North Ethiopia Research Articles

Acceptance for Social Health Insurance among Health Professionals in Government Hospitals, Mekelle City, North Ethiopia

Background. Ethiopia is one of the countries with high out-of-pocket payments leading to catastrophic health expenditure. The government of Ethiopia introduced social health insurance (SHI) scheme with the overall objective of achieving universal health care access. Studying health professionals’ acceptance to pay for social health insurance is crucial for the successful implementation of the scheme. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the acceptance of social health insurance and its associated factors among health professionals in government hospitals, Mekelle city, North Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used. The study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models at a 5% level of significance, and odds ratios with 95% CI level were used to determine the association between the health professionals’ acceptance of health insurance and explanatory variables. Results. The study revealed that 62.5% of the respondents were willing to participate in the SHI scheme in which 74.9% were willing to pay 3% or more of their monthly salary. Health professionals’ acceptance for SHI significantly associated with monthly salary (AOR = 9.49; 95% CI: 2.51, 35.86), awareness about SHI (AOR = 3.89; 95% CI: 1.05, 14.28), history of difficulty in covering medical bills (AOR = 6.2; 95% CI: 2.42, 15.87), attitudes towards social health insurance (AOR = 7.57; 95% CI: 3.14, 18.21), and perceived quality of health care services if SHI implemented (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.18, 7.07). Conclusion. The study indicated that there were still a high proportion of health professionals who were not willing to pay for SHI. Therefore, strengthening awareness creation, creating awareness about SHI, promoting the scheme using the different channels of communication to bring about favorable attitude, and providing health care services with required standard quality could help to increase the acceptance of SHI by health professionals.

Maternal Near Miss at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Mekelle, Ethiopia [21L

INTRODUCTION: A peripartum near-miss event occurs when a woman nearly dies, but survives a complication that occurred during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. As maternal deaths are rare occurrences, near-miss cases can be used instead to elucidate the events leading to complications and the obstacles that must be overcome to treat complications, hence providing valuable information on obstetric care. This study aimed to assess maternal near miss at Ayder Referral Hospital (ARH). METHODS: Our study was a retrospective chart review of near miss cases seen at ARH between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. WHO near miss criteria was used to select cases. RESULTS: Over the study period, there were 3,899 deliveries, 236 near miss, and 13 maternal deaths at ARH. The leading causes of near miss were hemorrhage (41.9%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (41.1%), sepsis (9.3%), labor abnormality (4.6%), and medical disorders of pregnancy (3.6%). In terms of timing of near miss diagnosis, 37.7% occurred antenatally, 25% intrapartum, 32% postpartum, and 5.1% post abortion. 86% of cases were referred from other health facilities. Majority of the patients (80%) arrived to our hospital in critical condition. Ninety percent of the near miss cases had antenatal care (ANC) at health center. CONCLUSION: Near miss is substantial problem in North Ethiopia. Most referred patients arrived in critical condition, suggesting support and transportation from referring institutions should be improved. Additional research is need to assess the quality ANC given that 90% of the near miss cases had ANC.

The Response of Erica arborea L. Tree Growth to Climate Variability at the Afro-alpine Tropical Highlands of North Ethiopia

The important ecosystem services of the high altitude tropical afro-alpine Erica arborea L. forests are under increasing environmental and human pressure. The Erica treeline ecotone in the Ethiopian highlands forms a temperature-responsive vegetation boundary that is potentially affected by climate change. The cambium of 10 Erica arborea trees in Lib Amba Mountain and Ferrah Amba Mountain in the North Ethiopian highlands was marked in 2012, and corresponding tree disks were sampled after 498 days. Microphotographs of these cambial marks confirmed the formation of annual growth rings (0.76 ± 0.24 mm) with higher vessel density in earlywood and radially flattened fibers in the last layers of the latewood. In-continuum measurements of vessel size and density on microphotographs indicated the formation of inter-annual density fluctuations (IADFs) related to early rainfall in March-May. The same stem disks and 40 increment cores were used for detailed tree-ring analyses—a tree-ring chronology with 18 trees spanning from 1966 to 2014 could be derived. A significant (p < 0.1) positive correlation with minimum temperature in the growing season (August) and a negative correlation with minimum temperature in the spring season (March) were indicated as the most important climate factors regulating tree growth of Erica trees in the afro-alpine forest. The existence of annual tree rings and the proven potential for chronology building encourages further tree-ring analyses of Erica arborea in the afro-alpine tropical highlands in order to link it with climate variability and climate change.

