethiopia. The children's nutritional status was measured anthropometrically and analyzed using WHO Anthro software. Data were entered into EPI Data Version 3.1 and exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify determinants of scabies, with statistical significance declared at a P-value less than 0.05. Result: The prevalence of stunting was 50.5% among cases and 45.2% among controls, while the prevalence of underweight was 24.3% among cases and 18% among controls. The prevalence of wasting was 17.8% in cases and 9.3% in controls. Severe wasting [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.32, 5.47], mothers of preschool children who used less than 20 liters of water for daily activities [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.02, 6.27], children who shared clothes with someone affected by scabies [AOR = 6.7, 95% CI: 2.98, 15.08], and children who wash their bodies with water only [AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.37, 6.77] were the significant independent predictors associated with scabies infestation. Conclusion: Preschool children who were severely wasted, amount of water utilized for daily activity < 20 litres, sharing of cloth with scabies infected person, washing body with water only had significant role for the transmission of scabies. Therefore, scabies control programs should incorporate nutritional, and water sanitation interventions.
Abstract: Background: Scabies affects over 200 million people globally, with an estimated 5-50% of children living in communities of limited resources. Scabies is a widespread issue in Ethiopia, particularly during natural or man-made disasters like flooding, drought, and conflict, as well as when there is a lack of access to clean water and sanitary facilit...
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