Southeast Ethiopia Research Articles

Effects of hormonal contraceptives on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities, Bale, Southeast Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundHormonal contraceptives are a widely used contraceptive method for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It is associated with change in lipid profile which results in congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, deep vein thrombosis and stroke which are the major cause of premature death. We aim to investigate the effects of hormonal contraceptive use on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted on 93 hormonal contraceptive users and 93 non-users’ women in Goba Town Public Health Facilities from September to November, 2022. Blood samples for the estimation of TC, TG, HDL-c and LDL-c levels were collected. Student's independent t-test was used to compare the results of lipid profiles. One-way ANOVA was used to identify the variation of lipid profile between progestin only pills, DMPA and implant users. Simple linear regression was used to determine the change in lipid profiles in relation to the duration of hormonal contraceptive use. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultThe mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c was significantly increases in hormonal contraceptive users in comparison with non-users. The mean serum level TC, TG, LDL-c and HDL-c was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c in implanon users was lower than DMPA and POP users. As the duration of DMPA and POP use increases, the serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased. But, the serum level of HDL-c was significantly decreased. LDL-c was significantly increased with the duration of implanon use.ConclusionThe mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased among hormonal contraceptive users. The mean serum level of lipid profile was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The serum level of TC, TG, LDL-c were directly proportional to the duration of DMPA and POP use. Routine evaluation of lipid profiles is advisable before and after initiation of hormonal contraceptives.

Numerical classification of termite-mediated soils along toposequences and rangeland use influenced soil properties in southeast Ethiopia

Despite termite-induced soil mixing, summarizing termite-affected soil horizons is difficult, while the lack of accurate information on the pedogenic processes featured by termite bioturbation, topography, and land use limits an effort to address land degradation. A study was therefore carried out to quantitatively classify the soils and describe them based on rangeland uses. Based on cluster analysis, five representative soil profiles were studied at different topographical positions. Soil samples were collected from mounds and adjacent soils under enclosure, cultivated, and open-grazing land at the summit and foot slope positions. Agglomerative clustering showed low Ca2+, CEC, pH, and Mg2+ that described cambic horizons formed Cambisols at the summit and back slope. Eluviation-illuviation processes formed Luvisols on the toe slope and foot slope, whereas clay and high CEC described argic horizons. High Ca2+, CEC, pH, and Mg2+ described calcic horizons that formed Calcisols on the bottom slope. Divisive clustering showed that soil properties varied slightly between Cambisols and Luvisols at different topographies. However, the Luvisols on the toe slope were differentiated from the soil on the foot slope by predominant pedogenetic clay formation and a distinctly increased CEC. Calcisols are placed in other clusters due to their distinct properties. Agglomerative clustering reflected pedogenic processes and differentiated diagnostic horizons, while divisive clustering matched WRB classification. The results of this study also showed that termite-mediated soil properties were dictated by rangeland use, and pedogenesis was more noticeable on open-grazing land than on enclosure or cultivated land.

Potential yield and gap analysis (PYGA) of wheat in Ethiopia.

Abstract Global demand for food is rising due to unparallel population growth compared to agricultural productivity. Yield is supposed to double to feed global population in 2050 but climate change is making sustainable food production difficult for the increasing population. Wheat is one of the strategic crops for food security and increasing its productivity is vital for self-sufficiency. Ethiopia is the second largest wheat producer in the sub-Saharan Africa where the national average yield is below 3 t/ha despite the increasing total production mainly due to areal expansion rather than productivity per hectare. It is imperative and timely to realise wheat potential yield and identify factors that underly the current yield gap. Farmers in southeast Ethiopia have reportedly seen potential yields rising above 10 t/ha which prompted the current study to conduct scientific assessment of the maximum potential yield in the area for better policy and intervention. The trial was designed in partially irrigated and rainfed conditions and here we report that the farmers' actual yield gap was as low as 74% as showcased specifically with the devastating epidemic of new stem rust race known as the ' Digalu race ' occurred in the region in 2014/15. This necessitated replacement of the old varieties with high yielding and disease resistant varieties Sanate and Mandoyu. As the growing condition in 2015/16 season was favourable coupled with best management practices, two high yielding varieties, Sanate and Dire, were identified with the maximum attainable yields of 8921 and 8219 kg/ha, only 3% and 10% away from the model-predicted theoretical yield, respectively. The two varieties also had minimum water limitation index indicating that they are perfect fits for the recent wheat initiative by the Government of Ethiopia to realise self-sufficiency through irrigation and maximising yield potential. Even though we recommend modern breeding programs to capitalise their efforts on realising wheat potential yield through generation of new varieties and the deployment of modern cultivars such as Sanate and Mandoyu with their full management package, we admit that this research is limited in scope to reflect the whole rainfed and irrigated production systems in Ethiopia and hence would highlight the importance of further replicated research across years and locations to capture the variability especially due to the unpredictable climate change.

