Women’s decision-making autonomy on modern contraceptive use and associated factors among married women in Dado District, Jimma zone 2026.

Background: Modern contraceptive methods have provided women with the tools to plan their families follow education and employment opportunities and contribute more fully to society. Women’s decision making autonomy is the ability to make independent choices regarding her health, education, finance and family life. Despite various family planning initiatives in Ethiopia, women’s in making decisions about contraceptive use remains limited, particularly in rural areas. This study underscores the need for targeted policies that promote women’s education, economic inclusion and awareness of right and assess the prevalence and Determinants of women’s decision-making autonomy regarding the use of modern contraceptive methods and identify factors influencing their autonomy among married women Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and Determinants of women’s decision-making autonomy regarding the use of modern contraceptive methods and identify factors influencing their autonomy among married women in Dedo District, Jimma, south-west Ethiopia. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 women aged 15-49 years using a structured interview-administered questionnaires. Simple random sampling technique was used to select kebels and study participants. Data was collected by using kobo toolbox and entered into SPSS for analysis. Both bi-variate and multi-variable logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with women’s decision making autonomy with statistical significance set at p<0.05 Results: The study showed that nearly three forth of women lacked autonomy in decision-making regarding modern contraceptive use. Factors associated with high autonomy in decision making regarding modern contraceptive use were, Level of education (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.005–5.75, p = 0.012), Discuss with spouse on contraceptive methods ((AOR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.035–6.417, p = 0.001),) and Knowledge of women about contraceptive methods (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.23–4.23, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Women’s decision-making autonomy was significantly associated with educational attainment, knowledge of modern contraceptive methods and open spousal communication, to reduce this factors recommending to ministry of health, local administrative and local NGO to Enhancing women’s education, promoting open communication between Spouses and increasing women’s awareness that Improving Autonom

Bionomics, Insecticide Susceptibility and Characterization of Mid-Gut Micro biota In Anopheles Mosquitoes in Ethiopia

Background: This PhD dissertation explores the complex ecology of malaria vectors in Ethiopia, where malaria transmission patterns remain spatially heterogeneous and shaped by the interplay of diverse Anopheles mosquito species with distinct ecological, behavioural, and physiological characteristics, and human interventions.Vector control efforts have been challenged by gaps in knowledge regarding species composition, seasonal dynamics, insecticide resistance, infection rates, and microbiota profiles. Objective: This dissertation aimed to characterize the bionomics, insecticide susceptibility, infection rates, blood meal sources, and midgut microbiota diversity of key Anopheles species vectors across multiple eco-epidemiological settings in Ethiopia. Methods: Data for the overall PhD research were collected between June 2018 and February 2023 across three sites: Lare in Nuwer Zone (Gambella), Asendabo in Jimma Zone (Oromia), and Batu in East Shewa Zone (Oromia). Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled using CDC light traps, human landing catches, and pyrethrum spray catches, while larvae were sampled by dipping from breeding sites. Species identification was performed via morphological keys and species-specific PCR. Plasmodium infection rates were assessed using sporozoite infection rates (SRs), circumsporozoite proteins (CSP-ELISA) and TaqMan qPCR. Insecticide susceptibility was determined using WHO standard bioassays and molecular screening for resistance markers (kdr L1014F/S, ace-1 N485I, CYP6P9a). Midgut microbiota were isolated from aseptically dissected mosquitoes and characterized using culture-based techniques and biochemical assays. Results: A total of over 14,800 Anopheles mosquitoes, representing four species: An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis, An. coustani, and An. funestus were collected. Anopheles coustani was the most abundant species, accounting for more than 40% of the total collection and 42% in Lare. Anopheles pharoensis was the next most common, while An. arabiensis was dominant species in Asendabo and Batu. Seasonal abundance peaked between June and November, except for An. funestus, which was more prevalent during post malaria peak months in the dry season. All An.gambiae s.l. were confirmed as An. arabiensis via PCR while more than 90% An. funestus s.l. from Lare were all confirmed as An. funestus s.s. Despite the absence of insecticide resistance mutations (CYP6P9a, kdr L1014F/S, ace-1 N485I) in An. funestus, phenotypic resistance to pyrethroids and organochlorines was widespread in An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis, and An. coustani. Plasmodium infected mosquitoes were identified across multiple species including, An. funestus, An. arabiensis, An. coustani, and An. pharoensis, with An. funestus showing the highest entomological inoculation IV rate (10.52 bites/person/month), positive for both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. Blood meal analysis confirmed zoophilic tendencies and mixed feeding behaviour with spatio-temporal and species-specific variation. Midgut microbiota analyses revealed 659 bacterial and five fungal isolates from 129 mosquitoes across four species. Eleven bacterial genera were identified with Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Bacillus dominating. Microbial composition and colonization intensity varied by species, site, life stage, and insecticide exposure status. Remarkably, An. arabiensis survivors of DDT and permethrin exposure (from Batu) harbored higher microbial loads compared to susceptible counterparts, possibly suggesting potential microbiota-mediated resistance mechanisms. Conclusions: This work highlights complex spatiotemporal patterns in Anopheles species composition, insecticide resistance, infection rates, host choices, and midgut microbiota diversity across regions in Ethiopia. The dry-season persistence and infection potential of An. funestus, along with the widespread distribution and insecticide resistance observed in secondary and suspected vectors like An. pharoensis and An. coustani in addition to the primary vector underscore the urgent need for expanded and targeted vector surveillance. Moreover, the association between microbiota diversity and insecticide resistance may offer new insights into vector competence and suggest potential for microbiome-targeted interventions to complement existing malaria control strategies. Sustained integrative entomological and microbiological monitoring is crucial for adaptive and effective vector control in Ethiopia

Genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Shigella species in under-five children with acute diarrhea in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Shigella species exhibit considerable genetic diversity, reflecting distinct genomic traits and epidemiological trends. In Ethiopia, infections caused by Shigella species, along with rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), pose a major public health threat, especially among children under five. To our knowledge, there are few studies on the genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of Shigella species in this vulnerable age group. Figuring this out could help treat cases better and control outbreaks more effectively. Objective: This study aimed to characterize Shigella species' genomic diversity and AMR profiles in under five children with acute diarrhea in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Between June 2021 and April 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study. Freshly passed stool specimens were collected and transported in Cary Blair media to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) laboratory for Shigella isolation and identification using standard bacteriological methods. Serogrouping was performed using polyvalent antisera, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using the disk diffusion method. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the prevalence and AMR patterns of Shigella species in East Africa. Molecular characterization was performed using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis. Sequencing was conducted using the Illumina NextSeq550 (Illumina, Singapore) with a 300-cycle kit, generating paired-end reads of 149bp. Raw reads were quality-filtered and trimmed to a minimum length of 50 bp before being taxonomically classified using MiniKraken version 1. The whole genome data were aligned with Antibiotic Resistance Gene (ARG) sequences from the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) using the Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI). Plasmid analysis was performed using the Mykrobe PlasmidFinder tool. Additionally, AMR and virulence genes were screened using the Centre for Genomic Epidemiology (CGE) web-based platform. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. The association of independent and dependent variables was evaluated with logistic regression. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 534 stool-cultured specimens in the prospective study, 47 (8.8%) were positive for Shigella species. Of these, 31 were serologically identified as S. sonnei and 16 as S. flexneri. Of 37 isolates analyzed by WGS, all 28 S. sonnei strains identified xiii serologically were confirmed as S. sonnei. However, all nine isolates initially identified as S. flexneri were found to be E. coli O37:H10. The phylogenetic tree showed that both S. sonnei and E. coli O37:H10 isolates had multiple evolutionary origins, suggesting that their phenotypic features evolved convergently. Plasmids Col156 and Col (BS512) were identified in all S. sonnei isolates, while IncFII and Col (MG828) plasmids were found only in one isolate. In contrast to S. sonnei, the most common plasmid type in E. coli O37:H10 isolates was IncFII, and virulence genes such as gad were frequently detected. Discrepancies were observed between phenotypic and genotypic AMR results. The systematic review estimated the pooled prevalence of Shigella species in East Africa was 6.2%. Despite variations in study sites and periods, the meta-analysis study further revealed an increased rate of resistance of Shigella species to tetracycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, and co-trimoxazole. In the prospective study, AST showed that 100, 93.6, 80.9, 72.3, and 57.5% were sensitive to norfloxacin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and cefoxitin, respectively. However, 100% of the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin. All isolates were resistant to three or more antimicrobials that exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). None of the risk factors assessed showed a statistically significant association with Shigella infection. All S. sonnei isolates in our study contained genes encoding blaEC-8 and blaZEG-1. About 60.7% of the isolates were phenotypically sensitive to cefoxitin among the blaEC-8 genes detected in the genotyping analysis, whereas all isolates were completely resistant to amoxicillin phenotypically. The study also identified genes that conferred resistance to trimethoprim (dfrA1). Extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) blaEC-15 for cephalosporins, blaMIX-2, and blaMIX-6 for penicillins were detected in E. coli O37:H10. All E. coli O37:H10 isolates possessed a gene associated with trimethoprim resistance, and eight E. coli O37:H10 isolates exhibited consistent results for trimethoprim when comparing phenotype and genotype. The dominant AMR mechanism among the identified ARGs was antibiotic efflux, followed by antibiotic target alteration. Conclusion: There was no significant heterogeneity among East African studies, the majority of which were conducted in Ethiopia. Both the systematic review and the prospective phenotypic study revealed alarmingly increased levels of AMR to commonly administered antibiotics. The genotyping study revealed that the most prevalent resistant genes were associated with beta-lactam and trimethoprim drugs. The IncFII plasmid, which primarily encodes ESBL, was more frequently identified in E. coli O37:H10 isolates than xiv in S. sonnei. The study also highlighted a significant discrepancy between phenotypic and genotypic drug resistance, as well as variations in serotypes and phylogenetic relationships with global isolates. Recommendation: The study highlighted significant discrepancies between phenotypic and genotypic results. Molecular studies integrating WGS for AMR determination and strain identification into active surveillance could enhance monitoring of AMR spread and detection of potential emerging variations. Therefore, public health and clinical laboratories in Ethiopia should implement WGS to address inconsistencies in conventional analyses, enhance treatment efficacy, and inform targeted interventions

