East Shoa Zone Research Articles

Evaluating the performance of farmer-managed fruit trees in participatory homestead trials of semi-arid Ethiopia: the case of East Shoa Zone, Oromia

ABSTRACT The growth of farmer-managed tree seedlings (FMTS) is pramount to impact agroforestry technology adoption. This paper presents the performances of FMTS of 3 avocado varieties (Hass, Ettinger and Fuerte) and one papaya variety (Solo) in three districts (Dugda, Adamitulu, and Lome). Thirty-six trials were established (12 trials per district) in 36 homsteads selected purposively. Each homestead was considered as a block in RCBD. Watering frequency was found higher in Dugda than the remaining districts. Seedling survival exhibited significant differences (α<0.05) among varieties with in and across districts. Survival of Solo papaya was significantly higher (α<0.05) at Dugda (91%) than in Adamitulu and Lome. Hass avocado reveled significantlly higher survival (91%) at Dugda than Ettinger and Fuerte across districs. Significant differences in Plot Volume Index (PVI, an integrative growth measurement) among varieties within and across districts indicated that seedling growth was influenced by variety, planting site and, watering fequency. PVI of Hass at Dugda was significantly higher (by 35% and 110%) than that of Ettinger and Fuerte, respectively. PVI of Solo Papaya at Dugda was significantly higher (α<0.05). Hass was found promising avocado variety for planting locations considered, and frequent watering was found crucial for good growth of the tested plant varieties.

Determinants of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women: a case–control study in East Shoa Zone public hospitals, Central Ethiopia

ObjectiveTo identify determinants of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women attending East Shoa Zone public hospitals, Central Ethiopia, 2023.Design and settingAn institutional-based, unmatched case–control study was conducted from 19 June 2023...

Chickpea production restored through upscaling crowdsourcing winner varieties and planting date adjustments in the Ada'a district, East Shoa zone, Ethiopia

Chickpea is an important cash crop for Ada'a farmers as it does for farmers in Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world. Its production, however, has been dwindling due to biotic and abiotic stresses. According to participant farmers from Ada'a district, the production of chickpea in some Kebeles of Ada'a such as Gubasaye has been abandoned because of root rot and foliar diseases such as fusarium wilt. This paper presents the evaluation of upscaled varieties' performance assessed by metric data as well as through beneficiary farmers' self-assessment data. Recognizant to the problem, five varieties of chickpea tested in the Goro district of the Southwest Shoa zone, were introduced as part of the upscaling of crowdsourcing winner crop varieties in Ethiopia. Crowdsourcing is an approach of outsourcing variety evaluation, selection, and dissemination to volunteer crowds of farmers. The introduction of the winner varieties and adjustment of the planting time was found effective in the Ada'a district. Higher grain yield was obtained from the upscaled winner varieties in the range of 2.4–2.53 t/ha, with slight variations over varieties. Habru variety showed slightly higher performance than the others. Survey participant farmers have reported an increase in GY due to growing the winner varieties compared with varieties they used to grow before and gained higher annual income due to higher productivity, market demand of the upscaled varieties, and premium market price with 6–25 Ethiopian birr (ETB) per kilogram of sold grain of these varieties. High productivity is attributed to the genetic potential of the varieties, their response to farm management, and better adaptation to the local growing conditions. Participant farmers perceived that their livelihood has been improving because of the adoption of the upscaled varieties' productivity and market demand. The annual income of participant farmers is estimated to be 2500 to 181,000 ETB for growing the winner varieties. The results indicate that upscaling pre-tested chickpea varieties and delaying their planting time to early September are effective mechanisms for reducing yield loss to fusarium wilt and root rot diseases. It can be inferred that using the crowdsourcing approach for variety evaluation and selection for upscaling is a robust approach to improve the adoption and dissemination of improved agricultural technologies.

