Zones Of Ethiopia Research Articles

Serological and molecular analysis of Leishmania infection in a recent outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has a high burden of visceral leishmaniasis. Recently, there was a significant increase in cases in the South Omo Zone. This study aims to assess the prevalence of Leishmania donovani infection and its associated factors. A household-based cross-sectional study was carried out in January 2023 in the South Omo Zone in Ethiopia. Dried blood spot samples were collected from 382 randomly selected study participants. Direct agglutination test (DAT) and kinetoplast DNA real-time PCR tests were performed to detect L. donovani infection. Participants' sociodemographic, clinical and risk factors for L. donovani infection data were collected using questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Febrile cases were checked for malaria with a multiplex PCR assay. Overall prevalence of L. donovani infection among the sampled population was 32.5% (n=124), of which 41.1% (n=51) was detected by PCR, 33.9% (n=42) by DAT and 25.0% (n=31) by both tests. The majority of the positives were from the Logira (28.2%; n=35) and Dilbayne (29.0%; n=36) villages. Participants residing in Logira (adjusted OR [AOR]: 5.80; 95% CI 1.85 to 18.15) and Dilbayne (AOR: 3.38; 95% CI 1.15 to 9.96) villages and owning cows (AOR: 2.31; 95% CI 1.03 to 5.15) showed an association with Leishmania infection. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 3.4% (n=2) of 59 febrile participants. The prevalence of L. donovani infection in the South Omo Zone is high. Further research on the role of cows in the transmission cycle is needed to design the best strategy to control Leishmania infection in the South Omo Zone. Such interventions should focus on the Logira and Dilbayne villages, where most of the infections were identified.

Detecting spatial clusters of human scabies in Tigray, Ethiopia from 2018 to 2023

BackgroundScabies is one of public health concerns among communicable disease in Ethiopia, especially among disadvantaged and the poor. This current study aims to detect the spatiotemporal patterns of scabies in Tigray from 2018 to 2023 using scabies data aggregated at the zonal level. The study also examined the persistent patterns in the spatial variation of scabies incidence across the administrative regions during the study period.MethodWe collected scabies data using a weekly disease surveillance reporting format of the country from 2018 to 2023 across all accessible district health facilities in Tigray region, Ethiopia. We conducted retrospective analyses using both purely spatial and spatiotemporal scan statistic approaches, employing a discrete Poisson probability model to identify statistically significant clusters of high scabies rates throughout the Tigray regional zones in Ethiopia. Our methodology involved the use of Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistic software (SaTScan v10.1.3), R programming software version 4.3.1, and ArcGIS Pro for all analyses.ResultsA total of 101,116 cases of scabies were reported from 2018 to 2023. Our study indicated a spatial heterogeneity in the pattern of scabies across Tigray region as well as its localization among geographically contiguous zones across space, except for the Western zone of Tigray where no data was collected. The detected statistically significant spatial clusters \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:p-value<0.05$$\\end{document} persisted mainly in the Central, Eastern and Northwestern zones of Tigray over the six years of the study period. The highest relative risk (RR) was recorded in year 2021 (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:RR=8.49,\\:LLR=6860.34,p-value=0.01)$$\\end{document}. The central zone had the major clusters of scabies at district level from 2018 to 2023. The heterogeneous distribution of scabies across Tigray could be due to the spatial variations in the determinants of scabies (such as socioeconomic status, demographics, and material deprivation) across the region.ConclusionAn enormous burden of scabies was reported over a period of six years. The present study found localized clusters of high scabies rates at district and zonal levels in Tigray, Ethiopia, possibly due to differences in various determinants of scabies such as access to WASH services. The findings could help the government and health authorities to develop and implement scabies control strategies in Tigray, with a focus on high-risk districts and zones to ensure optimal resource allocation.

