Aleta Wondo Research Articles

Magnitude of self-reported non-fatal work-related injuries and associated factors among construction workers in Aleta Wondo, Sidama, Ethiopia

Ethiopia has experienced rapid urbanization over the past three decades, leading to the explosion of building construction. The job created in the construction industry of the country was hazardous due to the nature of the activities involved in the industry. However there is paucity of evidence regarding the prevalence and risk factors of injuries in the industry to make evidence-based policy framework within the country. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the magnitude of non-fatal occupational injuries and the associated factors among building construction sites workers in Aleta Wodo, Sidama, Ethiopia. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in South Ethiopia from September to October 2023. The study utilized a multi-stage sampling technique to select the 613 study participants. The data was collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Epi Inf version 7.2 was used to enter data and the data was analysed using IBM-SPSS version 22. Bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess association between the outcome and predictor variables. During the multivariable regression p-value less than 0.05 were taken to determine significant association. The annual prevalence of wok-place injury in the current study was 64.1% (95 CI: 60.7, 67.9). Male construction workers [AOR = 3.6, 95% CI (2.12, 6.15)], monthly income of ≤ 1000 [AOR = 4.56, 95% CI (1.56, 13.36)], 1001–3000 [AOR = 9.7, 95% CI (3.45, 27.3)], and 3001–5000 [AOR = 6.56, 95% CI (1.96, 21.9)], working more than eight hours [AOR = 7.9, 95% CI (4.36, 14.64)], drinking alcohol [AOR = 3.28, 95% CI (1.63, 6.6)] and participants unsatisfied with their job [AOR = 3.12, 95% CI (1.36, 7.16)] were significantly associated with non-fatal occupational injury. The magnitude of non-fatal occupational injury among construction workers was high in the study area. The study concluded that sex, monthly income, length of working hours, drinking alcohol and dissatisfaction with job were risk factors for occupational injuries among construction employee.

Unmet need for family planning and associated factors among married women of reproductive age group in Aleta Wondo District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia, 2023

Background: Globally about 222 million women have an unmet need for family planning where Sub-Saharan Africa continues in 2010 to be the region with the lowest level of contraceptive prevalence rate, 24% and highest level of unmet need 25%. However unmet need for family planning declined from 37% in 2000, to 22% in 2016, demand for family planning exceeds uptake of methods and still nearly 78% of married women of reproductive age wish to delay childbirth for at least 2 years or stop childbearing altogether. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess unmet need for family planning and associated factors among married women of reproductive age groups in Aleta wondo Woreda, Sidama Region, Ethiopia, 2023. Method: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted with total of 636 married reproductive age group women. The study subjects were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by trained data collectors using pre-tested and structured questionnaire. Data were checked, coded and entered Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. Bi-variable and multi-variable Logistic regression were used to identify potential associated factors for unmet need for family planning. A 95% confidence interval and p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 were used to declare weather a variable is significantly associated with the outcome variable or not. Result: The study result showed that a quarter of currently married women among reproductive age group (95% CI: 22, 28.8) had an unmet need for family planning. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age of respondent <25 year AOR =4, 95% CI (2.74, 8.72), desire number of children< 4 AOR=12.9, 95%CI (4.16, 40.3), those have ever use family planning AOR=0.61 (95%CI: 0.07, 0.88), those had been ever pregnant AOR=2.8 (95%CI:1.98, 12.5) and those with good knowledge about family planning AOR=0.03 (95%CI: 0.01, 0.14) were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. Conclusion and Recommendation: The result of current study indicated that unmet need for family planning among currently married women was higher compared to the national average.

Egg Quality Parameters Evaluation of Indigenous and Sasso Chicken in Sidama Region, Ethiopia

A study was conducted at Aleta Wondo district of Sidama Region to evaluate quality parameters of eggs collected from indigenous and Sasso chickens reared under a traditional management system. About 100 eggs from each chicken type were collected from households who keep indigenous or Sasso chicken. Eggs were transported to Hawassa university poultry farm for quality parameters analysis. External and internal egg quality analysis was done according to laboratory procedure. Collected data was analyzed using SAS (Version 9.0). Results indicated that eggs collected from Sasso chicken showed superiority over indigenous chicken’s eggs for egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, shell thickness and surface area. There is no significant difference on shape index and shell percentage of eggs collected from indigenous and Sasso chickens. Shape index recorded was 72.66 and 74.04 for indigenous and Sasso chickens respectively. Albumen weight was statistically higher for eggs collected from Sasso chickens (P<0.0001). Eggs from indigenous chickens have superiority over Sasso’s eggs for yolk ratio, Haugh Unit and yolk albumen ratio. However, there is no significant variation on albumen height, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk color, yolk diameter and yolk index. It can be concluded that Sasso chicken produce heavier eggs than indigenous chicken. Yolk related parameters are similar for indigenous and Sasso chicken eggs produced at traditional management system.