Analysing the six-year malaria trends at Metehara Health Centre in Central Ethiopia: the impact of resurgence on the 2030 elimination goals

BackgroundDespite Ethiopia’s concerted efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030, the disease continues to pose a significant public health and socioeconomic challenge in the country. The year 2021 witnessed 2.78 million malaria cases and 8041 associated deaths, emphasizing the persistent threat. Monitoring the prevalence trend of malaria is crucial for devising effective control and elimination strategies. This study aims to assess the trend of malaria prevalence at the Metehara Health Centre in the East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective study, spanning from February to September 2023, utilized malaria registration laboratory logbooks at Metehara Health Centre to evaluate the prevalence of malaria from 2017/18 to 2022/23. Malaria and related data were collected using a pre-designed data collection sheet. Descriptive statistics were employed for data summarization, presented through graphs and tables.ResultsOut of 59,250 examined blood films, 17.4% confirmed the presence of Plasmodium infections. Among the confirmed cases, 74.3%, 23.8%, and 1.84% were attributed to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and mixed infections, respectively. The trend of malaria exhibited a steady decline from 2017/18 to 2021/22, reaching 9.8% prevalence. However, an abrupt increase to 26.5% was observed in 2022/23. Males accounted for a higher proportion (66%) of cases compared to females (34%). The age group 15–24 years experienced the highest malaria incidence at 42%. Notably, malaria cases peaked during autumn (September to November) at 43% and reached the lowest percentage during spring (March to May) at 13%.ConclusionMalaria persists as a significant health challenge in and around Metehara, central Ethiopia, predominantly driven by Plasmodium falciparum. The five-year declining trend was interrupted by a notable upsurge in 2022/23, indicating a resurgence of malaria in the study area. It is imperative to adopt a reverse strategy to sustain the progress achieved by the national malaria control plan.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Secondary School Students in Wonji Shoa, Adama District, East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Periodic assessments of IPI prevalence are essential prerequisite for effective control measures. Therefore, this cross‐sectional study is aimed at determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren at Wonji Shoa Secondary School, East Shoa Zone, Adama district, Oromia region, Ethiopia, between January and June 2022. A simple random stratified sampling technique was employed to select participants. Sociodemographic and risk factor data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were examined to identify parasites. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, and logistic regression were conducted to assess associations between variables and then the strength of the association. A p value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 403 selected students, 330 completed the study that makes 81.89% response success. The overall IPI prevalence was 16.66% (55/330), with a higher prevalence among males (60%, 33/55) than females (40%, 22/55). Five parasite species were identified: two protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia) with a combined prevalence of 9.70% (32/330) and three helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, and Taenia spp.) with a combined prevalence of 6.97% (23/330). Cysts were detected in 62.5% of E. histolytica cases (15/24), and eggs were detected in 76.92% of A. lumbricoides cases (10/13). The study revealed a substantial IPI prevalence (16.66%) among the students. This finding underscores the need for effective prevention and control strategies. The predominance of parasitic infections among males is notable requiring further investigation of the factors. The identification of multiple parasite species indicates a complex epidemiological scenario. The presence of protozoan cysts and helminthic eggs highlights the potential for fecal‐oral transmission and the importance of improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

Effect of intensive nutrition education and counseling on hemoglobin level of pregnant women in East Shoa zone, Ethiopia: randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of intensive nutrition education and counseling on hemoglobin level during pregnancy.Methods and materialsThe study was a one year two-arm parallel design cluster randomized controlled trial in East Shoa zone, Ethiopia. End-line data were collected from 163 intervention and 163 control group pregnant women. The intervention was a three consecutive trimester based counseling sessions using health belief model, weekly regular SMS sent on mobile phone containing core message and providing leaflet with food menu of Iron rich diet. The women in the control group received routine nutrition education from facilities. After adjusting for potential confounders, a linear mixed-effects model was used to assess the intervention effect.ResultsThere was a significant change in both hemoglobin level and proportion of anemia in the intervention group. The mean hemoglobin level within intervention group before and after intervention was (12.08± 1.15, 12.53± 1.18) with p value of 0.01. The prevalence of anemia among intervention group declined from 14.7 % at the baseline to 9.2% after intervention. At the end of the trial, women in the intervention group had significantly better hemoglobin level than women in the control group (β = 0.50, p < 0.01).ConclusionThe intervention was effective in improving the hemoglobin level and consumption of iron rich diet among pregnant women. Therefore, employing trimester based counseling by using HBM constructs and regular reminding messages have to be provided to pregnant women as part of the regular antenatal care service.

Effects of intensive nutrition education and counseling on nutritional status of pregnant women in East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.

