North Wollo Zone Research Articles

Examining the practice of culturally responsive pedagogy in upper primary school mathematics: Perceptions and competencies of teachers in North Wollo zone, Ethiopia

This study aimed to examine the status of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) practices among upper primary school mathematics teachers in North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. To achieve this purpose, the researchers employed a mixed-methods convergent research design. The participants included teachers, students, principals, and department heads. Data were collected from these participants through questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Results indicated that teachers employed CRP strategies in mathematics instruction on an occasional basis. Furthermore, the results revealed significant correlations between the independent variables—school location, teaching experience, CRP perception, and CRP competency—and the practice of CRP. Notably, teaching experience and CRP competencies were found to positively and significantly predict the dependent variable of CRP practices in mathematics education. These findings underscore the need for teachers to gain teaching experience, enhance their cultural competence, and exchange insights on implementing responsive teaching methods that integrate cultural elements and real-life contexts.

Fuel to the fire: Gender inequality in achievement in secondary school national examination in conflict-affected areas, North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia

Government reforms such as the general education quality improvement program for equity are implemented to address concerns about educational inequality. However, studies advancing understanding of the patterns of gender inequality in achievement in conflict affected areas are rare. The purpose of this article is to examine patterns in gender inequality in General Secondary Education Certificate Examination results in Math, English, and Aptitude for 2021, 2022 and 2023 academic years in conflict affected areas. The data consist of achievement scores from 45 schools and a total of 32,528 students, obtained from the Education office of North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. Using multilevel modeling, within- and between-school inequalities, achievement inequalities in gender, effects of teacher qualifications on achievement, and variations in gender-achievement relationships are examined. Student performance has been found to have consistently declined in the last two years in math, English and aptitude scores. On average, boys perform significantly higher than girls on these subjects consistently during the normal and conflict seasons. Inequality has decreased in conjunction with declining student performance, and inequalities due to school characteristics are much lower than inequalities due to student differences. School inequality declines in years of conflict compared to normal ones. The relationships between gender and achievement also vary statistically from school to school, with the conflict exacerbating existing inequalities. Based on the results, it is suggested that equity strategies should consider inequalities with declining student performance as opposed to conventional inequalities with high and low performing groups. Future research may isolate the effects of conflict and reforms in national testing procedures to account for gender inequalities.

Honey pollen analysis in selected districts of North Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Melissopalynology plays a pivotal role in identifying and managing the geographical and botanical origins of honey. In this study, forty-five honey samples were collected from three potential districts in the North Wollo zone, Ethiopia. The pollen grains of these samples were analyzed using the procedures outlined by the International Commission for Bee Botany (ICBB) to determine the botanical sources of the honey. Among the samples, twenty-five were classified as monofloral, while the remaining twenty were identified as multifloral honey. Nineteen plant species from twelve different plant families were identified as the honey bee floras in the North Wollo zone. The dominant families, representing over 45% of the pollen grains in the samples, were Asteraceae (9 samples), Myrtaceae (5 samples), Papilionaceae (4 samples), Fabaceae (2 samples), Hypericaceae (2 samples), Acanthaceae (1 sample), Brassicaceae (1 sample), and Ericaceae (1 sample). Bidens spp., Trifolium rueppellianum, and Eucalyptus globulus emerged as the top three honey bee floras in terms of relative percentage and frequency. Furthermore, eleven samples exhibited a high diversity index range (H) of 1.56% in Lasta and 1.01% in the Meket districts, while the remaining thirty-four samples showed a lower diversity index ranging from 0.31 to 0.99. Our findings underscore the importance of conserving bee floras to enhance honey production and ensure sustainability in beekeeping practices in the North Wollo Zone.

