National Regional Research Articles

Epidemiological and clinical profiles of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective study

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by Leishmania parasites. Ethiopia is one of the top ten countries with high CL load. Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) is one of the CL hotspot areas in Ethiopia. This study determined the epidemiology and clinical profiles of CL in ANRS. This study was conducted from April to October 2023 in eight Leishmaniasis Treatment Centres (LTCs). A data review was done from patients presenting to these centres between June 2018 and July 2023. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed using SPSS-23. A total of 1729 CL patients were recorded. The overall burden of CL per 10,000 outpatients was 900. Most of the patients (71.1%) presented with localised cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL). The patients were from 112 districts. About 12% of the patients lived with the disease for over a year without treatment. Multiple-time comer patients accounted for 13.2% of the patients. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a major public health problem in ANRS. One-third of CL patients presented with the MCL clinical form. There was longer delay among CL patients for seeking diagnosis and treatment. Large scale community based study and traditional and modern treatment centers focused studies should be included to estimate the actual number of CL in the region. Follow-up and molecular studies are important to better understand the clinical features of the disease. Moreover, awareness of the community about the CL prevention and control help the patients to get early diagnosis and treatment.

Social Capital and Saving Behavior in Ethiopia: Evidence from the Amhara National Regional State

Social Capital and Saving Behavior in Ethiopia: Evidence from the Amhara National Regional State

Prevalence and associated factors of norovirus infections among patients with diarrhea in the Amhara national regional state, Ethiopia

BackgroundNoroviruses (NoVs) are the leading cause of diarrheal disease among all age groups worldwide, with an increased burden in developing countries. As there is no surveillance, epidemiological data is limited in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of NoV infection among patients with diarrhea in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.MethodsA prospective health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to November 2021. A total of 550 study participants of all age groups with symptoms of diarrhea were proportionately assigned to the four study areas, area with three health facilities. Study participants were systematically sampled in each health facility. A fecal sample from each case was collected. The RNA was extracted and tested for NoV by one-step RT-PCR. Sociodemographic and other variables were gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed. Both binary and multiple logistic regressions were utilized to identify factors associated with NoV infection. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant.ResultsFive hundred nineteen out of 550 samples were analyzed (94.4% response rate). The overall prevalence of NoV was 8.9% (46/519). The positivity rates were higher among the elderly (33.3%) and under-5 children (12.5%). Both genogroup I and genogroup II (GII) were identified, with GII being the predominant, at 82.6% (38/46). Of all participants, only 20% reported a history of vomiting. Norovirus infection was more prevalent among participants from Debre Tabor (AOR = 4, 95%CI: 1.2–14) and Bahir Dar areas (AOR = 3.6, 95%CI: 1.04–11) compared to Debre Markos. Additionally, older adults (AOR = 7, 95% CI: 2–24) and under-5 children (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.8–12) were disproportionately affected compared to adults. The previous history of diarrhea (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.7–7) was a significant factor contributing to NoV infections. Moreover, the odds of NoV infection were higher among individuals with a high frequency of diarrhea (AOR = 15.3, 95%CI: 7.6–43) and vomiting (AOR = 3.5, 95%CI: 1.5-8).ConclusionsThe prevalence of NoV was considerably high, with the predominance of NoV-GII. The positivity rate was higher among the extreme age groups and varied across the study areas. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the virus`s epidemiology and its genetic diversity, further research is warranted.

National Sentiments and Regional Flavour- A Socio-economic Study of Huvina Hadagali Jasmine

Background This socio-economic analysis studies the influence of jasmine production on the economic well-being of farmers in Huvina Hadagali, a region known for its high-quality jasmine flowers. The Vijaya Nagara district’s Havina Hadagali area is well known throughout the country for its jasmine flower farming. In addition to being referred to as Mallige Nadu, this location is also known as Malligeya Tavaru. The cultivation of the jasmine flower is protected by the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, and this flower has been popular in this region for a substantial amount of time. Methods Data was collected from a sample of 364 jasmine growers using a structured questionnaire in Huvina Hadagali, Vijayanagar district. The data focused on different socio-economic factors such as income levels, employment, market access, and agricultural techniques. The study is analysed using IBM SPSS through frequency analysis and 2-step clustering. Result The results demonstrate that the cultivation of jasmine makes a substantial contribution to the local economy, serving as a main or additional source of income for numerous households. Jasmine farming often contributes 40% of the whole household income, and during peak seasons, it provides significant economic advantages. Nevertheless, the highlighted obstacles were volatile market pricing, pest infestations, and limited access to contemporary farming practices. The study emphasises the crucial significance of cooperative societies and local marketplaces in stabilising income and offering essential resources and training to farmers. Conclusion The research highlights the necessity of governmental interventions focused on developing market infrastructure, offering financial assistance, and improving access to agricultural innovations to maintain and augment the economic advantages of jasmine cultivation in Huvina Hadagali.