Regulatory Compliance and Quality of Fixed-Dose Combination Amoxicillin–Clavulanic Acid Oral Suspensions:Evedence From Drug Retail Outlets In Sheger City, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Background: Fixed-dose combination amoxicillin-clavulanic acid oral suspensions are commonly used in pediatric care but are susceptible to degradation under inadequate storage conditions, especially in low-resource settings including Ethiopia. Objective: To assess regulatory compliance and the quality of Fixed-Dose Combination Amoxicillin–Clavulanic Acid Oral Suspensions:Evedences from Drug Retail Outlets of Sheger City, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study (May–July 2025) involving 200 drug retail outlets assessed product quality using 30 bottles from three brands collected via convenience sampling. Data were obtained through questionnaires, checklists, and laboratory testing, with counterfeit detection using the WHO visual inspection tool and quality evaluation per USP 40 standards. Analysis using SPSS v25 included descriptive statistics and logistic regression set at P < 0.05. Results: The study found that only 57% of drug retail outlets complied with national regulatory standards for pharmaceutical storage. While dispenser knowledge (88.9%) and attitudes (63%) toward proper storage were generally positive, practice gaps were evident. The multiple logistic regression indicates pharmacies with dispensers practicing over five years of experience were more than twice as likely to be compliant (AOR = 2.30, P = 0.028). Similarly, being a pharmacy owner (AOR = 1.86, p = 0.031) and having training in good storage practices (AOR = 1.72, p = 0.044) increased the odds of compliance. The licensed pharmacy outlets having a self-contained storage area and using a thermometer for monitoring (P<0.05) were also significantly linked to higher compliance levels. All samples met the WHO visual inspection and USP assay quality standards (amoxicillin 90–120%, clavulanic acid 90–125%). Samples from drug retail outlets that complied with national regulatory standards for pharmaceutical storage exhibited potency that is more consistent across brands. Conclusion: Despite the fact that every tested sample passed quality control testing, retail establishments continue to store pharmaceuticals in ways that do not comply with regulations, putting their long-term stability and effectiveness at risk. The study suggests that strengthened regulatory enforcement, improved storage infrastructure, and continuous dispenser training are essential to safeguard medicine quality and public health

Sexual and reproductive health literacy Level and Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Female Students at Jimma University, Southwest Ethiopia, 2025

Sexual and reproductive health literacy refers to the ability to understand and apply knowledge related to sexual and reproductive health. Limited SRH in young adult hood also increases the risk of unsafe abortion, cesarean sections, social isolation, reduced likelihood of completing higher education, diminished economic stability, and services, absenteeism from school, and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other Moreover, there has been a lack of research on sexual and reproductive health literacy among university students in the local area populations. Objective: To assess sexual and reproductive health literacy levels and associated factors among undergraduate female students at Jimma University in 2025. Method: The study was conducted from March 3 to April 5, 2025, using a facility-based quantitative cross-sectional design among sampled adolescent girls at Jimma University. A total of 481 students were recruited through simple random sampling by using their email addresses of students obtained from the department. Sexual and reproductive health literacy was measured using the Health Literacy Measure for Adolescents tool. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors. Variables with a p-value <0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Model fitness was confirmed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and statistical significance was declared at p <0.05. RESULT: In this study, 467 female students responded to the questionnaires, resulting in a response rate of 97%. The overall prevalence of limited SRH among female students was 43.47% CI (0.389,0.481) preferred source of information about SRH (AOR =7.701(3.184, 18.625)), awareness of SRH services available (AOR =3.846(2.011, 7.355)), and presence of health care provider in the family (AOR=0.508(.307,.841)) were statistically significant factors CONCLUSION: Less than half of the respondents had limited SRH literacy. factors like academic department and family background influenced their knowledge levels. To improve outcomes, policymakers should provide monitored health information, inclusive education, and targeted outreach for those in non-health

Depressive Disorder and Associated Factors among Youths Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at Public Health Facilities in Jimma City

Background: Depressive Disorder is a common mental health problem and growing public health concern in HIV-positive people. This co-occurrence can result in unfavourable health effects, poor levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy and further load on physical health. Youth with depressive disorders may struggle to manage their health due to reduced motivation and energy. This, in turn, can lead to an increased rate of hospitalization, which contributes to the economic burden and more medical costs. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depressive disorder and associated factors among antiretroviral therapy user youths in Jimma City public health facility ART clinics, southwest Oromia, Ethiopia, 2025 Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2025 to June 2025. Interviewer -administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The Sample size was calculated using a single population proportion formula and data was collected from 379 on antiretroviral therapy user youths out of 386 sample size with response rate of 98.2% all youths attending ART follow-up visits until the required sample size was reached, using the Kobo Toolbox. Data were cleaned, checked, coded, and exported into SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between depressive disorder prevalence and the independent variables. Variables with P value < 0.25 were selected as candidate variables for multi-variable logistic regression. The outputs from the regression analysis were reported at P-Value < 0.05 using an Adjusted Odds Ratio with their 95% CI to show significant association without come variable. Results: 379 study participants were involved, with a response rate of 98.2%,the prevalence of depressive disorder among antiretroviral therapy user youths attending ART clinics in Jimma City public health facilities was 52% (95%CI: 47.6-57.9). Those aged 20–24(AOR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.16–2.87), being female (AOR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.02–2.55), HIV medication improper use (AOR=4.73, 95% CI: 2.47–9.03), low social support (AOR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.04–2.64), and youths who experienced perceived stigma (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.02–2.49) were significantly associated with depressive disorder. II Conclusion: Nearly half of HIV-positive youth attending ART clinics were found to have depressive disorder 197(52%). The study identified that older age (20–24 years), female sex, poor adherence to ART medications, low social support, and perceived HIV-related stigma were significantly associated with increased odds of depressive disorde

Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake and its Associated Factors among Rural Health Extension Workers of Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia

Background: Cervical cancer is the uncontrolled multiplication of normal cells of the cervix that arises from the squamous columnar junction. It is one of the major public health problems in Ethiopia. Despite efforts to improve the cervical cancer program in recent years, the uptake and utilization of cervical cancer screening remain very low. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cervical cancer screening utilization and identify determinant factors affecting it among Jimma zone rural health extension workers. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in selected six districts of Jimma Zone from May 1 to 15 2025. A total of 266 health extension workers were recruited using a simple random sampling technique from each district after a proportional allocation of study samples for each district. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire, entered into Epidata version 4.6, and then exported to SPSS version 27. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to see the association between cervical cancer screening uptake and the explanatory variables. Variables with P value < 0.25 were selected as candidate variables for multi-variable logistic regression. The outputs from the regression analysis were reported at P-Value < 0.05 using an Adjusted Odds Ratio with their 95% CIs. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.96 years, with a standard deviation of ±2.81 years. The prevalence of cervical cancer screening uptake in Jimma Zone among rural health extension workers was 33.8% (95%CI: 28.2-39.9). Health extension workers aged 40–49 years (AOR = 4.81; 95% CI: 1.01–12.8), work experience (AOR = 8.69; 95% CI: 1.66–15.6), received formal training (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.14–6.46), and having good knowledge (AOR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.05–5.83) were identified as factors associated with cervical cancer screening uptake among rural health extension workers in the Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Conclusion: The overall cervical cancer screening uptake rate among rural health extension workers was low compared to national and global strategy for cervical cancer elimination. Screening is more common among rural health extension workers whose age is 40-49, those with longer work experience, received formal training and having good knowledge. To improve uptake, we recommend rural health extension worker focused training and awareness creation

Performance evaluation of progeny Of disseminated doyogena rams and farmers Perception toward improved rams progenies in silte And gurage zones, central ethiopia regional state, Ethiopia

The study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance of progeny sired by 65 disseminated Doyogena breed rams on local ewes in selected districts of Silte and Gurage zones. A total of 298 pregnant ewes mated with either Doyogena or local rams belonging to 235 household heads (HHs) were enrolled in monitoring study and a total of 180 HHs were included in a cross sectional survey to address reproductive performance and farmers’ perception about improved ram’s progeny. For the monitoring study, 459 births (61.66% twin), 440 weaning ages, and 400 six-month ages data were recorded and analyzed by using the general linear model of SAS procedures. Survey data was analyzed using SPSS, and an index was used for qualitative data rankin

Assessment of Factors of Post-Harvest Fish Losses in the Gilgel Gibe Dam I Reservoir, Sokoru Woreda, Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Fish is a vital source of protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients, playing a crucial role in food security and economic stability in developing countries. However, post-harvest fish losses (PHFL) significantly affect both availability and profitability of fish in local markets, with global estimated loss of 10-12 million tons annually, accounting for 10% of total fish production. While small-scale fisheries in developing countries contribute nearly half of the world's total fish supply, they face challenges such as post-harvest losses, illegal fishing, and overfishing. This study aimed to assess factors contributing to post-harvest fish losses in Gilgel Gibe-I Reservoir in Jimma Zone, Sokoru Woreda, South West Ethiopia, using questionnaire, interview and field observations from cooperative fishermen. All the study participants were male, with 85.5% being single and 14.5% married; 73.5% were aged 18-25 years, 25% were 26-35, and 1.5% were 36-45 years old. In terms of education, 95% had only primary-level education, while 5% attended high school. Regarding occupation, 73% were fishermen, and 27% were fish traders, with 45.5% having two years of experience, 36% one year, 17% three years, and 1.5% four years. The estimated average weekly fishermen production was 250kg and 45kg weekly loss due to various factors. The study identified key factors contributing to post-harvest losses, including lack of market linkages between fishermen and traders, lack of storage materials, insufficient refrigeration, poor market accessibility, and inadequate transportations. About 53% of the respondents store fish for 1-2 days before selling, while 47% stored fish less than a day, and although all respondent washed fish after harvested, 56% had never received formal training on best fishing practices. Furthermore, 80% of fisherman at Gilgel Gibe reservoir, didn’t take immediate preservation measures at landing site, exacerbating post-harvest losses. These challenges highlight the urgent need for effective interventions by government authorities and stakeholders to improve market access, infrastructure, training, and preservation techniques, ensuring better economic outcomes and food security.Key supporting actors including the oromia Agricultural research institute, Sebeta fishery research institute, Gilgel Gibe hydroelectric power and Jimma University, all of which play vital roles in delivering these service

Assessment of knowledge and practice of cardio Pulmonary resuscitation among medical interns of jimma Medical interns of jimma university, south west Ethiopia

Background: Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation refers to a sequential chain of measures taken to save and maintain the quality of life of a patient following cardiac arrest. The process involves recognition of absent breathing and circulation, basic life support with chest compressions and rescue breathing and post resuscitative care. Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves the patients‟ outcomes hence reducing mortality related to cardiac arrest. The determinants of effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among health care workers are not well researched in African countries(1).Basic life support (BLS) is an integral part of health care. However, teaching of BLS is not yet a part of protocol zed curriculum and uniform throughout. The present study is designed to assess the knowledge and practice of CPR medical interns in a medical institute(2). Objective: To study knowledge and practice towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) among medical interns at Jimma medical center(JMC)(1). Methods: The study design was institution-based cross-sectional study among medical interns at JMC. The study was conducted from November 1 to 30, 2024.The total sample size was 169.The study participants was selected using Systematic sampling technique method and data was collected using structured self-administrated questionnaires . The collected data was entered and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value of less than 0.05(3). Data analysis was done using binary and multiple logistic regressions for practice and ordinary logistic regression for knowledge with p value of less than 0.05. Budget: The research was spends a total of 24615 birr which was covered by Jimma Universit