Dire Dawa Town Research Articles

Isolation of Selected Bacterial Pathogens from Bovine Mastitis in Selected Dairy Farms Found in Dire Dawa Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Isolation of Selected Bacterial Pathogens from Bovine Mastitis in Selected Dairy Farms Found in Dire Dawa Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Biosecurity Status in Commercial Chicken Farms Found in Dire Dawa Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Biosecurity in the poultry refers to a set of practices and measures taken to limit, control, or prevent the introduction and dissemination of infectious diseases in the poultry premises and facilities. Material and Methods: A survey was employed from January 2020 to October 2020 to assess the knowledge and practices of the biosecurity status of 36 commercial chicken farms established in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, by interviewing farm owners using a structured questionnaire. The gathered data was summarized using frequency tables and analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square test and Fischer’s exact value using Stata 14 statistical software. Results and Discussion: From the assessed chicken farms, 25 (69.44%) had previous experience in rearing chickens. Among those owners, 9 (25%) refused to disclose their level of education, and 16 (44.44%) didn’t receive training on chicken farm management. Among the 36 Dire Dawa chicken farms, 24 (66.67%) were located within 0-50 m from the main road and 29 (80.56%) farms were established within 500 m from the nearest farm and 21 (58.33%) placed within 0-20 m from residential areas. (Table 3). 30 (83.33%) participants disclosed their employees didn’t receive training on biosecurity. From the chicken farms assessed, 26 (72.22%) had fences, 32(88.89%) had footbaths at the gate, 27 (75.00%) prohibited the entrance of visitors, 3 (8.33%) didn’t exchange equipment with other farms, each of the 36 (100%) farms didn’t used surface water for drinking or cleaning, 20 (55.56%) stay informed regarding disease outbreak in the area (Table 4). However, only 5 (13.89%) undertook a permanent rodent control strategy. Furthermore, 22 (61.11%) farms were easily accessed by wild birds, each of the 34 (94.44%) farms purchased day-old chicks, feed and shared trucks as well. Among the assessed farms, only 2 (5.56%) had signages to restrict people's access, 7 (19.44%) had isolation room for diseased chickens, 11 (30.56%) farm properly ......

Household dietary diversity across regions in Ethiopia: Evidence from Ethiopian socio-economic survey data.

Household food and nutrition insecurity continued to be a development and policy agenda in Ethiopia. Assessing the patterns and determinants of household dietary diversity is an important area of research given its importance for policy uptake in the country. This study is, therefore, initiated to identify the dominant food groups consumed by households and to investigate the determinants of household dietary diversity in the country. We used data from the 4th wave of the Ethiopian socioeconomic survey. The survey data for this study included 3,115 households living in rural areas (hereafter called 'rural households'). Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was calculated and categorized as per the FAO's recommendation: low HDDS category for those who consume three or less food groups, medium HDDS for those who consume four to six, and high HDDS for those who consume seven and more food groups during the past seven days. Ordinal logistic regression model was employed to estimate the determinants of rural household's dietary diversity. Cereals were the most dominant food group consumed by 96.4% of the households followed by pulses, which was consumed by 82% of the households Nutrition-dense food commodities such as lean meat, vegetables and fruits were the least consumed food groups by households in Ethiopia. In terms of determinants of dietary diversity, female headed households have 38% more chance of consuming diverse foods compared to their male-headed counterparts (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.73). Household heads who completed secondary education and above have 62% more chance of consuming diverse foods compared to uneducated household heads (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.30). Household heads who are single have 37% less chance of consuming diverse foods compared to those household heads who are married (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.80). Those households located in Harari regional state and in the rural surroundings of Diredawa town have 6.56 times more chance of consuming diverse foods compared to those households living in Tigray and Amhara regional states (AOR = 6.56, 95% CI: 4.60, 9.37). The results also highlighted that households who are in the upper wealth category have 9 times more chance of consuming diverse foods compared to those households who are the lower wealth category (AOR = 8.54, 95% CI: 6.79, 11.98).

