Arba Minch Town Research Articles

Household Energy Use Among Female-Headed Households in Urban Ethiopia: Key Issues for the Uplift of Women

This article examines the linkages between cooking energy and gender based on a study conducted in Arba Minch town of southwestern Ethiopia. It primarily investigates cooking energy end-use within female-headed households (FHHs) residing in the town and specifically focuses on women who disproportionately suffer the impacts of energy accessibility. This study reveals that commercial cooking fuels are increasingly scarce and expensive, and the costs of modern cooking appliances are beyond the purchasing ability of most urban FHHs. Meeting the energy requirements in sustainable manner, thus, continues to be a major challenge that hinders FHHs’ efforts to improve their living situations. The results further show that though the income is an important factor, it is not the only powerful determinant in the consumption of cooking fuels within FHHs. Other socioeconomic characteristics were found to have a significant impact too. This study further examines the relevance of the “fuel stacking” model and finds that the majority of the FHHs, regardless of their economic status, depend on wood fuels as their primary cooking energy source. Even when family incomes rose, complete transition to cleaner fuels has not taken place; instead, it added fuels in the fuel stacking process.

Fear of childbirth among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFear of childbirth is one of the life challenges the women encounter during pregnancy. It is an important source of distress for the women and their families and also increases the odds of obstetric complications during childbirth. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of fear of childbirth and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant women who attended antenatal care at public health facilities in Arba Minch from November 1st − 30th 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to include the participants. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview by using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire was used to score fear of childbirth. Epi Data version 3.1 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0 software were used for data management. Descriptive and analytic analyses were done and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence level in multivariable analysis.ResultsA total of 387 pregnant women have participated in this study. Forty (10.3%) of the pregnant women had a low degree fear, 154(39.8%) had a moderate degree fear, 98(25.3%) had a high degree fear, and 95(24.5%) had severe degree fear of childbirth. Unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.74), current pregnancy-related complications (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI: 2.72, 14.29), and poor social support (AOR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.68) were factors significantly associated with severe degree fear of childbirth.ConclusionsAlmost three-fourth of the pregnant women in this study area had moderate to severe degree fear of childbirth. Tailoring counseling during antenatal care visits is needed to address those women who are at a high risk of considerable childbirth fear and its health consequences.

Evaluating the health risks of heavy metals from vegetables grown on soil irrigated with untreated and treated wastewater in Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Available freshwater scarcity significantly affects sustainable food production for the rapidly growing population. This problem has forced people in most parts of the world to use wastewater as a viable solution. However, wastewater reuse has some deleterious effects on human and environmental health. This study was designed to investigate the health risks (HRs) of heavy metals (HMs) from vegetables irrigated with untreated and treated wastewater. The composite wastewater was collected at various sites in Arba Minch town and subjected to aerobic-anoxic treatment. Treated and untreated wastewater (UTW) was used to irrigate vegetables (lettuce, cabbage and tomato), and HM results were compared with the control (tap water) and standards. Water, soil and vegetables were investigated for various physical and chemical properties. Human health effects due to vegetable consumption were analyzed using HR- index (HRI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The results revealed that most of the water quality indexes were significantly enhanced after aerobic-anoxic treatment, suggesting that wastewater collected from different sites was suitable for biodegradation. Soil physicochemical analyses also showed that pH, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon and organic matter were higher for UTW irrigated soil. Heavy metal concentrations were relatively greater in soils than water used for irrigation purposes and vegetables. The HM concentration in vegetables was higher for UTW than for treated and tap water irrigated vegetables. In vegetables, the order of HM content was Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. Tomato followed by cabbage and lettuce accumulated significant amount of HMs (Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd) in their different organs (fruit/leaf>root>stem). The individual and combined health indexes (HRI, THQ and HI) showed that Pb and Cd have values greater than unity for wastewater irrigated vegetables, which could result in non-carcinogenic disease for short/lifetime exposure in adults and children. Overall, consumption of vegetables can be safer when grown with treated effluent than with UTW.

