Oromia Regional State Research Articles

Relevance and effectiveness of primary school teachers’ professional development policy and practices in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

The study evaluated the relevance and effectiveness of primary school teachers’ professional development policy and practices in Oromia Regional State. The researcher used a mixed method with concurrent triangulation design. The researcher selected a total of 618 samples of the study using different sampling techniques such as purposive, convenience, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. The data were collected from primary sources of data such as teachers, mentors, principals, supervisors, coordinating committees, and parents using questionnaires, interview, focus group discussion, document examination, and observation. The researcher analyzed the data using mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test, and thematic narration. The findings of study showed that teachers’ professional development practices were powerless to update professional competencies and improve professional and innovative pedagogical practices in classrooms. Primary school teachers were not learning proficiently from continuous professional development practices to ensure basic and specific professional competencies required in classrooms. The implementations of reflective activities such as action researches, classroom observation, differentiated learning, collaborative learning, microteaching, and lesson studies couldn’t contribute to practical changes. The study forecasts the requirement of context specific policy framework and practical toolkit for newly deployed and experienced teachers rather than focusing on the generic policy document.

Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women with access to public healthcare in west Shewa zone, Central Ethiopia: sequential mixed-method study

ObjectiveThis study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of herbal drug use among pregnant women with access to modern medicine and associated factors in public health facilities in the west...

"Prevalence of Ectoparasites in Sheep and Goats in and Around Chora Botor District, Oromia Regional State"

This study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 with the aim of studying the prevalence of ectoparasites of in small ruminants in and around Cora botor district. A total of 384 (202 sheep and 182 goats) were included in this study. Out of these animals 229 (59.6%) animals were found being infested with one or more species of ectoparasites. Of a total of examined animals; 118 (58.4%) of sheep and 101 (55.5%) of goats were positive for various species of ectoparasites. This study has revealed that lice were the predominant ectoparasites followed by tick, mange mite and fleas in sheep and goats. The present study has shown that ectoparasites are among important causes of skin damage which is likely to cause significant economic loss. To reduce this loss management practices should be put in the place to control infestations of valuable animals.

Determinants of community-based health insurance membership renewal decision among rural households in Kellem Wollega zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Despite the fact that community-based health insurance (CBHI) is a promising program to achieve the goal of universal health coverage (UHC), it faces challenges that are not only due to low enrollment but also due to membership renewal decision that impact its sustainability. Hence, the study aimed to identify the determinants of CBHI membership renewal decision among rural households in Kellem Wollega zone, Ethiopia. The study was conducted in Kellem Wollega, Ethiopia, among rural households from March 30-April 30, 2022, using a community-based cross-sectional study design. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews was used. Using a systematic random sampling method, 551 households were selected making 540 (98%) response rates. The data was entered into EPI Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS 25 software. Descriptive statistics, binary, and multiple logistic regressions were performed. Using multiple logistic regressions, a significant association between the CBHI membership renewal decision and independent variables was identified, declaring the statistical significance level using a 95% confidence interval (CI) at p < 0.05. The overall rate of CBHI membership renewal decision among households was estimated to be 365 (67.6%, 95% CI = 63.7-71.5%). The factors that significantly influenced the households' membership renewal decision were family size (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.25-0.86), low literacy status (AOR = 0.28 95% CI = 0.12-0.64), lower than middle-level of wealth index (AOR = 9.80, 95% CI = 2.75-34.92), premium affordability (AOR = 4.34, 95% CI = 2.08-9.04), unavailability of services (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.12-0.55), trusting in health facilities (AOR = 5.81, 95% CI = 2.82-11.94), favorable providers' attitude toward members (AOR = 8.23, 95% CI = 3.96-19.64), good quality of service (AOR = 4.47, 95% CI = 2.28-8.85) and health care seeking behavior (AOR =3.25, 95% CI = 1.32-7.98). The overall CBHI membership dropout decision rate among rural households was high, which could affect health service provision and utilization. Therefore, the insurance scheme and contracted health facilities should consider and work on family size and wealth status when membership premiums are calculated, the education level of households when creating awareness about the scheme, building trust in the contracted health facilities by providing all promised benefit packages of health services with good quality, and improving the attitude of health care providers towards the scheme members.

