Gamo Gofa Zone Research Articles

Epizootological study of small ruminant gastrointestinal strongyles in Gamo-Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted with the objective to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal strongyles and identifying the prevailing strongyle species Gamo-Gofa Zone. A total of 598 animals (241 sheep and 357 goats) and 45 animals (20 sheep and 25 goats) were examined coproscopically and by post mortem, respectively. The overall coproscopic prevalence of strongylosis in the study area was 51.4%. Strongyles were more prevalent in sheep than goats (95% CI is 74.6-84.8% and 58.6-68.6% for sheep and goats, respectively; P<0.05). A higher prevalence (P<0.05) of strongyles infection was recorded in the midland and highland than the lowland, and in wet season than the dry season. The mean fecal egg count was found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) in the midland area (908.7±94.5) and in wet season (1,033.7±84.2). The post mortem examination result indicated that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal strongyles was 97.7%; and a total of 11 strongyle species were identified of which Trichostrongylus axei, Teladorsagia species, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus were the dominant and with higher load. During this study infection with multiple parasites, 3 and more 3, species were recorded in about 68% goats and 85% sheep. This study revealed the very high strongyle prevalence and higher proportion of multiple parasitism both in sheep and goats. Hence, it suggests the need to the institution of various control measures like strategic anthelmintic treatment for efficient utilization of the available small ruminant resources.

Long Acting Contraceptive Method Utilization and Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Women in Arba Minch Town, Ethiopia

Background: Each year, approximately 287,000 women die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with 99% of these deaths occurring in developing countries. Modern contraceptive, particularly long acting family planning methods are highly effective in reducing maternal mortality by preventing unintended or closely spaced pregnancies. This paper, therefore, aims to determine the level of utilization of long acting contraceptive methods and explore its determinants among child bearing age mothers in Arba Minch town, Gamogofa zone, Ethiopia. Method: Community based cross sectional study was conducted from May15-30 2014 among child bearing age women. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select 358 study participants. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Bivariate and multivariable data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software to assess statistical association. Result: Long acting contraceptive method utilization was 13.1%. From the socio-economic factors, educational status of the mother, having functional radio or television at home, positive attitude and higher knowledge were found to be independent predictors of long acting contraceptive methods utilization. Conclusion: Utilization of long acting contraceptive method was very low despite multi-pronged activities have been undertaken throughout the country. Thus, community based health care workers should strengthen information, education and communication to ensure that women have higher knowledge and positive attitude towards long acting contraception methods.

The Marginalisation of the Gamo Ethnic Group through Curriculum Planning and Processes in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia the indigenisation of the basic education curricula from an ethnic group perspective was introduced in the post 1991 era following the onset of a new kind of political order known as ethnic federalism. The purpose of this paper is thus to critically analyse the indigenisation of curriculum planning and implementation processes of the basic education curricula from the Gamo ethnic group’s perspective. The study used a qualitative multiple case study approach and design. Two cases from the Gamo Gofa Zone (GGZ) and the Addis Ababa City Administration (AACA), were treated similarly to study the basic education curriculum planning and implementation process. The findings of the study disclosed that the indigenisation of curriculum from the Gamo ethnic group’s perspective has some strength, but there are also major deficiencies. In order to further build on the strengths and resolve the deficiencies, a stand-alone indigenisation approach has been suggested, which proposes that the curriculum be based on indigenous foundations, theories, principles and ideas derived from the culture. Thereafter, a blending approach should be considered, which allows for intercultural dialogue. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p285

Data Management Knowledge, Practice and Associated Factors of Ethiopian Health Extension Workers in Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional study

Background: Producing quality data for decision at all levels of the health system is a global imperative. According to the assessment of the Ethiopian National Health Information System done by the Federal Ministry of Health and World Health Organization, health information system resources, data management, dissemination and use were rated as “not adequate” among the six major components. The aim of this study was to determine the level of data management knowledge, practice and associated factors among Health Extension Workers. Method: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1-22, 2012, among Health Extension Workers deployed in Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A cluster sampling technique was used to select a sample of 457 participants. A structured self- administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered using EPI info version 3.5.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical packages. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population in relation to relevant variables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was also carried out to see the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable. Results: The study revealed that 58.2% of study participants had good data management knowledge and nearly three-quarters (74.3%) had a good data management practice. Workers who were supervised every 3 months [AOR= 4.204, 95% CI: (1.372-12.885)] and workers who have reporting formats in their office [AOR=2.631, 95% CI: (1.331- 5.203)] were more likely to have good data management knowledge. Moreover, workers who have of data registration books and reference materials in their office were more likely to have good data management practice with [AOR= 5.661, 95%CI: (2.019-15.874)] and [AOR=1.870, 95% CI: (1.178-2.968)] respectively. Conclusions: Data management knowledge was found to be low whereas, data management practice was found to be high in the study area. Availability of reporting formats and frequency of supervision for data management knowledge, and availability of reporting formats and data registration book for data management practice of respondents were identified as significant determinants. Therefore, supplying adequate data management resources, modifying formats and improving frequency of supervision are necessary tasks to improve the data management knowledge and practice of Health Extension Workers in Ethiopia.

