Tembaro Zone Research Articles

Utilization of Skilled Birth Attendance among Mothers Who Gave Birth in the Last 12 Months in Kembata Tembaro Zone.

Background Skilled delivery is considered the single most important strategy in preventing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It ensures safe birth, reduces actual and potential complications, and increases the survival of most mothers and newborns. Objective To identify determinants of the utilization of skilled birth attendance among women who gave birth in the last 12 months in the Kembata Tembaro zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2020. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from 1 April 2020 to 30 April 2020 among women who gave birth in the last 12 months in the Kembata Tembaro zone. Six hundred twenty-four mothers were recruited for the study as eligible participants. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select three districts and one town administrative unit of the study area. The data were collected and verified for their completeness, followed by editing and coding. Multivariate analysis was performed using the backward LR method to identify factors independently associated with the dependent variable. Statistical significance was declared at a p value of less than 0.05, and the strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Result Of 624 study subjects sampled, 607 provided information with a response rate of 97.3%. In this study, 309 (50.9%) women had their last birth at health facilities attended by skilled birth attendants. Place of residence (AOR (95% CI) = 0.33 (0.22,0.58)); age at interview (AOR (95% CI = 3.41 (1.57,5.45)); maternal education (AOR (95% CI) = 1.50 (1.34, 4.19)); history of still birth (AOR (95% CI) = 3.85 (2.14,6.91)); maternal occupation (AOR (95% CI) = 3.35 (1.79,6.27)); husband occupation (AOR (95% CI) = 2.69 (1.70,7.09)); ANC visit (AOR (95% CI) = 4.62 (3.12,7.32)); knowledge of obstetric complications (AOR (95% CI) = 3.10 (1.37,5.21)); and final decision-making about place of delivery (AOR (95% CI) = 3.64 (1.70,7.99)) were significantly associated with the use of skilled birth attendance. Conclusion In this study, nearly half of the mothers used skilled birth attendance. Place of residence, age at interview, maternal education, history of still birth, maternal occupation, husband occupation, antenatal visit, knowledge about obstetric complications, and final decision-maker about place of delivery were determinants of the use of skilled attendance delivery.

Impact of soil and water conservation practices on crop income in tembaro district, southern Ethiopia

This study investigated the impact of soil and water conservation practices on crop income in the Tembaro district, Kembata Tembaro zone, Southern Ethiopia. We selected 236 households using stratified sampling. For this study, we collected primary data through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews with key informants. Propensity score matching was used to investigate the impacts of soil conservation initiatives on agricultural income. Age, distance from the farmer’s training center, total land size, extension contact, and training all influence participation in soil and water conservation practices. ATE revealed that crop income differed positively between the control and treatment groups. The total household income increased by 422 ETB as a result of participation in the program. This demonstrates the importance of soil and water conservation for boosting crop income. As a result, governmental and non-governmental development partners should invest in farmer capacity building through extension and training to achieve soil and water conservation goals while simultaneously addressing the livelihood issues of resource-dependent local farmers.

Generalized anxiety disorder among mothers attending perinatal services during COVID-19 pandemic: using ordinal logistic regression model

BackgroundGeneralized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about a variety of events. It is critical to ensure a pregnant mother's mental health in order to reduce pregnancy and birth-related problems. The major goal of current study was to identify the factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder among mothers attending perinatal services in the study area during COVID-19 using ordinal logistic regression. MethodsThe institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 10th, 2020 to August 10th, 2020 at Kembata Tembaro zone, Southern Ethiopia. The current study included 423 mothers. The GAD-7 scale was used to assess the anxiety level among mothers. An Ordered logit model was used to identify the determinants of GAD. Brant test of the parallel line was utilized to check proportionality assumption. The statistical significance was determined using an adjusted proportional odd ratio with a 95%CI, and a p-value <5%. STATA software version 14 was used to analyze statistical data. ResultsOf all 423 mothers attending perinatal service during COVID-19; 134(31.7%), 171(40.4%), 85(20.1%), and 33 (7.8%) had non/minimal to severe generalized anxiety disorder respectively. The results of multivariable proportional odds model (POM) showed that the variables town residents [aPOR = 1.827; 95% CI:1.233–2.708], having alcohol habit [aPOR = 3.437, 95% CI = 1.397–8.454], having occupation [aPOR = 0.509, 95% CI: 0.303–0.857], being health care worker [aPOR = 0.117, 95% CI = 0.044–0.311], having chronic illness [aPOR = 7.685, 95% CI = 3.045–19.39], having family history of anxiety/mood disorder [aPOR = 7.839, 95% CI = 2.656–23.12], fear of contracting COVID-19 [aPOR = 1.704, 95% CI = 1.152–2.521], having moderate social support [aPOR = 0.648, 95% CI = 0.425–0.989], having strong social support [aPOR = 0.495, 95% CI = 0.272–0.901] were significantly associated with generalized anxiety disorder at 5% level of significance. ConclusionCurrent findings concluded that the prevalence of GAD among mothers attending perinatal service during COVID-19 was high. The covariates like being town resident, lower-income status, occupation status, having a chronic illness, having a positive family history of anxiety or mood disorder, perceived social support, and fear of the COVID-19 were significantly associated with generalized anxiety disorder among mothers. Mothers who visit perinatal services should be given special consideration to improve health care services and ensure their mental health.

The ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND MANAGEMENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLD WATER SUPPLY: AN OVERVIEW IN CASE OF DURAME CITY, KAMBATA TEMBARO ZONE, SNNP REGION, ETHIOPIA JANUARY, 2019

The provision of urban infrastructure like water service has become a major concern in many developed and developing countries. Access to safe water and sanitary means of waste disposal is universal needs and indeed basic human rights. Besides, they are essential elements of human development and poverty alleviation and constitute an obligatory component of primary health care. The main objective of this study is to assess issues, challenges and management of urban household water supply: in case of Durame city, Kambata Tembaro Zone, SNNP Region. The study is descriptive in its nature and both qualitative and quantitative research Approach with a sample size of 120 which selected through systematic random sampling method used. Interview questionnaires were employed for data collection. Lastly the data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools like frequency and percentage. The study findings revealed that factors like, shortage of water at the sources; rapid population growth, electric power failure, and rapid urbanization were classified to be main causes of water supply shortage to the city communities. The gap between demand and output is increasing from year to year as a result of the aforementioned primary factors. Water source for the city entirely relying only on groundwater is not enough. The study therefore recommends that the groundwater source has to be enlarged by surface water through water conservation techniques. Therefore, as a long- run solution to water supply shortage in the city great attention should be given for surface water development. Furthermore, surface water might serve as a recharging source for groundwater sources in the surrounding area. Through water conservation techniques around the water potential areas (boreholes sites) groundwater have to be recharged so as to balance the recharging and discharging rates. On the other hand, bottom-up community engagement should be promoted, and existing women's groups such as religious, trade, and professional associations should be involved in order to debate how to utilize water responsibly.

Determinants of Skilled Birth Attendance Utilization Among Mothers Who Gave Birth in The Last 24 Months in Kembata Tembaro Zone

Determinants of Skilled Birth Attendance Utilization Among Mothers Who Gave Birth in The Last 24 Months in Kembata Tembaro Zone

UTILIZATION OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN HEALTH INSTITUTIONS OF KEMBATA TEMBARO ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Background: Health Management Information System (HMIS) is one of the six building blocks of a health system designed to provide important data for continuous quality improvement at all levels of health care administration. It is a major source of information for monitoring and adjusting policy implementation and resources use. Some studies have been conducted in health data collection and ways to improve data quality, but little is known about utilization of HMIS in health services organization. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the utilization of HMIS and associated factors in the study area.&#x0D; Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study conducted in public health institutions of Kembata Tembaro zone from March 1 to March 30, 2018. The sample size was calculated using single population proportion formula,and a total of 317 heads of units/departments of district health offices and health facilities were included. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, observational check-lists and interview guide by trained data collectors. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed using Enter method to identify factors independently associated with dependent variable. Statistical significant variables were declared at P-value less than 0.05 and Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used for data interpretation.&#x0D; Result: In this study, overall data utilization was 131(41.59%) with 95% CI of 38.9-46.1%. The data utilization was found to be 98(38.73%) and 33(53.23%) in the health facilities and health administrative units respectively. Training for HMIS [AOR (95% CI)=3.06(2.15-6.75)], availability of procedure manuals [AOR (95% CI)=3.67(1.78-9.01)], and Supportive supervision[AOR (95% CI)=5.30(3.05-11.53)] were found to be significant with HMIS utilization.&#x0D; Conclusion: Utilization of HMIS in public health institution was lower compared to previous studies. HMIS training, supportive supervision and availability of procedure manuals were positively associated with utilization of HMIS. Health facilities and offices should avail HMIS manuals and capacity building of health workers through training and supportive supervision was recommended.&#x0D; &#x0D; Peer Review History: &#x0D; Received: 7 March 2022; Revised: 11 April; Accepted: 27 April, Available online: 15 May 2022&#x0D; Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, maafayed@gmail.com&#x0D; UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. &#x0D; Received file: Reviewer's Comments:&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10&#x0D; Reviewers:&#x0D; Dr. Awofisayo, O Abosede, University of Uyo, Nigeria, shalomgirl08@yahoo.com&#x0D; Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com&#x0D; Similar Articles: &#x0D; INVESTIGATING THE OBSTACLES OF IMPLEMENTING HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS FROM VIEWPOINT OF PERSONNEL OF MEHRIZ HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN 2017

