Eastern Ethiopia Research Articles

Establishing the Ethiopian Obstetric Surveillance System for Monitoring Maternal Outcomes in Eastern Ethiopia: A Pilot Study.

Although the majority of maternal deaths and complications occur in low-resource settings, almost all existing strong registration and confidential enquiry systems are found in high-resource settings. We developed and piloted the Ethiopian Obstetric Surveillance System (EthOSS), based on the successful United Kingdom Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) methodology, in 3 regions in Ethiopia to improve ongoing surveillance and tracking of maternal morbidities and deaths, as well as confidential enquiry, compared to the currently used maternal death surveillance and response program in Ethiopia. We launched the EthOSS monthly case notification system in 13 hospitals in eastern Ethiopia in April 2021. Study participants included women admitted to the hospitals from April to September 2021 with major adverse obstetric conditions during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. Designated clinicians at the hospitals used a simple online system to report the number of cases and maternal deaths monthly to the EthOSS team. We present findings on the incidence and case fatality rates for adverse conditions included in the EthOSS. Over the 6-month pilot period, 904 women with at least 1 EthOSS condition were included in the study, of whom 10 died (case fatality rate, 1.1%). Almost half (46.6%, 421/904) sustained major obstetric hemorrhage, 38.7% (350/904) severe anemia, 29.5% (267/904) eclampsia, 8.8% (80/904) sepsis, and 2.2% (20/904) uterine rupture. To enable care improvement alongside surveillance, the local committee received training on confidential enquiry into maternal deaths from internal and external experts. In this facility-based project, data on severe adverse obstetric conditions were captured through voluntary reporting by clinicians. Further analysis is essential to assess the robustness of these data, and confidential enquiry into maternal deaths for specific cases is planned to investigate the appropriateness of care.

Determinants of food and nutrition security: Evidence from crop-livestock mixed farming households of central and eastern Ethiopia

Despite significant progresses made as part of the 2030 sustainable development goals ambition, “zero hunger and malnutrition”, global food insecurity and malnutrition are rising. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with livestock-crop mixed farm households' food and nutrition security outcomes in central and eastern Ethiopia. In order to achieve this objective, primary data collected from 410 households across five districts were used. Monthly food consumption expenditure per adult equivalent and food consumption score (FCS) were used to capture the multidimensional nature of food and nutrition security. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the key variables of interest while the econometric analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the household food and nutrition security outcomes. The finding reveals that 31.46% of the households had monthly food consumption expenditure below the food poverty line, while the average FCS was 59.34. The econometric models result reveals that educational level of the household head and access to extension services were positively associated with the probability of the household being food secure and the FCS. Also, total land owned was positively associated with the probability of the household being food secure, while family size was negatively associated with it. The finding further reveals that livestock size and off-farm and/or non-farm employment were positively associated with the FCS, while the age of the household and crop loss were negatively associated with it. Hence, the findings emanating from this study seem to suggest that policy makers and development partners interested in the reduction of food and nutrition insecurity may focus on the variables found to be significantly associated with the households’ food and nutrition security.

Optimization of soaking conditions (temperature and time) on physicochemical properties of selected parboiled rice varieties grown in Eastern Ethiopia.

This study aimed to optimize soaking temperature and time for better physicochemical properties of parboiled rice varieties grown in Eastern Ethiopia. Two brown rice varieties (NERICA-4 and NERICA-6) were collected from the Somali Regional Agricultural and Pastoral Research Center in Gode. The experiment was designed to aid the design expert software using box-behnken experimental design of response surface methodology to optimize the effects of soaking temperature (60-70°C) and soaking time (4-6h). Relevant physical and chemical composition properties of the parboiled rice varieties were investigated using standard methods. Numerical optimization of the responses was performed using design expert software. The results showed that soaking time and temperature significantly (p < .05) influenced the physicochemical quality of studied brown rice varieties. The optimal soaking temperature and time were 65°C and 6h, respectively, for NERICA-4. Under these conditions, the optimum response variables obtained were 375.37 N, 52 min, 12.3%, 1.24%, 13.86%, 2.17%, 3.2942%, 67.1171%, 343.5kcal/100 g, 274.72 mg/100 g, 318.35 mg/100 g, and 268.31 mg/100 g for hardness, cooking time, moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, energy, magnesium, and potassium and phosphorous content, respectively. However, 65°C and 5h were optimum soaking temperatures and time for NERICA-6, giving hardness, cooking time, moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, energy content, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous of 375.18 N, 52 min, 12.2%, 1.4%, 11.54%, 2.29%, 2.89%, 69.6%, 345.42 kcal/100 g, 156 mg/100 g, 105.9mg/100 g and 136.9mg/100 g, respectively. The findings showed that rice varieties, in particular NARICA 4, were processed under optimal parboiling conditions in the study setting for better physical properties, proximate composition, and mineral content.