Predictors of Goiter among School Children in Southwest Ethiopia: Case- Control Study

Background: Goiter is the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. It has been shown that prevalence of goiter was considerably highest in South Ethiopia particularly in Gamogofa zone. The study was aimed to identify factors that determine goiter among Botre Elementary and Junior Secondary school students, Gamogofa zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Case control study was conducted among Botre Elementary and Junior Secondary School students from February to March, 2014. A total of 298 students; 99 cases and 199 controls, were enrolled in the study. Examination of goiter was performed by Inspection and Palpation techniques. Structured interview guided questionnaire was used to collect data on independent variables. Data were entered using EPI info version 3.5.3 statistical software and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the study population in relation to relevant variables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was also carried out to identify factors that determine the dependent variable. Result: A total of 99 cases and 199 controls participated in the study. Being female [AOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.38, 4.44], rural residence [AOR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.86], cassava consumption [AOR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.52, 5.62], cabbage consumption [AOR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.17, 5.13], use of other than tap water source for drinking [AOR: 3.76, 95% CI: 2.07, 6.85], and lack of knowledge by parents about prevention of iodine deficiency disorders [AOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.03, 4.27] were independent predictors of goiter. Conclusion: More than half of cases use other than tap water source(s) for drinking; either spring, well, river or some form of combination; alone or in addition to tap; which was the strongest independent predictor of goiter. So, access to safe drinking water should be improved for rural residents to reduce the level of goiter and its consequences.

Determinants of None-Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV-Infected Adults in Arba Minch General Hospital, Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Case Control Study

Background: Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy is a major challenge to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) care. For Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to be effective, high level of adherence is required. In spite of this, there is no information on determinant none-adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the study area; therefore this study was conducted to identify predictors of none-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Arba Minch General Hospital. Methods: Unmatched case-control study design was employed on 115 case and 347 controls. Non-adherence to ART is considered as case and adherence to ART is taken as control. Data was collected by using a structured pre-tested questionnaire and by using data abstraction format from ART registration chart. Binary logistic regression analysis was calculated to assess the presence and degree of association between dependent and independent variables; finally multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent factors for none adherence. Result: From interviewed respondent majority of respondent 304(65.8%) were females and the rest 158(34.2%) were males. From all respondent 209(45%) were in age group 30-39 years. Factors like rural residence 6.30(3.01-13.15), PLWHA who has no family and community support 1.92(1.05-3.51), mobile phone adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.20(1.15-3.44)), alcohol drinker 5.88(2.86-12.09), malnutrition 2.83(1.18-6.77) and who consume low dietary diversity 7.18(3.43-15.04) and CD4 Count <250 cells/mm3 2.18(1.05-4.50) are the major identified significant factors for none adherence to ART treatment in the study area. Conclusion and recommendation: PLWHA, who has no family and community support, rural residence, not utilized mobile phone, alcohol drinker, under nutrition, who consume low dietary diversity and those with low CD4 count are major significant determinant factors for non-adherence to ART treatment. Therefore, the capacity to effectively manage the above critical factor is crucial in the success of antiretroviral therapy.

Early Initiation of Complementary Feeding and Associated Factors among 6 Months to 2 Years Young Children, in Kamba Woreda, South West Ethiopia: A Community ?Based Cross - Sectional Study

Background: Inadequate and inappropriate complementary feeding are major factors contributing to excess morbidity and mortality in young children in low resource settings. The early introduction of complementary feeds before the age of six months can lead to displacement of breast milk and increased risk of infections such as diarrhea, which further contributes to weight loss and malnutrition. Therefore the objective of this study is to assess early initiation of Complementary feeding and associated factors, in Kamba Woreda, South West Ethiopia. Methods: a community based cross sectional study was conducted in Kamba woreda, Gamo Gofa Zone, South West Ethiopia. The study was conducted on 562 mothers who have young child from 6 months to 2 years from December 2013 to January 2014 by using pre tested structured questioners. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted by SPSS version 20. Results: From all respondents 59.6% started complementary feeding before six months. Age of mothers those who are in age group ≥30, AOR 2.60(1.07 - 6.35) years, Education level those who have no formal education AOR 2.76(1.63 - 4.69), occupational of mothers those who work as daily worker AOR 3.06(1.03 - 9.12)and Private work activity(merchant, farmers) AOR 2.39(1.61-3.53), Mothers who have no post natal follow up for their child in Health service AOR( 1.64(1.05 - 2.55) were significantly associated factors for early initiation of complementary feeding in the study area. Conclusion and Recommendation: - A relatively high proportion of mothers start early complementary feeding, despite what is recommended in the national and global infant and young child feeding guidelines. Maternal age, educational statues ,occupational statues, mothers who has no PNC, and mothers who encountered medical illness at post natal period were significant predictors for early initiation of complementary feeding.

Magnitude and Correlates of Contraceptive Use among Females in Reproductive Age in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Despite its positive impact in reducing maternal and child mortality and morbidity, the utilization rate of contraceptives is unacceptably low in many developing countries including Ethiopia. This warrants the investigation of the contributing factors of this low utilization for appropriate interventions. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the magnitude and associated factors of contraceptive use in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2010 in 9 kebeles of Arba Minch Demographic and Health Development Program. Results: In this study, 28.3% of all women & 32.7% currently married were using any contraceptive methods during the time of the survey. Almost all current users were using modern methods; the most widely used method was injectable (24.2%) followed by implants (2.4%) and pills (1.3%). Current marital status, ethnicity, age, education, presence of radio set in the house hold and discussion about family planning in the last 6 month before the study with their partner were the independent predictors of contraceptive use. Conclusion: The contraceptive prevalence rate is promising but efforts should continue to further increase the contraceptive coverage especially on kebeles with low coverage by targeting men and misconceptions about family planning.

Lifesaving emergency obstetric services are inadequate in south-west Ethiopia: a formidable challenge to reducing maternal mortality in Ethiopia

BackgroundMost maternal deaths take place during labour and within a few weeks after delivery. The availability and utilization of emergency obstetric care facilities is a key factor in reducing maternal mortality; however, there is limited evidence about how these institutions perform and how many people use emergency obstetric care facilities in rural Ethiopia. We aimed to assess the availability, quality, and utilization of emergency obstetric care services in the Gamo Gofa Zone of south-west Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of three hospitals and 63 health centres in Gamo Gofa. Using a retrospective review, we recorded obstetric services, documents, cards, and registration books of mothers treated and served in the Gamo Gofa Zone health facilities between July 2009 and June 2010.ResultsThere were three basic and two comprehensive emergency obstetric care qualifying facilities for the 1,740,885 people living in Gamo Gofa. The proportion of births attended by skilled attendants in the health facilities was 6.6% of expected births, though the variation was large. Districts with a higher proportion of midwives per capita, hospitals and health centres capable of doing emergency caesarean sections had higher institutional delivery rates. There were 521 caesarean sections (0.8% of 64,413 expected deliveries and 12.3% of 4,231 facility deliveries). We recorded 79 (1.9%) maternal deaths out of 4,231 deliveries and pregnancy-related admissions at institutions, most often because of post-partum haemorrhage (42%), obstructed labour (15%) and puerperal sepsis (15%). Remote districts far from the capital of the Zone had a lower proportion of institutional deliveries (<2% of expected births compared to an overall average of 6.6%). Moreover, some remotely located institutions had very high maternal deaths (>4% of deliveries, much higher than the average 1.9%).ConclusionBased on a population of 1.7 million people, there should be 14 basic and four comprehensive emergency obstetric care (EmOC) facilities in the Zone. Our study found that only three basic and two comprehensive EmOC service qualifying facilities serve this large population which is below the UN’s minimum recommendation. The utilization of the existing facilities for delivery was also low, which is clearly inadequate to reduce maternal deaths to the MDG target.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among highland and lowland dwellers in Gamo area, South Ethiopia

BackgroundEpidemiological information on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different regions is a prerequisite to develop appropriate control strategies. Therefore, this present study was conducted to assess the magnitude and pattern of intestinal parasitism in highland and lowland dwellers in Gamo area, South Ethiopia.MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2010 and July 2011 at Lante, Kolla Shelle, Dorze and Geressie kebeles of Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia. The study sites and study participants were selected using multistage sampling method. Data were gathered through house-to-house survey. A total of 858 stool specimens were collected and processed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques for the presence of parasite.ResultsOut of the total examined subjects, 342(39.9%) were found positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the highest 98(11.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia 91(10.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 67(7.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis 51(5.9%), hookworm 42(4.9%), Trichuris trichiura 24(2.8%), Taenia species 18(2.1%), Hymenolepis nana 7(0.6%) and Schistosoma mansoni 1(0.12%). No statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among lowland (37.9%) and highland dwellers (42.3%) (P = 0.185). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly different among the study sites but it was relatively higher in Geressie (42.8%) than other kebeles. Sex was not associated with parasitic infections (P = 0.481). No statistically significant difference of infection was observed among the age groups (P = 0.228) but it was higher in reproductive age group.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the lowland and highland dwellers in Gamo area indicated that parasitic infections are important public health problems. Thus, infection control measures and the development of awareness strategies to improve sanitation and health education should be considered.

Association of Khat and alcohol use with HIV infection and age at first sexual initiation among youths visiting HIV testing and counseling centers in Gamo-Gofa Zone, South West Ethiopia

BackgroundHIV/AIDS is the major problem and an obstacle to both the health and development of people in Ethiopia today. It is also indicated that the use of substances have dramatically increased despite the serious concern about HIV infection.MethodsUnmatched case control study was conducted in South West Ethiopia using a sample of 105 cases and 305 controls. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the degree of association between dependent and independent variables.ResultHIV infection was positively associated with being in the age of 20 – 24 years [OR & (95% CI) = 2.892 (1.266, 6.607)], being female [OR & (95% CI) = 2.013 (1.061, 3.822)], alcohol use [OR & (95% CI) = 5.883 (3.034, 11.408)], having no education [OR & (95% CI) = 3.193 (1.523, 6.695)] and primary education level [OR & (95% CI) = 3.160 (1.351, 7.388)]. Early sexual initiation was also positively associated with being not employed Adj. HR & (95% CI) = 7.372 (1.455, 37.357)], not having comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS [Adj. HR & (95% CI) = 8.247 (2.121, 32.067)], alcohol use [Adj. HR & (95% CI) = 3.815 (1.315, 11.070)] and khat use [Adj. HR & (95% CI) = 7.241 (1.871, 28.016)].ConclusionStrategies should be designed to control the use of alcohol and khat which were found to be predictors of HIV infection and early sexual initiation in this study.

Quality Audit on Venous Blood Sample Processing in Laboratories of Governmental Hospitals in Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia

Back ground: Pre-analytical activities persist to pose significant amount of uncertainties in clinical laboratories causing adverse impacts on patient health and the entire healthcare system. Venous blood sample (VBS) processing that has many error prone activities is one of the pre-analytical procedures performed in the laboratory. The objective of our survey was to identify, in Ethiopian Hospital laboratory set-up, the major activities in the processing of VBS in which undesirable practices that may result in errors are executed. Methods: We have conducted institution based cross-sectional survey sup-plemented with non-participatory type observational study from February 2012 to September 2012 in laboratories of three governmental hospitals of Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia. Pre-tested questionnaire and check list were used for data collection. Analysis of the data was performed using Medcalc® version 12.1.4 software. Results: A total of 19 laboratory professionals working in the three governmental hospitals were included in this survey. The activities possessing highest proportions of undesirable practices were related to establishment and adherence to serum/plasma/whole blood rejection criteria, measures taken when produced serum/plasma is too small for analysis, speed and duration of centrifugation. Low proportion of undesirable practices were found in activities related to capping test tubes before centrifugation, maximum allowed time before analysis of unpreserved serum/plasma/whole blood samples and balancing during centrifugation. None of the socio-demographic and background information of participants we assessed was associated with undesirability of VBS processing activities. Conclusion: From this study, we concluded that the VBS processing in the laboratories involved many undesirable practices that might lead to erroneous results. We identified that the gearing problem to the undesirable practices was absence of laboratory documents regarding VBS processing activities. Therefore, establishment and strict adherence to laboratory documents for every activity in VBS processing by every laboratory personnel would avoid many of the unde-sirable practices.

Chemical and mineral compositions of pods of Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oleifera cultivated in the lowland of Gamogofa Zone

This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical and mineral compositions of whole and seeds-removed fresh pods of Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oleifera. Feed samples were collected from five trees of each Moringa species and analyzed for nutrients using standard methods. The results indicated that whole fresh pods of both Moringa species contained high crude protein (CP), fat and gross energy (GE) values. The highest CP (182 g/kg DM) was obtained from whole fresh pods of M. stenopetala while the lowest in seeds-removed fresh pods of M. oleifera (104 g/kg DM). The GE content (17.3-18.0 MJ/kg DM) was similar across pod parts except in seeds-removed fresh pods of M. stenopetala with the lowest value (16.3 MJ/kg DM). In both Moringa species, seeds-removed fresh pods contained high crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, cellulose and hemicelluloses. In M. stenopetala, calcium content was 3.72 and 2.98 g/kg DM in whole fresh pods and seeds-removed fresh pods, respectively. In M. oleifera, whole and seeds-removed fresh pods contained 3.34 and 2.74 g/kg DM calcium, respectively. High zinc and iron concentrations were found in whole and seeds-removed fresh pods of both Moringa species, respectively. Both whole and seeds-removed fresh pods of M. oleifera had higher copper values (9.3-9.7 mg/kg DM) than those of M. stenopetala (4.8-5.8 mg/kg DM). In conclusion, the fresh pods of both Moringa species could be used as alternative energy and protein sources for feeding ruminant and monogastric animals during dry periods of the year. The fresh pods might be also useful source of macro and trace minerals in human nutrition.