North Wollo Research Articles

Knowledge of neonatal danger signs and associated factors among mothers attending pediatric immunization clinics in Gidan District Health Centers, North Wollo, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe majority of neonatal deaths in developing countries occurred at home due to late recognition of the signs of serious illness by parents or caregivers. In Ethiopia, besides the attempts made to scale-up the maternal and child health services, maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs is low. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of neonatal danger signs and associated factors among mothers attending pediatric immunization clinics in Gidan district health centers, North Wollo, Ethiopia. MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1–30, 2020, among 399 mothers attending pediatric immunization clinics in Gidan district health centers. The data were collected using a pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Epidata version 4.4.2.0 was used for data entry, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were computed. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio along with 95% CI was calculated, and variables that had a P-value <0.05 were declared statistically significant. ResultThe level of good maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs in the study area was 48.1% (95% CI, 43.6%–52.9%). Maternal education level (AOR: 3.58, 95% CI, 1.22–10.55), parity (AOR: 2.10, 95% CI 1.18–3.71), having postnatal care follow-up (AOR: 2.05, 95% CI, 1.21–3.49), receiving health education about neonatal danger signs (AOR: 4.87, 95% CI, 2.73–8.68), and previous experience of neonatal danger signs (AOR: 2.35, 95% CI, 1.33–4.15) were significantly associated variables with the maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs. ConclusionThis study revealed that maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs was low. Maternal educational level, parity, postnatal care follow-up, health education about neonatal danger signs, and previous experience of neonatal danger signs were significantly associated variables. Therefore, maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs needs to be enhanced through improving postnatal care services utilization and providing adequate health education about newborn health problems.

Potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) incidence and severity influenced by cropping practices adopted in North Wollo, Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) incidence and severity influenced by cropping practices adopted in North Wollo, Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Diversity and potential contribution of wild edible plants to sustainable food security in North Wollo, Ethiopia

Hassen A. 2021. Diversity and potential contribution of wild edible plants to sustainable food security in North Wollo, Ethiopia. Biodiversitas 22: 2501-2510. Rural communities in different parts of the world use WEPs as supplementary food to increase dietary diversity. The findings of this study showed that 40.7% of the participants were food insecure in the study area. They are significantly dependent on WEPs when sudden drought exists. There were no significant studies conducted about ethnobotany in the study area. Therefore, this study was the first attempt to survey the perception of local people towards the potential resources of WEPs for sustainable food security, and conservation and management trends in North Wollo. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews (135 participants), tour-guided field observation, and focus group discussion (45 participants) to get relevant and adequate data. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and preference ranking were used to analyze and interpret the quantitative data. A total of 66 locally available WEPs belong to 30 families found in the study area. Respondents’ preference revealed that O. ficus-indica, Z.spina-christ, C. spinarum, F. sur, and U. sinesis were ranked first, second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. Hence, this study will provide relevant information for policy-makers and managers to combat food insecurity in the study area.

Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors Among Public Servants in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2020.

BackgroundThe leading preventable risk factor for premature death and disability worldwide is hypertension. Globally, 31.1% of adults (1.39 billion people) have hypertension and 9.4 million deaths are recorded annually, accounting for 13% of overall mortality.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among public servants in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Materials and MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 public servants. To classify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression, a binary logistic regression model was applied. In order to analyze factors associated with hypertension among participants, all variables with a P-value<0.2 were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. In order to determine statistical significance, a p value of less than 0.05 was taken. The assumptions of Chi square and multi-collinearity were verified. For model fitness, the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit was checked.ResultsThe total hypertension rate was 27.6% (95% CI: 24.1–31.3). The prevalence was higher in males 129 (32.5%) than in females 444 (19.1%). History of diabetes mellitus (AOR= 9.64, 95% CI: 3.20–29.30), age >35 years (AOR= 2.94, 95% CI: 1.91–4.51) and body mass index 25kg/m2 and above (AOR= 3.44, 95% CI: 2.21–5.34) have been found to be separately associated with hypertension.Conclusion and RecommendationAmong public servants in the study setting (study area), hypertension has become a major public health issue. Half of the newly reported cases is hypertensive. The conclusion of this study calls for a more holistic approach to hypertension in terms of hypertension prevention, screening, and proper management.

