School-based continuous Teacher Professional Development in Addis Ababa : An Investigation of Practices, Opportunities and Challenges <Special Issue : Study results of the Africa-Asia university dialogue for educational development network second phase>

The purpose of this study was to examine opportunities and challenges in practicing Continuous professional Development (CPD) in selected schools in Addis Ababa City Administration. Questionnaire pilot tested in two primary schools was administered to 300 randomly selected primary school teachers in Addis Ababa. With regard to the variable "Teachers' self-reflection", male respondents tend to use self reflection techniques more than female respondents to improve their career development. The mean score for teachers teaching at the second cycle was found to be statistically higher than that of teachers working in the first cycle of primary education indicating that teachers in the second cycle tend to use peer discussion, self-assessment of one's own daily routines, and use of portfolio more often than their counterparts teaching in the first cycle. The mentoring process stood as number one contributing factor for teacher professional development followed by action research and school in-house workshops. Lack of knowledge and experience on the theoretical underpinnings, implementation inconsistencies, lack of budget to run the program at school level, lack of incentive procedures to recognize teachers who made utmost efforts to change themselves and their colleagues were major problems identified from the qualitative data. Despite these problems, the new CPD has entailed a number of opportunities and useful experiences in terms of empowering school teachers and ameliorating school-based problems related to the teaching learning process. Future implications of the research were also suggested

Adolescents Antisocial Behavior and Their Academic Performance: The Case of High Schools in Jimma Town

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between antisocial behavior and academic achievement of high school students in Jimma town. Participants were 524 students 14-19 years old from government and private secondary schools. Cross sectional research designed was employed. Primary and secondary data were sources of this study. Results indicate that academic achievement was negatively associated with antisocial behavior. The result also shows that there is no significant difference between government and private schools in correlation of academic performance and antisocial behavior. The result also showed that there is a significant difference between male and female students’ academic achievement and antisocial behavior engagement, which is strong in male participants than female participants. To conclude the result showed there is a significant negative correlation between academic achievement and antisocial behavior. Therefore, the researchers recommends further studies to be conducted in the area, teachers also have to implement behavioral monitoring and modification strategies in secondary schools to minimize behavioral problem among students. Teachers, parents and other parties work together for better improvement of students’ academic and behavioral improvement

The Nexus between the Practice of Induction and the Formation of Novice Teachers’ Professional Identity in Ethiopia

Teacher Professional identity is the identity teachers construct through training and teaching experience within dynamic global, regional and national context. This is true for all teachers including the novice which are the focus of this research. This research examines the nexus between the practice of induction, an important component of continuous teacher professional development, and the formation of novice teachers’ professional identity in Ethiopia. Descriptive survey design with a mixed research approach involving both quantitative and qualitative research in the study. The study was conducted in eight primary schools drawn from Addis Ababa city administration and three regional states namely, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Regional (SNNPR). All novice teachers in the selected schools completed questionnaire while two novice teachers were interviewed in each school. One expert working at woreda/zone education office was also interviewed in each region. Data were collected from 239 primary school teachers from Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromia and SNNP regional states. Results showed statistically significant relationship between adequacy of support novice teachers received in their schools and the scores on teacher professional identity where those who reported higher adequacy of mentoring support had higher TPI score and vice versa for those with lesser support. In-depth interview with teachers and education experts at different levels also showed results supporting the quantitative findings. Implications were drawn particularly in reference to improving quality of induction for novice teachers.Group C: Teacher Professional Developmen

Chronic Energy Deficiency and Associated Factors among Lactating Mothers (15-49 years old) in Offa Woreda, Wolayita Zone, SNNPRs, Ethiopia

The lactating mothers in developing countries like Ethiopia are the first targeted and nutritionally vulnerable groups to under nutrition due to different socio demographic factors which influence the health and well being of mothers and children. During lactation periods, mothers need more nutritious food than the rests of the household members. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status, associated factors and dietary diversity of lactating mothers 15-49 years old in Offa woreda. A cross-sectional community based study was carried out to determine the Chronic Energy deficiency of lactating mothers in the studied woreda. The lactating mothers were randomly selected from four rural and two urban kebeles. A total of 422 households were visited and the required data were collected as scheduled in all selected kebeles. The prevalence of under nutrition among the lactating mothers in the studied area was determined using BMI by Anthropometric measurements and the blood sample test for hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was done using Haemocue methods. The collected data were analyzed using Stata version 14.2 software. Among the participated lactating mothers the values 15.8%, 74.2%, 8.3% and 1.7% were obtained for under weight, normal, over weight and obese in their BMI (kg/m2), respectively. The studied participants of 15.8% were in chronic energy deficiency according to WHO guidelines. The lactating mothers’ percentage value 36.4%, 59.3%, 4.3% were in age group of 15-24, 25-34 and 35-49 years, respectively. The blood test showed that among the lactating mothers 11.4% were found anemic which had got hemoglobin level less than normal level (12g/dl). The daily dietary diversity intake per day of lactating mothers was classified as high (&gt;5 DDS) 1.2%, medium (4-5 DDS) 50.7% and low (&lt;3 DDS) 47.4% among the nine food groups recommended for women dietary diversity score (WDDS). The independent variables: education, family size, marital status and occupation were significantly associated with nutritional status of the lactating mothers at P&lt;0.05. In conclusion the majority of the lactating women in the study area had normal BMI. The researchers would like to recommend that the government and development agencies should focus on the risk factors identified, to ensure better health and nutrition for lactating mothers in this woreda

