Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Otitis Media at Dessie Regional Health Research Laboratory, Ethiopia

Background: Otitis media is a major health problem of children in low income countries.Objectives: This study was done to determine the bacterial isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility of otitis media from children and adults.Methods: A retrospective record was analyzed on culture results of discharging ears at Dessie Regional Health Research Laboratory in the period 2003-2010. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using disc diffusion technique as per the standard Kirby-Bauer method.Results: Out of 897 discharging ear samples, 469 were from children and 428 from adults. Of these, 823 (91.7%) had aerobic bacteria isolated. The most frequent isolates were Proteus spp. 223 (26.5%), S. aureus 203 (24.6%), Pseudomonas spp. 148 (18%) and E. coli 146 (17.7%). Proteus spp. were the most common isolates in children compared to adults (p=0.001). Norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin revealed high level of sensitivity whereas high resistance rates were observed for amoxycillin, tetracycline and erythromycin (p=0.001). Antibiograms of isolates showed that 598 (72.6%) of isolates were resistant to two and more antimicrobials.Conclusion: Otitis media linked with high levels of multiple antibiotic  resistant bacteria is a major health concern in all age groups of the study population. There is a need for culture and susceptibility test facilities for appropriate antimicrobial therapy of otitis media and antimicrobial resistant infections. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2011;25(2):161-167

The Sanitary Conditions of Food Service Establishments and Food Safety Knowledge and Practices of Food Handlers in Bahir Dar Town

Background: Lack of basic infrastructure, poor knowledge of hygiene and practices in food service establishments can contribute to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The aims of this study were to investigate the food safety knowledge and practices of food handlers and to assess the sanitary conditions of food service establishments in Bahir Dar town.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar in May 2011 and data were collected using questionnaire and observation checklist on employees’ knowledge of food hygiene and their practices as well on sanitary conditions of the food service establishments.Results: The median age of the food handlers was 22 years and among the 455 subjects 99 (21.8%) have had food hygiene training. Sixty six percent of the establishments had flush toilets whereas 5.9% of the establishment had no toilet. Only 149 (33.6%) of the establishments had a proper solid waste collection receptacle and there was statistically significant association between the sanitary conditions and license status of the establishments (p=0.01). Most of all, knowledge gap in food hygiene and handling practice was observed. In addition, there was statistically significant difference between trained (professional) handlers and non-trained handlers with regard to food hygiene practices (p<0.05). While more than 50% of the handlers prepare meals ahead of the peak selling time, more than 50% of the left over was poorly managed.Conclusion: This study revealed poor sanitary conditions and poor food hygiene practices of handlers. Educational programs targeted at improving the attitude of food handlers and licensing and regular inspections have been recommended

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Quality of Drinking Water and Hygiene- Sanitation Practices of the Consumers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Lack of safe drinking water, basic sanitation, and hygienic practices are associated with high morbidity and mortality from excreta related diseases. The aims of this study were to determine the bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water and investigate the hygiene and sanitation practices of the consumers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional prospective study was conducted in Bahir Dar City from October-December, 2009. Water samples were collected from 35 private taps and 35 household water containers for bacteriological analysis. The turbidity, pH, temperature and turbidity were measured immediately after collection. Finally, the hygiene-sanitation practices of the consumers were surveyed using interview. RESULTS: Twenty seven (77.1%) of the household water samples had high total coliforms counts. Twenty (57.1%) household water samples and 9 (25.7%) of the tap water samples had no residual free chlorine. Sixteen (45.7%) household water samples had very high risk score to thermotolerant coliforms. Eight (22.9%) tap water samples had low risk score for total coliforms whereas 21(60%) tap water had very low risk score for thermotolerant coliforms. Twelve (34.3%) of the consumers collect water without contact with their hand and 9(25.7%) wash their hands with soap after visiting toilet. CONCLUSION: Water supplies at tap and household water containers were contaminated with bacteria. Poor sanitation, low level of hygiene, uncontrolled treatment parameters are the causes for contamination. Control of physico-chemical parameters and promoting good hygiene and sanitation are recommended. KEYWORDS: Bacteriology, physicochemical, tap water, household, Bahir Da

Profitability Study of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Production around Wendo Genet District, Ethiopia