Influence of Plant Density and Fungicides on Downy Mildew (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Peronospora Destructor&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Bulb Yield of Onion in Ethiopia

Onion is a popular vegetable crop, which has been produced for its daily uses and economic benefits. Downey mildew caused by the fungus &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Peronospora&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;destructor&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; is among the most important yield-reducing factor in onion production. The effect of three different levels of plant population and fungicide frequency with two different fungicides was studied on downy mildew severity and yield of onion. Nineteen treatment of this Experiment included two fungicides mancozeb + metalaxyl and copper hydrox-ide, three different spraying interval with (10 days, 15 days and 21 days) and three level of plant population (0.71, 0.95 and 1.2 million plants/ha). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications for two year at Fogera and for one year at Dera districts of South Gondar zone Ethiopia. Data on disease severity, bulb yield, bulb number and bulb size were recorded during the time of harvest. The price of bulb yield was assessed from the local market and the total price of the yield obtained from each treatment was computed on hectare basis. Input costs like seed, fungicides and labor were converted into hectare basis according to their frequencies used. Fungicides cost was estimated based on the price of the local market. Cost of the labor was in Birr per man-days; cost of spray and spray equipment to spray per hectare were also calculated. Based on the obtained data from the above mentioned parameters economic analysis was performed. The lowest disease severity was recorded in treatment were lowest level of plant population (0.71 million plant/hectare) spraying with fungicide mancozeb + metalaxyl within 15days interval. In this treatment bulb yield and bulb weight were the highest. The economic evaluation showed that the highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return was obtained from T3 (0.71million plants/ha spraying with fungicide mancozeb + metalaxyl within 15days interval).

Knowledge, attitude towards, and utilization of friendly health services among school adolescents in the pastoral community of Guji zone, Ethiopia: an institution-based comparative cross-sectional study.

Although sexual and reproductive health for adolescents is a recognized fundamental human right and a critical component of health policy, it is poorly addressed and seldom researched in pastoral communities. The study aimed to determine the status of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and practice among pastoral school adolescents in Ethiopia. An Institution-based comparative study was conducted from Nov. 2020 to Jan. 2021. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study at four randomly selected high schools. Seven hundred seventy-three adolescent students participated, with 384 from Gorodola and 389 from Wadara districts, Guji zone Ethiopia. The data was collected using 34 self-administered questions and analyzed using descriptive, t-test, and linear regression models. The study found that only 44.2% of all the participants had good knowledge, 46.1% had good attitudes and 35.4% had good utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services. Respondents from Wadara High School had significantly higher mean knowledge scores (49.3% vs. 44.2%, p < 0.01) than those of Gorodola High School. There was no significant difference in mean utilization scores between case and compare (45.08% vs. 37%, p > 0.01). Adolescents who were not communicated on SRH matters, previously utilized FHS, and visited Friendly Health facilities were associated with poor utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. Wadera High School adolescents have better Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and utilization than Gorodola high schools. Community public health care providers in Wadara District explain the outcome through their contributions. Within the context of inherent disadvantage in the school environment setting, there is a need to improve sexual and reproductive health education with a greater emphasis on school girls.

Analysis of Meteorological Drought in Cases of North Wello Zone, Ethiopia

Drought is a commonly used term, but the most complex and least realized of all the natural hazards affecting more people than any other hazards. The main objective of the study was to investigate the spatial-temporal occurrence of Meteorological drought indices analysis in the study areas. The study was undertaken to investigate the magnitude, frequency, and trends of drought incidence in North Wello Zone Ethiopia using monthly rainfall records for the period 1990 to 2020 of North Wello zone stations and CHIRPS satellite data. Drought Index Calculator used to analyse standard precipitation index (SPI). The correlation between station data and CHIRPS data in this study was 0.89 which shows highly correlation between them. the result of meteorological drought indices map analysis on the years 1999, 2000, and 2008 severely dry to extremely dry conditions in the Belg season, similarly in 19990, 199308, 201507, 201508, and 201509 have got meteorological drought indices with extremely dry Kiremt season on the North Wello Zone. The drought magnitude of different time scales varied from slight to extremely severe in the studied stations. The identification of the temporal and spatial characteristics of droughts in the North Wello Zone will be useful for the development of a drought preparedness plan in the Zone. Generally increasing tendencies of drought were observed during the main rainy season and decreasing tendencies of drought during the short rainy season and annual scale were observed in the study area.

