Assosa Zone Research Articles

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum) Disease on Selected Sorghum Genotypes at Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia

Background Over 500 million people worldwide rely on sorghum as a main food crop. About 10% of the daily caloric intake of households in Ethiopia’s northwest and eastern regions, including Benishangul Gumuz, comes from sorghum. A hemi-biotrophic fungal pathogen called Colletotrichum sublineolum caused anthracnose disease is among the biotic constraints of sorghum production. Methods Ten selected sorghum genotypes were assessed for sorghum anthracnose severity and its temporal and spatial dynamics on field plots in the districts of Assosa and Bambasi. The performance of the chosen sorghum genotypes was assessed using the following metrics: AUDPC, disease progress rate, yield-related trait, sorghum grain yield, and mean severity index. Anthracnose severity was evaluated using a 1–5 disease rating scale and assessments conducted at seven consecutive time points. Results Ten genotypes of sorghum were examined in the districts of Assosa and Bambasi, with mean anthracnose severity index ranging from 60-77 PSI and 53-82 PSI, respectively. AUDPC varied from 351 to 470 % days and 316 to 499 % days at Assosa and Bambasi districts, respectively. Bambasi district achieved a larger grain yield than the Assosa district. Assosa-1 demonstrated a significant level of disease pressure, yet the current investigation found that this genotype is the highest performing genotype in both locations. Conclusions There is a considerable positive link between the severity of anthracnose and the weekly total rainfall and relative humidity. At both trial sites, Mersa-1 continuously produced higher grain yields and reduced disease levels. Breeders might utilize the Baco Striga sorghum genotype as a check line in a breeding effort to resist anthracnose disease because it shown a high vulnerability to the disease at both locations.

Determination of Appropriate Time of Nitrogen Application to Improve Productivity of Sorghum Crops in Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region

The research was conducted to determine the appropriate application time of nitrogen fertilizer on yield and yield components of sorghum in Benishangul gumuz region. Treatments consisted of eight application times of nitrogen: all recommended rate of N at planting (T1), ½ at planting + ½ at knee height (T2), Applying <sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> at planting+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> at near flowering (T3), Applying <sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at knee height+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at near flowering (T4), Applying <sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>2</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at knee height (T5), Applying <sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>2</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at near flowering (T6), Applying <sup>2</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> knee height (T7), and Applying <sup>2</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> knee height (T8) Days to 50% maturity, plant height, and grain yield were the parameters significantly affected by treatment effect, while, days to heading, and thousand kernel weight showed non-significant. The maximum grain yield was 5658 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, in two split applications (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at knee height. The use of nitrogen in two split applications (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at knee height stage) can be recommended for farmers for production of sorghum in the study area and other areas with similar agro ecological conditions.

Field Assessment of Major Livestock Diseases and Health Management Practices in Assosa Zone Areas

A preliminary disease survey in livestock and health management practices comprising cattle, goats, and poultry was undertaken. This study was conducted to identify livestock diseases, determine the method of diagnosis, and evaluate the disease management system within the period of 2020 to 2022. A semi-structural questionnaire was developed. 86 animal owners, who have large number of animals, participated in three districts Assosa, Bambasi, and Homosha each consisting of 52, 18, and 16 respondents respectively. The mean average number of cattle, goats, and poultry per farm was 10.1, 10.8, and 2003.3 in that order. According to respondents 93% of tell us the first disease was trypanosmiasis, followed by parasites 70.9%. Newcastle disease 75.6% of respondents was the most common disease in poultry, and Peste des petites ruminants (46.5% of respondents) was the most common in small ruminants. Most respondents explained that there was low satisfaction in veterinary supply. In Homosha, Assosa and Bambasi district identification of diseases diagnosis only by clinical sign was 100%, 80.7% and 33.3% respectively. Season of outbreak vary according to diseases type and infected species. The majority of goat and sheep outbreaks occurred in the winter (keremt) and autumn, but cattle outbreaks were prevalent in the spring followed by summer (bega). The total morbidity was 16.8% and total mortality was 7.1%. In Bambasi, the average morbidity was 2.8% and average mortality was 0.1%. The morbidity in Homosha was 62.5% and mortality was 26.1%. In Assosa districts the morbidity was 7.6% and mortality 3.7%. The morbidity of cattle was 13.2% and mortality was 5.5%. The morbidity of goat was 51.7% and mortality was 23.3 %. The morbidity in poultry farms was 26.8% and mortality 11.2%. This Study revealed that there were different disease outbreaks in the Assosa zone and management in livestock Production is poorly practiced. This is the greatest threat to livestock production and productivity. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken to sustain livestock health.

Demonstration of Selected Improved Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Varieties with their Agronomic Management Practices at Ura District in Assosa Zone

Tef is a foremost staple cereal crop with substantial contribution in the GDP of Ethiopia. Tef grain is highly nutritious gluten-free as well as high quality forage. However, lack of improved tef varieties reduced the production and productivity of tef in Assosa areas. Hence, the objective of this study is to demonstrate and create awareness about the recently released improved tef varieties for target area. The three recently released improved tef varieties (Dursi, Ebba, Areka-1) and standard check Quncho variety was evaluated on plot size 10m by 10m at adjacent plots. The highest grain yield (1413.68 kg per ha) was obtained by Dursi variety while the lowest grain yield (894.24 kg per ha) was recorded by Quncho variety. The demonstrated tef varieties were Dursi, Areka-1 and Ebba had yield advantage over standard check (Quncho) variety by 36.74%, 14.33% and 9.63%, respectively. Based on selection criteria such as grain yield, plant height, panicle length, diseases resistance and seed color farmers were selected Dursi variety. Based on grain yield obtained and farmers’ selection criteria we recommended that Dursi tef variety will give better yield for target area.

Status of postharvest papaya anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) in Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia

Papaya is among the most economically important fruit crops cultivated in Ethiopia supporting the livelihood of thousands of people. Anthracnose of papaya caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is the major limitation that threatens the production and consumption of papaya fruit worldwide. This investigation was initiated to determine the current status of papaya anthracnose and identify factors influencing postharvest loss of papaya fruit in Assosa Zone, western Ethiopia. Field and market assessments were conducted in three major papaya-producing districts of Assosa Zone namely Assosa, Bambasi, and Homosha. Data on the disease intensity of anthracnose was recorded both in the field and in the market. Furthermore, factors associated with postharvest disease development were recorded through administration of a pretested semi-structured questionnaire to randomly selected papaya producers, wholesalers, and retailers. The results revealed that anthracnose of papaya was prevalent in all assessed localities, nevertheless, there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference between districts and peasant association in intensity of disease. At the orchard level, the disease incidence and severity ranged between 21.30–33.87% and 10.90–20.83%, respectively. Similarly, postharvest anthracnose incidence and severity ranged between 47.04–60.85% and 28.84–47.95%, respectively. Morphological and pathological identification of pure cultures from symptomatic fruits revealed that C. gloeosporioides was the causal agent of postharvest anthracnose of papaya in the Assosa Zone. Moreover, poor postharvest practices such as wrong methods of harvesting, improper handling of produce, and poor or improper transportation facilities are some factors that significantly influence postharvest disease development. This empirical evidence revealed that anthracnose is the major challenge to papaya production and utilization in Assosa, Western Ethiopia.

Low Measles Vaccination Coverage and Spatial Analysis of High Measles Vaccination Dropout in Ethiopia's Underprivileged Areas.

