East Wollega Research Articles

Evaluation of Released Finger Millet Varieties in the East Wollega Zone of Western Oromia for Yields and Acid Soil Tolerance

On the sub humid regions of western Oromia, many finger millet cultivars were released and produced, but their performance on acid soils was not well researched. A field experiment consisted of two factors (nine finger millet verities and two lime rates, limed and un-limed treatments) were laid out in factorial arrangement, Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment was carried out at three locations (Bako, Diga and Gute) during 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons to identify and recommend finger millet varieties better performing to acid soils of sub humid areas of western Oromia. The interaction effect of variety by lime for two years over three locations was significant for biomass weight and grain yield. Bako 09 produced significantly the highest mean biomass weight and produced increments of 10% biomass weight and 7% grain yield by application of lime compared to un-limed treatment. At Bako, Kumsa, Bako 09, Boneya and Addis 01 produced significantly the highest biomass weight and grain yield compared to others but not significantly different from each other and produced 4% to 12% yield advantage over all mean grain yield. At Diga and Gute, Bako 09 produced significantly high grain yield. Consequently, application of lime increased finger millet grain yield, soil pH, available P, organic carbon and total nitrogen. Considering higher grain yield, production of Bako 09 under limed condition is recommended for the sub-humid western Oromia. Besides lime application and varietal selection, cropping system managements like rotation, integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, and split application of fine particle lime to acid soils require further research attention for sustainable crop production in acidic soils.

Technical efficiency and its determinants in health service delivery of public health centers in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: Two-stage data envelope analysis

BackgroundPriority-setting becomes more difficult for decision-makers when the demand for health services and health care resources rises. Despite the fact that the Ethiopian healthcare system places a strong focus on the efficient utilization and allocation of health care resources, studies of efficiency in healthcare facilities have been very limited. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate efficiency and its determinants in public health centers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the East Wollega zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Ethiopian fiscal year of 2021–2022 data was collected from August 01–30, 2022 and 34 health centers (decision-making units) were included in the analysis. Data envelope analysis was used to analyze the technical efficiency. A Tobit regression model was used to identify determinants of efficiency, declaring the statistical significance level at P < 0.05, using 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe overall efficiency score was estimated to be 0.47 (95% CI = 0.36–0.57). Out of 34 health centers, only 3 (8.82%) of them were technically efficient, with an efficiency score of 1 and 31 (91.2%) were scale-inefficient, with an average score of 0.54. A majority, 30 (88.2%) of inefficient health centers exhibited increasing return scales. The technical efficiency of urban health centers was (β = -0.35, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.07) and affected health centers’ catchment areas by armed conflicts declined (β = -0.21, 95% CI: -0.39, -0.03) by 35% and 21%, respectively. Providing in-service training for healthcare providers increased the efficiency by 27%; 95% CI, β = 0.27(0.05–0.49).ConclusionsOnly one out of ten health centers was technically efficient, indicating that nine out of ten were scale-inefficient and utilized nearly half of the healthcare resources inefficiently, despite the fact that they could potentially reduce their inputs nearly by half while still maintaining the same level of outputs. The location of health centers and armed conflict incidents significantly declined the efficiency scores, whereas in-service training improved the efficiency. Therefore, the government and health sector should work on the efficient utilization of healthcare resources, resolving armed conflicts, organizing training opportunities, and taking into account the locations of the healthcare facilities during resource allocation.

Households' willingness to pay and associated factors for the nutrition services provided to pregnant women at maternity waiting homes in East Wollega, Western Ethiopia

Households' willingness to pay and associated factors for the nutrition services provided to pregnant women at maternity waiting homes in East Wollega, Western Ethiopia

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of solid waste management system among households of Darge sub-city, east Wollega Zone, Oromia, Western Ethiopia

