Regional State Research Articles

Spatial–temporal evolution of logistics parks in Yangtze River economic belt

Based on the indexes of ‘innovation driven – service quality – green efficiency – collaborative integration – regional scale’, the evaluation system of high-quality development (HQD) of logistics parks in the Yangtze River economic belt (YREB) is constructed. The temporal evolution, spatial connection and network density of the HQD level of logistics parks in the YREB are explored by entropy weight measurement, exploratory spatial data analysis and gravity model. By analysing the panel data of 11 provinces in China from 2019 to 2021, the main conclusions are drawn as follows. (a) In terms of temporal evolution, the HQD score ranking of some provinces changed slightly from 2019 to 2021. The downstream region is relatively stable, while the HQD level of parks in the middle and upper reaches is uncertain. (b) In terms of spatial evolution, it is more and more obvious that a horizontal situation of ‘high→middle→low’ is developing, and a regional aggregation state is presented in a small range. (c) In terms of network density, the spatial linkages of logistics parks are unevenly distributed and complex at various levels, and the linkages describe a multi-core development structure decreasing from downstream to upstream. Accordingly, practical suggestions are given for the HQD of YREB.

Dominance via Diplomacy: Analysing India’s Assertive Regional Strategy in South Asia

Throughout its historical evolution, India has positioned itself as a dominant South Asian state. Under the guise of nationalism and to promulgate its influence, India has intervened in the internal affairs of other regional states. Cloaked in strategic objectives, economic diplomacy, and political cooperation, India aims to expand its influence in neighbouring states. Through the central tenets of John J. Mearsheimer’s ‘offensive realism,’ this paper analyses how India has been assertive towards other South Asian countries, utilising diplomacy to achieve its dominance. Contrary to this dominance-driven approach, recent political developments in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives reflect India’s efforts to project itself as ‘big brother’ and vishvamitra (friend of all) in South Asia and beyond. The paper is developed on qualitative methodology to analyse the possible objectives behind India’s assertive foreign policy in South Asia. While India projects itself as a well-wisher of the South Asian countries, the objectivity reveals that India’s goodwill towards the respective states primarily serves to maximise its political, strategic, and economic leverage over those states. This paper analyses the growing contradiction between India’s projected image of diplomacy as a cooperative regional leader and its increasingly assertive and interventionist foreign policy to achieve dominance in South Asia.

A constructivist framework for the central Asian regional security complex: identity, interests and security dynamics

Abstract This article examines the underlying logic and features of the newly emerging central Asian regional security complex (RSC). It explores how the Chinese-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) relates to shifting security dynamics in central Asia. The study identifies a gap in existing conceptual debates, which often overlook how regional engagements and initiatives reshape regional security beyond the post-Soviet context. Using a constructivist framework, this research reconceptualizes the relationship between the BRI and the formation of an independent central Asian RSC, focusing on the notion of mutual constitution to explain the interplay between regional structures and state behaviours. Methodologically, the article combines constructivist analysis with consideration of the influences of BRI-related projects, emphasizing their impact on regional security norms and practices. Key findings suggest that the BRI influences norm formation and fosters new security linkages in shaping the emerging central Asian RSC. Shaped by these linkages, it represents an alternative to Russian security guarantees and stands in contrast to the ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) strategy. This study highlights the need to view the BRI's influence as central to understanding contemporary regional security in central Asia.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Substance Use Among Street Children in Hawassa City, Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia

<i>Introduction:</i> Worldwide, the prevalence of substance use is becoming an alarming problem, and it not only harms individuals but also negatively affects families and society. Street children are vulnerable to a variety of problems because they are a socially isolated group, and they are mainly involved in transactional sex and harmful drug use for survival. Continuous exposure to the street and its associated lifestyles makes street children vulnerable to the use of different harmful substances and has devastating consequences for them. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among street children in Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. <i>Methods and materials:</i> A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 328 street children in Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia, from May 1–30, 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data had been entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 software for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were computed to identify associated factors. Candidate variables with p-values< 0.25 in bi-variable regression were selected for multiple logistic regression analysis. The degree of association was assessed using an odds ratio, and statistical significance was declared at a 95% confidence level and p-value of less than 0.05. <i>Result:</i> From a total of 328 street children who participated in this study, 134 (40.9%) with 95% CI [35.5–46.4] were substance users currently. Alcohol 129 (39.3%) was the most common substance used, and peer pressure 38 (26%) was the main reason for engagement in substance use. Crime participation history [AOR: 4.04, 95% CI: 2.08-7.83], having any family member use substances [AOR: 3.354; 95% CI: 1.98-5.69], negative attitude toward the community [AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.01-3.19], and living on the street as beggars [AOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.18-3.97] were significantly associated factors with current street children's substance use. Conclusions: The prevalence of substance use among street children is high as compared to the other studies in Ethiopia, as well as other African and Asian countries.

