Arsi Negele Research Articles

Inadequacy of nutrients in children’s diets across seasons along an agricultural intensification gradient in Ethiopia

Although the production-to-consumption pathway is widely promoted to improve diet quality in developing world, its contribution to individual diet and nutrient intake remains unclear. We assessed this relationship among 377 children aged 6 to 59 months in three zones characterized by landscape diversity along an agricultural intensification gradient from the state forest of Munesa to the nearby town of Arsi Negele, Ethiopia during the two harvest seasons. A repeated interactive multiple-pass 24-h recall method was used to collect intake data. Usual intake distributions for energy, protein, iron, zinc and vitamin A were estimated using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method and compared with estimated average requirement values to determine the prevalence of inadequate intake. The usual intake of protein, zinc and vitamin A among children were inadequate and further exacerbated by seasonality. The extent of nutrient inadequacy was higher in the diverse landscape (“near to forest” zone) than in the less diverse landscape (“distant to forest” zone). However, the diverse landscape tended to provide a better buffering capacity against seasonal energy and nutrient stress than a less diverse landscape. The age of a child positively predicted usual intakes of energy, protein, iron, zinc and vitamin A along the gradient, while breastfeeding negatively predicted these intakes. Most of the food groups and nutrients consumed were derived from on-farm production, whereas fruits and vegetables were via the market. Thus, introduction of nutrient-dense crops and increasing livestock productivity are vital to enhance consumption of diverse diets and thereby nutrients among children.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Listeria monocytogenes from Raw Cow Milk in the Southern Part of Ethiopia

Food safety remains the main health concern in the developing countries. Thus, the major purpose of the present study was to characterize and determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Listeria monocytogenes from raw milk samples collected from southern Ethiopia. Two hundred and forty raw cow milk samples were collected from dairy farms and smallholder dairy producers using a simple random sampling technique and analyzed by cultural and multiplex PCR methods. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of L. monocytogenes was evaluated using the standard disk diffusion method. Over 28% of the samples were found positive for Listeria spp., of which 17 (7.08%) isolates were identified as L. monocytogenes after morphological and biochemical confirmation. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 6.02% in Hawassa city, 5.56% in Dale district, and 9.41% in Arsi Negele district. L. monocytogenes was higher in the wet season (9.32%) than in the dry season (4.92%). The gene for Listeria specific 16S rRNA was detected in all the 17 examined isolates, while hlyA and iapA were only found in 11 of them. Furthermore, no isolate was identified to have the prfA, actA, or plcA genes. Antimicrobial resistance profiling revealed that all the L. monocytogenes isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid (100%), followed by erythromycin (88.24%). However, all the L. monocytogenes isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, gentamicin, and sulfamethoxazole. Raw cow milk is a potential source of L. monocytogenes and it poses a threat to human and animal health. Therefore, it is crucial that dairy producers and vendors of raw milk in the study areas should take considerable precautions to prevent Listeria species from contaminating raw fresh milk.

Genotypic Response of Finger Millet to Zinc and Iron Agronomic Biofortification, Location and Slope Position towards Yield

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of genotypic differences on responses to zinc and iron agronomic biofortification among yields of finger millet. A field experiment was conducted over two seasons in farmers’ fields in Ethiopia (2019, 2020). The experimental design had 15 treatment combinations comprising three finger millet genotypes and the applications of different combinations of zinc and iron mineral fertilizers. Five soil-applied fertilizer treatments (20 kg h−1 FeSO4 + 25 kg h−1 ZnSO4 + NPKS, 25 kg ha−1 ZnSO4 + NPKS, 20 kg ha−1 FeSO4 + NPKS, NPKS, and 30% NPKS) at two locations (Gojjam and Arsi Negelle, Ethiopia) and using two slope positions (foot and hill) were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Grain yield and biomass were evaluated on a plot basis. Plant height, total and productive tiller number, finger length of the longest spike and number of fingers per main ear were measured at the maturity stage. The combined soil application of FeSO47H2O and ZnSO47H2O increased the yield of the Meba genotype by 51.6%. Additionally, ZnSO47H2O fertilizer application increased the yield of the Urji genotype by 27.6%. A yield enhancement of about 18.3% of the Diga-01 genotype was achieved due to the FeSO47H2O fertilizers’ application. The findings of the present study suggest that the influence of Zn and Fe agronomic biofortification on the yield of finger millet could be affected by genotype differences and environmental conditions.