(1) Background: Measles remains a major cause of disease and death worldwide, especially in the World Health Organization African Region. This study aimed to estimate the coverage of measles vaccinations and map the spatial distribution of measles vaccination dropout in Ethiopia; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ethiopia's underprivileged areas. The study included 3646 mothers/caregivers of children. ArcGIS for the spatial analysis, Global Moran's I statistic for spatial autocorrelation, and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics for hot spot analysis were applied; (3) Results: Overall, coverages of measles-containing-vaccine first- and second-doses were 67% and 35%, respectively. Developing regions had the lowest coverages of measles-containing-vaccine first- and second-doses, 46.4% and 21.2%, respectively. On average, the measles vaccination dropout estimate was 48.3%. Refugees had the highest measles vaccination dropout estimate (56.4%). The hot spot analysis detected the highest burden of measles vaccination dropout mainly in the northeastern parts of Ethiopia, such as the Afar Region's zones 1 and 5, the Amhara Region's North Gondar Zone, and peripheral areas in the Benishangul Gumuz Region's Assosa Zone; (4) Conclusions: The overall measles vaccination coverages were relatively low, and measles vaccination dropout estimates were high. Measles vaccination dropout hot spot areas were detected in the northeastern parts of Ethiopia.

Analysis of Determinants of Soybean (Glycine max.) Market Supply in the Case of Assosa Zone of Benishangulgumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Analysis of Determinants of Soybean (Glycine max.) Market Supply in the Case of Assosa Zone of Benishangulgumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Soil Physical and Chemical Properties as Affected by Bio-, Organic and Inorganic NPSB Fertilizers and Lime in Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia

Background: Soil acidity, low soil nutrient status and low nitrogen fixing inoculants as a result of poor soil fertility management practices are the major constraints in soybean production in Assosa Zone, particularly in Assosa and Bambassi districts. Hence, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of bio-, organic and inorganic NPSB fertilizers and lime on soil physico- chemical properties. Methods: During the period 2019-2020 factorial combinations of two bio-fertilizer inoculants [without bio-fertilizer (B1) and SB12 plus MAR1495 bio-fertilizer at their recommended rates of 500 g ha-1 (B2); two organic fertilizers without fresh cattle manure (M1) and fresh cattle manure at 10 t ha-1 (M2); two lime rates without lime (L1) and lime at 5 t ha-1 (L2); two inorganic NPSB fertilizers NPSB at 9.5-23-3.5-0.05 (F1) and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 (F2) at their recommended rates for soybean] were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity were collected and analyzed using SAS software version 9.1.3 and significant mean differences were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Result: Bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity were highly affected (P less than 0.01) by the interactions of bio-, organic and inorganic fertilizers and lime. Finally, the interaction of SB12+MAR1495, 10t/ha fresh cattie manure, 5t/ha lime and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 improved the bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity at both districts.

Predictors of Stunting among 6–35 Months Old Children in Assosa Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: Unmatched Case–Control Study

Background. In 2020, globally, 149.2 million under 5 years old children were stunted. In Africa, 61.4 million and 79 million under 5 years old children in Asia were also stunted in 2020. Stunting is a major public health problem in Ethiopia, where more than 5.5 million children under 5 years old are stunted. Stunting has irreversible and intergenerational health consequences, including impaired cognitive and physical growth, poor learning capacity, and reduced work productivity. Efforts to end stunting need comprehensive and context identification of risk factors. For this reason, this study aims to identify the predictors of stunting among children 6–35 months of age in Northwest Ethiopia. Method. A community-based, unmatched case–control study was employed in the Assosa zone, Benishangul Gumuz, west Ethiopia. A multistage and simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires using validated structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 25.0 statistical software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were computed. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify independent predictors of stunting using a multivariable logistic regression model. Result. The study included 544 mother–child pairs (181 cases and 363 controls), with a 100% response rate. The majority of the mothers, 85 (47.0%) in the case and 153 (42.1%) in the control group, were in the 25- to 29-year-old age group. This study revealed that mothers who had no formal education (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI (1.436, 4.180)), short maternal height (&lt;150 cm) (AOR = 4.25, 95% CI (2.714, 6.663)), exclusive breastfeeding for less than 6 months (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI (1.97, 5.10)), minimum dietary diversity (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI (1.97, 5.01)), additional food during pregnancy (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI (1.44, 3.5)) and food security (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI (1.79, 5.26)) were found to be independently statistically associated with child stunting. Conclusion and Recommendation. This study revealed that the predictors of stunting among children aged 6–35 months were multifactorial, which calls for an integrated and multisectoral intervention to reduce or eliminate stunting. Mothers’ factors, educational status, additional food during pregnancy, and child feeding, including dietary diversity and exclusive breastfeeding, were modifiable predictors of child stunting. Therefore, we call for promoting mothers’ education, creating awareness among mothers about optimum infant and young child feeding, specifically exclusive breastfeeding, and promoting mothers’ practices of dietary diversity feeding.

