Health equity from the African perspective

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THE AUTHOR-TITLE INDEX OF THE EJHD, VOLs. 1-4, 1984-1990

THE AUTHOR-TITLE INDEX OF THE EJHD, VOLs. 1-4, 1984-199

The prevalence of primary headache disorders in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the epidemiology of primary headache disorders in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains very limited. We performed a population-based survey in rural and urban areas of Ethiopia, using methods similar to those of an earlier study in Zambia and tested in multiple other countries by Lifting The Burden. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey we visited households unannounced in four regions of Ethiopia: the mostly urban populations in Addis Ababa and its environs and rural populations of selected districts in Oromia, Amhara and South Nations Nationalities and People's Regions States (SNNPRS). We used cluster-randomized sampling: within clusters we randomly selected households, and one adult member (18-65 years old) of each household. The HARDSHIP structured questionnaire, translated into the local languages, was administered face-to-face by trained interviewers. Demographic enquiry was followed by diagnostic questions based on ICHD-II criteria. RESULTS: From 2,528 households approached, 2,385 of 2,391 eligible members (1,064 [44.7%] male, 596 [25.0%] urban) consented to interview (participating proportion 99.8%). Headache in the preceding year was reported by 1,071 participants (44.9% [95% CI: 42.4-46.3]; males 37.7%, females 49.9%), and headache yesterday by 170 (7.1% [6.2-8.2]; males 45 [4.1%], females 125 [9.2%]). Adjusted for gender, age and habitation (urban/rural), 1-year prevalence of migraine was 17.7%, of tension-type headache (TTH) 20.6%, of all headache on ≥15 days/month 3.2%, and of probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) 0.7%. The adjusted prevalence of headache yesterday was 6.4%. Very few cases (1.6%) were unclassifiable. All headache disorders were more common in females. TTH was less common in urban areas (OR: 0.3; p < 0.0001), but pMOH was very strongly associated (OR: 6.1; p < 0.0001) with urban dwelling. Education was negatively associated with migraine (OR: 0.5-0.7; p < 0.05) but (at university level) positively with pMOH (OR: 2.9; p = 0.067). Income above ETB 500/month showed similar associations: negatively with migraine (OR: 0.8; p = 0.035), positively with pMOH (OR: 2.1; p = 0.164). CONCLUSIONS: Findings for migraine and TTH in Ethiopia were quite similar to those from Zambia, another SSA country; pMOH was much less prevalent but, as in Zambia, essentially an urban problem. Primary headache disorders are at least as prevalent in SSA as in high-income western countries

Plant Diversity Study on Kelekal Protected Forest in Debre Markos Town District, East Gojjam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This research was aimed to investigate floristic composition and structure of Kelekal protected forest established since 1999. For plant data collection, 33 different quadrats having 400 m2 along seven different line transects were used. The structural data like Frequencies, Density, DBH, Height, Relative dominance, Relative density and IVI values were calculated for each species and for the selected woody plants. The woody plant species having DBH ? 2.5 cm and height greater than 2.5 m were measured. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to classify different plant communities. Shannon winner diversity indices and Sorensen’s similarity indices were used to compare the identified plant communities. Endemic and economically important plants were identified from Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea books. This research resulted 103 different vascular plants. Eight (7.77%) plants are endemic and the “K” partitioning in the R program using hierarchical cluster analysis resulted three-plant community types. The general distribution pattern of these woody plants at different DBH and height classes showed an inverted “J” shape pattern. Four different population patterns were investigated from the density of these species recorded at different DBH class. The result of the structural data provides pertinent information for future forest management techniques in Kelekal protected forest

Assessment of Integrated Aquaculture Intervention System in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Although integrated aquaculture has the potential to contribute to food security, it is still among the neglected sectors in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. This study was designed: (1) to assess the performance of existing integrated aquaculture intervention and its contribution for farmers, (2) to evaluate the current pond management practices, and (3) to identify major obstacles that hinders integrated aquaculture practices. The data was collected from 11 purposively selected aquaculture potential districts of the region. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics supported by exhaustive narrations. The study found that only 20.8% of the surveyed aquaculture ponds were functionally good. From these ponds, 25% of the aquaculture owners earned an average of 513.6 ETB per fish pond. However, these aquaculture adopters start harvesting after three to four years of fish stocking in irregular ways. Such irregularities in harvesting arises from farmers’ minimal knowledge on post-harvest processing and lack of fishing nets. In this regard, 80.4% of the surveyed pond owners felt as they had not benefited from aquaculture adoption compared to their expectations. Based on the level of inputs used and degree of management, the current aquaculture practice in Amhara region inclined towards extensive type. In conclusion, aquaculture developmentremains at an infancy stage despite years of adoption in the region

Simultaneous organic and nutrients removal in a mineral filled pilot scale trickling filter treating brewery wastewater

Nutrient and organic removal efficiency of a mineral filled pilot scale trickling filter in the treatment of brewery wastewater was reported in this dissertation. The investigations led to a conclusion that simultaneous organic and nutrient removal can be achieved using the mineral filled pilot scale trickling filter with a high degree of both organic and nutrient reduction during the treatment of brewery wastewater.

Climate Change Perception and Adaptation Practices of Gondar City Administration Office Workers, Ethiopia

Purpose- Cities and their residents are affected by climate change, the poor are more vulnerable to consequences of climate extremes and variability increases. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are challenges that face cities. City administration offices can contribute positively in mitigating climate change impact if workers have right perception.  This study focus on determining the perception of Gondar City administration workers on climate change impact, organizational adaptation capacity and adaptation works. Factors associated with adaptation practices of climate change impact were also determined. Design/methodology/approach- A cross sectional study design was implemented among Gondar city administration workers. Findings- Majority of workers in City of Gondar administration offices were aware of climate change and its impact. Adaptation capacity of the city administration was relatively low; which results unavailability of adaptation plans and minimal works done on climate change adaptation. The study also revealed that adaptation capacity of Gondar city administration offices was associated with the practicality of adaptation activities within the city. Originality/value- This paper will be of value to city management and policy developers looking in to mainstream climate change adaptation in Ethiopia at City level. Key words:Awareness, Perception, Climate change adaptation, Adaptation capacit

Is lathyrism still endemic in northern Ethiopia? – The case of Legambo Woreda (district) in the South Wollo Zone, Amhara National Regional State

Background: Lathyrism is a neurotoxic disorder caused by over consumption of grass pea (lathyrism sativus). It is endemic in Ethiopia, India and Bangladesh. The fact that grass pea usually tends to replace the staple serial based diet of rural north and central Ethiopia during times of acute food shortages, makes the disease particularly important in the Ethiopian context. Objective: This study is aimed at investigating on whether lathyrism is still endemic in northern Ethiopia based on the March 26, 2004 report that appeared on the Amharic daily Addis Zemen, which indicated the occurrence of an epidemic where 400 people have been paralyzed in Legambo Woreda, south Wollo, Zone of ANRS. Methods: A house-to-house survey of 3,440 households was undertaken in Legambo Woreda, south Wollo Zone of the Amhara National Regional State, using pre-tested questionnaires. The study subjects were identified as persons with walking difficulties due to weaknesses of the legs.Results: The study identified 424 cases of lathyrism which occurred over many years in the woreda which has a population of 171,976, which gives a prevalence of 2.5/1000. Specifically the survey revealed that there were 48 cases with onset occuring in 1997, 54 in 1998, 55 in 1999, 38 in 2000 and 37 in 2001. The study further revealed that there is ongoing endemicity of lathyrism in this typical highland woreda of north Ethiopia.Conclusion: It important that lathyrism gets the attention of relevant governmental agencies that should ensure the existence of early waring systems to deal with food shortages promptly so that the rural population does not resort to consuming large amounts of grass pea. Lathyrism has to also be a reportable disease within the Ministry of Health system in those areas of northern Ethiopia when grass pea is cultivated. Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 19(3) 2005: 230-23

Effect of Knowledge Management on Organizational Performance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Case Study in Ethiopian Agricultural Trans-Formation Agency (Ata)

Knowledge management and knowledge resources have gained much importance in recent years and are said to improve organizational performance. However, the effects of knowledge management practices on organizational performance are not well known especially in the case of public organizations. This research had examined the effects of knowledge management practices on organizational performance at Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency. The study adopted explanatory research. Questionnaires were adopted on the basis of literature review. The questionnaires were also used to collect data from members of staff; respondents were selected through a random sampling method with sample size of 140 respondents. The completed questionnaires were edited for completeness and consistency, checked for errors and analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPPS 20) frequencies, percentages and multiple correlations for quantitative analysis. The study recommends Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency should ensure a formalized way of acquiring knowledge from its employee and implement knowledge sharing practices that enable the employees to learn from each other. Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency should also revise Organizational structure in accordance with the knowledge management element to enhance the effect of organizational performance and use advanced technologies to enhance its knowledge management practice

Bacteriological Quality of Street Foods and Antimicrobial Resistance of Isolates in Hawassa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Microbial contamination of ready-to-eat foods and beverages sold by street vendors and hawkers has become an important public health issue. In Ethiopia, health risks related to such kinds of foods are thought to be common. Thus, this study has tried to determine the bacteriological quality of ready- to- eat foods sold on streets. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on street foods in Hawassa City from May to September 2014. A total of 72 samples from six food items such as local bread (‘ambasha’ and‘kita’), raw fish, chilli (‘awaze’), avocado and cooked potato were collected. Bacterial isolation, colony count and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were made following standard microbiological techniques. RESULTS: About 31% of the food samples showed total colony counts ranging from 1.7x105 to 6.7x106 colony-forming unit per gram (CFU/g) which is beyond the acceptable limits set for microbiological quality of ready- to -eat foods. The mean coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts in raw fish, ‘kita’ and ‘ambasha’ were also higher than the limits. E.coli was the most frequent isolate (29.6%) followed by Salmonella species (12.7% and S.aureus (9.9%). All isolates were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin. About 89% of Salmonella sp was resistant to chloramphenicol. Alarmingly, 14.3% of S.aureus was resistant to vancomycin. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed considerable rate of contamination in street vended foods in Hawassa City. The identified foodborne bacteria and antibiotic resistance isolates could pose a public health problem in that locality. Therefore, regular inspection, health education and training of vendors on food handling and safety practices are recommended.KEYWORDS: street foods, bacteriological quality, total aerobic count, Hawass