Tigray Regional State Research Articles

Effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on low birth weight in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia; a prospective cohort study

BackgroundUnder-nutrition during pregnancy affects birth outcomes and neonatal outcomes. Worldwide, 20.5 million children were low birth weight, mainly in poor countries. However, there is no longitudinal-based evidence on the effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on birth weight in Tigray regional state. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on low birth weight in Tigray regional state.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study among consecutively selected 540 pregnant women attending antenatal care in hospitals from October 2019 to June 2020. Pregnant women with mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 23 cm were exposed and those with MUAC≥23 cm were unexposed. Data on socio-demographic, diet, hygiene and anthropometry measurements were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires. SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. A log-binomial model was used to estimate the adjusted risk ratio and its 95%CI of the risk factors for low birth weight. Multi-collinearity was checked using the variance inflation factor (VIF) at a cut-off point of 8 and there was no multi-collinearity.ResultThe overall incidence of low birth weight was 14% (95%CI: 11.1, 17.4%). The incidence of low birth weight was 18.4 and 9.8% among the exposed and unexposed women, respectively. The difference in low birth weight incidence between the exposed and unexposed groups was statistically significant (p-value = 0.006). The risk factors of low birth weight were maternal illiteracy (ARR: 1.8, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.3), low monthly family income < 50 US Dollar (ARR: 1.6, 95%CI: 1.07, 2.2), lack of latrine utilization (ARR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.78), and diet diversity score < 5 (ARR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.05, 2.61).ConclusionLow birth weight was significantly higher among the exposed pregnant women. Maternal illiteracy, low monthly income, lack of latrine utilization, and low DDS were risk factors of low birth weight. It is then important to strengthen nutritional assessment and interventions during pregnancy, with a special attention for illiterate, and low monthly income pregnant women. Again, there has to be a promotion of latrine utilization and consumption of diversified diets.

Anemia among children living with HIV/AIDS on HAART in Mekelle Hospital, Tigray regional state of northern ethiopia \u2013 a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnemia is a common complication of HIV/AIDS in children. There is lack of evidence on anemia prevalence among children living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Tigray regional state, which the current study aimed to generate.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 241 children living with HIV/AIDS on HAART attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of Mekelle hospital from November 2018-January 2019. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured pretested questionnaire. Participants’ hemoglobin level was utilized to determine the prevalence of anemia. WHO cut-off values for Hgb were used to categorise the severity of anemia. Microscopic examination was performed for morphological classification of anemia.ResultsAmong the participants, 7 % (n = 16) were anemic in this study. Of these, 56 %, 19 %, and 25 % had mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively. Morphologically, normocytic-normochromic anemia was found the most common type of anemia in this study.ConclusionsThe prevalence of anemia among participants was low in this study. However, a considerable proportion of participants had severe anemia, requiring regular monitoring of anemia status in these patients for better clinical outcomes and quality of life improvements.

A reference database of forensic autosomal and gonosomal STR markers in the Tigray population of Ethiopia

Allele frequencies of 21 autosomal STR markers (AmpF/STR GlobalFiler) and haplotype frequencies of 27 Y- and 12 X-STR markers (AmpF/STR YFiler Plus and Investigator Argus X-12, respectively) were investigated in the Tigray population of Ethiopia, representing the main population group in the Tigray regional state of Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea. For autosomal STR allele frequencies, the average random match probability in the Tigray sample was 2.1 × 10-27. The average locus by locus FST distance calculated comparing autosomal STR allele frequencies from Tigray and from a broad regional reference dataset currently available for the Horn of Africa was 0.003. The Tigray male sample displayed high Y-STR diversity, with complete individualization of haplotypes using the AmpF/STR YFiler Plus panel. Analysis of molecular variance did not detect significant heterogeneity between Y-STR haplotypes observed in the present study and those previously reported in the literature for other Tigray population samples from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Study of the X-STR landscape in Tigray evidenced several distinctive features including: the molecular characterization of a novel null allele at locus DXS10146 with frequency > 1%; allele dependency between loci within linkage groups I and III; significant differences in haplotype distribution compared to other Horn of Africa populations, that should be taken into account in kinship analysis. The collected data can be used as a reference STR database by local forensic genetics services and in genetic identification procedures of victims of human trafficking in the Mediterranean Sea, which frequently involve individuals originating from the Horn of Africa.