"Infestastion of Lice in Shoats in and Around Lalo Qile District, Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia"

This study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 with the aim of studying the prevalence of lice of economic importance in small ruminants in and around Lalo qile district. A total of 384 (259 sheep and 125 goats) were investigated for lice infestation. Out of these animals 144 (37.50%) animals were infested by one or more species of lice. Of a total of examined animals; 102 (39.4%) of sheep and 42 (33.6%) of goats were positive for lice. The lice recorded 31.66% Damalinia species and 7.72% Linognathus species in sheep and 33.6% Linognathus species in goats. This study has revealed that lice were the predominant in sheep than in goats (p<0.05). The poor body condition score animals were higher infested by both species of lice (p<0.05). The present study has shown that lice are among important causes of skin damage which is likely to cause significant economic loss. To reduce this loss management practices should be put in the place to control infestations of valuable animals.

Prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among street adolescents in adama town, oromia regional state, Ethiopia, 2023: A cross sectional study.

Undernutrition remains a serious public health problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. In particular, street adolescents are more at risk for undernutrition because they are the most underprivileged population. However, there is a paucity of information about undernutrition among street adolescents in Ethiopia. To assess the prevalence of undernutrition (stunting and thinness) and factors associated with undernutrition among street adolescents in Adama town, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, 2023. A community-based cross sectional study was conducted among 358 street adolescents from January 15-30, 2023. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the required sample size. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. The collected data were checked, coded, entered into Epidata 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Both Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the factors that are associated with thinness and stunting. P values below 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval were considered indicative of a statistically significant association. Finally, statements, graphs, tables and charts were used for result presentation. This study revealed that, the prevalence of undernutrition was 47.2%. Thinness and stunting accounted for 20.4% and 34.1% respectively and 7.3% both thinness and stuting. Age (adusted odd ratio = 1.41; 95% confidence interval: 1.17-1.71), skipped one or more meals per day ((adusted odd ratio = 3.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.23-9.94), drinking unprotected water source ((adusted odd ratio = 3.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.49-6.98) and use of mastish ((adusted odd ratio = 2.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.19-7.12) were factors statistically associated with thinness. Being skipped one or more meals per day ((adusted odd ratio = 4.14; 95% confidence interval: 1.87-9.14), washing hands before meals ((adusted odd ratio = 0.46; 95% confidence interval: 0.26-0.81) and moderate depression ((adusted odd ratio = 2.93; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-8.15) were factors significantly associated with stunting. In conculusion, the prevalence of undernutrition (thinness, stunting or both together) was high among street adolescents. To enhance street adolecents' nutritional status, targeted nutritional treatments, providing health services and good hygiene and sanitatios practices are urgently needed.

Hand Washing Practice and Food Insecurity are Associated With Undernutrition of Breastfeeding Mothers in Rural Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study.

Breastfeeding mothers are prone to undernutrition. However, factors contributing to maternal undernutrition are not exhaustively understood. Hence, this study aimed to determine prevalence of undernutrition among breastfeeding mothers and identify associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 606 breastfeeding mothers from selected rural districts in Oromia and Sidama regional states of Ethiopia. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with maternal undernutrition. One out of ten breastfeeding mothers was found undernourished as determined by BMI (12.6%) and MUAC (10.7%). Mothers who did not practice hand washing after cleaning children's bottom were 2 and 3 times more likely to be undernourished compared to their counters, as measured by BMI (AOR = 2.29, P = .002) and MUAC (AOR = 3.03, P < .001), respectively. Mothers living in mildly or moderately food insecure households (AOR = 2.37, P = .019) were more than two times more likely to be undernourished as determined by MUAC. Mothers who breastfed children in the age range of 9 to 11 (AOR = 2.79, P = .025) or 12 to 23 (AOR = 2.57, P = .018) months were more than two and half times more likely to be undernourished as determined by BMI. Maternal undernutrition is a medium-level public health problem in rural districts of Oromia and Sidama regional states in Ethiopia. The lack of hand washing practice after cleaning a child's bottom, household food insecurity and higher child age increased the odds of maternal undernutrition. Mothers should prioritize and improve their nutritional care as the age of their breastfed child increases. Nutrition programs in rural districts of Ethiopia should also aim to improve personal hygiene practices and food insecurity integrated with implementation researches to evaluate program's impact on nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers.