Production system analysis and breeding practices of indigenous goats in North Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study describes the goat production system and breeding practices in selected districts of North Wollo zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 180 respondents through a semi-structured questionnaire and group discussions. Descriptive and GLM procedures were employed for data analysis. A mixed crop-livestock production system was the main production system in the area. The mean number of goats per household is 9.66 and they are mainly kept for cash income and meat consumption. The flock structure of indigenous goats consisted of a large number of female goats. Natural pasture and crop residue were the major feed resources in the dry and wet seasons, with an overall mean of 37.53% and 54.26%, respectively. Feed shortage, diseases, and drought were the major constraints for goat production. Most goat owners (97.1%) practiced an uncontrolled mating system. Most farmers (88.93%) reported selecting breeding goats to be a parent for the next generation. Body conformation and coat colour were the preferred traits for the selection of goats. The current level of goat management and breeding methods would not significantly enhance goats’ productivity and profitability. Therefore, designing management and genetic improvement programmes would be vital to improving the productivity of indigenous goats.

Examining the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Academic Staff Saving Behaviors and Financial Readiness in North Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

<i>Introduction</i>: Saving behaviour is a critical aspect of financial planning, where individuals defer present consumption to enhance their quality of life and meet future needs. The study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of their financial behaviours, identify the factors that influence their financial decision-making, and compare the financial behaviours among different groups of academic employees. <i>Methods</i>: Employing a quantitative research approach, this study utilizes a structured questionnaire to gather data from academic employees. The questionnaire evaluates variables such as income level, education, job security, and financial goals to examine their impact on saving behaviours and financial readiness. Binary logistic regression analysis is employed to assess the influence of each factor on the dependent variable. <i>Results</i>: The findings indicate that a majority (83.3%) of academic employees have not previously saved, while a minority (16.7%) have managed to accumulate some savings. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, demonstrate significant associations between saving habits and variables such as gender, age, marital status, monthly expenses, and housing. The binary logistic regression analysis further highlights the significance of factors such as gender, age, education level, expenses, housing, additional income, and participation in savings groups in shaping employees' saving behaviours. <i>Conclusion</i>: This study contributes to the understanding of Ethiopian savings practices and personal finance by examining and comparing saving behaviours and financial preparedness across different academic institutions. It provides insights into the factors influencing financial decision-making and proposes strategies for enhancing financial literacy.

Statistical analysis on the incidence and predictors of death among second-line ART patients in public hospitals of North Wollo and Waghemira Zones, Ethiopia, 2021

Acquired immune deficiency virus, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, is a significant global health concern. Sub-Saharan Africa particularly Ethiopia faces a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus. In low-income settings like Ethiopia, early mortality rates are elevated due to severe opportunistic infections and advanced disease at Anti-retroviral treatment initiation. Despite available treatments, delayed treatment initiation among Human Immunodeficiency Virus -infected individuals in Africa, including Ethiopia, leads to disease progression and increased mortality risk. This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to the death of HIV patients under treatment at second line regimen in public hospitals of North Wollo and Waghemira Zones. A retrospective cohort study with 474 patients was conducted in selected hospitals of North Wollo and Waghemira Zones. A parametric Weibull regression model was employed, and the adjusted hazard ratio served as the measure of association. Variables significantly affected the outcome of the study was determined at a p-value < 0.05, along with a 95% confidence interval for the variables. The patients were within the average age of 38.6(standard deviation ± 12.5) years and majority (45.57%) had no formal education. The overall death incidence rate among second-line anti-retroviral treatment patients was 1.98 per 100-person years [95% CI 1.4—2.9%]. Poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment, male gender, and being underweight significantly increased the hazard of death. Conversely, increased anti-retroviral treatment duration had a significant and negative impact, reducing the hazard of death among patients. The study reveals a high incidence of death among second line anti-retroviral treatment users. Independent predictors include poor adherence, male gender, and underweight status, all significantly increasing the risk of death. On the positive side, the hazard of death decreases with longer anti-retroviral treatment duration. A critical concern and counseling should be given for better ART adherence, to change their nutritional status and for males.

Determinants of stillbirth among women who delivered in hospitals of North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia: A case-control study.

Stillbirth is a silent tragedy that shatters the lives of women, families, and nations. Though affecting over 2 million infants globally in 2019, it remains overlooked, with no specific targets dedicated to its reduction in the sustainable development goals. Insufficient knowledge regarding the primary risk factors contributing to stillbirths hinders efforts to reduce its occurrence. Driven by this urgency, this study focused on identifying the determinants of stillbirth among women giving birth in hospitals across North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. This study employed an institution-based unmatched case-control design, involving a randomly selected sample of 412 women (103 cases and 309 controls) who gave birth in hospitals of North Wollo Zone. Data were collected using a structured data extraction checklist. Data entry was conducted using Epi-data version 3.1, and analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Employing a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified independent predictors of stillbirth. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Our analysis revealed several critical factors associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Women who experienced premature rupture of membranes (AOR = 5.53, 95% CI: 2.33-9.94), induced labor (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.24-4.07), prolonged labor exceeding 24 hours (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.94-7.45), absence of partograph monitoring during labor (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.41-4.26) were all significantly associated with increased risk of stillbirth. Preterm birth (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.87-6.39), post-term birth (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.35-8.91), and carrying a female fetus (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.02-3.22) were at a higher risk of stillbirth. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention and close monitoring for women experiencing premature rupture of membranes, prolonged labor, or induced labor. Additionally, consistent partograph use and enhanced prenatal care for pregnancies at risk of preterm or post-term birth could potentially contribute to reducing stillbirth rates and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms behind the observed association between fetal sex and stillbirth risk.

Exploring barriers of health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care among patients in north wollo zone public hospitals; Northeast, Ethiopia, 2023: application of socio-ecological model

BackgroundHealth literacy is the important for the prevention of non-communicable disease to make informed health decisions, and practice healthy and protective behaviours. Therefore, application of socioecological model to this study aimed to identify multilevel factors on health literacy among patients and develop scientific health communication interventional strategies to improve health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care.ObjectiveTo explore barriers of health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care among patients in north wollo zone public Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia, 2023.MethodIn this study phenomenological study design was conducted from February 5 to 30/2023.We have used purposive sampling technique to select study participants from chronic follow up clinics. Data were collected using in-depth interview and focused group discussion in which audio was recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Thematic analysis was performed with atlas ti. 7 software.ResultIn this study four main themes with seven subthemes were developed. The main themes were factors at the organizational, community, interpersonal, and intra-personal factors. The poor knowledge, lack of enough money for transportation and medication at the hospital were identified as barrier to get early diagnosis and treatment. Some participants explored that they have no any support from family or others. The cultural norms like weeding and funeral ceremonies enforce patients to consume prohibited substances like alcohol and salty foods.ConclusionIn this study different barriers of health literacy were explored. Lack of knowledge, economic problems, lack of social support, poor communication with health care providers, cultural influences, lack of regular health education, lack of access to health care services and poor infrastructure were main barriers of health literacy in patients with NCD. Therefore, we recommended all concerned bodies to work on social and behavioral change communication intervention focusing on awareness creation, supply of drugs and create supportive environment to get accessible and affordable health care service to decrease the impact of non-communicable disease at personal, community and national level.

Characterize and analysis of meteorological and hydrological drought trends under future climate change conditions in South Wollo, North Wollo, and Oromia Zones, in Ethiopia

This research was conducted on North Wollo, South Wollo, and Oromia special zones, in Ethiopia. The study aimed to analyze the temporal and spatial variability of meteorological and hydrological drought trends using the selected drought indices and to predict its future trend in the selected areas. To achieve these objectives, meteorological and hydrological data were collected from the Ethiopian Meteorology Institute and the Ministry of Water and Energy respectively. The historical and future drought condition was analyzed by using the standardized precipitation index (SPI), reconnaissance drought index (RDI), and streamflow drought index (SDI) from the drought indicator calculator (DrinC) software. Based on the availability of the data, for historical drought analysis, ten meteorological stations with thirty-two years of daily data were selected. For the future scenario, RCP 4.5 was used to downscale the future climate data and to forecast SPI and RDI values. Also, an artificial neural network (ANN) was applied to forecast the future streamflow data using Python software, then the future hydrological drought was determined using the forecasted streamflow data. The result indicates that all zones were historically affected by severe to extreme droughts, especially 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1992, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2014 years. From 1984 to 1992 the probability of severe to extreme drought occurrence was on average of two years intervals and from 1992 to 2003 there is a huge gap. From the future drought analysis results, the probability of severe to extreme drought occurrence will be at five-year intervals on average. Based on the analyzed results, the frequency of severe to extreme drought occurrence of historical drought which was two and three years was increased to five years for the future conditions on average. But, these are short intervals and the magnitude of the event is very high. So, the regional water and energy office and other concerned bodies in the area have to plan a good drought mitigation mechanism and should develop a drought early warning system for the communities in and around the study area.

