Debre Berhan Town Research Articles

Contributing Factors of Traffic Accident and Their Possible Countermeasures in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Transportation is responsible for the development of civilizations from very old times. However road traffic accident is in a state of rise and recognized as a major socio-economic concern facing Ethiopia as the country. So, this study was conducted with an objective of assessing the traffic safety issue of Debre Berhan town on main highway which serves for the town and cross country traffic. The study followed a methodology of visual investigation of traffic accident location; and speed, traffic volume and traffic accident data collection. According to the data analysis, traffic accident in Debre Berhan was in increasing trend year to year with major accident characteristics of overturning followed by pedestrian accident. In addition, the primary causes of traffic accident in the town are investigated as speeding followed by failure to give way for pedestrian. Minibus and medium bus were responsible for more than 50% of all traffic accident recorded from all categories of vehicles. Around 50% of traffic accidents were contributed from age group of 18 – 30 years that need a primary concern; and the rates of accident on farmers are in alarming rate respect to other victims. Finally, appropriate engineering measures, police enforcement, training and education are recommended to solve the safety problems of the town. The main engineering measures for different location proposed include painted rumple strip to alarm the driver; speed limit sign provision; alternative pedestrian route; restrict parking on some locations that narrow the road and restrict passing; and others. The police enforcement may include on controlling of speeding and assuring the effectiveness of traffic law. A focus on training for young drivers seeking driving license was another recommendation in reduction of traffic accident. In addition, traffic safety education is recommended for students, public workers and farmers for significant reduction of traffic accident.

Retraction Note: Determinants of suboptimal breastfeeding practice in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

The authors are retracting this article [1] because there is significant overlap of both text and data with the Master’s Thesis of Hilina Ketma, “Assessment of prevalence and determinants of suboptimal breast feeding among mothers of children aged less than two years in Dire Dawa City Administration, Ethiopia, June 2013”, which was defended at the School of Graduate Studies, Addis Ababa University, in June 2013.

Supply and Consumption of Household Energy in Central Ethiopia: The Case of Debre Berhan Town

Supply and Consumption of Household Energy in Central Ethiopia: The Case of Debre Berhan Town

Assessing the Performance and the Possible Challenges of North Shewa Debre Berhan Town Football Team Players as a Function of Quality Training

The purpose of this research was to study the North Shewa Zone’s Debre Berhan town football team players alternative affecting variables that would enhance quality training by improving the performance of the team. The sample of the subject consists of 1 football coach and 25 players. To conduct this study both quantitative and qualitative method with descriptive survey design was employed. A variable data were suggested to create the function of quality training has a significant impact to play quality training in football. The result of the study indicates that some variables affect the performance of North Shewa zone Debre Berhan town football team. The respondents stated that lack of good communication among the concerned body, coaches’ low attention given for trainings, players’ low motivation for gaining new skill, coaches’ limited knowledge how to organize quality training, lack of supervision during training to know the level of performance and low attention given to team work were major variables.

Supply and Consumption of Household Energy in Central Ethiopia: The Case of Debre Berhan Town

Energy crisis resulting from complete dependency on biomass fuel is becoming a major challenge for the conservation of forest resources in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to quantify the main biomass fuel supply and also examine the household energy consumption pattern in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia. It was hypothesized that there is spatial and temporal variation of biomass fuel entering into the town. Moreover, it was expected that socioeconomic variables affect the energy consumption pattern at a household level. Point census was conducted to quantify the amount of biomass fuel brought into the town. As a complement, a structured questionnaire comprised of open- and closed-ended questions was developed and administered to a total of 117 households. This was carried out to collect information on domestic energy consumption pattern in the town. The results revealed that the amount of biomass fuel brought into the town was significantly affected by spatial and temporal factors. Compared with the Addis Ababa direction, the amount of fuel wood brought into the town from Dessie point of entry was statistically higher. Moreover, the amount of biomass fuel entering the town during the market days was significantly greater than that of the non-market days. The multiple linear regression models revealed that several socioeconomic variables significantly affected ‘the shortage of energy supply for household consumption’ and ‘the energy consumption pattern at a household level’ in the town. The results revealed that there is a remarkable deficiency of energy supply in the town. Therefore, creating public awareness about natural resources conservation, disseminating energy-efficient technologies (e.g. energy saving stoves), issuing strict government energy policy and providing alternative energy from the government with less taxation may decrease the undesirable consequences of environmental degradation.