Burnout among public primary school teachers in Dire Dawa administrative region, Ethiopia

The study aimed to assess the level of professional burnout and the effect of demographic variables among primary school teachers in Dire Dawa town. A cross-sectional survey research design on data collected using teacher burnout scale from 211 teachers was conducted. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was revealed that primary school teachers in the administration experience high professional burnout and male older teachers with many years of service experience burnout. Educational qualification showed no relationship with the experience of burnout. Teachers’ gender is correlated with career satisfaction and coping with job stress while experience is correlated with perceived administrative support and attitude toward students. Moreover, the change in burnout experience of primary school teachers could be explained by socio-demographic variables. Thus, it was recommended that school leaders should introduce urgent interventions to help teachers cope with their job stress and burnout.

Postabortion Family Planning and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Abortion Service in Dire Dawa Town Health Facilities, Eastern Ethiopia.

BackgroundPostabortion family planning is a part of comprehensive package of postabortion care. However, it did not receive due attention to break the cycle of repeated abortion, unintended pregnancies, and abortion-related maternal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the utilization of postabortion family planning and associated factors among women attending abortion service in Dire Dawa health facilities, Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 483 clients who sought abortion service in Dire Dawa from 15 May to 30 June 2020. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 3.2 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. The multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with utilization of postabortion family planning. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) along with 95% CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association and statistical association was declared statistical at a p-value < 0.05.ResultsMore than three-fourths (77.8%) [95% CI: (73.4–81.6%)] of respondents were utilized postabortion family planning methods. Respondents with age 15–24 years [AOR: 5.59, (95% CI: (1.5, 19.7)], attended postsecondary [AOR: 7.6, (95% CI: (2.7, 21.2)], single marital status [AOR: 11.1, (95% CI: (4.6, 26.5)], a monthly income 500–1,000 birr [AOR: 7.9, (95% CI: (3.2, 19.4)], parity ≥ 5 [AOR: 0.41, (95% CI: (0.18, 0.92)], desire of current pregnancy [AOR: 4.2, (95% CI: (1.9, 9.3)], and ever used family planning [AOR: 4.4, (95% CI: (2.2, 8.9)] were major factors significantly associated with postabortion family planning utilization.ConclusionIn this study, more than three-fourths of respondents utilize postabortion family planning. Most of the factors associated with postabortion family planning were modifiable. Therefore, policymakers and health planners need to integrate with comprehensive abortion care to improve the utilization of postabortion family planning.

Epidemiological status of bovine cysticercosis and human taeniasis in Eastern Ethiopia

Bovine cysticercosis and human taeniasis are among the leading cause of economic loss in Ethiopia due to organ condemnation and treatment costs. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to July 2018 on randomly selected carcasses from Jigjiga, Babile and Dire Dawa town municipal abattoirs to estimate the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis. Besides, a questionnaire was administered to the human population of these towns to understand risk of human taeniasis. The overall prevalence of Cysticercus bovis was 27.3% (302/1108). Among the examined predilection sites, the highest prevalence was observed in the liver (9.6%), and the tongue (8.5%). From the total of 686C. bovis cysts collected, 289 (42.0%) were viable, while the other 397 (58.0%) were non-viable cysts. Three predictors, namely study location, age and body condition, were significantly associated with C. bovis (p ≤ 0.001). Among the 900 respondents interviewed, 432 had contracted Taenia saginata infection. Risk factors like occupation, sex, marital status, educational status and raw beef consumption habit were significantly associated with T. saginata infection (p ≤ 0.001). The findings of this study indicated the importance of bovine cysticercosis and taeniasis in the study areas. Therefore, attention should be given to public awareness and detailed meat inspection for the safety of the public and promotion of the country's meat industry.

Nutritional status and associated factors among lactating women in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.