Willingness to Pay for Social Health Insurance Among Health Care Professionals in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: Mixed Method Study [Retraction

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.2147/CEOR.S421461.].

Common Mental Disorder and Associated Factors among Women Attending Antenatal Care Follow-Up in North Wollo Public Health Facilities, Amhara Region, Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Common mental health disorders (CMD) during pregnancy are a public health concern because of the implications for the mother and infant's health during pregnancy and after birth. The prevalence and factors related to common mental disorders vary globally. Therefore, this study assessed the magnitude and factors associated with common mental disorder among pregnant women attending ANC follow-up in North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in North Wollo, Amhara Region, Northeast Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 777 study participants. The common mental disorder was assessed by using SRQ-20. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify the independent variables associated with common mental disorders. Independent variables with a p value less than 0.05 were considered significantly associated with CMD. The magnitude of CMD was 18.1% (95% CI: 15.5, 21.0). Factors significantly associated with CMD were the educational level of participants (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.48), husband's educational status (AOR = 11.13, 95%: 4.18, 29.66), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.26, 5.09), self-reported complication on the current pregnancy (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.21), self-reported complication during the previous delivery (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.39, 8.18), undernutrition (AOR = 2.19, 95%: 1.26, 3.81), high psychosocial risk (AOR = 20.55, 95% CI: 9.69, 43.59), having a legal issue (AOR = 2.06, 95%: 1.12, 3.79), and relationship problem (AOR = 7.22, 95% CI: 3.59, 14.53). Conclusions and Recommendation. One in five pregnant women has common mental disorder. Educational status of the participants and their spouses, unplanned pregnancy, self-reported complication during current and previous pregnancy, psychosocial risk, and legal and relationship problems were the main determinants of common mental disorders. Therefore, screening pregnant women for mental disorders and provision of necessary mental health services are recommended to minimize the adverse health outcome of CMD during pregnancy.

Antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of traditional medicinal plants most preferred for treating infectious diseases in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia's healthcare system relies on traditional medicinal practices that use medicinal plants to treat human and livestock ailments. However, the lack of empirical validation regarding the efficacy of these treatments against specific infectious diseases necessitates rigorous scientific investigations. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening on five selected medicinal plant species, namely Solanum somalense Franchet., Verbascum sinaiticum Benth., Rumex nervosus Vahl, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. The plants were first identified jointly with local informants and later considering mainly their high informant consensus and fidelity level values for their efficacy in treating infectious diseases in the area. Ethanol and aqueous extracts were prepared from the plant materials, and their antibacterial activities were evaluated against standard bacterial strains, representing both gram-positive and gram-negative types. To assess the antibacterial activity of the extracts, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth dilution method. Additionally, phytochemical screening was performed using standard qualitative tests to identify various secondary metabolites. The results indicated antibacterial efficacy in the ethanol extracts of S. somalense, W. somnifera, and C. aurea against particular bacterial strains (S. somalense against S. agalactiae with MIC of 1.5 mg/mL; W. somnifera against S. aureus and E. coli, with MIC of 2 mg/mL; C. aurea against E. coli and K. pneumoniae, with MICs of 3 mg/mL and 3.5 mg/mL, respectively). The results of the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids. The selected medicinal plants demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against certain bacterial strains. The current findings support the long-standing claim of the traditional medical system of the study area for their continued use of these plants in their treatment of infectious diseases. Further investigation is required to isolate the responsible active compounds and characterize the constituents and description of their antibacterial effect for possible use in areas where these infectious diseases are major health problems.

Barriers to Medication Adherence Among Patients with Non-Communicable Disease in North Wollo Zone Public Hospitals: Socio-Ecologic Perspective, 2023.