Nutritional status is defined as an individual's health condition as it is influenced by the intake and utilization of nutrients. Maternal malnutrition is widespread throughout the world, with Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia bearing the brunt of the burden. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intensive nutrition education and counseling on nutritional status during pregnancy. The study was a one-year, two-arm parallel design cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in the East Shoa zone, Ethiopia, from January 1, 2021, to February 30, 2022. A total of 374 participants were enrolled in the intervention (n = 185) and control (n = 189) groups. End-line data were collected from 163 women, from each group. The intervention package provided three counseling sessions by trained midwives, three-page take-home brochures prepared in local languages, and the delivery of 18 weekly serial short text messages. The women in the control group received routine nutrition education from the health facilities. After adjusting for potential confounders, a linear mixed-effects model was employed to assess the intervention effect. After the intervention, the mean mid-upper arm circumference in the intervention group increased by 1.8% (23.08 vs. 23.44, p < 0.01). Similarly, the proportion of undernutrition in the intervention group was 11% (25 vs. 36%, p = 0.02) lower compared to the control arm. At the end of the trial, women in the intervention arm had significantly better nutritional status than women in the control group (β = 0.47, p < 0.01). The findings showed that intensive nutrition education and counseling using the health belief model was effective in improving nutritional status and reducing undernutrition among pregnant women. As a result, nutrition education and counseling using HBM constructs, as well as regular reminder messages, should be provided to pregnant women as part of the routine antenatal care service.

Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices and Associated Factors among Primary Second Cycle Female Students in Boset District of East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: In adolescents who experienced menstruation for the first time, menstrual hygiene management is constrained by practical, social, economic, and cultural factors such as the expense of commercial sanitary pads, lack of water and latrine facilities, lack of private rooms for changing sanitary pads, and limited education about the facts of menstrual hygiene. Therefore the Objective of this study is to menstrual hygiene management practices and associated factors among primary second-cycle female students in Boset district of east Shoa zone, Oromia regional state, central Ethiopia from March 28, 2022, to April 28, 2022. Methods: School-based cross-sectional study was conducted by multistage random sampling technique among 629 female students from the Primary second cycle. Data were collected using Self-administered pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaires. The data were coded, checked for completeness, entered into Epi-Info-7, and then exported to SPSS Version 22 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression with Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI was calculated, and p-values <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. <i>Results</i>: The overall proportion of good menstrual hygiene management practices account for 51.2% (95% CI: 47.4–55.3). This study found that: being urban residence [AOR]: 1.84, 95% CI: (1.20, 2.80)], secondary and above the educational status of mothers [AOR]: 3.399, 95% CI: (2.07,5.57)], receiving pocket money for modes [AOR]: 2.19, 95% CI: (1.45,3.313)], freely discussing menstruation with parents [AOR]: 3.65, 95% CI: (2.327,5.727)], learning in school about menstrual hygiene [AOR]: 3.12, 95% CI: (2.096,4.628)], presence of water supply in school compound [AOR]: 1.71, 95% CI: (1.15,2.53)] and presence of functional toilets and hand washing facilities [AOR]: 1.789, 95% CI: (1.17,2.73] were significant predictors of Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices. Conclusion: In this study, the practice of good menstrual hygiene management among primary second-cycle school girls was low. Factors independently influencing menstrual hygiene management practices were girls’ place of residence, mothers’ educational status, pocket money, discussions with parents, water supplies, functional toilets, and hand washing facilities. Hence students’ parents should give pocket money and freely discuss with their female students and also government and other stakeholders should take action to improve and sustain water supply, functional toilets, and hand washing facilities for schools.

Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors among pregnant women at Boset District in East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalaria infection during pregnancy is a significant public health problem that puts pregnant women at risk. Interruption of transmission of asymptomatic malaria among a population remained a challenge and the host serves as a reservoir for the malaria parasite; and is also recognized as a major barrier to malaria elimination. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors among pregnant women in the Boset District, East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors in pregnant women from February to March 2022. Using multistage sample techniques, 328 asymptomatic pregnant women were enrolled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A rapid test and Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy were used to diagnose Plasmodium infections. Epi info version 7 was used to code, enter, and clean data before being uploaded to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were employed to find the associated factors. Variables in the multivariable model with a p-value < 0.05 were considered significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria.ResultsOf the total 328 pregnant women who participated in this study, 9(2.74%) and 10(3.05%) were confirmed to be infected with Plasmodium species by microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests, respectively. Asymptomatic malaria during pregnancy was found to be significantly associated with not using an insecticide-treated bed net [(P = 0.002, AOR: 9.61; 95% CI (2.22–41.53)], lack of consultation and health education about malaria prevention during Antenatal care attendance [(P = 0.04, AOR: 4.05; 95% CI (1.02, 16.05)], and living close stagnant water [(P = 0.02, AOR: 4.43; 95% CI (1.17,16.82)].ConclusionsThe current study showed that asymptomatic malaria is prevalent in pregnant women. Not using insecticide-treated bed nets, inadequate health education during antenatal care, and living close to stagnant water are significantly associated with malaria infection. Thus, using insecticide-treated bed nets, health education, and avoiding stagnant water from residential areas could play significant roles in preventing asymptomatic malaria among pregnant women in the study area.

Impact of Soil and Water Conservation on Household Income in East Shoa Zone of Oromia

This study was conducted to assess the impact of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) intervention on the livelihood of smallholder farm households in terms household income and productivity. To meet this objective primary data was gathered in 2010 from 120 sample respondents (50 SWC program participants and 70 non-participants). Descriptive and inferential statistics (Logistic regression) and propensity score matching (PSM) models were used to address the stated objectives. The analysis of mean difference in outcome variables before matching result indicated that the mean total crop yield for SWC practiced respondent households is 29.10 and 27.80 quintal/ha having 1.30 quintal difference in the study. In the meantime total annual crop income of households who participated in SWC program was 33,903 and 33,808.40 birr. Except sex of the household, Market information, amount of land cultivated, Education and farm experience influenced the probability of HH participation in SWC positively and significantly at 10% expect land cultivated at 5% level. Nominal results of analysis of treatment effects indicate that there was a sign of positive impact on both of the variables considered due to SWC program. However, the changes in crop productivity and gross household income could not be statistically justified as there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of these variables. The possible reason could be that SWC programs are not short-term nature and impacts are to be realized gradually with increased adoption and intensification of activities.

Determinants of nutritional status among pregnant women in East Shoa zone, Central Ethiopia.

Undernutrition is an insufficient intake of energy and nutrients to meet an individual's needs to maintain good health. Undernutrition during pregnancy severely affects the health of mothers and her baby. Globally it contributes directly or indirectly to 3.5 million maternal deaths annually. This study aimed to determine the level of undernutrition and identify factors associated with undernutrition among pregnant women attending public health facilities in the East Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 472 randomly selected pregnant women from June to August 2021. Sociodemographic, obstetrics, and knowledge related data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and maternal nutritional status was measured using the Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). The collected data were entered to EPI-info version 3.5.4 and then exported to SPSS for windows version 26.0 software for analysis. Multivariable regression analysis was fitted to identify determinants of undernutrition. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals and a p-value < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant. The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women was 13.9% [95% CI: 11.0-17.4]. On multivariable logistic regression model after adjusting background variables, wealth (AOR: 4.9, 95% CI 1.34-18.20), women's decision making power (AOR: 3.31, 95% CI 1.18-7.79), and nutritional counseling (AOR: 3.53, 95% CI 1.29-9.60) were independently associated with nutritional status of pregnant women. Findings indicated that significant number of pregnant women in the study were undernourished. Higher wealth index, nutritional counseling, and women's decision-making power were inversely associated with undernutrition. The findings imply the need for economic empowerment of women, enhancing decision-making ability of women and routine and consistent nutritional counseling to decrease undernutrition among pregnant women.

HIV/AIDS services quality in health centers of East Shoa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

HIV/AIDS is a major public health, social and economic problem in Ethiopia. However, little has been done on assessment of the quality of the services given to patients in this country. To assess the quality of HIV/AIDS services in health centers of East Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Cross sectional survey was undertaken in selected health centers of East Shoa Zone between February and May, 2017. Data was collected using researcher administered structured questionnaire, logistics indicators assessment tool and observation check list. SPSS for windows version 20 was utilized in the analysis of the collected data. The study facilities were providing various services to HIV/AIDS patients. All (100%) and 6(75%) facilities respectively had shortage of trained human power required to give ART and TB services. Regarding ARV medicines availability, majority of the study facilities, 5 (62.50%) reported that they had the stockout of AZT300/3TC150/NVP200 in six months prior to study while 4 (66.7%) of the facilities had the stockout of NVP 240ml (50mg/5ml) syrup on day of visit. Among anti-TB medicines, E100 was out of stock in three facilities (37.5%) on day of visit and INH100 had been out of stock in 4 (50%) of the facilities in six months prior to the study. From OIs medicines, Cotrimoxazole 960mg tablet stockedout in 4 (66.70%) on day of visit and in 5 (83.30%) health centers in six months prior to the study. Considerable number of study facilities, 4 (66.70%) had the stockout of tramadol 50mg tablet on day of visit and ibuprofen 400mg tablet in six months prior to the study, 5 (71.40%). The studied facilities were challenged by different factors including, scarcity of human power, stockout of various HIV/AIDS related medicines and inability to make patients adhere to the services given by the facilities. The consequences of these factors can be dangerous to the patients as well as to the wider public and hence making available the appropriate human resource and HIV/AIDS related commodities including medicines should be the priority for the health facilities and the region to improve the quality of HIV/AIDS services in the study area.

