SURVEY OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN BURE AREA, ILLUBABOR, SOUTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT: Population census and survey of intestinal parasites were conducted in October 1987 in Bure area, Illubabor. Altogether, there were 1063 households comprising 4119 residents, of whom 86.3% (3,555) were indigenous and 13.7% (564) were newly arrived settlers. Four villages among nine were taken randomly, and all individuals living in a 10% sample of households picked by systematic sampling underwent investigation for intestinal parasites. Of these, 8.5% (301) indigenous and 13.7% (77) settlers provided stool specimens which were collected, processed and examined by the formol-ether-concentration technique. Positive rates for one or more parasites turned out to be 82.7% and 67.5 % among the former and latter respectively, the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). Both population groups combined, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, and Entameba coli were the predominant parasites. Multiple infection was common comprising 48.2 % in the indigenous and 53.8% in the settler population groups. Preventive and control measures are suggested. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1994;8(1):29-35

Schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthic infections in Delo Awraja, Bale administrative region south Ethiopia

Abstract: A cross-sectional survey of schistosomiasis, intestinal helminthic infections and the snail intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis was conducted in Delo Awraja, Bale Administrative Region, South Ethiopia. Of 15 accessible communities studied, the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis exceeded 5% in five of them, reaching 48% in Meda. No S. haematobium infection was found except two imported cases diagnosed at Melkaaman at a temporary shelter for refugees returning from Somalia. Uninfected snail hosts of S. mansoni were collected from few water bodies. Other intestinal helminth parasites were also highly prevalent and widespread, the dominant ones being Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm species and Trichuris trichiura, infection rates reaching 84%, 67% and 64% respectively in some communities located at altitudes of 1500-1600 m.a.s.l. The apprehension that schistosomiasis may further spread with future development plans and the need for initiation of surveillance and/or control programmes for schistosomiasis in particular and intestinal helminthic infections in general are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1997;11(3):183-188

Praziquantel in the control of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Jiga, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract: The curative efficacy and side effects of praziquantel were observed in patients with intestinal schistosomiasis in Jiga town, Northwestern Ethiopia. A total survey of the inhabitants (4861) was done and all those positive for S. man.soni and with no serious contraindications (1248) were treated with praziquantel, single oral dose of 40 mg per kg body weight. The drug has a cure rate of 89% , with a significant reduction in prevalence (P <0.001, OR: 3.58, CI:2. 77, 4.64) and a marked decrease in average intensity of infection (from 187 to 111 EPG). The most frequent (64.4% )' side effects were headache and dizziness, directly related to intensity of infection, and most often did not last more than 48 hours. Therefore, it is concluded that praziquantel is a safe and effective therapy for schistosomiasis and can be used as a key component in the control of the disease. [Ethiop. I. Health Dev. 1996;10(2):105-110

Prevalence and associated risk factoprs of Induced Abortion in Northwet Ethiopia

No Abstract Available Ethiop.J.Health Dev. Vol.19(1) 2005: 37-4

Accuracy of assessment of eligibility for early medical abortion by community health workers in Ethiopia, India and South Africa

Objective To assess the accuracy of assessment of eligibility for early medical abortion by community health workers using a simple checklist toolkit. Design Diagnostic accuracy study. Setting Ethiopia, India and South Africa. METHODS: Two hundred seventeen women in Ethiopia, 258 in India and 236 in South Africa were enrolled into the study. A checklist toolkit to determine eligibility for early medical abortion was validated by comparing results of clinician and community health worker assessment of eligibility using the checklist toolkit with the reference standard exam. RESULTS: Accuracy was over 90% and the negative likelihood ratio <0.1 at all three sites when used by clinician assessors. Positive likelihood ratios were 4.3 in Ethiopia, 5.8 in India and 6.3 in South Africa. When used by community health workers the overall accuracy of the toolkit was 92% in Ethiopia, 80% in India and 77% in South Africa negative likelihood ratios were 0.08 in Ethiopia, 0.25 in India and 0.22 in South Africa and positive likelihood ratios were 5.9 in Ethiopia and 2.0 in India and South Africa. CONCLUSION: The checklist toolkit, as used by clinicians, was excellent at ruling out participants who were not eligible, and moderately effective at ruling in participants who were eligible for medical abortion. Results were promising when used by community health workers particularly in Ethiopia where they had more prior experience with use of diagnostic aids and longer professional training. The checklist toolkit assessments resulted in some participants being wrongly assessed as eligible for medical abortion which is an area of concern. Further research is needed to streamline the components of the tool, explore optimal duration and content of training for community health workers, and test feasibility and acceptability

Age- and sex-specific HIV-1 prevalence in the urban community setting of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Objective: To estimate the age and sex-specific prevalence of HIV infection in th

Antimalarial drug utilization by women in central Ethiopia

A survey was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices, with respect to malaria, of 300 women from six randomly selected rural communities in Central Ethiopia from December 1991 to February 1992. Eighty-five per cent were able to recognize one or more of the common symptoms of malaria. Transmission was generally misunderstood and only 23% believed it could be prevented. More women preferred to obtain antimalarials from government clinics than from private drug shops, mission clinics, unofficial injectors, open markets or from leftover sources. Children under five were identified as the most malaria-vulnerable group and given priority for treatment. Severity of illness was the principal determinant in seeking treatment. Decisions were generally made jointly by both parents.As distance from a health unit increased, knowledge about transmissibility of malaria decreased (OR =.48; 95% CI.27,.86). Logistic regression analysis showed literacy and village to be the most important variables associated with knowledge of prevention

The potential role of the private sector in expanding postabortion care in Addis Ababa, Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia

Background: Unsafe abortion is a major contributor of maternal mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia. High disease burden and underdeveloped infrastructure entail involvement of all partners in responding to health needs in the country. The private sector has apparently not been exploited to the fullest extent so far. Objective: To assess the potential of private facilities in expanding access to postabortion care (PAC). Methods: A cross-sectional study of private health facilities in Addis Ababa, Amhara and Oromia was conducted in 2001-2, using a pretested questionnaire and a checklist. Results: We assessed 88, 31 and 32 facilities in Addis Ababa, Amhara and Oromia, respectively. Treatment was provided by 44%, 52% and 63% of the eligible facilities in Addis Ababa, Amhara and Oromia, respectively. Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) was used in treating 61% of Addis Ababa patients whereas sharp curettage was used in over 80% of those in Amhara and Oromia. About 80% of women did not get postabortion family planning methods. Patient-provider interaction was generally satisfactory. High-level disinfection (HLD) of non-autoclavable instruments needed improvement. All medium and above clinics have at least one GP and many have nurse/midwives. The vast majority of facilities not giving the service would like to provide comprehensive PAC if staff are trained and equipment made available in the market. Conclusion: Private health facilities can contribute substantially if given the necessary guidance and support with proper monitoring and evaluation. Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2003;17(3):157-16

Migration, settlement patterns and visceral leishmaniasis in Ethiopia

In IDL-1097

Bioecology of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), its management and potential patterns of seasonal spread in Africa.

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) has rapidly spread in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and has emerged as a major pest of maize and sorghum in the continent. For effective monitoring and a better understanding of the bioecology and management of this pest, a Community-based Fall Armyworm Monitoring, Forecasting, Early Warning and Management (CBFAMFEW) initiative was implemented in six eastern African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi). Over 650 Community Focal Persons (CFPs) who received training through the project were involved in data collection on adult moths, crop phenology, cropping systems, FAW management practices and other variables. Data collection was performed using Fall Armyworm Monitoring and Early Warning System (FAMEWS), a mobile application developed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Data collected from the CBFAMFEW initiative in East Africa and other FAW monitoring efforts in Africa were merged and analysed to determine the factors that are related to FAW population dynamics. We used the negative binomial models to test for effect of main crops type, cropping systems and crop phenology on abundance of FAW. We also analysed the effect of rainfall and the spatial and temporal distribution of FAW populations. The study showed variability across the region in terms of the proportion of main crops, cropping systems, diversity of crops used in rotation, and control methods that impact on trap and larval counts. Intercropping and crop rotation had incident rate 2-times and 3-times higher relative to seasonal cropping, respectively. The abundance of FAW adult and larval infestation significantly varied with crop phenology, with infestation being high at the vegetative and reproductive stages of the crop, and low at maturity stage. This study provides an understanding on FAW bioecology, which could be vital in guiding the deployment of FAW-IPM tools in specific locations and at a specific crop developmental stage. The outcomes demonstrate the relevance of community-based crop pest monitoring for awareness creation among smallholder farmers in SSA