Comparative evaluation of saliva and nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 detection using RT-qPCR among COVID-19 suspected patients at Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia.

Nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) remains the recommended sample type for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis. However, the collection procedure causes discomfort and irritation to the patients, lowering the quality of the sample and exposing healthcare workers to risk. Furthermore, there is also a shortage of flocked swabs and personnel protective equipment in low-income settings. Therefore, this necessitates an alternative diagnostic specimen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of saliva against NPS for SARS-CoV-2 detection using RT-qPCR among COVID-19 suspected patients at Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia. Comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from June 28 to July 30, 2022. A total of 227 paired saliva and NPS samples were collected from 227 COVID-19 suspected patients. Saliva and NPS samples were collected and transported to the Somali Regional Molecular Laboratory. Extraction was conducted using DaAn kit (DaAn Gene Co., Ltd China). Veri-Q RT-qPCR was used for amplification and detection (Mico BioMed Co, Ltd, Republic of Korea). The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS 25. McNemar's test was used to compare the detection rate. Agreement between NPS and saliva was performed using Cohen's Kappa. The mean and median of cycle threshold values were compared using paired t-tests and the correlation between cycle threshold values was measured using Pearson correlation coefficient. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was 22.5% (95% CI 17-28%). Saliva showed higher sensitivity (83.8%, 95% CI, 73-94.5%) than NPS (68.9%, 95% CI 60.8-76.8%). The specificity of saliva was 92.6% (95% CI, 80.6% - 100%) compared to NPS (96.7%, 95% CI, 87% - 100%). The positive, negative, and overall percent agreement between NPS and saliva was 83.8%, 92.6%, and 91.2% respectively (κ = 0.703, 95% CI 0.58-0.825, P = 0.00). The concordance rate between the two samples was 60.8%. NPS showed a higher viral load than saliva. There was low positive correlation between the cycle threshold values of the two samples (r = 0.41, 95% CI -1.69 to -0.98, P >0.05). Saliva showed a higher detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis than NPS and there was significant agreement between the two specimens. Therefore, saliva could be suitable and easily obtainable alternative diagnostic specimen for SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis.

Bacterial Profile of External Ocular Infections, Its Associated Factors, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern among Patients Attending Karamara Hospital, Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia.

External ocular infection is a global public health problem. Frequently, bacteria cause an ocular infection that ranges from morbidity to loss of vision. The increasing bacterial resistance in ocular infections leads to the risk of treatment failure with possibly serious consequences. The study aimed to assess the bacterial profile of external ocular infections, their associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among patients admitted to Karamara hospital, Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia. Institutional-basedcross-sectional study was conducted on 288 conveniently selected patients among patients admitted to Karamara hospital from May 1 to June 30, 2020. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The ocular sample was collected and cultured in the appropriate culture media and identified using a series of biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates was performed by using the disk diffusion method. Data were double entered onto EpiData version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 20 and analyzed to calculate descriptive frequency and odds ratio, and p value ≤0.05 was taken as the significant value. The prevalence of bacterial infection in external ocular samples was 62.2% (95% CI: 56.6%, 68.4%). Out of the 179 isolates, the majority of the bacterial isolates (87.7%) were Gram-positive. Staphylococcus aureus (53.1%) was the predominant isolate. Using soap for washing the face (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.95), having diabetes mellitus (AOR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.45, 6.75), and history of hospitalization (AOR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.44, 5.54) were significantly associated with external ocular infection. Most (95.5%) of the Gram-positive bacteria showed resistance to penicillin, but they were susceptible to vancomycin, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin. The study showed a high prevalence of bacterial infections with the predominant isolate was S. aureus. Penicillin-resistant bacteria were identified among Gram-positive bacterial isolates. Soap usage, hospitalization, and diabetes mellitus were associated with the infection. Antibiotics that were susceptible to the specific bacteria should be used as a drug of choice and using soap for washing the face is advisable to protect against external ocular infection.

