Value of Finger Millet in Everyday Life: How Cereals Are Utilized in the West Gojjam Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia

Woody species diversity, structure and regeneration status of the church forests in West Gojjam Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter] is a small-sized cereal grain and an indigenous crop in Ethiopia. The Amhara region is one of the major teff producers regions in the country. However, information on the phenolic content of the region’s teff varieties is limited. Seventy-two teff samples were collected from three administrative zones (West Gojjam zone, Awi zone, and East Gojjam zone) of the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The samples’ total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined using colorimetric methods. The total flavonoid contents expressed as catechin equivalent, CE (i.e., under alkaline conditions) and quercetin equivalent, Q.E (i.e., under the methanolic solution of AlCl3) were found to be in the range of 7.66 ± 0.60–57.36 ± 3.87 mg C.E and 15.45 ± 0.15–113.12 ± 3.09 mg Q.E per 100 g of teff samples, respectively. The corresponding total polyphenol content (TPC), described as gallic acid equivalent (G.A.E.), was in the range of 46.21 ± 1.20–133.32 ± 5.44 mg G.A.E. The results showed that the mean TPC value of the teff samples from the West Gojjam zone was enriched with polyphenol than samples from the Awi zone and East Gojjam. Furthermore, it was noted that the mean TPC and TFC values did not vary significantly between samples of the East Gojjam and Awi zone (p > 0.05). In contrast, a significant difference in mean TPC and TFC-Q.E were noted between the sampling zone of East Gojjam and West Gojjam and between West Gojjam and Awi zones (p < 0.05). These significant variations in TPC and TFC might be due to observable variations in the agroecological zones and the genetic—make-up of the samples. Person correlation indicated a significant positive correlation matrix between the three variables (p = 0.01). The teff samples were trying to be classified based on their geographical origin using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and biplots. Accordingly, the variance explained by component 1 (PC1) is 67.2%, and the variance explained by component 2 (PC2) is 20.0%.

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter] is a small-sized cereal grain and an indigenous crop in Ethiopia. The Amhara region is one of the major teff producers regions in the country. However, information on the phenolic content of the region's teff varieties is limited. Seventy-two teff samples were collected from three administrative zones (West Gojjam zone, Awi zone, and East Gojjam zone) of the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The samples' total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined using colorimetric methods. The total flavonoid contents expressed as catechin equivalent, CE (i.e., under alkaline conditions) and quercetin equivalent, Q.E (i.e., under the methanolic solution of AlCl3) were found to be in the range of 7.66 ± 0.60-57.36 ± 3.87 mg C.E and 15.45 ± 0.15-113.12 ± 3.09 mg Q.E per 100 g of teff samples, respectively. The corresponding total polyphenol content (TPC), described as gallic acid equivalent (G.A.E.), was in the range of 46.21 ± 1.20-133.32 ± 5.44 mg G.A.E. The results showed that the mean TPC value of the teff samples from the West Gojjam zone was enriched with polyphenol than samples from the Awi zone and East Gojjam. Furthermore, it was noted that the mean TPC and TFC values did not vary significantly between samples of the East Gojjam and Awi zone (p > 0.05). In contrast, a significant difference in mean TPC and TFC-Q.E were noted between the sampling zone of East Gojjam and West Gojjam and between West Gojjam and Awi zones (p < 0.05). These significant variations in TPC and TFC might be due to observable variations in the agroecological zones and the genetic-make-up of the samples. Person correlation indicated a significant positive correlation matrix between the three variables (p = 0.01). The teff samples were trying to be classified based on their geographical origin using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and biplots. Accordingly, the variance explained by component 1 (PC1) is 67.2%, and the variance explained by component 2 (PC2) is 20.0%.

BackgroundMultidimensional poverty, encompassing deprivations in education, health, and living standards, is a significant challenge in rural Ethiopia. Despite various development initiatives, poverty remains pervasive in the West Gojjam Zone of northern Ethiopia. This study aims to assess the extent of multidimensional poverty in this region and identify key factors contributing to the likelihood of households experiencing it.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in the West Gojjam Zone, involving 628 rural households selected through a multi-stage sampling approach. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the multidimensional poverty index (MPI), focusing on poverty incidence, gap, and severity. A binary logistic regression model was applied to examine the relationship between household characteristics and the likelihood of being multidimensionally poor.ResultsThe study revealed that 93.95% of households in the West Gojjam Zone experience multidimensional poverty, with an intensity of 61.17% and an adjusted multidimensional headcount ratio of 57.47%. Key factors associated with a lower likelihood of multidimensional poverty include land ownership, off-farm income, year-round road access, the frequency of agricultural extension services, and access to loans. Conversely, the age of household heads is positively associated with an increased likelihood of poverty, with older household heads being more vulnerable.ConclusionsThe findings highlight that multidimensional poverty in the West Gojjam Zone is primarily driven by limited access to land, financial services, infrastructure, and agricultural support. Furthermore, older household heads are particularly at risk. To address these challenges, the study recommends policies that focus on enhancing agricultural productivity, expanding access to financial services, improving road infrastructure, and fostering non-farm income-generating activities. Strengthening agricultural extension services is essential to enhancing household resilience and reducing poverty.