Economic Integration of Small and Medium Enterprise in Manufacturing Sector: The Case of Ethiopia, Tigray Regional State Mekelle City

The purpose of this study is to assess the economic integration of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tigray, Ethiopia. Focusing mainly on strategies, enabling environment, competitiveness, and challenges of the economic integration of SMEs. This study was employed in a cross-sectional mixed approach method. The data were collected using 148 samples based on proportional stratified sampling after a pilot test was managed and analyzed using SPSS. It presented using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and ordinary least squire regression model. Interviews with 15 leaders and stakeholders, 8 focus group discussions were conducted with the SMEs council and a non-participatory observation of the researcher. The result indicates that SMEs are operated by owners and families, which implies that contribution to employment and income generation for others is very limited. Access to finance, work promising, market linkage, and quality and quantity input were also the general challenge of all SMEs. Peace and security among Ethiopian Regions and the Ethio-Eriteria border, the dependency mentality and rent-seeking behavior of SMEs operators are other challenges of SMEs. Also, the commitment, attitude, and capacity of the leaders at a different level to support and coordinate SMEs is weak. Thus, policies and strategies should review and adjust considering the current political situation. Capacity building to operators and agency leaders are very critical. Finally, special financial institutions and market supporting unit should be established to help SME’s competitiveness. Work promises and infrastructure should be ready before the SMEs was established. Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprise, Economic Integration of Small Enterprises, Challenges, Tigray, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-19-01 Publication date: October 31 st 2021

SATISFACTION ON MOTIVATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT IN THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES OF TIGRAY REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Motivating the employees both intrinsically and extrinsically in order to enhance the commitment of the employees is appreciable and the need of the day. However the satisfaction level of employees especially the teachers towards the motivation and its contribution to build the commitment have not yet been studied in Public Universities in Tigray Regional State In an attempt to bridge the gap, the study attempts to find the satisfaction of the employees towards the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation existing at their universities. The study has also found the commitment level of the employees and its relationship with the motivation. Required primary cross sectional data has been collected from 371 employees of the Public Universities in Tigrai regional state of Ethiopia. Using SPSS software the collected data is analyzed. Descriptive statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation and variance have been applied to describe the level of satisfaction among the employees towards the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The correlation statistics has also been applied to find the relationship between motivation and organizational commitment. The study has found an apparent positive correlation between motivation and organizational commitment. The results on the satisfaction level of the employees highlights that the intrinsic motivation is at the upper level. There is a scope to enrich extrinsic motivation. Hence the universities should focus more on the extrinsic motivation to have better committed employees.

ASSESSMENT OF PROMOTIONAL MIXES PRACTICE OF TIGRAY TOURISM INDUSTRY, ETHIOPIA

Tigray Regional State has significant tourism potentials. However, it is unable to exploit the existing tourism products using a promotional strategy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the promotional practice of the Tourism industry. This study applied a quantitative study design. The data was collected from 180 foreign and domestic tourists. The findings of the study indicated that Tigray tourism office frequently used television and radio promotional Media which are the most traditional, but infrequently used modern promotional tools (Websites, Short Mobile Messages (SMS), word of mouth, public relation). Sales Promotion and Public Relations mixes are mostly applied promotional elements in Tigray tourism sites.

Predictors of time-to-death on children in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia: a retrospective cross sectional study

