Assessment of Free Health Care Provision System in North Gondar Gondar Town, Ethiopia, 2011

Equity is the requirement that individuals of unequal ability to pay make different payment (Vertical equity)or those of the same ability to pay make the similar contribution (Horizontal equity) To assess theeffectiveness of waiver and exemption system and to compare the characteristics of households who are freehealth beneficiaries with households who are not free health beneficiaries, Gondar town, North West,Ethiopia -A cross sectional design was employed among free households health beneficiaries andhouseholds not free health beneficiaries in Gondar town from June, 1-30/2011. The sample size of 124 freehealth beneficiaries’ households and 124 not free health beneficiaries households selected by stratifiedrandom sampling technique. The data were collected by using interview administered questionnaireconsisting of major variables like, socio-demographic profile and knowledge about waiver and exemptionsystem. Finally, analyzed using SPSS V. 16. only 8 (3.57)% of the households having free certificate and11(4.91%) of households not having free certificate reported that leakage was a possibility while 30(13.39%) for households having free certificate and 23(10.27%) households not having free certificatereported the possibility of under-coverage The results of this study showed that the current waivermechanism is not very effective in screening the poor. Improved screening technique and creating awarenessamong keble officials on the financial impact of free health service is neede

Early Grade Mathematics in Ethiopia: Alignment of Contents in the Textbooks with the Corresponding Syllabuses

An alignment of textbooks with their corresponding syllabuses contributes to effective learning. This study examined the alignment of the Ethiopian early grade (grades 1-4) mathematics textbooks (EEGMTB) with their corresponding syllabuses. Four early grade mathematics teachers at Halaba Zone of South Nations and Nationalities Peoples Reginal State (SNNPRS) participated in this study. In addition, curriculum experts at the zone and the ministry of education (MoE) participated. Data were collected through interview and document analysis by using a content analysis protocol developed by reviewing different studies on textbook quality (Bhatti, Jumani, & Bilal, 2015; Fuchs, 2013; Hashmi, Hussain, & Shoaib, 2018; Sunday, 2014; Taye, 2011), and validated. The data were analyzed qualitatively and the percentage was used to summarize the findings. The findings of this study depict that EEGMTBs were not completely aligned with the corresponding syllabuses as expected. Therefore, the study recommends special focus to be given to the alignment of textbooks with the corresponding syllabuses, especially in considering the learning outcomes when developing the textbooks. The study also suggests further research on the adequacy of the contents of early grade textbooks to equip early children with the necessary knowledge and skills expected at the level

Diversity, density and management of trees in different agro-forestry practices of Yem Special District, Southern Ethiopia

Conserving tree species diversity cannot be restricted to forest areas because of increasing encroachment to remaining forests. Agricultural landscapes can also maintain tree species diversity where the native habitats are heavily diminished and/or merit conservation. The present study was conducted in the agroforestry practices of Yem Special District, Southern Ethiopia, to determine the diversity, composition and density of trees, and assess farmers’ tree management practices. The data were collected through two consecutive field surveys involving structured household questionnaires administered in 126 households, and making inventory of the woody species. Data were analyzed using one way anova, and Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. The status of tree species richness and diversity were quantified for the different agroforestry practices. A total of 100 tree and shrub species belonging to 57 families and 83 genera were recorded in the different agroforestry practices of individual household farms, of which 11 (or 11%) were exotic and 89 (or 89%) native species. The mean value of tree species per household for the overall agroforestry practices was 14.04 and it was found to be significantly different among sites, mainly due to differences in agroecology and road access. Tree species richness was influenced by distance to major roads, wealth status, farm size and family size. The study revealed that the agroforestry practices contribute to the conservation of agrobiodiversity

The prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter species in food animals in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Background: Thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. is known to occur in the intestinal systems of a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. Although Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli cause acute diarrhoeal diseases in humans worldwide, they mostly manifest themselves in an apparently healthy carrier state in other mammalian species. However, little is known about the presence of campylobacter bacteria in various food animals as possible sources of infection to humans in Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in various food animals in Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural farm animal settings in Jimma, southwest Ethiopia in the period between January 2004 to April 2004. Fecal specimens were collected from 485 various food animals (cattle, n=205; poultry, n=191; pigs, n=18; sheep n=71) and cultured using standard methods. Results: Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 192 (39.6%) out of 485 fecal specimens taken from various urban and rural farm animals. The highest isolation rate was recorded among chickens (68.1%), followed by pigs (50.0%), sheep (38.0%) and cattle (12.7%). Among the 192 thermophilic campylobacters isolated, 135 (70.3%) were identified to be C. jejuni, 51 (26.6%) were C. coli and 6 (3.1%) were C. lari. C. jejuni was the most prevalent species in chickens (80.8%), followed by sheep (59.3%) and cattle (53.8%). All isolates found in pigs were identified to be C. coli (100%). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that thermophilic campylobacters are very frequent among various food animals in Ethiopia, suggesting possible risks of infection to people through the consumption of contaminated animal products or through contact with infected animals. Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 19(3) 2005: 225-22