Background: Inappropriate solid waste management produced in the course of human activities has serious problems for the environment that adversely affect the health of the human population. Thus, towns and cities in developing countries like Ethiopia face environmental health and aesthetic problems resulting from improper management of solid waste disposal. Uncontrolled waste management may also contribute to the transmission of communicable diseases from different systems as well as encourage fly breading, which has nuisance effects in addition to disease transmission. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of solid waste management systems in households in Darge sub-city, East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using systematic random sampling techniques from February 1st to February 15th, 2022. Data was collected from 278 households using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. After data collection, data analysis was performed using SPSS computer software version 22.0. Results: The study showed that 67.3% had good knowledge, 65.86% had a positive attitude, and 63.3% had good practice in solid waste management (SWM). Among the households, 12.6% and 42.1% dispose of solid waste in open fields and open disposal pits, respectively. The perceived reason for improper solid waste disposal was a lack of awareness (55.4%) and a shortage of a place for solid waste disposal (30.6%). Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude, and practice of households in the study area need improvement according to standards for towns and sub-cities. Increasing knowledge, changing attitudes, and improving practice in SWM using the existing structure are recommended.

Factors associated with human papillomavirus infections among women living with HIV in public health facilities in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus infection (HPV) is among the most common sexually transmitted infections with the highest incidence and prevalence worldwide. HPV has been established as the main cause of cervical cancer and remains a public health problem globally. In Western Oromia, Ethiopia cervical screening remains a major issue because of limited resources, and shortage of HPV testing technology. As a result, the prevalence of HPV and associated factors remain unknown among HIV-positive women. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HPV and associated factors among women living with HIV attending Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services in public health facilities of East Wollega and West Showa Zones, Ethiopia, 2022.MethodUsing a cross-sectional study design, a total of 415 women ≥ 18 years old were enrolled using systematic random sampling from five public health facilities. Cervical specimens were collected by a trained nurse from April 01 2022, to May 30, 2022, and tested at Nekemte Public Health Research and Referral Molecular Biology, a certified/accredited laboratory for HPV-DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction by expertise using Abbott m2000rt-PCR assays. Finally, Epi data version 4.6 was used for data entry and SPSS version 24.0 were used for data cleaning and analysis, and frequencies and prevalence of HPV were computed. Variables were identified using the multivariable model and statistically significant associations of variables were determined based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI and P-value < 0.05 to determine the strength of association.ResultThe prevalence of HPV was 30.4% [95% CI: 26.0, 34.9]. Of HPV-infected women, 11.9% were positive for HPV-16, 9.5% for HPV-18, and 65.9% were positive for other hr-HPV . The odds of HPV infection among women aged beyond 48 years are 2.85 times the odds of HPV among people who were aged 18–27(AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.16, 5.58). The odds of HPV infection among women who had three or more sexual partners is 4.12 times the odds of HPV infection among women with a single sexual partner(AOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 2.34–8.62). The odds of HPV infection among women who didn’t use condom during sexual intercourse are 4.73 times the odds of HPV among women who used condom during sexual intercourse. (AOR = 4.73, 95% CI: 1.98–9.33). The odds of HPV infection among women who had history of is 4.52 times the odds of HPV infection among women with no history of abortion. [AOR = 4.52, 95% CI: 2.04, 6.89] The odds of HPV infection among women with history of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) 3.62 times the odds of HPV among women with no history of STI (AOR = 3.62, 95%CI: 1.75, 5.83). The odd of HPV among women with abnormal vaginal discharge is 3.31 times the odds of the disease among women with normal vaginal discharge [AOR = 3.31, 95% CI: 2.87,7.35).Conclusion and recommendationThe prevalence of HPV infection among HIV-infected women was high in the study area. Given the above-associated factors, we recommend that the stakeholders integrate HPV prevention strategies into HIV /AIDS services. Furthermore, the study has provided essential information about the HIV link with hr-HPV infections, which may explain the high prevalence among HIV-infected women. This can contribute to policy development and planning of prevention strategies incorporating HPV infection prevention especially among youth and HIV-infected people.

Assessment of infant and young child feeding practices and associated factors among less than two years' children in Leka Dullecha District, East Wollega, Ethiopia.