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) belongs to the family Malvaceae, locally called “karkade”, is an important annual crop grown successfully in tropical and sub-tropical climates. It takes five months from planting to harvesting. This study aims to examine financial feasibility and to determine associated costs and benefits from the production of Hibiscus sabdariffa at Wondo Genet. Two varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa (WG-Hibiscus-Jamaican and WG-Hibiscus-Sudan) was planted on an area of 100m2 on experimental field with two replications using direct sawing on field and seedling preparation on nursery for determination of costs and returns. The spacing between plants and between rows was 60cm (60cm x60cm). Simple cost accounting method was employed to examine cost benefit of the plant. Net benefit and BCR of hibiscus production was used to determine profitability. The result shows that Production cost of Sudan type hibiscus is almost similar to Jamaican type except harvesting and post harvesting management cost difference caused due to yield difference. However the production of Sudan hibiscus is more profitable both by direct sawing and preparing seedlings on nursery; the study also revealed that producing both type of hibiscus for calyx by direct sawing is more profitable than using seedling preparation on nursery. Generally the study shows production of both type of Hibiscus sabdariffa at wondogenet is profitable

Determinants of acceptance of voluntary HIV testing among antenatal clinic attendees at Dil Chora Hospital, Dire Dawa, East Ethiopia

Back ground: Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is one of the best interventions to reduce mother to child transmission of HIV. Despite the proven benefits of VCT, many women are not willing to have HIV testing.Objective: The objective of this study was to identify factors that determine the acceptance of voluntary HIV testing among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Dil Chora Hospital in Dire Dawa. Method: The study employed unmatched case control study which was conducted from August 20 to September 10, 2006. The study population consisted of 234 antenatal care followers. Cases were antenatal care followers who werecounseled and tested for HIV in the current pregnancy. Controls were antenatal care followers who were counseled but not tested for HIV in the current pregnancy. Data were collected by trained enumerators using structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out using SPSS version 12.0.1 software. Results: The majority (79.5%) of respondents (97.4% of cases and 60.5% of controls) had good knowledge on HIV, mother to child transmission and VCT. Marital status; knowledge about HIV, mother to child transmission and VCT; attitude towards VCT; antenatal care follow up and perceived benefits of VCT were independent predictors of acceptance of voluntary HIV testing. Conclusion: Knowledge on MTCT and VCT, positive attitude towards VCT, antenatal care follow-up were predictors of acceptance of VCT. During the VCT session, health professionals should focus on knowledge, attitude, and benefitsof VCT

Utilization of Family Planning Methods and Associated Factors among Women Living with HIV Attending ART Clinics in Nekemte Public Health Facilities, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

This study was designed to assess the utilization of Family planning methods and associated factors among HIV-infected women in ART clinics of public health institutions Nekemte town, East Wollega zone, Ethiopia. Facility based cross sectional study design using quantitative technique of data collection method undertaken from May 1st to May 26th, 2012, on a sample of 456 women living with HIV who are on follow up care in ART clinics. Univariate analysis was done to determine frequencies of FP methods used. Factors associated with use of family planning methods were examined using logistic regression methods at p<0.05. There was ahigh level of knowledge about family planning with more than 98% of women knowledgeable of at least one method used to prevent conception. Out of 456 respondents 303(66.4%) were using different methods of family planning during the study period and condom is the dominant method used by the client (41.6%).High proportion (42.1%) of women living with HIV/AIDS expressed a desire for having more children in the future. Logistic regression result showed that educational attainment (AOR=3.199, 95% CI (1.487-6.541), marital status (AOR= 95% CI, 6.252 (4.008-9.752), and having open discussion with ones partner about family planning (AOR=95% CI, 13.846 (5.062-37.875) were statistically  associated with current family planning use at p<0.05. Generally current use of modern contraceptive other than condoms was very low in the study area. These findings highlight the need for integration of family planning and HIV care and treatment and strengthening of family planning services for HIV infected people

Integration of Family Planning Services within Post Abortion Care at Health Facilities in Dessie –North East Ethiopia

The aim of this study is to investigate the integration of family planning services within post abortion care that plays a vital role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality resulting from abortion and its  complications. Facility based cross - sectional study design was used including both quantitative and qualitative data collection method. The sample size was 291. The number of study units to be sampled from each facility was determined using proportional allocation to size and systematic random sampling was employed to select and approach each study  subjects. A validated semi structured questionnaire was used to collect thedata. Bi-variate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the most important predictors of integrating family planning services within post abortion care. A total of 282 post abortion women were included in the exit interview. Among these 158 (56.0%) reported that they have got family planning (FP) counselling and 134 (47.5%) left the health facility with modern contraceptive method. Lack of trained provider, being over loaded by other routine activities, absence of separate post abortion room, lack of commodities and supplies were major identified barriers of integrating family planning services within post  abortion care. Family planning services were partially integrated within post abortion care. Attention should be given in service providers training,  availing post abortion family planning supplies and equipments in the post abortion recovery room

Prevalence of Salmonella Infection in Intensive Poultry Farms in Hawassa and Isolation of Salmonella species from sick and dead chickens