Production and management practices and technologies used for growing potatoes and tomatoes

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess production and management practices and technologies used by farmers for tomato and potato production, as well as their productivity. Methodology / approach. This research was conducted in Ziway-Dugda and Tiyo districts of Arsi Zone in Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia during 2022 cropping season. Data were collected from 400 households in 10 kebeles (local administrative unit) of both districts using Kobo toolbox from respondents through face-to-face interview and descriptive analysis using SPSS version 22. Results. The results of the study showed that farmers in the study areas used different pre-harvest practices. These include cultivation tools and methods, planting locations, tomato staking, potato hilling and irrigation practices to successfully grow vegetables and increase land productivity by rotating different crops on their land. Various diseases, weeds and insects have been observed on their farms, which were managed by cultural, agronomic, mechanical and chemical management practices on tomato and potato farms during the last cropping years in the study districts. Thus, majority farmers in the study areas have used insecticides and fungicides on tomato and potato farms; but most of the weeds were removed by hand weeding. Most tomato and potato farmers have determined the type of chemical and its use from their own previous experience, in consultation with salespeople and extension agents in their regions. However, the study results showed that there are unused production and management practices for tomato and potato cultivation by some farmers. There are many production and management practices and technologies used by farmers to improve vegetable productivity in the study areas, although some farmers did not adopt improved production and management technologies, resulting in reduced production, which requires future interventions to increase their capacity through training and technology adoption. Originality / scientific novelty. This study stands out in the field of production and management practices and technologies used by smallholder tomato and potato producers due to its innovative approach and unique contribution to existing knowledge and skills. While previous studies have examined the relationship between production and management practices and technologies in an agricultural context, particularly focusing on state farms, our study focuses on small-scale tomato and potato producers. Through our thorough case study research and interview structure, we not only deepened our understanding of production and management practices in the agricultural sector, but also provided practical recommendations for improving the efficiency and sustainability of small-scale tomato and potato producers on different farms/fields. Practical value / implications. The findings of this study can be used to develop recommendations for policy makers and researchers on how to improve labour productivity in the future Thus, the policy focuses on developing strategies for producers to adopt modern production and management practices and technologies, raising farmers’ awareness of available technologies, improving management practices and increasing crop productivity in the study area.

CUSTOMARY LAND GOVERNANCE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONG THE DEBNE AND WEIMA AFAR CLANS, NORTHEAST ETHIOPIA

This study is based on three months of fieldwork among the Debne and Weima Afar clans in Amibara woreda (district), Afar National Regional State (ANRS), Ethiopia, which was conducted in three rounds in 2016, 2018 and 2022. The purpose of the study is to explore the customary organisational structure and the rules and regulations employed by the local communities in managing natural resources on their rangelands as well as in resolving conflicts. While the clan system provides the basis for the Afar social and political organisation, claims to land are made at subclan and lineage levels. The formal administration largely functions using the clan structure, as it has more legitimacy than the state itself. Given the infrastructural limitations and legitimacy deficits of the government in the region, this paper argues that the clan system continues to play a dominating role when it comes to social organisation, resource management and conflict resolution. This article was published open access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ .

Quality assessment of common anti-malarial medicines marketed in Gambella, National Regional State, South Western-Ethiopia

BackgroundOver the past years, there has been a growing concern that a considerable amount of anti-malarial supply in the underdeveloped world particularly in the private sector, is of poor quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has received about 1500 reports that mentions instances of substandard and falsified products since 2013. The majority of the reports concerned antibiotics and anti-malarials. The majority of reports (42%) originate from the WHO African region.ObjectiveThis study intends to assess the quality of the most widely used anti-malarial medications [artemether-lumefantrine tablets, chloroquine phosphate tablets, primaquine phosphate tablets, artesunate, and artemether injections] in Gambella, South-West, Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 52 samples were collected on June 2022 from Gambella National Regional State, Ethiopia. Half of the districts (six) located in the four zones of the region were chosen using simple random sampling technique. All drug retail outlets available in the selected districts (locally known as woredas) were included. The samples were subjected to visual inspection with a tool adopted from the joint WHO/FIP/ USP checklist. The pharmacopeial tests for identification, uniformity of dosage forms, assay, thickness, diameter, hardness, friability, disintegration test, dissolution, and sterility tests were carried out according to the USP 44-NF 39 and International Pharmacopoeia 11th edition, 2022 monographs.Results and DiscussionOnly 25% of the samples were registered on the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA’s) electronic regulatory/ registration system (ERIS). Besides, 88.8% of artemether injection products were presented in clear glass ampoules. This might expose the products to photochemical degradation that leads to in loss of anti-plasmodial activity. In addition, 50% of the artemether products assessed were not bioequivalent with the comparator product in the in vitro dissolution comparison tests. Overall, the study findings reveal a high prevalence (58.3%) of substandard anti-malarial drugs in the region. The stated percent of the samples had failed in one or more of the quality test parameters assessed in this study.ConclusionThe study findings reveal a high prevalence (58.3%) of substandard anti-malarial drugs in the region. Only a quarter were registered and 38% of the unregistered products failed the quality tests. Hence, the national, regional medicine regulatory bodies and other stake holders should perform the required roles to circumvent presence of Substandard and Falsified (SF) anti-malarial drugs in the study sites.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Modern Beehive Technology in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study attempted to identify adoption status, factors affecting the adoption decision and intensity, and identify major constraints of beekeepers for modern beehive adoption. Agriculture is a backbone of country economy. Beekeeping is one of an agricultural subsector which is a sustainable and low-investment strategy for poverty reduction. Both qualitative and quantitative data collected from a sample of 180 beekeepers which collected from three districts of West Hararghe zone and analyzed using STATA software. Heckman two-stage model was employed for the analyses. In study area less than half of the beekeepers were adopters of modern beehive technology. Heckman two-stage model of first-stage results revealed that households’ decision to adopt modern beehive were influenced by factors such as age of household head, education level, livestock owned (tlu) and number of extension contact. Furthermore, the second-stage results indicated that intensity of modern beehive adoption of households’ was influenced by factors such as distance from FTC, access to accessory, livestock owned (tlu), access to training and number of extension contact. From policy perspective improving distribution of modern beehive with full package; encourage extension service, and focus on the deliverance of training are crucial for the adoption of beekeeping technologies and increasing honey production.

Patterns of glycaemic control and associated factors among adult patients with diabetes attending medical referral clinics in two public hospitals in North-West Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPoor glycaemic control is the most challenging issue in diabetes care globally. The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) value is the most standard monitoring parameter for appropriate glycaemic control status.ObjectiveTo assess the...

Association between nurse-child communication and family caregivers' global ratings to hospital: a retrospective study

PurposeEffective nurse-child communication is a fundamental aspect of delivering pediatric nursing care. Family caregivers' global ratings to hospital are considered a proxy-reported measure for assessing a child's inpatient stay experience. We investigate the associations between nurse-child communication and family caregivers' global ratings to hospital. Design and methodsA retrospective analysis of a national child patient experience survey data was conducted. Patient experience with nurse-child communication and the family caregivers' global ratings of hospital were measured using the Child Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. Hierarchical linear models were constructed to examine the association between nurse-child communication measures and family caregivers' global ratings to hospital. ResultsData from 1010 patients at six National Regional Centers for Pediatric in China were collected. The overall rating of hospitals and the willingness to recommend the hospital showed increasing trends as the nurse-child communication score increased. How often nurses encourage children to ask questions was significantly associated with family caregivers' overall ratings of hospital and the family caregivers' willingness to recommend the hospital. ConclusionsEffective communication by nurses with the child is associated with significantly higher global ratings to the hospital by family caregivers during inpatient care. Encouraging children to ask questions is a promising contributor to caregivers' global ratings to hospital. Practice implicationsPediatric nurses should emphasis encouraging children to ask questions for effective communication in nursing practice. Future research is also needed to develop more targeted strategies to assist pediatric nurse to communicate with child better.

Assessment of extreme climate indices in the Somalia National Regional State, eastern Ethiopia

Assessment of extreme climate indices in the Somalia National Regional State, eastern Ethiopia

Prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density in Loka Abaya and Derara districts in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia.

