Ambo University Research Articles

Effect of Integrated Application of Poultry Manure and Chemical NP Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Highland Maize Variety on Vertisol at Ambo University on Station, Ethiopia

Effect of Integrated Application of Poultry Manure and Chemical NP Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Highland Maize Variety on Vertisol at Ambo University on Station, Ethiopia

Classroom Interaction and Communicative Language Teaching: Challenges of Using Authentic Oral Interaction in EFL Context the Case EFL Learners of Ambo University

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is an approach to language teaching that emphasizes interaction as both the means and the ultimate goal of study. Language learners learn and practice the target language through the interaction with one another and the instructor by using authentic texts. The aim of this study was to develop a deep understanding of authentic interaction in English as a foreign language classroom so as to improve communicative language teaching approach. Participants in this study were seven experienced English language instructors of Ambo University whom they are selected purposively. Semi-structured interview, focus group discussion and classroom observation were used as the basic tools of data. The gathered data was analyzed according to systematic design of grounded theory analysis method. The developed model of interaction for language classroom in the light of communicative language teaching is notably to give deep descriptions on how classroom interaction substantially occurs and what factors affect it in foreign language context from different perspectives in the view of authentication. Thus, authentic classroom interaction can be more comprehended under the background of interrelated factors: interaction practices, teacher and student factors, learning objectives, content materials, classroom contexts, and outer contexts surrounding the interaction practices. Thus, in order to achieve the desired goal of communicative language teaching, the dimension of verbal interaction practic­es, teacher speech, questions, and feedback should be revised in the light of classroom authentication.

English

The study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stress among Ambo University students. Institute based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 343 undergraduate students at Ambo University. Data were collected using the Student-life Stress Inventory. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation coefficient were utilized to analyze the collected data using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. The general life time prevalence of stress was 24.5%. More specifically, fear of academic failure, fear of family disappointment, lack of motivation and interpersonal relationship problem were highly reported symptom of stress students. Likewise, academic overload, projects or assignments timings, political situation of country, financial strain, high family expectations, study skill problem, being alone, procrastination, living away from home, difficulty reading materials, language barrier, acculturation, relationship with opposite sex, lack of entertainment in the University, lack of family support, inability to socialize with peers, adjustment with roommate, family problems, time management problem, and lack of personal interest in their department were frequently reported causes of stress in the University respectively. In this study, the independent t-test result shows that there was a statistically significant mean difference in experiencing stress across students’ sex and residential area. Besides, ANOVA result revealed that year of study, students’ perceived social support and perceived parenting style of the respondents had a significant effect on stress. However, statistical significant mean differences were not observed in experiencing stress across respondents’ monthly family income. Also, a statistically significant negative and moderate relationship was reported between stress and academic achievement. Nearly one fourth of students were suffering from measureable stress. Therefore, Ambo University management shall strengthen the academic counseling and preventive mental health services for the students so as to provide a conducive learning environment. Key words: Stress, undergraduate, students, Ambo University.

Service Quality Nexus Students’ Satisfaction at Ambo University Selected Campuses, Ethiopia

The present study examined the relationship between service quality dimensions (tangibility, responsiveness, reliability, assurance, and empathy) and students’ satisfaction in Ambo University. Modified SERVQUAL model was adopted to undertake the study. Data was collected through questionnaires to measure service quality and students’ satisfaction. Interview was also conducted to triangulate information obtained through questionnaire. Stratified sampling technique was used in the study. The study developed and analyzed five hypotheses using regression and correlation analysis, whereas ANOVA and T-test were used to measure the level of significance between means. The result revealed that students in Awaro and Woliso campuses were not satisfied with some services delivery at the university. The findings indicated empathy explains variation in service quality (R2=0.58) and has strong relationship with student satisfaction followed by responsiveness, reliability, assurance and tangibility dimensions. Therefore, empathy and responsiveness had the most significant contribution on students’ satisfaction in all campuses of the university. The differences in gender, year of studies and age had no significant relation with students’ satisfaction where as campus difference showed significant relationship. However, campus difference had no significant disparity in students’ satisfaction in the case of students resided in Awaro and Woliso campuses. The study suggested that management at different levels of the University should give due attention to deliver quality services especially in empathy and responsiveness dimensions of service quality to maximize student’s satisfaction.