Leka Dullecha District, situated in East Wollega, Ethiopia, represents a region where infant and young child feeding practices play a crucial role in the health and well-being of the population. Understanding the prevailing feeding practices among children under 2 years old is essential for devising effective interventions to improve child nutrition and reduce mortality rates. The context of this study involves examining various factors influencing infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, including socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental determinants. The main aim of the study was conducted to investigate the infant and young child feeding practice and associated factors among mothers of children 0-23 months in Leka Dullecha District, East Wollega, and Ethiopia. A community-based, cross-sectional study design was carried out using 590 sample sizes. A stratified sampling method was used with simple random sampling technique. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with infant and young child feeding practices. The overall prevalence of appropriate infant and young child feeding practice was estimated to 62.3%. According to this finding, age of child, place of delivery, and knowledge of mother were positively associated factors for inappropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices. The overall infant and young child feeding practices in this study is not meeting the WHO guidelines for appropriate feeding practices. To achieve better feeding practices among 0-23 months aged children, intervention should focus on encouraging institution delivery and capacitating all health workers providing health education focusing on infant and young child feeding practices.

Trends of malaria cases (plasmodium species) in Gute Health Center, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega Zone, (2013-2022): A cross-sectional study.

Malaria is one of the biggest public health challenges in Ethiopia that has hampered the country's economic growth and development, and the government is on track to reduce malaria prevalence by 80% by 2025. As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine the trends in malaria prevalence in Wayu Tuqa District, Gute Health Center, over the last 10 years (2013-2022). A retrospective analysis was undertaken to identify the patterns of malaria cases in Wayu Tuqa District, Gute Health Center, from 2013 to 2022 by evaluating the malaria registration laboratory logbook. All socio-demographic data, as well as the year, month, and malaria prevalence, were obtained using a predesigned data collection form from previous years. In this study, 3402 (22.50%) of the total 15,040 probable patients had malaria. P. falciparum was the most common species, accounting for 82.84% (2818) of the total, followed by P. vivax (16.00%) (547). Males and people over the age of 15 were the most affected demographics. In this study, the highest number of malaria cases were observed in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Furthermore, the autumn season had the highest incidence of malaria cases, 40% (1339), while the spring season had the lowest prevalence, 16% (546). The general trend of plasmodium species at Gute Health Center over the previous 10 years (2013-2022) has not shown inconsistent trends. As a result, proper malaria prevention and control planning, implementation, and monitoring should be strengthened at all levels.

Health care providers' perspectives on the mistreatment towards women during maternity care: Do perceptions of the working environment and empathy level matter?

BackgroundMistreatment of women in maternity care violates human rights, erodes trust and disrupts the continuity of maternal healthcare services. Investigating Health Care Providers' (HCPs) perspectives is indispensable in uncovering drivers and designing targeted interventions. AimTo identify the roles of HCPs' perceptions of the working environment and levels of empathy on the mistreatment of women during maternity care. MethodsWe conducted a self-administered survey among 148 maternal HCPs practising in ten health centres and four hospitals in the East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia, from June to September 2022. FindingsMost providers reported seeing other HCPs mistreating women (93.2%), while three-fourths (75.7%) admitted it as their actions. Violation of privacy and confidentiality was the most frequently reported category of mistreatment (44.6%), followed by physical abuse (37.1%) and verbal abuse (35.8%). The likelihood of mistreating women was reduced by 65% (AOR=0.35, 95% CI: [0.14, 0.86]) among individuals with positive perceptions of their working environment compared to those with negative perceptions. A unit increase in providers' empathy also led to a five per cent decrease in mistreatment (AOR=0.95, 95% CI: [0.91, 0.98]. ConclusionsHCPs’ perceptions of their working environment and enhanced empathy levels were associated with the reduction of the odds of mistreatment of women. While empathic care should be cultivated as a component of HCPs' competencies, efforts should be made to improve the conditions of the demanding health system to realise a resilient, motivated, competent, and compassionate workforce. The interplay between gender, profession, and mistreatment level requires further investigation.

Impairment of health-related quality of life and its determinants among patients with podoconiosis in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: institutional-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants among patients diagnosed with podoconiosis in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based...

Utilization of iron-folic acid supplementation and related factors in pregnant women in Leka Dulecha District, East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia: The case study.