BackgroundAlthough, the clinical and socioeconomic condition of Tigray Regional State mothers has been improved along with the decline in the child death rate. However, children’s death rate is still one of the main community serious challenging issues of public health concern. Thus, the main objective of this current investigation was to identify the major predictor factors for short time-to-death in Children in the Tigray Regional State.MethodsThe study used a secondary data with cross-sectional study design.The information gathered was from 1018 childbirths 5 years prior to the survey. Independent variables such as mother’s demographic variables, child demographic variables, healthiness and environmental factors were considered major hazard predictors of children’s short time-to-death rate. This current investigation used bivariable and multivariable Cox regression model analysis to identify the major statistically significant associations with children’s time-to-death rate.ResultsOne thousand eighteen children under 5 years of age were included in the study.Of them, 50% of the children were males, and the median survival time-to-death of children was 26 months.Overall, the prevalence of experiencing child’s death rate in the Tigray Regional State was 4.2%.The multivariable Cox regression model analysis showed that living rural place of residence (AHR = 19.8; 95% CI: (7.25–54.049)), being unvaccinated child (no) (AHR = 2.76; 95% CI: (1.071–7.11)), and poor wealth index (AHR = 15.4; 95% CI: (2.83–84)) were statistically significant predictors of time-to-death rate of children’s.ConclusionThe study recognized that being a rural place of residence, unvaccinated child status (no) and poor wealth index were statistically significant predictors of children’s short time-to-death rate.

Use and management practices of medicinal plants in and around mixed woodland vegetation, Tigray Regional State, Northern Ethiopia

Background: The concept of ethnomedicine deals with the cultural interpretations of health and illness through analyzing and using indigenous perceptions/practices. Although the tradition of using medicinal plants in Ethiopia is practiced for a long time, the documentation is not as intense as its long history and exercise wildly. This study was conducted in districts surrounding Hirmi Vegetation to; document and identify medicinal plant species, record indigenous knowledge of the people on medicinal plants and conservation measures practiced in the study area.Methods: Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks and focus group discussions. A total of 335 informants participated the data acquisition. Preference ranking, informant consensus factor, direct matrix ranking and t-tests in SPSS were employed to analyze the data.Results: About 85 medicinal plant species used to treat 71 human and 16 livestock ailments were documented. Herbs comprised the largest category (40%) followed by shrubs (35.3%) and trees (24.7%). Zehneria scabra (L.f.) Sond, Plumbago zeylanica L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe were the most preferred medicinal plants to treat the abdominal disease which have the highest informant consensus factor values (0.95). Overgrazing, deforestation and expansion of agriculture were the most repeated threats to the medicinal plants. Growing in homegarden, fencing and replanting were among the conservation techniques used by the local community. There was a significant indigenous knowledge differences (p&lt;0.05) on traditional medicinal plants between age groups, educational status, marital status and experience of informants. However, religion and gender did not exert statistically significant differences (P &gt;0.05).Conclusion: Traditional healers and relevant professionals should provide education on how to use and manage the medicinal plants to their descendants by disseminating the required information and knowledge. Furthermore, phytochemical and toxicological investigations of these preferable medicinal plants should be carried out intensively.Key words: Conservation, Ethnobotany, Hirmi, Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal Plants

What factors are associated with pre-pregnancy nutritional status? Baseline analysis of the KITE cohort: a prospective study in northern Ethiopia

ObjectiveTo assess a broad range of factors associated with pre-pregnancy nutritional status, a key step towards improving maternal and child health outcomes, in Ethiopia.DesignA baseline data analysis of a population-based...

Diabetes self-care practice and associated factors among type 2 diabetic patients in public hospitals of Tigray regional state, Ethiopia: A multicenter study.

BackgroundThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing steadily at an alarming rate. Ethiopia is placed fourth among the top five countries of the African region members of the international diabetes federation. This study aimed to determine the level of diabetes self-care practice and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending public hospitals of the Tigray region.MethodsAn institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected hospitals of Tigray region from January to February 2020. Study participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling method. Diabetes self-care practice was assessed using Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) assessment tool. The data were collected by trained nurses via face-to-face interview. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with self-care practices. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.ResultsA total of 570 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. The mean (SD) age of the participant was 46 (±14.6) years. Less than half (46.7%) of the participants had good diabetes self-care practices. Surprisingly, only 68 (11.9%) of the participants had access to a personal glucometer. Urban residency (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.20–2.94), age group 48–63 years (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.19–3.98), not having a formal education (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.32–5.25), having family support (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.24–2.85), and having a personal glucometer at home (AOR = 6.1, 95% CI = 2.83–13.0) were the factors associated with good diabetes self-care practices.ConclusionThe diabetes self-care practice in the region was found to be poor. Where factors like, being an urban resident, age group between 49–63 years, not having a formal education, and having a personal glucometer at home were associated with good self-care practices. Health care providers might have to consider actions to act on the identified factors and improve the level of self-care practices of the patients.