Prevalence of Prediabetes and its Risk Factors among the Employees of Ambo University, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Prevalence of Prediabetes and its Risk Factors among the Employees of Ambo University, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Should online social Medias (OSMs) be banned at work? The impact of social Medias on employee productivity in Ambo University, a case study

The study examines the relationship between the productivity of employee of Ambo University, academic staff and online social Medias by considering the major variables of the study like marital status, duration of stay of the Medias, frequency of usage, usage style, addiction status, purpose, time of usage and necessity of the Medias. For the study 112 academic staffs are partaken from various colleges, institutes and schools of the University. Binomial logistic regression is employed to find the significant factors that affect productivity. The study shows OSMs have positive impact on productivity of academic staff. Youngster academicians are more users of the Medias than oldies. It is found using for average time during official working hours, doesn’t harm the productivity of teachers. Necessity of the OSMs is significantly affect the productivity of the teachers because it is crucial for teaching and learning process. In addition, purpose of usage of OSMs, Frequency of visit, duration of stay on the Media, time of usage and addition to OSMs has also significantly affects independent variable. Marital status and sex of the teacher are statistically insignificant and has nothing to do with the using the Medias and productivity of the teachers. Since using OSMs not merely took the time of teachers, it doesn’t necessarily lower the productivity because they can perform some other unproductive activities instead. Therefore, it is suggested that academicians are fully granted right to use OSMs and university is advised to give training and awareness program on how to use in a way that it gives better benefit than simply ban Medias.

CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON EQUINE LUNG WORM AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTOR IN AMBO DISTRICT, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPOIA

To determine the prevalence of lungworm, Dictyocacaulus arnifieldi and identify risk factors associated with occurrence of diseases in equines in and around Ambo town, in Oromia region, Ethiopia.
 Equine lungworm, Dictyocacaulus arnifieldi is a parasitic disease that affects horses, donkeys and mules, is widespread in study area. The infection is transmitted by ingestion of contaminated pasture which contains infective stage larvae of Dictyocacaulus arnifieldi. To-date, effective control program still remains to be a reality and needs to be strengthened.
 Purposive sampling technique was used to select study animals and performed using modified Berman technique in Ambo University veterinary laboratory technology. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression used to analyze using STATA statistical software version 9.
 From the total 384 equines (donkeys, n= 313, mules, n= 29, and horses, n= 42) the positive animal was 77 resulting the overall prevalence 20.1% equine lungworm. There is significance difference between Kebele (small admistrative unit), age, body condition and seasons of the study period (p<0.05).
 The study suggests that the community of the study area was highly affected lungworm infection, Dictyocacaulus arnifieldi. Therefore, awareness should be created to the owners regarding the management system of equine was recommended.

Sexual and reproductive health experience, knowledge and problems among university students in Ambo, central Ethiopia

BackgroundYouths in universities are at high risk of STIs and SRH problems in Ethiopia. However, students did not perceive themselves at risk of STI/HIV infection though reports showed they were sexually active, had multiple sexual partners and reported symptoms of STIs. Having recognized the threat posed by SRH problems, this study aimed to assess the SRH experiences, knowledge, and problems among university students at Ambo University in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Ambo University main campus from January to February 2015 using mixed approach of quantitative (survey) and qualitative (in-depth interview) methods. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to select 400 survey respondents and purposive sampling was employed to identify 10 in-depth interviewees. The quantitative data was coded, entered to SPSS and descriptively analyzed, while the qualitative data was categorically organized, repeatedly reviewed and thematically analyzed.ResultsMean age during first sex of 17.29 ± SD 2.21 and mean number of past 12 months regular sexual partners of 1.36 ± SD 0.505 were recorded. Only 21.1% of survey respondents perceived themselves to be at risk of HIV. Almost all survey respondents ever heard of STIs (94.5%) and HIV/AIDS (98%), and 89.4% knew modern contraceptives such as pills (64.8%) and condoms (56.8%). Despite awareness of STIs including HIV/AIDS, more than one fifth (22.8%) had any of the STIs in the past one year. Although the quantitative data showed unwanted pregnancy (5%) and abortion (2.5%) existed in the campus minimally, high rates of unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion were reported in the qualitative data.ConclusionsSRH/STIs were problems among students of the university. Although students knew about STIs, the STI infection rate in the past year was quite high, and was almost as high as the percentage of students who reported sexual activity in the past year. Though reported by a minority of students, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion may also be a problem. The university thus needs to launch a program directed towards STIs and SRH problems, particularly among female students.