Utilization of cervical cancer screening service among female health workforces in public health institutions in south east Ethiopia, a cross-sectional study

IntroductionGlobally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer, accounting for 6.6%of all female cancers, and ranks as the second leading cause of female cancer deaths. Cervical cancer can be avoided if asymptomatic women are screened for precancerous cervical lesions and treated before they progress to invasive disease. Female health workforces are expected to be in a better position to be motivated and initiate society towards the screening by being role models, but there have been few studies done in Ethiopia to assess the utilization of cervical cancer screening services and its associated factors among female health workforces. ObjectiveTo assess utilization of cervical cancer screening service and associated factors among female health workforces in public health institutions Bale zone, Sothern Ethiopia. MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 266 female health workforces from May 1 st to May 30th, 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was entered on Epi data 3.1 software and exported to Statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 25 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of cervical cancer screening. Statistical significance for the multivariable logistic regression analysis was set at p < 0.05. ResultOut of the total sample size (n = 266), 258 have responded to the questionnaire completely, making the response rate 97 %. The utilization of cervical cancer screening services was 38 (14.7 %). There were significant associations between working in hospitals with an adjusted odd ratio (AOR [95 % CI] = 4.814 [1.774–13.06]) and serving 7 years and above [95 % 44 CI = 5.988 [2.096–17.1]) and utilization of cervical cancer screening services. Conclusionand recommendations: The proportion of utilization of cervical cancer screening services among female health workforces in Bale Zone was very low. Working in hospitals and prolonged work experience were independent predictors of the utilization of cervical cancer screening services. Sustaining awareness creation and sensitization of screening through training and experience sharing should be given broad emphasis for female health workforces to increase their utilization of screening services.

Evaluation of garlic genotypes for yield performance and stability using GGE biplot analysis and genotype by environment interaction

AbstractIn Ethiopia, the low productivity of garlic is largely due to a shortage of high yielding and stable varieties. To address this issue, thirteen garlic genotypes were evaluated for yield stability and performance across six different environments in central and southeast Ethiopia. The genotypes were analysed using Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E) methods. Results showed that the genotypes differed significantly for bulb yield performance and morphological traits, with G-020/03 and G-054/03 producing the highest bulb yield with 25.39% and 18.39% yield advantages over the check variety, Kuriftu, respectively. Furthermore, G-020/03 demonstrated better yield stability across most environments, while G-054/03 exhibited specific adaptability. GGE biplot analysis confirmed that these two genotypes were among the three winning genotypes in terms of yield performance and relative stability. Therefore, G-020/03 and G-054/03 have been selected as candidate varieties for release, potentially improving garlic productivity in Ethiopia.

Assessment of Phenotypic Diversity among Ethiopian Coriander Accessions (Coriandrum sativum) at Kulumsa, Southeastern Ethiopia

A phenotypic diversity study was carried out under field conditions in the meher season ((July–November 2019 and 2020) at Kulumsa, Southeast Ethiopia to assess variables that directly affect seed yield, contribute to the total phenotypic variance, and classify coriander accessions. Twenty-five Ethiopian coriander accessions were laid out in a simple lattice design with two replications. Eight morphological parameters of the coriander accessions showed highly significant differences (p≤0.01)) in the combined analysis of variance. Plant height, the number of umbellets umbel-1, the number of seeds umbel-1, and the seed yield plant-1 all had a positive and direct effect on the seed yield (t ha-1). The first two principal components contributed 62.6% of the total phenotypic variation. Number of umbels plant-1, number of umbellets umbel-1, seed yield plant-1, and seed yield (t ha-1) were the characteristics with the highest loading effects in the first principle component, and plant height and seed yield (ha-1) in the second. Six clusters of accessions were created. About 28% and 8% of the studied accessions were found in the largest cluster (I) and clusters (V and VI), respectively. The highest inter-cluster distances were observed between VI and III (D2 = 159.21), IV and III (D2 = 155.84), and VI and I (D2 = 113.26) clusters. Crossing between accessions included in those clusters could produce highly heterotic responses and segregants. In general, this study demonstrated significant phenotypic diversity among the tested accessions and could be used in improvement programs to develop desirable coriander cultivars.