Determinants of under-five pneumonia in randomly selected health facilities at Aleta Wondo Woreda, Sidama Region Ethiopia: Case-control study.

Under-five mortality reduction due to pneumonia is not Signiant, particularly in developing countries. Pneumonia contributed to 27.5% to 31.3% of health facility visits by children 2 to 59 months in Aleta Wondo Woreda. Previous studies have shown inconclusive evidence on determinants of pneumonia in children. An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted to assess determinants of pneumonia among under-five children at Aleta Wondo Woreda, Sidama Region. One-hundred forty-five cases and 290 controls of children aged 2 to 59 months participated in the study. The mean ± (SD) age of the children was 18.81 months (2.1 ± 11.43) and 28.26 months (2.1 ± 16.007) for cases and controls, respectively. Only 56% (n = 145) of cases open house windows daily, whereas most 68.6% (n = 290) of controls house windows open daily. Ninety five (62.8%) of cases and 68.6% of controls were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Household income ≥1500 Ethiopian birr (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.017-0.120, p < 0.000), child location outside of cooking house during cooking (AOR = 0.101, 95% CI, 0.43-0.238, p < 0.000), no formal education of the mother (AOR = 2.398, 95% CI, 1.082-5.316, p < 0.031), and presence of history of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in last 2weeks (AOR = 2.183, 95% CI, 1.684-5.273, P < 0.049) were determinants of pneumonia. Determinants of pneumonia in under-five children were multifactorial (socioeconomic, nutritional, and environmental). Addressing these factors by involving all relevant stakeholders is important to reduce pneumonia-related morbidity and mortality among under-five children in the study area.

Endangered indigenous knowledge: Assessing locally adopted tree conservation practices in Aleta Wondo district, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia

Environmental quality cannot be maintained unless locally adopted indigenous knowledge of environmental conservation practices is duly considered. This study is, therefore, aimed to assess major indigenous practices and threats of indigenous tree conservation practices of Sidama people particularly focusing on Aleta Wondo district. It was also intended to investigating the factors influencing the continuity of practices in the vicinity. In order to collect the data, the local elders and rural development work agents were consulted as primary data sources. Both published and unpublished materials such as documents, journals, articles, books and official reports were accessed as secondary data sources. The research was conducted primarily by employing qualitative methods both for data collection and analysis. Based on the collected data, the major indigenous tree conservation practices in the study area include the places like kakkalo site, grave yard, sacred site, Gudumale and agro-forestry in the farm garden. It has also been identified that indigenous practices of conserving larger trees is declining due to the influences of religion, increasing living cost, education system and population growth. Moreover, no significant intervention was found exercised to tackle the problem. As a result, it is recommended that such locally adopted conservation practices should be addressed effectively in formulation and implementation of nationwide policies and strategies.

Avocado Nursery as Business Source: Success Story of Youth Groups in the Case of Aleta Wondo and Soro Districts, Ethiopia

Agriculture is available and essential sector to create employment opportunity. The majority of the youth in Ethiopia live in rural areas where farming has been traditionally the main source of livelihood. Strengthening of seedling production was initiated to promote Avocado in Ethiopia. Youths in these areas benefitted in terms of income source and employment opportunity by producing improved avocado seedlings. The project was implemented in two districts (Soro and Aleta wondo) of Ethiopia. Jajura site from Soro district, Belisto Kebele from Aleta wondo were selected to conduct improved Avocado seedling produce. Job opportunity was created for 17 youths (10 male and 7 female) and their skill and knowledge on the Avocado seedling grafting techniques and nursery management improved. Majority of youths have knowledge and skill on bed preparation, seedling care, grafting and avocado improved varieties. Improved and grafted avocado seedlings were accessed for the surrounding farmers in affordable price. Nursery considered as business source in the study area. The fruit supply system has already started to scale up and out beyond the study sites, calling for strong support of the intervention. It is therefore believed that, in addition to district, zonal and regional level offices, the Ethiopian agricultural research institute will be strongly involved in regulating these efforts.