Premarital Sexual Practices, Consequences and Associated Factors among Regular Undergraduate Female Students in Ambo University, Oromia Regional State, Central Ethiopia,2015

Background: Significant numbers of adolescents are involved in sexual activities at an early age which exposes them to the risk of unintended pregnancy, abortion and STIs. Even though, the reproductive health problem of young people is critical among both sexes, adolescent’s girls are more affected because of their biological, economic and social vulnerability. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the prevalence, consequences and associated factors of premarital sex among female students in Ambo University. Methods and materials: An institutional based crosssectional study was conducted with qualitative inquiry from January to February 2015. Quantitative data were collected from 650 randomly selected female students in Ambo University using a pretested structured questionnaire. The qualitative data were generated through focus group discussions among purposely selected discussants. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was estimated using multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of premarital sex while thematic framework analysis was employed for the qualitative data. Results: About 90 (53.9%) of sexually active respondents reported that they started sex after joining the University. Twenty Eight (16.8%) of sexually active respondents have got pregnant prior to the study period and 15(53.6%) reported history of abortion. The proportion of respondents screened for HIV/AIDS were 56.8% and among this 1.6% had positive results. In the multivariate analysis students who didn’t discussed sexual related issue with their parents [AOR: 7.16; 95% CI (4.39-11.68)], being alcohol consumer [AOR: 3.70; 95% CI (2.04-6.73)] and attending romantic videos/films [AOR: 9.95 (7.69-49.87)] were independent predictors of premarital sex. Conclusion: Significant number of young females had started sex very early and involved in high risk sexual behavior without condom and family planning methods. These kinds of findings call for family life time education including parent-youth communication education.

Effect of Different Row Spacing, Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Yield Attributes, Productivity and Economics of Tef (Eragrostis Tef)

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three rows spacing, four levels of N and P2O5 fertilizer rates and their interaction on growth parameters, yield and yield components of tef during meher cropping season of 2015 at the research farm of Ambo University. Treatments were: three level of row spacing viz. 10cm, 20cm and 30cm and four levels of N and P2O5 fertilizer rates (50/50, 60/60, 70/70 and 80/80kg of N/P2O5 ha−1) with application of DAP as basal dose and Urea after 21 days of sowing. Highest growth parameters recorded were 10.9 for effective tillers for 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha−1 with 10cm row spacing, 111cm in plant height, 37cm in panicle length at 50% flowering, 45cm in panicle length at 90% maturity for 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha−1 with 20cm row spacing plant−1 respectively. Highest yield and yield components recorded were 3766.7 kg ha−1, 7350 kg ha−1, 11166.7 kg ha−1 and 34% in treatment of 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha−1 with 10cm row spacing for grain yield, straw yield, biomass yield and harvest index respectively. Yield components were affected significantly by treatments with highest results observed in their interaction effects, where increments were 41.7% kg ha−1, 113.21% kg ha−1, 35.28% kgha−1 and 55.45% kg ha−1 for grain harvest index, yield, straw yield and biomass yield respectively from 80/80kg of N/P2O5 with 10cm spacing. Economic partial budget analysis shows that with 80/80 kg of N/P2O5 ha−1 fertilizer rate at 10cm row spacing resulted in maximum relative net return of ETB 50178ha−1 followed by ETB 48017 ha−1 for 70/70 kg of N/P2O5 ha−1 and ETB 38121 ha−1for 60/60 kgN/P2O5 ha−1.

