Nahom Girma Belete is a public health researcher and program coordinator with a strong academic background in nursing and public health nutrition. He brings over three years of clinical experience and more than four years of experience in research, program coordination, and public health implementation.
His areas of interest include nutrition, non-communicable diseases, cancer prevention, and community health. Nahom is skilled in designing and managing public health programs, conducting mixed-methods research, and supporting health promotion initiatives across diverse populations.
He is also proficient in project management, data analysis, and digital collaboration tools, supporting efficient planning, execution, and evaluation of health interventions. Known for his discipline, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, Nahom thrives in dynamic environments and values innovation, collaboration, and impact-driven work in public health.
Cancer Epidemiology clinical trials Molecular residual diseases psychosocial support and NCDs Nutrition health equity and access.
<title>Abstract</title> Background Malnutrition is a major public health concern among older adults in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to increased morbidity, functional decline, and mortality. In Ethiopia, the population aged 60 years and older is projected to rise steadily, yet data on their nutritional status remain scarce. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and associated factors among adults aged 65 years and older in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 30 to May 29, 2023, among 413 randomly selected adults aged ≥ 65 years in Harar town. Nutritional status was assessed using the validated Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF). Data were entered into EpiData v3.1 and analyzed in SPSS v25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with malnutrition. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of malnutrition was 15.2% (95% CI: 0.18–1.91), and 43.6% (95% CI: 0.38–0.48) were at risk of malnutrition. Factors significantly associated with malnutrition included older age groups from 75 to 84 years (AOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 1.25–15.77) and 85 to 95 years (AOR = 6.54; 95% CI: 1.36–31.31), low educational attainment (AOR = 6.15; 95% CI: 1.26–29.9), recent illness (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.07–9.26), presence of chronic illness (AOR = 6.48; 95% CI: 2.22–18.86), and poor dietary diversity (AOR = 6.25; 95% CI: 1.38–28.10). Household food insecurity, mild (AOR = 5.62; 95% CI: 1.35–23.30), moderate (AOR = 6.67; 95% CI: 1.69–26.38), and severe (AOR = 6.92; 95% CI: 1.05–45.22), was consistently associated with increased odds of malnutrition. Conclusion Malnutrition and its risk are common among older adults in Harar town. Key factors include advanced age, chronic illness, poor dietary diversity, and household food insecurity. Public health interventions should focus on improving dietary intake, strengthening nutrition education for older adults and caregivers, and addressing household food insecurity. Trial Registration Not applicable.
Background: Malnutrition is a major public health concern among older adults in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to increased morbidity, functional decline, and mortality. In Ethiopia, the population aged 60 years and older is projected to rise steadily, yet data on their nutritional status remain scarce. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and associated factors among adults aged 65 years and older in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 30 to May 29, 2023, among 413 randomly selected adults aged ≥ 65 years in Harar town. Nutritional status was assessed using the validated Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF). Data were entered into EpiData v3.1 and analyzed in SPSS v25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with malnutrition. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported, with statistical significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 15.2% (95% CI: 0.18–1.91), and 43.6% (95% CI: 0.38–0.48) were at risk of malnutrition. Factors significantly associated with malnutrition included older age groups from 75 to 84 years (AOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 1.25–15.77) and 85 to 95 years (AOR = 6.54; 95% CI: 1.36–31.31), low educational attainment (AOR = 6.15; 95% CI: 1.26–29.9), recent illness (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.07–9.26), presence of chronic illness (AOR = 6.48; 95% CI: 2.22–18.86), and poor dietary diversity (AOR = 6.25; 95% CI: 1.38–28.10). Household food insecurity, mild (AOR = 5.62; 95% CI: 1.35–23.30), moderate (AOR = 6.67; 95% CI: 1.69–26.38), and severe (AOR = 6.92; 95% CI: 1.05–45.22), was consistently associated with increased odds of malnutrition.Conclusion: Malnutrition and its risk are common among older adults in Harar town. Key factors include advanced age, chronic illness, poor dietary diversity, and household food insecurity. Public health interventions should focus on improving dietary intake, strengthening nutrition education for older adults and caregivers, and addressing household food insecurity.