Health checkup practice and its associated factors among adults in South Gondar zone Ethiopia

Non-communicable diseases are the current global burden including in sub-Saharan Africa, which increasing the incidence of cardiovascular disorders and their complications due to a lack of health checks and delayed treatments. To assess health checkup practice among adults in the South Gondar zone of northeast Ethiopia in 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from July 30, 2022, to August 30, 2022. Three woredas (Debre Tabor, Guna Beyemidir, and Andabet) were selected by using a simple random sampling method from the south Gondar zone, and three kebeles were selected randomly from each woreda. A complete of 422 samples were selected by random sampling technique. Data were collected in a face-to-face interview using structured questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was done to identify the association between each variable with the outcome variable. A variable that had a p-value < 0.25 in binary logistic regression became a candidate for multivariate logistic regression then after factors p value < 0.05 was considered as predictors to the outcome variable. In this study, health checkup practice was 40.2%. Living with families (AOR 3.36; 95% CI 1.47–7.66), presence chronic disease (AOR 2.52; 95% CI 1.49–4.26), No self-medication practice (AOR 5.39; 95% CI 3.06–9.49) and having health insurance (AOR 3.02; 95% CI 1.68–5.430) were significantly associated with regular health checkup practice. Health checkup practice was low as compared to health policy recommendations and its health maintenance value. Creating awareness about health check-ups and prevention of disease complications will be taken by different stakeholders in the health care system

Land Rental Transactions in Ethiopian Peri-Urban Areas: Sex and Other Factors for Land Rent Transactions

The continuous reduction in peri-urban agricultural land due to spatial urban expansion forces subsistence farmers to seek arable land through different land access strategies. Among these, land rental transactions are crucial for accessing arable land across different regions. This study aimed to examine factors affecting land rental transactions in the peri-urban areas of the East Gojjam Administrative Zone in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 353 household heads of peri-urban areas, who were affected by expropriation. A total of 350 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and an econometrics model. The results indicated that 58% of the respondents participated in both renting and renting out land, which underlines the importance of land rental transactions in the peri-urban areas. Specifically, 60% of female-headed households were engaged in land rental transactions, with 14% renting in and 46% renting out land. In contrast, 38% of the male-headed respondents rented land, while only 19% rented out land. The model result identified sex, landholding size, number of oxen, participation in off-farm activities, and extension service as significant determinant variables for renting land. Households made land rental agreements both orally and in written documents, with oral agreements being more prevalent. Transaction dues were conducted through sharecropping and fixed rents, with sharecropping being the most common method. Thus, land rental transactions play pivotal roles to support the livelihoods of peri-urban subsistence farmers.

Factors influencing company performance and global value chains participation: the case of textiles and apparel industries in Ethiopia in Eastern Industrial Zone (EIZ)

This paper aims to identify the factors influencing companies’ performance of Textiles and Apparel Industries in Ethiopia, particularly, in the Eastern Industrial Zone. The researchers employed Maximum Likelihood with Robust (MLR) in Confirmatory Factor Analysis Model (CFA) for survey data gathered from the employees of the Textiles and Apparel industries operating in the Eastern Industrial Zone in Ethiopia which took place from 2020-2021. Main findings of this study indicate that (i) one-unit enhancement in Companies’ Performance yields a favorable impact on raw materials &amp; financial situation; (ii) human capital experiences a rise in the expected units followed, (iii) competitive environment displaying an increase of the units as well, (iv) policies environment demonstrates an improvement, finally (v) organizational development exhibits growth of the expected units as well. This study has identified that these five endogenous latent variables are positively influenced by exogenous latent variable, Companies’ Performance because all have shown the results above the expectation. This study brings insight to investors how they boost their companies’ performance and develops the best strategies for the success of their companies.

Spatial variation of short birth intervals and their determinant factors among reproductive women in Ethiopia using a geographically weighted regression model.

