Finote Selam Town Research Articles

Prevalence and associated factors of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among high school students in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the most prevalent but neglected psychiatric disorder, with somatic symptoms that are severe enough to markedly affect usual daily activities and have a negative impact on mental health and quality of life by affecting female patients' behavior and cognition. Studies regarding premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among high school students in low- and middle-income countries are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of PMDD among high school students, and this is pivotal in further investigation. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 25 to April 17, 2023 using a simple random-sampling technique to select a sample of 564 participants. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Self-administered standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. A total of 548 study participants participated, with a 97.2% response rate. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among high school students was found to be 33.03% (95%CI: 29.20-37.09). In a multivariable analysis, irregular menstruation cycle (AOR = 4.242, 95%CI = 2.182-8.246), depression (AOR = 5.272, 95%CI = 2.779-10.002), having greater than 4 days of menstruation bleeding duration (AOR = 2.138, 95%CI = 1.105-4.138), and high perceived stress (AOR = 3.468, 95%CL = 1.217-9.880) were the factors significantly associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The overall prevalence of PMDD which was one-third among high school students was high. Moreover, long duration of menstruation bleeding, depressive symptoms, irregular menstruation cycle, and high perceived stress were significant factors in PMDD. Therefore, it needs early screening and intervention in primary healthcare settings, especially for those who have high perceived stress, having depression, having a long duration of menstruation bleeding, and having an irregular menstruation cycle, so as to have good academic achievement and psychological wellbeing.

Sexual partner referral and associated factors among patients with sexually transmitted disease in Jabi Tehnan district and Finote Selam town.

Partner referral (or contact tracing) is an essential approach for preventing sexually transmitted infections. Even though this approach has been used in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of evidence in Ethiopia particularly in this study area. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 patients with curable sexually transmitted diseases. Factors associated to the practice of sexual partner referral were explored where variables having a p-value of <0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. Referrals for sexual partners were found to be 42.4% in this study (95% CI: 35.3, 45.3). Not expecting the end of the relationship among regular partnerships (AOR: 4.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 12.4), perceived risk of reinfection (AOR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.3), perceived self-efficacy (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.4, 6.3), intention to refer partners (AOR: 3.7; 95% CI: 2.0, 6.4), and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (AOR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.0) were significantly associated with sexual partner referral. This study showed that sexual partner referral was low. Perceived risks of reinfection, perceived self-efficacy, anticipating the end of a relationship, intention to refer partners, and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections were significant predictors of sexual partner referral. Intervention endeavors need to consider factors pointed out in this study to improve sexual partner referral.

PREVALENCE AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICE AMONG MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN 0–6 MONTHS AT FINOTE SELAM TOWN, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice and its associated factors among mothers with children 0–6 months at Finote Selam town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on (n=415) women with children 0–6 months derived using simple and multistage sampling techniques. Data have been analyzed using univariate, binary, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence rate of exclusive breastfeeding practice in the study area was 67%. Results display that the vulnerable groups, such as mothers being illiterate, low-income group, and lived in rural regions, have come on a double burden of death throughout delivery and have much fewer practices of breastfeeding in comparison with different moms of children aged 0–6 months due to the fact that the respondents have variations in socioeconomic traits and how the way they’re under the different cultural influence. Conclusion: This study might allow policymakers, medical sociologists, and health extension practitioners to broaden extra powerful all-rounded interventions to minimize the poor exercise of exclusive breastfeeding.

Prevalence and associated factors of stunting and thinness among adolescent students in Finote Selam Town, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundUndernutrition among adolescents is a major public health problem in developing nations including Ethiopia. Adolescents need to have good-quantity and good-quality nutrients to cope with this rapid growth and other health risks which increase nutritional demand. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stunting and thinness among school adolescents in Finote Selam Town, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study among adolescent students aged 10–19 in public schools was carried out in Finote Selam Town from February 5 to March 27, 2018. A total of 397 school adolescents were included in this study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select study subjects. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data were entered using Epi info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 and WHO AnthroPlus software. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with stunting and thinness. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% level significance were used to measure the strength of association, and statistical significance was declared at a P value less than 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of stunting and thinness among school adolescents was 21.8% and 16.9%, respectively. About 9.7% of school adolescents experienced both stunting and thinness. Being male (P = 0.031), coming from rural area (P = 0.046), having a family monthly income of less than $28.37 (P = 0.044) and having less than four dietary diversity (P = 0.021) were significantly associated with stunting. Early adolescent stage (P = 0.034), being male adolescent students (P = 0.37), having a family monthly income of less than $28.37 (P = 0.016), having a family monthly income between $28.37 and $56.74 (P = 0.021) (35.25 Birr = 1 USD) and using well water (P = 0.045) were significantly associated with thinness.ConclusionUndernutrition was a predominant problem in the study area. Sex, age, place of residence, dietary diversity, sources of drinking water and family monthly income were important factors associated with stunting and thinness among the respondents. Strategies to improve the nutritional status of adolescent students should be given much attention.

Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been still quite common in developing countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children with low socio-economic and poor living conditions. Previous studies in Ethiopia have shown high burden of intestinal parasitic infections among the primary school children. The effective prevention and control of parasitic infections require research work based on the identification of intestinal parasites including associated predisposing factors. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children. Methods: A school based cross- sectional study was conducted from September, 2019- January, 2020 and a total of 422 asymptomatic primary school children were involved in the study. Specimens of the stool samples were examined using the standard parasite and ova method. Direct microscopy using saline and iodine wet mount preparation was used to examine the presence of eggs and larvae of helminthes and trophozoites and cysts of protozoan parasites and formalin ether concentration method was used for quality assurance. Structured questionnaires were also used to collect quantitative data on socio-demographic characteristics and predisposing factors. Analysis of the data was made manually using the thematic framework method including descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 422 students (aged 5-14 years) participated in the study, 245(58%) were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. Of the total infected participants, 192(45.5%) were single infections and 53(12.6%) were double infections identified. Seven types of intestinal parasitic infections were identified in the present study. The most prevalent parasite was Giardia lamblia 95(22.5%) followed by hook worm 58(13.7%). Age groups 5-9 years old were more infected, 173 (70.6%) than age groups 10-14 years old 72(29.4%). This result also showed parasitic infections were associated with predisposing factors related to infectious cycles. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations: The present study revealed that there was a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among students in the targeted primary schools. Therefore, all stakeholders should give attention to raise awareness about the prevention and control mechanisms of intestinal parasitic infections. Moreover, the health services of the local government should develop a habit of mass public health education and deworming intervention to improve the level of parasitic infection and environmental hygiene in the study area.

Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

Near Vision Spectacle Coverage and Associated Factors Among Adults Living in Finote Selam Town, Northwest Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundNear visual impairment leads to difficulty with near tasks at a working distance (40 centimeters) when near visual acuity is 6/12 (N8) or worse. High cost is the main barrier reported for low near vision spectacle coverage.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine near vision spectacle coverage and associated factors among adults living in Finote Selam town, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional study was applied from June 3 to 25, 2019. A total of 565 study participants aged ≥35 years were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested questionnaire with adequate physical examination was used for data collection. The data were entered into EPI INFO software and exported to a statistical package for science for analysis. Mean (standard), frequencies, tables, and figures were used to present descriptive statistics. A bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between independent variables and outcome variable with a P-value of less than 0.20 and a P-value of less than 0.05, respectively. Odds ratios and a 95% confidence interval were used to show strength of association.ResultsA total of 549 adults participated, with a response rate of 97.20% and a mean age of 46.4±8.7 years. The near vision spectacle coverage was 156 (28.42%; 95% CI=24.65–32.31). Higher education level (AOR=2.8; 95% CI=1.21–5.21), history of eye examination (AOR=2.40; 95% CI=1.51–3.81), awareness about near vision problems (AOR=2.12; 95% CI=1.41–3.24), and need of a high plus lens (AOR=4.21; 95% CI=2.41–7.39) were associated with near vision spectacle coverage.ConclusionNear vision spectacle coverage was low among adults living in Finote Selam town. Higher educational level, history of eye examination, awareness about near vision problems, and need of a high plus lens were associated with near vision spectacle coverage.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Thinness among Adolescent Students in Finote Selam Town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Even if adolescence is a window of opportunity to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, adolescents are the neglected age groups. Hence, information regarding the nutritional status of adolescents is lacking, making creating and implementing intervention programs difficult. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of thinness among school adolescents in Finote Selam Town, Northwest Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study among adolescent students aged 10–19 in public primary and secondary schools was carried out in Finote Selam Town from February 05 to March 27, 2018. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select study subjects. A total of 397 adolescent students were included in the study. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 and WHO AnthroPlus software. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with thinness. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% level significance were used to measure the strength of association, and statistical significance was declared at p value less than 0.05. The prevalence of thinness among adolescents was 14.9%. Early adolescent stage (AOR = 4.81; 95% CI : 1.23, 18.51), being male adolescent students (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI : 1.60, 3.40), having less than 1000 birr family monthly income (AOR = 6.54; 95% CI : 3 : 82, 14.89), having 1000–2000 birr family monthly income (AOR = 3.47; 95% CI : 1.15, 7.45), and using well water (AOR = 3.82; 95% CI : 1.46, 10.04) were significantly associated with thinness at 95% confidence interval. The study revealed that prevalence of thinness was high in the study area. Sex, place of residence, and family monthly income were found to be important factors associated with thinness among the respondents.

Determinants of fatal car accident risk in Finote Selam town, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundIn the globe, 1.3 million deaths and around 50 million non-fatal injuries were reported. From all deaths, 90% occur in developing countries. Ethiopia is considered as one of the worst countries in the globe where road traffic accident causes a lot of fatalities and injuries of road users every year. The main objective of the study was to identify the main predictors of fatal car accident.MethodsThe retrospective research design was applied. 255 records were taken from Finote Selam traffic police office, northwest part of Ethiopia from September 2009 to January 2018. The statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 23 software. Chi-square for association test and ordinal logistic regression for predictor identification were used.ResultsAge of drivers were the responsible causes of fatal road traffic accident (p-value = 0.033). The more experienced drivers decreased the occurrence of fatal traffic accidents. In addition, increasing vehicle service year reduced the occurrence of accidental death. Besides, the occurrence of fatal car accident in autumn season was 0.44 times less than that of in summer season. Additionally, drivers’ educational level was played a crucial role in a road traffic accident. For instance, drivers whose educational level was below 12th grade were the most responsible factor for car accident deaths. What is more, it was seen that drivers who drove their vehicles could minimize the occurrence of fatal traffic accident (p-value = 0.010).ConclusionIn conclusion, fatal road traffic accidents happened due to drivers’ lack of sufficient driving experience and low educational level. In addition, driving on weekends and driving on summer season were disclosed as responsible for fatal car accident. Moreover, drivers with younger age and those who drove a new vehicle likely caused fatal car accident. However, drivers who drive their vehicles seemed to be less responsible for fatal car accident than that of employed.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Associated Factors Among Finote Selam Primary School Students Aged 12-20 years, Finote Selam Town, Ethiopia

Background and purpose: There is dearth of researches about the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries in the study area. Therefore, revealing the prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors will help in the development of successful oral health assessment and intervention strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors among Finote Selam Primary School Students. Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted between November 2012 and February 2013. Face to face interview was used to collect socio-demographic data using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Clinical examination was done by two dentists via using disposable glove, portable torch, wooden spatula and probes in class. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to test the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: Two hundred ninety one students were included in this study. One hundred forty one (48.5%) of the students were identified as having dental caries. The mean Decayed, Missed and Filled Tooth (DMFT) was 1.23. The prevalence was higher in females (54.6%). Lack of tooth brushing habit (AOR=3.52, 95% CI: 1.85-6.43), frequent consumption of sugared foods (AOR=3.41, 95% CI: 1.24-5.63) and residency (AOR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.02-3.25) were found to have significant association with dental caries. Conclusion: Almost half of the students were identified as having dental caries. The mean DMFT was 1.23. Tooth brushing habit, consumption of sugared foods and living in urban area were the most important predisposing factors for dental caries. Oral health education should be given at school level and there should be a need to provide an immediate restorative dental service for those decayed teeth.

Modern contraceptive use and associated factors among married women in Finote Selam town Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundA modern contraceptive method is a product or medical procedure that interferes with reproduction following sexual intercourse; however, contraceptive services remain out of reach for many women of reproductive age worldwide, resulting in millions of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions each year. In addition to limiting the number of children, family planning is essential to promoting the well-being and autonomy of women, their families, and their communities. Factors influencing modern contraceptive utilization are multifaceted and challenging, therefore; this study aimed to assess modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among mid to late reproductive age, married women in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 30 to July 15, 2017 among married women aged 30–49. A cluster sampling technique was used to select 1146 eligible participants from three randomly selected kebeles. A face-to-face interviewer administered a structured and pretested questionnaire. Binary logistic regression models, in bivariate and multivariable analyses, were fitted to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated to determine the presence, direction, and strength of associations.ResultsA total of 1134 women aged 30–49 participated in this study representing a response rate of 98.9%.The overall modern contraceptive utilization was 37% (95% CI 35.43–40.21). An injectable contraceptive was the most commonly used method, followed by an implant contraceptive method. Factors independently associated with modern contraceptive use were: educational status -secondary school (AOR = 1.5,95%CI 1.01–2.2) and college and above (AOR = 1.5,95%CI 1.02–2) compared to no education, number of previous pregnancy: nulligravid (AOR = 4.6,95%CI 3.2–5.5),1–2 previous pregnancies (AOR = 3.2,95%CI 2.03–5.44), 3–4 previous pregnancies(AOR = 2.3,95% CI1.4–3.7) compared to > 4 pregnancies and postnatal care utilization (AOR = 1.5,95% CI 1.1–2.1)compared to no postnatal service utilized.ConclusionOur findings show that modern contraceptive utilization among women age 30–49 is low in Finote Selam town Northwest Ethiopia. Women’s educational status, low number of previous pregnancies and postnatal care service utilization during the last birth were independently associated with modern contraceptive method used. Providing modern contraceptives targeting grand multiparous women and women having no formal education is important. Improving postnatal care utilization is one potential strategy to enhance modern contraceptive utilization.

Comprehensive knowledge on cervical cancer, attitude towards its screening and associated factors among women aged 30\u201349\xa0years in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundScreening services for cervical pre-cancerous lesions is currently available for all women aged 30–49 years at public hospitals in Ethiopia. Though women’s knowledge and their attitude are determinants for the uptake the screening service, there is limited information on these regards. Therefore, this study aimed to assess comprehensive knowledge on cervical cancer, attitudes towards the screening, and associated factors among women aged 30–49 years at Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30, to April 15, 2017. The sample size calculated for this study was 1224 and a cluster sampling technique was used to select the participants from three randomly selected kebeles. Epi-Info version 7 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. A binary logistic regression model was used. In multivariable logistic analysis, adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the presence and strength of associations between covariate and outcome variable.ResultsA total of 1137 women participated in this study. Nearly one third, 30.3% (95%CI: 27.7, 32.9) of the women had knowledge of cervical cancer, and 58.1% (95% CI: 55, 62.2) had a favorable attitude towards cervical cancer screening. In the multivariable analysis, having college and above education (AOR = 7.21, 95%CI: 3.41, 15.29), knowing someone with cervical cancer (AOR =5.38, 95%CI: 2.38, 12.15), and having a history of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR = 2.75, 95%CI: 1.24, 6.04) were significantly associated with knowledge on cervical cancer. Meanwhile, college and above educational status (AOR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.14, 5.69), knowing someone with cervical cancer (AOR = 3.24, 95%CI: 1.14, 9.15), and having knowledge of cervical cancer (AOR = 3, 95%CI: 1.97, 4.29) were positively associated with favorable attitudes towards cervical cancer screening.ConclusionThe proportion of women who had knowledge on cervical cancer was low where as relatively, a large proportion of the study participants in this study had favorable attitude towards cervical cancer screening. Educational status, knowing someone with cervical cancer, a history of sexually transmitted diseases was factors affecting both women’s knowledge and their attitude. Having knowledge on cervical cancer was factor affecting attitude towards screening services. Provision of information, education, and counseling about the disease and screening service are mandatory to address their knowledge gap and to improve women’s attitude towards screening service.

Household dietary diversity and associated factors among residents of finote selam town, north west Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BackgroundMonotonous low quality diets are the norm in resource-limited environments across the globe. Dietary diversity is a challenge for rural communities in developing countries. Their diets are based on starchy staples with inadequate animal products, fresh fruits and vegetables.MethodsA community based cross sectional study was conducted from August 22–30, 2015 at Finote Selam Town. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 400 households. Data were collected using pretested and semi-structured questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with household dietary diversity.ResultsThe prevalence of low, medium and high dietary diversity scores were 11.8, 67.2 and 21% respectively. Family head (Men headed) [AOR = 4.75 (2.22, 10.16)], frequency of eating [AOR = 6.06 (2.82, 13.06)] and shortage of water for cooking [AOR = 5.69 (1.39, 23.27)] were significantly associated with household dietary diversity.ConclusionsIn this study the prevalence of adequate household diversity was 88.2%. Family head, frequency of eating and shortage of water for cooking were significant factors for household dietary diversity. Empowering women, increasing frequency of eating among family members and avoiding shortage of water for cooking were recommended to sustain and improve household dietary diversity.

Sexually transmitted diseases among female commercial sex workers in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundFemale commercial sex workers (FCSWs) are considered a high-risk group for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), yet the reported prevalence varies in studies around the world. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated factors of STDs among female sex workers.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among female sex workers in Finote Selam town. A total of 389 sex workers were studied using census method. Data were collected using an interview with structured questionnaires. The data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20 software package.ResultsThe findings of this study showed that the overall prevalence of STDs was 20.6%. The reported prevalence of genital discharge, ulcer, and bubo was 15.9%, 15.2%, and 11.6%, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, respondents who did not use a condom were about four times at higher risk of STDs than those who were using a condom consistently (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.812, 9.139). Respondents who experienced condom breakages were more than 12 times more likely to report STDs than those who never experienced condom breakages (AOR = 12.291, 95% CI: 5.701, 26.495).ConclusionThe findings of this study showed that one in five commercial sex workers in Finote Selam town had STDs. Sex without a condom and condom breakage during sexual intercourse showed a significant association with STDs. Therefore, the Woreda Health Office in collaboration with nongovernmental organizations in the area should work on safe sex promotion to enhance consistent condom use and reduce condom breakage through continuous education among commercial sex workers.

Assessment of Small Ruminant Haemonchosis and Its Associated Risk Factors in and Around Finoteselam, Ethiopia

Haemonchus contortus a blood sucking nematode parasite of small ruminants across the tropics and subtropics causes an insidious drain on production, retarded growth and even mortality in young animals. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of haemonchosis in randomly selected and slaughtered sheep and goats in four different restaurants in Finoteselam town, Amhara region. The study was performed on a total of randomly selected 397 small ruminants (37 sheep and 360 goats). A questionnaire survey, coprological examination, hematocrit (PCV) determination and postmortem examinations were the methods used for this study. The overall prevalence in the current study was 71.03%, while prevalence in sheep and goat were 67.57 % and 71.39 % respectively. The prevalence of haemonchosis with species difference of the animal was not statistically significant (P=0.626). The infection rate with relation to sex (P= 0.102) and age (P= 0.603) were statistically non-significant. The prevalence of haemonchosis was higher in males (73.22 %) and adult animals (71.43%). There was no statistical significant difference observed among the risk factors except the PCV value between sheep and goats which was statistically significant (P= 0.000). The prevalence of haemonchosis in the study area was mostly associated with the epidemiological factors such as body condition and origin (collection sites) of animals and host factors such as species, sex and age.

Agricultural credit market participation in Finoteselam town, Ethiopia

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the proportion of farmers with constrained and unconstrained participation in the agricultural credit market and estimate the parameters that determine agricultural credit market participation in Finoteselam town, Ethiopia.Design/methodology/approachThe study followed cross‐sectional study design where primary data were collected from 210 households through a questionnaire survey in Finoteselam town, north western Ethiopia. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was employed. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the proportion of farmers with different levels of participation in the agricultural credit market. The bivariate probit model was estimated to identify the parameters that determine smallholder credit market participation.FindingsThe study revealed that 48 percent of smallholder farmers are constrained non‐participating (i.e. rationed out) from the agricultural credit market due to lack of access to the service, 44.8 percent of them are constrained participating, 2.4 percent unconstrained participating and 4.8 percent of them are unconstrained non‐participating. Estimation results of the bivariate probit model indicated that variables such as high dependency burden, large landholding size, household's labor endowment, participation in off‐farm employment activities and incurring unforeseen expenses increased the probability of households to participate in agricultural credit markets. On the other hand, village dummy variable, old age of household head and borrowing from other sources decreased the probability of households participating in the agricultural credit market.Practical implicationsThe findings raise policy concerns to devise a mechanism for creating a functioning rural insurance market, improve the labor market for encouraging off‐farm employment activities, devise wealth‐creating schemes and address the credit need of those smallholder farmers who are still rationed out from the agricultural credit market.Originality/valueLittle has been done on the subject of agricultural credit market participation in Ethiopia. Hence, this research will add to the thin literature on the subject.