Lactating women's nutritional status is critical since it influences the health of their infants. However, there was a scarcity of data on maternal nutrition in low-income countries such as Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 lactating women in Dire Dawa town health facilities from February 10, 2019 to March 30, 2019. The sum of the number of food categories consumed by each respondent over the 24-h recall period is the women's diet diversity score. To identify factors linked to undernutrition, all variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were included into multivariate logistic regression. Prevalence of undernutrition was 22%. Women who age 15-25 years were four times more likely undernourished than older (adjusted odd ratio [AOR]=4.04; confidence interval [CI]: [1.74, 9.40]). Unable to read and write women were almost five times more likely to be undernourished than formal education (AOR=4.76; CI: [2.31, 9.81]). Women who have family size >7 were six times more likely to be undernourished than family size <3 (AOR=5.53; CI: [1.15, 26.53]). Women not take additional food during lactating were 4.5 times more likely undernourished than take additional food (AOR=4.56; CI [1.50, 13.9]). DD score <5 were four times more likely to be undernourished than (≥5) DD (AOR=4; CI: [2.02, 7.90]). Prevalence of undernutrition in the study area was high. Factors associated with undernutrion were: age of lactating women, education status, family size, additional food during lactation and DD score. Thus, multisectoral collaboration targeted at improving women's educational status and increasing food during lactation need to be emphasized.

Antenatal care dropout and associated factors among mothers delivering in public health facilities of Dire Dawa Town, Eastern Ethiopia

IntroductionMore than two-thirds of the pregnant women in Africa have at least one antenatal care contact with a health care provider. However, to achieve the full life-saving potential that antenatal care promises for women and babies, four visits providing essential evidence-based interventions – a package often called focused antenatal care are required. Hence, identifying the factors associated with dropout of maternal health care utilization would have meaningful implications. The study aimed to assess antenatal care dropout and associated factors among mothers delivering in the public health facilities of Dire Dawa town, Ethiopia.MethodsFacility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to 30, 2020. Proportionate sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 230 women. Data were collected using a structured and pretested interview administered questionnaire during delivery. The data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. A binary logistic regression model with a 95 % confidence interval was used to analyze the results. Bivariable analysis (COR [crude odds ratio]) and multivariable analysis (AOR [adjusted odds ratio]) was used to analyze the results. From the bivariable analysis, variables with a p-value < 0.25 were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis. From the multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables with a significance level of p-value < 0.05 were taken as factors independently associated with ANC dropout.ResultThe proportion of antenatal care dropouts was 86 (37.4 %) (95 % CI: 31.3–43.9). In logistic regression analyses, those who had no past antenatal care follow up were more likely to have ANC dropout (AOR = 7.89; 95 % CI: 2.109–29.498) and those who had no professional advice were more likely to have antenatal care dropout (AOR = 4.64 95 % CI: 1.246–17.254).ConclusionsThis study indicates that a high number of women had antenatal care dropout. Having no past ANC follow-up and professional advice were the major factors of ANC service utilization dropout. Hence, giving more information during the ANC visit is important to reduce the dropout rate from the maternity continuum of care.

Hematological reference intervals for adult population of Dire Dawa town, East Ethiopia.