Group B Streptococcus Recto-Vaginal Colonization in Near-Term Pregnant Women, Southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is recognized as an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal vaginal carriage of GBS (Streptococcus agalactiae) can lead to vertical transmission to the neonate at the time of delivery. However, little is known about its prevalence, predictors and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in Jimma, Ethiopia. This study assessed the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and determinants of GBS recto-vaginal colonization among near-term pregnant women.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2015 at Jimma University Medical Centre in Southwest Ethiopia. Data through questionnaire and GBS isolates from vaginal and rectal swabs were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.RESULTS: The overall prevalence of GBS colonization among near term pregnant women (35-37 weeks) was 16.3% (22/135). The majority of GBS isolates were sensitive to Ampicillin and Penicillin G with 95.5% and 90.1%, respectively. Erythromycin and clindamycin were resisted by 50% and 40.9% of the isolates, respectively, whereas gentamicin was resisted by all isolates. GBS colonization was significantly associated with a history of preterm delivery (PTD) (AOR: 6.3, 95% CI: 1.42, 28.3) and history of urinary tract infection (UTI) during current pregnancy (AOR: 6.4, 95% CI, 1.95, 21.1).CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that one among six near-term pregnant women had recto-vaginal GBS colonization. In places where universal screening is not feasible, selective screening for factors particularly history of PTD and UTI during current pregnancy may be a reasonable option. Antibiotic susceptibility testing should be performed while using Erythromycin, Clindamycin or Gentamicin.&nbsp

Institutional delivery knowledge, attitude, and practice among mothers of childbearing age with one or more children, Ethiopia

Background: Institutional delivery is Giving birth in medical institution under the care and Supervision of trained health care providers which promotes newborn survival and reduces maternal mortality. The objective of the study was to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards institutional delivery among mothers of child bearing age who have one or more child and visit MCH clinic Adaba health center, West Arsi zone, South East Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study design was conducted. The study was conducted starting from May 1-30, 2021 at Adaba health center, West Arsi zone, South East Ethiopia. Our study sample size is 250 mothers who have at least one birth and visiting MCH at Adaba health center. Systematic random sampling was used to select mothers, Data was collected by using structured questionnaire. Finally data was analyzed by SPSS version 21   Results out of 250 women during our data collection time 246(98.4%) were our respondents and 4(1.6%) were non respondents. Among 246 women 213 (86.6%) had good knowledge and 33(13.4%) had poor knowledge. While 212(86.2%) had good attitude and 34(13.8%) had poor attitude and 179(72.8%) had good practice but 67(27.2%) had poor practice. Conclusion Increasing knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers towards institutional delivery plays a key role in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. However, the prevailing level of KAP towards institutional delivery is not satisfactory. Increasing utilization of institutional delivery by increasing awareness of each community through health information dissemination on importance of institutional delivery is needed

Teff and Wheat Yield Variation With Phosphorus Application In Jamma District, Ethiopia

Different plant species has different nutrient requirements and utilize nutrients in different ways. Biological activity contributes to P solubilization through mineralization, wheathering, and other physicochemical reactions so that the soil plow layer is the major source of soil availabile P for crops. Ethiopia Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource and ATA recommended six types of blended fertilizers (NPSZnB, NPKSB, NPKSZnB, NPSZn, NPSB and NPS) for the Amhara region. Our study was conducted in Jamma districts of eastern Amhara, Ethiopia, during  2018 cropping season to attest the yield of teff (Dega teff) and wheat (Danda’a) due to phosphorus fertilizer application. Fertilizer treatments tested were the recommended dose of N only, recommended dose of NP, 50 kg.ha-1 NPS, 100 kg.ha-1 NPS, and 150kg. ha-1 NPS, set up in a. randomized complete block design with three replication, and conducted on four sites. Our study demonstrated that applications of N and P fertilizers significantly improved grain yield of wheat and teff, and that there was significant yield differences (P < 0.05) between different rates of P fertilizer. Therefore, even though the soil P levels were shown to be sufficient, application of both N and P fertilizer in the Jamma district is essential to increase yield of teff and wheat

