Mekelle University Research Articles

Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Contaminant Bacteria from Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in vitro Culture in Tigray Biotechnology Center, Mekelle, Ethiopia

Plant tissue cultures can be contaminated by extensive diversity of bacteria and the contaminations are species specific. The contamination can reduce growth rate of shoot and root, multiplication factor, and even cause plant death. The study was conducted at Mekelle University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Tigray Biotechnology center and contaminated in vitro sugarcane culture obtained from laboratory of plant tissue culture. The objective of the study was to isolate, characterize, and identify bacteria from contaminated in vitro Sugarcane culture and to test the sensitivity of the isolates to the most commonly used antibiotics. Morphological, Gram stain, Endospore stain and Biochemical test method were used to isolate and identify the contaminates and disk diffusion method was used for the drug susceptibility test. Commonly available antibiotics were used for susceptibility testing. In the present study Escherichia, Bacillus and Micrococcus were isolated and identified as the major contaminant bacteria from in vitro sugarcane cultures. In antibacterial susceptibility test the isolates of Bacillus and Micrococcus were susceptible to Gentamicin, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxaciline, Tetracycline, Vancomycine, Streptomycin, Penicillin G and Kanamycine demonstrating the efficacy of these antimicrobials for the treatment of sugarcane in vitro culture contamination by incorporating in to the sugarcane media formulation while, the third isolate Escherichia were resistance to all antibiotic agents.

The 13th African Small Mammal Symposium in Mekelle, Ethiopia, and the evolution of these meetings

The 13th African Small Mammal Symposium (ASMS) was organized on September 16-21, 2019, at Mekelle University in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. Starting in 1977, these symposia are organized every four years and since 2003 have been held in tropical Africa. The aim of the meetings is to promote communication among researchers and students interested in various aspects of the biology of African small mammals (mainly rodents, insectivores, bats, afrotherians, small carnivores and primates), which are significantly understudied in comparison with their larger relatives.In this editorial contribution, which introduces a special issue of Journal of Vertebrate Biology on African small mammals, we would like to briefly summarize the history of these meetings and to pinpoint the major trends in research on African small mammals, based on an analysis of the presentations at these meetings.

Management of Solid waste generation in cafeterias of Endayesus campus of Mekelle University, Ethiopia

Management of Solid waste generation in cafeterias of Endayesus campus of Mekelle University, Ethiopia

Unsafe sex practice and its associated factors among regular undergraduate students of Mekelle University, Ethiopia, 2019: a facility based cross-sectional study

Background: Unsafe sex is ranked second among the top ten risk factors to health that may lead to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancy and/or unsafe abortion. Despite the high burden of unsafe sex practices in Ethiopia, little was known on reasons and associated factors in the study setting in particular. Objective: To examine unsafe sex practice and its associated factors among regular undergraduate students of Mekelle University, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: a facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted among randomly selected 797 regular under graduate students of Mekelle University using the multistage sampling design. A multiple logit model was fitted to identify factors associated with unsafe sex practice. Finally, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) was estimated and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for statistical decision. Main findings: Overall, approximately 44% of the participants who had sex in the last 12 months practiced unsafe sex. Major reasons to have had unsafe sex were - for fun, lack of awareness, trusting sexual partners and no access to use condom. Dormitory living condition (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20 – 0.99) and taking course on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) (AOR =0.49; 95% CI: 0.28 – 0.85) had protective effect against unsafe sex practice. Conclusion: The unsafe sex practice was significantly high in the current study. Thus, comprehensive information and education on SRH has to be implemented by the University to prevent unsafe sex practices associated bad consequences among the students.

Practice of stress management behaviors and associated factors among undergraduate students of Mekelle University, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundStress is one of the top five threats to academic performance among college students globally. Consequently, students decrease in academic performance, learning ability and retention. However, no study has assessed the practice of stress management behaviors and associated factors among college students in Ethiopia. So the purpose of this study was to assess the practice of stress management behaviors and associated factors among undergraduate university students at Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2019.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 633 study participants at Mekelle University from November 2018 to July 2019. Bivariate analysis was used to determine the association between the independent variable and the outcome variable at p < 0.25 significance level. Significant variables were selected for multivariate analysis.ResultsThe study found that the practice of stress management behaviors among undergraduate Mekelle university students was found as 367(58%) poor and 266(42%) good. The study also indicated that sex, year of education, monthly income, self-efficacy status, and social support status were significant predictors of stress management behaviors of college students.ConclusionThis study found that the majority of the students had poor practice of stress management behaviors.