Factors associated with undernutrition among pregnant women in Haramaya district, Eastern Ethiopia: A community-based study.

Although undernutrition in pregnancy has continued to get global attention as pregnancy is considered a critical period in the life cycle owed to increase the metabolic and physiological demands, evidence is scarce on undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in Haramaya district, Eastern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurement, and hemoglobin analysis by trained research assistants. An adjusted Prevalence ratio (aPR), and a 95% confidence interval (CI), were used to report associations. Poisson regression analysis model with a robust variance estimate identified variables associated with undernutrition. Data were double entered using Epi-data 3.1 and cleaned, coded, checked for missing and outliers, and analyzed using Stata 14 (College Station, Texas 77845 USA. Finally, the p-value <0.05 was the cut-off point for the significant association. A total of 448 pregnant women with a mean age of 25.68 (± 5.16) were included in the study. The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women was 47.9% (95% CI: 43%-53%). From the analysis, the undernutrition was more likely higher among respondents who had five or more family members (APR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.02-1.40), lower dietary diversity (APR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.13-2.21) and those who were anemic (APR = 4.27; 95% CI = 3.17-5.76). Nearly half of the pregnant women in study area were undernourished. High prevalence was found among women who had large family sizes, low dietary diversity and anemia during pregnancy. Improving dietary diversity, strengthening family planning services and giving special attention to pregnant women, supplementation of iron and folic acid, and early detection and treatment of anemia is essential to improve the high burden of undernutrition and the adverse effect on pregnant women and the fetus.

Survival Status and Predictors of Mortality Among Women with Uterine Rupture at Public Hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia. Semi-Parametric Survival Analysis.

Uterine rupture is the most dangerous complication of labor and contributes to high maternal mortality. Despite efforts to improve basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric treatment, women continue to suffer from disastrous maternal outcomes. This study aimed to assess the survival status and predictors of mortality among women with uterine rupture at public hospitals in the Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study among women with uterine rupture in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. All women with uterine rupture were followed for 11 years retrospectively. Statistical analysis was conducted with STATA version 14.2. Kaplan-Meier curves together with a Log rank test were used to estimate the survival time and show the presence of differences among groups. Cox Proportion Hazard (CPH) model was used to determine the association between independent variables and survival status. There were 57,006 deliveries in the study period. We found that 10.5% (95% CI: 6.8-15.7) of women with uterine rupture have died. The median recovery and death time for women with uterine rupture were 8 and 3 days with interquartile range (IQR) of 7-11 days and 2-5 days, respectively. Antenatal care follow-up (AHR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.8-9.79), education status (AHR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02-0.85), visiting health center (AHR: 4.89; 95% CI: 1.05-22.88), and admission time (AHR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.89-10.18) were the predictors of survival status of women with uterine rupture. One out of ten study participants died due to uterine rupture. Factors including not having ANC follow-up, visiting health centers for treatment, and being admitted during the night time were predictors. Thus, a great emphasis has to be given to the prevention of uterine rupture and the linkage within health institutions has to be smooth to improve the survival of patients with uterine rupture with the help of different professionals, health institutions, health bureaus, and policymakers.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among adult clients at public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia using the health belief model: multicentre cross-sectional study

ObjectiveImmunization is still one of the best ways to reduce viral-related morbidity and mortality . Therefore, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among adult clients...

In vitro Antibacterial Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers for Treating Urinary Tract Infection in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia.