In low- and middle-income nations, a significant proportion of maternal and infant deaths are caused by a short birth interval (SBI). In Ethiopia, it is the main factor contributing to maternal and infant mortality. Understanding the spatial distribution of SBIs, i.e., birth intervals of less than 33 months, and the factors that influence them is important for categorizing and promoting targeted interventions. This study used a geographically weighted regression model to evaluate the factors associated with SBIs in hot areas of Ethiopia. The 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey, which is nationally representative, provided the data for this study. The first step in the two-stage cluster design used to collect the data was enumeration areas, and the second stage was households. The survey was conducted between 21 March 2019 and 28 June 2019. A hot spot analysis (local Getis-Ord Gi* statistics) was initially used to investigate spatial variation in SBIs. Geographically weighted regression was used to examine the regional variation in the relationship between SBIs and the factors that cause them. The study indicated that the overall proportion of SBIs among women in Ethiopia was 43.2%. The values for Global Moran's I (Moran's I = 0.773 and p < 0.001) showed the presence of significant SBIs clustering in Ethiopian administrative zones in Ethiopia. High-risk areas of the SBIs include Jarar, Doolo, Shabelle, Afder, Liben, Korahe, Nogob, West Harerge, Guji, Sidama, and Assosa zones. Living in a geographic region with a high proportion of uneducated women, women lacking breastfeeding practices, and followers of Orthodox religions increased the proportion of SBIs. Our full map of hot spots for short birth spacing and the factors that affect them helps in the implementation of precise public health measures for decision-makers.

Does livestock-crop diversification improve food and nutrition security? Evidence from Eastern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Pastoral and agro-pastoral households are the most vulnerable parts of the population to climate change-induced shocks and they are increasingly subject to acute food and nutrition insecurity. We identified drivers of livestock-crop diversification and examined its effects on improving households’ food and nutrition security using cross sectional data collected from 258 households across five districts in the East Hararghe zone in Ethiopia. Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) analysis was used to identify factors associated with the households’ food and nutrition security outcomes and estimate the causal effects of livestock-crop diversification on the households’ food and nutrition security. Our results show that land certification, mobile phone ownership, and access to pastoral training centres were positively and significantly associated with livestock-crop diversification. In contrast, being located in Meyu Muluke and Kumbi districts were negatively and significantly associated with livestock-crop diversification, compared to Chinaksen district. The average treatment effect estimations suggest that livestock-crop diversification has positively and significantly improved diversified households’ nutritional security outcome. The findings also reveal that non-diversified households’ food insecurity would have reduced had they diversified. Nonetheless, livestock-crop diversification is neither enough to pull farm households fully out of food and nutrition insecurity nor the only factor influencing farm households’ food and nutrition security outcomes. Hence, there is also a need to strengthen access to physical infrastructure, credit facilities, extension services, provision of farm inputs, and pastoral training centres to reduce food and nutrition insecurity in the study area.

Trematode infection in ruminants and diversity of snail hosts across three agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia

The occurrence of trematodes among ruminants and their snail vectors is a major concern across various agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia. Trematodes pose significant threats to animals, causing considerable economic losses and impacting public health. In this study, we have investigated 784 ruminant fecal samples, and 520 abattoir samples, alongside the collection and identification of snail vectors from various agro-ecological regions. Fecal examinations revealed Fasciola, Paramphistomum and Schistosoma species infected 20.5% (95% CI: 17.6, 23.8), 11.7% (95% CI: 9.6, 14.2), and 6.3% (95% CI: 4.1, 9.1) of the animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of trematodes among ruminants was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.1%), with 6.0% (95% CI: 4.3, 7.7) showing mixed infections. Fasciola was more prevalent in Asela (26%) compared to Batu (19%) and Hawassa (11.5%), while a higher proportion of animals in Batu were infected with Paramphistomum. Schistosoma eggs were detected only in Batu (12.5%), but not in other areas. Sheep and cattle exhibited higher infection rates with Fasciola, Paramphistoma, and Schistosoma compared to goats. Significant associations were observed between trematode infections and risk factors including agro-ecology, animal species, body condition score, and deworming practices. About 20.8% and 22.7% of the slaughtered animals harbored Fasciola and Paramphistomum flukes, respectively, with a higher prevalence in Asela and Hawassa abattoirs compared to Batu abattoir. Additionally, a total of 278 snails were collected from the study areas and identified as lymnae natalensis, lymnae trancatula, Biomphalaria pffiferi, Biomphlaria sudanica, and Bulinus globosus. In conclusion, the study highlights the widespread occurrence of trematode infections, emphasizing the need for feasible control measures to mitigate their economic and public health impacts.

Instructional Leadership Practice of Secondary School Principals to Deliver Quality Education in North Shewa Zone in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The participants of the study were secondary school principals (47) and supervisors (16) selected using availability sampling. The method of data collection was a principals’ instructional management rating scale. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and an independent t-test, p < .05. The findings indicated that the practice of the ten instructional leadership functions was mainly poor, with some good with slightly better practices. The findings from an independent-sample t-test analysis showed that there were no statistically significant mean score differences between principals and supervisors’ ratings of the three dimensions of instructional leadership. To improve the instructional leadership practice in the schools, practical pre-and in-service training should be given to improve the knowledge and skill of instructional leadership of the principals.

Unravelling Chlamydia trachomatis diversity in Amhara, Ethiopia: MLVA-ompA sequencing as a molecular typing tool for trachoma.

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide and is now largely confined to around 40 low- and middle-income countries. It is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), a contagious intracellular bacterium. The World Health Organization recommends mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin for treatment and control of ocular Ct infections, alongside improving facial cleanliness and environmental conditions to reduce transmission. To understand the molecular epidemiology of trachoma, especially in the context of MDA and transmission dynamics, the identification of Ct genotypes could be useful. While many studies have used the Ct major outer membrane protein gene (ompA) for genotyping, it has limitations. Our study applies a typing system novel to trachoma, Multiple Loci Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis combined with ompA (MLVA-ompA). Ocular swabs were collected post-MDA from four trachoma-endemic zones in Ethiopia between 2011-2017. DNA from 300 children with high Ct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) loads was typed using MLVA-ompA, utilizing 3 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci within the Ct genome. Results show that MLVA-ompA exhibited high discriminatory power (0.981) surpassing the recommended threshold for epidemiological studies. We identified 87 MLVA-ompA variants across 26 districts. No significant associations were found between variants and clinical signs or chlamydial load. Notably, overall Ct diversity significantly decreased after additional MDA rounds, with a higher proportion of serovar A post-MDA. Despite challenges in sequencing one VNTR locus (CT1299), MLVA-ompA demonstrated cost-effectiveness and efficiency relative to whole genome sequencing, providing valuable information for trachoma control programs on local epidemiology. The findings suggest the potential of MLVA-ompA as a reliable tool for typing ocular Ct and understanding transmission dynamics, aiding in the development of targeted interventions for trachoma control.

Incidence of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes among Women Exposed to Maternal Near-Misses in Arsi Zone in Ethiopia: Prospective Cohort Study in 2022.

Exposure to maternal near-misses has a massive effect on adverse perinatal outcomes. Hence, investigating the effect of maternal near-misses on perinatal outcomes can aid in the reduction of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The study is aimed at assessing the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes among women exposed to maternal near-misses at Arsi Zone public hospitals in Ethiopia in 2022. The study included a prospective cohort of 335 women at Arsi Zone public hospitals from December 2021 to June 2022. Women who were admitted for management of pregnancy were followed. The exposed group was women with maternal near-misses screened based on disease-validated criteria. The nonexposed group was made up of women who delivered without complications. Trained data collectors used pretested, structured questionnaires to collect data from women. Pertinent data was also extracted from the clients' logbooks. Data was transferred from EpiData version 3.1 to SPSS version 25 for analysis, logistic regression was computed, and 95% confidence intervals were declared at a p value of 5% significance level. The incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes was higher in the exposed women than in the nonexposed women (56% versus 16%). Contrasted with the nonexposed, women exposed to maternal near-misses had a higher incidence of stillbirth (22% vs. 0.5%), low birth weight (13% vs. 3%), and preterm birth (12% vs. 2%). After adjusting for confounders, exposed women had a twofold increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes compared to nonexposed women. Delivery mode, delay in seeking care, transport mode, and delay in receiving treatment were the risk factors for negative pregnancy outcomes. In exposed women, a higher incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes was linked to aforementioned risk factors. Evidence-based practice intended to decrease delays in providing maternal care services does indeed improve perinatal outcomes.

Molecular Detection and Isolation of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus during an Outbreak in West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious viral disease that causes significant economic losses in cattle populations globally. This study aimed to isolate and detect the LSD virus responsible for an outbreak in selected areas (Daaroo Labuu, Hawwii Guddina, and Gumbi Bordede district) of the West Hararghe Zone in Ethiopia between January 2020 and December 2021. Out of the 625 animals examined for the presence of LSD, only 73 animals showed clinical signs, and skin scrapes were collected from these animals for further analysis. Among those, 12 animals (1.9%) succumbed to the disease. Skin biopsy samples from 45 animals displaying clinical signs of LSD were inoculated in Vero cell lines because of limited equipment. After three blind passages, all samples developed cytopathic effects (CPEs). The presence of the LSD virus was confirmed using real-time PCR. Conventional PCR detected LSDV in 47 (64.4%) of the skin scrap samples, while high-resolution melt qPCR detected it in 49 (67.1%) samples. The study revealed a morbidity rate of 11.68%, a mortality rate of 1.92%, and a case fatality rate of 16.44% based on clinical data. The findings suggest that LSD causes significant economic losses, even in vaccinated animals prior to an outbreak. To effectively control and eradicate LSD, the government should develop new strategic policies. Community awareness campaigns are necessary to improve vector control measures and drainage systems. In addition, the present vaccination policy and strategy should be re-evaluated for effectiveness. This study focused on a specific region and timeframe, limiting generalizability. Factors such as environmental conditions and management practices were not extensively explored. Similar studies should be conducted in different regions to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of LSDV. The effectiveness of control measures and vaccination strategies should be investigated. The impact of environmental factors and management practices on LSD transmission and disease severity warrants further exploration. This study provides insights into the detection and isolation of the LSD virus during an outbreak in the West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. The results highlight the need for continued surveillance and monitoring of emerging infectious diseases in the region. Furthermore, the importance of using molecular methods for detecting and characterizing viral outbreaks in livestock populations is emphasized.

Spatial regression models to assess variations of composite index for anthropometric failure across the administrative zones in Ethiopia.

There are a number of previous studies that investigated undernutrition and its determinants in Ethiopia. However, the national average in the level of undernutrition conceals large variation across administrative zones of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the geographic distribution of composite index for anthropometric failure (CIAF) and identify the influencing factors it' might be more appropriate. We used the zonal-level undernutrition data for the under-five children in Ethiopia from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) dataset. Different spatial models were applied to explore the spatial distribution of the CIAF and the covariates. The Univariate Moran's I statistics for CIAF showed spatial heterogeneity of undernutrition in Ethiopian administrative zones. The spatial autocorrelation model (SAC) was the best fit based on the AIC criteria. Results from the SAC model suggested that the CIAF was positively associated with mothers' illiteracy rate (0.61, pvalue 0.001), lower body mass index (0.92, pvalue = 0.023), and maximum temperature (0.2, pvalue = 0.0231) respectively. However, the CIAF was negatively associated with children without any comorbidity (-0.82, pvalue = 0.023), from families with accessibility of improved drinking water (-0.26, pvalue = 0.012), and minimum temperature (-0.16). The CIAF across the administrative zones of Ethiopia is spatially clustered. Improving women's education, improving drinking water, and improving child breast feeding can reduce the prevalence of undernutrition (CIAF) across Ethiopian administrative zones. Moreover, targeted intervention in the geographical hotspots of CIAF can reduce the burden of CIAF across the administrative zones.