Assessment of Community Pharmacists’ Perception on Over the Counter Medications Use of Their Clients in Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are those that are offered to consumers without the need of a prescription. Pharmacists are among the medical professionals who play a crucial role in educating patients and assisting them in selecting nonprescription medications safely. Inappropriate self-medication with OTC drugs can have serious implications especially in extremes of ages including pregnant and lactating mothers. Therefore, the findings of this study may be used as preliminary information by concerned bodies. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate community pharmacists' perceptions of their clients' use of OTC drugs in Adama, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods: 94 community pharmacists in Adama town participated in a cross-sectional descriptive survey that was carried out at pharmacies between April to May of 2023. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire, and a pilot study was conducted prior to the real data collection. After being coded and cleaned, the data was imported into SPSS version 21 for analysis. The mean, median, standard deviation, and inter-quartile range were used to characterize quantitative data. Frequency and percentage were utilized to characterize the qualitative data. Tables and graphs were utilized to present the results. Results: 98.9% of the respondents completed the survey. More than half (52.1%) of the participants held a Bachelor of Pharmacy qualification. According to 24.5% of pharmacists, OTC drugs were safe to dispense. Painkillers (94.7%) and cold, cough, and sore throat medications (78.7%) were the most often requested OTC medications. The choice of OTC medication dispensed was made by either pharmacists (66%) or consumers (34%). Insufficient knowledge of consumer (46.8%) and lack of exposure to medical information (25.5%) were the primary causes of OTC drug misuse. When they found a case of drug abuse, the majority (89.4%) of them said that counseling the clients was the best course of action. Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge of consumers and lack of exposure to medical information was the most leading cause of inappropriate use of OTC drugs, and the therapeutic categories of OTC drugs that patients misused the most were pain relievers (62.8%) as reported by community pharmacists. The majority (89.4%) of community pharmacists believed that counseling the clients was the best course of action when they found a case of OTC drug misuse. It is the duty of community pharmacists in patient education about OTC medications and their typical adverse effects. The Regional Health Bureau and Ministry of Health should provide learning opportunities for druggists to upgrade their education level and provide continuous pre-service and in-service training on OTC medication for all community pharmacists.

Exploring the Challenges Among Youths Living with HIV/AIDS in Selected Public Hospitals in South West Ethiopia: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

This paper is aimed at reporting on the challenges of youths living with HIV/AIDS in two different states of Ethiopia; namely Oromia regional state and south west Ethiopian people regional state. Since individual perceive and experiences are interrelated and interconnected factors and co-occurring with daily life. To identify the problem using phenomenological in-depth interview technique on lived experiences and challenges among youths living with HIV/AIDS on different aspects of life beginning from the first time test result to the current psychological, emotional , behavioral, social support, medication adherence and substance use. The study population were youths with HIV/AIDS and using antiretroviral therapy medication in two different states of Ethiopia and two selected public hospitals. Some youths may avoid social contacts and do not seek their much-needed social support since they believe that they are not worth of respect and care from anyone. As a result, youths living with HIV/AIDS may live in despair and a constant fear of rejection, and yet lack social support that they need. The trend of substance abuse is very common in youths living with HIV/AIDS because of the psychosocial wellbeing, biological, emotional, spiritual, cultural, social, mental and material aspects of experience.

Malaria and associated factors among under-five children in Borena pastoral communities, southern Ethiopia.

Malaria continues to be an important threat to public health and infects millions of children under 5 years of age each year. Although Ethiopia has set targets for at-risk group interventions to eradicate and manage malaria, the illness is still a serious public health problem in areas where it is endemic, especially in the unique lowlands in the Borena zone. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and associated factors among children in Borena's pastoral communities, Oromia Regional State, southern Ethiopia, in 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 March to 30 April 2022 among 437 randomly selected households with children under 5 years of age in pastoral communities in the Borena zone. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with structured and pretested questionnaires and blood sample examination using microscopy. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared and examined under a microscope at a health center to confirm malaria cases. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with malaria, and a p-value <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The prevalence of malaria among children under 5 years of age was 27.8% (95% CI = 23.5-32.1), and the prevalence rates of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and mixed malaria were 68.4%, 25.6%, and 6%, respectively. Regarding the proportion of malaria among age groups, 81% of children under 5 years of age between 48 and 59 months were malaria-positive. In this study, fever within the last week (AOR = 13.34, 95% CI = 6.37-27.95) and not sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI =1.95-4.92) were significantly associated with malaria. The age of the children was negatively associated with malaria prevalence. The prevalence of malaria among children under 5 years old was high during the rainy season in this pastoral region of Ethiopia. Factors such as fever within the last week and not sleeping in insecticide-treated nets were significantly associated with malaria. Therefore, to reduce malaria-related infections and deaths among children under 5 years of age, the government ought to enhance the availability and utilization of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs).