An Assessment of Network Learning in Higher Education: The Case of Mekelle University Undergraduate Students

The vision for higher education institutions described by the Ministry of Education (MoE) suggests a need for innovative instructional approaches consistent with current recommendations and reforms. This study explored the perceptions and understanding of department heads (n=9), quality assurance officers (n=2) and teachers (n=9) who have been offered support/guidance for networks, undergraduate students (n=80) who have been organized in Network learning and network leaders (n=16). These participants were from two colleges in Mekelle University (MU): College of Natural and Computational Sciences(CNCS) as well as College of Dry Land Agriculture and Natural Resources (CDLANR).The Network Learning is realized as a means to utilize the fundamentals of small group learning and that contribute to successful student learning as opposed to a more traditional small group learning approaches. To do this effect, a questionnaire having three parts was administered to student networks (network leaders) and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) carried out with faculty members of the two colleges in order to elicit in depth their beliefs and understandings about Network Learning, such as, what constitutes effective Network Learning, and how it works. While SPSS was inter alia be utilized to analyze quantitative data, descriptive approach under predetermined thematic topics was used to analyze qualitative data. The key findings were the following: (1) most teachers seemed to have positive attitude toward Networking Learning, yet their understanding of the basic components of small group learning such as student networks, was problematic; (2) Student Network leaders reported networks are not functioning well, and (3) The students expressed trust in teacher role during small group learning and have the confidence that network members comply with basic principle of small group learning. Keywords: Student Network: A network consist of a team of five students that are linked in classroom setting to help each other for furthering learning. Learning: Refers to multi-dimensional and multi-phase activity of students to acquire knowledge and skill. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-7-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Physical activity and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundRegular physical activity (PA) has health benefits, including reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy. In Ethiopia, little is known about PA status and its determinants among pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to assess PA status and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public and private health facilities in Mekelle, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was collected from 299 pregnant women using a structured questionnaire. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A binary logistic regression was modeled to investigate the statistical significance of independent variables with PA status during pregnancy. Factors associated with PA status were estimated using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.Results79.3% of the study participants were classified as sedentary. The age group of 26–35 years (AOR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.07–6.78), attending non-formal education (AOR: 13.50, 95% CI: 2.65–68.91), and women who did not work outside the home (AOR: 5.23, 95% CI: 1.34–20.38) were significantly associated with a higher risk of sedentary activity status. Pregnant women who were married (AOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09–0.73), had two children (AOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.59), traveled an hour or more to health facilities (AOR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11–0.89) were protected from being sedentary.ConclusionSedentary PA status was highly prevalent during pregnancy. Pregnant women in the age group of 26–35 years, with a non-formal education, and women who did not work outside the home had a greater risk of reporting being sedentary. Those who were married, had two children, and traveled an hour or more to health facilities were less likely to be sedentary. Stakeholders (Tigrai regional health bureau, Mekelle University, local NGOs working with pregnant women and societies at large) should give higher emphasis on designing appropriate strategies including educational interventions to overcome barriers to PA during pregnancy.

Engagement of Students with Disabilites for Inclusion in Ethiopian Public Higher Education Institutions

The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of engagement, inclusion and influence of engagement on inclusion of Students with Disabilities (SWDs) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Convergent Parallel Mixed research design was employed though only quantitative data presentation, interpretation and discussion was considered in this paper. Student Engagement Scale (SES) and College Student Experience Questionnaire (CSEQ) were used to collect data. Reliability and validity of the instruments was scrutinized properly. For example, pilot study of the instruments was undertaken involving 30 SWDs who were attending their education at Mekelle University. Target population were 773 SWDs from 5 HEIs in the country, yet through Taro (1967) stratified proportionate random sampling technique (deaf, blind and physical impairment strata) 264 SWDs were determined to be sample populations. The data collected by the two questionnaire were analyzed by using one-sample t-test and multiple stepwise regression. Results indicated that SWDs were engaged highly in their sense of valuing (psychological engagement I) and cognitive engagements. However, they have lower sense of belonging, lower relationships with faculty members, peers and behavioral engagements. On the contrary, SWDs were found to be included and this inclusion was influenced by SWDs’ engagement. Recommendation was therefore, training about engagement need to be delivered to SWDs at various levels of education before entering to HEIs.