Qualitative and Quantitative Feasibility of Biogas Production from Kitchen Waste

This study focuses on production of biogas from kitchen waste using modified digester. The digester has been placed in four different conditions. As the result shows, production of gas gradually increased and peaked to 0.360, 0.260, 0.150 and 0.116m3 at 9th, 12th, 17th and 23th days of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th sets respectively. Due to depletion of the developed culture and organic content of the waste, gas production becomes decreased and then nearly zero at 22th and 29th days of the 1st and 2nd sets. But For the last two cases production is not completed within thirty days. Finally, 10kg of food waste has been produced a total of 2.292, 1.783, 1.172 and 0.962m3 of biogas from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th sets respectively and the best waste/water ratio is 1:2. Temperature, particle size and pH are the main factors affecting microbial activity and then methane production. Of those, temperature is the most important factor. Low pH decrease’s the biogas production by facilitating hydrolysis and acidogenesis reactions and makes bacteria’s to utilize the waste more readily. Generally, production of biogas in Shoarobit is more feasible, and takes short time than in Debre Berhan town.

Postpartum Family Planning Utilization among Postpartum Women in Public Health Institutions of Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Background: A mother’s health has become one of the important agendas in the development of a nation. Family planning use during post-partum has the potential to significantly reduce unintended pregnancies and ensure adequate birth spacing. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess family planning use among postpartum women and factors associated with it in public health institutions of Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 248 women in Debre Berhan town. Simple random sampling technique was used for sample selection. An interviewer-administered structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data entry and cleaning were done using Epi Info version 3.5.4, and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with postpartum family planning use. Variables significantly associated with postpartum family planning use in bivariate analysis were selected for multivariate analysis. Result: Among total study subjects, about 238 (96%) women had information about family planning. Sixty three (25.4%) postpartum mothers were reported resumption of sexual intercourse. In total, 82 (41.6%) women started using contraceptive during postpartum period. Resumption of sexual intercourse [(AOR=2.01; 95% CI: (1.906-5.402)], resuming of sex before six month [(AOR=1.89; 95% CI: (1.906-5.402)] and return of menses [(AOR=1.907; 95% CI: (5.01-20.174)] were significantly associated with utilization of postpartum family planning. Conclusion: Postpartum family planning use is still low. Therefore, strengthening health education, sexual and family planning counseling, integrating with other service delivery and promoting PPFP should be recommended.

Assessing the Attitudes of Urban Residents towards Improved Stove and its Contribution to the Conservation of Forest Resources in Central Ethiopia: The Case of Debre Berhan Town

Assessing the Attitudes of Urban Residents towards Improved Stove and its Contribution to the Conservation of Forest Resources in Central Ethiopia: The Case of Debre Berhan Town

Prevalence of Ovine Lungworm and Associated Risk Factors in and Around Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Prevalence of Ovine Lungworm and Associated Risk Factors in and Around Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Household Solid Waste Generation Rate and Onsite Handling Practices in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Solid waste management is one of the public health problems in Ethiopia. Accurate and reliable information on solid waste generation rate and onsite handling practice are very important elements to plan and implement solid waste management system. This study aimed to assess solid waste generation rate and onsite handling practices among the households of Debre Berhan town. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 households, and systematic sampling technique was used to select those households. Data was collected through face to face interview using pre-tested and structured questionnaire for onsite handling practices. The amount of solid waste generated per day was weighed to determine generation rate. Data entry and cleaning were done using Epi Info version 3.5.4, and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Solid waste generation rate from the households of Debre Berhan town was 0.253Kg/capita/day. Majority of the households (85.8%) in our study area had onsite storage, but only 8.5% of them had practiced appropriate onsite handling. Solid waste handling at household level was mainly the responsibility of the women (72%) compared with others family members. Poor onsite solid waste segregation was observed from the present study as 90% of households store all types of wastes in a single container. In conclusion, onsite solid waste handling practice was poor in our study area with less shared responsibility among the family members.

