Factors contributing to growth expectations of African entrepreneurs

Abstract: Despite the consensus regarding the importance of business with growth expectations, there are limited studies that explore factors that induce and are associated with growth expectations of entrepreneurs. The gap particularly becomes worse when considering the growth expectations of African Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA). This paper, examine the relationship between growth expectations of TEA in Africa with new product development and international business orientation, and type of entrepreneurship with the view of addressing the gap and encouraging future academic discourse. Six years of GEM data of four African countries were used. The major finding was that growth expectations of African TEA are strongly correlated with new product orientation and international business orientation. Contrary to previous research it was found that growth expectations and type of entrepreneurship (opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship) have no statistically significant association. Moreover, the result upholds the virtuous circle relationship between new product and international business orientations established by previous studies

Uptake and barriers of voluntary counseling and testing among antenatal care attendants, southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND . Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service provides an essential knowledge, skill and helps pregnant women to access intervention such as short course antiretroviral and infant feeding options. Therefore, the potential barriers to the service need to be assessed. OBJECTIVE: This study is intended to examine the uptake of VCT and its barrier among Antenatal care (ANC) attendants in southwest Ethiopia. METHODS- Health institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from Sept. 1. 2004 to Nov. 1, 2004 a mong ANC attendants in southwest Ethiopia. A total of 285 pregnant women were selected conveniently. Additionally, five experienced counselors were involved in the study. Both qualitative and quantitative interviews methods were utilized using structured questionnaires. RESULT-Out of a total of 285 pregnant women who participated in the study, 77(27% had decepted VCT. The acceptance rate was higher among 16-20 years old women (p<0.05) and those from urban résidences (p<0.025). Women who are single, divorced or widowed were also found to have more acceptance of VCT than married women (P<0.001). Among tested women 61(79.2%) received test result. Qualitative analysis showed that I ack of decision-making a utonomy and fear of partner's reactions were identified as major barriers. The reason for low return for test result was the women do not want to know their HIV status; but gave their blood to avoid offending the counselors. CONCLUSION - This study revealed that the uptake of VCT service is very low. Therefore, to increase the utilization of VCT service at ANC setting, problems associated with the service should be addressed. This includes quality of counseling, provision of test result on same day and addressing individual concerns

Munificence contingent small business growth model (special emphasis to African SMEs’ context)

Despite the growth in number and kind of research emphasizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), little is known about the relationship between drivers and modes of SMEs’ growth. To address this gap, the paper systematically analyzes the relationship between growth drivers and strategies based on the dynamic resource-based view and proposes munificence contingent growth model. The authors argue that the selection of growth strategy should base on firm's resource and environmental munificence settings. Firms can select either organic or inorganic growth strategies based on the abundance or scarcity of certain resources and the accommodative capacity of the economic environment. When the economic environment comes with attractive opportunities SMEs tend to cooperate with other firms either through collaborative framework or diversification strategies. Conversely, when they are faced with very competitive market conditions and the resource availability is limited bootstrapping strategies found to be helpful to maintain competitiveness and thrive. Subsequently, as the resource muscle of the firm develops through bootstrapping strategies SMEs are expected to employ expansion strategies.Malgré l'augmentation des recherches – en nombre et en types d'études – sur les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME), les connaissances sont limitées sur le rapport entre les déterminants et les mécanismes de la croissance des PME. Afin de combler ces lacunes, cet article établit une analyse systématique du rapport entre les déterminants de la croissance et les stratégies d'approche dynamique fondée sur les ressources, et propose un modèle de contingence pour la croissance, basé sur la munificence. Les auteurs soutiennent que le choix de la stratégie de croissance doit se fonder sur les ressources de la firme et les contextes de munificence environnementale. Les entreprises peuvent choisir des stratégies de croissance, biologiques ou non biologiques, en se basant sur l'abondance ou la rareté de certaines ressources et la capacité accommodante de l'environnement économique. Lorsque l'environnement économique est accompagné d'opportunités avantageuses, les PME ont tendance à coopérer avec d'autres entreprises, soit dans le cadre d'une collaboration, soit à travers des stratégies de diversification. Inversement, lorsqu'elles sont confrontées à des conditions de marché très concurrentielles et à une disponibilité limitée de ressources, des stratégies de rééchantillonage - « bootstrap » - peuvent les aider à préserver la compétitivité et à prospérer. En définitive, alors que la force des ressources de l'entreprise se développe grâce à des stratégies de « bootstrap », il est attendu des PME qu'elles aient recours à des stratégies d'expansion.The first author acknowledges the support of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rsbe202018-11-29hj2018Business Managemen

Immunization data quality and factors influencing data generation, handling and use in Wogera District, Northern Ethiopia, 2020

Abstract Background: Data quality is a vital metric in health information systems to ascertain improved health of individuals and community as well. Immunization data are critical inputs in assessing national performance of expanded program on immunization and child health improvement. Inconsistent health data happens when variations arise in the report and re-count from the source documents. Aim: This study aimed to assess immunization data quality and factors influencing data generation, handling, and use. Methods: Both qualitative and quantitative data were used. Immunization recording and reporting documents were reviewed at 41 health facilities of primary health care units. Twenty health workforces were interviewed on healthcare data quality, generation, handling, and use. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows version 26 was used to perform quantitative data analysis and open code version 4.02 was used for qualitative data analysis. Data accuracy was presented using mean and standard deviation of data verification factor. Results: Over-reporting of immunization data elements was observed. The highest accuracy (75%) was reported for full immunization at health center level followed by 62.5% for measles. The difference between verification factor of ideal reports and observed values, indicates that there is over reporting in all immunization data elements by 44% (27-61%), 46% (=31-61%), 40% (12-61%), 37% (11-63%), and 38% (12-64%) in BCG, Penta 1, Penta 3, measles, and full immunization, respectively. Supervision, availability of recording and reporting tools, training, motivation, attitudes towards healthcare data, hard to reach areas and manual documentation were influencing factors of immunization data quality, generation, handling, and use. Conclusion: The study revealed that health facilities over-reported immunization data elements in primary health care units. Attentions should be given to address organization, behavioral, technical, and contextual factors influencing immunization data quality, generation, handling, and use. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-3):56-64] Keywords: Immunization data quality, Factors influencing, Verification factor, Wogera distric

A historical overview of traditional medicine practices and policy in Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Although traditional medicine plays an important role in Ethiopian society, knowledge about the extent and characteristics of traditional healing practices and practitioners is limited and has frequently been ignored in the national health system. Objective: To review history of practices and policies on traditional medicine in Ethiopia. Methods: A systematic review of available literature on Ethiopian traditional medicine and policy documents was carried out. Google, Pub Med and Medline online internet searches were done to access relevant material. In addition, materials from Jimma University Library and the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health Library were used. Several authorities were also contacted to supplement the literature. Result: There are a number of traditional medicinal practices that reflect the diversity of Ethiopian cultures. Ethiopian traditional medicine is concerned not only with the curing of diseases but also with the protection and promotion of human physical, spiritual, social, mental and material wellbeing. The many categories of traditional medicinal practices dealing with these different aspects of health include: spiritual healing, prevention, as well as curative and surgical practices. The health and drug policies of the Ethiopian Ministry of Health recognize the important role traditional health systems play in health care. Unfortunately, little has been done in recent decades to enhance and develop the beneficial aspects of traditional medicine including relevant research to explore possibilities for its gradual integration into modern medicine. Conclusion: The Ethiopian government firmly supports and encourages traditional medicine through its policies as part of the national heritage. Despite these commitments on the policies, the government&apos;s ability to implement and provide increased resources for the study, as well as sustainable use of traditional medicine and their integration with modern medical practice has been limited. Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses and maintain well-being (1)

The Implementation of Social and Behavior Change Communication Intervention to Improve Immunization Demand: A qualitative study in Awabel District, Northwest Ethiopia

AbstractBackground: Immunization coverage in Ethiopia is low, and dropout rates are high. Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions were introduced as a means of combating the ‘demand-side’ immunization barriers. However, Little research exists in terms of the efficacy of the SBCC intervention, in terms of promoting uptake, and improving the immunization demands in Ethiopia.Aim: To explore the current implementation status, and perceived effectiveness of SBCC intervention, barriers and facilitators with new strategies aimed at effective implementation of the SBCC intervention in Awabel District, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from January 1- October 31, 2020. In-dept interviews were conducted with fifteen key-informants using a piloted semi-structured interview guide. Participants were purposively selected, which comprised of mangers, Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) focal personnel, Health Extension Workers (HEWs), Women Development Armies (WDAs), mothers and community representatives. Six vaccination sessions were observed. Coding was done to identify patterns. Thematic analysis was performed using Open Code 4. 02.Results: Interpersonal communication, community conversation, social mobilization and family modeling were used as SBCC approaches. HEWs were the key source of information. Religious leaders were among the major stakeholders that encourage immunization. SBCC was perceived as an effective measure to improve immunization demand. There were multiple barriers for implementation of SBCC interventions including limited resources, lack of awareness, geographic barriers, traditional beliefs, lack of incentives, and limited EPI staff and health facility operating hours. Engagement of fathers and religious leaders, strengthening the WDA, and allocation of more resources were listed as possible strategies to tackle barriers.Conclusion: The implementation of SBCC interventions is important to improve immunization demand. Despite its effectiveness, there are several multi-level barriers to its successful implementation. Further, greater investments are required to improve infrastructures, staff employment and capacity building. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-3):49-55]Keywords: Immunization, SBCC, Ethiopi

Women's Independent Household Decision Making Power and its influence on their Autonomy in relation to Child Vaccinations: a mixed-method study among Women of Reproductive Age in Northwest Ethiopia

AbstractBackground: The importance of women’s empowerment in influencing health outcomes has received attention globally, but there is limited information in Ethiopia on the relationship between women's household decision making power and the autonomy of decision making in relation to child vaccinations.Aim: The study aimed to assess the role of women's household decision making power on their autonomy in relation to child vaccinations.Methods: A community based mixed method study design was conducted among women who had 12–23-month-old children in Wogera district, Ethiopia. The sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula for the quantitative aspect of the study and the data collection for the qualitative study continued until saturation. The quantitative data was collected using a piloted questionnaire. SPSS software was used for quantitative data analyses. X2-square test was conducted to explore the association between women's household decision making power and their autonomy in relation to decision making around child vaccinations. Framework analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data using open code software.Results: A total of 584 women participated in the quantitative study and 13 In-depth interviews (IDI) with 13 key informants (KII)were conducted for the qualitative study. Majority, 88.2% (95% CI: 85.7, 90.6) of the respondents have autonomy to vaccinate children. This study showed that nearly two-thirds, 61.6% of the women had household decision making power. Respondents of the qualitative study noted that women had low household decision making power. Women's household decision making power is associated with women's autonomy to vaccinate children (x2=92.775a, df=1, P&lt;0.001).Conclusions: The overall level of women’s household decision making power was relatively low compared to EDHS reports whereas women's autonomy to chid vaccination was high. There was a strong relationship between women’s household decision making power and their autonomy in relation to child vaccinations. It is therefore important to implement activities, for example, provision of behavioural change communication (BCC) in the community, that can improve women’s household decision making power which in turn will influence child vaccination coverage. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-3):86-97]Key words: Women, Household decision making power, Women's autonomy, Vaccinatio

Full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months in Wogera district, Northwest Ethiopia

AbstractBackground: Immunization is considered one of the most affordable health initiatives for children. Though there is good progress in Ethiopia, the amount of fully vaccinated children, is still below the target. Possible challenges include women having home visits and men’s’ involvement in vaccination uptake. Therefore, this study aimed to determine full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12- 23 months in Wogera districts, Northwest Ethiopia.Aim: This study aimed to determine the full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months, and to assess the level of immunization coverage and its determinants in Wogera districts, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wogera district from May 28-June 25/2020. Cluster sampling method was used to recruit 598 study participants. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with full immunization. Odds ratios with 95% Confidence intervals were used to determine significant variables.Results: A total of 584 mothers who had children aged 12-23 months participated in this study. The full immunization coverage was 76.5% (95%CI 73.2-79.8). Mother age &gt;40 years (AOR=7.37, 95% CI: 1.65, 32); mothers who initiate vaccine uptake(woman empowerment) (AOR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39); mothers who had 1-3 ANC visit (AOR=2.51, 95% CI:1.14, 5.52), and 4+ ANC follow up (AOR=2.73,95% CI: 1.26, 5.91); r health extension worker's home visit during the first weeks of postpartum period (AOR=1.76,95% CI:1.10, 2.84), and males involved in child immunization (AOR=3.27, 95% CI:1.84, 5.81) was positively associated with being fully vaccinated , however, birth order of 6 and above (AOR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.86) was negatively associated with being fully vaccinated.Conclusion: In this study, the full immunization coverage is found to be suboptimal, and it is far from the expected national target coverage. Maternal health care uptake; women empowerment; home visits by HEW during the first week of the postpartum period and male involvement in child immunization were found to be predictors of being fully vaccinated. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-3):16-27]Keywords: Full immunization, Children12-23 months, Northwest Ethiopia, Male involvemen