Poverty alleviation and community participation towards development in Bahir-Dar, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia

The objective of the research was to assess the trends and forms of community participation to poverty alleviation in Bahir Dar town. The field study was limited to two projects, micro and small scale enterprise activities and credit service, however the finding and recommendation can be applied to all projects aimed to poverty alleviation and community self sustaining projects. In order to achieve the research objectives, a review of relevant literature was done. It began by reviewing definitions and concepts of poverty. The literature also over reviewed the importance of community participation to poverty alleviation efforts of a country and reviews the Ethiopian poverty reduction process. The literature further highlighted the role of community participation in achieving development goals. The data collection was done by means of focus group discussions complimented by face-to-face interviews. The data collected were analyzed thematically with the use of narrative summary and categorization in respect to the objective of the study. The findings of the study showed that there is low participation of community and therefore creating more opportunities for community participation activity and detailed study in the area is recommended

Public-Private Partnership and Local Governance in the Post-Socialist Ethiopia

Though local governance was introduced by the Ethiopian government in the post 1991, much of the study so far focused on exploring its performance. However, public private partnership (PPP) as an integral part and important way of advancing the objectives of local governance is little studies. This study, applying the basic principles of local governance, assessed public private partnership in the context of local governance structure. The core issue is that PPP is a reflex of local governance functions. Unfortunately, local governance has been in infant stages in that the local governments are the mere political and economic agents of the federal or regional governments. Therefore, PPP has been very fractured and failed to bring strong partnership among various stakeholders. The local environment has been suffering from political insecurity, maladministration, corruption, and insufficient public participation. This made the partnership very limited. The alternative way is reconstituting the existing local governance in a way that builds the political and economic muscle of the local governance structure, with the community as the main decision makers. That is the panacea to bring effective PPP. Keywords: Partnership, public private partnership, local governance, government DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/58-02 Publication date: April 30th 202

Predictors of early neonatal mortality at a neonatal intensive care unit of a specialized referral teaching hospital in Ethiopia

Background: The larger fraction of infant mortality is that of neonatal; and early neonatal death is the most significant contributor of neonatal mortality as a whole. There are various factors which may be associated with early neonatal mortality and they have been the reasons for the wide variation in mortality rates among the health facilities reporting.Objective: This study was made to assess the independent predictors of early neonatal mortality.Methods: From 2001 through 2005, a total of 3789 live born neonates, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Tikur Anbessa Hospital, were included in this study. Variables were classified into two: Socio economic/reproductive factors and maternal/newborn factors. Predictors were assessed using a multivariable binary logistic regression. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 were entered into a multivariable logistic model.Results: From the socio-economic/reproductive variables: age less than one day (AOR=2.53 95% CI= (1.66, 3.85)), having three or more siblings (AOR=2.04, 95% CI= (1.15, 3.64) ), second birth order (AOR=1.79, 95% CI= (1.28, 2.51)), absence of antenatal care (AOR=1.70, 95% CI= (1.28,2.26)), and being unmarried (AOR=1.55 95%CI= (1.20,2.00)) were independent predictors of increased mortality. On the other hand, singleton pregnancy was found to be protective by 30% against early neonatal mortality with an odds of 0.70, 95% CI of (0.54, 0.90). From the neonatal/ maternal variables: gestational age of <32 weeks (AOR= 10.46, 95% CI= (5.39, 20.31)), first minute APGAR of three or less (AOR=2.12, 95% CI= (1.39, 2.23)), presence of any congenital anomaly ( AOR=2.02, 95% CI=(1.33,2.51)), presence of peri-natal asphyxia (AOR=1.82, 95% CI=(1.32,2.51)), any oxygen treatment (AOR=2.65, 95% CI=(1.89,3.72)), birth weight less than 1500 (AOR=9.64, 95%CI=(3.32,27.97)) were independent predictors of neonatal mortality. A normal weight at admission was protective of early neonatal mortality.Conclusion: There are many factors that could have influenced neonatal mortality in the current study. Antenatal care follow up is the key point of contact for planning and managing labor and delivery; it should be improved to control most other variables. The care provided to these high risk babies should also be maximized to reduce mortality in these risk groups

Reduced submodules of finite dimensional polynomial modules

Let $k$ be a field with characteristic zero, $R$ be the ring $k[x_1, \cdots, x_n]$ and $I$ be a monomial ideal of $R$. We study the Artinian local algebra $R/I$ when considered as an $R$-module $M$. We show that the largest reduced submodule of $M$ coincides with both the socle of $M$ and the $k$-submodule of $M$ generated by all outside corner elements of the Young diagram associated with $M$. Interpretations of different reduced modules is given in terms of Macaulay inverse systems. It is further shown that these reduced submodules are examples of modules in a torsion-torsionfree class, together with their duals; coreduced modules, exhibit symmetries in regard to Matlis duality and torsion theories. Lastly, we show that any $R$-module $M$ of the kind described here satisfies the radical formula.Comment: 19 page

