Awi Zone Research Articles

Prevalence of diarrhea and its associated factors among children under five years in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundGlobally, diarrhea continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for children under five, with an annual rate of 149 million cases of illness and 760,000 deaths. This study aimed to assess prevalence and contributing factors of diarrhea among children under-five years in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1387 participants from February to June 2023. A multistage sampling method was conducted. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data were entered in to Epi data and exported to STATA for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with diarrhea with p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of diarrheal disease among children under five was 17.16%. Child’s age 12 to 23 months [AOR = 16.642; 95% CI: (3.119, 88.805)], protected drinking water [AOR: 0.629; 95% CI: (0.840, 0.928)], health insurance [AOR = 0.571;95% CI: (0.386, 0.844)], institutional delivery [AOR = 0.426, 95% CI: (0.256, 0.707)], water shortage [AOR = 1.570, 95% CI: (1.083, 2.277)], and vaccinated for measles [AOR = 0.124, 95% CI: (0.065, 0.236)] were associated with diarrhea.ConclusionAge of children, source of drinking water, health insurance, place of delivery, family size, water shortage, liquid waste disposal, and measles vaccination were significantly associated with diarrhea among under five children. Interventions targeting improvements in drinking water sources, health insurance coverage, sanitation practices, and vaccination rates are crucial for mitigating the impact of diarrheal disease among children under five years in Awi Zone.

Assessing Willingness to Accept a Compensation for Evicted Land in Peri-urban Areas: A Contingent Valuation Method

Urban expansion in developing countries like Ethiopia is causing political turmoil in peri-urban areas due to inadequate compensation for evicted farmers because of the absence of a land market, which is prohibited by Ethiopia's land policy. This paper applies the contingent valuation method to measure the compensation value considered acceptable to those who are evicted from their farm land. The west Gojjam and Awi zones of Amhara region, Ethiopia are chosen for the case study based on 393 completed questionnaires. It has been demonstrated that a willingness to accept compensation is essential for maintaining sustainable livelihoods. The study applied single-bounded contingent valuation and double-bounded contingent valuation methods to estimate the mean willingness to accept compensation value. Based on the finding, double-bounded contingent valuation could be more optimal for the welfare of the evictees in detecting and correcting respondent’s bias due to its narrow confidence interval. Pilot survey was employed to ensure reliability and validity of the methods employed. Therefore, the optimal bid vector for multiplying the average land output preceding three years of eviction is 29.27. Additionally, variables such as initial bid, age, education, and total annual income significantly affect the willingness to accept compensation. The study recommends that federal and local governments should provide adequate compensation offers that prioritize the well-being of peri-urban communities during urban expansion programs, as farmers are losing their most valuable asset. This is crucial for sustainable living and poverty reduction among those who have been evicted.

Magnitude of anemia and associated factors among HIV infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Awi zone health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023

BackgroundAnemia is a common complication of HIV infected children and it is enabling HIV disease progression, and decreasing survival. In Ethiopia, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among HIV infected children particularly in the Awi Zone. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of anemia among HIV infected children on ART aged from 6 months to 15 year-old in ART Clinic, Awi-Zone, Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess the magnitude and associated factors of anemia among HIV infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Awi zone health facilities, Northwest, Ethiopia, 2022.MethodsA facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted from October to December 2022. A simple random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and proportions was used to summarize the study variables and data had been entered in to Epi data 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 25. Bivariable logistic regression followed by multivariable logistic regression was performed. Degree of association between dependent and independent variables had been assessed using adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI at p value of ≤ 0.05.ResultFrom 346 participants in the selected sample 339 (97.9%) of them responded. Prevalence of anemia was 13.3% (n = 45) among which, majority (44.4%) of them had mild anemia, while about (42.2%,) had moderate anemia and around 13.3%, of them were severely anemic. Baseline CD4 count (AOR = 6.58, 95% CI: 2.85–15.22), WHO clinical stage III or IV (AOR = 8.42, 95% CI = 3.47, 20.45), hookworm infection (AOR = 5.06, 95% CI = 2.04, 12) and malaria infection (AOR = 4.92, 95% CI (2.19–11.02) were significantly associated with anemia among children on HAART.ConclusionThe prevalence of anemia among participants was relatively low in this study. However, a considerable proportion of participants had moderate to severe anemia. Lower CD4 count at enrolment, advanced HIV clinical stage, malaria and hookworm infection were significantly linked with anemia. Thus, it requires regular monitoring of anemia status in these patients for better clinical outcomes and quality of life improvements.