A Study on Assessment of Community Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Rabies in Ambo Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

A Study on Assessment of Community Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Rabies in Ambo Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Density and Mechanical Properties of Casuarina equisetifolia Wood Grown in Oromia Regional State, Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Ethiopia's rapid expansion of urbanization, industrialization, modernization, and population growth has led to an insistently increase in the demand for wood for construction, furniture, and other end products. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tree height and the diameter tree section (sapwood and heartwood) on the density and mechanical properties of Casuarina equisetifolia timber. For this study, ten sample of C. equisetifolia trees were selected and harvested from Bishoftu, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The collected sample logs were sawn into 3-cm-thick lumber, and sample specimens were prepared for density and mechanical properties testing. Sample specimens of heart and sapwood sections were prepared from the bottom, middle, and top portions of the tree for testing density, static bending (MOE and MOR), compression strength parallel to the grain, impact bending strength, and hardness strengths in tangential and radial directions according to ISO standards. The results revealed that tree height had significantly affected density and hardness strengths in tangential and radial directions. On the other hand, the diameter section (heart and sapwood) significantly affected the density, impact bending, and hardness strength in the radial direction. On the contrary, tree height and tree diameter section didn’t show a significant effect on MOE, MOR, and compression strength parallel to the grain. Due to the high density of Casuarina equisetifolia wood, it is very hard to convert into lumber, and the lumber is also difficult to machine. Based on the basic properties studied, Casuarina equisetifolia wood could be used for wood flooring, chipwood, particleboard, furniture, and other products such as tool handles.

Lumpy Skin Disease Virus: Molecular Detection and Outbreak Investigation among Cattle in Gursum District of Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Lumpy Skin Disease Virus: Molecular Detection and Outbreak Investigation among Cattle in Gursum District of Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

ҚАЗАҚСТАННЫҢ БАТЫС ӨҢІРІНДЕГІ МИССИОНЕРЛІК САЯСАТТЫҢ БАРЫСЫ

The article aims to show the relevance of this topic by analyzing the historical context, social, cultural and political aspects of missionary policy in the western region. The course of missionary policy in the western region of Kazakhstan is an important subject from the point of view of studying the interaction between history, culture and religions. It is important to understand how missionary activities were carried out, taking into account the characteristics inherent in this region, including the ethnic and religious diversity of nations and peoples, as well as the historical development of the region. The study examines the features and results of missionary activity in the western region of Kazakhstan, the impact of this activity on Kazakh society and its religious and spiritual world. The authors analyzed the main directions and goals of the activities of missionaries in the western region of the Kazakh steppe through archival data, focused on the consequences of the imperial policy on the religious beliefs of the local population, changes in the religious situation in Kazakhstan. According to the methods of historical analysis and comparison of the study, a review of scientific articles and monographic works, doctoral dissertations on the pages of the Periodical Press was carried out, documents of funds 174-175 of the Orenburg Regional State Archive, funds 25-64 of the Central state archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan were analyzed and scientific conclusions were made.

Impact and its Associated Factors of Inter Ethnic Conflict Between Afar and Somali Communities the Case of Amibara, Gewane and Mille Woredas, Zone Three Afar Region

The main objective of this study was to examine the impact and associated factors of ethnic conflict between Afar and Somali communities in the case of Amibara, Gewane and Mille Woredas, Afar Regional State. To achieve this objective, the study employed a qualitative research approach with a case study design. The study used primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews, FGDs and personal observation. To select key informants and FGD discussants, non-probable sampling, particularly the purposeful sampling technique, was employed. The study's findings indicate that competition over control and access to natural resources such as pasture, water, and land, politicization of ethnicity, territory claims and the proliferation of SALWs have been major causes of violent conflict. Moreover, the finding also revealed that the major impact of Afar and Somali violent inter-ethnic conflict has manifested itself in ways like human and livestock deaths, depletion of financial assets, destruction of infrastructure, degradation of natural resources, forced migration, loss of biodiversity, inaccessible health services, low food production, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Finally, to bring lasting and durable peace, there is a need to adopt constructive and long-term solutions through inclusivity, cohesion and cultural tolerance among two communities.

