Amhara Region Research Articles

Incidence and determinants of mortality among patients with colorectal cancer in oncology centers of Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2024: multicenter retrospective follow up study

IntroductionColorectal cancer is a significant cause of mortality globally, with several factors impacting patient outcomes, including access to healthcare, early detection, and treatment. Despite this, the specific factors affecting incidence of death among colorectal cancer patients in the Amhara region have not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, this study seeks to assess incidence and determinants of mortality among colorectal cancer patients in Amhara Region oncology centers.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 48.6 years (SD ± 15). Median survival time was 23.8 months. The overall incidence rate or incidence density of a colorectal cancer mortality rate was 2.9 per 100 person-months (95% CI: 2.5–3.4). Survival rates of colorectal cancer patients 1and 5 year was 69.78% and 16.1%, respectively. The result of the multivariable analysis showed that colorectal cancer patients who had presenting symptoms [AHR = 2.67 (95% CI: 1.95, 3.67)], Base line HGB level < 12.5 mg/dl [AHR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.12, 2.37)], WHO or ECOG poor performance status [AHR = 2.99 (95% CI: 2.17, 4.12), late stage of cancer [AHR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.42, 3.79)] and location of tumor on colorectal [AHR = 1.76 (95% CI: 1.20, 2.55)] were significantly associated with mortality of colorectal cancer.Conclusion and recommendationThe study highlights significant findings on the survival and mortality of colorectal cancer patients. The overall mortality rate was 2.9 per 100 person-months. Multivariable analysis identified presenting symptoms, low baseline hemoglobin levels, poor performance status, late-stage cancer, and tumor location as significant predictors of mortality. Highlighting the need for early detection and targeted care strategies.

Trends, seasonal variations and forecasting of chronic respiratory disease morbidity in charcoal producing areas, northwest Ethiopia: time series analysis

ObjectiveThis study analyzed the trend, seasonal variations and forecasting of chronic respiratory disease morbidity in charcoal producing areas, northwest Ethiopia, aiming to provide evidences in planning, designing strategies, and decision-makings for preparedness and resource allocation to prevent CRD and reduce public health burden in the future.Materials and methodsThe trend, seasonal variation, and forecasting for CRD were estimated using data collected from the three zones of Amhara region annual reports of DHIS2 records. Smoothing decomposition analysis was employed to demonstrate the trend and seasonal component of CRD. The ARIMA (2, 1, 2) (0, 0, 0) model was used to forecast CRD morbidity. The model's fitness was checked based on Bayesian information criteria. The stationarity of the data was assessed with a line chart and statistically with the Ljung-Box Q-test. SPSS version 27 was utilized for statistical analysis.ResultsThe annual morbidity rate of CRD has shown an increasing trend in both sexes over a seven-year period among people aged 15 years and older. Seasonal variation in CRD morbidity was observed. The smoothing decomposition analysis depicted that the seasonal component was attributed to 44.47% and 19.16% of excess CRD cases in the period between September to November, and June to August, respectively. A substantial difference among the three zones of the Amhara region in CRD morbidity rate was noted, with the highest observed in the Awi zone. Forecasting with the ARIMA model revealed that CRD-related morbidity will continue to increase from 2020 to 2030.ConclusionThe study revealed that the CRD morbidity rate has shown an increasing trend from 2013 to 2019. Seasonal variation in the CRD morbidity rate was observed, with the highest peak from September to November. The morbidity attributed to CRD will continue to increase for the next ten years (2020–2030). Therefore, this study could potentially play a groundbreaking role. Further study is warranted to understand the risk factors and facility readiness through a further understanding of seasonality and future trends.

Factors affecting decision making among nurse managers working in government hospitals