Analysis of the nutritional and antinutritional contents of tubers of Agew potatoes (Plectranthus edulis) grown in the Awi Zone, Amhara regional state of Ethiopia

Plectranthus edulis is one of the most important tuberous plants, is an indigenous plant, and grows in middle- and high-altitude areas. This study investigated the proximate, antinutritional, antioxidant, and mineral compositions of P. edulis (Agew potato) grown in the Dangila, Ankesha, and Banja districts in the Awi zone of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. The proximate composition was determined via the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) protocol. The moisture, ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate, phytate, tannin, TPC, TFC, and DPPH assay results ranged from 70.87 to 74.92 g/100 g, 3.92–4.58 g/10 g, 0.36–0.61 g/100 g, 6.86–9.29 g/100 g, 3.18–3.56 g/100 g, 71.79–78.81 g/100 g, 61.48–108.04 mg/100 g, 8.46–44.15 mg/100 g, 17.53–28.42 mg/g, 2.75–5.71 mg/g, and 52.94–71.49%, respectively. The concentrations of Na, P, Fe, Cu, and Zn ranged from 261.85 to 603.90 mg/kg, 82.02–251.82 mg/100 g, 23.74–65.36 mg/kg, 9.98–16.27 mg/kg, and 17.68–30.20 mg/kg, respectively. The Agew potato from Dangila had a better nutritional content than Banja and Ankesha. Agew potatoes are nutritious and medically important tuber plants used to secure food, especially in undernourished societies.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Peste des petits ruminants in selected districts of Awi zone, Northwest Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study to estimate the antibody seroprevalence of the PPR virus and determine the associated risk factors was conducted from February 2021 to May 2022 in the Guangua and Jawi districts of the Awi zone. Of the total 380 sera samples tested using cELISA, 231 (60.8 %) were found positive for the PPRV antibody. A significantly higher prevalence of 76.2 % (OR = 4.5, P = 0.000) was observed in the Jawi district than in the Guangua district (45.5 %). Seroprevalence of 61.9 % (109/176) in sheep and 59.8 % (122/204) in goats was also detected in the present study (P > 0.05). Significantly higher prevalence was revealed in old (69.7 %, OR = 3.4) and adult (65.7 %, OR = 2.3) age groups compared to young (48.9 %) age groups. A prevalence of 63.4 % and 55.6 % were reported in female and male animals respectively (P > 0.05, χ2 = 1.85). As evidenced by the serological test result, PPR is highly circulated in the Guangua and Jawi districts of the Awi zone. The higher circulation of the PPR virus, the uncontrolled movement of animals, and the regular practice of communal grazing systems in the area indicate the chance of continued dissemination within and to other places. Hence, proper implementation of prevention and control measures and further study on sequencing and characterization of the circulating virus are advised.

Evaluating Rural Land Administration Institutional Efficiency from Modern Land Administration Systems Perspective: In Case of Awi Zone, North-Western Ethiopia

This study is aimed to evaluate the institutional efficiency of rural land administration from the perspective of modern land administration systems in Awi zone Amhara region Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed research approach to evaluate the efficiency of rural land administration. Moreover, the study used various data collection tools such as questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion, observation, and document review to acquire relevant data. The study pursued the influence of explanatory variables namely legal framework, digitalization, valuation and compensation, good governance, data quality, capacity building, and customer satisfaction on the efficiency of rural land administration. Furthermore, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Consequently, the study found that the legal framework and customer satisfaction are the most significant factors that affect the efficiency of rural land administration. However, the study finding revealed that lack of clear and uniform legislations and service delivery negatively affected the success of rural land administration. Thus, the prospects to assure efficient rural land administration are provision of unambiguous laws, delivering services impartially, and providing capacity-building training for experts are suggested as a vital to implement modern land administration systems to modern society.

