Northeastern Ethiopia Research Articles

Phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. across diverse rangelands in northeastern Ethiopia

IntroductionProsopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. substantially threatens dry rangelands due to its invasive attributes, exacerbated by climate change, land-use practices, and anthropogenic activities. Despite the urgent need to understand its ecological impacts, comprehensive studies examining the relationship between its functional traits and reproductive fitness across diverse habitats and land-use scenarios are lacking. This study investigated the functional traits and fitness of Prosopis juliflora in the Afar region of Ethiopia, focusing on three land-use types: dry-season grazing lands, wet-season grazing lands, and wildlife reserves.MethodsPlant samples were collected from 192 plots to assess their adaptive potential and genetic variation, alongside relevant physiographic and climatic data. This approach aims to elucidate the contributions of these factors to the observed variation and plasticity of Prosopis juliflora across three rangeland types differing in land use intensity. Generalized linear mixed models and co-occurrence networks were employed to analyze the complex interaction.ResultsOur findings revealed significant variation in fruiting onset and duration, with wet-season grazing lands demonstrating a shorter duration compared to dry-season grazing lands and wildlife reserves. Genetic variation was significant for total seed mass and number, indicating robust adaptability. The relative growth rate was higher in wildlife reserves compared to dry-season grazing lands, highlighting adaptive advantages in nutrient-rich environments. Additionally, climatic and physiographic analysis identified soil type as a critical factor influencing trait performance.ConclusionsThis study underscores the urgent need for targeted management strategies to mitigate the ecological impacts of Prosopis juliflora, emphasizing the critical role of soil nutrients in reproductive fitness. Our findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of invasive species in dry ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.

Drought and bush encroachment threaten dry rangeland sustainability in Northeastern Ethiopia

Drought and bush encroachment threaten dry rangeland sustainability in Northeastern Ethiopia

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Mothers Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals, Afar Region, North Eastern Ethiopia

Background:Hepatitis B kills a large number of individuals every year all over the world. Despite the critical nature of this issue, the extent of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in the Afar Region remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Prevalence of the Hepatitis B Virus and its associated factors among pregnant women Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals in Afar, Ethiopia. Method:A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1, 2023, to August 2, 2024, involving 442 pregnant women attending antenatal care at five public hospitals in the Afar Region. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic data and associated factors. Blood samples were collected from each consenting participant after the interviews to assess their HBV status. The data was analyzed using SPSS, applying bivariate and multivariable logistic regression methods to identify associations and determine statistical significance, with a p-value threshold of less than 0.05. Result:The overall Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was 12.7% (95% CI: 9.7-16.1). Hepatitis B virus infection had a significant association with a family history of the virus (AOR=3.92; 95% CI [1.26-12.14]), sharing sharp objects (AOR=3.83; 95% CI [1.16-12.6]), female genital mutilation (AOR=4.77; 95% CI [1.02-22.3]), extraction of teeth (AOR=5.22; 95% CI [2.54-10.7]), and hospital admissions (AOR=2.48; 95% CI [1.15-5.35]). Conclusion:This study revealed a high prevalence of HBV in specific public hospitals in Ethiopia's Afar regional state. The study found that a history of Hepatitis B virus in the family, sharing of sharp objects, having teeth extraction, hospital admission, and female genital mutilation are important risk factors that lead to the high viral Prevalence in the Afar Region. Establishing comprehensive prenatal screening programs, educating the public, and considering cultural considerations are essential to solving this public health issue. Keywords: hepatitis B prevalence; pregnant women; antenatal care; public hospitals, Ethiopia

Harvesting Solar Energy: Prediction of Daily Global Horizontal Irradiance Using Artificial Neural Networks and Assessment of Electrical Energy of Photovoltaic at North Eastern Ethiopia