BackgroundReference interval (RI) for hematological parameters is used to interpret laboratory test results in the diagnosis, management and monitoring of hematologic disorders. Several factors including sex, age, dietary patterns, pregnancy status, ethnicity and geographic location affect hematological RIs. However, manufacturers derived reference value is currently in use in most developing countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed to establish hematological RIs for adult population living in Dire Dawa town, East Ethiopia.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 513 apparently healthy adults of Dire Dawa town were enrolled from January to March 2019. From these, 342 (171 males and 171 non-pregnant females) were aged 18–65 years while 171 were pregnant women aged 15–49 years. After obtaining written informed consent, 5ml fresh whole blood was collected of which 2ml was used for hematologic analysis using Mindray BC-3000plus hematology analyzer and 3ml for serological tests. The 2.5th and 97.5th RI was computed by non-parametric test employing SPSS version 24. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultMales had significantly higher reference value for most of red cell parameters (Hgb, RBC, HCT, MCH and MCHC) than females (p <0.05), while most of the WBC parameters were significantly higher in females than males. Moreover, non-pregnant women had higher values for most of red cell parameters than pregnant women. Pregnant women had higher WBC parameters than their non-pregnant counterparts.ConclusionThe hematologic RIs obtained in this study shows variation between genders, between pregnant and non-pregnant women, from the clinical practice currently utilised in Dire Dawa town and from studies conducted in Ethiopia, African countries as well as the Western population. It underscores the need for utilising gender and pregnancy specific, locally derived hematologic RI for better management, diagnosis and monitoring of hematologic disorders for adults of both genders and pregnant women.

Hotspots of female genital mutilation/cutting and associated factors among girls in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful traditional practice that violates the human rights of girls and women. It is widely practiced mainly in Africa including Ethiopia. There are a number of studies on the prevalence of FGM/C in Ethiopia. However, little has been devoted to its spatial epidemiology and associated factors. Hence, this study aimed to explore the spatial pattern and factors affecting FGM/C among girls in Ethiopia.MethodsA further analysis of the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey data was conducted, and a total of 6985 girls nested in 603 enumeration areas were included in this analysis. Global Moran’s I statistic was employed to test the spatial autocorrelation, and Getis-Ord Gi* as well as Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistics were used to detect spatial clusters of FGM/C. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to identify individual and community level factors affecting FGM/C.ResultsSpatial clustering of FGM/C was observed (Moran’s I = 0.31, p-value < 0.01), and eight significant clusters of FGM/C (hotspots) were detected. The most likely primary SaTScan cluster was detected in the neighborhood areas of Amhara, Afar, Tigray and Oromia regions (LLR = 279.0, p < 0.01), the secondary cluster in Tigray region (LLR = 67.3, p < 0.01), and the third cluster in Somali region (LLR = 55.5, P < 0.01). In the final best fit model, about 83% variation in the odds of FGM/C was attributed to both individual and community level factors. At individual level, older maternal age, higher number of living children, maternal circumcision, perceived beliefs as FGM/C are required by religion, and supporting the continuation of FGM/C practice were factors to increase the odds of FGM/C, whereas, secondary or higher maternal education, better household wealth, and regular media exposure were factors decreasing the odds of FGM/C. Place of residency, Region and Ethnicity were also among the community level factors associated with FGM/C.ConclusionsIn this study, spatial clustering of FGM/C among girls was observed in Ethiopia, and FGM/C hotspots were detected in Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Benishangul Gumuz, Oromia, SNNPR and Somali regions including Dire Dawa Town. Both individual and community level factors play a significant role in the practice of FGM/C. Hence, FGM/C hotspots require priority interventions, and it is also better if the targeted interventions consider both individual and community level factors.

Assessment of role of pharmacists in managing ailments and ensuring medication safety at Dire Dawa town, East Ethiopia

Background: Community pharmacistsare the most accessible healthprofessionals to the general public and pharmacistsareincreasinglybeingrecognized as a source of professionalhealth-relatedadvice. Objective:Theaimofthestudyis to assessroleofpharmacistsin managingailmentsandensuringmedication safety at Dire Dawatown, East Ethiopiafrom Feb20, 2021 to Mar 20, 2021.. Method: Community pharmacy based cross-sectional study was conducted with interview and structured self-administered questionnaires. All community pharmacists found in Dire Dawa town and willing to participate in the study were included. Data was collected from Feb 20, 2021 to Mar 20, 2021. The data is analyzed and presented using tables. Result: In the current study 50 study participants was included. The 87% of the respondents are graduated with first degree and 13% are graduated with masters. All of the respondents replied that they respond effectively to patient’s disease symptoms in their pharmacy and have responsibility to respond to patient’s symptom. The 67% of the respondents replied that that lack of knowledge and influence of pharmaceutical industry is the main factor for inappropriate symptom management in community pharmacy. Disease symptoms managed by the community pharmacists were cold/flue 37[73%], cough 20[40%], diarrhea 14[27%], and inflammation 10[20%]. The 33[67%] of respondents manage disease symptoms by giving medication, while 33[67%] and 14[27%] manage symptoms by advising the patient to visit doctor and to usehomeremediesrespectively. The 33[67%] of respondentsrepliedthatthey ask if thepatienthaveadverse drug reaction before they dispense medication.