The effects of disturbance on woody species composition, structure and regeneration status in the ura natural forest, Guangua district, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Ethiopia Province has diverse forest resources. However, it has decreased over time, leaving the country's forest with only remnant patches. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the species composition, structure and regeneration status of woody plant species along disturbance gradients. To collect the data, the forests were first stratified into low disturbed (LD), moderately disturbed (MD) and heavily disturbed (HD) groups based on information from reconnaissance site visits and consultations with key informants. Three transect lines were laid systematically 200 m apart, and rectangular plots 10 m∗20 m (200 m2) in length were laid at 50 m intervals along each transect, for a total of 27 plots. The DBH and height of all woody individuals with ≥5 cm and ≥2 m were measured. Seedling and sapling data were recorded in four subplots of 2 m∗5 m (10 m2) respectevly in the opposite corner of the main plot. Woody species density, richness, evenness, diversity, frequency and IVI were determined for each disturbance class, and one-way ANOVA and mean comparison tests were used to examine significant differences among disturbance classes. A total of 37 woody species and 27 families were recorded. Based on structural analysis, only Croton macrostachyus exhibited an inverted J shape. It is concluded that woody species composition was affected by human disturbance. Therefore, a concentrated form of forest conservation should be established to protect against excessive human disturbance.

A potential cause for extensive dieback of Acacia mearnsii plantation in highland districts of Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia

Although Acacia mearnsii De Wild has rapidly expanded for economic and ecological purposes in the highland districts of the Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia, recent plantations have suffered from severe defoliation, dieback, and stunted growth. We conducted this study in four districts that hold potential for A. mearnsii plantations. The study examined the identification of the causal agent, its occurrence, and local community perceptions of the plantation's significant dieback. Most respondents (75.8 %) indicated that the substantial dieback began in the rainy season of 2020 and spread rapidly. They also noted that close spacing of plantings and limited silvicultural measures exacerbated the damage. We discovered in this study that the wattle rust disease caused by the Uromycladium acacia fungus was the root cause of significant dieback for A. mearnsii plantations. The incidence and severity of this wattle rust varied significantly (p = 0.001) between districts, seasons, and plantation age groups. In Fegita-Lekuma district, the maximum disease severity was over 72 % in plantations up to two years after planting during the rainy season. The progression of the wattle rust disease caused by U. acacia has led to the loss of A. mearnsii plantations in the Awi zone, resulting in a severe economic and environmental crisis. Consequently, we should apply fungicides to seedlings at nursery sites in the short term. Eventually, however, the focus should shift towards prioritizing disease-resistant species and implementing proper forest management practices. This should be achieved through scientific initiatives that engage key stakeholders in areas where this tree species could potentially grow.

HIV Stigma in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, and a Unique Community Association as a Potential Partner.

Indigenous institutions play a vital role in fighting HIV stigma by leveraging their cultural knowledge, leadership, and community connections. Understanding HIV/AIDS attitudes, information gaps, and stigma among members of indigenous institutions is critical for devising culturally relevant and successful interventions and preventative strategies. This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the various HIV/AIDS discriminatory attitudes and practices among members of the Awi Equestrian Association, an indigenous association in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, that plays major roles in the social, cultural, political, and economic activities of the community. The study is a cross-sectional study conducted from June through July 2022. Eight hundred and forty-six people in the study area were interviewed using a pilot-tested questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the score level of HIV-related stigma. Forty-five percent of study participants did not have adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and 67.4% had moderate to high discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV. HIV-stigmatizing practices were high, with 36% admitting to speaking badly about people living with HIV and 23% wanting their relative with HIV to seek treatment in another zone. In our study, low level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS (p < 0.001), older age (p < 0.05), and male sex (p < 0.05) were factors associated with higher levels of stigmatizing practices. In conclusion, HIV-related stigma is common in Awi Zone. The Awi Equestrian Association has become a unique potential partner for HIV control in the area in an effort to achieve United Nation AIDS target of 95-95-95.