<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background:</bold> Gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of periodontal disease, is a prevalent oral health problem linked to discomfort, poor quality of life, and progression to periodontitis. Despite being preventable, it remains overlooked in many low-resource settings, including Ethiopia. In Harar Town, limited data exist on its burden and associated risk factors. Objective: To assess the prevalence of gingivitis and identify sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors among patients attending dental clinics in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia. <bold>Method:</bold> A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 21 to December 5, 2023, among 416 patients aged ≥5 years with the provision of informed consent or assent with guardian approval. Participants were selected using stratified and systematic random sampling from two public and six private dental clinics. Data were collected through structured interviews and clinical examinations using the WHO’s Modified Community Periodontal Index (CPI), with gingivitis defined as CPI ≥1. Binary logistic regression identified independent predictors, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. <bold>Result:</bold> Out of 416 individuals who participated in the study, 402 responded, yielding a response rate of 96.6%. The mean age of participants was 31.86 (±16.32 SD) years, with ages ranging from 5 to 78 years. The overall prevalence of gingivitis among the respondents was 48.5%. Significant predictors included male sex (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.19–4.12), rural residence (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.36–5.26), monthly income <3500 ETB (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.36–5.16), and illiteracy (AOR = 3.73; 95% CI: 1.37–10.14). Behavioral factors included infrequent tooth brushing (AOR = 4.51; 95% CI: 2.29–8.89), self-perceived halitosis (AOR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.00–4.14), lack of oral health information (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.09–5.02), khat chewing (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.37–5.11), smoking (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.58–8.36), alcohol use (AOR = 4.20; 95% CI: 1.60–11.02), and frequent refined carbohydrate intake between meal (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.19–5.49). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Gingivitis is common in Harar Town and is strongly associated with modifiable factors. Targeted oral health education and behavioral interventions are recommended.
&lt;i&gt;Background&lt;/i&gt;: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women globally, with disproportionate impacts in low-resource settings due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to screening. In Ethiopia, breast cancer accounts for over 30% of all female cancers, yet early detection remains critically underutilized. Harar Town, located in Eastern Ethiopia, presents unique challenges and opportunities for community-based interventions. This study aimed to strategically advance breast cancer prevention through a market-centered screening and awareness initiative targeting women in Shewa-Ber, the largest public market in Harar. &lt;i&gt;Materials and Methods&lt;/i&gt;: A cross-sectional, community-based screening program was conducted on October 28–29, 2023. Women aged 16 years and above who visited Shewa-Ber market were recruited using convenience sampling. A total of 204 women underwent clinical breast examinations performed by trained healthcare professionals, and 166 completed structured interviews. The survey instrument captured socio-demographic data, reproductive history, substance use, breast health complaints, and knowledge and practice of self-breast examination (SBE). Ethical clearance was obtained, and referrals were provided for suspected cases. &lt;i&gt;Results&lt;/i&gt;: Among the 166 respondents, only 43.4% had prior knowledge of SBE, and 23.5% reported practicing it. Notably, 13.3% of screened women exhibited clinical signs suggestive of breast cancer and were referred for further diagnostic evaluation. Risk factors included early menarche (≤13 years), family history of breast cancer (4.2%), contraceptive use (41%), and substance exposure (chat: 24.7%, alcohol: 5.4%, tobacco: 1.8%). Educational attainment was low, with 25.3% of participants having no formal education. Despite 26.5% reporting breast-related symptoms, only one woman had previously accessed ultrasound screening. The intervention revealed significant gaps in awareness, screening access, and health-seeking behavior. &lt;i&gt;Conclusion&lt;/i&gt;: This initiative demonstrated the 1581350 feasibility and effectiveness of decentralized, community-based breast cancer screening in a high-traffic public setting. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated public health strategies that combine education, screening, and referral systems to improve early detection and reduce mortality in underserved populations. &lt;i&gt;Recommendations&lt;/i&gt;: We recommend scaling this model across similar urban and peri-urban markets in Ethiopia. Health authorities should prioritize training of frontline health workers in breast cancer awareness, embed SBE education into routine outreach, and establish referral linkages for diagnostic follow-up. Future studies should assess longitudinal outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and integration with national cancer control programs.