Infectivity of Symptomatic Patients and Their Contribution for Infectiousness of Mosquitoes following a Membrane Feeding Assay in Ethiopia.

ABSTRACTThe membrane feeding assay is widely used to evaluate the efficacy of transmission-blocking interventions (TBIs) and identify the reservoir of malaria. This study aimed to determine the infectivity of blood meals from symptomatic Plasmodium-infected patients to an Anopheles arabiensis colony in Ethiopia. A membrane feeding assay was conducted on a total of 63 Plasmodium falciparum- and/or Plasmodium vivax-infected clinical patients in East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. Detection of P. falciparum and P. vivax in blood samples was done using microscopy. Mosquito infection rates were determined by dissection of mosquitoes’ midguts, while mosquito infectiousness was observed by dissection of their salivary glands. The proportion of infectious symptomatic patients was 68.3% (43/63). Using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, the oocyst infection levels were higher among patients infected with P. vivax, females, and rural residents. Nearly 57% (56.7%, 17/30) of assays produced sporozoites in the salivary glands of mosquitoes. Both oocyst and sporozoite infection rates had positive correlations with parasitemia and gametocytemia. High infectiousness of symptomatic patients was observed, with a greater proportion of infectious mosquitoes per assay. Demonstrating oocyst infection in the mosquitoes might confirm estimates of the infectiousness of mosquitoes, although some of the oocyst-infected mosquitoes failed to produce sporozoites.IMPORTANCE Malaria remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases globally, and transmission-blocking activities are needed. Plasmodium transmission from human to mosquitoes is poorly studied, particularly in endemic countries, and the membrane feeding assay allows it to be determined. In this study, we demonstrated human infectious reservoirs of malaria. Moreover, the effect of Plasmodium-infected patients on the infectiousness of mosquitoes was also observed. These findings are therefore important for designing future evaluation of transmission-blocking interventions that will support the malaria elimination program.

Determination of the Application Rate of Conventional Compost Integrated with Chemical Fertilizer on Maize (Zia Maize) Yield in Dugda District of East Shoa Zone, Oromia

Integrated soil fertility management is the application of inorganic in combination with organic fertilizer to maintain soil fertility and improve crop yield. A study was conducted in East Shoa Zone, Dugda District on farmers' fields to determine the combined effects of conventional compost as organic fertilizer and NPS as inorganic fertilizer on soil chemical properties and maize production. There were five treatments: Recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer, 100, 75, 50 and 25% equivalent level of compost for nitrogen fertilizer. Recommended level of 69 P2O5/ha were equally applied at all treatments. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with three replications. The analysis of variance showed no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) in maize grain yield response. However, the highest maize grain yield (8728.20 kg ha-1) was obtained from treatment two that received 100% equivalent compost for nitrogen fertilizer and the lowest (8325 kg ha-1) was obtained from treatment one where recommended chemical fertilizer alone was applied. Composite Soil samples were also collected before compost application and after harvesting to evaluate the residual effect of compost on soil physiochemical properties. Accordingly, laboratory analysis showed no significance differences (P &gt; 0.05) in total N, available P, soil organic carbon and CEC. However, analysis of variance of post-harvest composite soil samples indicated significant differences on soil available P, OC, TN and CEC as compared to initial soil sample. On the other hand, partial budget analysis was done to determine economically optimum rate of compost integrated with chemical fertilizer. Accordingly, the highest net benefit (126527 Eth. Birr ha-1) was recorded for treatment two where 100% compost (4.6t/ha) plus 150kg/ha NPS fertilizers were applied. The highest marginal rate of return (146) was also obtained from the same treatment. Therefore, the present study showed that combined application of organic and NPS fertilizer enhanced maize productivity and soil fertility status in the study area. Hence combined fertilizer application of 4.6 t ha1 conventional compost integrated with 150 kg ha-1 NPS improved maize productivity and soil chemical properties, and recommended for the study area and similar agro-ecology.