Sepsis Risk Factors in Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Public Hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia, 2020: A Retrospective Unmatched Case-Control Study.

Neonatal sepsis is a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is more prevalent in developing countries. Thus, understanding the risk factors for neonatal sepsis is critical to minimizing the incidence of infection, particularly in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for neonatal sepsis in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia in 2020. An institution-based, retrospective unmatched case-control study was conducted on 97 cases and 194 controls in neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia. A pretested, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the degree of association, and statistical significance was declared at a p value of < 0.05. In this study, 97 cases and 194 controls were included. About two-thirds (63.9%) of cases were with early onset neonatal sepsis (<7 days). Mode of delivery with spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR:5.032; 95% CI (1.887-13.418)), type of birth attendant (traditional birth attendant) (AOR: 4.407 95% CI (1.213,16.004)), history of STI/UTI (AOR:2.543; 95% CI (1.313,4.925)), intrapartum fever (AOR:4.379; 95% CI (2.170,8.835)), APGAR score at the 5thminute < 7 (AOR:4.832; 95% CI (1.862,12.537)), neonate received resuscitation (AOR:3.830; 95% CI (1.753,8.369)), low birth weight (AOR:6.101; 95% CI (2.124,17.525)) were the identified risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Both maternal and neonatal factors contribute to the risk of neonatal sepsis. Spontaneous vaginal delivery, birth attended by the traditional birth attendant, history of STI/UTI, presence of intrapartum fever, low APGAR score at the 5th minute, neonate receiving resuscitation, and low birth weight were identified as independent risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Prompt identification of the aforementioned factors and management should be sought for all newborns.

Population status, distribution and seasonal range of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) in a protected savannah area

The genus Equus comprises six species and 22 subspecies. Ethiopia is the only country in the world that has all three surviving species of zebra. The population status, structure, and seasonal range of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) were studied in the Hallaydeghe Asebot Protected Area (HAPA), southeast Ethiopia, using line transects and silent detection methods. Data were collected from 2021 to 2022 covering both the wet and dry seasons. The seasonal range of Grevy’s zebra was studied using the minimum convex polygon method. We counted 89 and 61 Grevy’s zebra during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The total population size was estimated to be 75 individuals with a 95% confidence interval of 60–90 individuals. The adult to sub-adult ratio was 3.1:1.0 during the wet season and 4:1 during the dry season. The sex ratio of adult female to adult male was 5:1 during the wet season and 4:1 during the dry season. The seasonal range of the species in the HAPA was 477 km2 (n = 89) during the wet season and 711 km2 (n = 61) during the dry season. During the dry season Grevy’s zebra move out of the protected area to the Blen hot spring and its associated wetlands for green grazing and water. Hence, further study is needed on the possibility of incorporating the Blen hot spring and its associated wetlands into the protected area to promote the sustainable conservation of the species in the HAPA.

Magnitude of erectile dysfunction and associated factors among adult diabetic men on follow-up at Goba and Robe hospitals, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia: hospital-based cross-sectional study

PurposeErectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection of sufficient rigidity and duration to permit satisfactory sexual performance. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and associated factors among adult diabetic men on follow-up at Goba and Robe hospitals, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia,2022.MethodsHospital-based cross-sectional study design was used among 420 adult diabetic men from March 1 to April 30 using a systematic random sampling technique. An international index of erectile function questionnaire containing five questions was used to assess the outcome variable. The data were entered, edited, and coded using Epidata version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with erectile dysfunction. Adjusted odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence interval were computed to estimate the strength of association. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of erectile dysfunction was found to be 354 (84.3%). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that erectile dysfunction is significantly associated with old age (AOR = 12.39, 95% CI:5.10–30.08), inadequate physical activity (AOR = 4.15, 95% CI:1.33–12.97), and being rich (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.21–5.66).ConclusionThe prevalence of erectile dysfunction in this study population is nearly nine out of ten. Age, inadequate physical activity, and wealth index were independent predictors of erectile dysfunction. Assessment and management of erectile dysfunction in diabetic clinics should be routine medical care.

Genotype x Environment Interaction and Oil yield Stability of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Genotypes in North, Central and Southeast Ethiopia

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is one of the most prominent industrial oilseed crops cultivated for both seed and fiber. Lack of stable genotypes across the linseed production area is one of the problems. Thirteen linseed genotypes were planted in randomized complete block design with three replications at six linseed major growing agro-ecologies of North, central and Southeastern Ethiopia (Werabe, D\Markos, Welkite, Holeta, Kulumsa and Adiet) in 2021/2022 cropping season. With the objectives of determining the effects of GEI, on oil yield of linseed and identifying better performing and well adapted linseed genotypes than the control variety, and to prepare for registration and release of selected high oil yielding genotypes in the different linseed agro-environment conditions of Ethiopia. The oil yield subjected to the combined analysis of variance showed a highly significant (p&lt;0.01) effect of genotype, location, and genotype x location interactions (GLI). Similarly the combined AMMI ANOVA for oil yield revealed that there were highly significant differences among genotypes, locations and genotype by location interactions and accounted 22.11%, 31.40% and 46.49% of the total variations respectively. The highest percentages of environmental variations are an indication that environment is the major factor that influences the yield performance of linseed oil yield in Ethiopia. In addition, the first two IPCAs were significant and accounted for 80.77% of the total interactions sum squares. Six stability measures viz Eberhart and Russell analysis (bi and S2di), Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model, AMMI Stability Value (ASV),Yield Stability Index (YSI),Genotype Main Effect and Genotype by Environment Interaction Effect (GGE) bi plot analysis Model were used to evaluate the stable genotypes across the testing locations. Genotypes 10097(G2), 10103 (G3) and 239716 (G7) were more stable by Eberhart and Russell analysis and AMMI Stability Value. Genotypes 10103 (G3) and 208360 (G8) were more stable by Yield Stability Index. Genotypes 208360 (G8) and 10103 (G3) were selected as better genotypes that appeared in the five and four locations by AMMI analysis, respectively. According to one-year data, the six locations are grouped into one mega environment for linseed production with one winning genotype and genotype 208360 (G8) was an ideal genotype, while location A diet was an ideal environment by GGE analysis. Genotypes 208360 (G8), 234005 (G4)and 10103 (G3) are the three of the best performing genotypes than the other genotypes and control variety (Berene) in oil yield across locations. Therefore, those three highest oil yielder genotypes have a potential to be registered in Ethiopia. However, this trail need to be repeated for one more season, and or three of the best performing genotypes will be verified along with the check on farmers' fields for release.

Genotype x Environment Interaction and Oil yield Stability of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Genotypes in North, Central and Southeast Ethiopia

Genotype x Environment Interaction and Oil yield Stability of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Genotypes in North, Central and Southeast Ethiopia

Role of Highland–Lowland Linkage as a Coping Strategy for Global Environmental and Socioeconomic Changes: The Case of Southeast Ethiopia

Role of Highland–Lowland Linkage as a Coping Strategy for Global Environmental and Socioeconomic Changes: The Case of Southeast Ethiopia

Barbers’ compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors in selected towns, Southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe barber’s profession exposes their customers to several health risks. Negligence when using sharp instruments in barbershops can increase the risk of bloodborne infections, resulting in serious health problems for...

Assessment of Intestinal Parasites and Its Associated Factors among Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Local Markets of Bule Hora Town, Southeast Ethiopia.

Vegetable and fruit consumptions are important for health as they are good sources of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, contamination of vegetables and fruits is indicated as the main contributing factor to parasitic contamination. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasites among fruits and vegetables collected from local markets in Bule Hora Town, Southeast Ethiopia. A cross-sectional assessment was carried out on 391 raw fruits and vegetables from the market in Bule Hora Town from July 29 to August 17, 2022. After being soaked in physiological saline and vigorously shaken for 15 minutes with the help of a mechanical shaker, a total of 391 samples taken from various fruits and vegetables were evaluated using the sedimentation concentration technique. Software SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data after it had been entered using EpiData version 3.1. To assess various associated factors, binary and multivariable logistic regression was employed. 142 (36.3%) of the 391 samples analyzed had at least one species of parasite. The parasite Ascaris lumbricoides (40.1%) was found the most frequently, whereas Strongyloides spp. was found the least frequently. Variables such as fingernail trimming (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.274-3.108), hand washing habit with soap after using toilet (AOR = 2.912; CI: 1.896-4.47), and eating raw vegetables or fruits (AOR = 0.604; CI: 0.394-0.925) were associated with parasitic contamination. The results of this study show that eating vegetables that are raw in the study area carries a potentially significant risk of contracting parasitic illnesses. Therefore, the appropriate bodies should make an effort to lower the rate of product contamination with intestinal parasites by educating vendors and the general public.

Estimation of variability, heritability, and genetic advance among Ethiopian coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) accessions

The objective of this study was to assess the extent of variability of yield and yield-related traits, heritability, and genetic advances among Ethiopian coriander accessions. The experiment was conducted at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Southeast Ethiopia, during 2019- 2020 cropping seasons. Twenty-five Ethiopian coriander accessions were tested in a 5 x 5 simple lattice design with two replications; and data were collected on eight yield and yield-related traits. The combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (P&lt;0.01) between coriander accessions for each trait. The results showed a wide range of variability in all studied traits, indicating the potential for simultaneous improvement of yield and yield-related traits. The heritability (H2b) estimates ranged from low for seeds per umbellet and thousand seed weight to very high, for seed yield per hectare and number of umbels per plant in the first and second cropping season, respectively. The highest genetic advances as a percentage of the mean (GAM (%)) were observed for seed yield per plant, seed yield per hectare, and number of umbellets per umbel. These findings suggest that cultivar selection based on these traits with high H2b coupled with GAM (%) could enhance progeny performance and increase the productivity and profitability of coriander. Therefore, the results had practical implications for coriander breeders and farmers in Ethiopia and could contribute to the development and sustainable coriander farming practices. Further investigations are necessary to identify superior accessions with desirable processing qualities, assess the phenotypic and genotypic diversity among Ethiopian coriander accessions.

Severe Acute Malnutrition among Children in Bale Zone Southeast Ethiopia: Treatment Outcome and its Determinant Factors

To assess the treatment outcomes of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and its associated factors in children aged 6-59months in Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia. A multi-institutionally-based, retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted, based on records from September 11, 2014 to September 11, 2017. Simple random sampling was used to select the records. A pretested extraction format was used to collect information from the logbook and patient records. Treatment outcome was dichotomized into recovery and censored. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Odds ratios with 95% CIs were calculated to determine the association between each independent variable and treatment outcome. A total of 763 records were completed and reviewed. Of these, 711 (93.2%) were recovered from SAM. Provision of deworming treatment (aOR=6.5; 95% CI: 2.8-15.1), education given to the mother/caregiver (aOR=8.8; 95% CI: 4.2-18.4), age range 6-24months (aOR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.17-0.81), presence of anemia (aOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.14-0.78), and use of nasogastric (NG) tube (aOR=0.42; 95% CI: (0.21-0.85) were associated with recovery from SAM. Recovery rate of SAM children in this study was in line with international standards. Deworming, maternal education status, child's age, anemia, and NG tube use were associated with recovery. Attention should be given to deworming all children, disease control, and prevention of anemia and other comorbidities.

Retraction Note: Tree species diversity predicts aboveground carbon storage through functional diversity and functional dominance in the dry evergreen Afromontane forest of Hararghe highland, Southeast Ethiopia

Retraction Note: Tree species diversity predicts aboveground carbon storage through functional diversity and functional dominance in the dry evergreen Afromontane forest of Hararghe highland, Southeast Ethiopia

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used To Treat Livestock Ailments, In Dallol Manna District, Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, South East Ethiopia