Effects of biofertilizers, lime and inorganic NPSB fertilizers on nodulation, growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) in Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia

The productivity of soybean in Assosa Zone particularly in Assosa and Bambassi districts is very low due to poor soil fertility management practices which resulted in severe soil acidity and low N-fixing inoculant in the soil. Hence, this experiment was conducted during the main cropping season of 2019 and 2020 in Assosa and Bambassi districts to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers, lime, and inorganic NPSB fertilizers on nodulation, growth, and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill). Factorial combinations of four biofertilizer inoculants [without biofertilizer (B1), SB12 biofertilizer at the recommended rate of 500 g ha −1 (B2), MAR1495 biofertilizer at the recommended rate of 500 g ha−1 (B3) and SB12 plus MAR1495 biofertilizers at their recommended rates (B4); two lime rates named without lime (L1) and lime at 5 ton/ha (L2); two inorganic NPSB fertilizers NPSB at 9.5-23-3.5-0.05 (F1) and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 (F2) at their recommended rates for soybean] were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Effective nodules, leaf area index, and grain yield were collected and analyzed using SAS 9.1.3 version software. Results of the experiment showed that effective nodules per plant, leaf area index, and grain yield were affected by biofertilizers, lime, inorganic fertilizers, and their interactions significantly (p < 0.01) at both locations and years. Finally, the interaction of SB12 + MAR1495, lime at 5 t/ha and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1, and the interaction of SB12, lime at 5 t/ha and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 gave the maximum grain yield at Assosa and Bambassi, respectively.

Cultural competence and associated factors among nurses working in public health institutions in the Assosa zone, Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Ethiopia, 2022

BackgroundCultural competence is one of the principal foundations of clinical nursing. In Ethiopia, nurses in nursing care still focus more on physical needs, the healing process, and treatment and less on the cultural aspects of the patient.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the cultural competence and associated factors among nurses working in public health institutions found in the Assosa Zone, West Ethiopia, in 2022.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 362 nurses who were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered English version of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale Questionnaire for Nurses. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors statistically significantly associated with the cultural competence of nurses at a p-value < 0.05.ResultOverall The mean score of cultural competence of participants was 113 (CI, 111.7–115.7), with a mean item score of 3.2 (CI, 3.15–3.26).Nurse-to-patient ratio (B;.93, CI;.59_1.3), experience with previously working in a primary hospital than the current health institution (B; -11.1, CI; -18_-4.2), and experience with previously working in a health center than the current health institution (B; -11.5, C;-18.5_-4.8), being diploma education level (B; -23.2, CL;-32_-14.8), being BSC education level (B;-20.3, CI;-28_-12.3), and the presence of a feedback system in a health facility (B; 13.5, CI; 9.5_17.5) were identified as predicted factors of cultural competences.ConclusionThe overall mean score of the cultural competencies of the participants was moderate. To improve the cultural competence of nurses, it is typically necessary to provide educational opportunities to raise their educational level and establish a feedback system in all health institutions across the nation.

Knowledge and practice of cervical cancer screening and its associated factors among women attending maternal health services at public health institutions in Assosa Zone, Benishangul-Gumuz, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among all women in Ethiopia and the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age, resulting...

Farmers' Perception of Climate Change and Their Adaptation Strategies in Assosa Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Farmers' Perception of Climate Change and Their Adaptation Strategies in Assosa Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Determinants of employees' job performance; the case of education and civil service Bureau of Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Determinants of employees' job performance; the case of education and civil service Bureau of Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Determinants of Employees’ job performance; the case of Education and civil service Bureau of Assosa zone, Benshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Determinants of Employees’ job performance; the case of Education and civil service Bureau of Assosa zone, Benshangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Early Health Care Seeking and Associated Factors Among Patients with Sexually Transmitted Infections in Public Health Facilities of Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz, Western Ethiopia, 2022; Cross sectional study

Background: Majority of STIs are curable, but a number of social and behavioral factors prevent from seeking healthcare treatment timely, which increases the burden of untreated infection. Thus, activities people do when they have symptoms or suspect they have STI has a big impact on disease transmission and control. Delays in seeking treatment for STIs after symptom recognition can increase the incidence of disease. Objective: To assess the magnitude of early health care seeking and associated factors among patients with sexually transmitted infections in public health facilities of Assosa Zone, Ethiopia, 2022. Method: An institution -based cross-sectional study was employed to collect data from 416 STI patients from May 15 to July 15, 2022. Data were collected using a pretested structured interviewer- administered questionnaire. A systematic sampling method was used to select study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with early health-seeking. Result: From total sample patients, 404 (97.12%) were successfully interviewed. From them 40.1% [95%CI (35.4, 44.9%)] of study participants seek health care early within 7 days. secondary educational level [AOR =0.45; 95% CI (0.23,0.90)], had good knowledge about STI [AOR =2.27; 95% CI (1.28,4.02)], perceived the severity of STI [AOR=2.24; 95%CI (1.19,4.21)], those who had fear of stigma for STI [AOR=0.40;95%CI (0.24,0.66)] and had single sexual partners [AOR=2.19; 95%CI (1.20,3.99)] were significantly associated with early of health care seeking for sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion: Lower than half of the study participants seek care early within seven days of onset of symptoms. Indepth health education is essential to raise awareness, avoid risky behaviors, and alter negative perceptions

Factors Affecting Implementation of Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), Ethiopia Project on Children Learning in Benishangul Mother Tongue as A Medium of Instruction: The Case of Assosa Zone

The purpose of this study was to establish the factors affecting the implementation of SIL, Ethiopia project on children learning in Benishangul mother tongue language as a medium of instruction at primary schools in Assosa zone. The target population of this study included school leaders, students, parent teacher association, mother tongue teachers and experts of pilot schools and Woreda of SIL, Ethiopia project including regional education bureau. The total population in the study was 1,594. A descriptive research design was adopted. Data was analyzed qualitatively through content analysis. Quantitative data was first coded then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that factors such as training, language policy and strategy, human, financial and materials resources, involvement and attitudes of stakeholders towards mother tongue education were affect the implementation of SIL, Ethiopia project on the Children learning in Benishangul mother tongue languageas a medium of instruction in Assosa Zone. Based on the finding this study recommended that especial attention should be given for teachers in provide in service training to build their capacity for effective implementation of SIL, Ethiopia project on mother tongue education. Keywords: Mother tongue, Implementation, SIL DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/94-01 Publication date: December 31 st 2022

Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Species Composition of Malaria Mosquitoes in Selected Districts of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

The highest malaria transmission risk as stratified by annual parasite incidence, appears largely in Benishangul Gumuz region, the lowland and midlands of the western border with Sudan and South Sudan. The effectiveness of malaria vector control strategy depends on knowledge of factors that determine vector density and distribution, affecting adult Anopheles vector population dynamics and malaria transmission. This study aimed to investigate the spatial-temporal distribution and species composition of Anopheles mosquitos in western Ethiopia. The study was conducted in three districts of Assosa Zone (Assosa, Homosha and Bambasi), Benishangul Gumuz regional state. Adult and larva of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using standard techniques after the long rainy season (October 2020-December 2020) and Dry season (January to February 2021). After collection, the data were analyzed using SPSS software. A total of 2063 Anopheles mosquitoes (1745 larvae and 318 adults) were collected during the study period and categorized into five Anopheles species (An. gambiae, An. funestus, An. coustani, An. ziemanni, and An. squamosus). Among all species An. gambiae s.l. (1548, 88.7%) was the predominant species while An. squamous (14, 0.8%) was the least dominant. From the three districts, the highest Anopheles mosquito specimens were collected from Bambasi (917, 52.6% larval and 126, 39.6% adult). And out of all collection months, the highest number of larvae and adult mosquitoes was collected during October. Among larval breeding habitats, pond was highly productive for Anopheles mosquitoes. Anopheles mosquitoes prefer to breed in all breeding sites, particularly temporary and sunlit habitats. Anopheles gambiae s.l. predominantly occurs during all seasons in its immature and mature stages, suggesting that malaria is a health problem in the area.

Effect of short inter-pregnancy interval on perinatal outcomes among pregnant women in North-west Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study.

BackgroundInter-pregnancy interval (IPI) is the elapse of time between the end of one pregnancy and the conception of another pregnancy, while birth to pregnancy interval, is the time gap between live birth and the conception of the next pregnancy. Hence, this study assessed the effects of short inter-pregnancy intervals on perinatal outcomes among women who gave birth in public health institutions of Assosa zone, North-west Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based prospective cohort study was conducted among 456 mothers who visited health facilities for the fourth antenatal care appointment (152 exposed and 304 non-exposed). Women who gave their recent birth with the pregnancy interval of <24 months or/and had an abortion history of <6 months were considered as exposed otherwise non-exposed. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews by using questionnaires and checklists. The collected data was entered using Epi-data and exported to STATA for analysis. A log-binomial regression model was used to identify the effect of short inter-pregnancy intervals on the perinatal outcomes.ResultsThe overall incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes is 24%. Mothers who had short inter-pregnancy intervals have two times the risk to develop low birth weight (RR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.16–3.82), and low Apgar score (RR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.06–2.69). Similarly, the risk to develop small for gestational age (RR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.19–7.54), and preterm birth (RR: 3.14, 95%CI: 1.05–4.66) was about 3 times among mothers who had short inter-pregnancy interval compared to mothers who had an optimal inter-pregnancy interval.ConclusionShort inter-pregnancy interval increases the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, small for gestational age, and low Apgar score. Health Policy makers, National health managers and health care providers should work on increasing the awareness of optimal inter-pregnancy intervals and postpartum family planning utilization to reduce the effect of short inter-pregnancy intervals on adverse perinatal outcomes.

Varriation in Utilization of Modern Contraceptive Among Married Women in the Seven Woredas of Assosa Zone: A Comparison of Bayesian and Classical Approach. Case Study in Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia

Introduction: Contraception is a procedure that can be used to avoid pregnancy or childbirth. When women choose to prevent pregnancy or have a longer birth, they frequently use contraceptives. The global prevalence rate of contraceptive use was 64 percent, with Africa responsible for 33 percent. Ethiopia has an estimated rate of 39.2 percent of its population engaging in this activity. Objectives: This study was aimed to identify the predictors of married women’s contraceptive practice using Bayesian and classical approach. In addition, this study has identified the within and between Woredas variation using the hierarchical nature of the data obtained in different woredas. For identifying the better model, researcher has compared the Bayesian and classical multilevel logistic regression models. Methods: This research was conducted in seven Woredas of Assosa zone and was based on a cross-sectional study that primarily focused on married women between the ages of 15 and 49 and the factors that influenced their contraceptive use. Two stage model comparisons were used to approximate the parameters, with the first stage having a null, random intercept, and random slope with a Bayesian approach. Result and Conclusion: The overall contraceptive prevalence rate among 6866 married women 3121(45.46%). According to the intra Woreda correlation of the appropriate model, the between Woreda variance in married women's contraceptive practice was 15.71%, with the remaining 84.29 percent variation attributed to differences in contraceptive practice between women. Finally, predictors for married women contraceptive practice such as women's age, place of residence, women's educational level, husband's educational level, women's job, husband's occupation, wealth index, religion, and knowledge of family planning. The Bayesian multilevel model was found to be the most suitable model for fitting the data after a comparison of classical and Bayesian multilevel models.