Animal trypanosomosis is a significant livestock disease with economic and social repercussions, reducing the supply of animal products and restricting the utilization of animals for traction and transportation. In Ethiopia, it is prevalent and poses a major hindrance to the advancement of animal production. This repeated cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing seasonal variation in bovine trypanosomosis prevalence and tsetse fly density and identifying the potential risk factors in the Loka Abaya and Derara districts of the Sidama National Regional State. Blood samples were collected from 964 cattle, 484 samples during the dry season, and 480 during the wet season. The buffy coat method was employed to analyze these samples. Furthermore, 78 standard NGU traps were set up at various locations in the two districts during both seasons for entomological investigation. The overall apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis was 9% (95% CI 7.3-11.0), without a significant difference (p > 0.05) between the dry season (7.4%) and wet season (10.6%). The apparent prevalence was significantly higher in Loka Abaya (11.8%) than in Derara (6.3%) district (OR = 2.04; p = 0.003) and in cattle with black coat color (29%) than in mixed color (6.8%) (OR = 5.3; p < 0.001). The majority of infections were caused by Trypanosoma congolense (70%), followed by T. vivax (29%), and mixed infections (1%) with the two species. The average packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in infected animals (20.7 ± 4%) compared to uninfected ones (25.5 ± 5.4%), in cattle examined during the dry season (24.1 ± 6%) versus the wet season (26.1 ± 4.7%), in cattle sampled from the Loka Abaya district (24.2 ± 5.5%) versus Derara district (26 ± 5.3%), and in cattle with poor body condition (23.6 ± 5.7%) compared to those with good body condition (26.5 ± 5.3%). A total of 5282 flies were captured during the study, with 4437 (84%) being tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes), 439 (8.3%) Tabanids, 190 (3.6%) Stomoxys spp., and 216 (4.1%) Musca spp. The apparent density (AD) of G. pallidipes was 28.4 flies/trap/day, showing no statistically significant difference between wet (32.1) and dry (24.6) seasons (p > 0.05). The AD of G. pallidipes was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the Loka Abaya district (57.3) than in the Derara district (0.9). The study highlights a moderate trypanosomosis apparent prevalence and high AD of G. pallidipes, showing significant variation between the study districts but no seasonal difference. The observed apparent prevalence of trypanosomosis and tsetse fly density notably affects animal health and productivity. As a result, strategies for vector control like insecticide-treated targets, trypanocidal medications for infected animals, and community-based initiatives such as education and participation in control programs are recommended.

Smallholder farmers’ willingness to pay for improved irrigation water use: the case of Menz Mama Midir Woreda in North Shewa Zone of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The water use practices in Menz Mama Midir woreda are very traditional and inefficient. To lessen this problem, water pricing (valuation) has been considered to be a promising tool. This study, therefore, examined smallholder farmers' willingness to pay and determinants affecting their decisions to pay for improved irrigation water use in Menz Mama woreda, North Shewa zone, Amhara national regional state of Ethiopia. Cross-sectional data collected from 215 randomly sampled irrigation beneficiaries were used for analysis. The mean WTP from double bounded dichotomous elicitation method ranges from 164.027 Birr (4.17 USD) to 221.059 Birr (5.62 USD) per year per hectare of irrigable land. The result from the seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model estimation revealed that the sex of the household head, total annual farm income, size of irrigable landholdings of the household, frequency of extension contacts, amount of credit, and dissatisfaction with the existing irrigation service positively and significantly influenced farmers' WTP decisions. In contrast, off-farm income and bid values were negatively related to WTP decisions. Therefore, the aforementioned factors affecting farmers' decisions to pay should be taken into consideration when constructing irrigation schemes in the study area and areas with similar economic and socio-cultural settings.

The conflict between the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE): Special emphasis on the Pretoria Agreement

ABSTRACT The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF). The war broke out in Ethiopia's Tigray National Regional State in November 2020. This war was concluded by Pretoria's cessation of hostility agreement. However, this agreement has been facing problems. Accordingly, this study examines this Conflict by placing special emphasis on the Pre-Pretoria Agreement and the challenges of the Post-Pretoria Agreement. Besides, a qualitative research approach with primary and secondary data sources was used. In view of that, the post-Pretoria peace deal has faced various problems due to the presence of contested areas such as Wolkite and Raya between the Amhara and Tigray Region; the failure of demobilization of former young fighters of the Tigray region; and the discriminatory process of the Pretoria agreement, which in turn led to the escalation of a fresh Conflict in the Amhara National Regional State. Hence, appropriate political decision based on historical evidence could answer the questions of the people, proper inclusion of all parties of the conflict in the peace process and all inclusive political negotiations could assure sustainable peace and security.

Feasibility and Success of Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect Occluders and Mushroom-Shaped Occluders in Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Low-Weight Children: A Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Analysis from a Chinese National Regional Health Center.

Muscular ventricular septal defect occluders (MVSDOs) have been attempted as an option in low-weight patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, few studies have assessed the safety of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure (TCPC) using MVSDO. Therefore, we compared the outcomes in low-weight patients who used MVSDO and mushroom-shaped occluder (MSO). Medical records of children under 10 kg (n = 417) who underwent TCPC from 2015 to 2021 at a Chinese health center were reviewed. They were divided into MSO (n = 372) and MVSDO (n = 45) groups. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was done considering gender, height, weight, body surface area (BSA), PDA diameter, and BSA-corrected PDA diameter. All 45 children in the MVSDO group (mean weight: 5.92 ± 1.32 kg) achieved successful immediate occlusion. One case in the MVSDO group experienced device migration within 24 h requiring unplanned surgery. MVSDO significantly ameliorated pulmonary artery hypertension. After PSM, each group comprised 41 children. The MVSDO group had a smaller effect on platelet counts (MVSDO vs. MSO = 259.85 ± 114.82 vs. 356.12 ± 134.37, p &lt; 0.001), a reduced incidence of thrombocytopenia (MVSDO vs. MSO = 2/41 vs. 7/41, p = 0.001), and a higher rate of residual shunting (MVSDO vs. MSO = 16/41 vs. 5/41, p = 0.005), compared with the MSO group. Thrombocytopenia resolved during hospitalization and micro-shunts disappeared by 6 months. No pulmonary artery or descending aortic secondary stenosis was observed in 1-year follow-up. MVSDO used in low-weight children is feasible, with high success and satisfactory postoperative and short-term follow-up outcomes, including lower thrombocytopenia incidence, compared to MSO. Further long-term studies with larger samples are recommended.

Rotavirus A Infection Prevalence and Spatio-Temporal Genotype Shift among Under-Five Children in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Globally, rotavirus (RV) A (RVA) is the most common cause of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in young children. It is also the major cause of acute gastroenteritis among children in Ethiopia. Currently, the WHO has prequalified four RVA vaccines for universal childhood immunization. Ethiopia introduced the monovalent Rotarix vaccine into its national immunization program in 2013. Since then, only a few studies on the burden and genotype distribution of RVA infection post-vaccine introduction have been conducted (mostly at sentinel surveillance sites). Therefore, this study aimed to assess RVA prevalence and genotype distribution among children under five years in Ethiopia (February 2021-December 2022). Methods: This multi-center hospital-based cross-sectional study involved 537 diarrheic children under-five years old. Rotavirus A detection was conducted using a one-step reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Genotyping was conducted by Sanger sequencing of the VP7 (complete) and VP4 (partial) genes. Descriptive analysis and Pearson's chi-squared test were carried out using SPSS version 29. Phylogenetic analysis with 1000 bootstrap replicates was performed using MEGA version 11 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Results: The prevalence of RVA infection among diarrheic children was 17.5%. The most prevalent G-types identified were G3 (37%), the previously uncommon G12 (28%), and G1 (20%). The predominant P-types were P[8] (51%), P[6] (29%), and P[4] (14%). The three major G/P combinations observed were G3P[8] (32.8%), G12P[6] (28.4%), and G1P[8] (19.4%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of Ethiopian strains with the globally reported strains. Many strains exhibited amino acid differences in the VP4 (VP8* domain) and VP7 proteins compared to vaccine strains, potentially affecting virus neutralization. Conclusions: Despite the high RVA vaccination rate, the prevalence of RVA infection remains significant among diarrheic children in Ethiopia. There is an observable shift in circulating RVA genotypes from G1 to G3, alongside the emergence of unusual G/P genotype combinations such as G9P[4]. Many of these circulating RVA strains have shown amino acid substitutions that may allow for neutralization escape. Therefore, further studies are warranted to comprehend the emergence of these unusual RVA strains and the diverse factors influencing the vaccine's diminished effectiveness in developing countries.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Vibrio cholerae isolates from cholera outbreak sites in Ethiopia

BackgroundCholera is an acute infectious disease caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water with Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of V. cholerae from cholera outbreak sites in Ethiopia.MethodsAcross-sectional study was conducted from May 2022 to October 2023 across different regions in Ethiopia: Oromia National Regional State, Amhara National Regional State and Addis Ababa City Administration. A total of 415 fecal samples were collected from the three regions. Two milliliter fecal samples were collected from each study participants. The collected samples were cultured on Blood Agar, MacConkey Agar and Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salt Sucrose Agar. A series of biochemical tests Oxidase test, String test, Motility, Indole, Citrate, Gas production, H2S production, Urease test were used to identify V. cholerae species. Both polyvalent and monovalent antisera were used for agglutination tests to identify and differentiate V. cholerae serogroup and serotypes. In addition, Kirby-Bauer Disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility test method was done. Data were registered in epi-enfo version 7 and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of Vibrio cholerae. Logistic regression model was fitted and p-value < 0.05 was considered as statically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of V. cholerae in the fecal samples was 30.1%. Majority of the isolates were from Oromia National Regional State 43.2% (n = 54) followed by Amhara National Regional State 31.2% (n = 39) and Addis Ababa City Administration 25.6% (n = 32). Most of the V. cholerae isolates were O1 serogroups 90.4% (n = 113) and Ogawa serotypes 86.4% (n = 108). Majority of the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin 100% (n = 125), tetracycline 72% (n = 90) and gentamycin 68% (n = 85). More than half of the isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 62.4% (n = 78) and ampicillin 56.8% (n = 71). In this study, participants unable to read and write were about four times more at risk for V. cholerae infection (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.07–13.33). In addition, consumption of river water were about three times more at risk for V. cholerae infection (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.08–7.08).Conclusionour study revealed a high prevalence of V. cholerae from fecal samples. The predominant serogroups and serotypes were O1 and Ogawa, respectively. Fortunately, the isolates showed susceptible to most tested antibiotics. Drinking water from river were the identified associated risk factor for V. cholerae infection. Protecting the community from drinking of river water and provision of safe and treated water could reduce cholera outbreaks in the study areas.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Jorgo Wato Forest Cover Changes, West Wallagga, Oromia, Ethiopi

A study was conducted in the Jorgo Wato forest, located in the West Wallagga zone and extending to the Buno Bedelle zone of Oromia National Regional State, with the objective of assessing the dynamics of forest cover change in the Jorgo Wato forest over the last three decades (1986–2016). In order to assess forest cover changes, the whole study period was categorized into three periods: 1986–1995, 1995–2006, and 2006–2016. Satellite images from Landsat TM, ETM+, and OLI/TIRS were used in this study. Support Vector Machines for supervised classification and post-classification were used for image classification, with results showing an overall accuracy of up to 99.49%, maximum producer’s accuracies of up to 99.80, and User’s accuracies of up to 100%, while the Kappa coefficient ranged between 96.98% and 99.17%. The result of the change analysis revealed that forests changed from 67.62% in 1986 to 74.77% in 2016, with an average rate of change of 20.13ha/year from 1986 to 2016, whereas farmland changed from 19.60% in 1986 to 12.28% in 2016, with a variation through 30 years and an average rate of change of -20.604ha/year from 1986-2016. Changes in forest cover increment have come from the expansion of coffee plantations and plantations of different tree species by the communities and by Oromia Forest and Wildlife Enterprise till now. Monoculture plantations cannot take the place of a natural forest and cannot support a lot of biodiversity, which is crucial for the management of natural resources. Future maintenance of the region's environmental equilibrium will require a method of combining both systems and concentrating more diverse species.

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli infection, determinants and antimicrobial resistance patterns among under-five children with diarrhea in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia.

Children with under-five year age disproportionally affected with foodborne illness. Campylobacteriosis is the most common foodborne disease next to Norovirus infection. Macrolides are commonly prescribed as the first line of treatment for Campylobacter gastroenteritis, with fluoroquinolone and tetracycline as secondary options. However, resistance to these alternatives has been reported in various regions worldwide. To determine the prevalence, associated risk-factors and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli among under-five children with diarrhea. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2022 to April 2023. The study sites were selected using a random sampling technique, while the study subjects were included using a convenient sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were inoculated onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar and incubated for 48 hours. The suspected colonies were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry to confirm the species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a disc diffusion technique. All potential covariates (independent variables) were analyzed one by one using bivariate logistic regression model to identify candidate variables with P value < 0.25. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to identify potential associated factors using the candidate variables. A p value ≤ 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was statistically significant. Among the 428 samples, 7.0% (CI: 4.5-9.3) were confirmed Campylobacter species. The prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli among under-five children was 5.1% (CI: 3.0-7.0) and 1.9% (CI: 0.7-3.3), respectively. C. jejuni (73.3%) was dominant over C. coli (26.7%). The resident, contact with domestic animals, and parents/guardians education level were significantly associated with campylobacteriosis among under-five children. One-third of the Campylobacter isolates (33.3%, 10/30) were resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline whereas 10.0% (3/30) were resistant to erythromycin. Furthermore, 3.3% (1/30) of the Campylobacter were found to be multidrug-resistant. The prevalence of Campylobacter species was 7.0%. The resistance rate of Campylobacter species of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline-resistance strains was 33.3%. Peri-urban residence, contact with domestic animals, and low parental educational statuses were significantly associated factors with increased risk of Campylobacter infection. Continuous surveillance on antimicrobial resistance and health education of personal and environmental hygiene should be implemented in the community.

Prospective risk of Type 2 diabetes in 99892 Nordic women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 446055 controls: national cohort study from Denmark, Finland, and Sweden.

What is the prospective risk of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Nordic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to controls? A diagnosis of PCOS and BMI ≥30 kg/m2 is a high-risk phenotype for a prospective risk of T2D diagnosis across Nordic countries. The risk of T2D in women with PCOS is increased. The risk of T2D is related to BMI and the magnitude of risk in normal weight women with PCOS has been discussed. However, prospective data regarding risk of T2D in population-based cohorts of women with PCOS are limited. This national register-based study included women with PCOS and age-matched controls. The main study outcome was T2D diagnosis occurring after PCOS diagnosis. T2D was defined according to ICD-10 diagnosis codes and/or filled medicine prescriptions of anti-diabetic medication excluding metformin. The study cohort included women originating from Denmark (PCOS Denmark, N = 27016; controls, N = 133994), Finland (PCOS Finland, N = 20467; controls, N = 58051), and Sweden (PCOS Sweden, N = 52409; controls, N = 254010). The median age at cohort entry was 28 years in PCOS Denmark, Finland, and Sweden with a median follow-up time (interquartile range) in women with PCOS of 8.5 (4.0-14.8), 9.8 (5.1-15.1), and 6.0 (2.0-10.0) years, respectively. Cox regression analyses were adjusted for BMI and length of education. The crude hazard ratio (HR, 95% CI) for T2D diagnosis in women with PCOS was 4.28 (3.98-4.60) in Denmark, 3.40 (3.11-3.74) in Finland, and 5.68 (5.20-6.21) in Sweden. In adjusted regression analyses, BMI ≥30 vs <25 kg/m2 was associated with a 7.6- to 11.3-fold risk of T2D. In a combined meta-analysis (PCOS, N = 99892; controls, N = 446055), the crude HR for T2D in PCOS was 4.64 (3.40-5.87) and, after adjustment for BMI and education level, the HR was 2.92 (2.32-3.51). Inclusion of more severe cases of PCOS in the present study design could have lead to an overestimation of risk estimates in our exposed population. However, some women in the control group would have undiagnosed PCOS, which would lead to an underestimation of T2D risk in women with PCOS. BMI data were not available for all participants. The present study should be repeated in study cohorts with higher background risks of T2D, particularly in populations of other ethnicities. The prospective risk for diagnosis of T2D is increased in women with PCOS, and the risk is aggravated in women with BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Funding in Denmark was from the Region of Southern Denmark, Overlægerådet, Odense University Hospital. Funding in Finland was from Novo Nordisk Foundation, Finnish Research Council and Sigrid Juselius Foundation, the National Regional Fund, Sakari Alhopuro Foundation and Finnish Diabetes Research Foundation. E.E. has received a research grant from Ferring Pharmaceuticals (payment to institution) and serves as medical advisor for Tilly AB, not related to this manuscript. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest. N/A.