Using geographically weighted regression analysis to cluster under-nutrition and its predictors among under-five children in Ethiopia: Evidence from demographic and health survey.

Malnutrition among under-five children is a common public health problem and it is one of the main cause for the mortality of under-five children in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, lack of evidence about geographic heterogeneity and predictors of under-nutrition hinders for evidence-based decision-making process for the prevention and control programs of under-nutrition in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to address this gap. The data were obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016. A total of 9,384 under-five children nested in 645 clusters were included with a stratified two-stage cluster sampling. ArcGIS version 10.5 software was used for global, local and ordinary least square analysis and mapping. The spatial autocorrelation (Global Moran's I) statistic was held in order to assess the pattern of wasting, stunting, and underweight whether it was dispersed, clustered, or randomly distributed. In addition, a Bernoulli model was used to analyze the purely spatial cluster detection of under-nutrition indicators through SaTScan version 9.6 software. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) version 4.0 software was used to model spatial relationships in the GWR analysis. Finally, a statistical decision was made at p-value<0.05 with 95%CI for ordinary least square analysis and geographically weighted regression. Childhood under-nutrition showed geographical variations at zonal levels in Ethiopia. Accordingly, Somali region (Afder, Gode, Korahe, Warder Zones), Afar region (Zone 2), Tigray region (Southern Zone), and Amhara region (Waghmira Zones) for wasting, Amhara region (West Gojam, Awi, South Gondar, and Waghmira Zones) for stunting and Amhara region (South Wollo, North Wollo, Awi, South Gondar, and Waghmira zones), Afar region (Zone 2), Tigray region (Eastern Zone, North Western Zone, Central Zone, Southern Zone, and Mekele Special Zones), and Benshangul region (Metekel and Assosa Zones) for underweight were detected as hot spot (high risk) regions. In GWR analysis, had unimproved toilet facility for stunting, wasting and underweight, father had primary education for stunting and wasting, father had secondary education for stunting and underweight, mothers age 35-49 years for wasting and underweight, having female children for stunting, having children eight and above for wasting, and mother had primary education for underweight were significant predictors at (p<0.001). Our study showed that the spatial distribution of under-nutrition was clustered and high-risk areas were identified in all forms of under-nutrition indicators. Predictors of under-nutrition were identified in all forms of under-nutrition indicators. Thus, geographic-based nutritional interventions mainly mobilizing additional resources could be held to reduce the burden of childhood under-nutrition in hot spot areas. In addition, improving sanitation and hygiene practice, improving the life style of the community, and promotion of parent education in the identified hot spot zones for under-nutrition should be more emphasized.

Indigenous methods and knowledge: Maternal health policy and practice in Ethiopia, Africa

This methodological article explores using Indigenous methodologies to elicit, gather, and report Indigenous knowledge as it relates to maternal health and mortality in the North Wollo Zone of Ethiopia. The authors demonstrate how attention to recruitment procedures (i.e. researcher and research assistant familiarity with the zone), data collection (i.e. interviews, visual dialogues, and observations), and data analysis (i.e. Circles and talking pieces) facilitated the elicitation and gathering of Indigenous knowledge. The authors contend using Indigenous methodologies to elicit, gather, and report Indigenous knowledge is essential to developing and implementing effective maternal health and mortality policies and programs in the region.

Determination of Caffeine and Hydrogen Peroxide Antioxidant Activity of Raw and Roasted Coffee Beans Around Habru Woreda, Ethiopia Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy.