Evaluation of Recently Released Andean Bean Varieties with the Participation of Farmers in Mid-Altitude Region of Gedeb Zuria, Gedo Zone

During the 2012 mehere season, a study was conducted in the income Gedeb Wereda of the Gedio zone in Ethiopia to evaluate farmers' selection criteria for beans and the performance of newly released Andean common bean varieties. The study utilised participatory variety selection (PVS) trials. The findings revealed that qualitative features were given more importance by farmers compared to quantitative traits. Among the different genotypes tested, Gegeba and Ibado emerged as the top two varieties. Farmers considered five qualitative characteristics as superior to production: seed size, marketability, maturity duration, pest and disease resistance, the ability to tolerate cool temperatures, and seed color. Gegeba, with its large, red-speckled seeds, high market demand, upright growth habit, early maturity (90 days), and reasonably high yield (&gt;2 tonnes ha-1), was the preferred choice for almost all farmers. The study suggests that future bean development efforts should focus on promoting the selected varieties and developing new ones that align with farmers' preferences, particularly in terms of adaptation to the mid-highlands, suitability for domestic consumption, local markets, and export markets.

Dairy product market participation and its impacts on household food security of smallholder farmers in Jimma zone Ethiopia: A PSM approach

Dairy product market participation and its impacts on household food security of smallholder farmers in Jimma zone Ethiopia: A PSM approach

Examining the Socio-Cultural Dynamics: Religious Antagonism and its Effects on Community Cohesion in the Kambaata, Tembaro and Halaba Zones of Ethiopia.

The study utilized the Conflict Perspective Theory developed by Sears (2008) as theoretical framework to analyze the impact of religious antagonism. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, the study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. This approach allowed for a nuanced exploration of religious antagonism and its effects on community living. The study targeted religious leaders and followers from the specified zones in Ethiopia, with a sample size of 384 respondents selected using cluster sampling techniques. The study utilized structured and unstructured questionnaires, individual interview guides, and focus group discussion guides as data collection instruments. The findings of the study revealed significant impacts of religious antagonism on the surveyed communities. Signs of division, such as the use of derogatory language and disparaging expressions among religious groups, were observed. Additionally, some Christian denominations were accused of projecting an image of salvation and pressuring followers of other faiths or denominations to convert, indicating tensions arising from religious differences.

Evaluation of surveillance system and response for maternal and perinatal mortalities in Meda Welabu District, Ethiopia, 2023.

The weekly disease surveillance system (WDSS) serves as a precursor to possible public health emergencies. The Meda Welabu Woreda Bale Zone in Ethiopia has reporting rates of 87% overall timeliness and 88% completeness in 2023, falling short of the 100% objective. Low reporting rates could mean that epidemics in the province are only discovered later. In the Meda Welabu Woreda Bale Zone of Ethiopia, the study was carried out to assess the WDSS maternal and perinatal death surveillance response (MPDSR). Using the most recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for assessing public health monitoring systems, we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional analysis. Data from the health workers were gathered through key informant interviews and questionnaires given by the interviewer. Using checklists, the availability of resources was evaluated. Twenty-two health personnel and twelve Health Extension Workers were questioned; of them, 15 (44%) were females. Nurses made up 18 (53%) of the health personnel. Only sixteen (47%) of the respondents were aware of the WDSS goals, compared to thirty-four (53%) who were aware of the deadlines for submitting data to the next level. A total of eight (24%) responders received training in using the WDSS. 26(76%) respondents said they would be willing to continue participating in the WDSS, whereas 6 (18%) respondents said they had analyzed the data from the WDSS. Of the health facilities, seven (50%) reported having issues with the district public health emergency officer. However, low attention to immediately report on maternal and perinatal death (42.9%). It was concluded that the WDSS was adaptable, reasonable, and easy to use. That was erratic and premature, though. We suggest that healthcare professionals in the province receive training on maternal and perinatal death surveillance response. In Meda Welabu Woreda Bale Zone conducted an evaluation in 2023 of the weekly disease surveillance system, maternal and perinatal death surveillance response. Launched in 1998, the system tracks weekly trends of diseases under surveillance to provide an early warning of any dangers to public health, but maternal and perinatal death surveillance were included on 2013. On the other hand, in 2023, the overall completion and timeliness of reports was 88%, falling short of the 100% aim. Low rates of reporting could mean that outbreaks and quality of service in the province were discovered later than expected. Using current centers for disease control criteria and interviewer-administered data, a descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken.