Investigations of Latrine Coverage and Associated Factors Among Debretabor Town, Amhara Region North West Ethiopia

Studies in a number of countries have shown that wherever inappropraite waste disposal morbidity and mortality rates are high. Although latrine coverage is an important indicator for measuring success of the health service program; data on latrine coverage scarce in the study area. Objective: To investigate latrine coverage and associated factors in among households of Debretabor town, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Debretabor town from September 1-30, 2013. A total of 422 households were included in the study using systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Degree of association between independent and dependent variables was assessed with a 95% confidence level and p-value less than 0.05 was used to detect statistical significance. Result: In this study. Ninety three point five percent of households have latrine. Graduated as model family was predictor for availability of latrine (AOR= 3.18,). Income and house ownership were also found to be predictors for availability of latrine (AOR=3.70), (AOR=8.46), respectively. Educational status of respondents was found to be predictors for availability of latrine (AOR= 2.65). Conclusion: latrine coverage was relatively lower from the national target of 100%, still there are households that use open defication. Educational status, house owner shipe, income and graduated as model family were main factors affecting latrine availability. Improving socio economic status of households, provision of continuous advice and technical support at household level on the availability of latrine are recommended

Editorial: Crop response to density: Optimization of resource use to promote sustainability

This issue centered around plant population density and related topics; those were stem lodging and kernel abortion, decline and variability in solar radiation, leaf area index and the amount of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation, variability in optimum density and other topics for maize and other crops (sweet corn, wheat, grain sorghum, and barley)

Risk Factors of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Duplex and Colour Doppler Ultrasound at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Deep venous thrombosis is a major health problem with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thus early, correct and definitive diagnosis is crucial in assessing thromboembolic risk and initiating therapy. In this regard Patients at risk must be identified and given appropriate prophylaxis to reduce Venous Thromboembolism related morbidity and mortality.The main objective of this study was to determine common risk factors of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and the common sites involved by DVT in ultrasound proven cases.Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study which included all patients who had proven deep venous thrombosis by Dopper and duplex ultrasound at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). Senior radiology residents collected the data after getting approval from consultant radiologists. Analysis was under taken by principal investigator.Results: There were a total 81 ultrasound proven cases of DVT involving the extremities during the study period out of which 34.6% were males and 65.4% females. The majority (58%) were under the age of 40 years. Malignancy was the most common identified risk factor (30.9% of the cases) followed by prolonged immobilization 19.8%, pregnancy related problems 6.2% and severe trauma 6.2% of the patients. No apparent risk factor was found in 12.3%. Swelling was noted in 93.8% of the participants in combination with other manifestations or alone; whereas pain was noted in 70.4% of the patients. The study showed 59.3% had involvement of the left lower limb only; 11.1% had involvement of both lower limbs. The upper extremities were affected in only one patient having bilateral involvement of brachiocephalic veins. According to the study 84% of the patients had combined involvement of the deep veins of the lower extremities extending from the common iliac veins to the poplitial veins. The study revealed that 28.4% of participants were found to havecombined involvement of the common femoral vein (CFV), superficial femoral vein (SFV) & poplitial vein; 22.2% had combined involvement of the CFV & SFV. Conclusion: From the study we concluded that Malignancy, prolonged immobilization, pregnancy related problems and major trauma were the most common risk factors noted for DVT and Swelling was the most common presenting manifestation. Majority of the patients had multiple site deep vein involvement extending from the common iliac to the poplitial veins.Key words: Risk, Factors, Deep, Vein, Thrombosis, Duplex,Doppler

Dairy development in Ethiopia

This paper assesses the development of the dairy sector in Ethiopia over the past fifty years. In particular, it presents an overview of the dairy sector in Ethiopia. It also identifies key phases in the development of the dairy sector in Ethiopia and examines the trends in production and consumption, policy changes and development emphasis during each phase. Apart from these, the paper provides evidence on the potential impact of improved dairy cattle, examines the factors that increase smallholder participation in market-oriented dairying and identifies key policy and technology issues to be considered in the design of appropriate policy and development strategies. The paper also draws together evidence from neighbouring countries in order to assist in drawing conclusions for dairy development in Ethiopi

Radiological Features and Postoperative Histopathologic Diagnosis of Intracranial Masses at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and MCM Hospital

Background: Intracranial mass lesions are common causes of neurological morbidity and are detectable by cranial imaging. Given the wide range of pathological processes that can present as intracranial mass lesions, the radiologist can limit the differential diagnosis to inform clinical decision-making. The main objective of this review was to analyze radiologicfeatures and postoperative histopathology diagnosis of intracranial mass lesions.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 96 patients who underwent surgery for intracranial mass lesions at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and Myungsung Christian Medical Center (MCM) in a period of 3 years (Feb 2009-Dec 2011). Patients werelimited to those who had histopathologic result and either CT (n=67), MRI (n=14) scan report or both (n=15).Results: Histopathologically confirmed intracranial masses constituted meningioma = 32 (39%), glioma =15 (18.3%), pituitary adenoma = 14 (17%), and tuberculoma = 6 (7.3%).The CT scan sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in differentiating meningiomas from other intracranial masses, taking the first differential as most likely diagnosis, was 80%, 95% and 88.6% whereas for gliomas it was 71%, 85.7% and 83% respectively. The higher rate of meningiomas found in this study may result from surgeons bias toward preference of resection of extra axial tumors or longer survival of meningioma patients.Conclusion: Meningiomas were the commonest histologically diagnosed intracranial mass lesions followed by glioma, but their prevalence may have been overestimated in this study because surgeons are more likely to resect them and confirm their diagnosis. Tuberculoma was the commonest non-tumor lesion. CT scan was more accurate, sensitive and specific in diagnosing benign than malignant masses

Predictors of Treatment Seeking Intention among People with Cough in East Wollega, Ethiopia Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Community Based Cross -Sectional Study

Background: Early treatment seeking for cough is crucial in the prevention and control of Tuberculosis. This study was intended to assess treatment seeking intention of people with cough of more than two weeks, and to identify its predictors.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 763 individuals with cough of more than two weeks in East Wollega Zone from March 10 to April 16, 2011. Study participants were selected from eighteen villages by cluster sampling method. Data collection instruments were developed according to the standard guideline of the theory of planned behavior. The data were analyzed with SPSS 16.0. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors.Results: Mean score of intention was found to be 12.6 (SD=2.8) (range of possible score=3-15). Knowledge (β=0.14, 95%CI: 0.07-0.2), direct attitude (β=0.31, 95%CI: 0.25-0.35), belief-based attitude (β=0.03, 95%CI: 0.02-0.06) and perceived subjective norm (β=0.22, 95%CI: 0.13 -0.31) positively predicted treatment seeking intention. However, perceived behavioral control and control belief were not significantly associated with treatment seeking intention (p>0.05). Being smoker (β=-0.97, 95%CI:-1.65- (-0.37)) and higher family income (β=-0.06, 95%CI:-0.07-(-0.01) were significantly associated with lower treatment seeking intention.Conclusion: TPB significantly predicted treatment seeking intention among the study participants. Attitude and silent beliefs held by the respondents play an important role and should be given emphasize in prevention and control of Tuberculosis.Keywords: Tuberculosis, Cough, Intention, Treatment, Theory of Planned Behavio

Dinuclear metal complexes derived from a bis-chelating heterocyclic ligand

4,6-bis-{1-[(4,6-dichloro-[1,3,5]triazine-2-yl)-hydrazone]-ethyl-benzene-1,3-diol, C16H12N10O2Cl4 (H2-BDTD), and Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes derived from its dibasic bis-chelating form (BDTD2- or L2-) were prepared in methanol-triethylamine and characterized by MS, NMR, IR, UV-VIS and AA spectroscopic studies. Conductivities, magnetic susceptibility measurements and thermal analyses showed bis- N,N,O donor behavior of L2-. The analytical data indicate that the metal to ligand ratio is 2:1 in all the complexes. The coordination of triethylamine, water and chloride ion are observed in the Co(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The absence of ionizable or coordinated chloride in Cu(II) complex is a notable feature. Octahedral geometry for Co(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) and square planar geometry for Cu(II) complexes are proposed. The paramagnetic complexes exhibit subnormal magnetic moments at room temperature (RT)

Disseminating genetically modified (GM) maize technology to smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa: extension personnel’s awareness of stewardship requirements and dissemination practices

Advice and technical information from extension services are critical in promoting new technologies and their adoption by farmers. This study determined extension personnel’s awareness of GM maize technology and the associated extension services they provide to smallholder GM maize farmers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with extension staff of the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in the province. Results indicated that inadequate training of extension personnel on GM maize technology influenced their perceptions of GM maize technology and awareness of its stewardship requirements. Generally, personnel had a low level of awareness of GM maize technology as a pest control strategy. Awareness of GM maize stewardship requirements amongst extension personnel was also low. These extension personnel disseminated GM maize technology, which they generally perceived as a high-yield technology, to smallholder farmers using non-participatory approaches and media sourced from GM seed companies. The findings of this study suggest that ensuring safe and sustainable adoption of GM maize technology on smallholder farms will require a more participatory extension approach that emphasizes smallholder farmers’ access to information as well as the training of extension personnel on the stewardship requirements and dissemination practices associated with GM maize cultivation.Keywords: Dissemination, extension, GM maize technology, smallholders, stewardshi