Estimation of carbon stocks of woody plant species in church forests of West Gojjam zone, Northwestern Ethiopia: Implications for climate change mitigation

Knowing the primary maize production constraints that could lead to poor productivity which in turn lower farm income is essential to close the gap between desire and actual yield. As a result, this survey was conducted to assess the constraints on maize production across West Gojjam Zone in three districts: Jabi Tehnan, Bahir Dar Zuriya, and Mecha. Based on maize production potential, coverage, and the importance of maize in the livelihood of farmers in the study area, 10 km by 10 km X and Y geographical coordinate points as the main grid, and a quadrangle 1 km by 1km square grid was generated. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. We used both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques to gather primary data. A structured questionnaire was administered to 252 randomly selected sample farmers and their farms as part of the qualitative data collection. According to the findings, farmers in all three districts were dominantly married, of working age and with extensive farming experience. The smallest and most fragmented production land was located away from the house. The most common fertilizers were urea, DAP and NPS, from which a large proportion of the farmers used urea more than others and there was difficulty in getting fertilizers from regular sources and at the right time at all of the research sites. The majority of farmers in the research area utilized local seeds than improved seeds. Weed and insect pest attack in the maize field were very low. Furthermore, the largest portion of farmers had a very small production area which they plowed repeatedly. As a result of this study, it is possible to conclude that socioeconomic, fertilizer, seed and land preparation factors impact farmers in all three maize production systems. In this regard, it is suggested that more attention should be paid to these yield-limiting factors. Key words: Maize production, input, farming experience, Zea mays, land distributions, productivity, Ethiopia

Background:Ethiopia has been encountering a higher predominance of communicable illnesses, which bring about high morbidity, mortality, and hospital admission rates. One of the higher contributing factors to this can be the lower level of latrine utilization.Objective:To assess latrine utilization and associated factors in transforming District, West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021 among 352 households in the Dega Damot District, one of the transformed districts in the West Gojjam Zone. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study household. The data were collected through a face-to-face interview and right-away observation methods using structured questionnaires and an observational checklist respectively. Data were entered using Epi info version 7 and exported to a statistical package for social science’s version 25. Independent variables that had a P-value of <.25 were included in the multivariable binary logistic regression model. Variables with P-values of less than .05 were declared as statistically significant and an odds ratio of 95% CI was used to measure the strength of association between outcome and predictor variables.Results:We found that the prevalence of latrine utilization among households was 48.9% (95% CI: 44, 54). The household head has good knowledge of latrine utilization (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI 1.79, 4.87), a mother has formal education (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.13, 3.04), daily cleaning of the latrine (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.06, 3.74), and latrine having squat hole cover (AOR = 8.08, 95% CI 3.13, 20.87) were factors significantly associated with latrine utilization.Conclusion:In the transformed district latrine utilization was low Knowledge, education status, latrine cleaning frequency, and squat hole cover were factors associated with latrine utilization. Market-based sanitation, health extension program, and behavioral change communication strategies need to be strengthened to improve sustainable and consistent use of latrines.

ABSTRACTChildhood undernutrition in Ethiopia is a major public health concern. However, conventional indicators often miss concurrent growth failures, thereby underestimating the true burden among infants aged 6–8 months, a vulnerable group during the critical period of growth and complementary feeding. Therefore, this study aimed to assess undernutrition using the composite index of anthropometric failure and associated factors among infants aged 6–8 months in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 789 mothers with infants aged 6–8 months, selected using a cluster sampling technique in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were taken following standard procedures. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with undernutrition. Variables with a p‐value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Nearly one‐third of infants aged 6–8 months were undernourished (29.2%; 95% CI: 26.0%, 32.5%) as measured by the composite index of anthropometric failure. In multivariable logistic regression, infants from households where the husband was the primary decision‐maker on resources [AOR = 2.36, 95% CI (1.51, 3.71)], infants being male [AOR = 4.05, 95% CI (2.87, 5.71)], being aged 7 months [AOR = 1.81, 95% CI (1.21, 2.70)], or 8 months [AOR = 1.86, 95% CI (1.23, 2.81)] compared with aged 6 months, having acute respiratory infection [AOR = 1.95, 95% CI (1.13, 3.39)], and low maternal self‐efficacy in complementary feeding [AOR = 1.51, 95% CI (1.05, 2.17)] were significant predictors of anthropometric failure. Therefore, interventions should promote shared household decision‐making, address illness‐related nutritional risks, and strengthen maternal confidence in complementary feeding.Trial Registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05871346)

