Determinants of Women Business Success: A Study among MSE’s in East Gojjam Zone Administration

The focus on women Entrepreneurship is becoming vital as it is the best way to reduce poverty in a sustainable way and promote economic growth through wealth and employment creation. The objective of the study is to identify determinants of women business success. The research design used in this study was explanatory research design. The respondents were selected from six Woredas of East Gojjam zone through cluster sampling technique. Primary data were collected from 259 respondents that were selected from women entrepreneurs working their business in MSE’s. In addition, relevant data were collected from secondary sources. The Pearson chi-square test for association was employed to test the association between independent and dependent variables. Besides logistic regression model was used to determine the success factors of women business. The major findings of the study are vision to expand business, saving culture, creating market linkage, skill to adopt technology, and access to credit finance are significant and have positive influence on women entrepreneurs MSE’s success. Keywords: Success, Entrepreneur, MSE DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-10-08 Publication date: April 30th 201

The Effects of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction: A Study among Private Banks in Mekelle Town

The focus on customer satisfaction in banking industry is becoming extremely prevalent as it is being employed to keep existing customers from switching to other banks and to sell them more services, and to attract customers from non banking community and competitors. The objective of the study is to examine the effects of service quality on customer satisfaction. Primary data were collected from 200 respondents that were selected from customers of privately owned Commercial Banks in Mekelle Town. The respondents were selected through quota sampling techniques. In addition, relevant ideas were collected from secondary sources. To determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables Pearson chi square test was applied. Moreover, to determine the relative importance of variables the econometrics model known as logistic regression was used. The results of the study reveals that having employees who give customers personal attention, providing customers best interest at heart, owning employees who understand customers specific needs are the variables that are statistically significant and have influence on customer satisfaction. Keywords: Customer satisfaction, service qualit

Erratum to: Utilization of health facilities and predictors of health-seeking behavior for under-five children with acute diarrhea in slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Upon publication of the original article [1], it was noticed that the second sentence of Section Methods, sub-section study setting, \u2018Three slum kebeles in Gullele Sub-City\u2019s District (Woreda) 01 and four slum kebeles in Lideta Sub- City\u2019s District 05 were included in the study\u2019 was incorrectly given as \u2018Four slum kebeles in Gullele Sub-City\u2019s District (Woreda) 01 and three slum kebeles in Lideta Sub-City\u2019s District 05 were included in the study\u2019. This has now been acknowledged and corrected in this erratum

Utilization of health facilities and predictors of health-seeking behavior for under-five children with acute diarrhea in slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Information on health-seeking behavior and utilization of health facilities in slums of Addis Ababa is scarce, impeding the implementation of effective interventions. The purpose of this study is to assess the status of health facilities utilization and predictors for health-seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers of under-five children with acute diarrhea in slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed in five rounds of surveys in seven kebeles in slums of Addis Ababa among 472 mothers/caregivers of 472 under-five children with acute diarrhea in reference to Andersen\u2019s behavioral model. Data were entered into EpiData Version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA Version 14.0. Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns of health facilities utilization and multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictors associated with health-seeking behavior. Results: Most mothers/caregivers (70.8%) sought care either at home (14.2%) or health facilities (56.6%), whereas 29.2% reported that they did not seek any care. Of those who consulted health facilities, government health facilities (76.9%) were more utilized than private (18.0%) and informal (5.1%) health facilities. Nearly all (93.9%) of the mothers/caregivers using government health facilities used health centers, and of those who took their children to private health facilities (60.9%) used clinics and 26.1% used pharmacies/drug vendors. Mothers/caregivers visiting health facilities obtained mainly oral rehydration salt (ORS) (39.8%) and home-recommended fluids (HRF) (40.3%), but few of them (11.9%) obtained ORS plus zinc supplementation. Predisposing factors of literacy of mothers/caregivers (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.4; 95% CI 1.4\u20134. 1) and occupation (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.5\u20134.6), the enabling factors of households monthly income of 50 United States Dollars (US$) and above (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.5\u20135.6) and availability of nearest health facilities within 15 min walking distance (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.7\u20136.6), and the need factors of recognizing danger signs of fever (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI 2.4\u20137.6) and vomiting (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.8\u20135.9) were significantly associated with health-seeking behavior. Conclusions: Increasing the proximity of health facilities in slums and health education and socioeconomic development programs targeting illiterate mothers/caregivers and poor households may promote and increase health-seeking behavior and the accessibility of health facilities for the treatment of acute diarrhea in under-five children in Addis Ababa slums

Time to death and its predictors among neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at tertiary hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:Retrospective follow up study