Perception of students on challenges hindering the implementation of civics and ethical education: evidence from aleta wondo secondary school, sidama national regional state, Ethiopia

Perception of students on challenges hindering the implementation of civics and ethical education: evidence from aleta wondo secondary school, sidama national regional state, Ethiopia

Evaluation of fertility, hatchability and egg quality of indigenous chickens in different agro-ecologies of the Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Poultry is one of the most important subsectors of livestock, supplying a cheap source of good quality animal protein in the form of meat and eggs. This study was conducted to assess egg fertility, hatchability and egg quality parameters of indigenous chickens in the Hulla, Aleta Wondo and Dale districts, representing highland, midland and lowland agroecologies, respectively. Six kebeles (two kebeles from each district) were purposively selected based on a lower distribution of exotic chickens. A total of 750 eggs of indigenous chicken were collected from three different agro-ecologies, 450 eggs were used for fertility and hatchability evaluation, and 300 eggs were used for internal and external quality analysis. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 and Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.0 packages. The results indicated that agroecology has no significant effect on the fertility (78.17%) and hatchability on total egg basis (63.1%) and hatchability on fertile egg basis (84.1%) of indigenous chicken eggs. The values of egg weight (49.50±5.52 (Mean±SD)), egg length (53.25±2.80), shell weight (4.38±0.66), yolk weight (17.86±1.96), and yolk diameter (41.40±2.09) and albumen weight (25.47±3.39) of eggs collected from midland were higher than those of eggs from highland and lowland areas. However, the highest values for albumen height (6.26±1.03), yolk height (16.80±1.10) and Haugh unit (84.23±6.73) were observed on eggs collected from highland agroecology. In conclusion, agroecology has no effect on the fertility and hatchability of indigenous chicken eggs. However, agroecology significantly affects the internal and external egg quality of indigenous chicken eggs. Therefore, the storage condition and duration of storage need consideration to maintain the external and internal quality of eggs.

The Role of Civic and Ethical Education to Nurture the Behavior of Students

The core objective of this study was to explore the role of Civic and Ethical Education to nurture behavior of students in Aleta Wondo Secondary School, Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, the study employed cross-sectional survey research design with a combination of mixed research approach. The study used survey and key informant interviews as the major data gathering tools. The collected quantitative data were analyzed via mean and standard deviation while the qualitative data was presented using narration. The findings of the study showed that the intention of Civic and Ethical Education to help students practice ethical values in their school and locality was not effectively realized. The study result revealed that Civic and Ethical Education positively informed students to practice social and democratic values in their lives, schools, and localities, but a gap persists in creating responsible students who know and match their obligations and rights.

Incomplete immunization and associated factors among children 12-23 months in Aletawondo district, Sidama zone, South Ethiopia: Across-sectional study.

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective and commonly used public health strategies for preventing child mortality. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of incomplete immunization and associated variables in children aged 12-23 months in the Aleta Wondo district of Southern Ethiopia. The researchers utilized a community-based cross-sectional study approach. A modified World Health Organization-Expanded Program on Immunization cluster sampling method was used to choose 634 mothers/caregivers of children aged 12-23 months. Data were collected by trained data collectors between March and April 2019. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were done. In this study, 138 (21.8%) of children were not completed their immunization. Mothers who were literate [AOR = 2.1; (95% CI: 1.1, 4.2)]. Home birth [AOR = 2.9; (95% CI: 1.7, 5.3)], walking time from home to vaccination site [AOR = 1.95; (95% CI: 1.1,3.3)], inconvenience times for vaccination service [AOR = 2.4; (95% CI: 1.3,4.5)], postponing vaccination session schedule [AOR = 2.4; (95% CI:1.1,5.4)], households not visited by health extension workers [AOR = 4.1; (95% CI: 2.2,7.4)], poorer knowledge about child immunization [AOR = 4; (95% CI:2.2,7.5)] were factors associated with incomplete immunization. Incomplete immunization was higher compared to the national target. It is necessary to strengthen the program by enhancing the number of outreach sites considering the size of the target group.