Despite the presence of antibacterial agents for urinary tract infection treatment, most of the uropathogenic bacteria reveal multi-drug resistance. Health and economic loss due to these represent a rising burden worldwide which necessitates serious action at regional, national and global levels. Thus, alternative approaches to overcome this problem by using bioactive compounds from traditional medicinal plants are required. This study was designed to evaluate the in-vitro antibacterial activity of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho used in the traditional treatment of urinary tract infections. An experimental study was employed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of methanol and ethanol crude extract of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho roots of six dilutions (25, 50, 100, 125, 250, and 500) mg/mL. Disc diffusion and macro broth dilution methods were used to determine antimicrobial activity test and minimum inhibitory concentration respectively against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, and S. aureus bacterias. Antibacterial activities of ethanol and methanol crude extract of Punica granatum fruit peels against E. coli ATCC25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC27853, S. aureus ATCC25923, K. pneumoniae UK5099 and P. mirabilis UK5999 had highest inhibition zones among tested plants. All tested bacteria were highly sensitive to Punica granatum extract. The second most active plant extract in inhibiting the growth of tested bacteria was Nigella sativa while Echinops kebericho showed the smallest efficacy against tested bacteria. The inhibition zone diameter produced by the methanol extract of each screened plant had higher inhibition zones than ethanol extract. The crude extracts of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho roots have promising antibacterial activity against tested uropathogenic bacteria.

The traditional use of wild edible plants in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities of Mieso District, eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundThe populations in Ethiopia have developed their indigenous knowledge to use, manage and conserve wild edible plants (WEPs). In the eastern part of Ethiopia, wild edible plants are used as a means of survival during times of food shortage and as dietary supplements. Documenting the traditional and cultural use of wild food plants is a vital step in obtaining baseline data for investigating nutritional values and possible side effects, preserving indigenous knowledge, and ultimately interesting in wild edible plant conservation. However, their significance, management and utilization have not been documented in Mieso District. Therefore, this study aimed to provide documentation of wild edible plant use associated with ethnobotanical knowledge in Mieso District, eastern Ethiopia.MethodsAn ethnobotanical study of wild edible plant species was conducted from March 2021 to May 2022. A total of 120 (72 males and 48 females) informants were selected using the snowball method. Data collection methods, including semistructured interviews, direct observation and field walks were used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including independent sample t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). We calculated use values (UVs) to analyse the relative cultural importance of each plant species.ResultsA total of 41 wild edible plant species belonging to 33 genera in 21 families were documented to be used as food sources both during times of food shortage and as dietary supplements. Family Malvaceae was best-represented with 6 species, followed by Fabaceae and Rhamnaceae (4 species each). The dominant growth form (habit) was shrubs (30 species), followed by trees (11 species). The most widely used plant parts were fruits (covering 39 species, 95%). The largest number (23 species) was collected from forest habitats only, followed by both village and forest habitats (8 species). The majority of wild edible plants (28 species or 68%) were consumed only during famine or in the time of food shortage followed by supplementing staple foods (9 species or 22%). Wild edible plants in Mieso are used for multiple other uses, including for fodder, fuel, medicine, construction, cosmetics and bee keeping. Twenty-three species were mentioned for fodder use, followed by fuel purpose (21 species) and medicinal value (13 species). The species that had the highest use values were Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr. (1.4), Carissa spinarum L. (1.1), Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. (0.6), Grewia villosa Willd. (0.5), Cordia monoica Roxb. (0.3) and Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (L.) (0.2). Most WEPs were collected from March to May (Badheysa) (33 species). The highest mentioned wild edible plant sold in the market was F. indica (Burm.f.) Merr. mentioned by 20 informants, followed by Z. spina-christi (L.) Desf. (14).ConclusionThe people in Mieso use wild plants as supplementary food to cultivated crops, during famine, and many could be utilized for day-to-day human consumption. Some plants in the district provide cash income for local people. However, deforestation (54%), drought (22%) and agricultural expansion (12%) were the highest threats to wild plants in Mieso District. Hence, on-site and off-site conservation would help protect wild plant resources in Mieso, eastern Ethiopia.

Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients’ mortality rate and its predictors in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, 2018

Background: Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (TB/HIV) co-infection is an important global public health problem and result multidirectional tricky. The mortality rate of co-infected patient’s comes from many aspects or factors. Identification of these factors is important for planning and for the intervention of care and treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the co-infected patients’ mortality rate and its predictors. Methods: A five-year retrospective cohort study was employed among 471 randomly selected TB/HIV co-infected patients enrolled from January, 2012 to December, 2016. Relevant variables of data were collected from patients ‘medical cards. The collected data were entered into Epi-data 4.2.0.0 and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Univariate analyses were used to describe the baseline characteristics of the patients. Kaplan Meir curve were used for the comparison of time to recovery among the different groups of patients and Cox model was used to identify independent predictors. Results: A total of 79 (16.8%) deaths occurred during the median follow-up period of 685 days. being infected with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) [AHR=1.99 (95% CI:1.16-3.41)], WHO clinical stage III [AHR=2.88 (95% CI:1.56-5.30)], IV [AHR=4.20 (95% CI:2.21-8.01)], ambulatory functional status [AHR=4.15 (95% CI:1.57-10.98)], bedridden functional status [AHR=6.34 (95% CI:2.43-16.59)] and delayed Co-trimoxazole preventive therapy [AHR=2.45 (95% CI:1.54-3.91)] were important predictors associated with high mortality rate of TB/HIV co-infected patients. Conclusions: about one to six TB/HIV co-infected persons died in their course of treatment follow-up. Important contributing factors were PTB infection, WHO clinical staging III and IV, ambulatory and bed ridden functional status and delayed co-trimoxazole preventive therapy.

Antibiotics prescribing practice among patients with urinary tract infection at outpatient department, the case of Dilchora referral hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: an institutional retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundInappropriate prescription of antibiotics is a global public health challenge. Widespread use, misuse, or inappropriate prescribing has resulted in unnecessary expenditure on drugs, raised risk of adverse reactions, the development of antimicrobial resistance, and increment in health care costs. There is a limited practice in rational prescribing of antibiotics in the management of Urinary tract infection (UTI) in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess antibiotic prescribing practice in the treatment of patients with UTI at outpatient department (OPD), Dilchora referral hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 7 to March 14, 2021. Data were collected from 600 prescription papers using systematic random sampling method. World Health Organization’s standardized core prescribing indicators was used.ResultsA total of 600 prescriptions containing antibiotics prescribed for patients with UTIs were observed during the study period. Of these, 415 (69.19%) were females and 210 (35%) were in the age group of 31–44 years. The number of generic drugs and antibiotics prescribed per encounter was 1.60 and 1.28, respectively. The percentage of antibiotics per prescription was found to be 27.83%. About 88.40% of antibiotics were prescribed by generic names. Fluoroquinolones were the most frequently prescribed class of drugs for the treatment of patients with UTIs.ConclusionThe prescribing practice of antibiotics in patients with UTIs was found to be good as the drugs were prescribed in generic name.

Diversity and role of woody non-timber forest products in Doba District, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract. Abebaw AF, Damme PV. 2023. Diversity and role of woody non-timber forest products in Doba District, Eastern Ethiopia. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 38-47. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) play a pivotal role as local sources of medicine, household paraphernalia, and fodder and offer income opportunities that can mitigate poverty. This study was conducted in Doba District, West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia, to analyze the diversity and economic contribution of non-timber forest products. Both ethnobotanical and vegetation data were cross-sectionally collected from February 2020 up to June 2021. A total of 422 informants selected randomly from forest inhabitants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to explore NTFP utilization and their economic contributions. Vegetation data were collected from 56 sample plots of each 20m x 20m (400m2) along transects lines. Vegetation data collected were analyzed for the relative density of species, Shannon-Wiener index, species evenness, and relative frequency. From the household survey, 58 plant species categorized in 55 genera and 35 families were identified as NTFP-bearing species. Analysis of the socio-economic data shows that NTFP collection is a day-to-day activity of the local communities. These communities use NTFPs in different types of use categories, namely medicinal plants (32, 55.17%), melliferous species (20, 34.48%), wild food and condiment species (22, 37.93%), farm implements (7, 12.06%), wood and flavoring (6, 10.34%), source of energy (20, 35.71%), and household utensils and construction materials (30, 51.72%). The market survey analysis showed that NTFPs account for about 15.77% of the annual household income. The vegetation survey showed that Ades Forest has a good status with an average density of 1,450 plants ha-1, high Shannon-Wiener index (H =3.299), and species evenness (E = 0.81). Ades Forest harbors a diverse number of NTFP-bearing species used for several categories. The study reveals the real experiences of the local communities in utilizing NTFPs for their livelihood. Forest dependency rates tend to be higher among poor households. However, further study on production potential and market chain analysis should be done together with awareness creation activities to get a sustainable product for the community and conserve the forest resource.