Human Wildlife Conflict in and Around Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Ethiopia

From December 2019 to January 2020, the study was carried out in the Wondo Genet district of Sidama regional state, Ethiopia, at Wondogenet College of Forestry and Natural Resources and the neighboring community. Its goal was to look into conflicts between people and wildlife in and around the campus. Data was gathered through the use of questionnaire surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews, direct observation, and literature reviews. The statistical program for social sciences (SPSS), in particular the chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and Microsoft Excel, was used to examine the data. Descriptive statistics were also used for frequency and percentage analysis. For the questionnaire study, 180 households 129 male and 51 females were chosen. The primary causes of human-wildlife conflict in the research area are the quantity of wildlife 22(12%), the lack of food for wildlife10(6%), habitat disturbance 14(8%), and waste management systems134 (74%). Crucuta crucuta, Papio Anuibs, and Phacochoerus are recognized as wildlife species that cause conflict between humans and wildlife. The conventional human-wildlife conflict management strategy is closing the door 120 (67%) after chasing 34 (19%). The average result of human-wildlife interaction in the area is property destruction 133 (74%). There was statistically significant difference (X2=14 df=28 p=0.000) in the attitude of respondents towards of their interaction with wildlife.

Soil Salinity Assessment and Irrigation Water Quality of Humbo woreda, Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia

Soil salinity affects the majority of Ethiopia's irrigated farmland and chemical properties of irrigation water quality has major role in assessing the irrigation land salinity. The study had objective of determining the soil salinity and irrigation water quality. The study was conducted south peoples regional state wolaita zone Humbo a woreda. The study used standard analytical techniques and methods to analysis different physiochemical parameter of both irrigation water and soil of irrigated areas. The mean analysis result of irrigated soil parameter like pH, ECe, TDS, Ca, OC, TN, CEC Na, and SAR 7.9 to 9.5 for pH, 5.97 to 8.96 dS/m for ECe, 180 to 794 ppm for TDS, 1.3 to 1.6g/cm3 for BD, 1.2 to 1.75 % for OC, 0.083 to 0.14% for TN, 4.2 to 6.54 meq/100g for Na and 2.13 to 2.96 for SAR respectively. The mean analysis results of irrigation water used at study site physiochemical parameter for pH, ECe, TDS, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+, SAR, HCO3-2, CO3-, SO4-2 and Cl- were 7.77±0.12, 2.51±0.22dS/m, 1241.5±56.95 mg/l, (5.15±0.52, 3.06±0.56, 2.28±0.36 , 0.15±0.02) meq/100g, 1.13±0.2, 5.4±0.34, (0.56±0.06, 0.05±0.01 and 2.79±0.61) ppm respectively. From Analysis result of soil physiochemical parameter indicate the irrigated soil of study was moderate to strongly saline and from water analysis also shows the irrigated water also moderately saline. The study conclude that the irrigated land was moderate saline due to irrigation water salinity and better to treat irrigation water before irrigating land. Study recommends that irrigation water better to treat and plant salinity tolerates grass to treat soil salinity.

How sensitive are Sahelian mesoscale convective systems to cold‐pool suppression?

Abstract Understanding the physical processes driving deep convective storms is an essential prerequisite for understanding the wider tropical atmosphere. Cold pools driven by rainfall evaporation are a ubiquitous feature of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that have especially pronounced upscale effects in the climate of the West African Sahel, through their modulation of the regional monsoon circulation. The role of cold pools in determining the dynamics, life cycle, and propagation of tropical MCSs themselves, however, remains debated. Here, we probe the feedback of cold pools on Sahelian MCS characteristics through a 40‐day, 2.2 km convection‐permitting Met Office Unified Model sensitivity experiment in which rainfall evaporation is switched off in the microphysics scheme. Storms generated in the sensitivity experiment subsequently show strongly suppressed cold‐pool density currents versus a control simulation. Yet we find no statistically significant difference between the diurnal cycles of MCS counts, with continued nocturnal propagation of storms in the experiment, and a reduction of MCS speeds by caused by a similar slowdown in the African easterly jet due to a weakened large‐scale meridional temperature gradient. Indeed, the main differences between the simulations are in the regional mean state and diurnal cycles of MCS rainfall. Changes to composite updraught geometry are consistent with the role of cold‐pool horizontal vorticity in balancing the strong low‐level wind shear characteristic of the region. Remarkably though, we find no sensitivity of the positive scaling of MCS rainfall with shear to cold pools, with reduced entrainment dilution under stronger shear conditions the fundamental physics driving the relationship. Our results help to disentangle processes in the Sahel in which cold pools play a driving role (nocturnal rainfall intensification, regional circulation) from those in which they are passive actors, which we find primarily to be MCS development, propagation, and rainfall–shear scalings.