To treat neural tube closure abnormalities and maternal anemia during pregnancy, iron and folic acid (FA) supplements are typically necessary. Ethiopian Ministry of Health plan to increase the numbers of pregnant women who take iron and FA supplements from 11% to 50%, and by 2029, to 90% by 2024. Hence, the main objective of this study was to investigate the degree of iron-folic acid supplementation (IFAS) and associated factors among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at Leka Dulecha Woreda public health facilities from May 1 to October 31, 2022. In this study, about 316 pregnant women who visited Leka Dulecha prenatal care services were selected. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to examine parameters associated with the utilization of IFAS. These findings suggest that maternal educational status (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 2.00, 95% confidence interval, CI [1.5, 3.05]), the timing of the first prenatal consultation (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI [1.47, 2.62]), having a good understanding of anemia (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI [1.00, 2.11]), and a history of anemia during the current pregnancy (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.11, 3.16]) are important factors to consider when promoting adherence to iron-FA supplementation among pregnant women. It is crucial for healthcare providers to address these factors to improve the overall health outcomes for pregnant women attending Leka Delecha Health Facility.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmer Maize Production Efficiency in Western Parts of Oromia in Boneya Boshe woreda, East Wollega Zone: Evidence under Shifting Cultivation Area

Farming in Ethiopia can offer assistance in bringing dejected needs. Hence, the best possible means of achieving growth is by increasing the production efficiency of farmers. To estimate the levels of production efficiency, this study specifically used only data from farmers who are producing without plowing by oxen and without using fertilizers in the study area under shifting cultivation. Method: To determine the determinants of production efficiency, the Tobit model was used in this study. Result. The Tobit model results show that age of household, and herbicide use had a negative impact on the production efficiency of farmers. Regarding the positive determinants of production efficiency, labor, seed, and fertilizer (NPS) have a positive influence. Conclusion and Recommendation: The farmers in the study area are efficient in the production of maize. The government should give due attention to farmers' training by strengthening farmers' education and farmer training centers to make farmers more efficient producers and profitable by integrating local and traditional knowledge of farmers with formal knowledge of using herbicides. Farmers should also be advised, as they are youngest farmers engaging in farming work. Otherwise, the government should supply fertilizer and improve seed on credit.

Assessment of the Prevalence and Associated Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease at WURH, West Ethiopia, 2022 G C

for at least three months and are manifested by either kidney damage (most frequently detected as persistent albuminuria or proteinuria) or a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is &lt; 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. (1) . Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of CKD Patients at WURH from November 14-28, 2022. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study of 208 chronic patients was conducted at WURH, which were found in the East Wollega zone, Nekemte town, Ethiopia between December 2021 to November 2022. All analyses and calculations Were performed using SPSS software (SPSS version 20). Data was presented as the means ±SDs for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Demographic and clinical data were described. P values less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. Result: The magnitude of chronic kidney disease among the study participants was found that 53 (25.5%) of the participants had hypertension, of whom 60.2 had a follow-up, 22 (10.6%) had diabetes, all of whom were on follow-up, and 46 (22.1%) had cardiac problems. Serum creatinine level was determined for 193(92%) participants and 151(72.6%) had normal level while it was raised (&gt;1.2mg/dl) in 42(20.2%). urine dipstick test for proteinuria was done for 109(52.4%) of the participants and the result showed that 40(36.7%) had +1 proteinuria,32(29.4%) had +2 and 21(19.3%) had +3 and above. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD in this study concludes that the disease become abundant and needs attention. The magnitude of the disease involves all age categories and is similarly common among males and females. Besides, CKD without any underlying associated factors appears abundant. CKD magnitude among patients with hypertension had statistical significance. Chronic kidney disease is rising at an alarming rate. Therefore, we recommend that relevant prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutic measures must be undertaken in all health facilities.

Assessing First-Cycle Primary School English Language Teachers’ Speaking Proficiency

This study aimed to assess the speaking proficiency of English teachers in the first-cycle primary school employed a convergent mixed design method, with a specific focus on the East Wollega Zone. Utilizing sophisticated probability sampling, fifteen and ten English teachers underwent randomly assigned Oral Proficiency Tests and classroom observations, respectively. Descriptive statistical analysis uncovered a notable deficiency in overall speaking proficiency, as indicated by a combined mean score of 2.65, falling below the required standard. Independent sample t-tests revealed subpar Oral Proficiency Test outcomes for both male and female teachers, with p-values exceeding .05 for all components except pronunciation. Through a comprehensive assessment integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study consistently highlighted below-average speaking proficiency among English teachers. The results emphasize the imperative for targeted interventions and professional development initiatives to elevate the speaking proficiency of primary-level English teachers. The research provides critical insights by identifying specific areas of deficiency in speaking proficiency, particularly in pronunciation. These findings underscore the intricate nature of language proficiency and serve as a foundational guide for future research and policy considerations to enhance English language instruction in the early stages of education, addressing identified proficiency gaps and fostering a more effective learning environment.

Assessment and Mapping of Soil Fertility Status of Migna Kura Kebele, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia

Soil fertility decline is a significant obstacle to Ethiopia's increased food production, but information on current soil fertility status among the study areas is inadequate. Accurate soil fertility data is crucial for implementing effective strategies and developing targeted interventions to improve agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. This study was initiated in this context with the aim of mapping the spatial distribution of specific soil parameters and assessing the status of soil fertility in Migna Kura Kebele, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega, Ethiopia, providing crucial information for agrarian development. A total of 32 samples of surface soil were drawn at Stratifying random for laboratory analysis in 2019 G.C. Maps of soil fertility status were created using ArcGIS 10.4.1 and the common Kriging interpolation technique. Clay loam and clay are the two types of soil in the research study area. The bulk density of the soil ranged from 1.13 to 1.46 g/cm3, while the total porosity ranged from 42.57 to 55.15%. The pH of the soil can range from 6.7, which is slightly acidic, to 4.91, which is strongly acidic. The range of soil exchangeable acidity levels was 0 to 2.46 cmol (+) kg-1, while the range of OC values was medium (1.79% to 3.51%). Soil total N and available P values were between very low and low (0.19 to 1.11%) and 6.71 to 13.44 mg kg-1, respectively. Exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and Na levels in the soil ranged from 6.93 to 51.15, 2.85 to 23.63, 0.21 to 1.76, and 0.05 to 0.71 cmol (+) kg-1, respectively, while a medium to very high degree of CEC (22.19 to 77.42 cmol (+) kg-1) was observed. A moderate to very high rating was assigned to soil PBS, which ranged from 42.13 to 98.30%. Micro nutrients; Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn extractable from soil by DTPA ranged in value from 12.07 to 33.51 mg kg-1, 16.02 to 48.26 mg kg-1, 0.18 to 0.62 mg kg-1, and 0.19 to 0.62 mg kg-1, respectively. The soil fertility map was created for the following parameters: pH, OC, total N, available (P, S), CEC, PBS, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn; Cu, Zn, and B. According to the study's findings, the study area's soils were found to be deficient in six nutrients that limit yields: N, P, K, S, B, and Zn. he soil in the study area is affected by soil acidity; for sustainable crop production in the study area, soils should be amended with lime, organic matter, and fertilizers of N, P, S, K, B, and Zn.

Urea Split Application to Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth Stages of Medium Maturities, Influenced on Grain Yield and Parameter for Yield at Bako, East Wollega, Ethiopia

Appropriate timing of application can improve crop nutrient consumption efficiency. Maize production is still significantly below than its potential output, even though it is comparatively better than other main cereal crops. One of the main abiotic variables affecting crop growth is the timing of urea split application. Due to these gaps, an experiment was carried out at the Bako Agricultural Research Center during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons in order to ascertain the best time to apply urea split in order to maximize the yield and yield attributes of the maize varieties BH-546 and BH-547 in a study area and in countries with comparable agroecologies. Six levels of urea split application time (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6) were arranged in factorial combinations with two levels of maize varieties. In addition, a randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the previously advised urea split application. The harvest index of maize, grain yield, number of kernels per ear, ear dimension, and number of ears per plant all significantly differed depending on when nitrogen split administration occurred. Mean dry biomass, cob diameter, cob length, cob weight, and thousands seed weight of maize were all highly impacted by the interaction varietals and split time of nitrogen treatment. Compared to the previously recommended (1/2 dose at planting and 1/2 dose at knee height stage of maize), the time of N split application resulted in a significantly higher grain yield (9003.88 kg·ha−1): 1/4 dose at planting + 1/2 dose of N at knee height + 1/4 dose at tasseling of maize. However, three urea application regimes 1/4 dosage at planting time, 1/2 dose at knee height, and 1/4 dose of split application should be utilized in the event of irregular and intensely rainy seasons in order to maximize grain output and yield attributable.