Groundwater Potential Assessment Using Vertical Electrical Sounding and Magnetic Methods: A Case of Adilo Catchment, South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional Government, Ethiopia

Vertical electrical sounding and magnetic methods were carried out to assess groundwater potential in Adilo catchment, Kembata Tembaro Zone, South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional Government, Main Ethiopian Rift. The data were acquired from eight VES points using Schlumberger electrode arrays with maximum half current electrode spacing ( AB / 2 = 500 ) and 253 magnetic data points were analyzed. The qualitative analysis of VES data was accomplished by using curves, apparent resistivity, and pseudodepths, and the quantitative interpretations of the VES data were constructed by the VES data using IPI-Res3, IPI2Win, and surfer software and constructing geoelectric section along with profiles and lithological information from the borehole and Geosoft interpretation was used for magnetic data. The VES results of the data revealed five geoelectric layers which differ in degree of fracturing, weathering, and formation. The upward continued magnetic field map anomaly to 560 m illustrated northwestern to the southwest; areas have a low magnetic anomaly. Examining the potential aquifer of profile one’s geoelectric section, the horizons of layer four were better potential aquifers as the highly fractured and weathered ignimbrite zone of layer five of VES13 was 219 m deeper than the depths of the other VES points, and along with profile two geoelectric sections, the horizon of layer four VES23 layer five has the lowest resistivity with large thickness at a depth of 253 m. Thus, the low resistivity and the large thickness of these formations are an indication of the high yield of groundwater potential in the study area.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine and Ovine Lungworm Infection at Durame District, Southern Ethiopia.