A bacteriological study of Salmonella Gallinarum/Pullorum was conducted in intensively managed chickens in Hawassa, Ethiopia between November 2008 and May 2009. The objectives of the study were to estimate the bacteriological prevalence of S. Gallinarum/Pullorum in apparently healthy chickens and to assess the proportional morbidity/mortality from S. Gallinarum/Pullorum in sick/dead chickens. Cloacal swabs were collected from a total of 380 randomly selected chickens from 3 poultry farms to estimate the prevalence, whereas necropsy samples of liver, spleen and ceca were collected from 31 sick/dead chickens to estimate the proportional morbidity/mortality. The prevalence of Salmonella infection (S. Gallinaum/Pullorum) was 0.8% (3/380), while isolation was possible from 16.1% (5/31) sick/dead chickens. Only S. Gallinarum was isolated from cloacal swabs. Of the 6 isolates obtained from necropsy samples 1 was S. Pullorum and the rest 5 S. Gallinarum; and, 3 were from liver, 2 from cecum and 1 from spleen. It is concluded that salmonellosis is prevalent and fowl typhoid and pullorum disease have significant role in morbidity and mortality of intensively managed chickens in Hawassa. This result may indicate the challenge that the poultry industry of the country may face from S. Gallinarum/Pullorum in the future in its intensification. Concerted efforts, therefore, should be made at national and local levels to control the diseases. Keywords ∙ Ethiopia ∙ Hawassa ∙ Isolation ∙ Prevalence ∙ Salmonella Gallinarum- Pulloru

Factors affecting fertility decisions of married men and women living with HIV in South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia

Background: In a setting with high HIV prevalence and high fertility rates, addressing fertility issues of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is crucial. However, understanding of the factors associated with fertility decisions of PLWHA in Ethiopia is remarkably low.Objective: The study was conducted to assess factors associated with fertility decisions of PLWHA in South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia.Methods: The study was conducted from February 1 to March 30, 2008 using cross-sectional design. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of 458 men and 458 women using structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were also collected from six health care providers. Logistic regression was used to analyze the quantitative data.Results: The study showed that 18.3% of currently married PLWHA have decided to have a child. The factors found to be independently associated with current decision to have a child were higher family income [OR (95% CI) = 2.29 (1.23, 4.26)], partner’s decision to have a child [OR (95% CI) = 36.4 (17.0, 77.5)], having knowledge on PMTCT [OR (95% CI) = 2.26 (1.44, 3.54)] and having partner with negative HIV test result [OR (95% CI) = 0.408 (0.219, 0.759)]. During in-depth interview the health care providers indicated the fertility related counseling service to be low.Conclusion: In spite of the fact that significant proportion of married PLWHA had decided to have a child, the fertility related counseling service is low. Improving fertility related counseling services to enable clients make informed fertility decision is mandatory. The factors identified to be associated with fertility decision could be of major importance and as such should be investigated further

The Role of Conservation Agriculture for Soil Quality Improvement: A Review

አህፅሮት በኢትዮጵያ በሰብል መሬት ላይ ያለው የአፈር መከላት በዓመት ከ40-130 ቶን በሄክታር የሚደርስ ሲሆን፣ ከ1.0-1.5 ሚሊዮን ቶን እህል ምርትን እያሳጣት ይገኛል፡፡ የዕቀባ እርሻ በሶስት እርስ በእርስ በሚደጋገፉ መሰረታዊ መርሆዎች ላይ ተመስርቶ የአፈር መከላትን በመቀነስ፣ የአፈርን ጥራት በማሻሻል እና ዘላቂነት ላለው የግብርና ምርት አስተዋጽኦ እያደረገ ስለመሆኑ በሰፊው ይታወቃል፡፡ በኢትዮጵያ ውስጥ ከሶስት አስርት ዓመታት በላይ የምርምር እና የሰርቶ ማሳያ ጥረቶች ቢኖሩም የረጅም ጊዜ ጥናቶች ለአፈር ጥራት መጎልበት ያለዉን ጥቅሞች በበቂ ሁኔታ በማሳየት ላይ ውስንነት አለባቸው፡፡ በሀገር ውስጥም ሆነ በውጭ የረጅም ጊዜ የዕቀባ እርሻ ጥናቶችን መዳሰስ እና ያለውን እውቀት መቀመር የወደፊት የዕቀባ እርሻ አጠቃቀም ላይ ትክክለኛ ውሳኔዎችን ለመስጠት፤ እንዲሁም የምርምር እና የማስተዋወቅ ስራዎች ለመምራት ይረዳል፡፡ ይህ ጥናት ዓላማው የዕቀባ እርሻ ለአፈር ጥራት መሻሻል እና ተያያዥ ተግዳሮቶች ላይ የተሰሩ ጥናቶችን በመተንተን በኢትዮጵያ የወደፊት አቅጣጫን ለማሳየትና አርሶ አደሮች ተጠቃሚ የሚሆኑበትን መንገድ ለመጠቆም ነው፡፡ የዕቀባ እርሻ ከ3-5 ዓመታት ውስጥ የአፈር ጥራትን ሊያሻሽል እንደሚችል እና ዘላቂነት ላለው የግብርና ምርት አስተዋፅዖ እንደሚያበረክት የታዩት ጥናቶች ያመለክታሉ፡፡ በተጨማሪም ዝቅተኛ ርጥበት ባለባቸው አካባቢዎች የሰብል ምርት መሻሻልን በአጭር ጊዜ ውስጥ ማምጣት እንደሚችል ያሳያሉ፡፡  ሆኖም በኢትዮጵያ ውስጥ የዕቀባ እርሻ የመጠቀም ልምድ በአርሶ አደሩ ዘንድ እምብዛም አልሰፋም፡፡ ለዚህም ዋና ዋና ምክንያቶች የሰብል ተረፈ-ምርቶች ለተለያዩ ጠቀሜታዎች መዋልና የአቅርቦት እጥረት፣ ለዕቀባ እርሻ ተብለው የተመከሩ አሰራሮች እና ግብዓቶች ውስንነት፣ ለዕቀባ እርሻ ምቹና አቅም ያላቸው አካባቢዎችን ቅድሚያ ሰጥቶ አለመሥራት፣ የኤክስቴንሽን አገልግሎቶች ውስንነት እና ለዕቀባ እርሻ ትግበራ ምቹ ሁኔታዎች የማመቻቸትና የማስቀጠል ውስንነቶች ናቸው፡፡ በአጠቃላይ ከተለያዩ የሙያ ዘርፎች ባለሙያዎችን በማሳተፍ፣ አካባቢያዊ ማህበራዊና ኢኮኖሚያዊ ሁኔታዎችን ያማከለ የዕቀባ እርሻን በማጎልበት ለተጠቃሚው ማቅረብ እና ለሚኖሩት ተግዳሮቶች ቀድሞ ተገቢዉን አማራጭ መፍትሄዎችን በመተግበር ከዕቀባ እርሻ ሊገኝ የሚችለውን ጥቅም ለአርሶ አደሩ ማሳየትና ተጠቃሚ ማድረግ ያስፈልጋል፡፡ ለተመራማሪዎች፣ ለኤክስቴንሽን ሰራተኞች ለልማት ባለሙያዎች እና ለአርሶ አደሮች እንዲሁም ለወሳኝ ባለድርሻ አካላት የሚታዩትን ውስንነቶች የሚቀርፍ በቂ የአቅም ግንባታ ሥራም ወሳኝነት አለው፡፡   Abstract Ethiopia experiences a very high soil loss of 40–130 t ha-1year-1 from croplands that costs the country about 1.0-1.5 million tons loss of grain production per year. Founded on its three interlinked principles, Conservation Agriculture (CA) is widely documented to reduce soil loss, improve soil quality and contribute to sustainable agricultural production. Despite more than three decades of research and promotion efforts on CA in Ethiopia, long-term comprehensive studies are scanty to sufficiently demonstrate its benefits for soil quality enhancement. Drawing lessons from long-term CA studies both within and outside the country would help to make informed decisions for wider use of CA and guide future research and promotion activities. Available pertinent CA literatures from peer-reviewed journals, research reports, dissertations, and proceedings were reviewed. This review was aimed to collate and analyse studies documented the effect of CA practices on soil quality improvement and associated challenges, and suggest the way forward for its application by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. The review indicated that, when properly implemented, CA improves soil quality in 3-5 years and contributes to sustainable agricultural production. Besides, yield improvement is possible in early stages of CA application in the low moisture areas under sufficient crop residue retention. However, CA adoption in Ethiopia is generally low which is mainly attributed to limited availability and competing uses of crop residue, limited availability and use of CA based recommendations, mis-location of CA promotions, limited participatory extension services and enabling conditions. Overall, the review suggested the need for a concerted multi and inter-disciplinary research effort to develop CA innovations suiting to the different biophysical environments and socioeconomic circumstances. Effectively demonstrating the power of CA on relieving soil problems, and providing alternative solutions for the challenges surrounding it are requisites to get its full benefits. Capacity building on innovative CA practices is crucial for researchers, extension workers, development practitioners and the smallholder farmers. &nbsp