Assessment of Animal Health Surveillance Data Quality Audit. The Case Study in Meta District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Assessment of Animal Health Surveillance Data Quality Audit. The Case Study in Meta District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Prevalence and Distribution of Camel Ticks in Gola Oda woreda, East Hararghe Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was carried out in the Gola Oda woreda, situated in the eastern Hararghe zone of the Oromia regional state in Ethiopia, spanning from April 2023 to October 2023. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of tick infestation and identify the specific tick genera affecting camels. The investigation covered four Peasant Associations (PAs) – Gara Gafa, Cophi Mi’awa, Bareeda Lenca, and Burqa. Adult ticks were gathered from various regions of the camels’ bodies. Out of the 384 camels examined, a comprehensive tick infestation prevalence of 76.8% was noted in the study area. Specifically, 50 camels from Burqa, 76 from Bareeda Lenca, 74 from Cophi Mi’awa, and 95 from Gara Gafa were infested with ticks, with prevalence rates of 75.8%, 70.4%, 82.2%, and 79.2% respectively. A total of 3145 adult tick genera were collected and identified using direct stereo microscopy, including Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Boophilus. The sole statistically significant difference observed was in the body condition of the camels (p&lt;0.05), while no significant difference was found in tick infestation between the origins of the camels (p&gt;0.05). The high prevalence of tick infestation in the study areas may be attributed to poor management practices, favorable climates, lack of awareness among farmers, and inadequate veterinary health extension services. Consequently, immediate prevention and control strategies are imperative in these regions.

Animal source food consumption practice and factors associated among infant and young children from selected rural districts in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Children are recommended to consume animal source foods (ASF) as part of diversified diets. However, ASF consumption practice of infant and young children (IYC) is less studied and contributing factors are not exhaustively identified. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess consumption of ASF and identify associated factors among 6-23 months old IYC from selected rural districts in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 606 IYC from selected rural districts of Oromia and Sidama regional states in Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Frequencies, percentages and mean scores with standard deviations were generated to describe participants and report univariate outcomes. Consumption of ASF was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify contributing factors contributed to IYC's ASF consumption practice. Dairy, eggs and meat were consumed by 41.2%, 16.4% and 2.3% of IYC, respectively. Household food security increased odds of dairy [AOR = 1.66 (95%CI: 1.16 2.38), P = 0.006], eggs [AOR = 2.15 (95%CI: 1.33, 3.49), P = 0.002] and meat [AOR = 5.08 (95%CI: 1.09, 23.71), P = 0.039] consumption. Cow [AOR = 1.86 (95%CI: 1.28, 2.70), P = 0.001], donkey [AOR = 1.83 (95%CI: 1.08, 3.11), P = 0.024] and chicken [AOR = 1.53 (95%CI: 1.05, 2.22), P = 0.027] ownership increased the odds of dairy consumption. Grades 5-8 [AOR = 1.74 (95%CI: 1.06, 2.86), P = 0.028] or ≥9 [AOR = 2.96 (95%CI: 1.62, 5.42), P <0.001] maternal educational achievements were also associated with better dairy consumption. Children from households that owned chicken [AOR = 3.20 (95%CI: 1.97, 5.19), P <0.001] or produce root crops [AOR = 1.67 (95%CI: 1.05, 2.66), P = 0.031] were with increased odds to consume eggs. Low proportion of children consumed ASF. Household food security, livestock ownership, household income, root crop production and maternal education contributed to ASF consumption. Nutrition sensitive agricultural extension activities aided by nutrition education should be considered and evaluated for their effect on IYC's ASF consumption practice.

Watershed management in Ethiopia and its effects on soil quality and productivity

Indigenous peoples have utilized watershed management techniques for ages. It has substantial ramifications for improved productivity and improved soil management. This essay examined Ethiopia’s soil quality and production improvements as they relate to watershed management strategies. In particular, the roles of the government and other partners who started soil and water conservation initiatives are described. These initiatives had unsatisfactory or unsuccessful results because the community was not involved, the land was held insecurely, there were disincentives, and the planning units were too large. Ethiopia’s Federal Democratic Republic has copied community-based participatory watershed management. It has had a great impact on the restoration of highly damaged areas and provided local populations with a source of income. For instance, Amhara, the Oromia, and Tigray Regional States’ well-managed watersheds of the Abraha Atsbaha, Gerebshelela, Bechyti, Goho Cheri, Kereba, and Bedesa Kela rivers have boosted agricultural incomes and food security. Additionally, the environmental soundness, commercial feasibility, and social acceptability of watershed management must be assessed.