Backgrounds: Neonatal death is the major problem in developing world. Burden and predictors of neonatal mortality vary across countries and even among regions of a country, so understanding the problem concerning these factors is essential to overcome the problem. Therefore, this study aimed to determine time to death and its predictors of neonatal mortality among neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Tertiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was employed among 434 neonates admitted in Tertiary hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A Kaplan Meier curve and a log-rank test were used to estimate the survival time and compare survival curves between variables. The cox proportional hazard model was also fitted to identify predictors. Results: A total of 434 neonates included in the study, 11.1% of which were died, and the incidence rate was 19.2 per 1000 live births. The time to death of neonates was 17 days. Independent predictors of neonatal mortality were incomplete maternal antenatal follow up[AHR: 3.7 (95% CI:1.86,7.60)], low(Appearance, Pulse, Grimily, Activity, and Respiration(APGAR)score[AHR:5.0 (95%CI:1.51–15.04)], perinatal asphyxia [AHR:5.2 (95%CI:1.92–14.30)], preterm 4.2 (95%CI: 1.32–8.83)]. Moreover, small for gestational age [AHR:4.8 (95%CI:2.33–9.72)], respiratory distress[AHR: 2.5 (95%CI: 1.24–5.09)], sepsis [AHR: 3.4 (95%CI: 1.71–4.01)], low birth weight[AHR: 7.3 (95%CI:2.69,1.91)], and tracheoesophageal fistula [AHR: 2.2 (95%CI: 1.13–4.32)]. Conclusion: The overall incidence rate was 19.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. Emphasis should be given to incomplete Antenatal care follow up, small for gestation, preterm, low birth weight, low 5th min APGAR score, neonatal sepsis, respiratory distress, perinatal asphyxia, and tracheoesophageal fistula

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic

Market chain analysis of chickpea in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract The purpose of the paper is to explain the organization, behaviours and output of smallholder farmers of chickpea market and to analyse the structure–conduct–performance (S‐C‐P) of chickpea in the study area. The study was supported by a recent empirical study and used primary and secondary data from 122 respondents, as well as published and unpublished documents, to better understand how market structure and seller behaviour affect market performance. The study was conducted using the S‐C‐P model analytical approach. Weak oligopoly dominates the chickpea market in the research area (concentrated in the hands of few traders). The goal of the study was to fill the knowledge gap that existed on the topic, contribute to a proper understanding of the difficulties and enhance market development strategies for the benefit of producers, traders and other market participants. According to the research of the market structure, the district market has an oligopolistic market structure with a concentration ratio of 43.35%. In addition, the market is restricted by entry‐level obstacles such as a lack of funding, licensing requirements, the issue of constant supply and a lack of prior expertise in chickpea trading activities. The oligopolistic market structure has also led to chickpea market behaviours that is distinguished by a market strategy where the traders have the upper hand in determining the chickpea price. The study focuses on raising farmers' educational levels, enhancing extension and finance services, building transportation facilities to provide producers more negotiating leverage and accessing improved production techniques as a way to choose the best marketing outlet. Government agencies and relevant parties must step in to address the issues by disseminating current market data on the chickpea industry, enhancing market connectivity and supplying the market with their goods at competitive prices

Determinants of Niger Seed Commercialization in the Jabitehenan District, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s oil seed industry is expanding swiftly to meet rising domestic and foreign demand, assisting the country in generating foreign exchange earnings and income. This study aimed to quantify the level of household commercialization of Niger seed output and analyze the determinants affecting it. This research utilized a three-stage random sampling technique to gather quantitative and qualitative data from primary and secondary sources. The primary data came from sampled households through a semi-structured interview. Moreover, 150 samples were selected randomly. Descriptive statistics and the Tobit censored regression model were utilized to analyze the data. SPSS version 20 and STATA 13 software were also employed. The average level of Niger seed commercialization in the area was 0.71%. Several determinants, including the amount of Niger seed output, market information, frequency of extension service, training access, age, and total livestock unit, influenced the level Niger seed. The regional government and district leaders should strengthen the provision of different training to raise the production, productivity, and level of Niger seed commercialization by enhancing the marketable surplus of Niger seeds

Determinants of the Market Outlet Choice of Bamboo Culms (Yushania alpine) Producers in Banja District, Western Ethiopia

Bamboo meets a growing and various bamboo product demand and generates revenue. The study is aimed at analyzing the critical variables that affect the choice of alternative bamboo market outlets. By using two stages sampling procedures, 114 bamboo producers were randomly and proportionally selected. The determinants that affect the choice of bamboo market outlet were analyzed by multivariate probit model. Based on the model result, the probability of bamboo producers to select wholesaler, retailer, processor, and local traders’ outlet were 16.8%, 46.2%, 60.8%, and 54.3%, respectively. The probability of success and failure to select four market outlets were 2.5% and 2.2%, respectively. The result of MVP revealed that family size, total land holding size, amount of culm production, farming experience, distance to the market, and silviculture management practice affected the probability of farmers’ market outlet choice. Therefore, improving the producers’ knowledge and skills through capacity building and creating framers’ organization for collective action can help producers select the right market to sell bamboo products