Background Lungworms are parasitic nematodes of the order Strongylidae that infect the lungs of cattle and sheep and cause bronchitis or pneumonia. Methods An abattoir-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 to determine the comparative prevalence and the possible risk factors of lungworm infection in sheep and cattle of Durame district of Kembata Tembaro zone. For this purpose, a total of 410 animals (209 sheep and 201 cattle) were randomly selected and examined for the presence of different lungworm species using the modified Baermann technique and postmortem examination. The sensitivity and specificity of fecal sample test considering necropsy as reference/gold standard was conducted. Results Accordingly, the overall prevalence of lungworm infection in sheep and cattle was 24.39%. Dictyocaulus filaria and D. viviparous were the only species of lungworm identified in sheep and cattle with a respective prevalence of 44.02% and 3.98%. Putative risk factors such as species and poor body condition have a significant association (p < 0.05) with the occurrence of lungworms in sheep and cattle. The lungworm infection was higher in the young age group (25.30%) and poor body conditioned (32.14%) animals. Season-wise prevalence revealed that a higher lungworm infection was recorded during autumn (32.14%) as compared to winter (22.81%) and spring (16.2%). Most of the sheep and cattle in the current study were heavily (45.0%) and moderately (39.0%) infected with lungworms whereas the rest 16.0% were infected with a low degree of lungworm infection. The specificity, sensitivity, PPV, and NPV of the modified Baermann technique against the gold standard test were 89.4%, 42%, 56.0%, and 82.7%, respectively. Conclusion The study revealed that lungworm infection is prevalent in sheep and cattle of the study area and that was commonly occurs during autumn and affects poorly conditioned sheep and cattle. Thus, routine and strategic deworming for the control and prevention of lungworms in domestic animals should be recommended to overwhelm the prevalence of lungworm infection.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Participation in Improved Sheep Production: The Case of Doyogena District, Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background. Improved sheep production practices are becoming relevant, but smallholder farmers’ involvement in improved sheep production was below expectations and detailed studies were restricted on the determinants of the participation of smallholder farmers in improved sheep production. This research was conducted to examine the determinants of the involvement of smallholder farmers in enhanced sheep production in the study area. Methods. Multi-stages sampling techniques were used for this study. Firstly, improved sheep production had a big effect on the incomes of households of participants and nonparticipants. Finally, three kebeles were chosen by basic random sampling, and the third was picked for systematic sampling by 144 survey respondents. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. Data collection techniques were undertaken by surveys, focus group discussions, and key informants. Quantitative data were used to evaluate descriptive statistics, such as average, frequency, standard deviation, scope, and inferential t-test and chi-square statistics, and a logit model. Qualitative data obtained from focus group discussion and key informants were analyzed by narrative and used for survey data triangulation. Results. Out of the 144 samples, 51 were participants and 93 were nonparticipants. Participation determinants found in this research field were household labor, age, communication frequency with developers, membership in cooperatives, land ownership, participation in credit, and off-farm income. Improved sheep production had a major effect on the incomes of households of participants and nonparticipants. Multiple determinants typically affect the role of smallholder farmers in raising sheep production. Conclusion. Future initiatives under a successful policy should aim at accelerating agricultural and rural growth by efficiently leveraging enhanced sheep capacity in particular in the study region and Ethiopia in general.

Analysis of El Niño Southern Oscillation and its impact on rainfall distribution and productivity of selected cereal crops in Kembata Alaba Tembaro zone

El Niño Southern Oscillation could likely distort the hydro climatological processes and adversely affect agricultural production at various magnitudes. This study explored the manifestations of ENSO-induced rainfall variability and its impact on selected cereal crops in Kembata Alaba Tembaro Zones of southern Ethiopia. Accordingly, precipitation, temperature, crop, and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data were collected from the National Meteorology Agency of Ethiopia, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Rainfall variability was analyzed using the Coefficient of Variation and various anomaly indices. Spatial and temporal relationships between SST and yield of selected crops were established using the person correlation method. Mann-Kendal trend test was also used for trend analysis. The results revealed a statically significant (P < 0.05) decreasing trend and highly variable spring and summer rainfall. Global SSTs strongly influence both summer and spring rainfalls. El Niño and La Niña events were shown to influence the local rainfall distribution and crop production at varying magnitude over different spaces and times. The yield reduction due to ENSO increases from wheat, barley, maize to Sorghum, respectively, while Enset (ventricosum) was found to be less influenced by ENSO-caused rainfall variability. This implies that sorghum and maize crops are more sensitive to El Niño and La Niña events in the study area compared to the other crops considered in this study. The conformity of Enset yield with rainfall variability could be attributed to its tolerance to moisture stress. From the results, one can conclude that the overall cereal crop productivity was adversely, but differentially, affected by ENSO-induced climate variability.

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Lactating Mothers of Angecha District, Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background Major reasons for malnutrition, particularly among those who live in low- and middle-income countries, are physiological vulnerability and inadequate intake. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers of Angecha District, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected lactating mothers in Angecha District from March to April 2017. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers. Undernutrition was defined as the body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m2. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted, and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a p value less than 0.05 was used to determine a statistically significant association between predictors and outcome variables. Result The prevalence of undernutrition among lactating mothers was 21.2% (95% CI: 17.52, 25.46). The odds of undernutrition were higher among lactating mothers in the younger age group (AOR 4.12 (95% CI: 1.25–13.63), compared to 36–49 years group), dietary diversity less than five food groups (AOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.35–4.36), and not attending antenatal care (ANC) (AOR 2.90 (95% CI: 1.43–5.86), compared to those who attended ANC for 4 or more times). The odds of undernutrition among lactating women from 3rd quantile wealth index households reduced by nearly half (AOR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.98) compared to lactating mothers from 1st quantile wealth index households. Conclusion Nearly one in every five lactating mothers was undernourished. Age, dietary diversity score, ANC visit, and wealth index were found to be the associated factors of undernutrition. Therefore, due attention should have to be given to increase the use of ANC.

