Robe Town Research Articles

Household livelihood diversification and its determinant factors in Robe town and its surrounding hinterlands, Bale zone, southeast Ethiopia

Livelihood diversification is a set of activities that households engage in to generate revenue, and sustain life, or maximize financial benefit. This study examined the impact of rural-urban connectivity on household income diversification into farm and non-farm businesses, as well as the underlying driving factors in Robe Town’s hinterland, Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia. Structured survey questions, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 260 samples were taken, representing 5% of households in hinterland villages within a 20-kilometre radius. Both multiple linear regression and descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the data. According to the descriptive statistics, 40% of the 260 households generated income from non-farm sources. The data also showed that most households (84.3%) earned their income from agricultural activities. It was further revealed that income generated from non-farm businesses accounted for 16.3% of the total household income share. The average Simpson Diversity Index (SDI) for household livelihood income source diversification was 0.5087, indicating a modest level of livelihood diversity. In the hinterland, 21.9% of households have less diverse income sources, while 58.5% and 19.6% have moderately and highly diverse income sources, respectively. Landholding size, education level, irrigation use, harvesting of forest products, non-farm activities, Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU), farm commercialization, and rural-urban linkages are statistically significant drivers of farm households’ livelihood diversification (P < 0.05). The findings have policy implications; therefore, they call for expanding rural services, rural non-farm businesses, and improved linkages between rural and urban areas to facilitate the development of a portfolio of livelihood activities that sustain life, foster wealth creation, initiate vibrant inclusive socioeconomic development in the region, and ultimately reduce poverty.

Serological and Molecular Investigation of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Chickens from Robe Town, Southeastern Ethiopia.

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is responsible for avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), a highly contagious acute respiratory disease affecting chickens. However, there is limited information on ILTV and its distribution in Ethiopia, particularly in the southeastern region. The aim of this study was to establish the serological prevalence and molecular evidence in commercial and backyard chickens from Robe town, Southeastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and June 2022, collecting 240 serum samples from randomly selected chickens belonging to eight kebeles (farms) using systematic random sampling. ILTV-specific antibodies were detected using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From 240 serum samples, 26.7% were positive for ILTV antibodies. Logistic regression analysis identified the type of poultry farm (backyard) and the introduction of chickens from other farms as potential risk factors associated with ILTV exposure. Tracheal tissue and oropharyngeal and tracheal swabs were collected from suspected chickens for isolation and molecular detection. A total of six samples were successfully isolated in embryonated eggs (40%), with four of them verified with a specific PCR. These findings documented the presence of ILTV in the study area, which needs further insight to fully understand the actual spread of ILTV and quantify the damage caused to the poultry sector.

Diarrheal prevalence and associated risk factors among under-five children attending Robe Didea General Hospital, Arsi Robe Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Introduction Globally, diarrheal disease continues to be the second leading cause of death among under-five children, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diarrhea and associated risk factors among under-five attending Robe Didea General Hospital (RDGH) in Arsi Robe Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, from October 1 to December 30 2020. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among under-five children who attended the pediatrics department of RDGH. Systematic random sampling was employed to select the study subjects. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection and the analysis used SPSS version 21. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the association between risky factors and diarrheal prevalence, and a p value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results The prevalence of diarrhea during the 2 weeks preceding the interviews was 28.7%. Mothers/caregivers with formal education [AOR = 0.30; 95% CI (0.17–.053)], unimproved source of drinking water [AOR = 2.11; 95% CI (1.15–3.87)], absence of household-based water treatment [AOR = 4.42; 95% CI (2.20–8.86)], absence of a household latrine [AOR = 4.407; 95% CI (2.49–7.79)], no exclusive breast-feeding for 6 months [AOR = 1.89; 95% CI (1.06–3.38)] and hand wash using water only [AOR = 2.84; 95% CI (1.24–6.49)] were statistically significant risk factors associated with the prevalence of childhood diarrhea after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusions and Recommendations A number of environmental and behavioral factors were found to exacerbate diarrheal prevalence among outpatients of RDGH. Promoting female education, washing the hands of mothers/caregivers with soap or detergents, exclusive breast-feeding for at least 6 months, provision of improved water sources and construction of family latrines and home-based water treatment are recommended for the prevention of diarrhea among under-five children.