The Impact of Amharic Linguistic Interference on Tigrinya as Medium of Education: The Case of Alamata Primary Schools

This paper deals with the impact of Amharic (neighbor language) linguistic interferences on the Tigrinya variety used as medium of instruction, particularly in Alamata primary schools, south Tigray in north Ethiopia. The study is mainly concerned with the description and analysis of the linguistic interferences of Amharic into the Tigrinya variety used as medium of instruction. It is also aimed at pointing out the impacts of the linguistic on the medium of instruction and at suggesting some measures which can possibly solve or reduce the impacts. In order to achieve these objectives, a questionnaire, an interview, a writing test and personal classroom observations have been used as the main data collection instruments. Six primary schools have been selected using random and purposive sampling method. Grade seven students and their Tigrinya teachers have also been selected as sample subjects of the study using random sampling technique. The data, therefore, have been collected through the aforementioned methods from these subjects during schooling time. Both quantitative and descriptive methods have been used in an integrated way to analyze the data. The data have revealed that the influence of Amharic on the Tigrinya variety used as MOI is high at all linguistic levels (phonology, morphology, syntax and lexical), and it brings about negative effect in classroom communication. Moreover, it has also been found that there are innovations of linguistic elements. DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/66-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Inter-structural Space Effect of Fanya juu and Soil Bund Soil and Water Conservation Structures on Selected Soil Properties: In the Case of Habru District, North Ethiopia

Land degradation is one of the most serious environmental problems in Ethiopia. To halt the problem, large scale soil and water conservation (SWC) practices such as; fanya juu, soil bund and other physical structures were implemented in the different parts of the country including Habru district. However, development of fertility gradient between the two successive SWC structures makes debatable to use the implemented structures in the sustainable manner. The study aimed at evaluating the spatial variability in soil properties between inter-structural-terrace area. Representative Kutaye catchment was deliberately selected based on the availability of fanya juu and soil bund. Then the catchment was sub-divided into two sub-watersheds, cropland treated with fanya juu and cropland treated with soil bund based on the structural dominance. Inter-structure-terrace plots were independently selected and systematically replicated (second, fourth and sixth) between two SWC structures for the purpose of soil sampling. In order to evaluate selected soil property variation, the soil samples were taken following the contour between the two successive structures. Additionally, undisturbed core samples were collected for the bulk density analysis. The samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedure and parameters like; soil texture, bulk density (Bd), soil reaction (pH), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TotN) available phosphorus (AvP), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable potassium (K+) and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.20 software. Parameter relative distance was created for allowing comparison; because the distance between the successive SWC structures were highly variable. One-way ANOVA was used; selected soil properties as dependent and relative distance (inter-structure area) as independent variables. Tukey (HSD test) was used for mean separation between relative distance at p < 0.05. The result revealed that soil properties percentage of sand and clay significantly influenced by inter-structure-spaces plots treated with fanya juu at p < 0.05. In both SWC structures, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable potassium (K+) and bulk density (Bd) were significantly (p < 0.05) affected with inter-structure space. In order to manage variation in some soil properties between the successive SWC inter-structures-space area; optimizing its’ inter-structural terrace space and application of site-specific soil management practices were suggested with appropriate contour ploughing. Keywords: Fanya juu, Inter-structural space, Land degradation, Soil bund, Soil property, Soil and water conservation, Soil and Water Conservation practices DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-3-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

Advanced maternal age pregnancy and its adverse obstetrical and perinatal outcomes in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Northern Ethiopia, 2017: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdvanced maternal age generally denotes age after 35 years during the time of delivery. Despite the fact that being pregnant at any reproductive age is not risk-free, older gravidity usually culminates with adverse outcomes both to the mother and fetus or neonate. This study aimed to determine the association of adverse obstetrical and perinatal outcomes with advanced maternal age pregnancy. The study was conducted in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, north Ethiopia, from 2015 to 2017.Methodschart review comparative cross-sectional study was employed. Data were retrieved from medical charts of 752 pregnant mothers (376 each for both the study;> 35-year-old and reference group;20-34 year old). Data was collected using a pretested and structured checklist using systematic sampling and data was entered & analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was run to determine the association of independent variables with dependent variables.ResultsThis study revealed that advanced maternal age pregnancy was significantly associated with pregnancy induced hypertension [AOR 4.15, 95% CI (2.272–7.575), p < 0.001], ante partum hemorrhage [AOR 2.54, 95% CI (1.32–4.91), P = 0.005] & cesarean delivery [AOR 2.722, 95% CI (1.777–4.170), p < 0.001]. Furthermore, advanced maternal age pregnancy was also increasingly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes like preterm delivery [AOR 3.622, 95% CI (1.469–8.930), p = 0.005], low birth weight [AOR 3.137, 95% CI (1.324–7.433), p = 0.009], perinatal death [AOR 2.54, 95% CI (1.141–5.635), p = 0.022] and low fifth minute APGAR score [AOR 7.507, 95% CI (3.134–17.98), p < 0.001]. Notwithstanding this, maternal age was not found to be associated with amniotic fluid disturbances, premature rupture of membranes and post-term pregnancy.ConclusionsAdvanced maternal age is markedly linked with adverse obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. Therefore, it is better for health care providers to counsel couples, who seek to have a child in their later ages, about the risks of advanced maternal age pregnancy. In addition, health care workers need to emphasize on how to improve advanced age mothers’ health through the utilization of contraception to reduce pregnancy in this age group.

HIV testing, test results and factors influencing among infants born to HIV positive mothers in public hospitals of Mekelle City, North Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTimely infant testing for HIV is critical to ensure optimal treatment outcomes among exposed infants. While world health organization recommends HIV exposed infants to be tested between 4 to 6 weeks of age, in developing countries like Ethiopia, access to timely infant testing is still very limited. The study is intended to assess timely infant testing, testing for HIV at the 18th month, test results and factors influencing HIV positivity among infants born to HIV positive mothers in public hospitals of Mekelle, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was employed on 558 HIV exposed infants, using consecutive sampling technique. A checklist was used to extract 4 years (January 2014–December 2017) secondary data, collected from January–April 2018. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and binary logistic regression model was used to examine the association of independent variables with the outcome variables.ResultsTimely infant testing for HIV accounted for 346(62.0%). Mothers who attended antenatal care (AOR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.17, 6.55) and who were counselled on feeding options (AOR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.65) were strongly associated with timely infant testing. Poor maternal adherence status was associated with infants’ HIV positivity at the 18th month of antibody test (AOR: 15.93; 95% CI: 2.21, 94.66). Being rural resident (AOR: 4.0; 95% CI: 1.23, 13.04), being low birth weight (AOR: 5.64; 95% CI: 2.00, 16.71) and not receiving ARV prophylaxis (AOR: 4.70; 95% CI: 1.15, 19.11) were positively associated with the overall HIV positivity.ConclusionsA considerable proportion of exposed infants did not undergo timely testing for HIV. Antenatal care follow-up and counselling on feeding options were associated with timely infant testing. Mother’s poor adherence status was associated with infant’s HIV positivity at the 18th month of antibody testing. Being rural resident, being low birth weight, and not receiving ARV prophylaxis were the factors that enhance the overall HIV positivity. Timely infant testing, counselling on feeding options and adherence should be intensified, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission program in rural settings need to be strengthened.

Determinants of adverse birth outcome in Tigrai region, North Ethiopia: Hospital-based case-control study

BackgroundAdverse birth outcome which attributes to most perinatal deaths is an important indicator of child health and survival. Hence, this study aims to identify determinants of adverse birth outcome among mothers who gave birth in public hospitals of Tigrai region, North Ethiopia.MethodsHospital based case-control study was conducted in Tigrai region, Ethiopia between December 2015 and January 2016 among 405 (135 cases and 270 controls) consecutively selected mothers who gave birth in four randomly selected public Hospitals. Mothers with adverse birth outcome (preterm birth; < 37 gestational weeks at birth, low birth weight; < 2.5 kg at birth, or still birth) were the cases while mothers without adverse birth outcome (live birth, birth weight ≥ 2.5 kg and of ≥37 gestational weeks at birth) were the controls. Data were collected by interview and reviewing medical records using structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into database using EPI info version 3.5.1 then exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Finally, multivariate logistic regression was used to identify determinants of adverse birth outcomes at P value < 0.05.ResultThe mean age of cases and controls was 27.3 (SD = 6.6) and 26.14 (SD = 4.9) years, respectively. In a multivariate analysis; less than four antenatal care visits [AOR = 4.35, 95% CI: 1.15–13.50], not receiving dietary counseling [AOR = 11.24, 95% CI: 3.92–36.60], not using family planning methods [AOR = 4.06, 95% CI:1.35–17.34], less than 24 months inter pregnancy interval [AOR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.89–13.86], and less than 11 g/dl hemoglobin level [AOR = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.83–14.01] were significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes.Conclusion and recommendationThe number of antenatal care visits, ever use of family planning methods, not receiving dietary counseling during antenatal care follow up visits, short inter-pregnancy interval, and low hemoglobin level were identified as independent determinants of adverse birth outcome. A concerted effort should be taken improve family planning use, and antenatal care follow-up with special emphasis to maternal nutrition to prevent adverse birth outcomes.

Magnitude and factors associated with upper respiratory tract infection among under-five children in public health institutions of Aksum town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: an institutional based cross-sectional study

Introductionupper respiratory tract infection is a leading cause of morbidity among under-five, particularly in the developing countries. Delays in the identification and treatment of under-fives are among the main contributors to the complication. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and to identify factors associated with upper respiratory tract infection among under-five children, in public health institutions of Aksum City, Tigray Region, North Ethiopia, 2016.Methodsinstitutional based cross-sectional study was done. Cases were under-five children who had get service. The study participants were selected using Systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered, using Epi-info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Clinical data from the chart were used to diagnose upper respiratory tract infection types. The binary logistic regression model was used to test the association between dependent and independent variables and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors to upper respiratory tract infections.Resultsout of 213 study participants 52.6% identified as having at least one type of upper respiratory tract infection, i.e. sinusitis 22 (10.3%), 37 (17.4%) otitis media, 39 (18.3%) tonsillitis and common cold 83 (39.0%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that rural residence 7.6 [AOR (95%CI) (2.49, 23.58)], civil servant father's children 4.49 [AOR (95%CI) (1.57, 12.83)], non-immunization 6.0 [AOR(95%CI) (1.38, 26.8)], mud house wall 4.58 [AOR (95%CI) (1.74, 12.0)], rental house 5.1 [AOC (95% CI) (1.82, 14.6] and large family size 5.3 [AOC (95%CI) (2.3, 12.1 )], were found to be statistically associated.Conclusionsocioeconomic, maternal and environmental factors had contributed to the upper respiratory tract infection. Strengthening of the existing disease prevention policy as well as improvement of institutional health service behavior is crucial.

Utilization of indigenous tree and shrub species as animal feed resources in south Tigray, north Ethiopia, and implication for sustainable livestock production

Utilization of indigenous tree and shrub species as animal feed resources in south Tigray, north Ethiopia, and implication for sustainable livestock production

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Unintended Pregnancy among Pregnant Women at Saesie Tsaeda Emba Woreda Eastern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2018.

Background Each year there were about 80 million women who experienced unintended pregnancy in the globe. In Ethiopia, around one third of women have experiences of unintended pregnancy. However, the magnitude of unintended pregnancy was not determined in the study area. Hence the aim of the study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of unintended pregnancy among pregnant women. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed among 345 participants. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling. Data was collected though face to face interview by structured questioner. It was entered, clean and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive analysis was done to see the frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Adjusted odds ratio was computed at 95% confidence level to determine the effect of independent variable on the outcome variable. Variable at p value < 0.05 was declared as statistically significant variable. Model goodness of fit was checked using Hosmer lemeshow test. Result The overall magnitude of unintended pregnancy was 24.9%. Employed women were 60% less likely having unintended pregnancy (AOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.015, 0.785).Single women were 1.4 times more likely reported unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.005, 3.675). Unintended pregnancy among ever visited by health extension workers was 1.7 times higher than not visited (AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.09, 5. 128). Unintended pregnancy among who had information about family planning were about 70% less likely reported unintended pregnancy than their counterparties (AOR 0.3, 95% CI: 0 .067, 0.845). Marital status, occupational status, visited by health extension workers, having information about family planning, discussing with their partners about contraceptive were found the major factors of unintended pregnancy. Thus the district health office, Tigray regional health office and other stakeholder should work to improve family planning accessibility, awareness, and utilization to overcome the problem.

Effect of supplementing graded levels of wet brewery grain by-product to natural pasture hay and wheat bran based diet on the performance of Tigray highland sheep, Northern Ethiopia

A feeding trial was conducted for 84 days followed by 7 days of fecal collection to determine performance and also digestibility of nutrients at Maichew ATVET College in Tigray, North Ethiopia using 24 yearling intact male local sheep grouped into six blocks of four sheep based on their initial body weight and each block assigned to each of the four treatments diets. The basal diet was composed of natural pasture hay (ad libitum), wheat bran (309 g/sheep/d) and salt (3 g/head/d) and test diet (graded levels of wet brewery grain by-product=WBGB). Treatment diets were: T1 (basal diet+0g WBGB/head/day), T2 (basal diet + 210g WBGB/head/day), T3 (basal diet + 280g WBGB/head/day) and T4 (basal diet + 350g WBGB/head/day). ANOVA of data was conducted using General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of SAS; and means compared using Tukey’s HSD test (p&lt;0.05). Dry matter, organic matter and crude protein intake and digestibility significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) with increasing levels of supplementation. Higher average daily body weight and feed conversion efficiency (p≤ 0.05) were recorded in T4 followed by T3, T2, and T1. Hot carcass weight (9-11 kg), rib eye muscle area as a sign of degree of muscling (7.20 -10.70cm2 ), net return and marginal rate of return (MRR) were higher (p&lt;0.05) in supplemented than in T1 fed sheep, with best results in T4. It can be recommended that sheep can be supplemented up to 124 g dried BGB or 350 g WBGB because it gave better body weight and carcass performances and MRR.

Smallholder Farmers Vulnerability Level to Climate Change Impacts and Implications to Agricultural Production in Tigray Regional State, Northern Ethiopia

Vulnerability to climate change impact is the most pressing issues for less developed countries whose economy mainly depends on the agricultural sector. The demand for food is growing swiftly whereas impacts of climate change on the global food production are increasing. More area specific research outputs and evidences-based policy directions are needed to tackle the ever changing climate and to reduce its impacts on the agricultural production. The aim of this study was to investigate subsistence farmer household’s vulnerability level to climate change impacts and its associations with household’s agricultural production. Then primary data was collected from 400 households from Kolla Temben District, Tigray Regional State, North Ethiopia. Multistage sampling techniques were applied to select households for interview from the district. In the first stage, 4 Kebelles (Kebelle - administration unit) were selected randomly out of 27 Kebelles and then400 households were selected for interview through systematic random sampling techniques (Figure 1). Multiple regressions were used to examine the associations between household’s vulnerability to climate change impacts and agricultural production. Grounded theory and content analysis techniques were use to analyze data from key informant interviews and focus group discussions. For every single unit increase in household vulnerability to climate change impacts, there was an average agricultural production decrease between 16.99 and 25.83 (Table 4). For single unit increase in household’s vulnerability to climate change impact, there was a decrease of total crop production, Total income, total livestock, total food consumption and food consumption per adult equivalent. Rainfall decrease, small farmland ownership, steep topography, frequent flood occurrences and large family size are among the major factors that negatively affect household’s agricultural production and total income. The more the vulnerable the households, the less in total annual crop production, total livestock size, total income from agricultural production and the more dependent on food aid). There is a negative association between household’s vulnerability level to climate change impacts and agricultural production (crop production, total livestock ownerships and total income from crop production). More access to irrigation and agricultural fertilizers, improved varieties of crops, small family size, improve farmland ownership size, more access to education and Agricultural Extension services are an effective areas of intervention to improve household’s resilient, reduce households vulnerability level to climate change impacts and increase household’s total agricultural production.

Determinants of Hypertensive Heart Disease Among Adult Hypertensive Patients in University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Gondar North West Ethiopia, A Case- Control Study

Background: Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is the constellation of abnormalities characterized by cardiac complications. Despite advancements in management of hypertension and access to medical care, incidence of HHD is an alarmingly increasing through time. However, information on determinants of HHD studies is limited in Ethiopia. We assessed determinants of HHD among adult hypertensive patients in Gondar University Referral Hospital, North Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A case control study was conducted from April 1-26, 2018. Cases were adult hypertensive outpatients with cardiac complications, diagnosed within the last two years and were on follow up and care in Gondar university referral hospital during study period. Controls were adult hypertensive outpatients without history of any of the cardiac complications, diagnosed within the last two years and were on follow up and care in Gondar university referral hospital during study period. A total of 159 participants 53 cases and 106 controls were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using checklist and interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of hypertensive heart disease and p-value of 0.05 was used to decide for statistical significance.Result: Most of the cases 70.9% and the controls 54.5% were in the age group of ≥60 years. Hypertensive patients who had family history of cardiovascular disease ((AOR) (Adjusted odds ratio) =4.7, 95% CI: 1.8-11.9), sedentary life style (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3-7.8), uncontrolled blood pressure (AOR=4 95% CI: 1.8-9.0), and duration of hypertension ≥10 years (AOR=3, 95% CI: 1.1-8.7) were more likely to develop hypertensive heart disease than their counterparts. Conclusion: Multiple factors predicted HHD. Providing professional advice regarding to physical exercise especially for older individuals and taking early management is highly recommended.

Wind Resource Assessment and Wind Farm Modeling in Mossobo-Harena Area, North Ethiopia

Although Ethiopia does not have significant fossil fuel resource, it is endowed with a huge amount of renewable energy resources such as hydro, wind, geothermal, and solar power. However, only a sm...

Interprofessional collaboration and associated factors among nurses and physicians working at public hospitals in Mekelle city tigray region, north Ethiopia, 2017

Background: Inter professional collaboration is necessary to ensure that health care teams are efficient and able to provide collaboration, and joint decision making between the client and the health care teams in all areas of treatment planning and caring clients with the highest quality of care, in order to reach a determined goal, regardless of the health care settings. Objective: To assess inter-professional collaboration and associated factors among nurses and physicians working in public hospitals at Mekelle town Tigray Northern Ethiopia 2017. Method: Institution based of quantitative cross sectional study design was conducted among 409 study participants were selected by simple random sampling techniques from all public hospitals of Mekelle city. The data were presented in the form of text, frequencies, tables and figures Logistic regression was used to test association between dependent and independent variables. All variables with P value≤0.25 were including in multivariable analysis and magnitude of association measured by using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and statistically significant at p-value less than 0.05 was considered statically significant. Result: This study indicates that more than half 222(54.3%) respondents were shows frequent collaborations. The determinants factors showed that unfavorable attitude of shared education and teamwork statistically significant associated 2.53 times higher for infrequent collaboration among those who has favorable attitude (AOR 2.53, 95% CI (1.44-4.45). Poor Communication showed associated 3.73 times higher for infrequent collaboration compared with respondents has good communication (AOR, 3.73, 95% CI (2.30-6.05).Similarly dissatisfied by organizational supports showed significant associated 2.94 times for infrequent collaboration which compared with respondents satisfied by organizational support (AOR 2.94 at 95% CI (1.83-4.73). Conclusion: The finding of this study was reasonably good and this was caused by jointly collaborated professional activities but still it needs improvements. Organizational supports of professional growth, motivations and recognitions, taking responsibility, early conflict managements were pertinent factors to increase professional satisfaction, mutual understanding and collaborative practice.

Performance evaluation of furrow irrigation system on pepper (MelkaShota) production at Tanqua Abergelle district, Tigray, Ethiopia

The field experiment was conducted in north Ethiopia, Tigray at sub-district called Sheka-tekli. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of furrow irrigation systems on pepper production. The furrow irrigation treatments were i) Conventional Furrow (CF), ii) Alternate Furrow (AF), and iii) Fixed Furrow (FF). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The climatic data were obtained from Ethiopian Meteorological Agency and New_LocClim software. The crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling were estimated using Cropwat8 software. The collected agronomic data were subjected to one way ANOVA while irrigation water related performances indicators were computed using equations. Accordingly, the fresh pepper yield for CF (12250 kg h-1) and AF (9670 kg h-1) were not significant different. However, there was significant difference between CF and FF methods of furrow irrigation. The fresh crop yield for FF was 7670 kg h-1. The water savings from AF and FF methods of irrigation as compared to the CF method was 30.62%.The economic irrigation water productivity was higher in AF (5.33 ETB m-3) than CF (4.68 ETB m-3) and FF (0.49 ETB m-3). Irrigation water productivity was 1.95 kg m-3, 2.22 kg m-3 and 1.76 kg m-3 for CF, and AF and FF methods of irrigation, respectively. Thus economic irrigation water productivity and environmental benefits foralternate furrow irrigation method (AF) was much superior as compared to other furrow irrigation methods.

Practice and factors associated with active management of third stage of labor among obstetric care providers in Amhara region referral hospitals, North Ethiopia, 2018: A cross sectional study.

Active management of third stage of labor is the most indispensable intervention to avert post-partum hemorrhage which is one of the typical causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess practice and factors associated with active management of third stage of labor among obstetric care providers in referral hospitals. Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April 1-30, 2018. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 356 obstetric care providers. Data were collected using pretested, structured and self-administered questionnaires. Data were entered to Epi data version 3.1 statistical software and exported to SPSS 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. P value <0.05 with 95% confidence level were used to declare statistical significance. This study revealed that practice of active management of third stage of labor was 61.2%. Age group of 20-30 years [AOR = 1.95 (95%CI;1.13-3.38)], Being male obstetric care provider [AOR = 1.74 (95%CI;1.03-2.94)], having work experience ≥2 years [AOR = 1.95(95%CI;1.13-3.38)], availability of oxytocin [AOR = 5.46 (95%CI; 2.41-12.3)], having exposure to manage third stage of labor [AOR = 2.91(95%CI; 1.55-5.48)], and having good knowledge [AOR = 2.67 (95%CI; 1.46-4.90)], were the factors associated with practice. This study showed that practice of active management of third stage of labor was high. Age group between 20-30 years, being a male obstetric care provider, having ≥2years work experience, availability of oxytocin, exposure to third stage management and having good knowledge were factors associated with practice. Therefore, all referral hospitals and concerned bodies need efforts to focus on providing training to increase health care provider's knowledge so as to sustain good practice through appropriate interventions.

Hydraulic Performance Assessment of Mychew Small Scale Irrigation Scheme, North Ethiopia

Performances assessment of irrigation schemes network is very essential in taking different water management strategies. However, the performance of Mychew irrigation scheme was not assessed and hence, this research was undertaken to assess the hydraulic performance of Mychew small scale irrigation scheme. Moreover, identification of the cause and effect for mal-functionality of irrigation structures was also another objective of this study. Hence, comprehensive field observations, measurements and focus group discussions were held to investigate hydraulic performance, cause and effect of failed hydraulic structures. Simple descriptive statistics was employed for analysis of the data collected from focus group discussions and observations. Eight performance indicators were used to assess the performance of this irrigation scheme. Several factors such as sedimentation, design problem, damage of sluice gates, abstraction of irrigation water by unwanted plants has been identified for mal-functionality of different structures. There were problems in irrigation adequacy (0.75) and equity (0.28) of irrigation water was categorized as poor, while good and fair for dependability (0.08) and irrigation efficiency (0.79), respectively. The average water surface elevation ratio, delivery performance ratio, and delivery duration ratio of the main canal during the monitoring period was less than one, greater than 5% and 150%, respectively. The highest sediment accumulation was observed at head and middle reaches of the irrigation scheme than the tail reaches. Generally, there were a number of irrigation structures which was mal-functioned in this irrigation scheme. Now it needs sustainable solution to improve the performance of the irrigation scheme. Therefore, it was recommended that water should be fairly distributed spatially and temporally. Additionally, capacity building and awareness creation to concerned bodies holds the key to bring a difference in irrigation water management in this irrigation scheme.

Nationally Released Tef Variety Adaptation Trial in North Western Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2018

Nowadays tef is becoming the most preferred crop both for consumption and market value. However, its production and productivity is still very low due to traditional agronomic practices, nutrient deficiencies, and lack of improved varities and susceptibility of the crop to lodging. So, the current trial was carried out during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons in Medebay zana district at onstation with twenty eight nationally released tef varieties including standard and local check were evaluated with the objective of selecting adaptable and best performing tef variety/ies. Alpha lattice experimental design with three replications was used on plot size of 2mx2m [1]. The data recorded were days to 50% heading and 75% physiological maturity plant height, panicle length, grain yield, biomass yield and harvest index. The data was analyzed using Genestat software and means were separated using Duncan mulple range test (DMRT). The combined two years data analysis showed that varieties varied significantly for most studied traits at (P&lt;0.01 and (P&lt;0.05). Based on the obtained result, two improved tef varieties namely; Niguse shown to be high yielder variety followed by the varieties Tesfa and Guduru with the values of 1880.0, 1769.0 and 1692.0 kg ha-1, respectively, greater than 20% yield increment than local variety . The varieties Guduru, Wollenkomi and Magna were found to be having high biomass with the values of 9599.0, 9166.0 and 9139.0 kg ha-1, respectively. So, Niguse was superior in almost all the agronomic traits evaluated while the local variety of Abat tef and was out performed by most of the improved varieties of teff tested. Therefore, based on objectively measured traits, the variety Niguse was found most promising having the potential to increase the average yield of tef in Medebay zana district and is therefore recommended for general cultivation through demonstration and pre extension popularization activity as alternative tef variety for production at the testing and similar sites.