The practice of taking medication as directed by a healthcare provider is known as medication adherence. Therefore, the application of a socio-ecological model to this study identifies multilevel factors on barriers of medication adherence on chronic non-communicable disease and provides information to develop scientific health communication interventional strategies to improve medication adherence. This study aimed to explore barriers of medication adherence on non-communicable disease prevention and care among patients in North Wollo Zone public hospitals, northeast Ethiopia. A phenomenological study design was carried out between February 5 and February 30, 2023. The study participants were chosen using a heterogeneous purposive sampling technique. In-depth interviews and targeted focus groups were used to gather data. The focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were captured on audio, accurately transcribed, and translated into English. Atlas TI-7 was utilized to do the thematic analysis. Four main themes, intrapersonal, interpersonal, community level, and health care related, as well as seven subthemes, financial problems, lack of family support, poor communication with healthcare providers, effects of social ceremonies, remote healthcare facility, and drug scarcity, were identified by this study. In this study participants reported that lack of knowledge about the disease and drugs were the main barrier for medication adherence. The study revealed that financial problems for medication and transportation cost were the main factor for medication adherence for non-communicable disease patients. This study explored that lack of knowledge, financial problem, lack of family support, poor communication with healthcare providers, social ceremony effects, remote healthcare facility, and scarcity of drugs were barriers of medication adherence among non-communicable disease patients. In order to reduce morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases, it is advised that all relevant bodies look for ways to reduce medication adherence barriers for patients at every level of influence.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by the local people in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundEthiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, which combines richness in plant resources and cultures of human plant use. The people of Habru District of North Wollo Zone (Amhara Region, Ethiopia) have a long history of use of plant resources for various purposes including in traditional herbal remedy preparation and use. However, the district has not been adequately studied for its ethnobotanical resources and the associated knowledge. This study focused on human medicinal plants and their traditional uses in Habru District. The objective of the study was to document and analyze the plant species used by the local communities to treat human ailments along with the associated traditional knowledge and practices.MethodologyThe study was carried out in Habru District from June 2021 to December 2022. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions (one at the district level and 12 at the kebele/subdistrict level) and market surveys. A total of 388 informants (250 males and 138 females) were selected from all 13 kebeles within Habru District using systematic random sampling, and 42 key informants were purposively selected. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor and fidelity level were applied for data analysis.ResultsThe results provide insights into the medicinal plant diversity within Habru District, where 134 plant species in 110 genera and 54 families were documented, including 2 endemics, highlighting the district’s significance in biodiversity conservation and healthcare delivery. Disease prevalence analysis showed that gastrointestinal and parasitic ailments (ICF = 0.85), febrile diseases (ICF = 0.84), and culture-related conditions exhibit high informant consensus factors. Remedy preparation involves various plant parts, predominantly leaves (47.3%), followed by roots (22.1%), fruits (7.0%), and seeds (5.8%). Freshly harvested plant parts were frequently used (58.2%), while 24.7% involved both dried and fresh parts. Oral application (47.3%) and topical use (31.8%) are the major routes of remedy administration. The marketability of medicinal plants was evident, with 16.4% of the species reported as marketable, including Terminalia brownii Fresen. Myrtus communis L., Ruta chalepensis L., Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif., Allium sativum L. and Capsicum annuum L. Multipurpose plants such as Solanum somalense Franchet. (91.3% FL), Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex. Benth. (88.9% FL), and Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (85.7% FL) exhibited notable healing potentials.ConclusionThe current study underscores the intricate relationship between the local community and medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and health care and acknowledging the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and ecosystem health. The results contribute to the development of sustainable conservation strategies, healthcare practices and the preservation of traditional knowledge, and highlight the interdependence of human societies and their natural environments. Community-based conservation initiatives with active participation of local communities are desirable for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant species and their habitats. Raising public awareness about the sustainable harvesting and utilization of marketed medicinal plants (e.g., Terminalia brownii Fresen.) that are under threat is also important to ensure their availability for future generations and contribution to socioeconomic development.