Development Induced Displacement and State Policy Implementation: A Case of Welkayt Sugar Factory in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is realizing several development projects out of which sugar development projects the major one. It is expected that a large-scale project would result in the displacement of people. When the displacement of people occurred due to development project, it is likely that government provide compensations and have clear procedures for the resettlement process. With the aim of evaluating the existence and implementation of resettlement policy and examining the relocation process in the case of Welkayt sugar factory development project, this research was conducted in Tigray region of Ethiopia. Precisely, the study aimed at evaluating the implantation of Ethiopia’s proclamation on landholding expropriated for public purposes and examining the resettlement process, and identifying major challenges encountered during the resettlement process. To meet these objectives, a household survey, focused group discussions, interviews, and observation was employed to gather the primary data. The research design and approach were descriptive and qualitative respectively. The study shows that Ethiopia has a proclamation on expropriation of landholdings for public purposes and payment of compensation since 2005. The Tigray regional state has likewise established a resettlement action plan for this specific development project. The Woreda administration was also active in the process of resettlement. This development project is evaluated to be positive in the fulfilment of basic service in the resettlement area. The government proclamation on the designation of property valuation committee, provision of replacement land, determination and payment of compensation, and establishment of complaints and appeals concerning the compensation were realized in the study case. Though evaluated to not have a similar purpose, replacement land was given for taken agricultural land, grazing land, and burial grounds. Compensation for the house removal related costs has been provided, while a promise was given by the government for the unreplaced agricultural land. Several challenges by the government, the project affected people, and the sugar development corporation were encountered in the process of resettlement. Similar projects of the future are recommended to be informative and transparent of the relocation process to the public.

The magnitude of anemia and associated factors among adult diabetic patients in Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Northern Ethiopia, 2019, cross-sectional study.

Patients with Diabetic Mellitus are at higher risk of different complications. Many previous studies show that anemia among diabetic patients is poorly diagnosed. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of anemia among adult diabetes patients having regular follow up at the diabetic clinic of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, 2018/19. This study was conducted the Diabetic clinic of Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Tigray regional state, Northern Ethiopia from January to March 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. About 5 ml of venous blood was collected by experienced laboratory technologists under a complete aseptic technique. Two ml of the venous blood was used for hemoglobin determination. And three ml of the venous blood was used without any anticoagulant for creatinine determination. The association of variables was assessed using bivariate and multivariable analysis in the logistic regression model with p-value, odds ratio, and 95% CI in the SPSS version 24 software. From a total of 262 diabetes patients, forty-seven (17.9%) were found to be anemic (6.7% males and 11.5% females). Among the related factors, residency (Adjusted Odds Ratio, 7.69, 95% CI, 2.060, 28.69, p = 0.002,), age of the patients (Adjusted Odds Ratio, 4.007, 95%CI, 1.53-10.51, p = 0.005,) and sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio, 3.434, 95% CI, 1.582, 7.458, p = 0.042,) were significantly associated with anemia. According to this study, the magnitude of anemia is high among diabetic patients. Occupation of the participants, residency, HIV status, being female, and age was significantly associated with anemia.