Assessment of the Hydraulic Performance of the Drainage System in Dire Dawa Town

The constructed drainage structure was expected to carry the design discharge which generated from the catchment area and dispose safely to the outlet points. The study has mainly focused to assessing current status of drainage system and evaluates the hydraulic performance of the drainage system. The rational methods have been used to calculate proposed discharge and HY-8 software used for culvert analysis. The current drainage status of the towns was poor, the road performance was reduced to deliver, the service life of the road reduced, and the cost for maintaining the road increased, the compression between the proposed and existed carrying capacity of drainage structures showed that the exist drainage structures are hydraulically insufficient. HY 8 result shows the existed culvert was hydraulically insufficient and 50-63.5% of the proposed peak discharge overtopped and flows on the road. Keywords: Poor drainage, Road performance, Hydraulic Performance DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-11-01 Publication date: November 30 th 2020

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude among Pharmacists toward Pharmaceutical Care in Eastern Ethiopia.

Objective To assess knowledge and attitudes toward pharmaceutical care service among hospital and community pharmacists working in Harar and Dire Dawa town, Eastern Ethiopia. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists working in hospital and community pharmacies, 2018. A total of 43 health settings (6 hospital and 37 community pharmacies) were involved in this study. All pharmacists who met the inclusion criteria were selected using a purposive sampling technique to take part in the study. The pretested structured self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. The collected data was coded, entered, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The findings were presented by frequencies and percentages, and summary measures were displayed using tables. Chi-Square test and Fisher's exact test were performed to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and the level of knowledge and attitude about pharmaceutical care. The study protocol was approved by the Harar Health Sciences College Research Ethics Review Committee. Results A total of seventy-eight pharmacists were included in the study with a response rate of 97.5%. The mean age (±Standard Deviation (SD)) of the study participants was 32.47 ± 7.42 years, and the majority (88.3%) of the respondents were males. 56.4% of the respondents were working in the hospitals while 43.6% were working in community pharmacy. Overall, 85.9% of the respondents had good knowledge of pharmaceutical care. The types of training curriculum of the participants showed an association with the attitude of pharmacists (P value = 0.022). Similarly, pharmacists' knowledge was associated with their practice setting (P value = 0.022). Similarly, pharmacists' knowledge was associated with their practice setting (Conclusion The majority of pharmacists are knowledgeable about PC. However, nearly half of the pharmacists had an unfavorable attitude toward pharmaceutical care. Harari Regional and Dire Dawa City Health Bureaus should organize and provide in-service training on pharmaceutical care to pharmacists working in community and hospital pharmacies. Furthermore, the bureaus should advocate pharmaceutical care as one area in a continuous professional development program.

Prevalent, uncontrolled, and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus among urban adults in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia: A population-based cross-sectional study.