Introduction of birth dose of hepatitis B virus vaccine to the immunization program in Ethiopia: An economic evaluation

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality with a very high burden in Africa. The risk of developing chronic infection is marked if the infection is acquired perinatally, which is largely preventable through a birth dose of HBV vaccine. We examined the cost-effectiveness of a birth dose of HBV vaccine in a medical setting in Ethiopia. Methods We constructed a decision analytic model with a Markov process to estimate the costs and effects of a birth dose of HBV vaccine (the intervention), compared with current practices in Ethiopia. Current practice is pentavalent vaccination (DPT-HiB-HepB) administered at 6, 10 and 14 weeks after birth. We used disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted to quantify the health benefits while the costs of the intervention were expressed in 2018 USD. Analyses were based on Ethiopian epidemiological, demographic and cost data when available; otherwise we used a thorough literature review, in particular for assigning transition probabilities. Results In Ethiopia, where the prevalence of HBV among pregnant women is 5%, adding a birth dose of HBV vaccine would present an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of USD 110 per DALY averted. The estimated ICER compares very favorably with a willingness-to-pay level of 0.31 times gross domestic product per capita (about USD 240 in 2018) in Ethiopia. Our ICER estimates were robust over a wide range of epidemiologic, vaccine effectiveness, vaccine coverage and cost parameter inputs. Conclusions Based on our cost-effectiveness findings, introducing a birth dose of HBV vaccine in Ethiopia would likely be highly cost-effective. Such evidence could help guide policymakers in considering including HBV vaccine into Ethiopia’s essential health services package.publishedVersio

Intimate Partner Violence, prevalence and its consequences: a community-based study in Gambella, Ethiopia

AbstractIntroductionIntimate partner violence is defined as any behavior by a current or past male intimate partner during marriage, cohabitation, or any other formal or informal union that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Men are the most common perpetrators of this against women. It affects almost one-third of all women worldwide.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence, consequences, and factors associated with intimate partner violence among partnered women in Gambella town.MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regression method was used to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. Variables with a p-value &lt;0.05 were considered significantly associated with intimate partner violence.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intimate partner violence in the lifetime and the last 12 months was 58.8, 95% CI (54.0, 63.6), and 51.8, 95% CI (46.7, 56.8), respectively. More than half (53.3%) of the violence resulted in physical injury, while 32.9% were separated from their partners whereas, mother’s history of exposure to IPV [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI (1.03–3.27), p &lt; 0.05], respondent’s age [AOR: 3.4, 95% CI (1.8, 6.5), p &lt; 0.001], substance use [AOR:2.5, 95% CI (1.5–4.1), p &lt; 0.001], disagreement on sexual intercourse [AOR:3.2, 95% CI (1.8–5.7), p &lt; 0.01], monthly family income [AOR:0.32, 95% CI: (0.16–0.63), p &lt; 0.01] and family size [AOR:2.8, 95% CI: (1.6–4.8), p &lt; 0.01] were significantly associated with IPV.ConclusionThe study indicated that the prevalence of intimate partner violence was very high. Age of the woman, family size, substance use, economic status, were among factors significantly associated with intimate partner violence. Therefore, responsible stakeholders should respond to the deep-rooted and highly complicated gender inequality by implementing preventive measures

Antenatal depression and its predictors among HIV positive women in Sub-Saharan Africa; a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAntenatal depression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive pregnant women can have significant adverse effects on both the mother and newborns, yet it is often overlooked in pregnancy care in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite this, there is limited data on the combined prevalence of antenatal depression and its predictors among HIV-positive women in the region.ObjectiveTo assess the pooled prevalence of antenatal depression and its associated factors among HIV-positive women in SSA.MethodsAll primary cross-sectional studies published before 1st January/2024, were included. We conducted searches in relevant databases; PubMed, HINARI, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Psychiatry Online, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to critically appraise the selected studies. To assess heterogeneity among the studies, we utilized the I2 test. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger’s test. The forest plot was used to present the combined proportion of antenatal depression and odds ratio, along with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of antenatal depression among HIV-positive women in Sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 30.6% (95% CI, 19.8%-41.3%). Factors significantly associated with antenatal depression among HIV-positive women in SSA included being unmarried (AOR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.57 – 6.07), having a previous history of depression (AOR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.79 – 4.91), experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) (AOR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.44 – 3.09), and experiencing stigma (AOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05 – 1.76).ConclusionHigh prevalence of antenatal depression among HIV-positive women in SSA underscores the need for prioritizing identification and management. Interventions addressing factors like IPV and stigma, along with training for healthcare providers in recognizing symptoms and providing support, are recommended.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024508236

Utilization of non-pneumatic anti-shock garment for the management of obstetric hemorrhage among healthcare providers in north Shewa zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundGlobal maternal deaths have either increased or stagnated tragically. Obstetric hemorrhage (OH) remains the major cause of maternal deaths. Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) has several positive results in the management of obstetric hemorrhage in resource-limited settings where getting definitive treatments are difficult and limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the proportion and factors associated with the utilization of NASG for the management of obstetric hemorrhage among healthcare providers in the North Shewa zone, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at health facilities of the north Shewa zone, Ethiopia from June 10th-30th/2021. A simple random sampling (SRS) technique was employed among 360 healthcare providers. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. EpiData version 4.6 and SPSS 25 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify associated factors with the outcome variable. The level of significance was decided at a value of p of &lt;0.05.ResultsThe utilization of NASG for the management of obstetric hemorrhage among healthcare providers was 39% (95%CI: 34–45). Healthcare providers who received training on NASG (AOR = 3.3; 95%CI: 1.46−7.48), availability of NASG in the health facility (AOR = 9.17; 95%CI: 5.10–16.46), diploma (AOR = 2.63; 95%CI: 1.39–3.68), bachelor degree (AOR = 7.89; 95%CI: 3.1–16.29) and those healthcare providers who have a positive attitude toward utilization of NASG (AOR = 1.63; 95%CI: 1.14–2.82) were variables positively associated with the utilization of NASG.ConclusionIn this study, almost two-fifths of healthcare providers used NASG for the management of obstetrics hemorrhage. Arranging educational opportunities and continuous professional development training for healthcare providers, providing in-service and refresher training, and making it available at health facilities may help healthcare providers to effectively use the device, thereby reducing maternal morbidity and mortality

Intimate partner violence and childhood health outcomes in 37 sub-Saharan African countries: an analysis of demographic health survey data from 2011 to 2022

Background Understanding the contribution of intimate partner violence (IPV) to childhood health outcomes (eg, morbidity and mortality) is crucial for improving child survival in sub-Saharan Africa. This comprehensive study aimed to explore the associations between maternal exposure to physical, sexual, or emotional violence and adverse childhood health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We analysed Demographic Health Survey datasets from 37 sub-Saharan African countries from 2011 to 2022. A generalised linear mixed model was used to examine the associations between maternal physical violence, sexual violence, or emotional violence, and early childhood health outcomes (eg, acute respiratory infection, diarrhoea, undernutrition, and child mortality). A random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) for adverse childhood health outcomes. The odds of undernutrition and mortality were 55% and 58% higher among children younger than 5 years born to mothers who were exposed to physical and sexual violence, respectively. Findings 238 060 children younger than 5 years were included. Children whose mothers experienced physical violence (adjusted OR 1·33, 95% CI 1·29–1·42), sexual violence (1·47, 1·34–1·62), emotional violence (1·39, 1·32–1·47), or a combination of emotional and sexual violence (1·64, 1·20–2·22), or a combination of all the three forms of violence (1·88, 1·62–2·18) were associated with an increased odds of developing diarrhoeal disease. Similarly, children whose mothers experienced physical violence (1·43, 1·28–1·59), sexual violence (1·47, 1·34–1·62), emotional violence (1·39, 1·32–1·47), or a combination of emotional and sexual violence (1·48, 1·16–1·89), or a combination of all three forms of violence (1·66, 1·47–1·88) were positively associated with symptoms of acute respiratory infection. Interpretation We found a strong link between maternal exposure to IPV and health outcomes for children younger than 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa, with minor variations across countries. To address childhood morbidity and mortality attributed to IPV, interventions need to be tailored for specific countries. Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Comoros, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Uganda should be priority nations