Establishing Honey Bee Floral Calendar in West Arsi and East Shewa Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia

Adequate knowledge about honey bee flora is important for beekeeping this study was under taken to identify and document honeybee plants in West Arsi and East Shoa Zone using melissopalynological analysis of honey samples, pollen collection, plant inventory, structured questionnaires and field observation. Eighteen honey samples were collected from different parts of the zones. Out of 18 samples, 14 were identified as monofloral honeys and 4 as multifloral honeys. This indicated that there is high diversity of honeybee plant species in 4 honey samples that give flowers in the same season contributing for production of multifloral honey and 14 samples were dominated by few major honeybee plants due to their abundance in addition to their quality for honey production. Fifty eight (58) plants species were identified as honey source plants based on melissopalynological analysis of honey. Of 58 species, Guizotia scarba (89.7%). Eucalyptus (69.2%) Eucalyptus camadulensis (66.2%) Acacia tortolis (60.9%) Schefflera Abyssinia (70.2%) and Croton macronstachys (57.2%) provided mono-floral honey. The flowering calendar of the zone indicated two major honey flow periods from April to June and September to November. The scarcity of honeybee forages were observed in July to mid of August and January to February and mid of March. In many districts of the zone, herbaceous honeybee forage species were the dominant honey source plants in September to November. While, in March to May majority of honey source plants were trees and shrubs due to the phonological patterns of plants. To apply seasonal honeybee colony management, beekeepers should manage honeybee colonies following phonological pattern of honeybee plants. Beekeeping based agro forestry practices on cultivated rain fed land, and selection of plant species that can resist drought and bear (set) flower for a long season should be introduced in all land use types.

Magnitude and determinants of out of pocket health expenditure among patients visiting outpatients in public hospitals in East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundOut-of-pocket payment (OOP) for healthcare services remained the main means of the financing health system in developing countries for a decade. Therefore, we assessed the magnitude and determinants of OOP healthcare expenditure among patients visiting the outpatients in public Hospitals in East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. MethodsWe conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study among participants in public hospitals in the East Shoa zone, Oromia Region. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of OOP healthcare expenditure and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05 and the association was described by using an Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). ResultOf the 378 respondents, 332(87.8%) were paid OOP healthcare expenditures at service delivery points. We found that, respondents aged 31-49 years old (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI (1.16–5.77), secondary education and above (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI (1.59–14.83), monthly income ≥4000 ETB (AOR = 5.67, 95% CI (1.97–16.31), urban residents (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI (1.29–10.16) and family size (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI (1.11–6.44) were significant determinants of OOP healthcare expenditure. ConclusionWe found that a significant number of outpatients' department users were paid out-of-pocket expenditures for medical services. Educational status, family size, residence, and respondents’ monthly income were significantly associated with out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. So, the government and stakeholders should strengthen efforts to design the Urban CBHI scheme and Social health insurance, which guarantees urban communities access to health services without facing financial hardship for all communities.

Five-Year Trend of Malaria Prevalence in Mojo Town, Central Ethiopia: Shifting Burden of the Disease and Its Implication for Malaria Elimination: A Retrospective Study.

IntroductionMalaria continues to strike hardest against the health and economic development in Ethiopia. The peak of malaria incidence follows the main rainfall season in each year; however, its transmission tends to be highly heterogeneous within or between years and from area to area. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the trend prevalence of malaria in Mojo town, central Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in Mojo town, East Shoa zone, Ethiopia from February to March 2021. Malaria cases and related data documented between 2016 and 2020 were carefully reviewed from laboratory registration logbooks. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 19,106 blood films were examined from malaria-suspected patients. The overall microscopically confirmed prevalence of malaria was 4.2% (793/19,106). Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species accounting for 76.2% (604/793) of positive samples. Malaria cases declined from 259 in 2016 to 77 in 2020. The proportion of malaria was higher among males (64.8%, 514/793) than females (35.2%, 279/793) (P < 0.0001). Higher malaria cases were observed from the age group 15–24 years followed by the age group of 25–34 (P < 0.0001). The number of malaria cases was at a high level from September to November and lowest from December to February.ConclusionDespite a declining trend of malaria prevalence, it remains a public health burden in the area. P. vivax, the predominant species, should get attention during prevention and control strategies for the successful progress of the malaria elimination program.