BackgroundEffective nursing management and leadership are essential for the provision of desired patient care that will contribute to the improvement of any country's health indicators. However, nurses' views and experiences on the multitude of personal and organizational factors which may impact their decision-making abilities are often neglected in the literature. The study aimed to assess magnitude of poor decision making and its associated factors among nurse managers in South Wollo Zone Governmental Hospitals, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023.MethodsNon experimental cross-sectional study was conducted among 168 nurse managers in South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals from April 01 2023 to May 15/2023. Participants were selected by using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected by using structured questionnaire from the study participants. Data were entered using EPI data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. The bi-variable logistic regression analysis model was used to identify the potential predictor variable, with p-value &amp;lt;0.25 was fitted into the multivariable logistic regression analysis model; p-value less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to declare, factors associated with the outcome variable. The model fitness was checked by using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Data were presented with frequency tables, graphs, and pie charts.ResultsThe study found that the overall magnitude of poor decision-making among nurse managers was 35.7%. Being self-confident [AOR = 0.01, 95% CI: (00.002, 0.05)], receiving feedback [AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.76], and getting managerial support [AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.06, 0.81)] were negatively associated with poor decision-making among nurse managers.ConclusionSelf-confidence, receiving feedback, and getting managerial support were variables significantly associated with poor decision-making. Authors strongly emphasize providing managerial support for nurse managers, increasing their habit of receiving feedback from colleagues, and encouraging them to build their self-confidence.

Plant community and structural pattern analyses of Abraham Sacred Forest in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia.

Owing to its topographic variations, Ethiopia is a biodiversity-rich country. However, the long-term degradation of resources has resulted in isolated forest patches largely around sacred places. Thus, this work was aimed to evaluate the plant community formation and structural dynamics of the Abraham Sacred Forest patch. Data were collected from 60 plots located on transect lines. Five subplots (4 m2), four at each corner and center, were set to collect juveniles' data. Individuals of each species and cover abundance were recorded, and adults' stem girth was measured. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify plant communities. A Kruskal-Wallis followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test was performed to check the statistical significance among the plant communities. Shannon-Wiener diversity index, equitability index, and non-parametric species richness estimators were used to quantify species diversity, evenness, and richness, respectively. Structural parameters and size class ratios were used to analyze the vegetation structure and regeneration status. Seventy wood species, distributed in 62 genera and 38 families, were recorded. Fabaceae was the most species-rich (10 species) family. Three plant communities were identified. A Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that the community types showed significant differences (P < 0.05) with respect to altitude and slope. The density and basal area of the forest were 4580.4 ha-1 and 35.18 m2ha-1 respectively. The inverted J-shaped pattern in DBH classes implies a good reproduction status. However, importance value index and regeneration status analyses revealed that certain species, like Astropanax abyssinicum (Hochst. ex. A. Rich) Seem, Myrica salicifolia Hochst. ex. A. Rich and Dombeya torrida (G.F.Gmel) Bamps, require conservation priority.

Practice and Challenges Related to Regional Anesthesia in Amhara Regional Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: A Web-based Survey Study.

Practice and Challenges Related to Regional Anesthesia in Amhara Regional Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: A Web-based Survey Study.

Fatty acid composition, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity of Niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica) accessions collected from major producer areas of Ethiopia

Background Oils from various sources are vital nutritional components with a variety of roles in our body. Niger seed (Guzoita abyssinica) is endemic to Ethiopia and is among the major oil seed crops grown in the country. The fatty acid composition and the concentration of other bioactive phytochemicals in it vary with species type, geographical origin, cultivation season, and varietal types. The present work investigated the fatty acid profile and the total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of Niger seed samples obtained from five different zones in the Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. using internationally accepted standard methods. Results In all the samples, its main unsaturated acids were linoleic acid, ranging between 67.30 and 74.67% with respect to the relative percentage comprising 179 to 234 mg/g in terms of concentration; oleic acid constitutes between 5.43 and 11.02% of the total fatty acid or 1.03 and 1.60 mg/g of dry matter. Among saturated acids, it was the most abundant palmitic acid, ranging between 10.32 and 10.66% of the entire fatty acids comprising 24.80 to 37.10 mg/g. Amongst the zones, the seed from Amhara region, specifically from North Gondar has been the richest regarding a total of 347.74 mg/g. In addition, the total phenolic content ranged between 10.89 and 11.78 mg GAE/g, whereas the content of total flavonoids ranged from 5.42 to 6.67 mg CE/g. Aqueous methanol (80%) extracted more phenolic content than absolute methanol. On a regional basis, the Amhara region, represented by the North Gondar and East Gojjam zones of the study area, had relatively higher TPC and TFC than other regions. The DPPH scavenging assay IC50 value (μg/mL) ranged between 133–188 μg/mL and poorly correlated with TPC. Conclusion Among the different fatty acids obtained, four of them, linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, are the major ones, followed by a significant amount of phenolic compounds irrespective of the variety of the studied samples and sampling of locations. The study also confirmed that TPC and TFC are not the only phytochemicals responsible for the antioxidant activity of the niger sees, as was reflected by the poor correlation between TPC and AA activity. Hence these findings indicate that the seeds of Niger could be an important source of essential fatty acids and medicinally important phytochemicals important for nutritional health improvement and agricultural development in Ethiopia.

Extended spectrum betalactamase and Carbapenemase producing gram negative bacteria from healthcare workers gowns at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing (CP) gram-negative bacteria are the major public health concerns. Gowns used by healthcare workers (HCWs) in daily practice are a source of hospital-acquired infections in hospital settings. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria from gowns of healthcare workers at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2022. A total of 226 swab samples were collected from gowns of HCWs and cultured on MacConkey agar. Bacterial identifications were done by standard biochemical tests. Screening for ESBL and carbapenemase production was done using CHROME agar. Confirmation of ESBL and carbapenemase production was done by the combination disk method and modified carbapenem inactivation method, respectively. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 25. The overall contamination rate of gowns was 46.9% (106/226). Among 226 swab samples, a total of 117 (51.7%) gram-negative bacteria were isolated. Among these, the most frequent isolates were E. coli, accounted 36 (30.8%) followed by K. pneumoniae, 26(22.2%). The overall multi-drug resistance (MDR) rate was 65 (55.6%). Of the 117 isolates, 17(14.5%) and 12(10.3%) were ESBL and carbapenemase producers respectively. Gown type (p = 0.041), laundering practice (p = 0.045), number of gowns (p = 0.002), and gown washing frequency per week (p = 0.017).were significantly associated with bacterial contamination of gowns. In this study, the prevalence of ESBL and CP Gram-negative bacteria from gowns of healthcare workers was found to be alarming. Therefore, strict infection prevention and control practices, as well as good hygienic practices, should be implemented to reduce and prevent cross-contamination and the spread of antimicrobial-resistant strains in hospital settings.

Prevalence of depressive symptom and its associated factors among epilepsy patients in Amhara region, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

BackgroundDepressive symptom is the most common type of psychiatric co-morbidity among persons with epilepsy. Epilepsy patients are identified as at higher risk of suffering depressive symptom explicitly in low- and middle-income countries due to poor mental health care systems and financial burdens. The co-occurrence of depressive symptom among epilepsy patients deteriorates the prognosis of the disease and diminishes the quality of life of both the patients and their families. However, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of depressive symptom and associated factors in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is intended to assess the prevalence of depressive symptom and associated factors among epilepsy patients attending in Amhara region, Ethiopia.MethodA multi-center institution-based cross-sectional study was done among epilepsy patients attending at Amhara region, Ethiopia. The Hospital Anxiety Depression tool was used to assess depressive symptom. To determine the factors associated with depressive symptom, a binary logistic regression model was used. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported in the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsAbout 406 participants were registered in the study with a response rate of 97.6%. The prevalence of depressive symptom among epilepsy patients was 53.9% [95%CI: 49.1%, 58.8%]. In the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, taking polytherapy treatment [AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.36], perceived stigma [AOR = 5.73, 95%CI: 3.11, 10.55], poor antiepileptic medication adherence [AOR = 3.33, 95%CI: 1.30, 8.54] and having poor [AOR = 5.83, 95%CI: 2.44, 13.90] and moderate social support [AOR = 3.08, 95%CI: 1.34, 7.09] were significantly associated with depressive symptom.ConclusionsThis study revealed that the magnitude of depressive symptom among epilepsy patients in Ethiopia was relatively high and multiple factors determined the likelihood of depressive symptom. Thus, healthcare providers and concerned stakeholders should strengthen comprehensive health education to reduce the magnitude and consequences of depressive symptom among this segment of the population. Moreover, strong social support with special attention should be given to epilepsy patients.

Incidence of severe maternal outcomes following armed conflict in East Gojjam zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia: using the sub-Saharan Africa maternal near-miss criteria

Incidence of severe maternal outcomes following armed conflict in East Gojjam zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia: using the sub-Saharan Africa maternal near-miss criteria

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C and HIV Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Unit at Simada Hospital, South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are major public health issues in developing countries, including Ethiopia. These viruses can be transmitted from mother to child during birth or through contact with contaminated blood. In many areas of Ethiopia, viral hepatitis and HIV infections are significant health concerns for pregnant women. However, there is limited information about these issues in various parts of the country, particularly in the Amhara Region. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV infections and identifies the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending an antenatal care (ANC) unit at Simada Hospital, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 248 pregnant women from January 2021 to March 2021. Five milliliters of venous blood was collected from each study participant, and serum was tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies using commercially available rapid test kits. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify possible risk factors for the occurrence of hepatitis and HIV infections. The overall seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections was 10 (4%), 5 (2%), and 5 (2%), respectively. Prevalence of coinfection was 1.2% (3/248), 0.4% (1/248), and 0.4% (1/248) for HBV/HCV, HBV/HIV, and HCV/HIV, respectively. History of abortion (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 11.028, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.671-72.776, p value = 0.013) and a history of blood transfusions (AOR = 11.298, 95%CI = 1.066-119.777, p value = 0.044) were observed to be significantly associated with an increased risk of HBV infections. However, having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.819, 95%CI = 1.074-329.680, p value = 0.045) and history of abortion (AOR = 12.550, 95%CI = 1.174-134.202, p value = 0.036) were the only significant predictors of HCV and HIV infection, respectively. In the current study, we found an intermediate prevalence of HBV and HCV in pregnant women. Therefore, continuous screening of pregnant women for the stated viral infections should be performed to minimize the transmission of the viruses to their children.

Assessment of antenatal care quality in Ethiopia: Facility-based study using service provision assessment data.

Antenatal care (ANC) coverage in low- and middle-income countries has increased in the past few decades. However, merely increasing care coverage may not enhance maternal and newborn health unless the recommended service components are also provided. Our aim was to assess the quality of ANC and its associated factors in Ethiopia. We used data from 2,042 pregnant women whose first ANC consultation was observed. Data were obtained from the 2021-2022 Ethiopian Service Provision Assessment survey conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1,158 healthcare facilities. Twenty-four components of ANC were assessed, and their values were summed to generate a total ANC quality score (range: 0-24). A higher score indicated a superior ANC quality. A multiple generalized Poisson regression model was fitted to identify factors influencing the quality of ANC. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 16. The mean ANC quality score was 11 (standard deviation [SD]: 3.8). Blood pressure measurement was the most commonly performed ANC component, at 79.5%, and breast examination for cancer screening was the most neglected component of ANC, at 3.3%. ANC quality was higher in the Amhara region (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.088; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-1.171) and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (IRR: 1.081; 95% CI: 1.002-1.166), and when the care was provided by a female healthcare worker (IRR: 1.054; 95% CI: 1.021-1.088). On the other hand, ANC quality decreased in rural healthcare facilities (IRR: 0.964; 95% CI: 0.932-0.998), clinics (IRR: 0.666; 95% CI: 0.581-0.764), and health posts (IRR: 0.817; 95% CI: 0.732-0.91). Similarly, ANC quality decreased when gestational age at the first antenatal visit increased (IRR: 0.994; 95% CI: 0.992-0.996) and when care was received from a non-nearby healthcare facility (IRR: 0.956; 95% CI: 0.923-0.990). Overall, the quality of ANC in Ethiopia is suboptimal. Encouraging women to initiate ANC early and utilize nearby facilities, assisting providers in delivering standardized services through preservice training, supervision, and continuous education, and ensuring the availability and proper use of necessary resources at all facilities are important to improve ANC quality.

Spatial variation and determinant factors of alcohol consumption in Ethiopia: Spatial and multilevel analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey.

Alcohol consumption continues to be a public health problem in Ethiopia. Previous investigations have been conducted on alcohol consumption in Ethiopia; however, these investigations were limited to specific localities, which could not represent the existing alcohol consumption in different parts of Ethiopia. Besides, the spatial variation of alcohol consumption was not well investigated in the previous studies, which could hinder the implementation of effective intervention towards alcohol consumption. Hence, this study aimed to determine the spatial distribution and determinant factors of alcohol consumption in Ethiopia. Secondary data from the 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey was used in this study. A total of 44,023 weight samples were included using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique. The spatial variation of alcohol consumption was analyzed using ArcGIS version 10.7.1. The statistical significance of alcohol consumption clusters were identified using Kuldorff's SaTScan version 10.2. A multi-level analysis was also conducted to identify factors associated with alcohol consumption using STATA version 14. In this study, 33.15% (95%CI: 32.5-33.8) of the study participants consumed alcohol with statistically significant spatial variation across regions of the country. Traditional religion (AOR = 13.7; 95%CI: 2.68-70.3), Regional variations (Amhara region-AOR = 3.56; 95%CI: 1.85-6.8, living in a low proportion of community literacy (AOR = 1.84; 95%CI: 1.1-3.18), cigarette smoking habit (AOR = 15.82; 95%CI: 4.31-58.1), and chewing Khat (AOR = 2.98; 95%CI: 1.22-7.27) were positively linked with alcohol consumption. Hot spot areas of alcohol consumption were found in Tigray, Amhara, and some parts of Oromia regions. The statistical significance of the primary clusters was also observed in Tigray and Amhara regions. We found that one-third of Ethiopia's population is consuming alcohol. Having a cigarette smoking habit, chewing khat, high proportion of community literacy, and traditional religion were associated factors for alcohol consumption. Therefore, the federal government of Ethiopia, and ministry of health, and other concerned bodies should work in collaboration to decrease the proportion of people consuming alcohol.