Floristic Composition, Diversity, and Regeneration of Woody Plant Species of Dabal Forest in Southeastern Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation.

Floristic composition, population structure, and regeneration status of woody species of Dabal forest found in East Hararghe zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, were studied. Vegetation data were obtained from 52 main plots of 20 × 20 m for mature woody species and 5 subplots of 5 × 5 m for seedlings and saplings. Density and dbh of each live woody plant species found in each sample plot were recorded. Frequency, basal area, importance value, and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices were also computed. Totally 59 woody plant species distributed in 33 families were documented. Of these, 45.80, 44.10, and 5.08% were shrubs, trees, and lianas, respectively. Species diversity and evenness indices were 3.56 and 0.87, respectively. Stem count of all woody species was 3379 stems ha-1. Out of this, 44.6, 30.8, and 24.59% were seedlings (dbh <3.5 cm), saplings (dbh between 3.5 and 10 cm), and mature (dbh >10 cm) individuals, respectively. Total basal area of all individuals with dbh ≥3.5 cm was 29.88 m2 ha-1. Juniperus procera, Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus globulus, Afrocarpus falcatus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Myrsine africana, Maytenus undata, Hagenia abyssinica, Ekebergia capensis, and Cordia africana were species with top ten IVI. Most of these species were top densest, dominant, and frequent. Analysis of population structure based on pooled densities of all species in each dbh class showed that density of seedling > sapling > mature individuals, signifying healthy population structure with good natural regeneration potential. On individual basis, however, 35.6 and 8.5% of species showed fair and poor regeneration statuses, respectively, that deserve attention for conservation.

Access To Quality Early Childhood Education: The Case Of North Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to describe the status of access to quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) in the North Shewa Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. A mixed research method - Concurrent nested model (QUAN+qual) was employed to achieve this purpose. A total of 20 schools were selected randomly using stage sampling from five districts- Fitche town administration, Kuyu wereda, Debrelibanos wereda, Degem wereda, and Were Jarso wereda of North Shewa Zone. For the study, 76 teachers, 17 principals, and 20 officers of education bureaus have participated. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and document reviews were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed as follows: the close-ended questions from the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean; the data collected through open-ended questions were also coded, entered into MS Excel 2010, and converted to percentages; the information obtained through the interview was transcribed and interpreted qualitatively, observation and document reviews were analyzed qualitatively. This research finds that access to ECE in the North Shewa Zone of Oromia regional state is low and there are attempts to provide the necessary inputs like physical facilities, learning resources, play materials, and manpower but they are not sufficient to bring the quality of ECE. Furthermore, this research confirms that the quality of the educational process is promising. It also identifies the following challenges that ECE faces: Shortage of qualified teachers trained in ECE. Lack of on-the-job training for teachers both at government and private schools. Shortage of teaching and learning resources such as textbooks, reference books, flashcards, and stationaries. Moreover, shortage of play materials, shortage of classrooms and unsuitable grounds for children to play, and lack of support and follow-up are also among the challenges.