Objective:Globally, 8.8% of adults were estimated to have diabetes mellitus, with the low-and middle-income countries sharing the largest burden. However, the research evidence for targeted interventions is lacking in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, disaggregated by the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus morbidity and associated factors among adults in Dire Dawa town, Eastern Ethiopia.Methods:Data from a total of 872 randomly sampled adults aged 25–64 years were obtained for analysis using the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factors surveillance instruments. We estimated the prevalence of diabetes mellitus disaggregated by the previous diabetes mellitus diagnosis status and by the current blood sugar level control status. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify correlates of diabetes mellitus, along with STATA version 14.2 for data management and analysis. All statistical tests were declared significant at p-value < 0.05.Results:14.9% (95% confidence interval: 12.1, 17.4) of adults aged 25–64 years had diabetes mellitus in the study sample with 58.5% (95% confidence interval: 49.7, 66.7) on diabetes mellitus medication. Among adults currently taking diabetes mellitus medications, 30.3% (95% confidence interval: 19.8, 45.6) had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The magnitude of previously undiagnosed diabetes mellitus was 6.2% (95% confidence interval: 4.8, 8.0) in the study sample and 41.5% (95% confidence interval: 33.3, 50.3) among the diabetics. The odds of diabetes mellitus were higher among adults over the age of 55 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 3.6), currently married adults (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 4.4), and overweight adults (adjusted odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.1, 2.1). Adults with primary education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.4, 95% confidence interval: 0.2, 0.8) and no formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.2, 0.9) had lower odds of diabetes mellitus.Conclusion:The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among adults was high in Dire Dawa, with a third of the diabetics having poor control of their blood sugar levels and, nearly four in ten were previously undiagnosed. Adults who were overweight, currently married, and those over 55 years need to be targeted for regular diabetes health checkups and community-based screening. Also, a mechanism should be instituted to track a patient’s adherence to medications and promote diabetes self-care management.

ASSESSMENT OF BIOSECURITY STATUS IN DAIRY COW FARMS OF HARAR AND DIRE-DAWA, ETHIOPIA

Biosecurity plays an irreplaceable role in preventing diseases and increasing productivity on farm. Assessment of biosecurity measures applied in dairy farms of Harar and Dire Dawa carried out to assess the relationship between the application of biosecurity measures and the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of owners and farm characteristics.The main objective of this study was to investigate biosecurity status in dairy farming and factors influencing biosecurity on dairy farms in the Harar and Dire Dawa, eastern part of Ethiopia. Chi-square analysis of the obtained results showed that there was a significant association between the application biosecurity measures and location of farms .Out of 125 biosecurity practices considered to evaluate the biosecurity compliance of study farms, the biosecurity score of dairy ranged from 34 to 75. The percentage of the biosecurity score varied from 27.2% to 60%. From the 20 dairy farms included in the present study nine farms gained a percentage of score greater than or equal to 50% (ranging from 50.4% to 60%).%), thus their biosecurity compliance was evaluated as “Good”. The remaining 11 farms attained a percentage score lower than 50% (varying from 27.2% to 46.4%) and therefore graded as “Poor.”.In This study biosecurity categorized in to four components, isolation (19.25± 3.92), sanitation (16.65± 6.83), traffic control (16.95± 2.5) and health management (3.25± 1.07) with their respective mean ± and standard deviation of each components. From ten dairy farms located in Harar town, only one (10%) evaluated to have “Good” biosecurity level. On the other hand, from ten study dairy farms of Dire Dawa town, eight (80%) were evaluated to have “Good” biosecurity adoption level.

Battling to Become English-Literate in Semi-Pastoral Society of Eastern Ethiopia

This study explored the condition of being a child and a primary school student in Semi-Pastoral Society of Eastern Ethiopia. The study was instigated by the widespread complaints in the aftermath of Millennium Development Goal two (MDG2) that in eastern Ethiopia of (semi-) pastoralist community, children are left far behind with not only the opportunity to literacy. The aim of this study was to assess the existing EFL primary school literacy achievements, success and challenges in the Dire Dawa Town suburbs of Oromo and Somali semi-pastoralist communities. Adopting an ethnographic participant observation approach, five primary schools were selected based on convenience or accessibility. Totally, twenty-five active primary schools Grade 4 children and 14 dropouts were sampled based on availability sampling technique from the five schools. A Basic Vocabulary Assessment Battery (BVAB) was designed as a primary data collection tool. Besides, School Observation and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were employed. The BVAB results of those actively schooling indicate, in contrast to our original hypothesis, fair level of English literacy. However, the FDG data obtained from the dropouts confirmed our hypothesis that abject poverty and the fragility of implementing the policy of children’s rights to education in their mother tongues are stumbling blocks to literacy as well as opportunity to schooling. Important policy implications are offered.