BackgroundCoffee is a well-known beverage that is widely used around the world. Despite the wide use of coffee in Ethiopia, there is a lack of extensive studies addressing the issues related to the caffeine content and hydrogen peroxide antioxidant activity of varieties of coffee types, particularly in Habru woreda, Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the caffeine content and hydrogen peroxide antioxidant activity of raw and roasted coffee beans collected directly from Habru woreda, North Wollo zone of Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was conducted in Bohoro, Girana, and Wurgisa kebeles of Habru woreda, Ethiopia, by collecting 500 g of green beans of Arabica coffee without considering their variety. Then, the collected beans were divided into raw and roasted coffee to perform aqueous and dichloromethane extraction of their caffeine content and hydrogen peroxide antioxidant activity using UV-Vis spectrophotometry.ResultsThe amounts of caffeine in aqueous and dichloromethane extraction were in the range of 124.01−191.27 ppm and 145.15−200.09 ppm in raw and roasted coffees, respectively. Using the IC50 value, the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of the aqueous phase coffee bean extracts in Bohoro raw, Bohoro roasted, Wurgisa raw, Wurgisa roasted, Girana raw, and Girana roasted coffee were 32.17 ppm, 11.69 ppm, 26.14 ppm, 3.12 ppm, 24.83 ppm, and 11.06 ppm, respectively, while that of ascorbic acid was 6.91 ppm.ConclusionThe study showed that the highest amount of caffeine in both aqueous and dichloromethane solvent extraction was found in Bohoro’s raw and roasted coffee beans. Also, the amounts of caffeine in all coffee bean samples were safe and the antioxidant activity was excellent. In most of the samples, significant variations in the concentration of caffeine in raw and roasted coffee bean samples were observed in the two extraction solvents.

Consequences of exposure to prenatal famine on estimated glomerular filtration rate and risk of chronic kidney disease among survivors of the great Ethiopian famine (1983\u201385): a historical cohort study

BackgroundThe impact of an adverse prenatal environment such as famine exposure on the development of adulthood non-communicable chronic illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension has been well articulated in the recent past and supported by evidence. However, there exist few longitudinal studies conducted on the long term consequences of prenatal famine exposure on adulthood kidney function. Hence, we set out to examine whether prenatal exposure to the Ethiopian Great Famine (1983–1985) was associated with changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) later in adult life.MethodsThe study was conducted in 219 famine exposed and 222 non exposed cohorts in Raya Kobo district, North Wollo Zone, Northern Ethiopia. Estimated GFR was computed from standardized serum creatinine using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The definition of CKD includes those with an eGFR of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 on at least in two occasions of 90 days apart (with or without markers of kidney damage). Linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the independent effect of prenatal famine exposure on eGFR and CKD respectively.ResultsThe mean (SD) serum creatinine of exposed and non-exposed groups were 0.78 (0.2) and 0.75 (0.2) respectively. The mean (SD) eGFR of exposed groups was 107.95 (27.49) while the non-exposed 114.48 (24.81) ml/min. In linear regression, the unadjusted model to examine the association between famine exposure and eGFR resulted in a significant negative beta coefficient (β = − 0.124: 95% CI: − 11.43, − 1.64). Adjusting the exposure for outstanding covariates of kidney health, including systolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and blood glucose did not alter the inverse relationship (β = −.114 95% CI: − 10.84, − 1.17). In the unadjusted bivariate logistic regression model, famine exposure resulted in nearly 2.7 times higher odds of developing CKD (OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.16, 6.2). The odds remained equivalent after adjusting for systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and body mass index (OR = 2.61: 95% CI: 1.120, 6.09).ConclusionIn the study setting, prenatal exposure to the Great Ethiopian Famine was associated with decreased eGFR and higher risk of developing CKD among survivors. These findings may imply that famine in early life may play a significant role in the development of kidney dysfunction in adulthood.

Newborn Birth Weight and Associated Factors Among Mother-Neonate Pairs in Public Hospitals, North Wollo, Ethiopia.