Utilization of companionship during delivery and associated factors among women who gave birth at Arba Minch town public health facilities, southern Ethiopia.

Companionship during delivery is an important feature of compassionate and respectful maternity care. It has a positive impact on delivery and birth outcomes. In low resource countries like Ethiopia lack of companionship discourages women from accessing facility-based delivery care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the utilization of companionship during delivery and associated factors. Health facility-based cross-sectional study design was done from October to November 2019. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect the data from 418 study participants. The data were entered with Epi data version 4.4 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was done. Statistical significance was declared at P- values < 0.05 with a 95% confidence level. The finding of the study showed that only 13.8% of mothers utilize companionship during delivery. Variables such as having a desire to have companionship during delivery in the health facilities (AOR = 5.17, CI 95% 2.63, 10.16), having complication during the labor and delivery (AOR = 3.48, CI 95%, 1.81, 6.70), and being primipara (AOR = 2.05, CI 95% 1.09, 3.87) were the independent factors associated with companionship utilization. The finding of the study showed that the utilization of companionship during delivery was low. Permitting women to have a companion of choice during labor and childbirth can be a cost-effective intervention to improve the quality of maternity care, facing complications during delivery, having a desire to have companionship during delivery and primiparous women were more likely to utilize companionship. To improve this low utilization of companionship institutions and care providers should provide information about companionship during antenatal care attendance. Besides, there is a need for clear guidelines to govern the practice of companions.

Characterization and evaluation of biogas generation of Arba Minch Town slaughterhouse wastewater, Ethiopia

Abstract This study was carried out to characterize raw and treated Arba Minch town slaughterhouse wastewater and to assess its methane generation potential with lab-scale anaerobic batch reactors. The methane was collected by downward displacement of an alkaline water column. The methane generation potential of the slaughterhouse wastewater was 270.6 mL methane per gram of volatile solids at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20 days at 37 °C. The organic loading rate was 0.48 g and the organic matter removal efficiency of the reactor was COD (93.5%), BOD5 (88.5%), and TVS (94.7%). The result demonstrated that installation of a biogas reactor to treat slaughterhouse wastewater can recover methane, reduce pollutants and protect the environment. The result can be a demonstration for untreated slaughterhouse wastewaters in developing countries like Arba Minch Town to use anaerobic treatment and supplement their scarce energy options.

Teacher-child interactions in early childhood education and its effects on social and language development

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the relationship between teacher-child interaction quality and children’s social-emotional and language development. Also considered was the level/status of classroom quality in preschool setting. Classroom Assessment Scoring System Pre-K (CLASS Pre-K), the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA-P2), and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-IV) were used to collect data from 177 children and 55 teachers in preschool centres of Arba Minch town, Ethiopia. Emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support were not significantly correlated with children’s social-emotional and language development. An average level of classroom quality was observed in emotional support domain while classroom organization and instructional support were each rated at the low end. The findings reveal a need for Ethiopian preschool teachers to improve the quality of classroom organization and instructional support in order to promote children’s optimal development. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Urban Planning Implementation Challenges in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia

Urban Planning Implementation Challenges in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia

Determinants of long acting contraceptive utilization among HIV positive reproductive age women attending care at ART clinics of public health facilities in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia, 2019: a case control study