Assessment of weed species composition and diversity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) farms in Ethiopia

Background: Weeds compete for vital nutrients and water with the tomato plants and serve as an alternative host for other pests. Although there is limited information on the weed species composition in major tomato-growing areas in Ethiopia, this study was conducted to identify the economically important weed species in tomato fields in the East Wollega, Shewa, West Shewa, Arsi, and Sidama zones. Methods: The weed flora assessment was conducted in major tomato growing zones of the country, such as East Shewa, Wollega, West Shewa, Arsi, and Sidama zones, in the 2018–2019 cropping season during the off-season. In each tomato field a 1 m x 1 m quadrat was thrown following an inverted X pattern, and weed species were recorded. Weed species composition was calculated using standard formulas. Results: The results revealed that 63 weed species under 23 families were identified at the surveyed locations. Portulaca oleracea was the most abundant and dominant, with 50% of the dominance value. Weed frequency values ranged from 0.06 to 72% in the studied areas. The weed similarity index was also different among the surveyed locations. The results of farmers perceptions on weed management in tomato fields showed that 61% of respondents practiced hoeing followed by hand weeding, and Tuta absoluta was the most significant constraint to tomato production in the surveyed areas. Conclusions: This assessment showed that there are differences in the composition and distribution of weed species in tomato fields in Ethiopia, which aid in predicting the population dynamics of weed flora. Farmers perceptions of weed management practices in tomato fields were also different. Therefore, different environmentally friendly weed management options such as good crop husbandry, biological control, and integrated management should be designed to increase tomato production and productivity.

The Influence of High-Stakes English Examinations on Students’ Out-of-Classroom English Learning Practices: A Comparative Study

Exams with high stakes may affect test takers’ learning endeavors. Given the students’ different academic backgrounds, it is not yet clear how much of an effect the tests will have on their out-of-classroom learning practices. This study, thus, aimed to close the knowledge gap by employing a mixed method of embedded research design and collecting data via questionnaire, focused group discussion (FGD), and document analysis. The questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 94 12th grade students. The students with their one-semester academic achievements were selected from two secondary schools found in East Wollega zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, multivariate and one-way ANOVA. The data gathered through document analysis and FGD were to substantiate the questionnaire. The contents of the three consecutive years of past Ethiopian Secondary School Leaving Certificate English Examination (ESSLCEE) questions were analyzed quantitatively. The qualitative method was used to conduct FGD with the selected participants from each school. The recorded data were subsequently transcribed, translated, analyzed, and discussed thematically. The study found significant differences between students of low-achieving groups (“Fair” and “Satisfactory” scorers) and high-achieving groups (“Very Good” and “Excellent” scorers) in studying non-ESSLCEE-related learning activities out-of-classroom. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between low-achieving groups and high-achieving groups regarding practicing ESSLCEE-related language components. The washback of high-stakes ESSLCEE on students’ out-of-classroom English learning practices was observed regardless of the students’ specific academic achievement groups they belonged to. The results suggest that there are differences in the impact of high-stakes exams on the efforts that students from different academic backgrounds make for out-of-classroom learning practices.

A Study of School Principals' Practices to Ensure Teacher Accountability for Curriculum Implementation in Ethiopian Primary Schools

This study investigates the curriculum implementation practices of principals in public elementary schools in East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. Using an exploratory case study approach and a multiple case study research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document review, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study confirm that principals prioritize holding teachers accountable for tasks other than curriculum implementation in the classroom. They pay insufficient attention to curriculum implementation while effectively managing subordinate accountability. The research reveals that stringent actions, such as removal from promotion and salary cuts, are imposed when teachers' performance in subordinate tasks declines. When teachers are present at schools, their shortcomings in implementing the curriculum are usually addressed by moving them to lower grades instead of imposing harsh punishments. In contrast, sanctions such as fines equivalent to three months' salary, demotion, and dismissal are reserved exclusively for violations of the teachers' code of ethics, not for performance issues in the classroom. Based on the findings, the study suggests that the government create a fresh educational accountability policy. This policy should motivate school principals to emphasize and strengthen accountability for executing the curriculum successfully.

Animal and their products used for treatment and prevention of disease practiced by traditional healers in Jimma Arjo district, East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is one of the countries with richest fauna used for medicinal purpose. The Jimma Arjo community has knowledge and practice of utilizing this medicinal animal for treatment of human and animal ailments. The objective of this research is to assess animals and their products used for treatment of human and animal ailment METHODS: A cross-sectional ethnozoological survey was conducted using a semi structured questionnaire among purposively selected traditional healers resided in Jimma Arjo district. The data collected was entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet and analysed using SPSS statistical software. Fidelity level (FL), use value and informant consensus factor was determined. A total of 33 animal species was found to be used for treating 40 human ailments and different livestock disease confirmed by 36 informants of different ages, sexes and educational backgrounds. The majority of animals (63.63%) were mammals followed by birds (15.15%). Most of the respondents were male, married and aged 55 years and above. Most of the healers learn ethnozoological practice from the father (36.11%) followed by mother (19.44%). The traditional practice is accepted by (72.22%) of the community where 61.11% of the healers are not willing to transfer their knowledge to other. For most of the healers, the reason to practice traditional healing was for treating one's own family or animals (41.67%). The FL was found 100% for honey from Apis mellifera and Trigona spp. for asthma, Cynopterus sphinx for viral skin disease and Crocuta crocuta for bad sprit treatment. In this study, honey from A. mellifera, Hystrix cristata and Sus scrofa domesticus were reported to cure different ailments. This study indicated wide use of medicinal animals and their products which could be used as an alternative and complementary medicine or a basis for in developing new drugs because the existing drugs especially antimicrobials are under threat due to the development of resistance by microbes.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Infectious Laryngotrachitis in Small Scale Chicken Production in Nekemte Town and Selectted Districts of East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a disease of high economic consequence to the poultry sector. Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), under the genus Iltovirus, and the family Herpesviridae, is the agent responsible for the disease. The aims of current study were, therefore, to estimate the seroprevalence of ILTV in chickens and identifying associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to October 2022 in East Wollega zone specifically in Nekemte town and three surrounding districts (Diga, Guto Gida and Leka Dulecha). The districts were selected by purposive sampling, however, cluster-sampling technique was used to select the smallest administrative units (villages) and farms/households, and the study element (chickens) was selected by simple random sampling method. Logistic regression analysis was utilized in order to analyse the collated data. A total of 384 serum samples were collected from Nekemte town and the three selected districts of east Wollega zone. Indirect ELISA was used to assay for the existence of anti-ILTV antibodies in the serum. A questionnaire survey was used to identify the potential risk factors. Out of the 384 samples, 15.36% (95% CI: 12.1–19.3) tested positive for anti-ILTV antibodies, with 21.88%, 14.44%, 11.11% and 10.53% prevalence obtained from Nekemte town, Guto Gida, Diga and Leka Dulecha respectively. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that the chicken source and Sasso breed were found to be significantly associated with ILT seropositivity. Chickens obtained from day old chicks distributers was 2.22 (COR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.23-4.00) times more likely seropositive than those bought from market. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of potential risk factors revealed that exotic Sasso breeds of chicken were found 9.68 (AOR: 9.68, 95% CI: 1.96-47.78) more likely to be seropositive than local breed. It was concluded that the seroprevalence obtained in this study indicated the circulation of this economically important poultry disease in the study sites and, hence warrants prevention and control.