Prevalence and associated factors of timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers at Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundTimely initiation of breastfeeding is defined as putting the newborn to breast within one hour of birth. It serves as the starting point for continuum of care for the newborn health and development. In Ethiopia, there is a considerable variation on timely initiation of breastfeeding among regions. The main aim of this study was to determine prevalence rate and investigate factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding practice among mothers in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Berhan town from April 1 to 30, 2013. A total of 416 mothers who had given birth within the last six months were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to identify factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding.ResultsThe prevalence rate of timely initiation of breastfeeding was 62.6 %. The odds of timely initiation of breastfeeding was high among mothers who have monthly income of greater than 1969 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.77; 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] 1.21, 6.32). Having extended family (AOR 0.5; 95 % CI 0.27, 0.95), not being counseled about timely initiation of breastfeeding during antenatal care (AOR 0.40; 95 % CI 0.18, 0.88), delivered by cesarean section (AOR 0.11; 95 % CI 0.04, 0.33), delivery attended by traditional birth attendants or relatives (AOR 0.22; 95 % CI 0.05, 0.87), and not feeding colostrum (AOR 0.07; 95 % CI 0.02, 0.23) were negatively associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding.ConclusionThe practice of timely, also known as early, initiation of breastfeeding was suboptimal. Nearly 40 % of the mothers did not start breastfeeding within one hour after delivery. Findings suggest that in order to improve timely initiation of breastfeeding practice, interventions need to target mothers with extended family, poor socioeconomic status and caesarean delivery. Moreover, mothers who discard colostrum and those who do not deliver under the assistance of health care professional need attention and emphasis has to be given for the breastfeeding counseling service given at antenatal service outlets.

Determinants of suboptimal breastfeeding practice in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

BackgroundOptimal breastfeeding is inextricably linked to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. Breastfeeding is safe, promotes sensory and cognitive development and contains antibodies that protect infants from common childhood illnesses. The objective of this study was to assess suboptimal breastfeeding and its determinants factors among mothers who have children below 23 months old in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross sectional study was conducted from 1 March 2015 until 30 March 2015. Five hundred forty eight mothers were included in the study using a two stage sampling technique. The data was collected by trained data collectors through pretested semi structured questionnaire. The collected data were cleaned, coded, entered and then analyzed using SPSS version 20 windows program. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable regression analysis with 95 % confidence interval was carried out and p value less than 0.05 used to determine the significant association. Late initiation of breastfeeding was defined as initiation of breastfeeding after one hour of delivery while early cessation of breastfeeding was to stop breastfeeding before 24 months of age. According to World Health Organization exclusive breastfeeding was defined as the practice of feeding breast milk only, including expressed breast milk, to infants and excluding water, other liquids, breast milk substitutes, and solid foods. Vitamin drops, minerals, oral rehydrating solution (ORS) and medicines may be given.ResultsThe prevalence of late initiation of breastfeeding, not exclusively breastfeeding and early cessation of breastfeeding were 17.5 % (95 % Confidence Interval [CI] 15.2 %, 19.4), 49.8 % (95 % CI 46.3, 50.5) and 12.8 % (95 % CI 11.7, 14.1) respectively. Birth at home was significantly associated with late initiation of breastfeeding (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 3.0; 95 % CI 1.5, 6.0). No advice during antenatal care was a predictor of not exclusively breastfeeding (AOR1.7; 95 % CI 1.2, 2.5). Being illiterate (AOR 3.2; 95 % CI 1.2, 8.3) and no advice during antenatal care about breastfeeding (AOR 1.9; 95 % CI 1.0. 3.4) were significantly associated with early cessation of breastfeeding.ConclusionEducational status, age, antenatal and postnatal follow up, resident and place of delivery were predictors of suboptimal breastfeeding. Integrated and targeted interventions were recommended to achieve a better outcome in minimizing the late initiation, non-exclusive and early cessation of breastfeeding.

A Cross Sectional Study on the Incidence and Risk Factors of Diarrheal Illness among Children Under-five Years of Age in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Diarrheal diseases are important causes of mortality and morbidity globally among children under 5 years of age. In Ethiopia, only few studies have been carried out to investigate the incidence and risk factors of diarrheal illness among children under- five years of age. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of diarrheal illness among children under-five years of age in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia. A community based cross sectional study was conducted to assess the incidence and risk factors associated with diarrheal illness. Pre-tested structural questionnaire and observational check lists were used to collect data on the incidence and risk factors of diarrhea. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 18. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) test was employed to assess the associations between variables. Mothers/guardians of children with diarrhea were asked to provide detailed information about the incidence and factors associated with diarrheal illness. A total of 312 children were participated in the study, of which 38 were suffering from diarrhea, thus giving a two-week prevalence of 12.2%. The main risk factors for diarrheal illness were found to be lack of hand washing habits after latrine usage (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29 - 0.87), household storage of water in a pot (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16 - 3.08), observation of feces on the slab/latrine hole (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.51 - 6.48), lack of maternal education (OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.28 - 5.08), age of mothers younger than 35 years (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19 - 0.78) and age of children being 3 to 5(OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.07 - 5.93). The findings showed that there is a high prevalence of diarrheal illness associated with various factors. Therefore, creating community awareness about diarrheal illness through addressing these risk factors should be prioritized.

P03.25 Perception of high school students on risk for acquiring hiv and utilisation of voluntary counselling and testing (vct) service for hiv in debre-berhan town, ethiopia: a quantitative cross-sectional study

Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among youth is largely ignored and remains invisible to both young people themselves and to the society as a whole. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the extent of perception risk of HIV and utilisation of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service among high school students at Debre-berhan Town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2010 up to January 2011 among secondary school students at Debre-berhan Town. Perception risk and VCT use were considered as dependant variables. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants by taking schools as strata. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 17.0. P-value Results A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2010 up to January 2011 among secondary school students at Debre-berhan Town. Perception risk and VCT use were considered as dependant variables. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants by taking schools as strata. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 17.0. P-value Conclusion Some students were engaged in risky sexual behaviour even though they had heard about HIV/AIDS. The perception of risk for acquisition of HIV infection and utilisation of VCT were low. Thus, education on topic of HIV/AIDS through integrating as part of school curriculum and encouraging the existing health institutions to provide youth-friendly sexual counselling services including VCT for HIV are strongly recommended. Disclosure of interest statement The authors declare that they have no any competing interests.

Evaluation of Sewerage System Sustainability Technically Around Condominiums Areas: A Case Study in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Sewage discharges from centralized water-borne collection systems can pollute surface water, and discharge from sewers; septic tanks and pit toilets pollute living environment and groundwater which directly affects the health of poor people at downstream [13]. Poor sanitation facilities and low sewerage system continues to be a critical problem in rural and urban areas of Ethiopia. This study aims to evaluate the sewerage system in terms of technical aspect by identifying the cause and extent of failures on the schemes then forwarding the mitigation measures for the problem explored. This study is conducted in Debre Berhan town from February, 2014-January, 2015. In order to gather information’s for the study, the researchers used pre-prepared questionnaire (for the condominium lives), soil sampling and the other was data collection checklists (variable and context information checklists), semi open ended interview and physical instruments such as GPS, Axes soil sample bags. From the study, some important conclusions are made. The technical performance evaluation indicators show that sewerage system especially around condominium area is poorly implemented, inadequate in quantity, or poorly constructed or both. Of the total users around 31.54% have no any awareness about sewerage system operation, sanitation and hygiene. Of constructed floor drainage ditches only 24.8% have good appearance and functional, in the rest of scheme, the structure is destructed and non-functional. Only 36.47% of septic tanks, gives good function for users properly as required, in the rest of the schemes, there is many defects and problems observed. The technical problems noticed in the sample sites are includes O&M, construction, and design respectively put in the order of causing considerable failure.

Assessment of Nurse’s Perception Towards Their Profession and Factors Affecting It in Debre Berhan Town Governmental Health Institution, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Background: Nursing is a health care profession, which is focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities; so that they can attain, maintain, or recover optimum health. Nursing care is given for individuals of all age groups and different cultural backgrounds who are healthy and ill in a holistic manner based on the individual's physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. Objective: To assess Nurses’ Perception and towards Nursing profession and factors affecting it in Debre Birhan town governmental health institutions, Debre Berhan Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based quantitative cross sectional study design was used to assess nurse’s perception and related factors among professional nurses. Convenience sampling method was used to select 105 intended study participants from Debre Berhan Referral Hospital and Debre Berhan town governmental health centers. Data collection was carried out using structured questionnaire. The collected data was entered using SPSS version 20.00 for further analysis. Odds ratio was calculated for related factors with 95% confidence interval (CI). A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Out of 105 sample respondents 103 agreed to participate with the response rate of 98.1%. More than half of nurses 54(52.4%) were females and 49(47.6%) were males. More than half of nurses 54(52.4%) had good perception towards nursing. A significant Association was seen between monthly income level and perception of nursing (P < 0.05). In addition monthly income and perception of important aspects of nursing had shown an association. Conclusion: Majority of nurses who participated in this study had good perception towards nursing. More than half of participants want to migrate to other countries for good career opportunity. Majority of nurses had an intention to leave their profession with the main cause of low salary. Occupational factors (salary) were identified as a leading factor which affects perception.

Perception of high school students on risk for acquiring HIV and utilization of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service for HIV in Debre-berhan Town, Ethiopia: a quantitative cross-sectional study.

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among youth is largely ignored and remains invisible to both young people themselves and to the society as a whole. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the extent of perception risk of HIV and utilization of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service among high school students at Debre-berhan Town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2010 up to January 2011 among secondary school students at Debre-berhan Town. Perception risk and VCT use were considered as dependant variables. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants by taking schools as strata. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 339 students were consented to participate in the study and the response rate was 96.3%. The student ages’ were ranged from 15 up to 24 years. Among the study participants, 30 (8.8%) had sexual contact and the mean age of first sexual encounter was 16.4 (SD =2.05) years. Of sexually active students, 12 (40%) had sex with different persons within the last 6 months, 13 (43.3%) had ever used condom and 15 (50%) had used VCT service. There was no statistically significant association between risk perception towards HIV infection and ever use of VCT service (AOR (95% CI) = 1.0(0.30, 4.02).ConclusionsSome students were engaged in risky sexual behavior even though they had heard about HIV/AIDS. The perception of risk for acquisition of HIV infection and utilization of VCT were low. Thus, education on topic of HIV/AIDS through integrating as part of school curriculum and encouraging the existing health institutions to provide youth-friendly sexual counseling services including VCT for HIV are strongly recommended.

Assessment of Prevalence and Determinants of Occupational Exposure to HIV Infection among Healthcare Workers in Selected Health Institutions in Debre Berhan Town, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2014.

Introduction. Health care workers are exposed to different kinds of occupational hazards due to their day to day activities. The most common occupational exposure like body fluids is a potential risk of transmission of blood-borne infection like human immunodeficiency virus. Objective. To assess the prevalence and determinants of occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus infection. Methods and Materials. A descriptive cross-sectional institution based study was conducted in selected four health institutions in Debre Berhan town. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using semistructured interviewer administered questionnaire. The frequency distribution of dependent and independent variables was worked out and presented using frequency table, graph, and chart. Result. The overall prevalence of occupational exposure of the health care workers was found to be 88.6% (n = 187) in the past 12 months. Contact to potentially infectious body fluids accounts for the largest proportion (56.7%) followed by needle stick injury (31.5%) and glove breakage (28.8%). Conclusion. In this study majority (88.6%) of the health care workers had a risky occupational hazard that exposed them to human immunodeficiency virus infection during the past 12 months. The statistically significant determinant factors were professional status, working room, and time of personal protective equipment usage.

Enteropathogens in Under-Five Children with Diarrhea in Health Facilities of Debre Berhan Town, North Shoa, Ethiopia.

Diarrheal disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity for under-five children in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral and socioeconomic risk factors, etiology, and drug susceptibility of bacteria isolated from under-five children with acute diarrhea who were treated at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital or Health Center in Ethiopia. A health facility based cross-sectional study design was used to investigate enteropathogens from 163 under-five children with acute diarrhea. After obtaining written consent from parents or guardians, data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Freshly passed stool samples were collected for microbiological tests for bacteria and parasites. The chi-square test was used for assessing the relationships of variables. Enteropathogens were detected among 55.8% (91/163) participants. There was a 46%(75/163) bacterial culture positivity rate and a 9.8%(16/163) prevalence of parasites. The isolated enteropathogens were Escherchia coli, Klebsiella specie, Proteus species, Salmonella species, Shigella species, Enterobacter species, Giardia lamblia, Enteameba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Hymnoleps nana. Level of antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates ranged from 0 to 87.2%. Poor hand washing and poor cleaning of feeding utensils showed significant association with the presence of enteropathogens. Bacterial enteropathogens with drug resistance were observed in this study. Continuous health education and promotion about diarrheal disease for mothers/caretakers and regular surveillance of entropathogenes are recommended to reduce under-five mortality.