Characterization and Analysis of Farming System in Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Farming system characterization and analysis is a roadmap for dynamic agricultural production constraints and opportunities identification and prioritization. Hence, this activity was initiated to identify and characterize the existing farming system, its constraints and opportunities in Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor zones. A cross sectional research design with two-stage sampling was employed. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. A total of 386 household heads were selected for quantitative data whereas qualitative data were collected from focus group discussion and key informants via face to face interviews. Secondary data were collected from relevant published and unpublished documents. In SPSS version 20 software, simple descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation, percentage and pair-wise ranking were used for data analysis. The result revealed that, there was a diverse crop-livestock mixed farming system where crop farming system was the dominant and characterized as rain fed and irrigation-based farming system. Cereal, horticulture, and coffee-khat-based farming systems were common in rain fed whereas few cereal and horticultural crops under irrigation farming systems were practiced in the study areas. The types of livestock reared in the areas were cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, and equines. Even though, there were numerous development supporting government and non-governmental organizations including research centers, universities, agricultural offices, climate action through landscape management (CALM) program for results project, sustainable land management (SLM) project, more young entrepreneurs in silk honey (MOYESH) project and private sectors that are contributing in crop and livestock improvement, natural resource management and job creation; high price of agricultural inputs, lack of improved seed and breeds, delay of fertilizers supply, low production and productivity, lack of capital, shortage of land, crop and livestock diseases, feed shortage, poor soil fertility, soil erosion and lack of common understanding on lime application were the major agricultural production constraints in the study areas. Therefore, all government and non-government development practitioners in the areas should consider the existing agricultural production systems, constraints and opportunities for fruitful interventions.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial-Resistant Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in Free-Range Chickens in Northwest Ethiopia.

Campylobacter enteritis is the most common bacterial foodborne disease in humans. Long-term use of antibiotics in chicken production may result in antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter strains. Information on the antimicrobial resistance profile of Campylobacter species among free-range chickens in Ethiopia is scarce. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli among free-range chickens in Amhara National Regional state, northwest Ethiopia from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. Cloacal swabs were collected from free-range backyard chickens, directly inoculated onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar, and incubated at reduced O2 concentration at 42°C for 48 hours. Suspected colonies were confirmed at the species level using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The associated factors were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. A P <0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. Among the 286 cloacal samples, 15.0% (n = 43/286; CI: 10.2-19.5) were positive for Campylobacter species. C. jejuni (60.5%) was more frequent than C. coli (39.5%). Of the total isolates, 62.8% (n = 27/43), 51.2% (n = 22/43), and 16.3% (n = 7/43) of the Campylobacter species were resistant to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin, respectively. Of the total Campylobacter species isolates, 9.3% (n = 4/43) were multidrug resistant. Campylobacter species resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin was high in general among backyard chickens. Multidrug-resistant Campylobacter species were also identified, and they require special attention to prevent the potential dissemination of the strains to humans in the community.

Prevalence, pathogen diversity and management practices of chickpea Fusarium wilt in Ethiopia

Abstract Chickpea productivity in Ethiopia is far below 2 t ha −1 which is too low as compared to its potential yield of 5 t ha −1 . Chickpea Fusarium wilt is one of the major bottleneck and the predominant challenge resulting up to 30% yield loss though varied with environmental conditions. This review is, therefore, designed to provide better insights on epidemiology, pathogenic variability and potential management strategies of Fusarium wilt of chickpea from different research findings with emphasis in Ethiopia. It has been reviewed that the disease occurs in all chickpea producing regions of Amhara (11–58%), Oromia (8–17%) and Tigray (5–31%) mean incidence rate. In Amhara region, more than 65 and 60% of the surveyed districts respectively retained mean wilt incidence and percent severity index of above 25%. Specific to districts, the disease is found to be of major economic importance in Gonji Kolela, Minjar, Ensaro, Merhabete, Moretna jiru, Mojana wedera, Gonder zuria, Dembia, Libo kemkem, Dejen, Debre werk, Motta, Habru and Ambo and Dendi districts with mean incidence rate ranging from 5% in Endamehoni (Tigray) and Becho (Oromia) to 58% at Gonji kolela in Amhara regional state. The management options employed to overcome the disease problem was focused on proper agronomic practices, including manure application; adjusted sowing dates; intercropping; optimum planting depth with optimum plant population and maintaining weed free environment. Besides, utilization of bio-agents like Trichoderma species can reduce the disease incidence by 92% as compared to untreated plots. Application of Thiophanate-methyl fungicide resulted in a severity difference of 84% with untreated one. Chickpea variety Arerti treated with protective fungicide sown on a raised seed bed resulted in 41.17% yield advantage. In addition, chickpea seeds treated with Carbondazim 12% combined with Curcuma longa rhizome extract @150ml/kg of seeds gave a yield advantage of 41.94%. On the other hand, chickpea seed treated with Mancozeb 63%@ 2g/kg of seeds integrated with carbondazim 12% resulted in a yield benefit of 34.42%. Therefore, the producers can adopt any of the aforementioned effective options alone or in combination considering availability, and compatibility.