Unmet Need for Modern Contraceptive Methods Among Displaced Married Women in Their Reproductive Years in Bishan Guracha Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Background: Refugees and conflict-affected areas are often unreached by national strategies and programs. As a result, high unmet needs are more likely because of their social interruption with their traditional information sources, support, protection, and lack of income which limits refugees' ability to make a free choice that would allow them to plan and space the number of children they desire. Information on the unmet needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) women is scarce. This study is aimed at assessing the magnitude of the unmet need for modern contraceptive methods and associated factors among IDPs currently married reproductive-age women. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 internally displaced women currently married reproductive-age women using a simple random sampling method using a structured, pretested, and interview-administered questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors. Statistically significant variables at p value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were entered into multivariable analysis, and statistical significance was declared at p value ≤ 0.05. Results: About 160 (40.7%) (95% CI: 35.94%-45.67%) of women had an unmet need for modern contraceptive methods, 139 (35.4%) for spacing, and 21 (5.3%) for limiting. Less than 18 years of age at first marriage, lack of access to modern contraception, lack of discussion with healthcare providers, and travel time of 30 min or more to obtain family planning were found to be risk factors for unmet contraceptive needs. The risk of unmet need for modern contraceptives was high among women who were married at age of less than 18 years of age in comparison with women who were married at 18 and above (AOR = 1.559; 95%CI = 1.019-2.385). Unmet needs were higher among participants who had no adequate availability of modern contraceptive methods than those who had adequate availability of modern contraceptive methods (AOR = 1.738; 95%CI = 1.125-2.684). Similarly, the odds of unmet needs were 1.673 times higher among participants who did not discuss FP with healthcare providers than those who discussed FP with healthcare providers (AOR = 1.673; 95%CI = 1.085-2.581). Moreover, the odds of unmet needs were 1.551 times higher among participants who traveled 30 min and above to access family planning services as compared to those respondents who traveled below 30 min (AOR = 1.551; 95%CI = 1.002-2.401). Conclusion and Recommendations: The magnitude of the unmet need for modern contraceptive methods was higher than both the Ethiopian national and Oromia regional state total unmet need for the general population. Governmental and nongovernmental organizations should increase their efforts to reduce this high magnitude of unmet needs by emphasizing those factors that have a great contribution to unmet needs.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ovine Lung Worm Infection in and Around Ambo, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2015 to April 2016 to estimate the prevalence of lungworm infection and to assess some of the determinant risk factors associated with ovine lungworm infections in and around Ambo, Central Ethiopia. Fecal samples were collected from randomly selected 349 sheep, kept under extensive management systems, to examine first-stage larvae (L1) using Baermann technique. Additionally, samples were collected from 44 sheep slaughtered in different restaurants and hotels to examine the presence of adult lungworm parasites. The overall prevalence recorded from fecal and postmortem examinations was 23.2% and 31.8%, respectively. A higher prevalence was observed in females (26.2%) than in males (17.7%). Age-wise, a higher prevalence (29.1%) was observed in animals greater than 6 months to 2 years old, while the lowest (13.5%) was observed in animals less than or equal to 6 months. However, the prevalence noted, both in line with age and sex categories, was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). On the other hand, a higher prevalence was observed in sheep with poor body condition (37.6%), followed by moderate (21.9%) and good (12.4%) body-conditioned animals, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, the prevalence of lungworm infection in apparently healthy groups was 17.0%, while that of the sick was 52.5% and the difference was significant statistically (p<0.05). The prevalence of lungworm infection during postmortem examination of slaughtered sheep was higher (31.8%) than the result obtained at coprology (23.2%). The present study confirmed that lungworm infection was a common problem among sheep in the study area. Due to its impact on production, emphasis should be given to the control and prevention of lungworm infection in the study area, like the application of repeated deworming and grazing management.

Pre-Extension Demonstration of Shiro Type Field Pea Technologies in the Highlands of Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

For improvement of field pea production, agricultural research centers have released many varieties. However, productivity of field pea is low due to insufficient demonstration of released and adapted varieties at farmers’ level. Hence, demonstration of released and improved varieties is the key approval for large scale production of field pea. Therefore, this experiment was exhibited at three highlands to estimate profitability and evaluate the yield of shiro kind field pea varieties. The Bilalo variety was demonstrated with local varieties by 12 farmers during the year 2022. Yield and costs of production were collected. The data was analyzed through cost benefit analysis and descriptive statistics. The result indicated that the Bilalo variety gave a better yield (25.92 Qt/ha) compared to the local variety (18.33 Qt/ha). Cost benefit analysis indicated that the Bilalo variety gave better returns (108672 ETB/ha) compared to the local variety (54022 ETB/ha). Farmers prefer the Bilalo variety because it provides a higher harvest, is more disease tolerant and has high market value over the local variety. The use of the improved shiro field pea variety is significant for yield increment and profit growth. Thus, the Bilalo variety should be used for shiro type field pea production in highland areas. Additional research is desirable to promote the Bilalo variety through scaling up in the highland and similar agro-ecologies of the Guji zone.

Determinants of Dairy Products Marketing Participation and Supply: In Case of Chomen Guduru District, Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Determinants of Dairy Products Marketing Participation and Supply: In Case of Chomen Guduru District, Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia