Challenges Associated with Quality of Soda Ash, Abijata Lake, Central Main Ethiopian Rift, Ethiopia

Abijata-Shalla Soda Ash Share Company in the central Main Ethiopian Rift is producing soda ash (Na2CO3)by evaporating brine water from Abijata Lake. A study was undertaken to assess the challenges associated with the mining practices and quality of soda ash. Presently, 5000t of soda ash is produced annually with a grade of about 90% against the expected 20,000t with 97% grade. During fieldwork, a geological map is prepared and collected soil, trona, soda ash and water samples for chemical analysis. Water samples were collected from the lake and from different evaporation ponds. Soil samples were collected around the ponds and soda ash samples from the processing plant. All the samples were analyzed for major cations and anions in addition to pH and other parameters. The field and laboratory data suggest that the mining method, pond design, and the timing of transfer of brine water from one pond to another are the major challenges that are affecting the quality of soda ash. New pond design is suggested with minor modification to the existing design which is expected to increase the grade close to 97% Na2CO3.  Keywords: Abijata-Shalla Lakes; Brine water; Evaporation; Trona; Soda Ash; Ethiopia

Effect of Rhamnus prinoide (Gesho) Intercropping in Wheat Field on Soil Nutrient and Moisture in the Drylands of North Ethiopia

Rhamnus prinoide (Gesho) intercropping is a common practice with  significant socioeconomic and ecological importance in Ganta-afoshum district. However, this practice is not well explored so far, especially from the perspective of its impact on sustainable land management while land degradation and low productivity is a challenge in the district. The  objective of this study was to examine the effect of R. prinoide intercropping on soil nutrient and moisture. The study was conducted in Ganta-afoshum district, eastern zone of Tigray regional state where smallholder farmers practice R. prinoide intercropping. Soil samples were taken from farmland with dense, medium and sparse density of R. prinoide intercropping and from farmland without trees as a control for analysis. The density of the trees significantly affected the soil bulk density (P<0.05). Soil moisture content significantly increased with increasing soil depth and by the interaction effects of soil depth and density (P<0.05). Soil nitrogen concentration significantly influenced by the density and soil depth (P<0.05). Soil phosphorus and potassium  concentration significantly affected by soil depth (P<0.05). Lower mean soil pH values were observed for soils under the farm with dense trees as compared to soils in open farm. Overall, the enhancing and exploitative effects of R. prinoide intercropping on soil nutrient and moisture is  minimal. This could be the reason for being practiced and maintained by most farmers.Keywords: Agro-forestry systems, R. prinoide intercropping, Spatial arrangement, Soil nutrient and moisture, Tigray, Ethiopia

Hepatitis C virus infections and associated risk factors in patients with diabetes mellitus; case control study in North West Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus among patients with Diabetes mellitus and healthy control groups in North West Tigray. Blood samples from each study subject was tested for Hepatitis C virus by using anti Hepatitis C virus antibody rapid test kits and confirmed using enzyme linked immuno sorbent assy. Result The overall seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis C virus among diabetic and non diabetic study subjects were found (16.7, 28, and 6) % respectively. Multi varate logistic regression analysis result shows that study subject with uvulotomy, previous history of immunosuppressive disease, and study subjects with fast blood glucose (≥ 126 mg/dl) showed statistically significant association with anti Hepatitis C virus antibody sero status [AOR (12.4 (3.5–18.3); 0.1 (0.03–0.5); and 8.6 (1.7–13)] respectively

Knowledge and associated factors of lactational amenorrhea as a contraception method among postpartum women in Aksum town, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Abstract Objectives The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of knowledge level and predictors of lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) as method of contraception among women who gave birth a year prior to the study period in the Aksum town, Tigray Region. The study was cross sectional in design conducted from March 25 to April 24, 2015. Results of the study could help the design of family planning strategies. Results The knowledge status of LAM as a contraceptive method was 8.8% [95% CI 6.4–11%)]. Women who delivered at health institution (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.3), attended postnatal care (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–3.0) and visited home and counseled about family planning by health extension in the last 12 months, (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.0) were more likely found knowledgeable towards LAM. Secondary and above level of the maternal education was also found a significant predictor variable with LAM as a contraceptive method (AOR = 1.2 95% CI 1.1–4.0). Our findings recommend that to address the knowledge gap of mothers; improving the uptake of maternal health services and strengthening family planning counseling at home are a key area for improving the knowledge level of LAM

Blood donation practice and associated factors among health professionals in Tigray regional state public hospitals, northern Ethiopia

Abstract Objective The demand for blood and blood products are increasing in all part of the globe, especially in the developing nations. However, there is limited information on the level of blood donation practice and their related factors. Therefore, assessing the level of blood donation practice and its determinant factors among health professionals have a paramount importance in designing an effective strategy for sustaining adequate and safe blood provision in the hospitals. Results Out of 556 health professionals, 266 (47.8%) had ever donated blood in their life time. Age above 30 years (AOR = 2.756 95% CI 1.055–7.197), married health professionals (AOR = 1.729 95% CI 1.091–2.739), health professionals’ knowledge of blood donation (AOR = 3.403 95% CI 2.296–5.044), health professionals’ attitude towards blood donation (AOR = 3.41 95% CI 2.320–5.041) and health professionals who attend degree education (AOR = 0.315 95% CI 0.104–0.950) were significantly associated with blood donation behavior of health professionals. The magnitude of blood donation practice was found low. Therefore, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and ministry of health should continue increasing the attitude and knowledge of health professionals toward blood donation practices are the key avenues interventions

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Adwa district, northern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii infection is a great health concern to pregnant women and the developing fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and its associated factors in Adwa district. Methods A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2018 in Adwa district. Structured, a pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the demographic and risk factor related data. Serum sample, collected from each of the study subjects was tested for IgG and IgM anti T.godii specific antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was applied to show association between the dependent and independent variables considering P < 0.05 and the 95% confidence interval. Result Out of the 360, 128 (35.6%) pregnant women were found to be positive for antibodies specific to T. gondii. Furthermore, 117 (32.5%) women were positive only for IgG, and 11 (3.1%) were positive both for IgM and IgG antibodies. Age, educational level, habit of hand washing after contact with garden soil or domestic animals, presence of domestic cat, history of contact with domestic dog and consumption of raw vegetables were significantly associated with T. gondii. Conclusion The seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women in the study area is low compared to the other regions of Ethiopia, and within the range of the seroprevalences in the central and East Africa region. However, efforts should be done to create awareness on the potential risk factors of the parasite in the community

Predictors of postpartum contraceptive use in rural Tigray region, northern Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis

Abstract Background Postpartum family planning services is one of the recommended public health intervention aimed at reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortalities. However, there is a paucity studies in rural Tigray region. Therefore, determining the level and associated factors of contraceptive use among postpartum women has the potential to contribute in achieving the Ethiopian Health Sector Transformation Plan and to the Sustainable Development Goals on maternal and infant survival. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was done among 1109 postpartum women from March 29, 2017 to April 29, 2017. Face –to–face interview was used for data collection. The collected data were entered and cleaned using EPI - INFO version 7statistical software and later exported to and analyzed using STATA version 12. Mixed-effects multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify the individual and community-level factors associated with contraception adoption. A two side p-value< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The level of contraceptive use was 38.3%. Individual-level variables such as women belong to fourth (AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1–3.2) and fifth (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3–2.5) wealth quintiles were identified as key predictors of contraception use. In addition, partner secondary (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.8–3.5) and diploma (AOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6) educational-level and postnatal care (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.3) were also significantly affected contraception use. Community-level variables such as high community-level antenatal care services use (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.9–4.2) and proximity of women to health facility (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 2.7–4.6) were also determinants of contraception uptake. Conclusions The status of contraceptive use in rural Tigray region was found to be low. It was found that both individual and community-level variables showed a marked determinant on postpartum contraception use. This study suggested that in order to increase contraceptive use the government should focus on increasing postnatal care, antenatal care services use and reduction of poverty level are important avenues for intervention

Depression among Adult HIV/AIDS Patients Attending ART Clinics at Aksum Town, Aksum, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Depression is consistently associated with increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and poor antiretroviral treatment adherence. Though many factors have been reported as determinant factors of depression, site-specific evidence is needed to identify factors associated with depression among adults on antiretroviral treatment. Methods. An institution based cross-sectional study was carried out from March to May 2015 among 411 adults HIV/AIDS patients on ART clinic follow-up. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using chart review and interviewer- administered techniques. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to compute the statistical test associations by SPSS version-20. Variables with p value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results. Four hundred eleven patients with a mean age ± Standard Deviation of 36.1±9.2 years and with a total response rate of 97.6% were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of depression was 14.6% (95% CI, 10.90-18.2). Factors independently associated with depression were nonadherence to ART, eating two meals per day or less, having side effect of ART medication, being in the WHO Stage II or above of HIV/AIDS, and living alone with AOR (95% CI) of 3.3 (1.436, 7.759), 2.8 (1.382, 5.794), 4.7 (1.317, 16.514), 2.8 (0.142, 0.786), and 2.4 (1.097, 5.429), respectively. Conclusion. Though the magnitude of depression was found relatively low, it was commonly observed as a mental health problem among adult patients with HIV/AIDS on ART. Programs on counseling and close follow-up of adherence to ART, drug side effects, and nutrition should be strengthened. Health facilities should link adult patients with HIV/AIDS who live alone to governmental and nongovernmental social supporter organizations