Background Undernutrition among children under five years of age remains unacceptably high in developing countries, particularly in low-income nations such as Ethiopia. Understanding the specific factors that contribute to undernutrition in this age group, especially those related to caregivers and healthcare providers, is crucial, but research in this area remains limited. Objective This study aimed to explore caregivers’ and healthcare provider perceptions of the factors that contribute to undernutrition among children under five years of age in the West Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Methods A phenomenological study was conducted in primary health facilities in the West Gojjam Zone from 20 July to 20 August 2024. A total of 33 caregivers and healthcare providers who provided informed consent were purposefully selected to participate. Thirty-three in-depth interviews were conducted to explore participants’ thoughts, perceptions, and views on factors that contribute to undernutrition. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide that facilitated comprehensive exploration of the topic. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was then conducted to identify key perceptions in thematic, subthemes, and codes factors that contributed to child undernutrition. Results The study found that several primary factors contribute to undernutrition among children under five years of age. Four main themes were identified: socioeconomic characteristics, poor knowledge and attitude toward child undernutrition, cultural beliefs, and seasonal related factors were contributing to undernutrition in children under five years of age.

Human disturbances and their impact on woody species diversity in sacred church forests in West Gojjam Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia

Inadequate adherence to infection prevention and control standards places millions of patients and healthcare workers at risk of infectious diseases worldwide, including healthcare acquired infections. Effective infection prevention and control measures and interventions have been done after the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, there is no data that shows infection prevention and control practice of healthcare professionals in West Gojjam zone hospitals. To assess infection prevention practice and associated factors among healthcare professionals in West Gojjam Zone public hospitals. A mixed institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in West Gojjam Zone public hospitals from March 10 to April 10, 2023. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 454 participants. A structured self-administered questionnaire, key informant interview guide, and observational checklist were used to gather the information. The collected data was entered into Epi-data 4.6 and exported into SPSS version 27 for analysis. For quantitative data, bivariate and multivariate generalized estimating equation analysis was computed, considering p < 0.05 to be statistically significant at the final model. The qualitative data was transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed thematically. Finally, the qualitative data triangulated with quantitative data. Four hundred thirty-four (95.6%) healthcare professionals participated in the study. The overall infection prevention practice of healthcare professionals in West Gojjam zone hospitals was 32.7% (95% CI: 28.29%-37.15%). Knowledge of participants (1.95, 95% CI: 1.19-3.19), attitude (AOR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.24-3.12), profession of midwives (AOR = 0.467, 95%CI: 0.24-0.92), and working in Adet, Dembecha, Durbete, Feresbet, Finote Selam, and Liben hospitals, respectively, were the significant factors of infection prevention practice and training. Infrastructure, budget, supplies, and attitude were the challenges of infection prevention supplemented by the qualitative data. The study revealed that overall infection prevention practice was poor. Participant's knowledge, participant's attitude, and participant's profession were significant factors for infection prevention practice, and there was variation in infection prevention practice between hospitals. The identified modifiable factors are the area of intervention to improve infection prevention practices.

BackgroundAlthough there has been momentum in implementing sexual and reproductive health services in Ethiopia, young people remain underserved despite their demonstrated needs. Quality care improves utilization of health service and increases the likelihood of obtaining ongoing care. However, little is known about the quality of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health service in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the quality of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health service in West Gojjam Zone, North West Ethiopia.MethodsHealth facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in West Gojjam zone in 2018 to assess the quality of the service using the Donabedian model. The assessment was done through the triangulation of multiple methods: simulated client study; structured interviews with service providers; observations; and key informant interview with providers and expertise. Fifty-four visits were made to 18 randomly selected health facilities by three simulated clients trained to present three different scenarios (i.e., adolescent with sexually transmitted infection, pregnancy test request and a lady with dry cough). Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Facility visit score of ≥ 75% in all quality component categorized as “good quality” otherwise classified as performing below the standard. Thematic analysis was done to analyze qualitative data.ResultsIn this study, none of the health facilities achieved ≥ 75% in the three components of quality measurement. From 18 health facilities, 6(33.3%) provided low quality in all domains. Process component, which measures client-provider interaction and privacy/confidentiality, was the most compromised one. However, a promising result was reported in the input quality that measured the availability of trained providers, drugs, and supplies. The presence of community-based health insurance and age driven comprehensive youth-friendly service delivery approach were identified as challenges to deliver quality services.ConclusionsThe quality of the service ranges from low to medium, with adolescent related elements performing poorly. Minor renovations of health facilities, training on client handling, and contextual modifying the age driven youth-friendly service approach may improve the quality of the services.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in Ethiopia. Analysis of TB case notification and treatment outcomes is crucial to understand the TB control program performance. The current study was carried out to assess trends of TB case notifications, treatment success rate and factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome among TB patients in West Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in West Gojjam Zone. Demographic and clinical data were reviewed for all TB patients registered between July 2007 and June 2012 at 30 randomly selected public health facilities of the study zone. In addition, annual case notification reports of the study zone were used to analyze trends in TB case notifications. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between potential predictor variables and unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Results: Tuberculosis case notification for all forms of TB decreased from 203/100,000 population in 2007 to 155/100,000 population in 2012. Among patients whose treatment outcomes were evaluated, 94.4% were successfully treated, 0.3% had treatment failure, 1.5% defaulted and 3.7% died. In multivariate analysis, the odds of unsuccessful treatment outcome was higher among retreatment cases than new cases (adjusted OR, 3.44; 95% CI: 1.92, 6.19). HIV co-infected cases were more likely to have unsuccessful treatment outcome compared to HIV negatives (adjusted OR, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.92, 3.72). Conclusion: Tuberculosis case notification rates showed a decreasing trend between 2007 and 2012. The treatment success rate exceeded the 90% treatment success rate target as set by the WHO. Special attention is required for patients with high risk of unsuccessful treatment outcome. Therefore, retreatment cases, and HIV positive cases need strict follow up throughout their treatment period.

Chicken production in West Gojjam zone was characterized by using indigenous chicken with low input-output level. Despite its diverse socio economic role for smallholder farmers, production and productivity of village chicken was very low. As the result, chicken producers were not benefited from the sector. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of characterizing chicken rearing practice, flock dynamics and determining the off-take rate of village chicken production system. It was conducted in West Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select representative respondents. A total of 500 farmers were interviewed. In the study area, the average numbers of local and exotic chickens kept by smallholder producers were 8.44+0.42 and 0.49+0.10chicken, respectively with the overall mean 8.93+0.42chicken. The flock structure was highly dominated by young chicks (3.82+0.28) and hen (2.47+0.09). The average chicken migrated into the flock per household per annum was 10.32+ 0.80 birds, whereas the outflow from the flock was 16.62+0.85birds. The number of chicken was higher at the middle of the year than the beginning and end of the year. On average, 2.9+0.12 layer chickens were kept per household. From which, in average 307.2+ 20.2 eggs were produced from local and improved breed in a year. Marketing in the district and PA were important marketing places for egg and live birds with the off-take rate of 34.94%. To improve chicken production in the study area, adaptive improved chicken breed should be introduced. Strategic vaccination, semi scavenging practices should be introduced and promoted in order to reduce chicken mortality. Capacity building through training and intensive follow up should also be made in order to enhance the level of awareness of smallholders on improved small scale poultry keeping practices.

Postpartum anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly among women who have undergone caesarean sections, which increases the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity in the postpartum period. While prenatal anemia is extensively studied, the literature on post-caesarean section anemia is limited, and the characteristics of women who are at the highest risk of developing postpartum anemia after caesarean section are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of postpartum anemia among women who had caesarean section in West Gojjam zone hospitals, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted at public hospitals in the West Gojjam zone from April 15 to June 15, 2023, involving 414 women who underwent caesarean sections. To select study participants, a systematic random sampling technique was employed. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and maternal chart reviews. Data were entered with EPIDATA-4.6 and analyzed with STATA-14. A binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with postpartum anemia. Bi-variable analysis at p-value < 0.25 was used to select the candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression to control confounding effects. Finally, adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to report results. Statistical significance was declared at p-values < 0.05. The overall prevalence of postpartum anemia among caesarean-section women was 32.85% (95% CI: 28.3–37.6%). The multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed that having a history of blood loss [AOR: 6.12; 95% CI: (2.23–10.9)], had pre-delivery hemoglobin level < 11 g/dl [AOR: 2.51; 95% CI: (1.21–5.23)], lack of iron-folate supplementation during pregnancy [AOR: 4.21(1.32–9.23)], and non-adherence to iron-folate [AOR: 1.49; 95% CI: (1.12–3.02)] were factors associated with higher odds of postpartum anemia. In this study, the prevalence of anemia among post-caesarean section women was moderate. Blood loss, pre-delivery anemia, lack of iron-folate supplementation, and non-adherence to iron-folate supplementation were factors associated with postpartum anemia.