Magnitude, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates among adult dental caries patients attending Hiwot Fana comprehensive specialized university hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia.

Dental caries is defined as a dynamic diet microbial disease of teeth, which results in localized dissolution and destruction of the mineralized tissues of the teeth. Dental caries develops when there is a susceptible tooth exposed to pathogenic bacteria in the presence of substrate. Under these conditions, the bacteria metabolize substrate to form acid, which decalcifies teeth. Dental caries is among the top oral health problem in both developing and developed nations affecting around 20-50% of the population globally. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates among adult dental caries patients visiting Hiwot Fana specialized university hospital dental clinic from April 23 to-June 23, 2021. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 study participants. Convenient sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Data was entered into Epi-info version 7.2.4.0 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 for analysis. The result was explained by using summary measures of texts, tables, and graphs after analysis by using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was defined at a p-value of less than 0.05. The overall magnitude of bacteria among dental caries patients was 68.3%. S mutans 74(37.4%) and Lactobacillus spp 58(29.3%) were the most predominant isolated bacteria. Lack of teeth brushing (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI:1.6, 4.6), the habit of chewing khat always (AOR:4.8, 95%CI:2.10,8.80), the habit of chewing khat sometimes (AOR: 3.8: 95% CI: 2.520,9.48) and consumption of soft drinks (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI:1.2,3.1) were significantly associated with bacterial dental caries. Almost, all bacterial isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin compared to Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamycin, penicillin, tetracycline, vancomycin and tobramycin. Teeth brushing habit, consumption of soft drink and a habit of chewing khat affects dental health and they are associated with bacterial dental caries. Harari regional health bureau better to focus by giving health education to the community about dental caries based on identified associated factors with dental caries.

Relapse of acute malnutrition and associated factors after discharge from nutrition stabilization centers among children in Eastern Ethiopia.

Acute malnutrition is a major global health problem primarily affecting under-five children. In sub-Saharan Africa, children treated for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) at an inpatient have high case fatality rate and is associated with relapse of acute malnutrition after discharge from inpatient treatment programs. However, there is limited data on the rate of relapse of acute malnutrition in children after discharge from stabilization centers in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and predictors of relapse of acute malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months discharged from stabilization centers in Habro Woreda, Eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among under-five children to determine the rate and predictors of relapse of acute malnutrition. A simple random sampling method was used to select participants. All randomly selected children aged 6-59 months discharged from stabilization centers between June 2019 and May 2020 were included. Data were collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaires and standard anthropometric measurements. The anthropometric measurements were used to determine relapse of acute malnutrition. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with relapse of acute malnutrition. An odds ratio with 95% CI was used to estimate the strength of the association and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 213 children with mothers/caregivers were included in the study. The mean age in months of children was 33.9 ± 11.4. More than half (50.7%) of the children were male. The mean duration of children after discharge was 10.9 (± 3.0 SD) months. The magnitude of relapse of acute malnutrition after discharge from stabilization centers was 36.2% (95% CI: 29.6,42.6). Several determinant factors were identified for relapse of acute malnutrition. Mid-upper arm circumference less than 110 mm at admission (AOR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.05,7.92), absence of latrine (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.09,5.65), absence of follow-up visits after discharge (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.15,7.22), not received vitamin A supplementation in the past 6 months (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.40,8.09), household food insecurity (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI: 1.40,15.06), poor dietary diversity (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.31,7.33), and poor wealth index (AOR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.23,12.43) were significant predictors of relapse of acute malnutrition. The study revealed very high magnitude of relapse of acute malnutrition after discharge from nutrition stabilization centers. One in three children developed relapse after discharge in Habro Woreda. Programmers working on nutrition should design interventions that focus on improving household food insecurity through strengthened public Safety Net programs and emphasis should be given to nutrition counseling and education, as well as to continuous follow-up and periodic monitoring, especially during the first 6 months of discharge, to reduce relapse of acute malnutrition.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Adolescent and Youth in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: adolescents and youth characterized by significant physiological, psychological, and social changes; these were put them at high risk for several sexual and reproductive health problems. Insufficient studies have addressed the burden and risk factors of young people’s sexual and reproductive health services utilization in Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the adolescents and youth sexual and reproductive health service utilization and associated factors in Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: For the quantitative data, community-based cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested interview-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to determine the association between the dependent and independent variables. For the qualitative data, phenomenological study was conducted and thematic analysis was employed. Results: This study revealed that the overall sexual and reproductive health service utilization was found to be 39.5%. Youths’ preference regarding the services majority preferred special service hours designated for adolescents (55.6%), (46.9) preferred a discounted price (43.2%) preferred free service, (37% %) preferred young health providers of the same sex. Having discussion on sexual and reproductive health issues with family, living with partner/friend, convenient service hour, short distance from health facility, having sexual activity within the last 12 months were among the factors associated with sexual and reproductive health services utilization. Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed that the overall sexual and reproductive health service utilization was found to be low. Considering the physical and psychological changes of adolescents’ the discussion on sexual and reproductive health matters is highly important and expected from every family.