Development and validation of a prognosis risk score model for neonatal mortality in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. A prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Background A neonatal mortality prediction score can assist clinicians in making timely clinical decisions to save neonates’ lives by facilitating earlier admissions where needed. It can also help reduce unnecessary admissions. Objective The study aimed to develop and validate a prognosis risk score for neonatal mortality within 28 days in public hospitals in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods The model was developed using a validated neonatal near miss assessment scale and a prospective cohort of 365 near-miss neonates in six hospitals between July 2021 and January 2022. The model’s accuracy was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, calibration belt, and the optimism statistic. Internal validation was performed using a 500-repeat bootstrapping technique. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the model’s clinical utility. Results In total, 63 of the 365 neonates died, giving a neonatal mortality rate of 17.3% (95% CI: 13.7–21.5). Six potential predictors were identified and included in the model: anemia during pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational age less than 37 weeks, birth asphyxia, 5 min Apgar score less than 7, and birth weight less than 2500 g. The model’s AUC was 84.5% (95% CI: 78.8–90.2). The model’s predictive ability while accounting for overfitting via internal validity was 82%. The decision curve analysis showed higher clinical utility performance. Conclusion The neonatal mortality predictive score could aid in early detection, clinical decision-making, and, most importantly, timely interventions for high-risk neonates, ultimately saving lives in Ethiopia.

Dynamics of Membership Attrition in Community Based Health Insurance Programs A Case Study from Amhara Region

High dropout rates undermine the effectiveness of CBHI programs, prompting this study to investigate factors influencing membership retention.

Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors Among Older People in Debre Berhan Town, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2022

Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors Among Older People in Debre Berhan Town, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2022

Ethnobotanical Study of Wild-Edible Plants in Simada District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in the Simada district, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia, to investigate the ethnobotanical properties of wild edible plant species. Ethnobotanical data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and semi-structured questionnaires at markets. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 29.0.2.0. Data were further verified using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and informant consensus with buyers, sellers, cooks, and elderly users. A total of 45 edible wild plants from various families were recorded in this investigation. Among the identified wild edible plants, fruit was the most used part (60%), followed by leaves (13%). Most (82%) of the wild edible plants in the study area were consumed raw. There was a significant difference in the number of wild edible plants reported by different informant groups (p&lt;0.05). Opuntia ficus indica was the most frequently used wild edible plant, reported by 69.6% of respondents. Simada District has abundant wild edible plants that poor residents consume and sell to supplement their needs. Strengthening conservation, value addition, and market linking methods will improve local livelihoods and promote sustainable wild edible plant resources management.

Resource Assessment and Optimal Sizing of Off-Grid Standalone Photovoltaic (SPV) System for Rural Communities in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s current population is more than 110 million people. Fifty six percent (56%) of whom live in either the rural or less urbanized areas without access to grid electricity. The use of alternative energy sources holds a promise in tackling this lack of grid electrical energy access. Standalone photovoltaic power systems, in particular, can meet the daily electrical energy demand in rural communities yet unserved by the national power grid. This paper aims to assess the solar energy potentials in the study area, and design off-grid standalone photovoltaic power systems that can provide the communities with reliable off-grid power supply. The assessment of the solar resource potential considers six widely separated areas in the Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. Solar resource assessment showed that the annual average solar irradiation of the region is 6.46 𝐤𝐰𝐡 𝐦𝟐 ⁄ /𝐝𝐚𝐲 at normal tilt angle, 5.95 𝐤𝐰𝐡 𝐦𝟐 ⁄ /𝐝𝐚𝐲 at a latitude tilt angle, and 6 𝐤𝐰𝐡 𝐦𝟐 ⁄ /𝐝𝐚𝐲 at latitude plus 15 degree tilt angle. An estimate of typical household annual energy requirement indicated a consumption of 2,214.09 kWh. The design of the completed PV system includes sizing of system components and financial analyses. The financial analysis showed, the total initial investment cost will be 97,941 ETB, and for operation, maintenance and battery replacement requires of 61,770 ETB throughout the total life times of the system. The study demonstrated that, the designed standalone photovoltaic system yields a payback period of 13 years computed based on 3.7 ETB/kWh of energy cost. Moreover, this system will be financially feasible and, thus, encourages the use of clean energy resource of PV systems in Ethiopia