A study on the magnitude and causes of turnover among academic staffs of Ethiopian Higher Institutions: evidence from Ambo University

Considering high turnover as a sign of failure in an educational organization, the study was conducted to assess the causes of turnover among the academic staffs of Ambo University. The study focused on six plausible factors: economic, managerial, environmental, social and technological, teaching related factors and student characters. To achieve this end, the data were collected from 295 (113 former and 182 current) staff members through attitudinal survey questionnaire, semi-structured interview, focused group discussions and document analysis. The former staff members were selected on the bases of available and snowball sampling techniques, whereas, multistage stratified sampling techniques were employed to select the current staffs. The analysis employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Considering data were ordinal, percentage, median, weighted mean, standard deviation, ranking methods and Mann Whitney U Test were used analyze the data. The results determined that economic, social service and technological, managerial, student characters, teaching related and environmental factors in descending order are identified as the reasons for the teacher turnover in the university. In relation to the groups, male, experienced, elder instructors were dissatisfied and tend to leave the university at higher rate than their counterparts. Therefore, in bringing about improvement in these factors, the government should revise the compensations, fringe benefit, promotion, loans and performance appraisal policies to enhance opportunities for the academic staffs particularly for experienced Maters and PhD holder instructors, and the universities should also create further opportunities and implement the policies in fair and transparent manner. Moreover, both federal and the regional government should give due attention to improve the supply of pure water, electric power, network and internet service for Ambo town in general and for AU in particular. K ey w o r d s: Causes, Pull-Push factors, Determinant Factors, Academic staff Turnover

Production Potential of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes in Relation to Plant Densities and Phosphorus Nutrition on Vertisols of Central Highlands of West Showa Zone, Ethiopia, East Africa

Faba bean is an important grain legume grown on vertisols of central high lands in Ethiopia, and is constrained by low yielding varieties, soil acidity, besides scanty information on optimum plant density and phosphorus nutrition. Field experiment was therefore conducted at Ambo University research farm during 2014 rainy season with the objective to determine optimum P rate and population densities for Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes grown on vertisols under rain fed conditions. The treatments comprised three genotypes (Hachalu, Walki and Local), three spacings (30 cm × 7.5 cm, 40 cm × 5.0 cm and 60 cm × 5.0 cm) and two phosphorus levels (0 kg P205/ha and 46 kg P205/ha), which were combined factorially and laid out in a split –split plot design with three replications. The results showed that the improved genotype, Walki (3,407 kg/ha) being comparable with Hachalu (3,037 kg/ha) gave substantially greater seed yield than the local cultivar (2,833 kg/ha). Seeding at 44 plants/m2 resulted in significantly higher seed and biological yields (3,815 kg/ha and 7,894 kg/ha) than 50 plants/m2 (3,074 kg/ha and 6,570 kg/ha) and 33 plants/m2 (2,388 kg/ha and 4,696 kg/ha); although the harvest index was unaltered. Fertilization of faba bean with 46 kg P205/ha resulted in substantial increase in seed (3,531 kg/ha) and biological yields (7,172 kg/ha) over no fertilizer check (2,654 kg/ha seed and 5,602 kg/ha haulm yield). The harvest index tended to improve with P nutrition (49.7) over no phosphorus (47.4). Correlations worked between yield and growth and yield components showed a significant positive relation between seed yield and plant height, leaf area/plant, leaf area index, biological yield and seed yield/plant. Biomass yield is correlated with leaf area/plant, leaf area index, and plant height. Cultivation of improved varieties of faba bean Welki and Hachalu with a plant density of 44 plants/m2 (30 cm × 7.5 cm spacing) was found to be better than the local cultivar in terms of yield and yield attributes. Phosphorus fertilizer application at 46 kg P2O5/ha improved the growth, yield and yield components of faba bean on Vertisols of high lands.