EFL TEACHERS' AWARENESS, PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE INTEGRATED SKILLS TEACHING: FOUR SELECTED ALETA WONDO CLUSTER SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FOCUS

The main objective of this research was to investigate EFL teachers’ awareness, practice and challenges of English language integrated skills teaching in Aleta Wondo Cluster four selected secondary schools, Sidama Regional State. The researcher employed descriptive survey design involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The participants of the study were secondary schools EFL teachers. Multi-stage sampling technique that moves from a broad to a narrow sample using a step by step process was employed to select the four secondary schools and their all teachers who have been teaching English. Cluster sampling technique used to cluster the secondary schools in to three geographical districts. Simple random sampling technique used to choose Hula District of these districts. Comprehensive sampling technique used to select 42 EFL teachers. The researcher gathered the data through questionnaire, interviews and classroom observations. The researcher utilized descriptive statics SPSS V20, frequency, percentage, mean, grand mean and standard deviation for the quantitative data. The qualitative data analyzed qualitatively. The result of analysis revealed that the sample schools English teachers had moderate awareness about English language integrated skills teaching. In addition, the result showed that teachers rarely taught two language skills: reading and writing, listening and speaking, and listening and writing in integration lessons; but they hardly taught any three or four language skills in integration. Moreover, the result of the study showed that there were challenges related to students, to teachers, to schools, and to the national exam. The researcher recommended that awareness creation training should be given to teachers.

Utilization of youth-friendly reproductive health service and associated factors among youth in Aleta Wondo town, southern Ethiopia, 2020.

Background:Youth faces various sexual and reproductive health problems in developing countries like Ethiopia. Major health problems like unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and sexually transmitted infections are common among youth in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the level of utilization of youth-friendly reproductive health services and associated factors among youth in Aleta Wondo town, southern Ethiopia, from 20 to 30 June 2020.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among youths of Aleta Wondo town from 20 to 30 June 2020. A total of 421 study participants were selected from households of selected kebeles in the town by using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected using structured pretested face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaires. The data were entered using Epi-data version 4.4.2 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine factors significantly associated with the utilization of youth-friendly reproductive health services. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval with p value of <0.05 were considered to declare statistical significance.Results:The level of utilization of youth-friendly reproductive health services was 32.8% (95% confidence interval = 28.0%–37.0%). Youth-friendly service utilization was significantly associated with being female gender (adjusted odds ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval = 1.34–3.62), living alone (adjusted odds ratio = 2.99, 95% confidence interval = 1.48–5.77), who had not ever discussed with their parents (adjusted odds ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval = 0.27–0.81), have visited service required and missed service (adjusted odds ratio = 1.96, 95% confidence interval = 1.19–3.24), and have sexual partner (adjusted odds ratio = 4.52, 95% confidence interval = 2.75–7.44).Conclusion:Youth-friendly reproductive health service utilization among youth Aleta Wondo town was low. Factors like gender, current living place, have ever discussed in reproductive health issues with their parents, have visited health facility and missed service, and having sexual partner were predictors of youth-friendly service utilization. It is better to work in collaboration with youth clubs and schoolteachers to scale up youth-friendly service.

Status and Importance of Major Coffee Insect Pests in Major Coffee Growing Areas of Southern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, coffee is known as the backbone of economy although the productivity was very low due to different factors. Among these, insect pests are one of the major affecting coffee productions in Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to assess the status of major coffee insect pests in major coffee growing areas of Southern Ethiopia. The survey result revealed that the infestation and damage level of insect pests varies among coffee fields, peasant associations and districts. The maximum percent of damaged coffee bean and number of antestia bug per tree was recorded at Wonago, 4.0% and 0.75 respectively. The mean number of bugs and bean damage levels were higher at higher elevations range (1931-2025 m.a.s.l) of Wonago district whereas the lower level was recorded at lower elevations range of (1449-1695 m.a.s.l) of Dilla Zuria district. The percent of infested farms of coffee blotch leaf miner (100%) was recorded in all assessed districts whereas the highest infestation of skeletonizer (90.90%) and serpentine coffee leaf miner (81.81%) at Dilla Zuria district. From the survey result the highest coffee blotch leaf miner infestation level was recorded at Aleta Wondo district (15.13%) while the lowest was at Dilla Zuria (5.32%); the highest infestation of skeletonizer (1.02%) and serpentine (0.60%) at Wonago while the lowest was (0.22%) and (0.10%) at Shebedino district, respectively. Lack of consulting professionals and practicing coffee agronomic recommendations were the knowledge gaps identified among the farmers and hence, adequate training for farmers and extension workers as well as districts’ experts is needed. As future line, further studies should be conducted on the seasonal dynamics and developing integrated insect pest management strategies for major insect pests of coffee.

Determinants of Biogas Technology Adoption in Rural Households of Aleta Wondo District, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Biogas is environmentally sound and economically viable, clean, and renewable energy source. Despite its numerous benefits and dissemination efforts, the adoption of biogas technology has been low. The objective of this study was to assess factors determining adoption of biogas technology as an alternative energy source at household level in Aleta Wondo district, southern Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select sample households. A total of 148 sample households, 51 biogas technology adopters, and 97 nonadopter households were surveyed. The collected data were analyzed by inferential statistics and econometric model using STATA version 13.1. Results from the probit model showed that education level of household head, annual income level, livestock holding size, access to technical support, and level of awareness have significant positive influence on households’ decision to adopt biogas technology. Other factors include poor performance of biogas plants associated to technical problems, and high installation costs unaffordable to the majority of rural population had a negative implication in adoption process. These are also the factors contributing to low adoption. Therefore, raising the population awareness on the benefits of biogas and assigning the biogas technicians who can give immediate maintenance services at “Kebele” level could extend the biogas technology.

A Qualitative Analysis of Factors Influencing Household Water Treatment Practices Among Consumers of Self-Supplied Water in Rural Ethiopia.

BackgroundThe health of a community depends greatly on the availability of sufficient and clean water. Rural households relying on self-supplied drinking water must take full responsibility for the treatment of their drinking water. Globally, not many inquiries appear to have been carried out to satisfactorily inform us regarding how and why improvements in behavior related to water treatment occur in some selected individuals and not in others. Related investigations in Ethiopia are even fewer.MethodsIn the rural Aleta Wondo district of Ethiopia, a total of fifteen focus group discussions were conducted with community members. Similarly, ten key informant interviews were conducted with officers responsible for organizing water and hygiene programs. To gather data for this study, two qualitative data collection methods, viz., key informant interviews and focus group discussions, were used. Open code software 4.03 was used for thematic analysis.ResultsFactors influencing household water treatment practices were categorized into individual-level factors (eg cognitive factors, emotional factors), household-level factors (household means and decision-making balance), community-level factors (the value that is given for water quality and Public resources) and, environment and context-related factors (access to products and reliance on external sources).ConclusionHousehold water treatment practice has a range of multilevel influences. Beyond the model of providing ongoing safe water education by health extension workers, potential initiatives could be improved by community mobilization activities that include community leaders, women’s groups, etc., in promoting water treatment at community engagements. Also, the results of the present study indicate that it could be beneficial to provide health extension staff with additional training to improve their ability to encourage community members across, a wide range of user types or levels of readiness, to treat their water.

Sexual and reproductive health rights knowledge and reproductive health services utilization among rural reproductive age women in Aleta Wondo District, Sidama zone, Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundVarious countries in the world have achieved promising progress in promoting, protecting and guaranteeing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHRs) since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. However, SRHRs have not been recognized to their maximum potential in Ethiopia, despite the domestication of the international instruments related to their successful implementation. This study was intended to determine the magnitude of SRHRs knowledge, reproductive health services utilization and their independent predictors among rural reproductive-age women in the Aleta Wondo District, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 833 rural reproductive-age women from April to May 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select households, and a structured questionnaire was used to gather the data. EPI INFO version 7 was used to enter the data, and SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between outcomes and explanatory variables. Odds ratios at 95% CI were also computed and reported.ResultsOf 833 respondents, 43.9% had good knowledge of SRHR, and 37% had used at least one sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service. Variables that had a statistically significant association with SRHR knowledge in multivariable analysis were: had formal education, household with the highest income, having information sources for SRH services, and knowing about SRH services and providing institutions. SRH services utilization was associated with: having information sources for SRH services, had formal education, household with the highest income, and knowing about SRH services and providing institutions.ConclusionIn this study demographic and economic factors, such as education and household monthly income were positively identified as independent predictors for knowledge of SRHR and SRH services utilization. Therefore, responsible government sectors and NGOs should design and implement programs to promote women’s educational status and household economic status to enhance women’s SRHR knowledge and SRH services utilization.