Participatory Evaluation and Demonstration of Improved Forages in the Case of Jarati District, Somali Regional State

A participatory study was conducted at Jarati Woreda with main objective to evaluate biomass yield of Improved Forage technology under the rain Fed cultivation for three improved forage species; Rhodes grass and Buffle Grass were evaluated in Mean compares with four replications. Data on growth yield and yield related parameters were collected and analyzed using SAS software. The result indicated that the plant height, and fresh biomass yield (qt/ha) were significantly different (P&lt; 0.05) among the tested improved forage Grass The biomass yield production potential of tested species under rain fed condition in to the study area were 6.1 and 4.6 t/ha for Rhodes, Buffle Grass respectively. Regarding the parameters such as forage recurrent capacity biomass per area, palatability, drought tolerant, disease and pest resistance early maturity, easy management, height at harvesting as evaluated by the research participant PAPRAGs members, Rhodes grass ranked first followed by Buffle grass on farmer perception Based on this data, the researcher came to the conclusion that farmers in Jarati Woreda and other areas with similar agro ecologies are recommended to plant Rhodes grass than other variety. Further adaptation trials across more locations and years are of paramount importance.

Assessment of Camel Production and Husbandry Practices in Degahbour District, Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Degahbur district of the Somali Regional State to generate baseline information on camel production and husbandry practices. Data were collected from four purposively selected kebeles based on camel population and production potential. Using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field observations, 200 households (120 pastoral and 80 agropastoral) were interviewed. Results indicated that the majority of respondents were male (85%) and middle-aged (58%), with a high illiteracy rate (73%), significantly higher among pastoralists (p = 0.002). Pastoralists owned larger camel herds (6.12 ± 0.78) compared to agropastoralists (p &lt; 0.001). Men predominantly performed activities such as feeding (80%), herding (90%), milking (95%), and treating camels (95%), while women were primarily responsible for selling camel milk (85%) and barn cleaning (85%). The main purposes of camel keeping were milk production and income generation. Browsing trees and shrubs were the primary feed resource during the dry season (64%), and wells served as the main water source (62%). Major constraints identified were feed shortages (0.240 &amp; 0.260), recurrent drought (0.222 &amp; 0.231), and animal diseases (0.172 &amp; 0.160) for both production systems. Key opportunities included increasing demand for camel products, multipurpose use of camels, their high adaptability, and cultural significance. Camel production remains vital for local livelihoods but faces significant challenges, particularly in feed and water availability, warranting strategic interventions. Strengthening integrated support systems including improved feed and water management, veterinary services, and market access is essential to enhance camel production and pastoral and agropastoral livelihoods in the area.