Adoption of Improved Sorghum Variety (Melkam) and Its Impact on Household Food Security in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia

This study aimed to examine the adoption of an improved sorghum variety (melkam) and its impact on smallholder farmers’ food security in Babile district, Eastern Harerghe zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A mixed research methodology was used to utilize both quantitative and qualitative strategies for data gathering and analysis. A multistage sampling process was applied to choose the 320 sample household heads. Literature was reviewed for secondary data. The results of the descriptive statistics indicated that 47.5% and 52.5% of the sample households adopted and did not adopt enhanced sorghum varieties, respectively. According to the findings of the binary logistic regression, factors that positively influenced farmers' decisions to adopt improved sorghum varieties included years of education, land holding, incomes, the availability of credit services, extension contact, and farmer cooperatives. In contrast, factors that adversely impacted farmers' judgments included household head age and market distance. Hence, this upshot concludes that improving educational levels, creating a fine line for credit access, and enhancing farmer cooperatives are needed to improve sorghum variety adoption.

Treatment outcomes and its associated factors among pneumonia patients admitted to public hospitals in Harar, eastern Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study

ObjectiveAlthough there is a high risk of drug resistance, empiric treatment is a common approach for pneumonia management. In this respect, it is relevant to know treatment outcomes of patients...

Factors Influencing The Quality of Construction Projects in Public Universities

The study aims to determine factors affecting project quality in public universities in eastern Ethiopia. The researchers used primary data in a quantitative research approach to accomplish the objectives. The dependent variable, project quality, is regressed on five Explanatory variables: Leadership, Policy &amp; Strategy, People, Partnership &amp; Resources, and Process. Each of these characteristics was gathered from the consultant, client, and contractor. In order to determine the validity of the model. All multiple regression assumption tests were found to be valid. According to regression analysis, it was found that Leadership, Policy &amp; Strategy, People, Partnership &amp; Resources, and Process all have a substantial impact on project quality. The analysis from one-way ANOVA revealed that clients, contractors, and consultants have similar perceptions of the five quality attributes, leadership, people and policy and strategy, partnership and resources and process. Results from this research can be used by construction firms to improve their quality management systems, as they will indicate where the emphasis should be focused to ensure the ongoing improvement of project quality and sustainability.

Archaeological Perspectives on Contacts between Cairo and Eastern Ethiopia in the 12th to 15th Centuries

Abstract A sustained relationship between Cairo, Egypt more broadly, and eastern Ethiopia appears to have existed, particularly in the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods. In the general absence of historical sources, it is archaeology that provides primary insight into how and why this relationship was maintained, particularly over the twelfth to thirteenth centuries. This is considered through archaeological data from the trading entrepot of Harlaa with particular reference to coins, glass wares, ceramics, bread/ textile stamps, marine shell, and jewellery moulds. The inferences that can be drawn from these regarding trade routes and markets are assessed. Finally, the Egyptian role in the decline of Harlaa and its replacement by Harar in the late fifteenth century are considered.