ABSTRACTThe difficulty and high price of measuring devices make the utilization of solar energy impractical, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. Because of its variability and nonlinear characteristics, it needs accurate prediction techniques in a specific location. Thus, the objectives of this article were: (i) assessing daily global horizontal irradiance using network types‐activation functions of artificial neural network (ANN); and (ii) evaluating the daily energy delivered to and available on photovoltaic (PV) cells of GaAs at Kemissie, Woldiya, and Hayk, in the northeastern part of Ethiopia. Nine parameters were used in the input layer, and daily GHI was the output result. Feed forward back propagation (FFBP) and cascade forward back propagation (CFBP) with tansig, logsig, and purelin of ANNs were used. The best pairs were FFBP‐logsig, CFBP‐logsig, and CFBP‐tangsig, with 0.8882 ≤ r ≤ 0.9833, respectively. The average values were (4.374 kWh/m2/day ≤ GHI ≤ 6.805 kWh/m2/day) at Kemissie, (4.246 kWh/m2/day ≤ GHI ≤ 7.116 kWh/m2/day) at Hayk, and (4.479 kWh/m2/day ≤ GHI ≤ 7.011 kWh/m2/day) at Woldiya. The energy delivered to and obtainable from PV cells varied between 0.1274 and 0.2135 kWh and 0.1101 and 0.1844 kWh, respectively, for all sites. This bears out the suitability of the site for the installation of a solar energy system.

Introduction pages, Nova Geodesia 4(4), 2024

Nova Geodesia (https://novageodesia.ro), Issue 4, Volume 4, 2024: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of geodetic science or related fields. Nova Geodesia publishes significant papers in geodesy and close topics related to cartography, engineering projects and construction, planetology, hydrography, geography, sociodemographic factors, urban administration, planning and environment, landscape, biodiversity, and ecology. Among the exciting articles, we invite readers to find news about: Evaluating the performance of various models for deriving orthometric heights using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data; Carbon stocks under different land cover types in the Hallaydeghe wildlife reserve, northeastern Ethiopia; Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) yield and water use efficiency depending on planting techniques and soil mulching in drought-prone areas, Babile District, Ethiopia; Colour selection in Lantana camara L. blooms: A study on butterfly attraction; Assessment of treatment water effects on macrobenthic invertebrates in an urban stream; Influence of geographical provenance, biostimulatory treatments and their interaction on the seed germination of Quercus robur L.

Brucella Seropositivity and Associated Risk Factors in Pastoral Livestock System in Northeastern Ethiopia.

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease affecting livestock and humans globally. The disease is endemic in Ethiopian livestock. This study was conducted to estimate Brucella seropositivity and identify its risk factors in livestock, and practices that may expose pastoralists to the disease. Data were collected from 2133 animals across 149 households (HHs) in Dubti and Amibara districts, Afar region, Ethiopia. Blood samples from livestock and household data were collected, and interviews were conducted on husbandry and dairy consumption practices. Sera were serially tested using the Rose Bengal test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seropositivity to anti-Brucella antibodies was 8% (95% CI, 6.6-9.2). The antibodies were found in 12.4%, 6.5%, 6%, and 3% of the goats, cattle, camels, and sheep, respectively. Among the HHs, 59.7% had at least one seropositive animal. A mixed-effects logistic regression analysis revealed species and the acquisition of new animals (in cattle and camels), and age and district (in sheep, goats, and cattle) as significant risk factors. Goats, cattle, and camels had significantly higher odds of Brucella seropositivity than sheep (p < 0.05). Seropositivity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in adults than in young animals, in acquired than in homebred (cattle and camels), and in those with reproductive disorders than those without. Pastoralists lacked knowledge of brucellosis and its modes of transmission, while practices exposing humans and livestock to brucellosis were common. The findings underscore the need for public awareness campaigns and implementation of brucellosis control measures in pastoral systems.

Detection and Molecular Diversity of Brucella melitensis in Pastoral Livestock in North-Eastern Ethiopia