Conflict resolution from below: The case of local peace committees in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to examine the processes, methods of conflict resolution, and methods of offender-community re-integration used by the local peace committees (LPCs). To achieve these objectives, the study used a qualitative research approach with the help of interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document reviews to collect data in the study area. The study revealed that the LPCs follow a series of conflict resolution procedures from receiving cases to reconciliation ceremonies. The study further identified different methods of conflict resolution used by the LPCs to settle conflicts of different kinds. Furthermore, the study discovered that the LPCs are using the re-integrative shaming method to re-integrate the offender into the community. In conclusion, despite the very promising conflict resolution role they have, the LPCs are not without limitations. However, the commercialisation of the conflict resolution process by some LPC members, the politicisation of the LPCs, globalisation, and urbanisation are found to be the challenges that compromise the conflict resolution role of the LPCs in the study area. The study, therefore, recommends that working to alleviate the limitations associated with the system and use the LPCs as an asset for successful conflict resolution is important.

Exploring the health consequences of armed conflict: the perspective of Northeast Ethiopia, 2022: a qualitative study

BackgroundConflict is a complicated topic with a multidimensional consequences for community health. Its effects have a broad pattern, starting from direct war-related morbidity and mortality caused by bullets and bombs to indirect consequences due to the interruption of the delivery of preventive and curative health services. This study aimed to explore the health consequences of the northern Ethiopian conflict in the North Wollo zone, northeast Ethiopia, in 2022.MethodsThis descriptive qualitative study was conducted from May to June 2022 on six conflict-affected Woredas in the north Wollo zone. A total of 100 purposively selected participants, which included patients, pregnant women, elders, community and religious leaders, and health professionals, were interviewed using IDI and FGD. The data was entered, coded, and analyzed using Open Code version 4.03. Thematic analysis approach employed to conduct the interpretation. Data was presented using descriptive statistics in the form of texts and tables.ResultsThe findings indicate that the conflict has caused a profound consequence on population health. It has resulted in a wide range of direct and indirect consequences, ranging from war-related casualties, famine, and disruptions of supply chains and forced displacement to instances of violence and rape associated with insecurity. The conflict also caused a breakdown in the health system by causing distraction of health infrastructure, fleeing of health workers and shortage of medication, together with insecurity and lack of transportation, which greatly affected the provision and utilization of health services. Additionally, the conflict has resulted in long-term consequences, such as the destruction of health facilities, interruption of immunization services, posttraumatic stress disorders, and lifelong disabilities. The coping strategies utilized were using available traditional medicines and home remedies, obtaining medications from conflict-unaffected areas, and implementing home-to-home healthcare services using available supplies.ConclusionThe Northern Ethiopian conflict has an impact on community health both directly and indirectly through conflict-related causalities and the breakdown of the health system and health-supporting structures. Therefore, this study recommends immediate rehabilitation interventions for damaged health infrastructure and affected individuals.

The Effect of Armed Conflict on Treatment Interruption, Its Outcome and Associated Factors Among Chronic Disease Patients in North East, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022.

The health services delivery system is debilitated in conflict setting areas due to damage of health facilities and attack on health care providers. Armed conflict is a complex phenomenon which causes a large amount of death and disability worldwide. However, there is lack of information towards treatment interruption among chronic disease patients in conflict areas. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of armed conflict induced treatment interruption and its outcome among chronic disease patients. A mixed cross sectional study design was conducted on a total of 399 sample size at North Wollo and Waghimra zone hospitals. To select study participants a consecutive sampling method was used. Multiple logistic regressions were computed to evaluate the association and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. From the total 399 study participants, 264 (64.6%) study participants interrupted their medication. Treatment interruption is significantly associated with poor service availability and perceived high stress. War has detrimental health effects, both immediate and long term, on populations. Treatment interruptions due to armed conflict were caused by poor health care access, lack of medications and lack of transport and displacement of hospital staff, insecurity and fear. Treatment interruption results in morbidity, mortality, lifelong complications, disability, psychological and economic impact.

Willingness to Pay for Social Health Insurance Among Health Care Professionals in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: Mixed Method Study.

Ethiopia introduced a social health insurance (SHI) scheme for the formal sector that will cost 3% of the monthly salary as a premium and provide universal health coverage. Since health care professionals (HCP) are the primary front-line service providers, their willingness to pay (WTP) for SHI may have a direct or indirect impact on how the programme is implemented. However, little is known about WTP for SHI among HCP. To assess WTP for SHI and associated factors among government employee HCP in the North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. Using the contingent valuation method, a mixed approach and cross-sectional study design were applied. For the qualitative study design, in-depth interviews were performed with focal persons and officers of health insurance. Multistage systematic random sampling was used to select 636 healthcare professionals. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of WTP for SHI. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. A response rate of 92.45% was achieved among the 636 participants, with 588 healthcare professionals completing the interview. The majority (61.7%) of participants were willing to joinand pay the suggested SHI premium. Participants' WTP was significantly positively associated with the presence of under five years of children but their willingness to pay was significantly negatively associated with the female gender and increasing monthly salary. On the other hand, on the qualitative side, the amount of premium contribution, benefits package, and quality of service were the major factors affecting their WTP. The majority of healthcare professionals were willing to pay for the SHI scheme, almost as much as the premium set by the government. This suggests proof that healthcare financing reform is feasible, particularly for the implementation of the SHI system.

Prevalence of Depression and Its Associated Factors among Prisoners in North Wollo Zone, Northeastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding and enjoyable activities. It is one of the leading mental disorders among prisoners worldwide. However, little attention is given to this condition, especially in developing countries. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among prisoners in North Wollo Zone Correctional Institutions, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 407 prisoners from November 20 to December 20, 2020. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was utilized to measure the prevalence of depression among prisoners. Data analyses were done using SPSS version 20 software program. Descriptive and inferential statistics including bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were run to assess the association between depression and the independent variables, and a p value of less than 0.05 was taken to declare statistically significant values. A total of 407 prisoners participated in the study, making the response rate 96.9%. The mean age of the participants was 31.7 ± 12.83. Forty-one percent of them were between the ages of 18 and 27 years. In this study, the prevalence of depression was 55.5%. Age 38-47 (AOR = 4.29; 95%CI = 1.51, 12.20), having children (AOR = 2.75; 95%CI = 1.40, 5.42), sentences for 5-10 years and over 10 years (AOR = 6.26; 95%CI = 3.19, 12.30 and AOR = 7.71; 95%CI = 3.47, 17.17, respectively), having a history of mental illness (AOR = 5.22; 95%CI = 2.39, 11.36), having two or more stressful life events (AOR = 6.61; 95%CI = 2.73, 15.96), and poor social support (AOR = 8.13; 95%CI = 3.43, 19.27) were significantly associated with depression. In this study, more than half of the study participants were found having depression which is relatively higher compared with other previous studies across the globe. Moreover, different variables including the inmate's age of 38-47 years, having children, a sentence of 5-10 and over 10 years, history of mental illness, having two or more stressful life events, and poor social support were factors significantly associated with depression. Thus, awareness creation for police officers and prison managers about depression screening in prison and treatment programs including psychological counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy for prisoners are recommended.

Self-medication practices among pregnant women in Ethiopia

BackgroundSelf-medication is a worldwide issue that requires special attention due to the potentially harmful effects it can have not only on pregnant women but also on the fetus.ObjectivesThis study assessed the magnitude of self-medication practice and associated factors among pregnant women following antenatal care (ANC) in primary healthcare settings in the North Wollo Zone of Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 395 pregnant mothers who attended ANC follow-up in selected health centers in the North Wollo Zone of Ethiopia from April 20 to May 20, 2021. A multi-stage sampling method was employed to enroll participants. A face-to-face structured interview was conducted to collect the data. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with self-medication practice. A p value < 0.05 at the 95% confidence level was considered statistically significant.ResultsOut of a total of 444 participants approached, 395 (89%) participated in the study. Of these, 44.6% reported practicing self-medication during the current pregnancy. Age < 35 (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.02–9.15; p = 0.032), rural residence (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI 1.43–10.19; p = 0.017), and previous medication use (AOR = 5.02, 95% CI 1.24–12.93; p = 0.015) were found to have a significant association with self-medication practice.ConclusionSelf-medication was highly prevalent among pregnant women in the study setting and result indicates need for critical action. Younger rural women with a history of self-medication use should be provided counselling to find a prescription medication, and measures are needed to minimize self-medication related harm in pregnant women.