Towards Improved Industrial Relations in Public Higher Learning Institutions of Ethiopia: The Case of Ambo University

Industrial relations cover all such relationships that a business enterprise maintains with various sections of the society such as workers, state customers, and public who come into its contact. In other words, it is the study of the interactions among industry, its employees and the governments that oversee them. Ambo University has been contributing much for promoting sustainable development at local, regional, and national level through educational and research activities, short term training, outreach services, and consultancy services. While its great contribution is commendable, little attention was given to its industrial relations by researchers in the field of industrial relations. The general objective of the study was to assess the problems and prospects of industrial relations of employees of Ambo University and propose strategic measures for better future. Promoting good governance and democracy in all management levels of Ambo University, creating favorable working environment and environment of good will and mutual cooperation among employees, and encouraging employees to use modern technologies like ICTs in service delivery are some of the strategic measures proposed in this study to improve the industrial relations of employees of Ambo University.

English

This study was conducted to evaluate and determine the carcass pH and color of Horro rams under different management practices at Ambo University. A total of 24 Horro rams were randomly assigned to the following three treatments: T1 (Day 1 rest before slaughter), T2 (Rhodes hay ad libitum) and T3 (Rhodes hay ad libitum + 400 g concentrate per head/day). Carcass pH was determined at 15 min, 24, 48, and 72 h post slaughter using pH Meter. Data were analyzed using the General linear model procedures of Statistical Analysis System Software 9.2 (SAS, 2009). The ultimate carcass pH of concentrate supplemented Horro rams (pH24 = 5.67) was lower (P < 0.001) than rams fed on Rhodes hay ad libitum and animals slaughtered immediately after day 1 rest of transportation to experimental site (5.88, and 5.87, respectively). The majority of sensory panelists (> 62%) reported that carcass color was bright red for supplemented Horro rams and red color for those fed on Rhodes hay ad libitum and slaughtered immediately after one day rest of transportation. Carcass darkness/discoloration was not observed up to four days post slaughter from values of carcass pH, color estimation of this experiment and from comparisons of carcass pH measures with values in the literatures. Concentrate supplementation had significant and positive influence on carcasses pH and color of Horro rams. This study disproved the dispute or claim about the problem of early darkening of carcasses of highland animals. Thus, management practices like optimum feeding along sufficient rest after transportation would improve the carcass pH and color.   Key words: Carcass, pH, color, concentrate, Horro lambs.

Impacts of Land use on Selected Physicochemical Properties of Soils of Gindeberet Area, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

This study was carried out with the objective of determining impact of land uses on selected soil physicochemical properties of Gindeberet area, Western Ethiopia. Disturbed and undisturbed surface soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from each land use type and examined for their analysis of soils physicochemical properties. Soil samples were analyzed at Ambo University Chemistry Laboratory. Standard procedures were employed for the analyses of selected soil properties. Soil pH ranged from 4.88 (cultivated land) to 5.65 (forest land). Soil bulk density was ranged from 1.09 (forest land) to 1.28 (g/cm3) (cultivated lands). Mean organic matter ranged from 1.38 (cultivated land) to 2.01% (forest land). Mean soil available phosphorus ranged from 2.23 (cultivated land) 4.30ppm (forest land). Mean total nitrogen ranged from 0.08% (cultivated land) to 0.11% (forest land). Mean soil exchangeable calcium and magnesium ranged from 8.16(cultivated land) to 13.44 cmol(+)/ kg (forest land) and 3.54(cultivated land) to 5.33 cmol(+)/ kg (forest land) respectively, while mean soil exchangeable potassium and sodium ranged from 0.28 (cultivated land) to 0.71 cmol(+)/ kg (forest land) and 0.36(cultivated land) to 0.75 cmol(+)/ kg (forest land) respectively. The CEC ranged from 7.63 (cultivated land) to 16.53 cmol(+)/ kg (forest land).Mean available iron, manganese, zinc and copper ranges from 37.08 to 37.71, 22.18 to 37.70, 4.79 to 6.39 and 1.88 to 2.49 respectively. All available micronutrients are higher in forest land and lower in cultivated land. The study pointed out that, the difference between different land use type on soil moisture content, pH, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable bases. From the present study, it could be concluded that the soil quality and health were maintained relatively under the forest land, whereas the influence on most soil parameters were negative on the cultivated land, indicating the need for employing integrated soil fertility management in sustainable manner to optimize and maintain the favorable soil physicochemical properties.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Reproductive Health Among Ambo University Students in Ambo, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, 2013/14