Historical information on the use of medicinal plants is in danger of extinction due to different changes in different parts of the world, including Ethiopia. This study, carried out in the DallomAna, Oromia regions of Ethiopia, aims at the ethnobotanical analysis of medicinal plants used in the treatment of animal diseases. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the information sources selected. Analysis of ethnobotanical data using tools such as the Consensus Consent Factor (ICF) preference ranking, ranking matrix, and calculating the degree of fidelity. In Dallomanna Region reported all 68 medicinal plant species used to treat veterinary diseases. The most common family is Fabaceae (7 spp.), followed by Euphorbiaceous (5 spp.), Asteraceae (5 spp.) Solanaceae (4 spp.). For the preparation of drugs for the treatment of livestock diseases, plants are generally used as the root, followed by leaves, seeds and stems. All of the medicine is made and used immediately, and some of it is boiled and dried for use. In addition, the most common way of route of administration for treatment animal diseases in the study area is oral, followed by topical application and nasal .The highest consensus criteria (ICF) values were recorded in ophthalmology, followed by dermatology. Most species have been reported for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, followed by species for the treatment of skin diseases and fever. Ten participants compared nine herbs used to treat veterinary diseases to see how they ranked. This was followed by Hagenia Abyssinia in first place, then Zingier ofcinale and Embelia schimperi in third place. Nicotiana tabacum, Phyllanthus ovalifolius, Ruta chalepensis Santalum album followed Hagenia abyssinica, which achieved the highest value among traditional oyster medicinal plants. The main threats to veterinary medicinal plants were overharvesting of available species, agricultural land expansion, and less attention to traditional medicine due to modernization.

Nutritional quality analysis of different Moringa provenance in Bale, Southeast Ethiopia

Moringa is a tree with medicinal, nutritional, industrial, and socio-economic values. Moringa leaf extracts have potential antihypertensive, antispasmodic, antiulcer, diuretic, hepato-protective and cholesterol-lowering activities. The study was conducted to analyze the nutritional quality of different moringa provenances and to promote the best provenances for the end users. Field experiments were conducted in Goro and Dallo Mena districts of Bale located in Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. Collected samples were air-dried at room temperature and milled for laboratory analysis. According to this study growing environment did not bring significant variation (P&gt;0.05) in average mineral contents like Mg, Zn, P and CP content of the provenances. But significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) Na, K, and Ca were recorded for the samples collected from Dallo Mena district, whereas higher Ash and Fe content was recorded in Goro district. On the other hand, provenance from Dallo Mena and Bako is superior to most of the quality characters analyzed. However, the one from Arbaminch is higher in Na and Zn contents. Provenance from Abay Filiklik is higher in Ash, K and P content. Moringa leaf is rich in Ash, Zn, Cp, and Mg to the sufficient level, while Fe, Ca and P are to the level of high or double to triple to the optimum level when compared to the optimum nutrient content of plant material. Generally, higher mean and individual chemical quality values were recorded from provenances grown in Dallo Mena district except for K, Fe, Zn, and CP, which are higher in Goro. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(1): 83-88, June 2023

Low Back Pain and Its Risk Factors Among Nurses Working in East Bale, Bale, and West Arsi Zone Government Hospitals, Oromia Region, South East Ethiopia, 2021 -Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Hospital nursing staff are particularly susceptible to low back pain (LBP) a widespread health issue worldwide. There was little available data on the prevalence of LBP and risk factors related to it in this population. Assessed the prevalence of LBP and risk factors in nurses working in South-East Ethiopia's Oromia region in the East Bale, Bale, and West Arsi zone government hospitals. A cross-sectional study was carried out within an institution in the East Bale, Bale, and West Arsi zone government hospitals; 440 nurses were chosen to use a process of systematic random sampling, and data was gathered between June 1 and July 30, 2021. Using pre-designed questionnaires, I interrogated participants. After being verified as complete, the gathered data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bi variate and multivariate logistic regressions with 95% confidence intervals and crude and adjusted odd ratios were generated and interpreted as necessary. To deem a result statistically significant, a p-value of 0.05 or lower was required. A total of 427 nurses engaged in the interview out of the 440 participants that wanted to take part in the study, yielding a response rate of 97.1%. Low back pain was 42.6% more common over a year [95% CI: (0.384, 0.476)]. According to the multivariate analysis, females [AOR = 1.791; 95% CI: (1.121, 2.861)], age higher than forty [AOR=2.388, 95% CI: (1.315, 4.337)], age grouped 31-40 years [(AOR=2.064, 95% CI: 1.233, 3.455)], divorced [(AOR=10.288, 95% CI: (3.063, 34.553)], married [(AOR=1.676 (1.675, 16.999)]. The study suggests that implementing preventive measures and offering ergonomic training can help reduce LBP among nurses in these hospitals.