BackgroundLong acting and permanent contraceptive methods by far are the most effective, very safe and convenient methods than short acting contraceptive methods. But in less developed countries, use of long acting reversible contraceptive or permanent methods (LARCs/PMs) is very low. Therefore the aim of this study was to identify determinants of long acting contraceptive method utilization among HIV positive reproductive age women.MethodsAn institutional based case control study was conducted among random sample of 354 HIV positive reproductive age women (total of 97.8% response rate) at Anti-Retroviral Therapy clinics from February 20 to March 20, 2019. Case to control ratio was 1:2. A structured questionnaire and information recorded from ART card review were used to collect the data. Each variable was entered in Bivariate analysis with dependent variables and those variables with P-value of ≤ 0.25 were included in the Multivariate analysis. Significance was determined at the level of P-value < 0.05 with 95% CI of AOR.ResultsA total of 354 (33.3% cases and 66.7% controls) HIV positive reproductive age women were interviewed with response rate of 97.8%. The study revealed being in age group of 39 and above [AOR = 0.17, 95% CI (0.06, 0.48)], being divorced/separated and widowed [AOR = 0.05, 95% CI (0.003, 0.61)], having supportive opinion and strongly supportive opinion regarding family planning service availability in ART clinic [AOR = 5.01, 95% CI (1.79, 14.07)], [AOR = 7.81, 95% CI (2.54, 24.01)] and having no future fertility intention [AOR = 7.03, 95% CI (2.73, 18.06)] were statistically significant determinants for long acting contraceptive method utilization.ConclusionWoman in age group of 39 and above, having no future fertility intention and being divorced/separated and widowed was found to be determinants of long acting contraceptive method utilization among HIV positive reproductive age women. In addition our study support the WHO Strategic Considerations for Strengthening the Linkages between Family Planning and HIV/AIDS Policies, Programs, and Services.

Meconium-stained liquor and low birth weight increases the odds of low fifth-minute apgar scores in public health facilities of arba minch town, southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Low Apgar scores in the childbirth period increased risk globally and significantly contributes to both newborn morbidity and mortality. Hence, it is very essential to update information on the status of low fifth-minute Apgar scores and factors affecting. Some studies were conducted, but most are retrospective and record reviews. Besides, there is limited study in country-Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the recent status of low fifth-minute Apgar scores and factors affecting in the study setting. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 286 newborns in public health facilities of Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia from February 6 to March 9, 2019. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires and checklist were used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 15 for analysis. A crude and adjusted odds ratio was computed in the binary logistic regression model. In this study, P-value, &lt; 0.05 was considered to declare factors as a statistically significant association. Results: In this study, 17.8% (95%CI: 13.8%, 22.7%) of neonates had low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Condition of labor (induced/augmented) (AOR=3.33, 95%CI: 1.24, 8.90), meconium-stained liquor (AOR=3.37, 95%CI: 1.17, 9.74), and birth weight (AOR=3.48, 95%CI: 1.23, 9.86) were significantly associated with neonate’s low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Conclusions: This study indicated that a significant number of newborns resulted in low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Strengthen the provision of health information during antenatal care; avoid delay in screening high-risk mothers during pregnancy and delivery, and give immediate interventions should be recommended.

The way of Husband Involvement during Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Plan, Arba Minch town, Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia: Qualitative Study

Background: Birth-preparedness and complication-readiness is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of an emergency. The involvement of husband during pregnancy and its complication helps an expectant mother to make timely decisions to avoid delays: The present study aim was to explore ways how husband can involve in birth preparedness and complication readiness plan, among husband living in Arba Minch Town. Materials: Qualitative study was conducted among purposely selected husbands. The data was collected using focus group discussion. A progressive approach was used to analyze the data as Miles and Huberman suggested. All focus group discussions were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. An inductive approach was used in coding the substantive themes.

The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension among Adults in Southern Ethiopia.

Background Hypertension is a growing public health problem in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Determining the prevalence of hypertension and identifying the associated factors is crucial. Objective To assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors, among adult population of Arba Minch town, Gamo Zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted from December 1 to 30, 2017 among adults. Study participants were selected using a multistage systematic sampling method. Data were collected by face-to-face interview after getting written informed consent by using a structured questionnaire. Additionally, weight, height, and blood pressure of participants were measured following standard procedures. Data were entered into a computer using EPI INFO 7 and exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to explore the association between hypertension and associated factors. Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted to control the effect of confounders. Results A total of 784 study participants were included in this study. The overall prevalence of hypertension in Arba Minch Town was 35.2%, (95% CI: 32.4%, 38.4%). Nearly 90% of hypertensive patients were screened for the first time. Age ≥55 years [AOR = 7.74; 95% CI: 2.19, 27.23], income level which is greater than 2501 Ethiopian Birr [AOR = 9.5; 95% CI: 4.5, 20.20], working hour less than seven hours per day [AOR = 12.5; 95% CI: 4.3, 36.1], and chewing “khat” [AOR = 11.06: 95% CI: 4.3, 27.7] were the independently associated factors with hypertension. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension is found to be high. Increasing awareness on control use of “khat,” increasing physical activity, and strengthening community-based periodic screening programs of high-risk populations are recommended.

Utilization of Family Planning Methods and Associated Factors Among Reproductive-Age Women with Disability in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia.

IntroductionGlobally in 2019, there were 1.9 billion reproductive-age women. Around 922 million of them were using either modern or traditional methods of family planning. Women with disabilities comprise 10% of worldwide women and three-quarters of them reside in low- and middle-income countries.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was designed to assess the magnitude and associated factors for family planning methods use among reproductive-age women with disabilities in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.Patients and MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 reproductive-age women with disabilities. Data were collected with eight women who had completed grade 12 and two of them were proficient in sign language. The data were entered into Epi-info™ version-7 software and exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. A statistically significant variable in the final model was declared by adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value <0.05.ResultsThe magnitude of family planning utilization among reproductive-age women with disabilities was 33.7%. Factors significantly associated with family planning use were being employed (AOR: 2.2, CI: 1.77–4.15), having positive attitudes (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.21–3.87) and marital status (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 2.31–6.63).ConclusionThe magnitude of family planning use among reproductive women with disabilities was low. Attitude, marital status, and being employed were significantly associated factors with family planning use. Therefore, the governmental and non-governmental organizations should work to change their attitude and creating job opportunities.

Determinants of delay in care seeking for diarrheal diseases among mothers/caregivers with under-five children in public health facilities of Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia; 2019.

BackgroundTimely and appropriate health care seeking for diarrhea of under-five children is important to reduce severe and life-threatening complications. However, different findings indicate that mothers of under-five children often delay in seeking care which in turn contributes to the death of large number of children without ever reaching a health facility. Therefore, a proper pinpointing of determinants of delay in seeking care informs intervention strategies for health service planners.ObjectivesOf this study was to identify the determinants of delay in care seeking for diarrheal disease among mothers/caregivers of under-five children in public health facilities of Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia, 2019.MethodsFacility based case control study was conducted from March 4 to April 30, 2019. Total sample size was 400. Cases were selected by systematic random sampling technique while controls were mothers of under-five children with signs and symptoms of diarrhea who came to the same health facility within 24 hours following cases. Data was collected by using pretested structured questionnaire by three data collectors and entered into EpiData V4 and exported to SPSS V23 for further analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was done to identify variables candidate for Multivariable LR at p-value<0.25. Multivariable logistic regression was done and p-value <0.05 and 95%CI of AOR was used to declare statistical significance.ResultFemale sex[AOR = 1.93, (95%CI: 1.11,3.36)], child age <24 months[AOR = 4.47,95%CI:2.51,7.97)], mothers’/caregivers without formal education[AOR = 6.90, (95%CI:3.10,15.37)], and attended primary school [AOR = 3.12,(95%CI:1.44,6.73)], poorest household wealth index category[AOR = 2.81, (95%CI:1.20,6.58) and poor household wealth index category [AOR = 2.61,(95%CI: 1.12, 6.09)], mothers/caregivers who did not visit health facility to first episode diarrhea [AOR = 4.55, (95%CI:2.41,8.59)], mothers/caregivers who were satisfied in the last six month visit [AOR = 0.29, (95%CI:0.15,0.55)], and poor perceived health care professionals respect[AOR = 4.91, (95%CI:2.64,9.15)] were important determinants of delay in seeking care.ConclusionsSex and age of the child, educational status of the mother/caregiver, poor wealth index category, not visiting health facility at first response, satisfaction with the care and examination, and respect of health care professionals were important determinants of delay in seeking care among mothers/caregivers of under-five children with diarrhea illness. All concerned body should focus interventions on poor and less educated mothers/caregivers with emphasis on female children and <24 months. Health workers are needed to provide respectful service to promote satisfaction level of clients.

A qualitative study on reasons for early removal of Implanon among users in Arba Minch town, Gamo Goffa zone, South Ethiopia: a phenomenological approach

BackgroundImplanon is one of the cost - effective long acting reversible contraceptive methods used for spacing and limiting births in Ethiopia. Despite the scaling up initiative undertaken by the Ethiopian Government, Implanon uptake is very low compared to short acting contraceptive methods. There is low utilization of Implanon with high level of discontinuation in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the reasons for early removal of Implanon among users in Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based qualitative exploratory study using phenomenological approach was conducted. In-depth and key informant interviews were used to collect data from April 20–27, 2018 in Arba Minch town. Convenient sampling was employed to recruit participants from the households of targeted villages. A total of 10 in-depth interviews with women who recently removed Implanon and 5 key informant interviews with health extension workers were conducted. The sample size was determined based on the concept of saturation. The collected data were analyzed using thematic content analysis technique. Data coding and analysis were facilitated by using Open code version 4.0 software.ResultsThis study revealed that majority of participants were able to mention at least three types of contraceptive methods available in the nearby health facilities. The study underlined that side effect of the method, husband opposition, seeking more children, and method failure were the common reasons for early removal of Implanon, in which side effect of the method was the main reason. Among various forms of side effects of Implanon identified by users, heavy and irregular bleeding was mentioned as the most frequently occurring side effect.ConclusionOur result indicated that heavy and irregular bleeding was the main reason for early removal of Implanon. Therefore it suggests improvement in the service delivery system. Improving client’s education and counseling service program could contribute much to avoid unreasonable and untimely removal of Implanon.

Conservation Constraints and Strategies of the Arba Minch Forest Nech Sar National Park: Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Human beings are utterly dependent on nature particularly on the forest ecosystem services. Our health, economy, prosperity, and development are all connected to the forest ecosystem services. Forest ecosystems afford variety of the ecosystem services that human beings depend up on them. Ecosystem services are base for the survival of mankind and play significant role in economic development, prosperity, health, etc. Arba Minch Forest ecosystem is a crucial asset that maintains the continuity and survival of the Arba Minch town and its environs. Despite its tangible and worthy ecosystem services, it has been exposed to the conservation constraints due to the anthropogenic activities. However, limited studies have been conducted on its conservation constraints and strategies. Hence, this study focuses on identifying conservation constraints and finding out conservation strategies. Accordingly, the study was carried out using four sample categories (Arba Minch town residents households (n=151), key informants (n=21), accommodations delivers (n=9) and peoples entering into the forest (n=21)) besides to field observation. Altogether (n=199) peoples involved in this study. Collected raw data were chosen, refined, categorized edited, coded and entered to SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive statistics were computed for relevant variables and information obtained from the key informants was described in meaningful content. Findings of this study revealed that in spite of its undeniable ecosystem services, conservation constraints are ongoing like deforestation, dependence of households and accommodation delivers, lack of alternative livelihood generation, and so on. Hence, to overcome the stated constraints; putting into practice variety of the identified conservation strategies like enhancing public awareness, stakeholders’ participation, providing alternative livelihood generation, ensuring alternative energy sources, etc. are core activities to save the forest and sustain its ecosystem services.

Determinants of School Choice: Understanding How Parents’ Choose Primary School for Their Children in Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia

Almost all parents want to educate their children in the best possible educational environment. Their decision to invest in children depends on a number of social, economic and cultural factors. Education in Ethiopia is offering by both public and private sector educational institutions. It is free of cost in public schools whereas in private schools, the parents have to bear the financial burden. For the last two decades private sector is emerging as an important source of imparting education in Ethiopia particularly in the study area. Many aspects regarding the education system of Ethiopia have been discussed in various studies so far. However, the factors which motivate the parents to make a decision about private sector are yet to be explored. The present study was conducted in Arba Minch town to scrutinize the factors which motivate the parents to educate their children in private schools. Primary data was collected for this purpose from 119 parents of elementary school students. The results were derived by using descriptive as well as inferential analysis. The logistic regression analysis suggests that parents’ perceptions play an important role in the school-choice decision. In particular, perceptions of school quality, cost of school, and teacher performance emerge as key determinants of private school choice. Additionally, age of the child, monthly income of household, distance from home to school, and numbers of children in family have a significant impact on parents’ probability of choosing a private school for their child. In the context of Ethiopia, we can therefore conclude that the school-choice decision is a combination of child, household and school characteristics. Moreover, these findings are important in unraveling the factors based on which parents decide which type of school to send their children.

Community Perception on Environment, Health and Socio-Economic Impact of Climate Change in Arbaminch Town South Ethiopia

Community Perception on Environment, Health and Socio-Economic Impact of Climate Change in Arbaminch Town South Ethiopia

Community Perception on Environment, Health and Socio-Economic Impact of Climate Change in Arbaminch Town South Ethiopia

Community Perception on Environment, Health and Socio-Economic Impact of Climate Change in Arbaminch Town South Ethiopia

Determinants of Poor Quality of Life Among Adults Living with HIV and Enrolled in Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy at Public Health Facilities of Arba Minch Town Administration in Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a major global public health problem with more than 35 million people worldwide infected so far. Evidence shows that HIV has been compromising the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLWH) even in this era of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). There has been little research into the quality of life of PLWH receiving HAART in Ethiopia.PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the quality of life among PLWH attending anti-retroviral therapy at public health facilities of Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia, in 2019.Patients and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study design on 391 randomly selected PLWH who were attending HAART. We used a systematic random sampling technique to select participants in public health facilities of Arba Minch town from February 16 to April 26, 2019. The interviewers administered a structured questionnaire consisting of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF tool to measure the quality of life. Socio-demographic variables of study participants were collected, together with variables related to their clinical status extracted from their clinical records. Percentage mean scores were calculated and the mean of percentage mean scores was taken as the cutoff to categorize participants into two groups representing poor and good quality of life. Simple binary logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine significant variables. All variables with p-value ≤ 0.25 in simple binary logistic regression were considered as eligible variables for multivariable logistic regression. Variables with p-value ≤ 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered as predictor variables.ResultsOut of the 391 enrolled adult PLWH, 184 of them (47.1%) had poor of overall quality of life status, as estimated by the WHOQOL-HIV BREF tool. Good quality of life was positively associated with recent CD4 count greater than or equal to 500 cell/mm3 (AOR=1.96, 95% CI; 1.18–3.27), absence of depression (AOR=10.59, 95% CI; 6.16–18.21), normal body mass index (AOR=2.66, 95% CI; 1.18–3.27), social support (AOR= 6.18, 95% CI; 3.56–10.75) and no perceived stigma (AOR=2.75, 95% CI; 1.62–4.67).ConclusionNearly half of the adult PLWH receiving HAART at Arba Minch town had poor quality of life. High CD4 count, lack of social support, depression, and perceived stigma were associated with poor quality of life of PLWH. PLWH should be encouraged to be part of structured social support systems, such as associations of people living with HIV and mother support groups, in order to improve their social and psychological health. The health system should give attention to counseling on chronic care adherence and nutritional support to improve the quality of life of PLWH receiving HAART.

Awareness and Perception of Arbaminch Town Residents about Climate Change: A Cross Sectional Study

Climate change has appeared to be one of the most devastating environmental threats in the current century. Assessing the awareness of the general population is an important measure to develop mitigation activities. The study aimed to investigate the awareness of communities for climate change and to analyze role of urban agriculture for climate resilience. The primary data was collected via survey research strategy through structured questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Arbaminch town. A pre-tested questionnaire was used in data collection to evaluate group differences for dichotomous variables.