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease affecting livestock and humans that remains endemic in Ethiopia. Despite its prevalence, only a few studies have identified Brucella species circulating in livestock in the country. This study aimed to determine the Brucella species responsible for infections in livestock in the Afar region of Ethiopia and characterize the isolates using whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP) analysis and in silico multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Comparisons were made between Ethiopian Brucella and regional and global isolates to determine their phylogenetic relationships. Surveys conducted in May and October–November 2022 in six villages of the Amibara district involved the collection of vaginal swabs (n = 231) and milk samples (n = 17) from 32 sheep and 199 goats kept by 143 pastoral households reporting recent abortions in the animals. Brucella melitensis was detected in three sheep and 32 goats, i.e., 15% (35/231) of animals across 20% (29/143) of households using bacterial culture and PCR-based methods (bcsp31, AMOS, and Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR). Of the 35 positive animals, B. melitensis was isolated from 24 swabs, while the remaining 11 were culture-negative and detected only by PCR. The genomic DNA of the 24 isolates was sequenced using Illumina Novaseq 6000 and assembled using the SPAdes pipeline. Nine- and 21-locus MLST identified 23 isolates as genotype ST12, while one isolate could not be typed. The wgSNP-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Ethiopian isolates clustered within the African clade and were closely related to isolates from Somalia. Several virulence factors responsible for adhesion, intracellular survival, and regulatory functions were detected in all isolates. No antimicrobial resistance genes associated with resistance to drugs commonly used for treating brucellosis were detected. Since B. melitensis is prevalent in sheep and goats, vaccination with the B. melitensis Rev-1 vaccine is the recommended strategy in these pastoral systems to protect animal and human health.

Diagnosis and epidemiologic overview of the spectrum of skin diseases in Central, Northeast Ethiopia and Southern Ethiopia

This study analyzed data from hospitals located in three regions of Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Northeastern Ethiopia, and Southern Ethiopia. The research aims to investigate the prevalence and contributing factors associated with skin diseases in these regions. Skin disorders represent a significant health concern in these areas, though their epidemiology differs markedly from that observed in Western countries. We collected data from 6,449 patients, considering factors like education, income, cultural habits, and access to healthcare. Patients in Southern Ethiopia generally had higher Body mass indexes and incomes and were closer to dermatology centers. The findings indicate that infectious diseases and pruritic dermatoses are the most prevalent skin conditions in all regions. The study highlights the significant impact of socio-economic status on skin health, with higher education correlating with a lower incidence of infectious diseases and sebaceous gland disorders. Overcrowding was associated with a higher occurrence of infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and sanitary conditions. Additionally, the distance from a patient’s residence to the hospital influenced the duration of the disease, stressing the need for better accessibility to healthcare services. In conclusion, this research offers important insights into the spectrum of skin diseases in Ethiopia, emphasizing the role of socio-economic factors and the critical need for improved healthcare access and education.

Determinants of Food Security Under Different Land Use Systems: Example of Pastoralists and Agro-Pastoralists in Northeastern Ethiopia

The issue of ensuring food and nutrition security has become a prominent item on the global agenda, particularly for low-income countries with high population growth rates. Despite the implementation of numerous policies and programs with the objective of enhancing household calorie intake, food insecurity is worsening in Ethiopia. It is crucial to comprehend the principal factors influencing food security, as this knowledge is essential for implementing effective interventions to enhance food security. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the food security status of households, measure the extent and severity of food insecurity, and identify the determinants of food security in Northeastern Ethiopia. The data for this study were collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and a multi-stage sampling method, which involved the selection of 300 households. Descriptive and inferential statistics, the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) index, and a probit model were employed to analyze the collected data. The results indicate that 41.67% of the sample households were food secure. By decomposing the results to the two land use systems, 34.62% and 50.69% of the pastoral and agro-pastoral households were food secure, respectively, indicating that agro-pastoral households were relatively more food secure than pastoral counterparts. Furthermore, the gap and severity of food insecurity among the sample households were calculated using FGT indices, resulting in a value of 15.02% and 5.31%, respectively. The probit model revealed that educational attainment, the number of milking cows, cultivated farm size, annual farm income, and participation in off-farm activities were significant predictors of improved household food security status. The findings of this study suggest that policies aimed at addressing food insecurity should consider livelihood diversification, the promotion of education and training, and the strengthening of institutional and technological environments.

Soil erosion assessment for prioritizing soil and water conservation interventions in Gotu watershed, Northeastern Ethiopia.

Soil erosion by water is a serious problem in Ethiopia, contributing to diminishing crop yields and food shortages. Apart from understanding the magnitude, risk, and spatial distribution of the problem, identifying erosion hotspot areas is essential for effectively reversing the problem. This study aims to identify erosion hotspots in the Gotu watershed, in northeastern Ethiopia, using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and incorporating local farmers' perspectives to prioritize conservation efforts. The RUSLE model reveals that 29,744.3 metric tons of soil is lost annually from the Gotu watershed, with an average loss of 65.3 to t ha⁻1year⁻1. The main contributing factors to soil erosion in the watershed include undulating topography, loss of plant cover, and continuous cultivation. The highest soil loss rates (> 80 t ha⁻1year⁻1) were found in the western, northern, and southern parts of the watershed, where cultivation occurs on moderate to steep slopes with sparse vegetation cover. These areas should be prioritized for conservation interventions. Farmers identified poor crop yields and damaged conservation structures as key indicators of soil erosion prevalence in the watershed. Increasing farmer's understanding of soil erosion and the importance of soil and water conservation is essential for effectively controlling soil erosion and improving food security in the area.

Acid Fast Positivity Rate and Associated Factors of Leprosy in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northeastern Ethiopia: Its Implication for Evidence-Based Leprosy Prevention and Control.

Leprosy is one of the most common skin neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia posing social stigma, physical disability, deformity, discrimination, loss of social status, and poor quality of life in families. Hence, evidence-based collaborative inter-sectoral actions should be performed to reduce and eliminate its burden in endemic areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the acid-fast positivity rate and associated factors of leprosy among suspected cases in Northeastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 among 256 leprosy-suspected cases selected using a simple random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, clinical, and predictor variables of leprosy through face-to-face interviews. Skin slit specimens were collected and stained using Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. STATA 17 was used for analysis. The scale reliability coefficient was checked using Cronbach's α and the goodness-of-fit test of the model was assessed by the Hosmer-Lemshow test. Moreover, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were computed. Finally, variables with an adjusted odds ratio and their p < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. The mean ± standard deviation of the age of participants was 43.25 ± 16.35. The overall, prevalence of acid-fast positivity among suspected cases was 19.6% (95% CI: 15.8%, 23.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that sex being male (p = 0.045), rural residence (p = 0.047), not eating three times meals frequency (p = 0.014), not eating a balanced diet (p = 0.036), poor personal hygiene (p = 0.028), distant from health facility (p = 0.039), not washing hands usually (p = 0.013), presence of current co-infection (p = 0.002), type of leprosy (p = 0.004), and close contact with leprosy cases (p = 0.003) were more likely to be positive for leprosy. The prevalence of leprosy was remained high. Thus, early detection and treatment are necessary to reduce delayed diagnosis and hidden transmission of leprosy in the community. By addressing the driving factors through evidence-based intervention, we can significantly control the burden of leprosy in the affected communities, and improve their health outcomes and quality of life.

Knowledge towards health impacts of climate change among Amhara Sayint community, Northeastern Ethiopia

Purpose This study aims to assess the knowledge of Amhara Sayint district community in Northeastern Ethiopia towards the health impacts of climate change. Design/methodology/approach A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 July to 5 September 2022, involving 605 randomly selected households in Amhara Sayint district, Northeastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pilot-tested and content-validated questionnaire administered via Kobo Collect survey tool. The data were then exported to STATA for management and analysis. A proportional odds approach of ordinal logistic regression model was fitted with a 95% confidence level to identify factors associated with the community’s knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change. Findings Of the total respondents, 3.47% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1, 5.3) and 42.98% (95% CI: 38.9, 47) had inadequate and medium levels of knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change, respectively. Proportional odds model analysis result indicated that gender (female) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.053, 2.13), wealth status (poorest) (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.83), educational status (unable to read and write) (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 1.25, 13.68) and participation status in environmental protection activities (not) (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.71) were factors that significantly associated with inadequate and medium levels of knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change. Research limitations/implications The result of this research is not supported by qualitative methods. Practical implications Residents of the study area know the climate is changing; however, they lack adequate knowledge towards the health impacts of climate change. Social implications Significant number of people have inadequate level of knowledge about health impacts of climate change so relevant health education is needed. Originality/value This research is original in its focus on assessing public knowledge about the health impacts of climate change in the Amhara Sayint district, northeastern Ethiopia, a perspective often overlooked in existing studies. Its findings are crucial for guiding future research and developing targeted public health strategies and educational initiatives.

Adherence to infection prevention practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in Northeastern Ethiopia, following the Northern Ethiopia conflict.

In resource-limited areas, especially in conflict-affected settings, managing the risk of hospital-acquired infections is difficult due to the destruction of essential facilities in healthcare settings. The study aimed to assess adherence to Infection prevention practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in Northeastern Ethiopia following the Northern Ethiopia conflict. A facility-based cross-sectional study was done with 408 healthcare workers. The survey data was collected using a structured questionnaire based on published articles. Data entry and analysis was done using Epi-Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25.0, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between dependent and outcome variables, with a cut-off p value 0.05 at 95% confidence interval with a p-value less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval for determining factors associated with adherence to infection prevention practices among study participants. The study included 408 healthcare workers with a response rate of 96.7%. The majority of participants were women 206 (50.5%), married 250 (61.3%), Orthodox followers 211 (51.7%), and educational status of master holder and above with a master's degree or higher 177 (43.4%). Slightly more than half, 53.7% (219) of the respondents demonstrated safe infection prevention practices. Respondents who received training on infection prevention practices (AOR = 2.662, 95% CI: 1.361, 5.120) had an active infection prevention committee (AOR = 2.203, 95% CI: 1.359, 3.572), use infection prevention guidelines in working departments (AOR = 2.090, 95% CI: 1.013, 4.312), and access to adequate personal protective equipment (AOR = 2.773, 95% CI: 1.560, 4.929) were factors significantly associated with adherence to infection prevention practices. Overall, only half of the respondents practiced safe infection prevention practices. Receive training on infection prevention guidelines, presence of active infection prevention committee and working guidelines, and the availability of personal protective equipment were factors of infection prevention. Hence, essential facilities like Personal protective equipment, working guidelines should be supplied by donors.

Carbon stocks under different land cover types in the Hallaydeghe wildlife reserve, northeastern Ethiopia

The Hallaydeghe Wildlife Reserve, with its semi-arid to desert climate, features diverse land cover classifications. This study examined land cover changes and total carbon stocks from 1999 to 2019, focusing on forest, woodland, grassland, and bushland vegetation types. Land cover classes were created using 1999, 2003, and 2019 Landsat images. ArcGIS 10.4.1 and ERDAS IMAGINE were used for map creation, while future land use changes were simulated using the CA-Markov model. Carbon stock assessment involved five pools: soil, dead wood, aboveground, belowground, and litter carbon. Soil samples were collected at three depths, and data on woody plant species, soils, and litter were gathered through random systematic sampling. From 1999 to 2019, woodland grew by 57.94%, while grassland and bushland decreased by 6.86% and 10.51%, respectively. Projections for 2035 indicate a 40.68% increase in bushland, decreases in forest and grassland, and the emergence of bareland. Total carbon stocks varied among vegetation types: forest (35.94±6.63 tC ha-1), grassland (22.55±3.35 tC ha-1), and bushland (23.65±3.25 tC ha-1). The soil organic carbon pool contributed the most across all land cover categories. The shift from grassland to forest may impact the Grevy’s zebra’s habitat. Effective land use management is crucial for preserving carbon stores and ecosystem health. Implementing climate-smart policies, including community-based conservation and sustainable management practices, is essential to mitigate the impacts of land cover changes on wildlife and carbon stocks in the reserve.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Physical Activity and It’s Associated Factor Among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Public Health Institutions in Debre Berhan Town, North Eastern Ethiopia

Physical inactivity is linked to pregnancy-related complications. Exercise participation during pregnancy is restricted in low-middle income nations, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors associated with physical activity practice among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health institutions in Debre Berhan Town Northeastern Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 22, 2021 to May 22, 2021 in Debre Berhan Town. The systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain the 418 participants. Data were collected by using standardized questionnaires. Data were entered, cleaned by Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. The variables which had p-value &lt; .05 and with 95% confidence interval were declared as determine factors of antenatal physical exercise. According to this study, 222 (53.1%, CI [48.3, 57.7]), 220 (52.6% [47.8, 57.2]), and 218 (52.2% [CI 47.6, 56.7]) of respondents had good knowledge, favorable attitude, and good practice of physical exercise respectively. Age group of 30 to 34 years (AOR: 2.15, 95% CI [1.08, 4.29]), housewife (AOR: 7.81, 95% CI [1.48, 41.21]), cultural recommendation (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI [1.37, 3.39]), exercise before pregnancy (AOR: 2.69, 95% CI [1.72, 4.19]), and gestational age &gt;24 weeks (AOR: 2.538, 95% CI [1.02, 6.29]) were factors associated with practice of physical exercise during pregnancy. Physical activity during pregnancy was more common in the current study than in the national average. During an ANC visit, health care providers should improve and strengthen physical activity counseling sessions.