The Status of Pro-poor Sectors’ Service Delivery in Selected Woredas of Amhara Regional State

Abstract Providing services to the poor is a challenging task of local governments in developing countries. Governments are criticized for being asymmetric and urban-biased. This study assessed the situation of service delivery in the five pro-poor sectors, i.e., education, health, water, agriculture, and road and Transport. The study employed qualitative and quantitative research methods. A descriptive and cross-sectional research design was employed. Accordingly, data were collected from 269 sample respondents, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observations. Samples were selected from three zones, 5 woredas, and 10 kebeles. The data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques. The findings of the study indicated that basic services are still out of reach for most of the people. Services of the pro-poor sectors are not accessible and responsive and lack accountability and transparency. Due to this, customer satisfaction in the service of five pro-poor sectors is low.

Work-related temporary hearing loss and associated factors among textile industry workers in Amhara region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess occupational noise exposure levels, prevalence of temporary hearing loss and associated factors among textile industry workers in Amhara region, Ethiopia.DesignAn institution-based, cross-sectional study was...

Landslide susceptibility mapping using combined geospatial, FR and AHP models: a case study from Ethiopia’s highlands

This study performed landslide susceptibility mapping in Awabel Woreda, situated in the east Gojjam zone of the Amhara region in Ethiopia. The occurrence of landslides and slope instability is widespread in Awabel Woreda, leading to the devastation of agricultural fields, crops, and residences, the demise of animal life, and the forced relocation of local inhabitants from their dwellings. The present investigation utilized remote sensing and GIS techniques in conjunction with the Frequency Ratio (FR) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) models to map landslide risk zones. For the landslide susceptibility mapping of this study, nine causative factors, such as “elevation, slope, aspect, drainage density, lineament density, land use and land cover (LULC), soil texture, rainfall, and lithology”, were considered. A total of 130 past landslide events were identified via field survey and Google Earth image, of which 70% (91) of them were used as training datasets and 30% (39) were used as validation datasets of the proposed models (i.e., FR and AHP). The nine contributing variables and their classes were evaluated, and factor weights were computed using the IDRISI Selva 17.0 expert programme. The landslide susceptibility indexes (LSI) of the FR and AHP models were calculated and categorized into five relative zones using ArcGIS 10.7. The landslide susceptibility map (LSM) produced by the FR model shows that 93.2 km2 (14.52%) of the study area is classified as very low susceptibility, 167.51 km2 (26.09%) as low susceptibility, 174.10 km2 (27.12%) as moderate susceptibility, 137.03 km2 (21.34%) as high susceptibility, and 70.30 km2 (10.93%) as very high susceptibility to landslides. Based on the AHP model's LSM, different landslide susceptibility zones were identified in the study area. Specifically, 140.46 km2 (21.88%) of the region falls into the very low susceptibility zone, 116.78 km2 (18.59%) falls into the low susceptibility zone, 147.94 km2 (23.04%) falls into the moderate susceptibility zone, 154.04 km2 (23.99%) falls into the high susceptibility zone, and 82.78 km2 (12.89%) falls into the very high susceptibility zone. The validation investigation demonstrated that the FR and AHP models had accuracy rates of 89.73 and 87.18%, respectively. The FR model exhibited marginally more accurate results than AHP, primarily because of the direct correlation between previous and current occurrences of landslides. Nevertheless, the AHP model’s effectiveness relies on the individual’s expertise and the characteristics of the components that cause the outcome. The landslide susceptibility maps generated through these models provide valuable insights for land management and disaster mitigation efforts, with delineated zones indicating very low to very high susceptibility areas.