Nasal and Hand Carriage Rate of Staphylococcus aureus among Food Handlers Working in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Food handlers have been recognized to play a major role in the transmission of food borne diseases, contributing significantly to the global incidence and burden of the diseases. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the nasal and hand carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among food handlers in Jimma Town.METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from February to May 2017. Swab specimens from nasopharyngeal and hands of food handlers working in food establishments were collected for isolation and identification of S. aureus using standard bacteriological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using disc diffusion method. Associations of selected variables for S. aureus colonization were determined using SPSS version 20 with p ≤ 0.05 taken as statistically significant.RESULTS: Among the 300 food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Jimma Town, 86(28.7%) were colonized by S. aureus. The frequency of isolation of S. aureus from nose, hand and both parts (nose and hand) were 27(9%), 34(11.3%) and 25(8.3%), respectively. There was strong association (P=0.00336) between carriage rate of S. aureus and food handlers’ job category. The majority (90.7%) of the isolates were resistant to Penicillin and Ampicillin. Increased levels of sensitivity were observed against Ciprofloxacin (96.5%), Cefoxitin (95.3%) and Amoxicillin- Clavulanic Acid (94.2%).CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high prevalence of S. aureus carriers among food handlers and high antibacterial resistance towards commonly prescribed drugs, justifying the screening of food handlers to detect and treat carriers and protect restaurant customers from staphylococcal food poisoning.

Human Intestinal Schistosomiasis in Communities Living Near Three Rivers of Jimma Town, South Western Ethiopia

BACKGROUND:Schistosoma mansoni is one of the parasites with high public and medical importance in Ethiopia. However, information is scarce about S. mansoni epidemiology in people living with higher risk of infection in Jimma town. This study was designed to determine point prevalence, intensity and risk factors of S. mansoni infection among residents nearby three rivers of Jimma town and assess the rate of Biomphalaria species shading cercariae from January to April, 2007. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in communities residing nearby three rivers of Jimma town. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio- demographic and behavioral risk factors. After physical examination, stool samples were collected from 517 study participants and processed with Kato-Katz technique for microscopic examination and quantification of egg load. Snails were collected for identification of Biomphalaria species and then checked for cercarial shading. RESULTS: The prevalence of S. mansoni was 26.3 % with intensity ranging 24 to 936 eggs per gram of stool. Participants in the age group 10-19 years, OR = 2.19 (95% CI; 1.10 – 4.34), and those living near the Awetu River, OR = 2.67 (95% CI; 1.06 – 6.75), had higher risk of S. mansoni infection. Moreover, water contact while crossing a river, OR = 3.77 (95% CI; 1.79 – 7.95), and swimming, OR = 2.59 (95% CI; 1.37 – 4.91, was significantly associated with infection. Biomphalaria snails collected from Chore and Awetu Rivers shaded higher rate of cercariae compared with Kito River. CONCLUSION: A moderate prevalence of S. mansoni infection was shown in the study population. Infection rate among the residents correlated with rate of cercarial shading Biomphalaria snails. Treatment of targeted groups, appropriate health education and environmental measures (e.g. snail control) are needed to improve the situation. KEYWORDS: Prevalence, Intensity, Schistosoma mansoni, Biomphalaria snail

Evaluation of two estrus synchronization protocols in dairy cattle at North Shoa zone Ethiopia

This study was initiated to change the hesitation of the farmer on the effectiveness of estrus synchronization under their (Ethiopian small holder) livestock management system using two synchronization protocols. Non-pregnant animals with normal reproductive tract and that fulfilled the preconditions for estrus synchronization were considered for treatment & assigned into two synchronization protocols (single PGF2α injection; and double PGF2α injection). Among 94 (27 heifer and 67 cows) synchronized cows using one and two injections of PGF2α protocols 26 heifers and 63 cows (89/94.7%) were exhibited estrus by visual observation and rectal palpation the remaining 5 (5.3%) did not illustrate heat. The overall pregnancy was 59.6 % with overall birth 94.3 %. High pregnancy was obtained in the double injection of PGF2α treatment group (63.1 %) than animals treated with one shot protocol 55.8 % there were statistically significant difference between treatments (p<0.05). Higher pregnancy was obtained from cross breed animals than local breeds. More over most of the animals come to estrus greater than 96 hrs. There was also significant difference between technicians on detecting the CL and conception. The estrus response, conception rate, pregnancy rate and calving rate was higher in both protocols so producers or farmers can use either the two protocols to achieve remarkable result but tight follow-ups and more resources are need to be exploited at farmer level