BackgroundBirth weight or size at birth is an important indicator of the child’s vulnerability to the risk of childhood illnesses and diseases. Low birth weight is closely associated with fetal and neonatal morbidity, inhibited growth and cognitive development, and chronic diseases in life. The study was aimed to assess the birth weight of neonates and associated factors among mothers who gave birth at a public hospital in North Wollo, 2020.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 mothers who gave birth in public hospitals of North Wollo, Ethiopia from January 1st to June 30, 2020. A systematic sampling technique was used to reach the study participants. Data were entered using Epi data 3.1 software and analysis will be done using SPSS 20. Adjusted beta coefficient with 95% confidence interval and p-value ≤ 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultsA total of 337 mothers were included with a response rate of 100%. The mean ± SD weight of the child was 2.94 ± 0.65 kilograms. The prevalence of low birth weight was 24% (95% CI= 19.6, 28.8). Maternal nutritional factors correlate with newborn weight. Age of the mother, family average monthly income, being single, alcohol use, education, female sex, had no abortion history and multigravida became statistically significant predictors of birth weight.ConclusionAlmost one-fourth of the newborn child had low birth weight. It will be better to give special attention to mothers with associated factors.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude towards Palliative Care and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in North Wollo Hospitals.

Palliative care improves the quality of life of patients facing a life-threatening illness. Nurses should improve their caregiving capacity. In Ethiopia, palliative care is underestimated. The availability of data regarding the knowledge and attitude of nurses towards palliative care is critically important. Thus, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of nurses towards palliative care. Institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in North Wollo hospitals. A simple random sampling technique was used. The data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaires from February to March 2019. The analysis was done using a binary logistic regression model. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The result revealed that 59.7% of the respondents had good knowledge and 44.2% had a favorable attitude towards palliative care. Level of education, experience in caring for chronically ill patients, and experience in caring for dying family members within the last 6 months had a significant association with the knowledge of nurses. Monthly income, experience in caring for chronically ill patients, formal palliative care education, and knowledge were found statistically significant with the attitude of nurses towards palliative care. More than half of the nurses had good knowledge, but less than half of the respondents had a favorable attitude towards palliative care. Attention should be given towards palliative care by the health policy and needs to be incorporated into the national curriculum of nursing education.

Quality of life and its associated factors among epileptic patients attending public hospitals in North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Epilepsy is thought to be caused by witchcraft, evil spirit, and God's punishment for sins in many developing countries. As a result, people with epilepsy and their families usually suffer from stigma, discrimination, depression, and other psychiatric problems. Thus, this study aimed to assess the quality of life and its associated factors among epileptic patients attending public hospitals in North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed in this study. A simple random sampling technique was utilized. Health-related quality of life was measured based on the total score of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) instrument. Data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 statistical package and exported to SPSS Version 20 for further analysis. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between quality of life and the independent variables. Statistically significant values were declared at a P-value of < 0.05. A total of 395 patients participated in the study making the response rate 98.5%. The mean age of the participants was 32.39 ±10.71 years. More than half, 199 (50.4%) of epileptic patients had an overall weighted average health related quality of life score of mean and above. Male sex (B = 4.34, 95%CI, 0.41, 8.27, P = 0.03), higher educational status (B = 7.18, 95%CI, 1.39, 13.00, P = 0.015) and age at onset of epilepsy (B = 0.237, 95%CI, 0.02, 0.45, P = 0.035) were associated with increased health related quality of life score. On the other hand, family history of epilepsy (B = -4.78, 95%CI,-9.24,-0.33, P = 0.035), uncontrolled seizure (B = -11.08, 95%CI,-15.11,-7.05, P < 0.001), more than 5 pre-treatment number of seizures (B = -4.86, 95%CI,-8.91,-0.81, P = 0.019), poor drug adherence (B = -11.65, 95%CI,-16.06,-7.23, P < 0.001), having moderate (B = -4.526, 95%CI,-8.59,-0.46, P = 0.029) to sever (B = -12.84, 95%CI,-18.30,-7.37, P < 0.001) anxiety and depression, believing that epilepsy is caused by evil spirit (B = -7.04, 95%CI,-11.46,-2.61, P = 0.002), drinking alcohol (B = -5.42, 95%CI,-10.72,-0.13, P = 0.045), and having other co-morbidities (B = -9.35, 95%CI,-14.35,-4.36, P < 0.001) were significantly negatively associated with the health related quality of life score among epileptic patients. Only around half of the epileptic patients have a good health-related quality of life. In addition, multiple variables including family history, uncontrolled seizure, and poor drug adherence were associated with quality of life among epileptic patients. Hence, targeting these variables in epilepsy management is recommended.