Nutrient uptake, use efficiency and productivity of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as affected by nitrogen and potassium fertilizer in Keddida Gamela Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia. The productivity of wheat is markedly constrained by nutrient depletion and inadequate fertilizer application. The experiment was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizer rates on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and use efficiency during 2019 cropping season on Kedida Gamela Woreda, Kembata Tembaro Zone Southern Ethiopia. Factorial combinations of four rates of N (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg Nha−1) and three rates of K2O (0, 30 and 60 kg Nha−1) in the form of urea (46–0-0) and murate of potash (KCl) (0-0-60) respectively, were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that most parameters viz yield, yield components, N uptake and use efficiency revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) due to interaction effects of N and K. Fertilizer application at the rate of 46 N and 30 kg K ha−1 resulted in high grain yield of 4392 kg ha− 1 and the lowest 1041 from control. The highest agronomic efficiency of N (52.5) obtained from the application of 46 kg N ha−1. Maximum physiological efficiency of N (86.6 kg kg−1) and use efficiency of K (58.6%) was recorded from the interaction of 46 and 30 kg K ha−1. Hence, it could be concluded that applying 46 and 30 kg K ha−1was resulted in high grain yield and economic return to wheat growing farmers of the area. Yet, in order to draw sound conclusion, repeating the experiment in over seasons and locations is recommended.

Unprotected sexual practices and associated factors among adult people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in public hospitals of Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

IntroductionAntiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly increases the life expectancy of HIV positive people by improving quality of life as well as enabling them to resume sexual activity. A growing number of people living with HIV became a source of exposure to sexually transmitted infections, including other strains of HIV that place others at risk unless they consistently use condoms. This study assessed the magnitude of unprotected sexual practices and associated factors among adult people living with HIV on ART in public hospitals of the Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia.Methodsa facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult people living with HIV on ART in public hospitals of the zone from March 1-30, 2016. Data were collected by a pretested and structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate variables, independently associated with the outcome variable. The adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI used to show the strength of the association and a P-value < 0.05 was used to declare the cut-off point in determining the level of significance.Resultsthe study revealed that 40.9% of respondents practiced unprotected sexual intercourse. On multivariate logistic regression analyses, being females, having more than one sexual partner, mean monthly income of <530 Ethiopian birrs/ month, those who had a seropositive partner, a partner of unknown serostatus, and respondents who had insufficient knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention were statically significant with the outcome variable.Conclusionthe scarcity of knowledge on HIV transmission, negative attitude towards condom use, non-disclosure status and having more than one sexual partnership increased likelihood of have unprotected sex among the respondents.

Dietary Diversity and Associated Factors Among Adult HIV Positive Patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Public Hospitals of Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundNutrition is a significant factor in all stages of HIV. Dietary management of HIV-positive patients is key to supporting their capacity to continue participating in the workforce and contributing to socio-economic growth. Few studies have been conducted regarding this important public health problem of dietary diversity throughout the developing countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assesses the magnitude and factors associated with dietary diversity among HIV-positive patients attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics at Public Hospitals in Kembata Tembaro Zoni, Southern Ethiopia.Methods and MaterialsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 01/2019 to 30/2019 on 341 adult HIV-positive patients on ART at two randomly selected public hospitals in the study area. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select study subjects from each facility proportionally. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with individual dietary diversity. Logistic regression analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated to measure the strength of association. Level of significance for statistical tests was set at p <0.05.ResultsThis study shows 60.1% (95% CI: 55–65) of patients had inadequate dietary diversity. Average monthly income of less than 1000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.04–3.17), being female (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.67–5.37), duration of ART less than 1 year (AOR = 3.77, 95% CI: 1.42–10.02) and lack of dietary counseling (AOR =0.54, 95% CI: 0.30–0.97) were factors associated with low dietary diversity.ConclusionLow dietary diversity was a major nutritional problem in HIV-positive patients. Low average monthly income, being female, duration of participants on ART, and lack of dietary counseling were the factors associated with low dietary diversity. To alleviate these problems, exceptional attention in nutritional care should be given to HIV-positive patients and they require appropriate counseling and support during early initiation of ART.

Anemia and Associated Factors Among Adults with Human Immune Deficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy in Public Health Facilities of Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundAnemia is an independent prognostic marker of HIV/AIDS disease progression. It causes impaired physical functioning, psychological distress, poor quality-of-life, and reduces life expectancy in HIV patients. However, there is limited information in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among adult HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Kembata Tembaro Zone, southern Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study. A total of 401 HIV patients attending antiretroviral therapy nested in five health facilities were included in the analysis. Simple random sampling was employed using medical record number to select study units. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements were taken, and a drop of capillary blood was collected to determine hemoglobin level by HemoCue 301 analyzer. Clinical related data were collected from patient medical records by using a structured checklist. The collected data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with anemia and statistical tests were declared significant at a P-value<0.05.ResultsThe magnitude of anemia among adults HIV patients attending ART was 26.2%, 95% CI=21.7–30.4. Being female (AOR=2.06, 95% CI=1.02–4.16), body mass index <18.5 Kg/m2 (AOR=2.28, 95% CI=1.09–4.78), Zidovudine use (AOR=3.71, 95% CI=1.9–7.26), having had an opportunistic infection (AOR=5.46, 95% CI=1.67–17.7), and WHO stage III or IV (AOR=5.71, 95% C=2.68–12.14) were significantly associated with the occurrence of anemia.ConclusionAnemia was found to be a moderate public health problem among ART attendants in the current study area. Thus, early detection and intervention targeting Zidovudine users, females, patients having body mass index <18.5 Kg/m2, patients having opportunistic infections, and patients having clinical WHO stage III or IV disease is vital to reduce the magnitude of anemia and its consequences.

The Role of Rural Livelihood Diversification Strategies for Household Food Security in Southern Ethiopia: Empirical Evidence from Kecha Bira District of Kembata Tembaro Zone

Agriculture in developing countries is unable to meet food needs of rural people. Thus, rural households engage in to different livelihood diversification activities to ensure their food needs and secure their future livelihoods. The study investigated the role of livelihood diversification strategies for rural household food security in Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia with empirical evidence from Kecha Birra district with data collected from a sample of 355 households selected by multistage sampling technique. The descriptive statistics were used to identify the livelihood strategies in the study area. The finding of the study indicated that majority of the rural households (41.6%) engaged into on-farm activity. However, 22.54%, 21.41% and 14.37% practice on-farm plus off- farm; on-farm plus non-farm; and on-farm plus off-farm plus non-farm livelihood diversification activities respectively. Household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) was used to measure food security status of households. The study result showed that 51.27% households were food insecure and the rest 48.73% were food secured. Logistic regression model was used to assess the role of livelihood diversification strategies to rural household food security. The results of the model indicated livelihood diversification strategies, Income obtained from diversification activities, Education status of the households, Total farm land size of households, Total livestock unit owned and Training and extension service are positively and significantly related to rural household food security status and improves food security status of rural households. It confirmed that livelihood diversification strategies have a positive effect and would be the best solution to reduce poverty and improve food security at household level in rural areas. Therefore, due attention should be given to strengthen livelihood diversification strategies so as to improve rural household food security.

Socio-economic and dietary diversity characteristics are associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in public health centers of Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Anemia affects every country in the world including Ethiopia. It costs the socio‐economic developments due to its health impacts. This study was aimed to determine socio‐demographic and dietary diversity and other factors associated with anemia among pregnant women in Kembata Tembaro Zone. Institution‐based cross‐sectional study design was employed. Data were collected from 423 pregnant women. Hemoglobin level was measured by Hemocue. Pretested interviewer‐administered close‐ended questionnaire was used to collect the data. Analysis was done using SPSS for windows version 20. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. We found that overall prevalence of anemia was 18%. Less than half (43.3%) of the respondents visited the health centers for antenatal care follow‐up at least once during their pregnancy time. Only 20.1% consumed more than five food preceding 24 hr. 59.3% of the respondents were taking iron supplements during data collection time. Anemia was significantly associated with the lowest wealth index, formal education, women's occupation, husband occupation, low dietary diversity, and inadequate intake of iron‐rich foods, history of malaria infection, maternal age, and parity. Anemia was of mild public health concern in the study area. The uptake of antenatal care service for the recommended number of visits and iron folic acid supplementation and the diet diversity was low in the pregnant women. The prevalence of anemia was mild public health concern. The early and timely uptake of iron folic acid supplementation was poor. Dietary diversity and consumption of iron‐rich foods was found to be low. Thus, community mobilization and health education to improve the uptake of the antenatal care services, increase micronutrient intake through food based and control of infections are recommended.

Practices, Challenges and Opportunities of Inclusive Education Implementation in Kambata Tambaro Zone, Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to assess the practices, challenges and opportunities of implementation of inclusive education in Kembara Tembaro zone, Southern Ethiopia. The study used qualitative research method to collect data. This method is concerned with exploring the existing current status of inclusive education practices, challenge and opportunities. Participants of the study were seven district education experts, seven school principals, two education experts of the zone and two education experts of the region bureau included in the study. For data collection interview, document consultation and checklists were used. The finding revealed that there are inadequate infrastructures and education facilities, sanitation facilities, lack of ramps, dirty and dusty classrooms and acoustically non-treated classrooms, equipments and services; moreover, negative attitudes of teachers, lack of budget, limited professionals, lack of responsible personnel in district, zone and region education offices. Parents started to send their children to school; however, there is lack of skilled professionals who will screen and identify according to interests of learners. There is highest number of repeaters and dropouts in early schools because of unfriendly learning environment for diversified learners. The study suggested that high attention is needed from the concerned parties for the implementation of the inclusive education in the zone.

Production, Handling, Traditional Processing Practices and Quality of Milk in Kembata Tembaro Zone Milk Shed Area, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Kembata Tembaro zone, kdida Gamela and kachabira woredas, of the southern Regional State with the objectives of: to assess the milk production systems, traditional milk handling and processing practices and determine the compositional and microbiological quality of milk produced at smallholder farmers’ level. A single-visit-multiple-subject formal survey was used to collect data. A total of 150 households (75 from each woreda) were individually interviewed. All respondents reported that they wash hands and milk vessels before milking cows. However, the overall milking hygienic practice followed by the farmers in the area is poor. Ensira is the major container used for milking and storing dairy products in the study area. All the respondents (100%) in Kedida and 93.3 percent in kachebirra use Ensira for milking. With regard to churning, the majority of the respondents (98.7%) in Kedida use Ensira churn while 76.32 percent in Kachebirra use clay pot churn. Terminalia brownie and Acacia spp. are the most frequently used plant species for smoking milk vessels in the study area. The major constraints to milk production in the study area lack of milk collection centers/ lack of market, and poor quality milk products to be the major problems of the traditional milk processing practices. Only two dairy cooperatives were identified in kedida woreda; whereas there is no dairy cooperative in Kachebra woreda. lack of cooling facilities coupled with lack of electric power supply are the major constraints encountered at the dairy cooperatives. The overall mean fat, protein, total solids, ash and solids-not-fat (SNF) contents of local cows’ milk produced in the study area were 4.71, 3.25, 13.47, 0.73 and 8.78 percent, respectively. Whereas, the overall mean fat, protein, total solids, ash and SNF contents of crossbred cows’ milk were 4.14, 3.45, 13.15, 0.70 and 8.96 percent, respectively. The overall mean total bacterial count, coliform count and percent lactic acid of milk produced in the study area were 7.58±0.09 log10 cfu/ml, 4.49±0.11 log10 cfu/ml and 0.23%±0.01, respectively. The overall mean of the predicted probabilities of clot-on-boiling and alcohol tests were 0.23±0.12 and 0.51±0.11, respectively. the microbiological quality of milk produced by individual farmers and by the dairy cooperatives in the study area was poor and this call for scrupulous hygienic measures during production and handling of milk and milk products in the study area.

Assessment of Ethno Veterinary Practices in the Treatment of Major Diseases of Large Ruminants in Damboya woreda, Kembata Tembaro Zone of Southern Ethiopia

Assessment of Ethno Veterinary Practices in the Treatment of Major Diseases of Large Ruminants in Damboya woreda, Kembata Tembaro Zone of Southern Ethiopia