Introduction: Adolescent’s sexuality and Reproductive Health are generally not well addressed to protect them from unwanted pregnancies, complications of unsafe abortions and sexual transmitted infection including human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS. Although the numbers of young people who need information and services are enormous, services are scarce, fragmented and nonexistent. Objective: To assess the level of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice towards reproductive health among students of Ambo university. Methods: Institutional based descriptive cross-sectional study design supplemented by qualitative in-depth interview was conducted among Ambo University students, Ambo, western Ethiopia from December to January 2013/14. Multistage sampling technique was implemented and sample size taken was 605. Data were collected using structured and pretested questionnaires and entered into EPI Info 3.5.1 then exported to SPSS Version 16 for analysis. Result: Respondent were mentioned different methods to prevent reproductive health problem, and from these 111(18.5%) mentioned condom, 44 (7.9%) Abstain as the method of choice while 322(53.7%) mentioned that they didn't know prevention methods. From the total students participated in the study 487(81.2%) have shown interest to use reproductive health service in the future and 350(84.7%) of the respondents wanted the establishment of reproductive health services within the university campus. 108(42%) of the respondents were started sex before the age of 18 years and only 6(2.4%) of the students were start sex after 24 years. 179(73.5%) of the students were not using contraceptive during the survey period Conclusion: the study showed that most the respondent didn't know reproductive health components, problems and as well didn't mention prevention methods. A great number of students were not used reproductive health services during the survey period; but there will be high demand to utilize reproductive health services. Recommendation: Since there was high demand on reproductive health services; Policy Makers(Program planners) should establish friendly reproductive health services within the university to increase coverage and prevent the students from reproductive health related problems and complications.

Productivity, Yield Attributes and Weed Control in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as Influenced by Integrated Weed Management in Central High Lands of Ethiopia, East Africa

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop is often fraught with weeds in central high lands of Ethiopia which are characterized by high rainfall, low humidity and low temperatures favorable for development of diseases and insect pests resulting in dwindled productivity. Field experiment was conducted at the Research farm of Plant Science department, Ambo University, for two consecutive years (2014 and 2015) to delineate the effect of 2, 4-D alone, hand weeding alone and their integration on weed control and wheat productivity in comparison with un weeded check in a randomized complete block design with six replications. The experiment comprised four treatments (hand weeding, hand weeding + 2, 4-D @ 2.0 kgha-1, 2, 4-D application @ 2.0 kg/ha and un-weeded check). The experimental site was predominantly infested with different weed species belonging to different families such as grasses, broadleaved weeds and sedges. It was found that Integrating hand weeding + 2, 4-D at 2.0 kgha-1 significantly reduced weed density and dry biomass of weeds in both 2014 and 2015 cropping years compared with the other weed control methods. Highest grain yield (4322, 3989 kg ha-1) was recorded with hand weeding + 2, 4-D at 2.0 kgha-1, followed by hand weeding (3500, 2851 kg ha-1), whereas the lowest yield was recorded from un weeded check (1167, 1082 kg ha-1) in 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons, respectively. Uncontrolled weed growth throughout the crop growth period caused a yield reduction of 72% in both cropping seasons. Application of Post- emergence herbicide 2, 4-D and /or hand weeding and hoeing at tiller stage could further reduce the deleterious effect of weeds on wheat crop raised in central high lands of Ethiopia.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Determinants of VCT Utilization for HIV/AIDS Among Ambo University Students, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study