Frequency of MTB and rifampicin resistance MTB using Xpert-MTB/RIF assay among adult presumptive tuberculosis patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: A cross sectional study.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) continues to be a global health problem. Data on rifampicin resistance MTB using Xpert- MTB/RIF assay in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of MTB and rifampicin resistant-MTB among presumptive tuberculosis patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. A multicenter retrospective study was conducted among presumptive TB patients from five governmental hospitals and one comprehensive specialized teaching hospital in Tigray regional state. Records of sputum sample results of presumptive MTB patients with Xpert-MTB/RIF assay from January 2016 to December 2019 were investigated. Data extraction tool was used to collect data from registration books and analyzed using SPSS ver.21 statistical software. Statistical significance was set at p-value ≤ 0.05. Of the 30,935 presumptive adult TB patients who have provided specimens for TB diagnosis from January 2016 to December 2019, 30,300 (98%) had complete data and were included in this study. More than half, 17,471 (57.7%) were males, and the age of the patients ranged from 18-112 years, with a median age of 40.65 (interquartile 29.4-56.5 years). Majority, 28,996 (95.7%) of the participants were treatment naïve, and 23,965 (79.1%) were with unknown HIV status. The overall frequency of MTB was 2,387 (7.9% (95% CI: 7.6-8.2%); of these, 215 (9% (95% CI: 7.9-10.2%) were rifampicin resistant-MTB. Age (18-29 years), HIV positive and previous TB treatment history were significantly associated with high MTB (p < 0.001), whereas gender (being female) was associated with low MTB (p < 0.001). Likewise, rifampicin resistant-MTB was more prevalent among relapse (p < 0.001) and failure cases (p = 0.025); while age group 30-39 years was significantly associated with lower frequency of rifampicin resistant-MTB (p = 0.008). Frequency of MTB among tuberculosis presumptive patients was low; however, the problem of rifampicin resistant-MTB among the tuberculosis confirmed patients was high. The high frequency of MTB and RR-MTB among previously treated and HIV positive patients highlights the need for more efforts in TB treatment and monitoring program in the study area.

Evaluation of Different Level of Vermicompost on Yield and Yield Components of Wheat at Vertisols of L/Machew District

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate different rates of vermicompost, and inorganic NPS(Nitrogen-Phosphate Fertilizer With Sulphur) fertilizers for wheat production in 2015-2017 main cropping seasons at L/machew district of the Tigray Regional State. There were five systematically combined rates of vermicompost and one rate of NPS treatments during the study. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Surface soil samples were collected before planting to analyze selected soil properties. The textural class of the soil was clay. The pH of the soil was rated under moderately acidic. Available P was rated under medium in most of the experimental sites while total N was low in all experimental sites. The treatments significantly affected crop phenology, yield and yield components of wheat. Thus tallest plant height was found from treatments that received 100kg/ha NPS, followed by 8.75t/ha vermicompost which resulted in (73.25cm) while the shortest plant (62.73cm) was obtained from control plots, respectively. Highest mean wheat grain yield (2642.8kg/ha) was obtained in response to 100kg NPS from inorganic fertilizer application followed by the second highest dose of vermicompost (7t/ha) with grain yield of 2620 kg/ha. At the wheat plants grown in plot received vermicompost compost at 7t/ha of vermicompost increased the grain yield by 67.78% over the control. Though highest grain yield was obtained from highest dose of vermicompost the partial budget analysis shows that the highest marginal rate of return (456) was obtained from 3.5t/ha VC ha-1 plus 100kg/ha urea at the study area.

Ethiopian traditional dance alter the health-related physical fitness traits of high school students

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tigray regional state traditional dances on health-related physical fitness traits among high school students in Ethiopia. To achieve the purpose of this study, 100 high school students were selected randomly. And their age was 15.5±1.1 years. The selected participants were categorized into the experimental group consists of four Traditional dances that were Awris, Hura, Kuda, and Shediva and the control group with twenty subjects in each. The experimental group performed traditional dances for 16 weeks three days per week whereas participants in the control group were informed to follow their usual daily activity. All participants were tested on selected criterion measures on muscular strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and body composition before and after the 16 weeks of the training period. The data about the variables in this study were statistically examined using ANOVA for each variable separately, whenever the ‘F’ ratio of adjusted post-test was found to be significant, the Scheffe’s test was used to determine the paired mean differences. The level of significance was fixed at 0.05. Following the 16-weeks traditional dance training, a significant change was observed on muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance, but there was no significant improvement in body composition as compares to the experimental groups with the control group. Therefore it can be concluded that Tigray traditional dance training program can notably improve physical fitness level of high school students.