Prevalence of, Factors Associated with and Level of Dependence of Psychoactive Substance Use among Mekelle University Students, Ethiopia.

Background: Psychoactive substance use is a major public health concern globally. Though youth attending higher education institutions are considered particularly vulnerable to psychoactive substances, there is a paucity of evidence in Ethiopia. We aimed to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substance use, factors associated with psychoactive substance use and level of dependence among Mekelle University undergraduate students in Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional survey was used to randomly (using multistage sampling) invite 1220 undergraduate students in April and May 2017 to participate. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with psychoactive substance use. Level of dependence was determined using the WHO’s Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test classification. Results: Among the eligible students approached, 1214 participants completed the survey, which yields a 99.5% response rate. The lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 66.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 64% to 69%) while the current prevalence was 49% (95% CI = 46% to 52%). A history of, but not current, psychoactive substance use was reported by 18%, while 33.5% reported never having used psychoactive substances. The current prevalence of alcohol use was 35.5%, tobacco 7.8% and khat 5.7%. Of the current users, 17% (95% CI = 14% to 20%) were at a moderate to high risk of dependency. Being over 21 years of age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.37 to 2.25), male (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI = 2.26 to 4.34), living in urban areas (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.77 to 3.23), an Orthodox Christian (AOR = 7.55, 95% CI = 4.56 to 12.48), and being in their 3rd year (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.49 to 3.55), 4th year (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2 to 3.51) and 5th year (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI = 2.81 to 7.67) at university were associated with currently using psychoactive substances. Being male and Orthodox Christian was associated with being an ex-smoker. Conclusions: Approximately half of Mekelle University undergraduate students were using psychoactive substances with almost one in five at risk of dependency. The likelihood of use increased with seniority. Evidence-based strategies are needed to prevent school-aged children from using psychoactive substances and university students becoming dependent on substances. Interventions designed to stop current psychoactive substance use may also have promise for reducing dependency.

Burden of neck pain among medical students in Ethiopia

BackgroundNeck pain is the major cause of morbidity and absenteeism from university lessons among medical students worldwide. Medical students are more exposed and appear to have neck pain because of their length of study to achieve their professional goals. However, up to the knowledge of the researcher, there is a scarcity of literature conducted on prevalence and associated factors of neck pain among medical students in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with neck pain among medical students at Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, Tigray, Ethiopia.MethodInstitutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2018 to May 2018. A structured questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was distributed to 422 participants using a self-administered questionnaire in Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences Tigray, Ethiopia. Independent variables which had a significant association were identified using logistic regression models. Results were reported by using texts and frequency distribution tables.ResultA total of 422 participants involved in this study, with a 99.3% response rate. Previous 12 months self-reported prevalence of neck pain among medical students was found to be 49.2% with 95%CI (44.5–54%). Previous history of neck pain (AOR: 11.811, 95%CI: 5.460–25.549), physical exercise (AOR: 2.044, 95%CI: 1.233–3.387), duration of reading (AOR: 1.502, 95%CI: 0.236–2.780) and awkward posture (AOR: 3.87, 95%CI: 2.311–6.484) were factors significantly associated with neck pain.Conclusion and recommendationThe current study showed that nearly half of the study participants self-reported to have suffered neck pain in the preceding 12 months. Past history of neck pain, physical exercise, duration of reading and awkward neck posture are likely to be significantly associated neck pain among medical students in Ethiopia. Engaging in consistent physical exercise has a protective effect against neck pain. Therefore, Medical students are recommended to carry out a regular physical exercise for a minimum of twenty to thirty minutes per day.

Challenges and Opportunities in Building a Successful Digital Library in Developing Countries

The present research work describes the use of the electronic resources by the teaching community at Mekelle University, Ethiopia. The survey was conducted by using questionnaires to collect the data. The questionnaires were administrated to total 1516 on duty teaching faculties of seven colleges. Including the College of Natural and Computational Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Health Science, the College of Law and Governance, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Language and Social Sciences, College Dry Land Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as nine regular institutes including; the Ethiopian Institute of Technology, the Mekelle Institute of Technology, the Institute of Paleo Environment and Heritage Conservation, the Institute of Pedagogical Sciences, the Institute of Geo-Information and Earth Observation Sciences, the Institute of Environment and Gender Development Studies, the Institute of Population Studies, the Institute for Climate and Society, and the Institute for Water and Environment at Mekelle University. The survey also examines the purpose of use, frequency, difficulties, and availability of electronic information resources subscribed by the Mekelle University Digital Library. Finally, the data was interpreted, concluded, and suggestions have been given for improvement of electronic information resources at library web portal.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Academic Staff of Mekelle University, Ethiopia.

Background:Musculoskeletal pain is a leading cause of morbidity, low productivity. Thus; not only affecting the individual’s quality of life; it also creates a burden in the health system and affects the productivity of their institution and the country at large. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among academic staff in developed countries ranges from 47% to 85%. However, there was a scarce of studies in developing country, particularly in the study area.Purpose:the aim of the research was to assess the burden of musculoskeletal pain and associated factors among Mekelle University academic staff.Patients and Methods:An institutional based cross-sectional study was enrolled on 449 participants with a response rate of 92.2%. Multistage sampling technique was deployed to select representatives. Participants under the selected schools, institutes and departments were selected using random sampling method. Data was collected through face to face interview using structured and standardized Nordic questionnaire by trained data collectors at Mekelle University. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. In bivariate logistic regression variables which have P value of <.25 were modeled to multivariate logistic regression. Those variables with P-value of <.05 with 95% CI in multivariate model were taken as statistically significant.Results:This study found that burden of musculoskeletal pain among Mekelle University academic staff in the previous 12 month was 65.2%, and in the last 7 days was 29%. Neck pain (41.5%) was most prevalent followed by low back pain (40.3%). Female gender (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.58-5.76), Body mass index ⩾25 (OR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.15-11.39), working hours per day (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.54-6.38), and physical inactivity (OR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.69-7.16), were the independent factors positevly associated with musculoskeletal pain.Conclusion:The burden of musculoskeletal pain among Mekelle University academic staff was common. Female gender, being overweight and obese, working >5 hours per day, and being physically inactive increase the odds of experiencing musculoskeletal pains among academicians. Therefore the university authorities and all academicians are recommended that to take preventable measures of musculoskeletal pain.

Pre-service Teachers’ Attitude towards the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities

The aim of the study was to investigate pre-service teachers' attitudes towards the inclusion of students with disabilities. To conduct the study a descriptive survey research method was used.The study was conducted in Mekelle University, Ethiopia. In the selection process of the research participants, a convenience sampling method was followed. The data were collected from 143 (92 males and 51 females) pre-service/Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching science and non-science teacher candidates. To collect the data for the study, a survey questionnaire was employed. Hence, the data were fully quantitative. Data gathered were analyzed under different themes using a descriptive approach.The findings of the study showed that though the pre-service teachers have relatively good understanding of students' with disabilities right to education and inclusion, the importance of for students with disabilities, and school roles for inclusion, negative and divided attitudes were found on including students with disabilities in their future classrooms.

Prevalence of Ectoparasites of Small Ruminants Presented at Mekelle University Veterinary Hospital, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Prevalence of Ectoparasites of Small Ruminants Presented at Mekelle University Veterinary Hospital, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Bacteriological profile, risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of symptomatic urinary tract infection among students of Mekelle University, northern Ethiopia

BackgroundBacterial infection of the urinary tract is among the common reasons for seeking medical attention in the community. Rapidly increasing antibiotic resistance of uropathogens is resulting in limited treatment options. Therefore, knowledge of the current uropathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility is important for better treatment of urinary tract infection.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted from February to September thirty, 2017 among students who came to Mekelle University student’s clinics with symptomatic urinary tract infection during the study period.. Mid-stream urine specimens were collected from 341individuals with suspected urinary tract infection for bacteriological identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Data on socio-demographic, clinical and risk factors were also collected using a structured questionnaire.ResultsAmong the 341 study participants, 72(21.1%) showed significant bacteriuria. Escherichia coli (48.6%), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (23%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.5%), and Klebsiella spp. (8.1%) were common bacterial isolates. Resistance to ampicillin (81–100%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (77–93.6%), co- trimoxazole (55 72.3%), nalidixic acid (57.4%) and tetracycline (46–55.5%) was seen by most isolates. Multidrug resistance was observed in 73% of the bacterial isolates, and 25.5% of the Gram-negative isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers. Being female, a history of urinary tract infection, a history of catheterization and frequent sexual activity were found to be statistically associated with urinary tract infection.ConclusionUrinary tract infection is a problem among university students with a prevalence of 21.1%. All isolates have developed resistance to most of the commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, health education on the transmission and causes of urinary tract infection are recommended for the students.

Determinants of Common Mental Disorders Among Residents of Quiha Town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Common mental disorders include anxiety, depression and somatic symptom related disorders which are the most prevalent mental disorders in the world and they can cause a significant public health problem. Some studies reported that individuals who are older, being female, separated, divorced or widowed, and having poor physical health were more likely to have common mental disorders. Therefore this study is expected to identify the determinants of common mental disorders in the community and inform to concerned bodies to improve the mental and psychological wellbeing of the community. Objective: To assess determinants of common mental disorders among residents of Quiha town, Tigray, northern Ethiopia 2018/2019 Method: A community based unmatched case-control study design was conducted on 297 adult residents of Quiha town 99 cases and 198 controls calculated using double population proportion formula by considering; 95% confidence interval, 80% power, and a 1:2 ratio of case and control groups. The study participant has selected two controls after each case. Data were collected by three trained BSc. Psychiatric nursing using self-reported questionnaire (SRQ20) through face to face interview and was supervised by one MSc. Student. Data entry was done by using EPI- Info version 4.2 and transferred to SPSS version 20.0 statistical software for cleaning, coding, and analysis. Logistic regression was computed to assess statistical association via Odds ratio, and the significance of statistical association was tested using a 95% confidence interval and P-value (0.05). Result: Out of 198cantrols and 99 cases participants [155(78.3%control & 74(74.7%) case] were females. Participants who were Son/daughter (AOR=0.37,95% CI:0.14_98) and being dependent (AOR=6.50, 95% CI:1.17_36.20), chronic illness(AOR=2.52;95%CI:1.10_5.80),experiencing stressful life event (AOR =2.50; 95% CI:1.20_5.13), moderate perceived stress level(AOR=5.92; 95% CI: 2.85_12.27)and high perceived stress level (AOR =122.82; 95% CI: 114.83_1063.60)were significantly associated with common mental disorders. Conclusion: The results of this study showed an association between common mental disorders and different determinants. This complex association may result in challenges control of common mental disorders. Screening programs for psychological problems can be used in primary health units. We recommend that mental health services have to be expanded to the community level with wide scale and mental health training of general health professionals. Funding Statement: Source of funding for this research is Mekelle University College of Health Science. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare they have no competing interests. Ethical Approval Statement: This study was carried out after obtaining ethical approval from the college of health sciences, Mekelle University.

Use of Electronic Information Resources at Mekelle University, Ethiopia

The present research work describes the use of the electronic resources by the teaching community at Mekelle University, Ethiopia. The survey was conducted by using questionnaires to collect the data. The questionnaires were administered to a total of 1,516 on-duty teaching faculty of seven colleges. This is including the College of Natural and Computational Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Health Science, the College of Law and Governance, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Language and Social Sciences, the College of Dry Land Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as nine regular institutes including: the Ethiopian Institute of Technology, Mekelle Institute of Technology, the Institute of Paleo Environment and Heritage Conservation, the Institute of Pedagogical Sciences, the Institute of Geo-Information and Earth Observation Sciences, the Institute of Environment and Gender Development Studies, the Institute of Population Studies, the Institute for Climate and Society, and the Institute for Water and Environment at Mekelle University. The survey also examines the purpose of use, frequency, difficulties, and availability of electronic information resources subscribed by Mekelle University Digital Library. Finally, the data has been interpreted, concluded and suggestions have been given for the improvement of electronic information resources at the library web portal.

Examining the Interaction Effects of Gender and Programs of Study on the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Students’ Attitude Towards Teaching Profession of Mekelle University, Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction effects of gender and programs of study on attitudes of postgraduate diploma in teaching (PGDT) students towards the teaching profession. The main aim of the study was to find out whether there are any significant interaction effects of gender and programs of study of PGDT students’ attitude towards the teaching profession. A descriptive survey was carried out among PGDT students during the year 2016/2017 regular session with a population of 371 students. The survey was conducted between science and non-science students in the department of teacher education at Mekelle University, Ethiopia. Using stratified random sampling method, 130 student-teachers were selected as sample for the study. A scale entitled “attitude towards teaching profession” was developed and validated by the researchers based on established procedures in the literature (Aliyu Musa and Ado Abdu Bichi, 2015). A scale contained 15 items to be scored on the five-point Likert scale as Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Neutral(N), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD) was used. The data analysis of descriptive statistics through quantitative analysis by computing SPSS 16.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for Windows 10 was employed. Statistical techniques which include percentage analysis for levels, mean, standard deviation and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were also used for data analysis and interpretation. The findings of the two-way ANOVA demonstrated that there are no significant interaction effects of gender and programs of study on attitude towards the teaching profession of PGDT students. A correlation analysis of gender and programs of a study indicated that the student teachers’ attitude towards the teaching profession was positively related to gender and programs of study. Keywords: attitude, teaching profession, student teachers, teaching students DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-10-07 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

A qualitative study of drivers of psychoactive substance use among Mekelle University students, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundPsychoactive substance (PS) use is a public health concern among University students. Understanding the factors underlay the use helps to underpin effective preventive interventions. However, there is dearth of exploratory studies on the drivers of psychoactive substance use in Ethiopian universities. Here, we aimed to explore the drivers for psychoactive substance use among Mekelle University undergraduate students.MethodsExploratory qualitative study was conducted from April 1 to May 30, 2017. We conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) and eleven in-depth interviews (IDIs) with students, proctors and bar owners. We also conducted three round interviews within two weeks interval with each of four key-informant researchers (KIR). Participants were selected purposively and the investigators conducted the discussions and the interviews using semi-structured guides. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and imported into qualitative data analysis software for coding and analysis. An inductive approach was applied to crystalize non-repetitive emerging themes overarching the drivers for psychoactive substance use among university students.ResultsThe following themes emerged as drivers for psychoactive substance use among University students; (1)feeling helpless following detachment from family, (2) prior experience with substances, (3) socialization reasons, (4) low academic performance, (5) physical environment (explained by easy access to substance and limited recreational alternatives), and (6) sub-optimal organizational support.ConclusionsMultiple drivers that range from individual to structural levels are involved in university student’s use of psychoactive substances, with socialization process at the center of the factors. Thus, the study appeals for a range of multifaceted interventions directed to the individual, interpersonal and organizational level factors.

Tuberculosis case detection by trained inmate peer educators in a resource-limited prison setting in Ethiopia: a cluster-randomised trial

To improve tuberculosis case detection, interventions that are feasible with available resources are needed. We investigated whether involving trained prison inmates in a tuberculosis control programme improved tuberculosis case detection, shortened pre-treatment symptom duration, and increased treatment success in a resource-limited prison setting in Ethiopia. In this cluster-randomised trial we randomly assigned prisons in the regions Amhara and Tigray of Ethiopia to an intervention group or a control group, after matching them into pairs based on their geographical proximity and size. Larger prisons were considered eligible whereas smaller prisons were excluded. We selected three to six prison inmates in each intervention prison. The recruited prison inmates who received a 3-day training course and were capable of identifying presumptive tuberculosis cases then provided health education to all other prison inmates about tuberculosis prevention and control every 2 weeks for 1 year. They also actively searched for symptomatic prison inmates and undertook routine symptom-based tuberculosis screening. The control prisons followed the existing passive case finding system. The primary outcome was the mean case detection rate at the end of the year, measured at cluster (prison) level. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02744521. We randomly assigned 16 prisons with a total population of 18 032 inmates to either the intervention group (n=8) or the control group (n=8) from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017. During the 1-year study period, 75 new tuberculosis cases (1% of 8874 total inmates) were detected in the intervention prisons and 25 new cases (<1% of 9158 total inmates) were detected in the control prisons. The mean case detection rate was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference 52·9 percentage points, 95% CI 17·5-88·3, p=0·010). Involving trained inmate peer educators in the tuberculosis control programme in Ethiopian prisons significantly improved the tuberculosis case detection rate. The findings have important implications for clinical and public health policy, particularly in prisons of low-income countries where tuberculosis burden is high and the recommended tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment algorithms have generally not been implemented. Nuffic, Mekelle University.