Determinants of diabetes ketoacidosis among diabetes mellitus patients at North Wollo and Waghimra zone public hospitals, Amhara region, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundDiabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder associated with acute and chronic complications. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most serious diabetic emergency in patients with type one and type two diabetes mellitus. It is the leading cause of mortality in children and young adults. Even though the burden of DKA has increased, no research has been conducted on the determinants of Diabetes ketoacidosis in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region. Thus, this study aimed to identify the determinants of diabetes Ketoacidosis among Diabetes Mellitus patients at North Wollo and Waghimra Zone public Hospitals.MethodsAn institution-based unmatched case-control study design was employed among 408 patients at North Wollo and Waghimra Zone Public Hospitals from March 1st to April 30th, 2020. A consecutive sampling method was used to select study participants. The data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questioners and reviewing of patient charts. The analysis was done using a binary logistic regression model. Then, P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultThe mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 46.96 (± 15.175 SD) years. Irregular follow-up in diabetes clinic (AOR:4.19, 95% CI: 2.28–7.71), not received diabetic education (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI:1.44–5.72), alcohol drinking (AOR:2.99, 95% CI: 1.46–6.12), discontinuation of medications (AOR: 4.31, 95% CI:1.92–9.68), presence of comorbidity (AOR:2.57, 95% CI: 1.37–4.84), and being type one of diabetes mellitus (AOR: 2.01, 95% CI:1.11–3.63) were determinant factors of diabetic ketoacidosis .ConclusionsThis study showed that the behavioral and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients were determinant factors of DKA. Follow-up in the diabetic clinic, diabetic education, discontinuation of medications, alcohol drinking, presence of comorbidities, and type of diabetes mellitus were independent determinants of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Role of Acacia seyal on Selected Soil Properties and Sorghum Growth and Yield: A Case Study of Guba Lafto District, North Wollo, Ethiopia

Acacia seyal is one of the multipurpose parkland agroforestry tree species in eastern and southern Africa. It is a common on-farm tree in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia, but information is limited on its effect on soil properties and sorghum growth and yield. The study was conducted to evaluate its effect on selected soil properties and sorghum growth and yield in Guba Lafto district of northern Ethiopia. Six isolated and closely comparable Acacia seyal trees growing on sorghum farms were purposely selected, and plots were marked under the canopy of trees with three radial distances (0–2 m, 2–4 m, and 4–6 m) and one outside of the tree canopy (10 m away from any tree). Soil samples from each distance zone were taken between 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil depths for soil property analysis. Four quadrates with 1 m2 at each distance zone in four directions were laid for sorghum growth and yield attribute valuation. The results showed that only total nitrogen (TN) was significantly higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) at the subsoil layer under the canopy compared to an open area, while other selected soil parameters were not affected by the tree species. Sorghum biomass yield ( P = 0.006 ) and grain yield ( P = 0.025 ) were significantly lower under the canopy of the trees than in the open area. Generally, Acacia seyal had little effect in improving soil properties and showed a negative effect on sorghum yield and growth. Further research on its effect under wide area coverage of parkland system should be performed to bring a radical shift on the intercropping farming system.

Quality authentication and geographical origin classification of honey of Amhara region, Ethiopia based on physicochemical parameters