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Financial Viability of Household Biogas Plant Installation in Aleta Wondo District, Southern Ethiopia

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Financial Viability of Household Biogas Plant Installation in Aleta Wondo District, Southern Ethiopia

Dietary Diversity among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Aleta Wondo District, Southern Ethiopia.

Background Dietary diversity (DD) is among the core infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators. However, in many developing countries, meeting the minimum standards of DD is challenging and information concerning its determinants is limited. Objective To assess the level and predictors of DD among children aged 6–23 months in rural communities of Aleta Wondo district, Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia. Method A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Aleta Wondo in February 2016. Multistage sampling was employed to recruit 502 children aged 6–23 months. DD was assessed by asking the mother whether the index child had received food from the standard seven food groups in the previous day, without setting minimum intake restrictions. Ultimately, the dietary diversity score (DDS) was rated on a 7-point scale, and it was modeled using linear regression analysis. The outputs are presented using adjusted regression coefficients (β). Results Only 12.0% (95% confidence interval: 9.0–15.0%) of the children met the minimum recommended DD, receiving from four or more from seven food groups. The analysis identified eleven significant predictors of DDS. As the maternal knowledge of IYCF increases by a unit, DDS raised by 0.21 units (p = 0.004). Unit increment in the husband's involvement in the IYCF score was linked with 0.32 units improvement in DDS (p = 0.016). One unit change in the ordinal category of household food insecurity was associated with 0.13 reduction in DDS (p = 0.001). Similarly, household wealth index (β = 0.54, p = 0.041), father's literacy (β = 0.48, p = 0.002), ownership of home garden (β = 0.38, p = 0.01), mother's participation in cooking demonstrations (β = 0.19, p = 0.036), and child age in months (β = 0.04, p = 0.001) were all positively associated with DDS. Furthermore, receiving IYCF information via mass media (β = 0.04, p = 0.001) and during antenatal (β = 0.91, p = 0.022) and postnatal checkups (β = 0.21, p = 0.043) were positive predictors of DDS. Conclusions Promoting the socioeconomic status of the community, strengthening of home gardening, involving husbands in IYCF, and enhancing maternal knowledge of IYCF may advance DD.

Gender exploitative and gender transformative aspects of employing Health Extension Workers under Ethiopia's Health Extension Program.

To apply a gender lens to Ethiopia's Health Extension Program and the role of Health Extension Workers (HEWs). Interviews with 45 HEWs and four focus group discussions with 14 of the same HEWS from three regions in rural Ethiopia: Afar Region; Tigray Region (Adwa Woreda); and two locations in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (Aleta Wondo Woreda and Kafa Zone). Two focus group discussions were conducted in Afar Region with 17 Women Extension Workers employed by Afar Pastoralist Development Association. Using the Gender Equality Continuum as a gender analysis tool, we found that Ethiopia's Health Extension Program is gender aware by directly linking improved health outcomes for women and their empowerment. However, for HEWs who inhabit a gendered space and place from home to district health centres, there can be unexpected consequences that accommodate existing gender inequalities, are blind to them and perhaps even generate new forms of exploitation. The Health Extension Program could have more transformative outcomes for HEWs and also for communities if changing gender norms was given more attention and constraints to gender equality were reduced. Community Health Worker (CHW) programs should focus on better understanding on the role of gender for CHWs across health systems.

Study on the Levels of Some Essential and Non-essential Metals in Four Different Varieties of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare l.), Grown at the Farm Site in Dale and Aletawondo Woredas, in Sidamo Zone, Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine the concentration of essential and non-essential metal accumulation in four different barley varieties grown at the farm site in Dale and Aleta wondo woredas, in sidama zone, Ethiopia using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In this research wet ashing method used to destroy the organic matrix. The mineral concentration of four Ethiopian barley varieties was studied, namely: Semereta, Nech, Senef and Bera barley varieties. Among all the varieties; Semereta showed the highest K, Mg content (4434.86±176.92, 757, 57±36.43) respectively. Nech showed the highest Ca, Zn content (1347.48±483.1980.54±8.66) respectively. Senef showed the highest Cu, Ni content (6.88±0.52, 1.86±0.33). These results may be useful in the food industry for the selection of hull barley varieties for human consumption and for animal feed as supplement of grass. Validation of the method checked by using recovery test of the digestion method. Keywords: Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, barley, essential, non-essential, wet ashing method. DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/83-03