Voluntary HIV counseling and Testing (VCT) is a process by which an individual undergoes counseling to enable informed about HIV status. The provision of voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) is an important part of any national prevention program. This study tried to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice determinants of voluntary counseling and testing utilization for HIV/AIDS of Ambo University students. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was implemented with multistage sampling apply in the study. There were 93.2 response rates in the study. Three hundred eight nine (51.9%) of the respondents have sexual experience, or ever had sexual intercourse; out of which 288 (38.4%) were males and the rest 101 (13.5%) were females. Among the total participants 504(67.2%) were used VCT services but 246(32.8%) were never used VCT service. Regarding the location of VCT service recommended, health facility, school and youth club were recommended by 337(49.7%), 310(41.3) and 219(29.2%) of the students respectively. There were different determinants those have statistical association with VCT service utilization include sex, batch, sexual exposure and knowledge of the students about VCT. Even though most of the students have adequate knowledge, attitude and practice still there is a gap in the participants KAP towards VCT utilization due to different determinants like sex, sexual exposure and their level of education (batch).

Experience of sexual coercion and associated factors among female students of Ambo University in Ethiopia

Introduction: A growing body of evidence shows that sexual coercion is widespread among young women. Behavioral, lifestyle, and relationship factors have all been identified as risk factors that increase a women’s vulnerability to sexual coercion victimization. However, it remains unclear which risk factors most strongly increase young women’s vulnerability to sexual coercion victimization. Objective: This study aimed to assess level and factors associated with sexual coercion among female students of Ambo University in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2012 among 597 second year and above female students. Data were collected using the World Health Organization multi-country study self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version16.0 Statistical Software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors with sexual coercion. Results: More than one fourth of those who responded had previous sexual intercourse. The result showed that 76.4% and 43.7% have reported to have at least one incidents of sexual coercion in their lifetime and past 12 months, respectively. Rural origin of residence (AOR= 0.65, 95% CI: 0.08-0.89), having literate father (AOR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.05-0.6) were at decreased likelihood to experience lifetime sexual coercion. Yet, alcoholic consumption (AOR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.63-6.50), current parental living condition (AOR= 6.53, 95% CI: 1.38, 30.80), childhood witnesses of maternal coercion (AOR=5.77, 95% CI: 2.96-11.23) and as well as with having had more than one sexual partners (AOR=4.32, 95% CI: 1.10-16.23) were factors associated with an increased likelihood of lifetime sexual coercion. Conclusions: In their lifetime, more than three out of four female students experienced at least one forms of sexual coercion. At last, it is concluded that this problem needs due attention by policy makers, university and other partners to make coercion free educational environment for female university students.

English

A laboratory experiment was performed at Ambo University, Department of Plant Sciences in March 2014, to evaluate the effect of moisture stress on germination and seedling growths of highland maize cultivars. The experiment was arranged factorially in completely randomized design with three replications. Five highland maize cultivars (Hora, Wenchi, Jibat, Argene and Wabi) were exposed to six levels of water stress (0, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 g/L Polyethylene glycol 6000). The result revealed that no significant interactions exist between maize cultivars and moisture stress. However, cultivars varied significantly for germination percentage and rate, shoot and root lengths, root number, and shoot and root fresh weight. Increase in PEG 6000 concentrations decreased germination percentage and rate, where as shoot and root lengths decreased beyond 60 g/l. No significant differences were observed among 60, 120 and 180 g/L for shoot and root fresh and dry weights, and seedling fresh and dry weights. Maximum root number, root-to-shoot ratio and tolerance index was observed at 120 and 180, 240 and 60 g/L PEG, respectively. Hence, highland maize cultivars showed differential response in terms of germination and seedling growth with increased moisture stress, and increase in PEG 6000 reduced germination and seedling growth beyond 60 g/L. Key words: Germination, maize, seedling growth, stress, tolerance