Combined application of macro and micro nutrients and Rhizobium inoculation to nodulation and yield response of chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) at Halaba Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

The effects of combining the application of recently introduced blended fertilizer with Rhizobium inoculation on chickpea nodulation and productivity are not being studied in Halaba special woreda. Hence, the application of blended fertilizer and rhizobium inoculation for chickpea production under rain-fed conditions at Halaba Special District, Southern Ethiopia is crucial. Factorial combination of eight fertilizers (Control, NP, NPS, NPSB, NPSB+K, NPS+Zn, NPSB+Zn and NPSB+K+Zn) and inoculation and without inoculation of rhizobium biofertilizer was used as an experimental factor laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Fertilizer application significantly influenced crop phenology, nodulation, growth parameters, yield and yield components, except number of seeds pod-1 and harvest index. Maximum days to 50% flowering (48.33) and 95% physiological maturity (112.3) were obtained on NPSB+K and without fertilizer treatment respectively. The Highest number of nodules (23.25), nodules dry weight (0.13 g), number of branches plant-1 (17.64) and plant height (43.34 cm) were recorded on NPSB, NPSB+K+Zn, NPSB+Zn and NPS+Zn respectively. Similarly, the higher number of pods plant-1(61.6), and hundred seed weight (28.0 g) were observed for blended fertilizer treatments of NPSB+K and NPS+Zn respectively. Maximum grain yield (1.85 ton ha-1) was obtained for blended fertilizer of NPSB+K application with an increment 57.9% over control treatment. Rhizobium inoculation increased the number of nodules plant-1 (23.29), nodules dry weight (0.11 g), number of branches plant-1 (17.70), number of pods plant-1 (59), number of seeds pod-1 (1.17) and hundred seed weight (27.7 g). Maximum grain yield (1.84 ton ha-1) was recorded on rhizobium inoculated and it increased chickpea grain yield by 33.3% over uninoculated. Regarding the economic feasibility of fertilizers greater net benefits with acceptable MRR 1802, 866 and 257 were recorded for blended fertilizers of NPS, NPS+Zn and NPSB, respectively. Given the fact that the three fertilizers had statistically similar grain yields, the blended fertilizer NPS is a better choice among the three alternatives. Similarly, a higher net benefit with acceptable MRR (4189%) was recorded for Rhizobium inoculation. Therefore, blended fertilizer; NPS and Rhizobium inoculation were found to be relevant and recommended for chickpea production in the study area

Practice and Associated Factors of Health Professionals towards Citizens’ Charter at Jimma University Medical Center

BACKGROUND: Citizens’ Charter is a public promise between citizens and service providing organizations which visibly specifies expectations and standards in the service delivery. Citizens’ charter standard has been implemented in Jimma University Medical Center since 2016/17. However, the practice and associated factor of citizens’ charter among health professionals have not been studied yet. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the practice of citizens’ charter and associated factors among health professionals.METHODS: Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted on 389 health care providers, selected through stratified sampling, from April 1 to April 26. Data was collected using a pretested structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI-data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. P-values less than 0.05 were used to declare significant association between dependent and independent variables. In the process of multivariable logistic regression analysis, knowledge and attitude variables were not tested due to low number of respondents to those specific variables’ measuring items. Hence, it was difficult to declare as a predictor at bivariate analysis.RESULT: For this study, the response rate was 92%. Out of all, 237(60.9%) professionals were properly practicing citizens’ charter standard while 152(39.1%) were not properly practicing it. The factors affecting the practice were job satisfaction [AOR =7.4, 95%CI (4.4, 12.5)], perceived workload [AOR =1.8, 95%CI (1.05, 3.0)] and type of profession [AOR=5.4, 95%CI ((1.98, 14.8)].CONCLUSION: This study revealed that more than half of the respondents properly practiced citizens’ charter. However, few health professionals only knew the existence of citizens’ charter. Job satisfaction, perceived workload, and type of profession were the factors affecting the practice of citizens’ charter.

Unwanted Pregnancy and Associated Factors among Pregnant Married Women in Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia

Of an estimated 210 million pregnancies that occur in the world each year, 38% are unplanned, out of which 22% end in abortion. In Ethiopia, the estimates of unintended pregnancy indicate that it is one of the major reproductive health problems with all its adverse outcomes. Women risk their lives in by seeking illegal abortions following unintended pregnancies. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant married women residing in Hossana, Southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study involving both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods was carried out in Hossana from April 02 to 15, 2011. 385 pregnant married women randomly selected from the census were included for the quantitative data and took in-depth interviews for the qualitative. Descriptive, binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. Out of the total pregnancies, 131 (34%) were unintended and 254 (66%) were reported to be intended. A history of previous unintended pregnancy, the husband not wanting to limit family size, a desire for at least two children, the number of pregnancy 3–4 and parity of 5 and above were factors significantly associated with unintended pregnancy. With over one third of pregnancies unintended, having a previous unintended pregnancy, the number of previous pregnancies, and husbands’ disagreement over family size, and the desired number of children are factors that reproductive health programs should aim to focus on to reduce unintended pregnancy

Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive among women who seek abortion care at Jimma University specialized hospital, southwest Ethiopia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In Ethiopia maternal mortality rate is very high more than one in five women die from pregnancy or pregnancy related causes. The use of contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion is an important strategy to minimize maternal mortality rate. Among various forms of contraception, emergency contraceptives are the only one that can be used after sexual intercourse offering chance to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive among women who seek abortion care at Jimma University specialized hospital (JUSH).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Institution base cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive was conducted at JUSH from April to June, 2011Data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study 89 women were interviewed. More than half of them (48) were from urban area and 41 were from rural area.46 (51.7%) of them were single. Of all the respondents only nine women had awareness about emergency contraceptive. Seven of the women mentioned pills as emergency contraception and only two of them mentioned both pills and injectable as emergency contraception. All of them have positive attitude towards emergency contraception but none of them have ever used emergency contraceptives.</p> <p>Conclusion and recommendation</p> <p>The finding revealed pregnancy among women of 15-19 years was very common. The knowledge and practice of emergency contraception is very low. But there is high positive attitude towards emergency contraceptives. Since there is much deficit on knowledge of women on emergency contraceptives, in addition to making them accessible; programs targeted at promotion and education of emergency contraceptives is helpful to prevent unwanted pregnancy.</p

Increase in oil content and changes in quality of macauba mesocarp oil along storage

Macauba is an oleaginous palm species from Latin America. It is a rich source of vegetable oil with diverse benefits. However, there are several gaps in assuring post-harvest oil quality of the mesocarp. Thus, ripe fruits were stored at room temperature for 60 days before oil extraction to evaluate fruit and mesocarp oil quality attributes. Physical (decay incidence, water activity), biochemical (specific activity of lipase), physicochemical (acidity and peroxide indices, molar absorptivity at K232 and K270, oxidative stability, total carotene content and mesocarp colour) analyses were carried out. Results show that nonlinear sigmoid response was obtained for most of the parameters evaluated. Decaying reactions related to microorganism’s growth, free fatty acid release and oxidation took place along storage. However, the overall oil quality was in the acceptable limits up to 20 days of storage. It is much further than palm oil, the main source of oil in the world

Global, regional, and national sex-specific burden and control of the HIV epidemic, 1990-2019, for 204 countries and territories: the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019

Background: The sustainable development goals (SDGs) aim to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Understanding the current state of the HIV epidemic and its change over time is essential to this effort. This study assesses the current sex-specific HIV burden in 204 countries and territories and measures progress in the control of the epidemic. Methods: To estimate age-specific and sex-specific trends in 48 of 204 countries, we extended the Estimation and Projection Package Age-Sex Model to also implement the spectrum paediatric model. We used this model in cases where age and sex specific HIV-seroprevalence surveys and antenatal care-clinic sentinel surveillance data were available. For the remaining 156 of 204 locations, we developed a cohort-incidence bias adjustment to derive incidence as a function of cause-of-death data from vital registration systems. The incidence was input to a custom Spectrum model. To assess progress, we measured the percentage change in incident cases and deaths between 2010 and 2019 (threshold >75% decline), the ratio of incident cases to number of people living with HIV (incidence-to-prevalence ratio threshold <0·03), and the ratio of incident cases to deaths (incidence-to-mortality ratio threshold <1·0). Findings: In 2019, there were 36·8 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 35·1–38·9) people living with HIV worldwide. There were 0·84 males (95% UI 0·78–0·91) per female living with HIV in 2019, 0·99 male infections (0·91–1·10) for every female infection, and 1·02 male deaths (0·95–1·10) per female death. Global progress in incident cases and deaths between 2010 and 2019 was driven by sub-Saharan Africa (with a 28·52% decrease in incident cases, 95% UI 19·58–35·43, and a 39·66% decrease in deaths, 36·49–42·36). Elsewhere, the incidence remained stable or increased, whereas deaths generally decreased. In 2019, the global incidence-to-prevalence ratio was 0·05 (95% UI 0·05–0·06) and the global incidence-to-mortality ratio was 1·94 (1·76–2·12). No regions met suggested thresholds for progress. Interpretation: Sub-Saharan Africa had both the highest HIV burden and the greatest progress between 1990 and 2019. The number of incident cases and deaths in males and females approached parity in 2019, although there remained more females with HIV than males with HIV. Globally, the HIV epidemic is far from the UNAIDS benchmarks on progress metrics. Funding: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Institute on Aging of the NIH