BMC Public Health
(Accessed 17 January 2015)
http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcpublichealth/content

Research article
Workplace violence against homecare workers and its relationship with workers health outcomes: a cross-sectional study
Ginger C Hanson, Nancy A Perrin, Helen Moss, Naima Laharnar, Nancy Glass BMC Public Health 2015, 15:11 (17 January 2015)
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Research article
Factors associated with willingness to participate in clinical trials: a nationwide survey study
Sang Chu, Eun Kim, Seok Jeong, Geu Park BMC Public Health 2015, 15

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Research article
Determinants of underweight, stunting and wasting among schoolchildren
Mekides Wolde1, Yifru Berhan2* and Alemzewed Chala1
Author Affiliations
BMC Public Health 2015, 15:8 doi:10.1186/s12889-014-1337-2
Published: 17 January 2015
Abstract (provisional)
Background
The cause of under-nutrition in schoolchildren is complex and varying from region to region. However, identifying the cause is the basic step for nutritional intervention programs.
Methods
School based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 450 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years, using multi-stage sampling techniques in Dale Woreda, southern Ethiopia.
A structured questionnaire and 24-hour recall methods were administered to determine the sociodemographic and dietary intake of participants. Stool microscopic examination was done. Weight and height were measured using a standard calibrated scale. Odds ratio generated from logistic regression was used to determine the strength of variables association.
Results
Older age group (10-14 vs. 7-9) (AOR=3.4; 95% CI, 1.7-6.6) and having Trichuris Trichura infection (AOR=3.9; 95% CI, 1.4 -11.6) increased the risk of being stunted. Children whose mothers have completed primary education are less likely to be stunted than children whose mothers do not have formal education (AOR=0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8).Having large family size (AOR=3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.9) and inadequate intake of carbohydrate (AOR=3.1; 95% CI, 1.4-6.8) were independent predictors of wasting. Children whose mothers completed primary education are less likely to be underweight (AOR=0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.9). Children live in food insecure households are more likely to be stunted, under-weight and wasted than children live in food secure households (AOR=2.5; 95%, 1-5.6; AOR=3.9; 95%CI, 1.2-12.0; AOR=4.8; 95%CI, 1.7-13.6;).
Conclusion
Household food insecurity, low maternal education and infection with Trichuris trichura were some of the major factors contributing to under-nutrition in the study area.

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Research article
Qualitative study on the socio-cultural determinants of care of children orphaned by AIDS in the Ashanti and Eastern regions of Ghana
Lily Yarney1, Chuks Mba2 and Emmanuel Asampong1*
Author Affiliations
BMC Public Health 2015, 15:6 doi:10.1186/s12889-014-1332-7
Published: 17 January 2015
Abstract (provisional)
Background
Almost three decades after the discovery of HIV and AIDS in Ghana, the most obvious impact of the disease is the growing orphan crisis affecting most families and communities, especially in areas that the prevalence of HIV has exceeded the epidemic’s threshold of 5%. Studies have indicated that these orphans usually experience a wide range of problems which include education, nutrition, physical and sexual abuse, emotional and psychological distress, stigma and discrimination, among others The aim of the study was to examine the social, cultural, and traditional norms and practices that influence the care of children orphaned by AIDS in Ghana.
Methods
The study employed focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews to generate information on the socio-cultural factors that impact orphan care in the Ashanti and Eastern regions of Ghana.
Results
The findings indicated that the cultural practices that influence how well an AIDS orphan is taken care of by their caregivers include traditional rituals, ceremonies, and norms like funeral rites, marriage and naming ceremonies, festivals, inheritance, polygyny, and puberty rites. The social factors mentioned to affect orphan care significantly were: excessive alcohol drinking, and tobacco and drug use, dressing with fashion, night club attendance, market days, stigma and discrimination, among others.
Conclusion
It is recommended that though some cultural and traditional practices are deeply rooted in communities and cannot be done away completely, orphan care policies on interventions should take into account these factors to mitigate their effects on the care of orphans.