Epidemiology and economic loss of coenurosis in small Ruminants slaughtered at mojo halal export abattoir, Oromia reginal state, East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Coenurosis is an important parasitic disease affecting small ruminant’s production which causes significant economic losses. A cross-sectional study was carried out from November, 2019 to May, 2020. To estimating the prevalence of coenurosis in small ruminants and determines the risk factors, to assess the community knowledge on the epidemiology of coenurosis and estimate the financial loss due to brain condemnation. A total 674 small ruminants were by a simple random sampling procedure. Data was analyzed using STATA version 11. Chi square test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between prevalence of coenurosis and potential risk factors. From the total 512 goat and 162 sheep examined for coenurosis 6.02% and 8.6% were found positive respectively. There was significance difference between the risk factors and coenurosis infection. More coenurosis infected small ruminants were found in highland 9.7% (Odd ratio= 2.31, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.14, 4.64; P=0.017) than midland and lowland. There was high prevalence of coenurois in adult than young age of small ruminants. From 45 positive cysts were examined to identify fertility and viability by using cyst viability and fertility procedure, 17.8% calcified, 68.9% sterile and 13.3 % fertile. The diameter of positive cysts showed 46.7%, 42.3%, 11% small, medium and large respectively. From 100 respondents’ 86% of respondents has agreed on the sign of coenurosis, 14% has not agreed. The annual financial losses due to brain condemnation were estimated at 124,821 dollar.

Econometric Analysis of Dairy Farmer’s Access to Agricultural Information in Ada’A District

This study set out to analyze the determinants of Dairy Farmer’s access to agricultural information in Ada’a District, East Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia. A three-stage sampling procedure was employed in which both non-probability sampling for the study area and probability sampling procedures were followed to select the three kebele and 136 respondents. The binary logit model analysis result revealed that sex, education level, social participation, extension contact, credit access, and innovation proneness have significant and positive influence on access to Agricultural information, where as age of household head has significant negative influence on Dairy farmer’s access to Agricultural information at different significant levels. Therefore , focus ought to be given regarding Gender difference; improving literacy rate, increasing extension worker and creating strong linkage with financial organizations to foster provision of credit service for farmer are strongly recommended to enhance agricultural Development through increasing provision of agricultural information. Keywords : access, Agricultural information, Dairy farmer, Binary logit DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-19-02 Publication date: October 31 st 2021

Performance Evaluation of Arsi, Kereyu and Their Crossbred Cattle Under Current Climate Change in Mid Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Fentale and Boset districts, East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to identify morph metric variation between cattle breeds of Arsi, Kereyu and their crossbred, and to evaluate adaptive, productive (milk yield) and reproductive performance of these cattle breeds, and their crossbred in the mid rift valley of Oromia Region. Three PA’s from each district, a total of Six PA (Huluka, Kawa, Barchota, Benti, Kobo and Dakaedu) were selected purposively. Respondents’ were identified using purposive sampling technique. Kereyu, Arsi and crossbred cattle of the two were reared for, milk production, risk aversion and source of income. The major production constraints identified were feed shortage, water scarcity, disease and coverage of grazing land by invasive plants. Arsi cattle’s have long age at first mating (3.87±.17), age at first calving (4.66±0.2) and calving interval (1.50±0.125) than Kereyu (3.78±0.23, 4.52±0.25, 1.39±0.19) and crossbred (3.86±0.11, 4.64±0.12, 1.49±0.14) in both study location while the crossbred cattle have medium Values respectively. Arsi cattle have short Lactation length than kereyu and Crossbred (6.36, 7.51, 7.11months for Arsi, kereyu and crossbred respectively also similar for daily milk yield (1.26, 1.71 and 1.43). The farmers in the two district prefer Kereyu breed due to their ability to tolerate drought, disease and highly adaptable to the area where as Arsi breed of cattle was susceptible to feed shortage, water scarcity and disease than other breed in the area. This study revealed that the Arsi community in the study area prefers to mate breeding female of Arsi with bull of Kereyu breed.