Woody Species Structure and Regeneration Status in Kafta Sheraro National Park Dry Forest, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Kafta Sheraro National Park (KSNP) dry woodland natural forest located in Kafta Humera and Tahitay Adiyabo weredas (districts), Western and Northwestern Zones of Tigray regional governmental state, North Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to explore the floristic composition, structure, and regeneration of woody species in the home ofLoxodonta africanaL.,Hippotragus equinus,Anthropoides virgo,Ourebia ourebi,Crocuta crocuta,Tragelaphus strepsiceros,Phacochoerus africanus, and unidentified crocodile and fish species. In the park, the vegetation ecology has not been studied up to date which is necessary for conservation. The systematic sampling technique was used to collect vegetation and human disturbance (presence and absence) data from August to December 2018. The vegetation data were collected from 161 plots each with a size of 400 m2(20 m × 20 m) for tree/shrub while subplots of size 100 m2(10 m × 10 m) and 25 m2(5 m × 5 m) for sapling and seedling, respectively, were established in the main plots. Individual tree and shrub diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥2.5 cm and height ≥ 2 m were measured using tape meter and clinometer, respectively. Diameter at breast height (DBH), frequency, density, basal area, and importance value index (IVI) were used for vegetation structure description while the density of mature trees, sapling, and seedling was used for regeneration. A total of 70 woody species (46 (65.7%) trees, 18 (25.7%) shrubs, and 6 (8.6%) tree/shrub) were identified. The total basal area and density of 79.3 ± 4.6 m2·ha−1and 466 ± 12.8 stems·ha−1, respectively, were calculated for 64 woody species. Fabaceae was the most dominant family with 16 species (22.9%) followed by Combretaceae with 8 species (11.4%). The most dominant and frequent species throughout the park wereAcacia mellifera,Combretum hartmannianum,Terminalia brownii,Balanites aegyptiaca,Dichrostachys cinerea,Acacia senegal,Acacia oerfota,Boswellia papyrifera, Ziziphus spina-christi, andAnogeissus leiocarpus. Abnormal patterns of selected woody species were dominantly identified. The regenerating status of all the woody plant species was categorized as “fair” (18.75%), “poor” (7.81%), and “none” (73.44%). There was a significant correlation between altitude, anthropogenic disturbance (grazing and fire frequency), and density of seedling, sapling, and mature trees. But there was no correlation between gold mining and regeneration population. However, there is a good initiation for the conservation of the park; still, the vegetation of the park was threatened by human-induced fire following intensive farming, gold mining, and overgrazing. Therefore, the study area was the habitat for the population of the African elephant; species with low importance value indices and lack or having few seedling and sapling stage should be prioritized for conservation, and their soil seed banks should be studied further.

Spatial Statistical Analysis of the relation in between population density and Human Modification of terrestrial lands at Tabia level in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia

In this study first spatial pattern of the level of human modification of terrestrial lands and second its relation with population density was studied at Taiba level in the Tigray regional state of Ethiopia. For the level of human modification of terrestrial lands global Human Modification dataset (gHM) was used and for population density Gridded Population of the World, Version 4 (GPWv4.11) dataset was used. Both the data set were preprocessed before geostatistical analysis. To measure the distribution pattern Global Moran's I statistics, Cluster and Outlier Analysis (Anselin Local Morans I) statistics was used. To measure the relation between population density and human modification of terrestrial lands geographically weighted regression was used. In the case of first objective the resulting z-score of 50.50, confirm the tabias with high Human Modification of terrestrial lands are highly clustered. In case of second objective the results shows 214 Tabias containing high value and are surrounded by Tabias with high values (HH), 10 Tabias containing high value and is surrounded by Tabias with low values (HL). The relation between population density and human modification of terrestrial lands was found positive with R2= 0.506. This research will help the government and planners for proactive spatial planning to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function before important environmental values are lost in tabias containing high value and is surrounded by Tabias with high values.