Pre-Scaling Up of Modern Beekeeping Technology in Lowanaje Kebele of Dambal District, Sitti Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Beekeeping in Ethiopia particularly in the Somali Region remains largely traditional, limiting both productivity and economic impact despite the country’s significant apicultural potential. Although Ethiopia ranks among Africa’s top honey producers, with over 10 million hives and approximately 2 million people engaged in the sector, more than 95% of beekeepers still rely on traditional hives. These yield only 5–7 kg of honey per hive annually, compared to 20–30 kg from modern box hives. The low productivity is attributed to limited access to improved technologies, inadequate management skills, and persistent challenges such as pests, diseases, and insufficient forage. To address these constraints, a participatory research project was implemented in Lowanaje Kebele, Dembel District, within the Somali Region a location with high beekeeping potential but no prior exposure to modern techniques. Twenty-five agro-pastoralists (80% male, 20% female) were organized into two Participatory Agro-Pastoral Research Groups (PAPREGs). They received 15 modern hives, essential beekeeping equipment, and comprehensive training on hive management, modern practices, and post-harvest handling. The Pre-Scaling Up of Modern Beekeeping yielded promising results. Modern hives produced an average of 17.9 kg of honey per hive annually more than double the yield from traditional hives (7 kg) and well above the national average. Participants also reported improvements in honey quality, ease of hive management, and overall perception of modern systems. A cost-benefit analysis revealed that, despite higher initial investment, modern hives offer superior profitability. Key challenges identified included the relatively high cost of modern equipment and the skill required for effective use. Nevertheless, participants widely acknowledged the advantages of modern hives in terms of productivity, product quality, and operational efficiency. Overall, the study demonstrates that participatory introduction and pre-scaling of modern beekeeping technologies can significantly enhance honey yields, increase rural incomes, and improve agro-pastoral livelihoods. To realize the full potential of Ethiopia’s beekeeping sector, the findings recommend scaling up modern hive dissemination, integrating continuous capacity-building programs, and strengthening institutional support particularly for women and marginalized groups to overcome adoption barriers and support sustainable development.

Factors associated with antenatal care utilization among women with disabilities in Ethiopia: Using Andersen’s Behaviour Model of Health Service Use

Quality antenatal care is critical for reducing the risk of adverse pregnancy and childbirth outcomes such as abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, and perinatal death. However, women with disabilities continue to face numerous barriers to accessing equitable and high-quality antenatal care services in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess antenatal care utilization and associated factors among women with disabilities in the Central Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, and a multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit 572 participants. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. The Kobocollect mobile app was used to collect the data. A multivariate analysis evaluated the significant association between the explanatory variables and the utilisation of antenatal care services. The Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Service Use framework was used to categorise the predictors of antenatal care. Only 47.3% [95% CI: 43.1, 50.7] of pregnant women with disabilities used antenatal care [ANC]. Predisposing factors like higher women’s education, employment, awareness of ANC services, increasing gravidity and planned pregnancy; enabling factors like enrolling in community-based health insurance, availability of disability-inclusive health services, transportation system and health facility infrastructure; and need factor [experience of pregnancy-related complication during pregnancy] were found to have a statistically significant positive effect on ANC utilization among women with disabilities. The utilisation of antenatal care among pregnant women with disabilities was relatively low, which is attributed to predisposing, enabling and need factors. This finding underscores that the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders should pay more attention to enhancing awareness of ANC service and pregnancy planning, ensuring disabilities-sensitive healthcare services and disability-friendly health facilities and transportation to improve antenatal care services utilization by women with disabilities, which helps to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3.1, which aims to reduce maternal mortality to less than 70/100,000 live births by 2030.

Consumption of vitamin A rich foods and its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in North Shoa Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.

Vitamin A deficiency is a major nutritional concern in poor societies, especially in lower income countries. In Ethiopia vitamin A deficiency was high in preschool children. Recently, the government of Ethiopia has been strengthening nutrition-sensitive programs that focus on promoting healthy dietary practices as a public health intervention to manage vitamin A deficiency. However, there is limited research on the consumption of vitamin A-rich foods among children aged 6-59 months in the study area. To assess magnitude of consumption of vitamin A rich foods and its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in North Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022. Community based cross sectional study was conducted at North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia in 2022. A total of 916 mothers' pair children of age 6-59 months were included. A multistage stratified sampling followed by the simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected through a face to face interview. STATA version 14 was used for analysis. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI and a P-values < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance in the multivariable analysis. Overall, magnitude of Consumption of vitamin A rich food of children aged 6-59 months was 39.1% (95% CI: 37.71, 40.49) in a week before survey. In multivariable regression analysis, maternal educational levels above secondary education and above (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI;1.19, 2.75), paternal educational levels above secondary education and above (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.23),house hold income 3,000 and above ET birr (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.24, 3.82),adequate dietary diversity score (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.07),adequate meal frequency (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.81) and had nutrition counseling (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.73) were factors positively increases vitamin A consumption among children aged 6-59 moths, Whereas, age of children between 11 and 17 months aged 0.56 (0.33, 0.90) and 18-23 months aged 0.46 (0.29, 0.74) months was negatively associated. This study results showed that vitamin A consumption children aged 6-59 months was low. Strategies to increase vitamin A consumption should focus on promoting parental education, enhancing dietary diversity and meal frequency, supporting household income generation, targeting age groups in the transition to complementary feeding and strengthening nutrition counseling on child feeding practices.