The association between hordein polypeptide banding and agronomic traits in partitioning genetic diversity in six-rowed Ethiopian barley lines (Hordeum vulgare L.)

BackgroundEvaluation of the extent of genetic variation within and between the populations of crop genetic resources are of paramount importance in any breeding program. An experiment aimed at assessing the extent of variation among barley lines and the degree of association between hordein polypeptide and agronomic traits was hence executed.MethodsField experiment was conducted in six environments between 2017–2019 involving 19 barley lines. Hordein bands were separated using vertical Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Poly- acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).ResultsThe analysis of variance revealed significant variation among lines and wider range units were observed for the agronomic traits. The line (Acc# 16,811–6) was superior, producing the highest grain yield (2.97 ton ha−1) across environments, 3.6 ton ha−1 at Holleta, and 1.93 ton ha−1 at Chefedonsa. At Arsi Negelle a different line Acc# 17146–9 was the highest yielding (3.15ton ha−1). SDS-PAGE-based analysis of barley lines separated 12 hordein bands between C (four bands) and B (eight bands) subunits. Interestingly bands 52, 46a, and 46b were uniquely conserved in the four naked barley lines (Acc#16809–14,16956–11, 17240–3, 17244–19). A considerably high proportion of genetic diversity within the populations than among the populations could be a repercussion of high gene flow which substantiates the longstanding and dominant informal seed exchange system among the farmers. The significant positive association between grain yield and band 50 evocates the expression of this allele may code for higher grain yield. The negative association between days to maturity and band 52 perhaps stipulates earliness in barely lines upon the manifestation of the band. Band 52 and 60 appeared to be associated with more than one agronomic trait (days to maturity and thousand kernel weight; grain filling period and grain yield respectively) and could be the result of pleiotropic characteristics of the genes residing in these banding regions.ConclusionThe barley lines exhibited substantial variation for hordein protein and agronomic traits. However, imparted the need for the implementation of decentralized breeding as a consequence of genotype-by-environment interaction. Significant hordein polypeptide and agronomic traits association advocated the utilization of hordein as a protein marker and perhaps consider them in the parental line selection.

Effect of Interrow Spacings on Growth, Yield, and Yield Components of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The common bean is the crop used as food, feed, and to improve soil fertility. However, the production and productivity were affected by poor nutrition and fertilizer management, inappropriate interrow spacings, and the poor genetic makeup of the crops in Ethiopia. Hence, a study was conducted in two research stations at Arsi Negele and Melkasa Agricultural Research Center (MARC), during 2019 cropping season. The treatments consisted of three interrow spacings (30 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm) and three common bean varieties (Dame, SER-119, and KAT-B9) combined in a factorial arrangement laid out in the field using (randomized complete block design) RCBD with three replications. Data on growth and yield parameters obtained were subjected to analysis of variance. Regarding the interaction effect, leaf area, number of seed pods−1, and grain yield were significantly influenced by the interrow spacings and common bean varieties at both locations. Plant height, number of pods plant−1, total dry biomass, leaf area index, hundred seed weight, and harvest index were significantly influenced by the interrow spacings and common bean varieties at Arsi Negele, whereas they were nonsignificant for MARC. In this study, the highest grain yields (2.23 and 2.17 tons/ha) were obtained from narrow interrow spacings (30 and 40 cm) combined with variety SER-119 at both locations. Hence, the highest net benefits (30848.7 and 29970.4 ETB) were obtained from SER-119 (30 cm × 10 cm, and 40 cm × 10 cm) at Arsi Negele and MARC, respectively. It was recommended that the narrow (30 cm) interrow spacing be used with variety SER-119 for common bean production in the study areas and similar agro-ecologies. On the other hand, the use of wider interrow spacings (40 cm or 50 cm) had a significant importance in improving hundred seed weight, seed quality, and disease incidences of common bean varieties at the given studied sites.

Prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children 1-9 years old at Arsi Negele Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southern Ethiopia.

Trachoma is a public health issue in more than 50 nations worldwide, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where hundreds of millions of people are considered blind. Ethiopia is projected to have 30% of the global active trachoma burden. The frequency of Trachoma Folliculitis in children aged 1 to 9 years old is 30% in the Oromia Region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of active trachoma and associated variables among children aged 1 to 9 years old in Arsi Negele Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southern Ethiopia, December 24-26, 2019. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Arsi Negele town community on December 24-26, 2019. A total of 178 study volunteers were recruited using a single population proportion formula and assigned to families in the town's three kebeles in proportion. A simple random selection procedure was used to choose study participants from the identified households. Madda Walabu University provided ethical approval, and different government structures provided letters of permission. Pre-tested structured questionnaires and binocular loupes X 2.5 were used to collect data from either mothers or fathers of eligible children for eye examination; torches with bottles of alcohol were used to gather data from either mothers or fathers of eligible children for eye examination. For analysis, data was entered into (IBM, SPSS) version 22. To assess factors associated with active trachoma, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used. The crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate the degree of association between the independent variables and active trachoma. Multivariate logistic regression was used to find connections between dependent and independent variables with a p≤ 0.05 confidence levels and a 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of active trachoma was determined to be 21.91% TF among 178 children aged 1 to 9 years. Flies on children's faces (AOR = 3.427; 95 percent CI: 1.432-8.171), unclean children's faces (AOR = 3.99; 95 percent CI: 1.427-11.158), face washing habits (AOR = 3.064; 95 percent CI: 1.273-7.373), and not using soap while face washing (AOR = 4.564; 95 percent CI 1.561-13.342) were found to be statistically significant associated factors with the prevalence of active trachoma. The prevalence of active trachoma was found to be relatively high. Face washing practices and the lack of soap use while washing faces were found as associated factors requiring optimal interventions to prevent trachoma infection among children aged 1-9 years in Arsi Negele town.

Isolation, molecular detection and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella from raw cow milk collected from dairy farms and households in southern Ethiopia

BackgroundSalmonella is one of the foodborne pathogens affecting public health around the globe. A cross-sectional bacteriological study was conducted from December 2019 to November 2020. This study aimed to isolate, molecularly detect and determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Salmonella from raw cows’ milk collected from dairy farms and households in Hawassa, Arsi Negele, and Dale districts.Materials and methodsA total of 384 raw milk samples were collected using a simple random sampling technique. Standard bacteriological and biochemical tests were used to isolate Salmonella. The positive samples were further confirmed by the molecular test. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Salmonella.ResultsUsing bacteriological and biochemical detection tests, Salmonella was isolated from 10.42% (N = 40) of the total sample. However, in molecular detection, only 32 of the 40 isolates were confirmed to be Salmonella using PCR test. The prevalence was 8.54, 12.69, and 10.46% in Hawassa, Dale, and Arsi Negele districts, respectively. Bacteriological prevalence did not vary significantly between the districts (P > 0.05). Likewise, no significant (P > 0.05) variation was observed in the Salmonella isolation rate between households (12.5%) and farms (8.33%) as well as between dry (8.85%) and wet (11.98%) seasons. Based on herd size, the isolation rate of Salmonella was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in large-scale farms (19.51%) than in small (5.1%) or medium (5.6%) scale dairy farms. The result of the antibiotic susceptibility test showed that Salmonella isolates were 100% resistant to ampicillin, while they were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was demonstrated in all isolates.ConclusionThis study showed that Salmonella is widespread in the raw milk samples and developing MDR, which may be of public health concern in the study area. It is therefore important that dairy farmers and raw milk sellers in the study area take serious measures to avoid contamination of the milk with Salmonella spp. In addition, the active commitment of the animal health departments in the respective districts to sensitizing dairy farmers and the sensible use of antibiotics at the farm level can help to reduce the antibiotic resistance of Salmonella spp.

Calves gastrointestinal nematodes and Eimeria prevalence and associated risk factors in dairy farms, southern Ethiopia

Dairy production is an important component of livestock farming in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the productivity of the sector has been impacted negatively by the morbidity and mortality of replacement animals. A Cross-sectional study was, therefore, aimed at estimating the prevalence of Nematode and Eimeria infection in calves in Hawassa, Shashemene and Arsi Negelle, southern Ethiopia. To this end, a flotation technique was used to recover Nematode egg and Eimeria oocyst from rectally collected faeces. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection, Nematode and Eimeria species collectively, was 43.9% (95% CI=38.6-49.4). The estimated proportion of Nematode, Eimeria and mixed infection was 35.8%, 21.5% and 13.3%, respectively. Among the potential factors considered faecal consistency, age and study area were found to increase recovery of Nematode egg and Eimeria oocyst in faeces (p&lt; 0.05). Area wise, the prevalence has been noted to be higher at Arsi Negelle followed by Hawassa and Shashemene (p&lt; 0.05). Besides, younger and diarrheic calves were found more infected by Nematode and Eimeria species than their adult and non-diarrheic counterpart. Based on their morphological appearance, Strongyle type (20.3%), Trichuris (4.2%) and Ascaris (16.3%) eggs, Eimeria oocysts (21.5%) were observed. In the light of this finding, the authors would like to advise the need for strategic intervention.

Intra-household gender disparity: effects on climate change adaptation in Arsi Negele district, Ethiopia

Women empowerment in agriculture influences adaptation capacity to climate change impacts. Women are disempowered in rural households. This affects household's adaptive capacity to climate change negatively. Household survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview and workshop were used to track stakeholders' opinions on gender disparity in agriculture and policy issues. The objective of the study was to assess the gender parity index in agriculture, resource governance patterns and how these impact the capacity to climate change adaptation. The results show wives were imparity with their husbands. The parity gap on ownership, access to, and decision-making power over agricultural equipment was as wide as 59% and this affects women's adaptation capacity to climate change impacts. Indeed, 94% of the coupled households have got their land by redistribution and inheritance land acquisition forms by which both forms of acquiring land favored the husband. Half of the respondent households acknowledged that they have already acquired certification for their farmlands. However, the certification was mostly given by the names of husbands and in few cases by both. Certification of farmlands by the name of a wife and a husband has built confidence on ownership and manage their farmlands. This has helped a household to better adapt climate change impacts. Gender disparity in agricultural productive resources combined with policy and cultural distortions could exacerbate household's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. This indicates the need for gender mainstreaming in climate change policy reforms and formulation so as to empower women and build their adaptive capacity.

Genotype by Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis in Ethiopian Mustard (Brassica Carinata A Braun) Using AMMI Biplot and Stability Parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate genotype by environment interaction and yield stability in multi environmental locations in Ethiopia. Ten Ethiopian mustard genotypes along with one local check and one standard check were evaluated for seed yield at four locations namely, Holeta, Debrezeit, Asasa and Arsi Negelle during the growing season of 2020/2021. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with four replication. Analysis of variance, Ammi biplot and stability parameters were applied for evaluation of genotype by environment interaction and stability. The analysis of variance showed significant differences (P<0.05) among genotypes, locations and GXE interaction for yield. One of the most widely used models to analyses genotype-by-environment data is the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. The AMMI1 biplot showed that genotypes G7, G5, and G8 are less affected by the interaction of genotypes and environmental changes and genotypes G1, G7, G8 and G11 are stable genotypes across locations. The AMMI2 biplot indicates that environments E4 and E3 do not exerted strong interaction forces, while strong interactions forces was observed for E1 and E2. AMMI2 also revealed that genotypes G6, G10, G7, G2, G1 and G5 are less affected by the environmental change whereas the remains are more responsive to environmental change.

Abundance of Cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi, and tree damage in cultivated Cupressus lusitanica in Gambo, Arsi Negelle

Abundance of Cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi, and tree damage in cultivated Cupressus lusitanica in Gambo, Arsi Negelle

Dairy cattle lameness prevalence, causes and risk factors in selected farms of southern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to December 2019 to estimate the prevalence of lameness in dairy cows, to assess the causes and associated risk factors in southern Ethiopia. A total of 2009 dairy cows were visually and clinically examined, and the overall prevalence of lameness was found to be 14. 1% (95% CI=12.7-15.7). The prevalence of lameness was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher in Arsi Negelle, Yirgalem, and Wolaita Sodo than in Wondo Genet and Hawassa. The prevalence of lameness was also associated with the stages of pregnancy and parity (P &lt; 0.05). Generally, the prevalence of lameness in dairy cows was increasing with the increase in parity and stage of pregnancy. The main abnormalities observed in this study were hooves overgrowth (6%), lesions between hooves (4%), lesions on legs (2.2%), trauma (0.6%), arthritis (0.5%), and a sole ulcer (0.3%). Most of these abnormalities were mainly due to faulty management. Hence, based on this finding it is recommended that hoof management and trimming are very essential components of lameness control. Furthermore, early detection and treatment of lame cows; training of the owners on hoof management; and improvement of the housing are helpful to keep lameness at a lower level.

Analysis of Technical and Allocative Efficiency among Small Scale Maize Producers in Arsi Negele Woreda, West Arsi Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

This research study is carried out to examine Technical and allocative efficiency among Maize growers in Aesi Negele Woreda, West Arsi Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. The study is based on primary and secondary data, collected through a well designed questionnaire from a sample of 98 small holder Maize producers. The data were analyzed with the use of stochastic frontier Cobb. Douglas production function to estimate the efficiency level and identify important factors affecting the efficiency. Moreover, the allocative efficiency was estimated using APP, MPP and MVP. The maximum likelihood estimates for the model indicate that land, seed quantity and labor have positive significant effects on maize yield. However, the amount of fertilizer applied had a negative relation with maize output. Allocative efficiency analysis reveals that land, labour and seed are underutilized, while fertilizer over utilized for maize production in the study area. Finally, the study recommends training for maize growers and provision of advanced new technological options has a vital role in boosting production and productivity efficiently.

Analysis of meteorological droughts in the Lake\u2019s Region of Ethiopian Rift Valley using reconnaissance drought index (RDI)

This study investigated the intensity, trend and spatio-temporal variability of meteorological drought in the Lakes’ Region of Ethiopian Rift Valley using monthly rainfall and maximum and minimum temperature records for the period 1986–2019. Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) was employed to generate the intensity of drought at 3 and 12-months timescale. Mann-Kendall trend test was used to determine the trend of the changes in the RDI time series. The spatial extent of droughts has been interpolated by inverse distance weighted (IDW) method using the spatial analyst tool of ArcGIS. Results indicated the occurrence of different intensity and trend signals across seasons and over space in the study area. A total of 33 extreme drought months were observed in all stations during summer with varying intensity (− 2.01 at Halaba to − 3.52 at Wolaita) and 168 extreme drought months at annual timescale ranging from − 2.10 at Hawassa to − 4.51 at Wolaita. The intensity of drought events observed in Wolaita in 1986 at all timescales (RDI value of − 3.19, − 3.52 and − 4.51 for spring, summer and annual respectively) were very extraordinary and devastating. Drought magnitude showed increasing signal at 6 out of 10 stations, although statistically significant at only two stations (Arsi Negelle at all timescale and Butajira at spring and annual timescale). However, the spatial patterns of drought events didn’t exhibit clear pattern rather more localized distribution and variability. The frequency of drought incidence became intense in the study area from 2008 onwards at all timescales compared to the 1990s and 2000s.The increasing tendency of drought in recent years might be the manifestation of borderless global warming. The empirical evidences showed that drought events and their negative effects are highly localized in the study area and provide useful information for local-scale planning for drought management and response.

Groundwater Resources in the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley: An Overview for a Sustainable Development

In arid and semi-arid areas, human health and economic development depend on water availability, which can be greatly compromised by droughts. In some cases, the presence of natural contaminants may additionally reduce the availability of good quality water. This research analyzed the water resources and hydrochemical characteristics in a rural area of the central Main Ethiopian Rift Valley, particularly in the districts of Shashemene, Arsi Negelle, and Siraro. The study was developed using a census of the main water points (springs and wells) in the area and the sampling and physico-chemical analysis of the water, with particular regard to the fluoride concentration. In many cases, fluoride content exceeded the drinking water limits set by the World Health Organization, even in the absence of anthropogenic contamination. Two different aquifers were recognized: A shallow aquifer related to the eastern escarpment and highlands, and a deep aquifer in the lowland areas of the rift valley on the basis of compositional changes from Ca–Mg/HCO3 to Na–HCO3. The distribution of fluoride, as well as pH and EC values, showed a decrease from the center of the lowlands to the eastern highlands, with similar values closely aligned along an NNE/SSW trend. All these data contribute to creating awareness among and sharing information on the risks with rural communities and local governments to support the adequate use of the available water resources and to plan appropriate interventions to increase access to fresh water, aimed at the sustainable human and rural local development of the region.

Maize Germplasm Characterization Using Principal Component and Cluster Analysis

In Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute Gene bank, large collections of maize germplasm are not yet characterized for the magnitude of genetic variability from each other. Although, knowing the contribution of individual a character is essential to focus on particular characters in cultivar development. Hence, this experiment was conducted on 92 maize accessions which were not yet characterized and 2 local checks to estimate the magnitude of genetic diversity among the genotypes and to identify the major agro-morphological characters contributing for the observed variations. The experiment was arranged in an Augmented Design in seven blocks at Arsi Negele in the 2016 main cropping season. The characters used for analysis were days to flowering, plant height, ear height, ear per plant, days to maturity, ear length, kernel rows per ear, a thousand grain weight and yield per plot. The 94 genotypes were grouped into four clusters where cluster I, II, III, and IV comprised 30, 21, 23, and 20 genotypes, respectively. Early matured and short genotypes were grouped in cluster IV, late matured in cluster II, and high yielding and tall genotypes in cluster I. The principal component analysis indicated that the first principal component (PC1) had an eigenvalue of 4.4 and reflects 48.85% of the total variation, this represents the equivalent of two individual variables and the two variables that weighted higher than the other variables are plant height and ear length. The second principal component (PC2) was a recorded eigenvalue of 1.63 and maintained 18.11% of the total variation and related to diversity among genotypes due to ear per plant (EPP). Moreover, principal components 3 to 9 were shown to have more than one eigenvalue, thus they represent equivalent of one individual variable each accounted for 0.98%, 0.78%, 0.68%, 0.35%, 0.15%, 0.03% and 0% respectively toward the variation observed among genotypes. The result ensures the existence of high genetic divergence among the studied maize genotypes.

Assessing Factors Associated with Poor Community Based Health Insurance Client Satisfaction Level with Public Health Care Services in Negele Arsi Woreda Health Centers, West Arsi Zone Ethiopia

Objective: Community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes are an emerging tool for providing financial protection against health-related poverty. In Ethiopia, CBHI is being piloted in 13 districts and expanded to 427 but community satisfaction with the scheme and health service delivery study have yet limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the satisfaction of CBHI client on the public health service they acquire. Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March and April, 2019 in Arsi Nagele Woreda health centers. Three hundred ninety eight participants who visited the health care facility during the study period were included for quantitative and key informants interview were conducted.Data were entered in to and analyzed using SPSS version 22 and analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression model for quantitative and thematic analysis for qualitative study. Result: A total of 399 patients were participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 95% of which, 63.1 % were male, 24.4% of the clients were illiterates and almost 50% were from Kello Dure health center. The findings of the study showed that the overall client satisfaction level of CBHI with the health services received from the targeted health centers were 63.4% (95% CI=26.1-35.2). Clients who aged from 15-24 years [AOR=0.34 (95%CI=1.34-8.00)]. Those who have level of secondary education and above [AOR=0.45 (95% CI: 1.56-4.40)], waiting time at consultation area [AOR=0.68 (95% CI: 1.01-3.87)] and drugs availability [AOR=0.71 (95% CI: 2.15-10.30)]. Clients who were informed about service available at health facilities [AOR=2.11(95% CI: 1.29- 3.47)] were less likely unsatisfied with service delivered at health facilities. Qualitative research showed that the most unsatisfactory aspect for the CBHI clients on health service was lack of human power and Drugs. Conclusion and recommendation: This study showed higher clients’ satisfaction level in Arsi Negele district health facilities when compared to similar studies in the country. Young age, lack of drugs and supplies, poor information provision, long waiting time at consultation, was found to be the major causes of dissatisfaction. Therefore, the districthealth offices better to work on the quality of the service particularly around the waiting time of patient and health care provider interaction and drug accessibility.

Preliminary Screening of Maize Accessions Against Common Rust Disease (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Puccinia sorghi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Schw) in Arsi Negele District, Ethiopia

Maize is one of the most important crops in Ethiopia. The production of the crop is threatened by a number of biotic and a biotic factor. Among biotic factors, common rust caused by Puccinia sorghi Schw, is one of destructive foliar diseases of maize in Ethiopia. A study was conducted during the main cropping season (April to November, 2016) in the field at Arsi Negele research farm, Ethiopia with the objective of screening 92 maize accessions and 2 farmer’s verities checks against common rust disease. The experiment was laid out in augmented design with no replications. Disease assessment was done as percentage of leaf area infected on individual plant at 15 days intervals starting from 55 days after planting to cropping season for 5 times. The mean values of disease incidence, severity and AUDPC were calculated and yield recorded. The higher disease percent severity and AUDPC, least yield and thousand seed weight were observed from accessions, AN-239620, AN-9195, AN-9988, AN-9991, AN-15459, AN-15460, AN-16021, AN-18121, AN-18122 and Check-1 with mean values (63.94%, 1694.5%-in days, 3.04 to 3.69 t/ha and 240 to 297g) respectively and categorized in moderately susceptible group. Conversely, the minimum percent disease severity, AUDPC, higher yield and thousand seed weight were recorded from accessions, AN-16559, AN-9987, AN-16571, AN-18104, AN-18106, AN-18121, AN2-4297, AN-913, AN-15325 AN-15326, AN-15461, AN-16276, AN-16278, AN-241584 and AN-162383, with mean values of (31.01%, 720.4%-in days, 4.81 to 5.59 t/ha and 380 to 442g) respectively and grouped in resistant category. Therefore, accessions recorded low percent disease severity and AUDPC values could be used as the resistant varieties and source of resistance to common rust for varietal development of maize.

Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among preparatory school students in Arsi Negelle Town Oromia, Ethiopia

Risky sexual behavior remains the major public concern commonly affecting youths. These behaviors lead to undesirable health outcomes including sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy and abortion for female. This study was intended to assess risky sexual behavior and associated factors among preparatory school students in Arsi Negelle Town. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 preparatory school students. Data was collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was conducted to identify the association between variables. Statistical significance was declared at p&amp;lt;0.05. The prevalence of risky sexual behavior was, 32. % (95% CI: 24.3, 40.9). It was significantly associated with students grade level (AOR: 5.77; 95% CI: 1.49, 22.28), having no discussion on sexual and reproductive health (AOR: 11.28; 95% CI: 1.8, 77.49), poor knowledge on HIV/AIDS (AOR: 4.86, 95% CI: 1.38, 17.11), not watching porn movies (AOR: 0.01; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.26), having pocket money (AOR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.39) and having peer influence (AOR: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.28). Significant number of students engaged in at least one risky sexual behavior. The behavior was commonly seen among students with poor knowledge about HIV, no discussion on sexual and reproductive health, lower grade level, having pocket money, having peer influence and watching pornographic movies.

Prevalence, risk factors and bacterial causes of bovine mastitis in southern Ethiopia

Mastitis is one of the most economically important diseases in dairy farms worldwide. It is particularly important in Ethiopia where no routine prevention and control practices are in place. This cross-sectional study was carried out between October 2017 and June 2018 to estimate the prevalence of mastitis, identify the associated risk factors and isolate bacterial causes in dairy farms located in southern Ethiopia using standard microbiological methods and questionnaire survey. A total of 686 lactating cows which were found in 122 selected dairy farms were investigated by physical examination and California mastitis test. The overall cow-level prevalence of mastitis was 54.2% (95% CI: 50.5 – 57.9%). Based on the study site, the prevalence was 55.7% in Hawassa, 54.3% in Arsi Negele, 52.6% each in Wondo Genet and Wolayta Soddo towns with no significant (p &gt; 0.05) difference among the sites. The majority of mastitis cases were subclinical (48.1%) while the clinical mastitis was only 6.1%. Of the 122 herds tested, 109 (89.3%; 95% CI: 82.1 – 93.9%) had at least a cow positive for mastitis. The study showed that high parity number (OR = 1.6; p = 0.015), flat (OR = 4.5; p &lt;0.001) and round (OR = 2; p &lt;0.001) teat end shape, history of mastitis in preceding lactation (OR = 3.3; p &lt;0.001), and slightly (OR = 3.5; p &lt; 0.001), moderately (OR = 4.9; p &lt; 0.001), and very dirty (OR = 9.2; p &lt; 0.001) udder and legs were the major risk factors which are significantly associated with higher prevalence of mastitis. Based on the available media and reagents, the major bacteria isolated from subclinical mastitic milk samples were Staphylococcus spp. (57.3%), Streptococcus spp. (18.6%), E. coli (17.3%) and Bacillus spp. (7.5%) in order of their abundance. The present study revealed a high prevalence of mastitis, particularly the subclinical one, and the associated risk factors. Enhancing the awareness of dairy farmers, regular screening of cows for subclinical mastitis, proper treatment of the clinical cases, improving the hygienic condition of the cows, and culling of chronically infected cows are critically important to prevent and control bovine mastitis.&#x0D; Keywords: Mastitis, Prevalence, Risk factors, Southern Ethiopia