Emotional and cognitive factors influencing flood preparedness in Dire Dawa town, Ethiopia

Traditional approaches to risk communication ignore the emotional, cognitive and social factors that interact to influence the meaning people attribute to hazards and protective actions. The aim of this study was to investigate the emotional and cognitive factors predicting preparedness intention and community’s preparedness for flood hazards. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2015, in Dire Dawa town, Ethiopia. Using stratified systematic random sampling, a structured questionnaire was administered to individuals aged 18 and over in 660 households. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) (STATA version 13.0). The study participants’ mean age was 34 years, ranging from 18 to 80 (SD = 12) with equal gender balance. SEM analysis revealed that the total effects of preparedness intention (path coefficient (β) = 0.202, 95% CI: [0.036, 0.369]), past flood disaster experience (β = 0.034, 95% CI: [0.008, 0.061]), trust (β = 0.100, 95% CI: [0.059, 0.142]), anxiety (β = 0.026, 95% CI: [0.018, 0.034), positive outcome expectancy (β = − 0.139, 95% CI: [− 0.253, − 0.026]), negative outcome expectancy (β = 0.105, 95% CI: [0.062, 0.149]), perceived flood likelihood (β = 0.049, 95% CI: [0.012, 0.086]) and consequence (β = − 0.040, 95% CI: [− 0.077, − 0.003]) on community preparedness for flood hazards were statistically significant. The main implication of these findings is that people affected by hazard events in the past experience more anxiety and are more likely to participate in community preparedness activities than those who were not affected.

Community's Emergency Preparedness for Flood Hazards in Dire-dawa Town, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study.

Background:Emergency preparedness at all levels (individuals and communities) is the corner stone of effective response to the increasing trends of global disasters due to man-made and natural hazards. It is determined by different factors, including (among others) past direct and indirect exposures to hazards. This study was carried out in Dire Dawa town, Ethiopia, which in the past experienced frequent flooding events, yet dearth of information exists about preparedness in the area. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of emergency preparedness for flood hazards at households and communities levels.Methods:The study was conducted in a qualitative approach and was conducted in Dire Dawa town, which has been divided into nine administrative-units called Kebeles. Two focus group discussions were held in two of these units (Kebele-05 and 06), each focus group comprising twelve people (all above 18 years of age), and in total 24 people (13 females and 11 males) took part in the study. Open ended questions were used that could guide the discussions, and the discussions were audio-taped and transcribed. The results were translated from local language to English and qualitatively presented.Results:The findings of focus group discussions showed that the local government in collaboration with the federal government built the flood protection dams in areas where flood hazards have been thought to be repeatedly wreaking havoc, specifically after the flood disaster of the year 2006. In addition, in Kebele-05, where one Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) was operating on flood hazards prevention and mitigation program, some non-structural emergency preparedness measures were undertaken by the communities. These non-structural measures (the major ones) entailed: establishment of committees recruited from residents and training them to raise awareness among communities on emergency preparedness; some residents made changes to their own houses (retrofitted) and put sandbags around their houses to temporarily protect the flooding; establishment of communication channels between communities to alarm each other in the event of flood disaster; and reforestation of the already deforested mountainous areas surrounding the town. However, concerns were raised by study participants about strengths of the constructed flood protection dams. Furthermore, the non-structural emergency preparedness measures identified by this study were not comprehensive; for example, residents were not trained in first aid, first aid kits were not provided, there was no linkage being established between communities and health facilities so as to provide emergency medical care to victims in the event of flood disaster. Discussion: The findings of this study concur with some of the previous quantitative studies’ results in that the past direct and indirect disaster experiences invoke preparedness intention and actual preparedness for flood hazards at individuals, communities and organizations levels. The only one quantitative and behavioral based study conducted thus far in Dire Dawa town reported the strong association of past flood disaster experience with household emergency preparedness. Among the residents there was a tendency to rely on the dams to be constructed with “good quality” and “higher strength” than making preparedness efforts on their own at their households. Structural measures such as building of dams, dikes, levees, and channel improvements could be means of mitigation measures; however, solely relying on these measures could have far reaching consequences.Conclusions: To mitigate flood hazards, dams were built and in addition, in Kebele-05 where an NGO was operating, some non-structural emergency preparedness measures were undertaken. In the course of construction of flood protection dams, ensuring communities’ involvement is needed; and at the same time undertaking comprehensive non-structural emergency preparedness measures in all Kebeles is highly recommended.Key words: Emergency, Preparedness, Flood, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.

Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Factors affecting among People Living with HIV/AIDS and Taking Antiretroviral Therapy, Dire Dawa Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Introduction: According to recent studies, ART regimens require 70-90% adherence in order to be effective. However, sustaining adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) over the long term requires accurate and consistent monitoring and this is a particular challenge. In Ethiopia different studies have done on adherence to ART in different region and reporting inconsistent findings across each region. Methods: Cross sectional study design was used to assess the adherence and factors that affect adherence to ART in Dire Dawa. Simple random sampling technique was utilized to select the intended sample size and the sample size was calculated using single proportion formula considering the proportion of adherence p=0.74, which is taken from the study conducted in Yirgalem Hospital. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and interviewing the respondents included in the study after taking the unique ART number from the sampling frame. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 16 for windows. Results: The study revealed that ART adherence level was suboptimal (65%); whereas, the rest (35%) were non adherent (missed one or more dose) in the last seven days (non-adherent). Family support (p=0.001), having regular follow up (p=0.012) and trust each other with clinicians (p=0.01) were found to be associated with ART adherence positively. Conclusion: The assessment of ART adherence was relatively poor when compared to others studies done. It was in disagreement with optimal adherence level. The adherence to ART was (65%); whereas, the rest (35%) missed doses (one and more) of their drugs in the last seven days (non-adherent). Among female respondent 59% adhered to ART while among the male respondents 41% adhered to their treatment indicating good adherence among female.

Availability of Adequately Iodized Salt at Household Level and Associated Factors in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Iodine Deficiency Disorder has been recognized as a serious public health problem for the past six decades. In 2011, an estimated &lt;br /&gt; 12 million school-age children were living with inadequate iodine, and &lt;br /&gt; 66 million people were at risk of iodine deficiency. One out of every &lt;br /&gt; 1000 people is a cretin mentally handicapped, due to a congenital thyroid deficiency, and about 50000 prenatal deaths are occurring annually due to iodine deficiency disorders. Only 5.7% of the households were using iodized salt in Dire Dawa city Administration, which is below the legal requirement.This study assessed availability of adequately iodized salt at household level and associated factors in Dire Dawa town, East Ethiopia. Community based cross-sectional study was carried out among households in Dire Dawa town during March 16-26, 2015. Multistage sampling technique was used. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire by a face-to-face interview technique. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to check associations and control confounding. A total of 694 participants were participated. The availability of adequately iodized salt (≥15 parts per million) in the study area was 7.5% (95% CI; 5.6-9.5). Multivariate result showed that health information about iodized salt (AOR=8.96, 95% CI; 4.68-17.16) (p=0.03), good knowledge about iodized salt (AOR=9.23, 95% CI; 3.34-25.5) (p=0.01) and using packed salt (AOR=3.99, 95% CI; 1.48-10.73) (p=0.006) were associated with availability of adequately iodized salt at household level. Availability of adequately iodized salt at household level was very low. Hence, households should be sensitized about importance of iodized salt and its proper handling at the household level.