The knowledge of the physicochemical properties of honey from different botanical and geographical origins is important to identify the honey with better quality. Accordingly, the Amhara region of Ethiopia is producing honey of different quality for the local and export market. Thus, the study was aimed at estimating the quality and developing a chemometric model for geographical origin classification of the region’s honey based on its physicochemical parameters. A total of 47 honey samples were collected from 7 administrative zones (East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, South Gondar, South Wollo, North Wollo and Wag Himera zones) of three major provinces (Gojjam, Gondar and Wollo) of the region. Eight physicochemical parameters of the honey samples were determined using internationally accepted standard methods. In view of that, the average values of the studied physicochemical parameters at each administrative zone were in the range of 16.06–18.51, 0.26–0.60, 61.45–71.41 and 2.96–4.73 g/100 g of honey for moisture content, ash content, total reducing sugar and apparent sucrose content respectively. In addition, pH (3.85–4.23), free acidity (26.39–37.80 meq/kg), electrical conductivity (33.37–63.43 μS/cm) and HMF (3.88–8.50 mg/kg) were determined in the studied samples. Based on these values the region’s honey was in a good quality that meets the national and international standard limits. In the PCA model, the first three principal components explained about 69.14% of the total variations and the LDA model had an average of 80.85% discrimination power. The LDA model was checked by cross-validation method and 100% of samples in the validation set were correctly classified by the model.

Life in the post-return period: evidence from migrant women returnees in Wourgessa town, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This article examines the post-return life experiences of Ethiopian migrant women returnees from domestic work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The returnees live in Wourgessa town located in Habru district, North Wollo zone of Amhara National Regional State. Labor migration abroad from the town has been ingrained in the socio-economic life of the local people in which regular and irregular migration has become the norm with the culture of migration developed over the years. The paper draws on the social constructivist research paradigm, which explains reality as a social construct. Employing a qualitative research method with in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions used as methods of the primary data collection, the article explores the post-return lived experiences of the returnee women. It analyzes the returnees’ socio-economic reintegration, experience with polygamous marriages, household relations and decision-making, and the local community perspectives on the reintegration of migrant returnees.

Irrigation Efficiency Performance Assessment of Modern Spate Irrigation Scheme: In Case of Kobo Woreda, North Wollo, Ethiopia

Spate irrigation is form of water management that is unique to arid and semi- arid area where floods are diverted in to cultivated crops by constructing diversion weir across the river. The general objective of the study was Assessments of irrigation efficiency Gobu-I and Gobu-II modern spate irrigation schemes. To achieve the study primary data were collected which includes measurement of soil moisture contents before and after irrigation, measurement of field discharge. The parameters used to compare the efficiencies at the farm field levels were application, storage and distribution uniformity efficiency. The application efficiencies of Gobu-I was 62.75, 72.61 and 77.56% and for Gobu-II was 57.88, 66.12 and 70.14%. The storage efficiencies of Gobu-I schemes were 89.06, 88.71 and 87.8% and for Gobu-II schemes were 90.97, 89.81 and 88.1%. Distribution efficiency for Gobu-I scheme were 92.65, 87.67 and 96.38% and For Gobu-II schemes were 85.05, 89.95 and 95.03% in the head, middle and tail field respectively. Application efficiencies of both schemes were not good because of it’s under limit but storage and distribution efficiencies were good. By strengthening the capacity of DA’s and farmer’s frequent evaluation and follow-up are critical to maintain sustainable performance of the modern spate irrigation schemes.

Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Woldia City, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The global novel corona virus diseases COVID-19 pandemic was socio-economic crisis in all aspects of the human life. The impact of COVID-19 reflects our best collective available evidence, knowledge and expertise of the scale, nature and depth of socio-economic impacts in the country. We offer this as contribution to the expanding knowledge base on this critical issue, acknowledging and drawing upon the work of the government of Ethiopia, academic experts, development partners and consultants on this issue. Analysis of socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and to identify factors affecting socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 in Woldia city from the human beings. A Cross-sectional data was carried out between November and December 2020 in Woldia city from Ethiopia. A total of 383 samples using simple random sampling were interviewed. The binary logistic regression was applied to identify the effect of predictor variables on socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. According to the results in the study, 79.11% have and 20.89% have not socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 respondents have been involved respectively. The ages more than 15 was influenced in this study. From results age, challenges, family size, psychological impact and marital status were significantly affects COVID-19. The overall socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 in this study were critical issue. The study strongly suggests that more could be done to assure socio-economic impacts of COVID- 19 provided were more carefulness.

Clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in North Wollo Zone, North-East Ethiopia

Introductionsevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pandemics has remained to be a public health emergency of international concern. This ongoing pandemic has resulted in the death of millions of people globally. About one and a half thousand people have died due to this illness in Ethiopia. The clinical presentations of the disease vary with geography and populations. We therefore aimed at investigating the clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in North-East Ethiopia.Methodsreal time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted for 18,112 individuals suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection during June 27 to October 20, 2020, at Woldia university COVID-19 testing center. Recorded data of 372 Ethiopians who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection at Woldia university COVID-19 testing center were retrospectively extracted and analyzed using SPSS v25.0. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Resultsnearly 2.1% of the screened participants were found positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among them, three fourth of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were male, with an overall median age of 30 years. About 85% of the patients were asymptomatic. The most common clinical manifestations were cough (14.2%), followed by fever (11.0%) and headache (8.6%), whereas hypertension (1.6%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (1.6%) diabetes mellitus (1.1%), and chronic respiratory diseases (1.1%) were relatively the most common comorbidities noted. The case-fatality ratio was found at 1.6%. Age and underlying comorbidities had a statistically significant association with severity and poor outcome of patients (P < 0.001).Conclusionthe finding from this study indicated that older age and people with underlying comorbidities are at high risk of having the severe disease and poor outcomes. Hence, appropriate care and priority should be given to these people to decrease the morbidity and mortality caused by this illness. The presence of higher asymptomatic infection is the possible indicator of potential asymptomatic transmissions within the community. This highlights the need for widespread testing, and contact tracing to flatten the transmission curve.

Assessing the Impacts of Farm-investment on Farmer’s Quality of Life in Near to Woldia Town, North Wollo Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, small scale farmers contribute about 80% of the total population of the country and their land holding and also small, that farmer cannot allow the land to stay follow. Some developing region in the country is not fully benefit from the opportunities that can be generated by farm investment project. The study investigates the quality of life of people in near to Woldia town. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of farm-investment on farmers’ quality of life in near to Woldia town. The appropriate methodology to meet sample size in this study was obtained by using simple random sampling techniques which gives equal chance to every members of population to be selected as a sample. The data was analyzed by using both descriptive and inferential statistics. And the model used for this study was binary logistic regression used to analysis the inferential statistics. And also chi-square used for testing association between dependent and independent variables like gender, marital status, family income, and occupation. This study also identifies gender, occupation, family income; marital status and educational level have impact on quality of life. Finally, the study recommended that the advantage of investments for farmers such as employment opportunities, construction of different social services like school, health center, and economic development to bring a families good quality of life.

Nearly one-in-five mothers avoid colostrum in North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study.

Colostrum contains antibodies that protect the newborn against disease. Despite this fact, many Ethiopian mothers see colostrum feeding as a cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. These mothers believe that colostrum must discard to alleviate this effect. However, the cause of this misconception about colostrum was not well researched, particularly in this study area. The main aim of the present study was to assess colostrum avoidance and associated factors among mothers having children aged 6-59 months in North Wollo Zone, Northeastern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used for the statistical analysis. The prevalence of colostrum avoidance was 19 % (95 % CI 15⋅03, 22⋅89 %) among mother-child pair aged 6-59 months. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the most important predictors were breast-feeding initiation Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 6⋅369; 95 %, Confidence Interval (CI) (3⋅067, 13⋅224), pre-lacteal feeding AOR 3⋅464; 95 % CI (1⋅721, 6⋅973), shared household decision about child feeding AOR 3⋅585; 95 % CI (1⋅563, 7⋅226), Index child sex AOR 2⋅103; 95 % CI (1⋅015, 4⋅358) and health facility delivery AOR 3⋅033; 95 % CI (1⋅293, 7⋅117). The colostrum avoidance in the present study was 19 %. The study recommends the promotion of institutional delivery, timely initiation of breast-feeding, the shared household decisions about child feeding, avoiding sex preferences and stopping pre-lacteal feeding were critically important.