Derivation of short-term design rainfall intensity from daily rainfall data for urban drainage design using empirical equations in robe town, Ethiopia

Flooding is a significant impact that regularly affects the majority of cities/towns in developing countries due to inadequate drainage systems that were designed without considering hydrological-hydraulic efficiency caused by design rainfall intensity. Design rainfall intensity is essential to urban stormwater management systems; however, obtaining long-term, short-term design rainfall in developing countries such as Ethiopia is challenging. As a result, this study is conducted to derive short-term design rainfall intensity from daily rainfall data for Robe town using three empirical equations for urban drainage design: Indian Meteorological Method (IMD), Modified Indian Meteorological Method (MIMD), and Ethiopian Road Authority Method (ERAM). The results show that the estimated design rainfall by IMD is greater than other methods; the relationship between IMD, MIMD, ERAM, and existing ranges from 0.57 to 1.001, 1.015 to 1.218, and 0.890 to 1.027, respectively. According to the findings of this study, the design rainfall intensity of all empirical equations is not the same in all return periods and durations. Furthermore, the peak stormwater that caused flooding will vary due to variations in rainfall intensity. Thus, this study strongly suggested that the experts consider each empirical equation and select the accurate design rainfall to design adequate stormwater drainage systems for Robe Town. To manage unexpected urban inundation caused by urban development, short-duration design rainfall and other sub-catchment characteristics will need to be considered.

Evaluation of climate change, urbanization, and low-impact development practices on urban flooding

The Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model was used in this study to evaluate the potential impacts of climate change, urbanization, and low-impact developments (LIDs) on urban flooding in Robe town, Ethiopia. To achieve the objective, four scenarios were developed in order to simulate changes in peak runoff, inundated volume, and the performance of existing drainage systems. The findings revealed that as urbanization increased from 10% to 70%, the inundated volume of nodes and peak runoff increased from 35,418 to 52,118 × 103 m3 and 89.4–111.96 m3/s, respectively. Furthermore, the peak runoff in response to climate change is increased by 46.9%, 34.8%, and 37.5%, respectively, as a result of the Rossby Centre Regional Climate Model version 4 (RCA4), Regional Atmospheric Climate Model (RACMO22T), and the hydrostatic version of the regional model (REMO2009). Overall, the findings showed that existing drainage systems were unable to collect and convey the amplified inundation from different simulated scenarios, and the Welmel sub-city to roundabout was threatened by increased flooding, causing significant damage to properties and infrastructure. The implemented LIDs are capable of reducing the expected peak runoff, flooding magnitude, and flooded junctions in climate change and urbanization scenarios; however, combining both mitigation measures can further reduce the study area. The implementation of a mitigation strategy with adequate drainage systems will be required to mitigate the flooding risks in Robe town.

Application of PCSWMM for assessing the impacts of urbanization and climate changes on the efficiency of stormwater drainage systems in managing urban flooding in Robe town, Ethiopia

Study regionThis study was conducted in Robe town, Ethiopia. Study focusIn this, the PCSWMM was used to investigate the potential effects of climate change and land-use change on the peak flow magnitude and efficiency of stormwater drainage systems in managing urban flooding. Four simulation scenarios were developed to demonstrate the changes in the flooding volume and adequacy of existing systems. Moreover, the effectiveness of three low-impact developments: rain barrels, rain gardens, and a combination of both practices as a mitigation strategy in reducing flooding volume were investigated. New hydrological insights for regionThe trend of landuse change showed that the increased peak flow and flooding volume of junctions increased from 45.13 to 68.72 m3/s and 35,418–50,106 × 106 Ltr respectively, due to the imperviousness increasing from 10% to 70%. Similarly, in response to climate change, the simulated peak runoff increased by 46.9%, 34.8%, and 37.5% for, RCA4, RACMO22T, and REMO2009, respectively. This findings showed that if the current landuse and climate changes continue in the coming years, the study area threatened by the increased flooding due to the drainage systems will fail to accommodate increased peak runoff. The present study suggests the adopted LIDs can be significantly reduced the effects of flooding problems in the town.

Utilization and compliance with iron supplementation and predictors among pregnant women in Southeast Ethiopia

