Ethiopian Birr Research Articles

Pre-scaling up evaluation of banana technology under irrigation conditions in Abergelle District, Wag-himra Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to compare the improved banana technology against the local production technique to enhance demand-driven banana technology up-scaling and diffusion. Data were collected at the field and farmers' levels. Descriptive and inferential statistics, cost-benefit analysis and matrix ranking were employed for analysis. The result revealed that the average yield (38.40 ton ha-1) of improved banana technology had a significant yield advantage (47.24%) over the local practice (p<0.05). Despite the higher cost of production, its net return was by far higher than the local practice. The benefit-cost ratio also displays that 9.49 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) profit per 1.00 ETB investment in an improved technology package. The overall farmers' perceptions were laid under strongly agree and agree categories, and 95% of them believed that the improved banana technology was appropriate for their area and hence accepted with full confidence. The respective organizations working on rural livelihood improvement are therefore advised to up-scale the improved technology for the wider community based on the irrigation potential.

Training at farmers training centers and its impact on crop productivity and households’ income in Ethiopia: A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis

The creation and expansion of training and extension networks for rural households are indispensable to develop and improve skills and to increase productivity and income-generating capabilities. In this line, Ethiopia has established farmers/pastoralists training centers (F/PTCs) since 2002 aimed at providing a multitude of services to farmers at the grassroots level. One of these services is the provision of training. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to assess the impact of training on crop productivity and households’ income in the study area. Cross-sectional data were collected from April to June 2020 from 362 and 373 sample respondents involved in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) production in the 2018/19 main cropping season, respectively. The mixed-methods research approach was used for the study. The quantitative data were collected through a semi-structured interview schedule from the respondents. The qualitative data were also collected by interviewing key informants and conducting focus group discussions. The propensity score matching (PSM) model was applied to analyze the impact of training on the aforesaid outcome variables. About 87% of the sample households were engaged in both wheat and maize production in the study area. The PSM results found indicate that trainees increased their wheat and maize yield by 860.16 (26.66%) and 301.56 (10.10%) kg ha-1, respectively. They also earned a net annual income of 7,490 (19.64%) Ethiopian birr ha-1 from wheat production.

EFFECTS OF LENTIL (Lens culinaris) SCREENING AS A REPLACEMENT FOR NOUG SEED CAKE (Guizotia abyssinica) ON THE DIETS OF GROWING FARTA LAMBS IN ETHIOPIA

A study was performed with the objective to assess nutrient biological performance and assess economic feasibility of Farta lambs fed wheat straw (WS) as a basal feed and supplemented with lentil screening (LS) in replacement for noug seed cake (NSC). The experimental sheep were blocked into five based on their initial body weight and randomly assigned to treatment diets within each block. The experimental design used for this study was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. Result indicated %CP contents of experimental feeds were 26.13, 25.00 and 5.66 for lentil screening, NSC and WS, respectively. There was significant difference in WS DM intake (p<0.05) in all treatment groups. The supplement DM intake increased significantly (p<0.001) as lentil screening level increased from 0, 29.4, 55.4, 78.8, and 100% from (T1-T5), respectively. Total DM intake was significantly different (p<0.01) among all treatment groups but CP intake was not significantly different among treatments (p>0.05). Average daily body weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were significantly different (p<0.01) among treatment groups. Among treatment groups, T5 had higher (p<0.01) daily body weight gain (76.44 g/d) as compared to T4 (72.1 g/d), T3 (69.8 g/d), T2 (62.89 g/d), T1 (58.28 g/d). T5 returned a higher net income (110.94 Ethiopian Birr (EB)/sheep) as compared to the other treatment groups. From biological performance and economic return T5 could be recommended as an alternative supplement for growing Farta sheep both in biological performance and better economic gain.

Evaluation of Elites Isolates of Bradyrhizobia Nodulating on Groundnut Varieties (Arachis hypogaea L.) at Assosa District of Western Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted on Nitisols of Asossa Agricultural Research Centre during 2017/18 2018/19 cropping season to investigate the response of yield, partial budget analysis of ground nut varieties to bio-fertilizer and inorganic nitrogen. Two locally suitable varieties 4 groundnut rhizobial strains with control and 18 kg N ha-1, totally 12 treatments had combined in factorial RCBD. TSP fertilizer was applied uniformly to all plots at 46 kg P2O5 ha-1. The treatments consists of: two Varieties of groundnut (V1= Muniputer V2= Babile 2) and 4-strains with 18 kg N ha-1 and uninoculated (control) factorial treatment combination were tested. Analysis of variance for two factors randomized complete block design (Table 1) revealed highly significant difference (P < 0.001) due to the main effects of rhizobia and verities for the means of seed yield. On the other hand the interaction effects of rhizobia and varieties had non-significant (p>0.05) for the means of seed yield, nodule dry weight and straw dry weight. The highest (186.5) nodules per plants were recorded from the interaction effect of Dibate moderate and Maniputer variety, while less nodules per plant (76.25) were produced by Dibate moderate with Babile variety. The Dibate 2 rhizobia had the highest net-benefit of 67,655 Ethiopian birr. The lowest net benefit was obtained by the application of the Dibate moderate and none inoculant. The profitability of the study showed that application of Moderate 2 rhizobia which provided the relatively high net benefit (67,655 ETB), was recommended to apply bio fertilizers. The % MRR between any pair of undominated treatments denotes the return per unit of investment in fertilizer expressed as a percentage. Economic analysis revealed that maximum marginal rate of return was recorded with application of Dibate 2 (9257.2%). So we could be recommended Dibate 2 strain for ground nut production in Asossa district. The best recommendation for treatments is not necessarily based on the highest marginal rate of return, rather based on the minimum acceptable marginal rate of return and the treatment with the high net benefit, relatively low variable cost together with an acceptable MRR becomes the tentative recommendation.

Transmission dynamics and economic impacts of sheeppox and goatpox disease outbreak in Chifra district of Afar Region Ethiopia

Sheep and goatpox are caused by pox virus and economically very important. The study was conducted to estimate the economic losses due to sheep and goatpox, to estimate the morbidity and mortality as well as the transmission parameters. A cross sectional study was conducted in Chifra districts of Afar region from July 2020 to December 2020 using questioner survey. For the estimation of the economic impacts and the transmission parameters of the outbreak, a data was collected at the end of the outbreak through a direct face to face interview. Transmission parameters were estimated based on a final size approach. Whereas, economic impacts were estimated descriptively using different formulas based on the type of losses. The overall morbidity, mortality and case fatality of sheep and goatpox were 51.6%, 2.0%, and 3.9%, respectively. The average flock level losses due to treatment cost, mortality and abortion were 320.3, 1250 and 1195.6 Ethiopian birr (ETB), respectively. The outbreak caused a total of 63617 ETB losses in the district. The highest loss was due to mortality (28750ETB), whereas the least loss was due to treatment cost (7367ETB). The outbreak had 0.14 and 1.41 transmission rate parameters per day and basic reproduction ratio, respectively. There was a significant difference in the transmission of the infection between individual animals (p < 0.001). To limit the economic losses due to this disease, the farmers should give more attention towards this disease and a systematic control program comprising vaccination and limitation of movement of sheep and goat should be implemented to alleviate the losses due to sheep and goatpox.

The impact of beekeeping on household income: evidence from north-western Ethiopia

The existing literature acknowledges the benefits of beekeeping as a livelihood diversification strategy and income source for farmers across the world. However, the impact of beekeeping on income at household level has rarely been quantified. Furthermore, the few existing studies provide conflicting evidence and the methods quantifying the impact of participating in beekeeping are not rigorous. In this study, we identify key determinants of such participation and quantify the impact of beekeeping on household income. We use a cross-sectional data set collected from 392 randomly selected households in north-western Ethiopia, employing the endogenous switching regression model with estimated treatment effects. Unlike the methods used by previous studies, the approach adopted here enabled the control of observed and unobserved heterogeneities that affect not only the decision to participate in beekeeping, but also income differences among households. The results show that there are important differences between beekeepers and non-beekeepers in terms of their skills and resource endowments. After these differences were controlled for, beekeeping participation was found to increase income by 3,418 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) per person, namely a 51% increase. Furthermore, it was estimated that households not participating in beekeeping could have increased their income by ETB 442 per person (an 11% increase) had they become beekeepers. These findings indicate that income gains from beekeeping participation are 22–44 percentage points higher than benefits reported by previous studies. Capitalising on the existing beekeeping policy, targeted beekeeping extension to farmers could contribute to closing gaps in skills and resource endowments and, hence, minimising differences in income.

Status of small ruminant fasciolosis and diagnostic test evaluation at Haramaya town municipal abattoir, East Harrarghe Zone, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of fasciolosis and associated risk factors at Haramaya Municipal Abattoir was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018. Moreover, the direct financial loss due to liver condemnationand evaluation of the sensitivity of direct sedimentation technique for detection of Fasciola eggs were performed. A total of 384 small ruminants comprising of 235 sheep and 149 goats were subjected to coprological and postmortem examination. An overall prevalence of 12.8% was found. Forty-four animals were positive for eggs of Fasciola with an overall prevalence of 11.5%. However, it was 14.1% (54/384) in the examination of the same animals exposed to postmortem examinations of fluke-infected livers. The prevalence of fasciolosis based on body condition score was 62.2%, 12.4%, and 4.1% in that order, in poor, medium, and good body condition groups and the difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Other factors considered like, the monthly prevalence, species, age, and sex of the animals did not show significant differences (p&gt;0.05). The prevalence of fasciolosis was highest in Haramaya (19.0%)followed by Awaday (14.9%), Kersa (10.3%), Midhaga (8.1%), and the lowest prevalence was observed in Babile (5.8%), however, the difference in prevalence across the origin of the animals was not significant (p &gt; 0.05). F. hepatica was a dominant 63.0 % (34/54) species identified followed by F. gigantica 20.4% (11/54) and 5.6% (3/54) and 11.1% (6/54) were due to mixed and immature flukes, respectively. Taking liver examination as the gold standard for diagnosisof fasciolosis, the sensitivity of the direct sedimentation technique was found to be 81.5% and the specificity 100% with almost perfect agreement (k =0.89) between the two methods. The direct financial loss due to liver condemnation was estimated to be 46,318.5 (965 USD) Ethiopian birr per annum. In conclusion, Fasciola spp are important parasites affecting small ruminants in the study area. Control strategies targeted to the parasite and the intermediate hosts (snail) with particular emphasis on mature poorly conditionedanimals is recommended.

Split Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer for Optimum Yield of Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. Durum) at Central Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) plays an essential role in durum wheat production since it affects yield and quality. However, applied nitrogen is liable to losses through denitrification, volatilization, leaching and runoff. Thus, it is important to apply the recommended amount in splits based on crop requirement and critical growth stages. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of time of N fertilizer application on yield of Durum wheat at Adaa and Minjar during 2016 and 2017 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of a factorial combination of two Durum wheat varieties (Mangudo and Ude) and eight times of split N application (0-0-0-0 N (control), full dose at tillering, 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at tillering), ½ at planting + ¼ at tillering +1/4 at flag leaf, 1/2 at tillering +1/4 at flag leaf + 1/4 at heading, ½ at tillering +1/3 at flag leaf + 1/6 at heading, 1/2 at planting + 1/4 at tillering + 1/8 at flag leaf + 1/8 at heading, and 1/2 at planting+ 1/6 at tillering +1/6 at flag leaf + 1/6 at heading). The fixed rate of N (92 kg/ha) was used. The results showed that variety and time of N applications had a significant effect on growth parameters and grain yield at both locations. The highest grain yield (5579 kg/ha) was obtained when N was applied 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at tillering at Adaa, while the maximum yield (3154 kg/ha) was recorded for ½ at planting+ ¼ at tillering + 1/8 at flag leaf + 1/8 at heading stage at Minjar. The partial budget analysis also confirmed that the highest net benefit (115190 and 78147 Ethiopian birr) and Marginal rate of return (MRR) (7267and 3615) were obtained in 1/3 at planting + 2/3 at tillering at Adaa and ½ at planting+ ¼ at tillering + 1/8 at flag leaf + 1/8 at heading at Minjar, respectively. Therefore, two times (1/3 at planting + 2/3 at tillering) and four times (½ at planting+ ¼ at tillering + 1/8 at flag leaf + 1/8 at heading) split application of the recommended N rate would be advisable to attain higher yields of durum wheat at Adaa and Minjar, respectively.

Economic impact of a peste des petits ruminants outbreak and vaccination cost in northwest Ethiopia.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an important endemic disease of small ruminants in Ethiopia. While vaccination is widely used in the country to control the disease, quantitative estimates of the actual economic losses due to outbreaks and costs of vaccination are scarce. This study assessed the economic impact and costs of PPR vaccination in Metema district, northwest Ethiopia. The economic impact of the disease was estimated from an outbreak investigation including interviews with 233 smallholder farmers in PPR-affected kebeles (subdistricts). The cost of PPR vaccination was obtained from vaccination programs in six kebeles of the district and from secondary data in the district veterinary office. In the investigated PPR outbreak, animal-level PPR morbidity and mortality rates were 51% and 22%, respectively, in sheep and 51% and 25%, respectively, in goats. The flock level morbidity rate was 83% for sheep flocks and 87% for goat flocks. The mean flock level loss was Ethiopian Birr (ETB) 7835 (USD 329 in 2018 average exchange rate) (95% CI: 5954-9718) for affected sheep flocks and ETB 7136 (USD 300) (95% CI: 5869-8404) for affected goat flocks. The losses in all study flocks during the outbreak were ETB 319 (USD 13.4) per sheep and ETB 306 (USD 12.9) per goat. Mortality accounted for more than 70% of the total losses in both sheep and goat flocks. Vaccination costs for PPR were estimated at ETB 3 per correctly vaccinated animal. Based on the estimated animal-level direct economic losses and vaccination cost, it can be conjectured that vaccination will pay if a district PPR outbreak occurs more than once every 13 years. This does not account for additional benefits from vaccine-derived herd immunity reducing disease burden in the wider population. In conclusion, PPR caused high morbidity and mortality in the affected flocks and resulted in high economic losses, equivalent to 14% of annual household income, dramatically affecting the livelihoods of affected flock owners. The vaccination practised in the district is likely to have a positive economic return, with strengthened vaccination programmes bringing reduced economic impact and improved livelihoods.

Reduced Milk Production, Economic Losses, and Risk Factors Associated to Subclinical Hypocalcemia in Holstein Friesian × Zebu Crossbreed Cows in North-West Ethiopia.

Hypocalcemia is a metabolic disorder that occurs when calcium leaves the blood to support milk production or for the growth of the fetus faster than calcium can be put back into the blood. Subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) refers to clinically normal cows but with concentrations of calcium lower than measured in normal cows. A study was conducted to estimate economic losses and to identify risk factors associated with SCH in Holstein Friesian × Zebu crossbreed Cows in North-West Ethiopia. A total of 221 lactating dairy cows obtained from 81 dairy farms were selected and serum samples were collected and analyzed to estimate the level of calcium in the serum using an automated electrolyte analyzer (Roch, UVL Japan, 2014). Forty-seven cows obtained from 12 farms were grouped into two: cows with SCH and cows without SCH and milk yield was measured for eight consecutive days to estimate milk production loss associated with SCH. Prevalence was estimated and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify determinants of SCH. The prevalence of SCH was 20.3% (51/221, 90% CI = 18.6%−28.1%). Grazing on pasture, membership to dairy cooperative, feeding above the cows' requirement (based on farmers' opinion), and previous experience of metritis reduced the odds of SCH (P < 0.05). The average economic losses associated with reduced milk production due to SCH were 11.25 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) (1 ETB = 0.023 US Dollar) and 3,026.25 ETB (69.6 US Dollar) per cow per lactation, respectively. The main findings of the study have shown that SCH was a problem in crossbreed dairy cows in Northwestern Ethiopia and identified few risk factors that could be targeted to mitigate the problem. Actually, in this study, the economic cost of SCH was significant and needs attention in the dairy extension and dairy health training programs.

Perceptions toward the nursing profession among Ethiopian nurses: A mixed-method study

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was i) to determine nurses' perception, ii) to identify factors associated with nurse's perception, and iii) to explore nurses perception towards nursing profession among nurses working in public hospitals in the West Shewa zone, Central Ethiopia. Material and methodsA mixed method study was done among 243 randomly selected nurses from May 25-June 20, 2020. Quantitative data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaire and in-depth interview were collected from nurses (n = 11). Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. ResultsIn this study, 54.6% [95%CI (48.0%, 61.0%)] had a good perception towards nursing profession. Those nurses who had a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), OR = 3.00, 95% CI; 1.55–5.80, P = 0.001, those who earn a monthly salary of 6194 ETB and 3,934 Ethiopian Birr (ETB), OR = 2.28, 95% CI; 1.01–5.16, P = 0.001, Nurse working in primary, OR = 4.39, 95%CI; 1.39–9.95, P = 0.001 were more likely to have good perception towards Nursing profession than those nurses who had a Diploma, those who earn a monthly salary of less than 3,934ETB, and nurse working in Referral hospital respectively. ConclusionsNearly six in ten nurses in the study area had a good perception of the nursing profession. Nurses' level of education, monthly salary income, and type of hospital were nurses working in should be considered for improving nurses’ perception towards their profession and thereby to keep the experienced nurses in their profession.

Valuing energy poverty costs: Household welfare loss from electricity blackouts in developing countries

Supply of electricity is not keeping up with the rapidly increasing demand due to industrialization as well as electrification of rural areas in many developing countries. This study adds to the scarce literature on valuing the welfare loss to households in developing countries from energy poverty in terms of access only to intermittent or unreliable electricity networks. We conducted a Contingent Valuation (CV) survey of households in both urban (city of Mekelle) and rural areas (village of Ashegoda) in Northern Ethiopia to estimate households' willingness-to-pay (WTP) to avoid electricity blackouts. On average, the households experienced 160 blackouts per year with an average duration of four hours; and were on average willing to pay 499 Ethiopian birr (18 USD) per household per year. This corresponds to a 34% increase in their annual electricity bill and represents 1% of their mean annual income. Thus, this type of energy poverty represents significant welfare losses in developing countries. The households´ WTP to avoid blackouts increases significantly both with annual income and expenditure as a proxy for income; and with the annual number of experienced blackouts, the average length of these blackouts, and the number of damage categories experienced. These results are all as expected and support the validity and reliability of CV surveys to assess household welfare loss from this type of energy poverty in a developing country context.

Economic Valuation of Natural Forest: The Case of Hunase Forest, Gibe District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

This study was evaluating the economic value of the Hunase forest using a double-bounded contingent valuation method followed by open-ended questions. The sample respondents were chosen using a two-stage stratified random sampling approach. A total of 152 households were surveyed. Both primary and secondary sources were used gather data. The collected data were estimated using descriptive statistics and a bivariate probit econometric model. According to the findings, 71.7% of the respondents were willing to pay for the proposed bid in order to improve forest service. For the first and follow-up bids, the mean willingness to pay for the double-bounded bivariate probit estimate ranged from Ethiopian Birr 58.8 to 51.7 per household per year, respectively. The mean maximum willingness to pay was 47.86 Ethiopian birr. The findings of the bivariate probit model revealed that education level, family size, annual income, and forest benefit have positive and significant effects on willingness to pay for forest conservation, while distance from the forest and bid amounts have negative and significant effects. The aggregate mean willingness to pay is calculated to be Birr 68,614.5 per year using the second bid. The results suggest that the majority of people place a high value on forest protection, implying that natural forest ecosystems are critical to human well-being. To create forest conservation strategies, policymakers should take into account education level, family size, annual income, forest benefit, and distance of the homestead from the forest variables, according to the findings. Keywords: bivariate probit, forest, valuation, willingness to pay DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-5-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2022

Evaluation of the cost of unused medications in a hospital in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn developing countries like Ethiopia one-third of health care expenditure is for medications. However, due to different reasons, patients may not use all the dispensed medications. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the Causes and cost of unused medications at the inpatient setting of the University of Gondar Compressive Specialized Hospital. MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over two months at University of Gondar Compressive Specialized Hospital. A survey of the Causes and cost of unused medicines was conducted through an interview-guided structured questionnaire in the inpatient setting. Those patients who had unused/leftover medications in the inpatient setting during the study period were the target population. All opened liquid preparations such as vials, ampoules, and bags were excluded from the study since it is tough to calculate the amount leftover/remaining. The collected data were entered with Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as standard deviation, percentage, frequency, mean, and median were used for data presentation. Finally, the results were described using texts, tables, and figures. ResultsA total of 13 classes of medication were identified during the study period. Among these, antibiotics 74(35.23%) were the most common leftover class of medications with the financial value of 143.48$(25.10%) of total leftover/unused medication. The most common reasons for medication leftover or unused were because of condition resolved 51(24.28%) followed by treatment changed 50(23.8%). Most 86(40.95%) of leftover/unused medication with a monetary value of 5106.80 Ethiopian birr (127.65 USD) was discarded by the patient. About 66(31.43%) of the patients were taken their leftover medication to home for other programs or feature use, 13.80% of patients gave their leftover medications to other patients. More than half 160(76.19%) of unused medications were eligible for use with the monetary value of 17,992.85 (78.7%) Ethiopian birr. ConclusionsSignificant amounts of the hospitals’ budget were wasted because of unused/leftover medications and have a serious cost impact. Antibiotics were most frequently class of medication leftover/unused and the condition resolved and treatment changed were the two main reasons for medication leftover/unused. Most of the leftover medications were discarded by the patient, only a very limited number of patients/caregivers plan to return their leftover medications to the pharmacy.

Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of COVID-19 Prevention Methods Among Hypertensive Patients in North Shoa, Ethiopia.

IntroductionThe occurrence of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than 247 million populations around the world. People with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, elderly people, and people with weak immunity develop severe types of COVID-19 if exposed to the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 prevention methods among hypertensive patients in North Shoa, Oromia region, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 5/2020 to June 5/2020 in public hospitals in the North Shoa zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and study participants were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. The data were checked for completeness and entered into the EpiData manager version 4.4.1 and transferred to SPSS version 23 for analysis purposes. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were computed and a significant association was declared with a p-value less than 0.05.ResultsA total of 360 (97.0%) hypertension patients responded. This study revealed that 210 (58.3%) study participants had good knowledge of COVID-19 prevention methods, 199 (55.3%) had a favorable attitude towards COVID-19 prevention methods, and 210 (58.3%) hypertension patients at follow-up practiced COVID-19 prevention methods. Respondents who received less than two thousand Ethiopian birrs monthly and respondents who followed electronic news media were significantly associated with the use of sanitizer, respondents who had a favorable attitude towards the COVID-19 prevention method were significantly associated with mask-wearing, and respondents who received less than two thousand Ethiopian birrs monthly were significantly associated with maintaining a physical distance.ConclusionGenerally, this study finding revealed that the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 prevention among hypertension patients was low. Therefore, increasing knowledge, attitude, and practice on COVID-19 among hypertension patients requires a coordinated effort from the government, non-government, and health professionals.

Early integrated palliative care in patients newly diagnosed with cancer in Ethiopia: a randomised controlled trial and cost–consequence analysis

BackgroundDeaths due to non-communicable diseases are rising worldwide, with low-income and middle- income countries (LMICs) particularly affected. Palliative care can reduce pain and suffering for patients with incurable disease. A gap in access to palliative care and research to support its implementation exists in LMICs, and cancer care is a particularly problematic area. We designed a pragmatic study to better understand the implementation of home-based palliative care, patient-reported outcomes, costs, and consequences in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodsA single-blind, single-site, randomised, controlled trial of standard cancer care versus standard cancer care plus early integrated palliative care in patients newly diagnosed with cancer was performed at the Black Lion Outpatient Oncology Clinic (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). The palliative care intervention was home-based and delivered by Hospice Ethiopia nurses. Follow-up was done at 4–12 weeks and at 8–16 weeks at the discretion of the oncologist. Sample size was determined by ability to detect a change in mean African Palliative Care Association Palliative Outcome Score. A cost–consequence analysis was done for patients who completed all three study visits. Ethical approval was granted by Addis Ababa University and Yale University. All participants signed or thumb-printed written informed consent. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03712436. Findings98 adults were enrolled. The mean age was 49·5 years and 66% of participants were women. 27 participants completed all three study visits. Significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes were seen (p=0·0025). Mean total health-care costs to the patient were Ethiopian birr (ETD) 40 430 (US$979); mean palliative care costs to Hospice Ethiopia were ETD 765 ($19) per patient. Those receiving standard cancer care reported higher out-of-pocket payments for medical care and increased lost wages of an informal caregiver. Out-of-pocket payments for medical care and lost wages were multiple times higher than an average yearly salary (ETD 5810 [$141] and ETD 74900 birr [$1814·9] respectively). By the end of study, health-care costs, health-use, and mortality had all increased. InterpretationDelivery and integration of early, home-based, and low-cost palliative care into cancer care is possible in a LMIC setting. Widespread implementation of palliative care is likely to be a resource-sparing and poverty-reducing strategy in LMICs. FundingDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Yale University.

Matrix analyses of pharmaceutical products for the years 2017 to 2019 among public health facilities in Hadiya zone, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional descriptive study

BackgroundTo date, global healthcare spending becomes a primary concern, and pharmaceutical costs are the main drivers. The issue is more pressing in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, there is a scantiness of comprehensive data on inventory control practices in health facilities. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the criticality, financial value, and consumption patterns of pharmaceuticals using inventory matrix analyses and explore the related challenges.MethodsA cross-sectional study supplemented with qualitative assessments was carried out from December 2020 to January 2021 in public health facilities. Three hospitals and 14 health centers were proportionally selected using a simple random sampling technique. Self-administered questionnaires and review of logistics documents and databases like Dagu-Facility were used to obtain the quantitative data. The data were analyzed using excel spreadsheets and SPSS version 23. We gathered the qualitative data through face-to-face in-depth interviews.ResultsThe facilities spent 66,312,277.0 Ethiopian birrs to procure 518 pharmaceuticals between 2017 and 2019. Of the total products, 68 (13.1%) belonged to class A and 353 (68.1%) belonged to class C. Among 427 items identified by VEN analysis, 202 (47.3%) were vitals, and 201 (47.1%) were essential products making the highest proportions. Cross-tabulations of ABC and VEN showed that 230 (53.9%) items formed category I, representing 84.3% of total expenditures. Sterile surgical gloves #7.5, amoxicillin capsules, examination gloves, and 40% dextrose injection were among the top-ten high-value closing inventories, accounting for 21% of class X items. The fast-moving items were the most prevalent in all years, accounting for more than 45%, and shared the maximum expenditure, up to 90%. Scarcity of infrastructure and skilled human resources, shortage of pharmaceuticals and problems with suppliers, and management issues were the major challenges in the health facilities.ConclusionMost of the items identified by ABC-VEN and FSN-XYZ were Category one, i.e., mainly vital costly products and a few fast-moving items with high closing inventory values, respectively, suggesting close supervision. However, several issues became impediments. Hence, facilities should alleviate the bottlenecks and monitor the stock status to prevent theft and stock out.

Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis and its Financial Loss at Gulliso Slaughter House, West Wallaga Zone Western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study conducted in Guliso, from September 2021 to June 2022 sought to identify the kind and prevalence of common Fasciola species in cattle as well as the financial damage resulting from liver condemnation. The study's foundation was a post-mortem examination of the livers of animals that had been killed at the abattoir in the Guliso municipality and its environs. 384 study animals were chosen for post-mortem examination using random systematic sampling procedures in this investigation. In the study, 128 (33.3%) cows had bovine fasciolosis overall. 54 animals (14.1%) had Fasciola gigantica, 49 animals (12.3%) had Fasciola hepatica, and 25 animals (6.5%) had mixed infections. Within the various body condition ratings, there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis. Animals with poor and medium body condition ratings had the highest prevalence (96%) and lowest prevalence (84.7%), respectively, whereas animals with good body condition scores had the lowest prevalence (9.73%). Regarding age, sex, and animal origin, there was no statistically significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis. The estimated yearly financial loss at the abattoir resulting from liver condemnation linked to liver flukes was 138,528 Ethiopian birr. Given the current findings, fasciolosis may be viewed as a serious issue in the area and its environs since the ecological parameters and management circumstances support the survival of both the parasite and its intermediate host, the snail. To prevent pasture contamination and lower the worm burden from affected animals, strategic treatments must be applied at the right time. To maximize the long-term returns from such endemic locations, integrated control techniques involving livestock owners must be developed to reduce the population and activity of snail intermediate hosts.

Antisocial personality disorder and associated factors among incarcerated in prison in Dessie city correctional center, Dessie, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAntisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) describes individuals who engage in repetitive aggressiveness, deceitfulness, impulsivity, and unlawful behavior. It has a broad impact on families, relationships, and social functioning, and also people with ASPD make heavy demands on the judicial system, social and mental health services. Even though ASPD is a common problem among incarcerated in prisons, it is not well studied in developing countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ASPD among incarcerated in prison in Dessie city correctional center.MethodA cross-sectional study design was conducted among 320 incarcerated in prison at Dessie correctional center, Ethiopia. The study subjects were selected by using a simple random sampling technique and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th text revision (DSM-5) was used to measure ASPD using face-to-face interviews. Social support was assessed using the Oslo social support scale (Oslo-3). The collected data were checked for completeness and entered into Epi-data Version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were done to identify factors related to antisocial personality disorder. In multivariable logistic regression variables with a p-value, less than 0.05 were considered significant and, adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI was used to present the strength of the association.ResultsThe current study showed that the prevalence of ASPD was found to be 30.6% (95% CI:25.6,35.9). In a multivariable analysis, being single [AOR = 2.33; 95%CI (1.39,3.89)], monthly income of 1000–2000 ETB (Ethiopian Birr) [AOR = 2.12; 95%CI (1.163,3.45)], reconviction [AOR = 2.37; 95%CI (1.08,5.19)], and alcohol use [AOR = 2.00; 95% CI (1.16,3.45)] were discovered to be predictors of antisocial personality disorder.ConclusionThis study revealed that nearly one-third of incarcerated in prison were found to have an anti-social personality disorder. Being single, 1000–2000 ETB income, reconviction, and alcohol users were variables that are independent predictors of ASPD. A screening and intervention program is required and further research should be needed.

Economic Feasibility of Plastic Shelter Tomato Production Method under Rain-Fed in Fogera Plain, North Western Ethiopia

The research intervention was conducted in Fogera plain commonly known and consists of (Fogera, Dera and Libokemkem districts) of South Gondar Zone to evaluate economic feasibility of the new tomato production method using plastic shelter under rain fed production condition. Two types of improved tomato varieties were used known as Melkasalsa and melkashola, each variety within 200 m 2 plots of land. A sum of 5 kebeles/sites and 11 technology beneficiaries (farmers) were addressed under this intervention in three districts. Data on input costs, benefits among other parameters were collected and recorded through intensive field observation and follow up, field days, focused group discussion. Quantitative types of data such as yield, participants in different events through field day, training and exchange visit and qualitative types of data like feed backs, farmers’ perception and preference on demonstrated rice technologies. The use of plastic shelter in tomato production under rain-fed condition had considerable impact on yield performance. The relative yield advantage of tomato production using plastic shelter is better than without shelter production. Regarding profitability issues, the result shows, tomato production using plastic shelter was by far profitable than without shelter production in both varieties. The estimated value of marginal rate of return with shelter production was greater than one for both varieties. An investment of one Ethiopian Birr (ETB) on new production method using plastic shelter could generate additional net income of 20 ETB and 14 ETB from melkasalsa and melkashola varieties, respectively. Hence farmers and respective bodies need to strengthen production of tomato in the rainy season using shelter to get more returns and enhance their livelihood and economic benefits. Keywords: Marginal rate of return, Melka Salasa, Melka shola, Partial budget analysis, Plastic shelter, rain-fed DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-1-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2022