Utilization and factors associated with antenatal, delivery and postnatal Care Services in Tigray Region, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify the utilization and factors associated with antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care services in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 667 women of reproductive age group who had children aged 45 days - 6 months in 13 districts (3 urban and 10 rural). Data were collected from May–June 2015. Multistage sampling technique was used. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Multiple variable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the utilization of antenatal care, institutional delivery, and postnatal care services.ResultsOf the total, the proportion of women who visited a health facility for antenatal care four or more times (ANC 4+) was 58.2%, those who chose institutional delivery was 87.9%, and those who received postnatal care (PNC) within 42 days of birth at least once was 40.3%. Residing in an urban area, having an electronic media, and having 2–5 children were factors associated with an ANC 4+ visit. Whereas, partner involvement in ANC visit (AOR = 2.4, 95% of CI: 1.37, 4.35) and content of ANC discussed (AOR = 4.0, 95% of CI: 1.08, 14.93), having birth preparedness (AOR = 2.6, 95% of CI: 1.44, 4.97), residing within a distance of less than a 30-min walk to the nearest health facility (AOR = 2.0, 95% of CI: 1.16, 3.64), and having ANC 4+ visits (AOR = 2.4, 95% of CI: 1.39, 4.31) were the factors that were found to be associated with institutional delivery. As regards to PNC visits within 42 days of birth, age of 40–45 years, having 2–5 children, and ANC 4+ visits were found to be significant factors associated with it.ConclusionThe proportion of women who attended antenatal care and gave birth in a health facility was high. However, the proportion of women who attended antenatal and postnatal care was low. Residing in urban areas, having an electronic media, living near a health facility, having partner involvement in decision making, receiving appropriate ANC counseling, having birth preparedness, age of the woman, and number of children could potentially influence maternal health services utilization.

Effects of Nitrogen on Yield and Yield Components of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under NPSB Blended Fertilizer in Tsegedie and Welkait Districts Westren Zone Tigray, Ethiopia

Decisions concerning optimum rates of fertilization directly involve fitting some type of rates to yield when several rates of fertilizer are tested. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer rates yields and yield components of bread wheat and determine optimum rate of N. The field experiment was carried out in 2016 and 2017 main cropping season at Tsegedie and Welkait districts in Western Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. The experiment consists of seven levels of nitrogen (0, 23, 46, 69, 99, 115 and 138 kg ha-1) arranged in randomized completed block design with three replications. Nitrogen was applied splits, half at planting and remaining at tiller stage. NPSB was applied as basal application for all experimental plots except the negative control. Soil samples were collected before planting for analysis of some selected physicochemical properties. The soil properties of the experimental sites of the two districts varied in most of the soil properties. Application of nitrogen significantly influenced grain yield and yield components of wheat in both study sites. The highest grain yield 3926 kg ha-1 and 2131 kg ha-1 were obtained from 138 kg N ha-1 and 115 kg N ha-1 at the study sites of Tsegedie and Welkait districts, respectively. Highest marginal rate of returns were however obtained at nitrogen rates of 46 kg ha-1 and 23 kg ha-1 at Tsegedie and Welkait districts, respectively. Hence, it could be concluded that the use of N at 46 kg ha-1and 23 kg ha-1 with 100 kg NPSB fertilizer could give optimum bread wheat yield at Tsegedie and Welkait districts, respectively.

Modeling the Survival of Tuberculosis Patients in Eastern Zone of Tigray Regional State.

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is still a public health problem and amongst the top ten leading causes of death. The aim of this paper was to identify the factors that significantly affect the survival of tuberculosis patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out in Adigrat General and Wukro hospitals, Eastern Zone of Tigray region, Ethiopia. Data for this study were obtained from medical records of all TB cases registered from September 2016 to August 2017 in the two hospitals. Log-rank test and Kaplan–Meier plot were used to evaluate the survival pattern of TB patients. A multivariable Cox proportional regression model was employed to identify the predictors of mortality. Factors with a P-value smaller than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant facilitators of TB death.ResultsOf the 397 patients studied over the specified period, 23 (5.8%) had died. A statistically significant survival difference was observed among gender, residence, HIV status, treatment category, and age category of patients. In multivariable cox regression, lower survival rates were observed among patients aged ≥45 years (HR = 5.315, 95% CI: 1.231–22.959), relapse cases (HR = 4.069, 95% CI: 1.636–10.119), patients with extrapulmonary TB (HR = 3.054, 95% CI: 1.044–8.940), patients from rural areas (HR = 2.834, 95% CI: 1.161–6.916), patients with a bodyweight of ≤50 kg and HIV-positive patients.ConclusionBased on the survival experience of TB patients, advancing age, extrapulmonary TB infection, living in rural residence, lower bodyweight at beginning of treatment, HIV co-infection, and being a retreatment patient were predictors of mortality. To achieve the “End TB Strategy” goal of zero death, proper targeting of care to these vulnerable groups should be advised.