Anemia is predicted to affect 38% (32 million) of pregnant women worldwide. However, evidence for utilization and compliance with iron supplementation and predictors during pregnancy in low-income countries, including Ethiopia, is sparse and inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to assess utilization and compliance with iron supplementation and predictors among pregnant women in Robe Town, Southeast Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among randomly selected 445 pregnant women attending antenatal care at health facilities from May to July 2015. A systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of compliance with iron supplementation. An odds ratio, along with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to estimate the strength of the association. In this study, 54% [95% CI (49.4, 58.4%)], 45.2% [95% CI (40.9, 49.4%)], 4.3% [95% CI (2.5, 6.3%)], and 2.2% [95% CI (1.1, 3.6%)] of women received iron supplements during their first, second, third, and fourth antenatal care visits, respectively. The level of compliance with iron supplementation was 92.4% [95% CI (89.9, 94.6%)]. Having a formal education (AOR = 4.45, 95% CI 1.41, 13.99), being in the high wealth quintile (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.05, 0.68), medium wealth quintile [(AOR = 0.33, 95% CI (0.11, 0.98)], receiving iron supplements for free (AOR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.33, 10.69), not experiencing discomfort related to iron supplements intake (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI 1.17, 7.39), having comprehensive knowledge about anemia (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.02, 6.70), being knowledgeable about iron supplements (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI 1.12, 9.76), having information about importance of iron supplementation during pregnancy (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.04, 7.87), and ever being visited by urban health extension workers (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.12, 0.83) was significantly associated with compliance with iron supplementation during pregnancy. The utilization of iron supplementation during pregnancy was low, with relatively high compliance with the supplements. Thus, comprehensive nutrition education and free provision of iron supplementation are crucial tools to increase utilization and compliance with iron supplementation during pregnancy. Further research with a strong study design using golden standard methods is warranted.

Assessing Effect of Marketing Practice on the Business Performance of Micro and small enterprise (MSE) in shashamenne town, Ethiopia.

AbstractThe main aim of this study is assessment of the effect of marketing practice on the business performance of micro and small MSE in shashemanne town, Ethiopia. In order to make the study being manageable it is necessary to define the delimitation of the study. Thus, the study were delimited conceptually, methodologically, time and geographically. Descriptive research design was applied. Both qualitative and quantitative types of data were used. Primary and secondary source of data was also applied. The target population for this study includes MSEs, workers, manager and owners of robe town micro and small scale enterprise office. The researchers was employed, both probability and non-probability sampling design, Proportionate Stratified sampling and Purposive sampling technique was used. The sample size of the study includes 10 government official from the sector leading organization and 319 from the Mse employees. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used. The model summary indicate the R2= 51.9 percent means that the total variation in the dependent variable (business performance is explained or caused by 51.9 percent of the change in all independent variables: MS, MC, AM, MMS and INF in connection with business performance of SME. The major finding of the study indicate that Marketing skill or hesitant to analyze existing business opportunities, managerial capacity are very critical for the them, poor infrastructure, problem of proximity to buyers and the following recommendation was forwarded based on the finding, MSEs are seen as an essential springboard for growth, job creation and social progress, solving shortage of local supply needs, provide training facilities and promote experience sharing programs, increase the capacity, knowledge and skill of the operators, experience sharing from successful enterprises

Complementary Food Hygiene Practice among Mothers or Caregivers in Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Foodborne diseases are a major public health problem which predominantly affects infants and young children. Appropriate complementary food hygiene practice is very important to reduce the prevalence of foodborne illnesses. However, the information regarding this practice is not available and assessed before. Thus, the study was aimed to assess complementary food hygiene practices among mothers of children aged 6-23 months. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Robe town on a samples of 517 mother-child pairs, which were selected by using systematic sampling technique. Data was collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaire, and each variable was described in the frequency and percentage. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with complementary food hygiene practice. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to assess levels of significance. Result The result indicated that 55% of participated mothers scored above the mean score of food hygiene practices. Mothers of children aged 12-23 months had higher odds to practice good food hygiene measures than those of aged 6-11 months (AOR, 1.82 95% CI (1.21, 2.73)). Mothers whose children attended growth monitoring session practice good food hygiene than their counterpart (AOR, 2.74 95% CI (1.49, 5.06)). Mothers having media exposure, and having knowledge on critical times of hand washing had relatively good food hygiene measures (AOR, 0.73 95 CI (1.14, 2.62)). Among food hygiene measures; handwashing with water and soap were low before eating food (17%), before feeding children (21%) and before preparing food (32%) when compared with after visiting the toilet (81%) and touching dirt (68%). Conclusion and Recommendation The study identified that food hygiene practices in the current study were mainly associated with child age, growth monitoring follow-up, maternal awareness about critical times of hand washing, and media exposure. So, improving knowledge of mothers on critical times of handwashing, strengthening growth monitoring follow-up and media promotion are important measures to improve food hygiene practices among mothers of infants and young children.

Effects of Islamic Banking on Financial Deepening Amongst Muslims Case Study Robe Town

This study assesses the effects of Islamic banking on financial deepening amongst Muslims case study Robe town. To do so, descriptive research design and simple random sampling technique were employed to examine a sample of 384 interested population in the Islamic field was visited from the population of over 100,000 and questionnaires were used as primary data collection instrument. The target population for this study was the Muslims society. The research study indicates that the most popular financial service in the study area was murabah while musharak has complexity regulation in Islamic banking operation. The study identified that government policies and regulations affect the financial service provided by Islamic banking. The customers encounter problems of raising capital, accessing finance and accessing credit. The study recommends that there should be amendment of banking regulation to facilitate loan for government employee, increased support for learning visits to improve the information flow, the government should come up with policies on training of business owners and managers especially on directing, staffing, deployment of finance resources and controlling activities, the government should seek to address the significant issues like regulation of financial service that has impeded economic development Islamic banking system in the country. Keywords: Islamic bank, financial deepening, Robe town DOI: 10.7176/JPCR/52-01 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

Assessment of Drainage Structure by Using ArcGIS Software: The Case of Bale Robe Town, Ethiopia

An increase in the frequency of extreme weather events such as heavy storms and floods has been reported in various parts of the world. Ethiopian cities at large, are troubled with storm water leading into floods especially during the rainy season due to inadequate installation of desired infrastructure. In the Robe town since the construction of impermeable surface like roads, sidewalks, buildings and others are highly increasing. They are reducing natural permeable surface that can infiltrate water into the ground. Those impermeable surface are create flooding and more storm water runoff in this town. In this town water flows through road especially during heavy rain are resulted in negative impacts on road pavement performance and on the overall situation of the town’s basic infrastructures. The objective of this research was to assess drainage structure in Bale Robe town by using ArcGIS software. The specific objectives of this study were; determining general characteristic of EDS, computing slope and capacity of EDS, identifying highly affected road segment due to improper drainage and recommending appropriate counter measure for identified defects. Majority of the data for the study were obtained from the field survey using surveying equipment and field observation, and some data were collected from concerned sectors. The population contains all existing drainage structures except earthen drainage structure. As a result of the study EDS have different types, and base widths, the capacity of some drainage structure are less than the required capacity while some of them are greater than the required capacity. There were both opened and closed drainage structures with slope of EDS between 0.1 percent and 1.96 percent. The terrain category of the town is flat and rolling. Generally, the EDS in the town has different general characteristics, capacities and different defects. The identified defects were due to different factors; like poor design, poor environmental assessment, and lack of maintenance were the main causes of street flood in the study area. In this town the following measurements should be taken to solve the identified defects, properly cleaning of drainage structure before and after rain, cover open drainage structure, improve the longitudinal gradient of drainage structure and improve the capacity EDS based on the ERA standard and causes of the defects.

Impact of Tax Evasion Among tax Payers of Bale Robe Town Administration, Ethiopia

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of tax evasion among tax payers of payers Robe town administration. To attain the intended objective the study used quantitative research method and logit method for the econometrics model. And to collect the necessary data from the respective respondents questionnaire was distributed and collected from 346 respondents. For the data analysis SPSS version 20.0 was used. The finding of this study revealed that; tax knowledge, efficiency of tax authority, equity, and tax audit are found to be significant factors that could affect the tax evasion perception of tax payers.

Suitable landfill site selection using GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis and evaluation in Robe town, Ethiopia

Suitable landfill site selection using GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis and evaluation in Robe town, Ethiopia

Dietary Diversity Practice and Associated Factors among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Robe Town, Bale Zone, Ethiopia.

Background Diet diversification is essential to prepare adequate food that is useful for children's physical and cognitive development. Despite the limited studies performed in different parts of Ethiopia, the information about the feeding practice of children in the current study area is not documented. Thus, this study intended to assess the dietary diversity practices and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 517 children aged 6–23 months paired with their mothers in Robe town. Systematic sampling technique was applied to select a child-mother pair. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with the dependent variable. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to assess the strength of association and level of significance. Results From a total of 508 children included, making a 98% response rate, 77% of them did not meet the minimum dietary diversity. Children aged 12–23 months were more likely fed diversified food when compared with those aged 6–11 months (AOR = 2.99). Mothers whose educational level was secondary and above (AOR = 3.21), had media exposure (AOR = 3.99), and were knowledgeable about diet diversification (AOR = 8.5) were more likely to feed their child diversified food than their counterpart. Children whose father was a merchant were more likely to receive a diversified diet compared to those whose fathers were daily laborers. Conclusions Inadequate practices of minimum dietary diversity observed in the current study area were mainly associated with the child's age, maternal education, mothers' knowledge on diet diversification, and media exposure. Improving knowledge of mothers, increasing their education, and promoting appropriate infant and child feeding practices through media are an important intervention to improve dietary diversity practices.

Factor Affecting the Growth and Continuity of Micro and Small Enterprise in Robe Town

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) play an important economic role in many countries and recognized as an important vehicles of economic diversification, employment creation, income generation and distribution, and poverty alleviation. MSEs occupy a prominent position in the development agenda of many developing countries like Ethiopia. Currently, In Ethiopia, the Government has been promoting the development of MSEs through the formulation and implementation of Micro and Small Enterprises development strategy and the number of MSEs in the country is steadily growing. But, much more important than increase in their numbers, their current status, stage and pace of development is significant because most MSEs are hibernated from growing and faced with the threat of failure due to many factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the constraining factors related to marketing, management, finance and government supports hindering the growth of MSEs in Robe town. The study was employed through descriptive and explanatory research design in which stratified random sampling method was used to collect data from MSEs owners/ managers of five selected sectors according to the objective of the study with a total population of 949 and 281 samples. The samples were selected randomly from each stratum using proportionate allocation after stratification of the sectors. Questionnaires of data collection were used in the study. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and explanatory research design. The findings indicate that the most common factors constraining the growth of MSEs in Robe are: lack of working premises, lack of working capital and access to credit, lack of market access, inadequate availability of infrastructure, lack of managerial training and experience; and scanty of marketing information. Replication of this study using larger samples and a broader geographic base, longitudinal data collection and using more statistical tests is suggested for cross-validation purposes in future researches to identify the factors constraining the growth and survival of MSEs. Keywords: growth, continuity, micro and small enterprise, Robe town DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-16-03 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Practices of Implementing Functional Adult Education Program in Robe and Goba Cities of Bale Zone

The purpose of this study was to identify practices of implementing Functional Adult Education program in Goba and Robe cities of Bale Zone. Descriptive Survey design with mixed, qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed. Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used as data gathering instruments. The populations of the study were 60 facilitators (Newly hired 10 th complete and formal school teachers) who work at Robe Town 4 centers and Goba town 2 centers. From the 60 facilitators, 30(50%) were selected proportionally through simple random sampling technique. Whereas,4 experts (Goba(2),Robe(2)) education offices and 4 Supervisors (Goba(2),Robe(2)) of Functional Adult Education Centers were selected for interview sessions through purposive sampling techniques. Annual reports and documents were used as secondary source. The data collected through questionnaire, interview and document review were analyzed through frequency, percentage, and mean value and thematically through narrative respectively. Results indicated that, the roles of supervisors and facilitators were not accomplished at high level of performance. In addition, it has set out and was judged by both facilitator respondents and interviewees that, lack of managerial skills, lack of community participation, lack of training and professional support, lack of monitoring and evaluation, lack of accountability and responsibility were some of the factors that highly affect the implementation of Functional Adult Education program. Thus, from the finding it is possible to conclude that the implementation of program in both administrative cities were not carried out according to the principles and guide lines of FAL program. Therefore, selection and training of facilitators, awareness creation and Institutional supervision should be carried out according to the principles and guide lines of Functional Adult Literacy program. Keywords: Adult Education, Facilitators, Functional Adult Literacy, Implementing Practices DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-34-04 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

Parent-adolescent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters and Associated Factors among Secondary and Preparatory School Students in Robe Town, Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia, 2017

Background Adolescents is the transition from childhood to adulthood .Which is a time of opportunity, but also one of risk. In Ethiopia, sexual and reproductive health problems of adolescents are increasing from time to time related to many parents not feeling happy to discuss sexual matters in addition to early sexual commencement among adolescents. Objective This study was intended to assess parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health matters and associated factors among secondary and preparatory school students in Robe Town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia, 2017. Methods Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 394 secondary and preparatory school students in Robe town from April 10-25, 2017. Simple random sampling technique was used. Data was obtained through the use of a self administered questionnaire and supplemented by focus group discussion with parents. Data was entered using Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS 20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were done. Data quality was assured through careful questionnaire design, pretest and training. Results One hundred eighty six (47%) of the study participants had discussed at least two SRH issues with their parents. Grade eleven students were about nearly five times more likely discussed on sexual and reproductive matters with their parent compared with grade nine students (AOR: 4.88, 95% CI: 1.76, 13.54). Those living with relatives were 3.13 times less likely discussed as compared to those students are living with both parents (AOR: 0.32, 95%CI: (0.12, 0.80) and the odds of discussion on SRH matters is 2 times higher among females compared with their counterpart (AOR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.26). Conclusions Communication on sexual and reproductive health matters between adolescent and parent was low. Majority of student preferred to discuss with their peers than parent. Being ashamed, parents lack of communication skill and parent knowledge on SRH issues were the major reasons mentioned by the students for not discussing about SRH matters with their parents. Therefore; comprehensive family life education needs to be initiated for the students and parents. Sexual information exchange between peers needs to be strengthened.

Determinants of Occupational Injury among Building Construction Employees in Southeastern Ethiopia

Introduction: An occupational injury is the primary cause of workplace absenteeism, disability, retirement, mutilation, and mortality. Therefore, injuries in the workplace pose major public health and developmental problems especially in developing countries. Therefore, the present study identified the prevalence of injury and its determinants among building construction employees in Robe town, Ethiopia.&#x0D; Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among building construction employees in Robe town from March 01-25/2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The data was entered into EPiData 3.1and analysed by using SPSS version 20 software. Face to face interview was conducted on 402 respondents using structured and pretested questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the effect of explanatory variables on injuries.&#x0D; Results: The overall prevalence of injury among building construction employees was 39.2% [95 % CI: (34.4, 44.2)] in the past one year. The three leading causes of injuries were falls from the same level (38.5%), followed by injuries caused by movable or falling object (23.1%), and falls from elevation (13.4%). Being male, use of personal protective equipment, health and safety training, regular supervision and job satisfaction were factors significantly associated with injury.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study reported a relatively higher prevalence of injury among building construction workers compared to other studies. Factors such as being male, working without using personal protective equipment, absence of health and safety trainings, lack of regular supervision and job dissatisfaction were associated with significantly higher levels of occupational injury among construction workers. Therefore, employers should focus on providing safety training, promoting use of personal protective equipment during work, regular workplace supervision, and satisfying their employees by creating good work environments and working situations to reduce the rate of occupational injury.

Availability of adequately iodised salt at household level and its associated factors in Robe town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Iodine is a micronutrient required by the body in small amounts to prevent iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), which is a global public health concern. There were no specific data at household level of adequately iodised salt in the study area. Thus this study aimed to assess availability of adequately iodised salt and its associated factors at household level in Bale-Robe, South East Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Robe town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia in April 2015. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires from a total of 367 households, which were identified through systematic random sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated using rapid testing kits at the household level. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the prevalence, and association between dependent and independent variables was computed by using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: Of 374 samples, 370 respondents were interviewed yielding a response rate of 99%. One-third (32.7%) of the household levels used adequately iodised salt. Respondents’ educational status, exposure to information on how to handle iodised salt and type of salt used by the respondents were independent factors for availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level. Salt that had been stored in a dry place was twice as likely to have an adequate iodine content compared with salt stored in a high-moisture area or near a fire (AOR = 2.13, CI = 1.19–3.72). Conclusion: Availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level was very low. Factors that were associated with household levels’ access to adequately iodised salt included educational level, age of the respondents and place where salt is stored, and had an effect on whether households iodise salt adequately. Strategies to educate residents regarding the appropriate storage conditions to minimise iodine losses in iodised salt are required in Bale-Robe district of South East Ethiopia.

Municipal solid waste generation and disposal in Robe town, Ethiopia

ABSTRACTThe amount of solid waste generated in developing countries is rising over time due to economic growth, change inconsumer behavior, and lifestyles of people. But it is hard to manage and handle the increase of solid waste with existing waste management infrastructure. Thus, the management system of solid waste is very poor and has become a serious problem. The main purpose of this study is to quantify the volume of solid waste generated and investigate factors affecting generation and disposal of wastes in the study area. The result of this study indicated that total waste generated from households was about 97.092 kg/day. Furthermore, the study reveals that the solid waste generation rate of the town is 0.261 kg/person/day. About 57.5% of solid waste is properly disposed of to a landfill site, whereas the remaining 42.5% is illegally dumped at the roadsides and open fields.Implications: Nowadays, in developing countries there is a high concentration of people in urban areas, causing the generation of an enormous concentration of municipal waste in urban areas. Therefore this study’s findings will be important for various policymakers and town planners. This may also serve as a benchmark for the municipal authorities of the town for whom the problem is still invisible and negligible and can push environmental protection authorities to reexamine the implementation of their policies and strategies with regard to the broader issues of human and environmental health conditions of town dwellers.