Diabetic health literacy and associated factors among patients with diabetes attending follow-up in public hospitals of Northeastern Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the magnitude of diabetic health literacy (DHL) and associated factors among diabetes patients attending follow-up at public hospitals in Northeastern Ethiopia.DesignAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 24...

Provenance, paleoweathering, sediment maturity, and depositional environment of intertrappean sediments in Angot–Gazo volcanic plateau, northeastern Ethiopia: Evidence from field mapping, petrography and geochemistry

Numerous intertrappean beds have been reported in different sections of the Ethiopian highlands; however, their detailed paleo-sedimentological characteristics have not been fully examined. This study investigates the source rock composition, tectonic setting, degree of past weathering, paleoclimatic conditions, sediment maturity, and depositional environments of the Angot–Gazo terrestrial sediments through geological mapping, mineralogical analysis, and geochemical approaches. Two terrestrial beds, consisting of mudrock and sandstone, were identified. The sandstone is characterized by massive, medium to coarse, and poorly sorted grains that range from sub-rounded to angular shapes. Minerallogically, the sandstone comprises quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments grains with a proportional amounts of ash material. Both mineralogical (Q–F–R) and geochemical classification plots categorize the sandstone as arkosic to lithic greywacke. Felsic volcanic rocks are the main source material for the investigated sediments, as evidenced by multiple discrimination plots (DF1 vs. DF2, V–Ni–Th∗10, La–Th–Sc, Cr/Th–Th/Sc, La/Co–Th/Co, La/Sc–Th/Co and Y/Ni–Cr/V), LREE/HREE patterns, elemental ratios, and the appearance of abundant felsic-derived lithic fragments within the sandstone. A new bivariate discriminant function plot from DF1 vs. DF2 analysis, coupled with ternary diagrams of Zr/10–Th–Sc for the studied intertrappean sediments, revealed a continental rift setting, particularly a passive continental margin. Ternary diagram of A–CN–K, binary plots of Al₂O₃/Na₂O vs. average values of weathering indices (CIA, CIW, PIA, & MIA), and SiO2 vs. Al2O3+K2O + Na2O plot demonstrate slight to moderate degree of weathering for the sandstone, and deep weathering for the mudrock under semi-arid paleoclimatic conditions. The binary schemes of SiO2/Al2O3 and Ni–TiO2 ratio, along with the significant abundance of angular to sub-angular framework grains, reflect both immaturity and initial sediment recycling. Finally, the examined sediments were deposited in freshwater under oxic conditions, as evidenced by binary plots of Sr/Ba, Th/U, U/Th, and Ni/Co.

Livelihood vulnerability to climate change health impacts among Amhara Sayint district community, northeastern Ethiopia: A composite index approach

Climate change significantly impacts public health, affecting nearly everyone across the globe and contributing to approximately 10% of global mortality. Ethiopia is particularly vulnerable to the changing climate attributed impacts due to economic, and social determinants. While research on climate change is expanding, it often prioritizes its effects on agriculture. The impacts from public health perspective are frequently overlooked. We address this shortcoming by evaluating the vulnerability of the community in the district of Amhara Sayint, Amhara, northeastern Ethiopia, to the health impacts of climate change, and identifying factors involved. Data was collected using a community-based cross-sectional approach, involving 605 randomly selected households between July Twenty and September Five, 2022. The data collection process utilized a validated and pilot-tested questionnaire, which was administered through face-to-face interview with the aid of Kobo Collect toolbox. The community's vulnerability was assessed using the IPCC's framework of vulnerability. Household's Vulnerability status was then classified into three levels according to their Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) score. A partial proportional oddsapproach of ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with vulnerability to climate change attributed health impacts. Among the 605 respondents, 48% (95% CI: 44.1, 52.1) were identified as vulnerable, and about 4.6 % (95% CI: 3, 6.6) were classified as highly vulnerable. Wealth status (AOR1 = 1.8; 95 % CI: 1.2, 2.8), educational status (AOR1 = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.3), marital status (AOR2 = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.6, 13.4), and home crowdedness (AOR2 = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1, 8.1) significantly associated with vulnerability. Over half of the residents in the district wereeither being vulnerable or highly vulnerable to climate change attributed health impacts. Therefore, prioritizing prevention and preparedness along with conducting spatial analysis to identify high-risk areas for timely intervention, is essential.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoralists and their livestock in Afar, Ethiopia: A One Health approach.

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, and Rift Valley fever virus are two under-researched zoonotic pathogens in Ethiopia. Potential outbreaks of these diseases, in light of the high dependency of nomadic pastoralists on their livestock, poses a risk to both human and animal health in addition to risking the pastoralists livelihoods. Our study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoral communities in the Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study screened pastoralists (n = 323) and their livestock (n = 1377) for IgG antibodies to Coxiella burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus. A seroprevalence for Q fever of 25.0% (95%CI 18.6-32.6) was found in pastoralists and 34.3% (95%CI 27.9-41.3) in livestock overall; with 51.9% in goats (95%CI 44.9-58.8), 39.9% in sheep (95%CI 24.6-51.2), 16.3% in camels (95%CI 10.4-24.6) and 8.8% in cattle (95%CI 5.0-15.0). For Rift Valley fever the seroprevalence in pastoralists was 6.1% (95%CI 3.3-11.0) and 3.9% (95%CI 2.6-5.7) in livestock overall; cattle had the highest seroprevalence (8.3%, 95%CI 3.3-19.2), followed by goats (2.7%; 95%CI 1.4-5.1), sheep (2.5%; 95%CI 1.0-5.9) and camels (1.8%; 95%CI 0.4-6.9). Human Q fever seropositivity was found to be associated with goat abortions (OR = 2.11, 95%CI 1.18-3.78, p = 0.011), while Rift Valley fever seropositivity in livestock was found to be associated with cattle abortions (OR = 2.52, 95%CI 1.05-6.08, p = 0.039). This study provides evidence for a notable exposure to both Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoralists and livestock in Afar. The outbreak potential of these pathogens warrants ongoing integrated human and animal surveillance requiring close collaboration of the human and animal health sectors with community representatives following a One Health approach.

Cultural competence and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of South Wollo zone, Northeast Ethiopia: a multi-center cross-sectional study

BackgroundEnhancing cultural competence stands as a cornerstone in the realm of clinical nursing. Consequently, nurses engaging with culturally diverse communities encounter significant challenges. In Ethiopia, nurses providing care often prioritize physical well-being, the therapeutic journey, and medical interventions, while overlooking the critical cultural dimensions of patient care. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of cultural competence and its determining factors among nurses employed in public hospitals located in the South Wollo Zone of northeastern Ethiopia.MethodsA multicenter, institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 629 nurses employed in public hospitals across northeastern Ethiopia. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were gathered using a structured, self-administered English version of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale Questionnaire (NCCSQ), and subsequently entered into Epi-data 4.6 for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, employing multiple linear regression analysis to identify determining factors.ResultThe participants’ overall mean score for cultural competence was 3.198 [95% CI: 3.161, 3.234]. Specifically, factors such as being a female nurse (β = 0.089, CI: 0.019–0.159), having a diploma level of education (β = -0.084, CI: -0.101 to -0.007), having 11–20 years of work experience (β = 0.412, CI: 0.090–0.815), a 1:15 nurse-to-patient ratio (β = 0.081, CI: 0.010–0.162), experience with caring for culturally and ethnically diverse patients (β = 0.362, CI: 0.248–0.476), comprehensive hospital level (β = 0.699, CI: 0.496–0.903), and attending cultural training (β = 0.002, CI: 0.234–0.931) were predictors of the mean score for cultural competence.ConclusionIn this study, the level of cultural competence was found to be at a moderate level and need more effort. Factors such as gender, years of work experience, nurse-to-patient ratio, experience in caring for culturally and ethnically diverse patients, hospital level, educational attainment, attendance of cultural training, and the presence of a feedback system for cultural competence were identified as predictors of cultural competence level. Sharing experiences from higher-level hospitals to lower-level ones and strengthening cultural competence training sessions for nurses can significantly enhance cultural competence within clinical settings.