Level of option B plus drug adherence for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and associated factors among HIV-positive women in the awi zone, amhara region, northwest Ethiopia,2020

IntroductionAdherence to Option B+ antiretroviral medication (ART) is essential for the successful implementation of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program. However, poor adherence to Option B + PMTCT drugs among women results in increased viral load and mother-to-child transmission and reduces immunological and clinical outcomes. ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to assess the level of Option B plus drug adherence for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and associated factors among HIV positive women in selected government health facilities of Awi zone, Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia,2020. MethodsThis institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to April 30 among 358 HIV-positive women (pregnant and lactating mothers). A multistage sampling procedure was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through interviews. The collected data were entered into EPI Data 3.1 statistical software for data management and analyzed using SPSS version 25 statistical package. The associations between variables were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. A p-value ≤0.05 at the 95 % confidence interval was considered statistically significant. ResultsOut of the 358 participants, adherence to Option B + PMTCT was 83.24 %. The study revealed that counselling [AOR = 4.4, 95 % CI: 1.60–12.29], partner support involvement [AOR = 3.0, 95 % CI: 1.17–7.92], and time taken to reach from home to the facility [AOR = 3.1, 95 % CI: 1.51–6.52] were significantly associated with the level of adherence to Option B + PMTCT. ConclusionThis study showed that the level of Option B + PMTCT drug adherence was lower than the nationally recommended adherence level. Good counselling, partner support, and reduced travel time from home to the facility were associated with adherence to Option B + PMTCT drugs. Therefore, counselling is crucial for increasing adherence to Option B + PMTCT drugs. Accessible health facilities reduce travel burdens, encourage regular clinic visits, and enhance adherence to PMTCT drugs. Partners can provide reminders, attend appointments, offer emotional support, and explore alternatives such as mobile clinics or medication delivery services.

Determinants of feto-maternal outcomes of antepartum hemorrhage among women who gave birth in Awi zone public hospitals, Ethiopia. A case-control study.

Antepartum hemorrhage continues to be a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia and it complicates 2-5% of all pregnancies with an increased rate of maternal and perinatal morbidity and even mortality. Despite many activities, still, poor fetomaternal outcomes of antepartum hemorrhage are still there. Moreover, studies around the current study area emphasize the magnitude and associated factors for antepartum hemorrhage rather than its feto-maternal outcomes. Thus, there is a need to identify the determinants associated with the fetomaternal outcomes of antepartum hemorrhage to guide midwives and obstetricians in the early diagnosis and treatment. An institution-based case-control study was conducted in four-year delivery charts diagnosed with antepartum hemorrhage from April 2, 2022, to May 12, 2022, at Awi Zone public hospitals. To see the association between dependent and independent variables logistic regression model along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of <0.05 were used. No antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.49-4.2), rural residence (AOR: 1.706, 95%CI 1.09-2.66), delay to seek care >12 hours (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.57-4.23) and advanced maternal age (AOR: 3.43, 95% CI 1.784-6.59) were significant factors associated with feto-maternal outcomes of antepartum Hemorrhage. This study revealed that rural residence, delay in seeking the care of more than 12 hours, not having antenatal care follow up and advanced maternal age were significant factors associated with feto-maternal outcomes of Antepartum hemorrhage. The findings of our study suggest the need for health education about the importance of antenatal care follow-up which is the ideal entry point for health promotion and early detection of complications, especially for rural residents.

Quality of work life and associated factors among health professionals working at private and government health institutions in Awi zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2022: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Quality of work-life issues significantly impact the economic, physical, and psychological well-being of health professionals and their families. Enhancing QWL aims to foster a conducive environment and improve work performance. This study evaluated the quality of work life of health professionals in government and private health institutions in the Awi zone, Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional approach was employed, with study participants selected via the lottery method in 2022. Socio-demographic and organizational-related data were collected, coded, cleaned, and entered into Epi-Data version 3.1, then analyzed using SPSS version 27. Candidate variables were selected using bivariable logistic regression (p < 0.20). We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with quality of work life, presenting AOR with a 95% CI at a 5% significance level. The study included 385 private health professionals and 395 government health professionals, with response rates of 90.38 and 92.72%, respectively. Overall quality of work-life satisfaction was 53.08% (95% CI: 49.2-57.0), with private health institution workers reporting satisfaction at 42.3% (95% CI: 37.4-47.30) and government health professionals at 63.54% (95% CI: 58.78-68.31). The difference between the two groups was 21.2% (95% CI: 14.3, 27.9). Factors significantly associated with quality of work life included type of health institutions (AOR = 2.272; 1.684, 3.065), family size (AOR = 1.536; 1.122, 2.103), personnel protective equipment (AOR = 1.369; 1.006, 1.863), eye protection (AOR = 2.090; 1.514, 2.885), engineering control (AOR = 1.563; 1.140, 2.143), and accessibility of alcohol (AOR = 1.714; 1.219, 2.410). Health professionals in private health institutions exhibited lower quality of work-life satisfaction than government health institutions. Quality of work life was significantly associated with the type of health institutions, family size, availability of personal protective equipment, eye protection, engineering control, and accessibility of alcohol. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the quality of work life, ensuring the availability of appropriate personal protective equipment, and providing sufficient materials and equipment for both groups were recommended based on the findings.

Investigation of Traditional Bamboo House Construction Practice and the Need for Bamboo Construction Technology in Awi Zone

Bamboo for housing construction is a paramount material due to its adaptability characteristics, cost advantage, wider accessibility and environmental friendliness. This study focused on bamboo technology for bamboo housing construction in Awi Zone of Ethiopia and it has also identified the current use of bamboo for construction, challenges facing bamboo improvement, factors influencing bamboo application and to propose the mechanism of technology transfer in bamboo house construction technology transfer in the bamboo house construction future. The main tools for the collection of data were questionnaires, interviews and case studies which were used to identify the various challenges and factors influencing bamboo construction technology. The data were analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences software within its mean value. The findings of this study indicate that lack of research funds for bamboo building materials with a mean of 4.22; inadequate technologies and weak technology transfer in bamboo construction with a mean of 4.13 and lack of finance to facilitate bamboo construction technology with a mean of 4.11 are the major problems of bamboo construction technology development.

Effect of Rhizobium Bacteria Inoculation Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) at Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Field peas (Pisum sativum L.) is economically a significant crop in Ethiopia. The yield of field peas in our country has fell due to poor management practices of Bio fertilizer rates usage. Three rates of bio fertilizer (0, 250 and 500g ha-1) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Number of nodules per plant, Pod numbers per plant, plant height, and effective nodule number of productive tillers, total biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield were recorded and significantly affected by bio-fertilizer rate application. The determined or the highest grain yield (2671kg ha-1) was recorded from 250 g ha-1 bio-fertilizer rate. Almost 250g ha-1 bio fertilizer rates were superior for the research area. Nevertheless, more investigation has to be done under different locations and seasons to come up with practical recommendations correlated to the current study.

Time to initiate complementary feeding and its predictors among primipara mothers who have infants aged 6–12 months in the Awi zone, northwest Ethiopia

IntroductionThe timely initiation of complementary feeding is essential to reduce infant mortality. In Ethiopia, 37.5 % of mothers did not initiate complementary feeding to their infants in time. However, previous studies could not identify the time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mothers. Therefore, this study aims to identify the time to initiate complementary feeding and its predictors among primipara mothers with infants aged 6–12 months in the Awi zone, northwest Ethiopia. MethodsA community-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 732 primipara mothers who had infants aged 6–12 months from January 1, 2022, to December 30, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants through questionnaires administered by interviewers. Data were entered into EPI-data 3.1 and exported to STATA 17 for further analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve together with the log-rank test was used to assess the survival experience of the infant at specific times and to compare the survival of the infant in it between different categorical independent variables. Bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to identify significant predictors. Model fitness was also assessed using the Schoenfield residual and the Cox-Snell global residual test. Statistical significance was declared at the p-value <0.05. ResultThe median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mother-infant pairs was 6 ± 2 months. The overall incidence rate of complementary feeding initiation before, at and after 6 months of age of the infant was 7.28 (95%CI: 6.44, 8.25), 41.41 (95%CI: 36.05, 47.56), and 42.97 (95%CI: 36.89, 50.05) per 100 person-month observations, respectively. Among those mothers who initiated complementary feeding for their infants, 249, 200, and 165 initiated complementary feeding before, at and after 6 months of age of the infants. Furthermore, the age (15–24 years) of mothers (AHR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.16, 2.29), rich wealth (AHR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.75), and richest wealth (AHR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.10, 1.84) were identified as statistically significant predictors of the time to initiate complementary feeding. ConclusionsThe median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mother-infant pairs was 6 months. The age of the mother and the wealth status of the household were found to be statistically independent predictors of the time to initiate complementary feeding. Therefore, community health professionals are better able to work on when to initiate complementary feeding to infants of rich and richest young primipara mothers.

Characteristics of Pathogenic Escherichia coli Associated with Diarrhea in Children under Five Years in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) are the leading cause of infectious diarrhea and pose a significant global, regional, and national burden of disease. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of six DEC pathotypes in children with diarrhea and determine their antibiotic resistance patterns. Samples from 107 diarrheagenic children were collected and processed for Escherichia coli (E. coli). Single-plex PCR was used to detect target virulence genes as well as characterize and categorize DEC pathotypes. Antibiotic resistance patterns were determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. E. coli was detected in 79 diarrheal stool samples, accounting for 73.8% of the samples collected. Additionally, 49.4% (39 out of 79) of the isolates harbored various typical virulence factors. Results revealed six pathotypes of virulence: enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) (53.8%), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) (12.8%), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (10.3%), Heteropathotypes (7.8%), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) (7.7% each). The isolates exhibited high antibiotic resistance against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (82.1%), amoxicillin (79.5%), ampicillin (74.4%), gentamicin (69.2%), and streptomycin (64.1%). An overall occurrence of 84.6% of multiple-drug resistance was observed in the isolates, with resistance ranging from three to four antibiotic classes. Our findings revealed a high level of pathogenic E. coli that were highly resistant to multiple categories of antibiotics among children in the Awi zone. These findings highlight the potential role of pathogenic E. coli in childhood diarrhea in tropical low-resource settings and underscore the need for continued research on the characteristics of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant strains.

The effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infant pairs in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

IntroductionDespite strategies and recommendations for complementary feeding initiation were applied globally, mothers initiated complementary feeding to the infants on time was low. Previous works of literatures were not identified the effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding. Particularly, evidences regarding to this in Ethiopia is scanty. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infants pairs in Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based prospective cohort study was carried out among 732 primipara, and 1464 multipara mothers who had a live birth in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using Kobo collect software at the start of and on a monthly bases until the end of the follow up period. Parity as exposure variable and other confounders were analyzed using cox proportional hazard regression. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Schoenfeld residuals global test (P-value = 0.4861) was performed. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to declare statistical significance of predictors.ResultsThe overall incidence rate of initiation of complementary feeding among primipara and multipara mothers were 16.27 (95%CI: 15.04, 17.61) and 13.30 (95%CI: 12.53, 14.12) person months’ observations respectively. The median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara and multipara mothers for their infants was 5 and 6 months respectively. Primipara mothers had a 30% higher rate to initiate complementary feeding early (AHR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.43). Age from 15 to 24 and 25–34 years (AHR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.36, 2.09; and AHR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.81) and Birth type (twin) (AHR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.64) were statistically significant predictors for time to initiate complementary feeding.ConclusionsParity was identified as a statistically significant predictor for time to initiate complementary feeding. The incidence rate of early and late initiation of complementary feeding was higher among primipara than multipara mothers. Besides, the median time to initiate complementary feeding was earlier among primipara than multipara mothers. So, a parity based complementary feeding practice education should be advocated to tackle the gap and further reduce infants and children malnutrition. Relatively younger age and twin delivered mothers initiated complementary feeding against the recommendation. Therefore, intervention considering such statistically significant predictors could have a public health importance.

Discrimination of the geographical origin of gluten-free teff grains from northwestern parts of Ethiopia by fatty acid analysis

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a gluten-free cereal, and the consumer also prefers teff due to its nutritional composition. Determining the geographical origin of teff is important to select the right product for consumers. The quality and consumer preference of teff varies based on their production origin; consequently, their prices differ significantly. This work studied the profile of fatty acids in seventy-two teff samples by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and identifying the markers to discriminate the geographical origin of teff depending on their production region. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminat Analysis (LDA) were used to visualize data trends, and construct classification models for teff samples according to their geographical origins. Thirty different fatty acids were detected in all of the collected teff samples. The total mean concentration of fatty acids ranged from 739.85 to 938.06 mg/100g across the six districts in the three zones (East Gojjam,Awi, and West Gojjam). Stearic acid,trans-vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, azelaic acid, and capric acid were the most discriminating fatty acids of teff grains between East Gojjam and West Gojjam zones, while palmitic, palmitoleic, and oleic acid discriminated Awi zone teff samples from the other zones. The recognition and prediction abilities of the LDA model for the classification of the production zones were 98.6 % and 94.4 %, respectively. Hence, the fatty acid profiles combined with multivariate data analysis too can be used in the determination of the geographical origin of teff grains.

Covid-19 vaccine uptake and its associated factors among adult population in Dangila district, Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A mixed method study.

Vaccination is the most cost-effective approach that significantly reduces morbidity and mortality related to Coronavirus disease -19 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, there is a lack of information on the COVID-19 vaccine uptake and related factors in Ethiopia including the research area. To assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and its associated factors among adult population in Dangila District, Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023. A community-based mixed-type study design was conducted from Oct, 15-Nov 15/2022. The study population was chosen using the multistage stratified random sampling technique for the quantitative study and the purposive sampling method for the qualitative inquiry. The collected data were managed and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to identify factors associated with vaccine uptakes. In the qualitative part of the study, key informant interview was applied. After the interview was listened, the transcripts were coded and categorized into themes, and analyzed using Atlas.ti 7 software. Finally, the finding was triangulated with the quantitative results. The vaccine uptake among the adult population was found to be 47% (95% CL: 42.7%, 51.0%). History of having test for COVID-19 (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.84), good knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine (AOR; 3.12, 95% CI; 2.11, 4.59), no formal education (AOR: 1.78, 95%: 1.26, 2.58), good attitude (AOR: 3.21, 95% CI: 2.13, 4.89), being in poor Income category (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.06), being female (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.58) and living in rural area (AOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.87, 5.12) were significantly associated with vaccine uptake rate. The study also identified that misperceptions about the vaccine efficacy and safety, availability of vaccine, lack of knowledge about the vaccine, mistrust of the corona virus vaccine, fear of adverse effects, social media influence and religious beliefs were found to be barriers of COVID -19 vaccine uptake. In the Dangila district, adult population vaccination uptake for COVID-19 was comparatively low. To raise the rate of vaccination uptake, interventions must focus on the identified modifiable factors.

Determinants of Neonatal Sepsis among Neonates Admitted in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Injibara General Hospital, Awi Zone, and Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Introduction. Neonatal sepsis is the primary cause of increased newborn morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in developing countries. In Ethiopia, the factors of neonatal sepsis are not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with neonatal sepsis in the study area. Methods. A case-control study design was conducted among 60 cases and 120 controls. Variables with P ≤ .25 in the bivariate analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression, and statistical significance was declared at P < .05. Result. Birth weight <2500-g (AOR = 4.05 [1.44, 11.36], number of ANC visits <3 (AOR = 4.49 [1.70, 11.86], duration of rupture of membrane ≥18 hours (AOR = 4.42; [2.02, 9.66], first minute APGAR score <7 (AOR = 3.09 [1.10, 8.70], birth at a health-center (AOR = 0.22 [0.08, 0.60]) and instrumental delivery (AOR = 0.30 [0.10, 0.88]) were factors associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion. Neonatal sepsis was associated with different factors like prolonged membrane rupture, birth weight, and antenatal care visits.