Status of S. mansoni infection at Gorgora, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract: The study was conducted among school children in Gorgora town, located on the shore of Lake Tana. The objective was to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection. The result showed that, out of 472 students examined, the prevalence of S. mansoni was 29% (95% CI, 27 - 32%). The intensity of infection was moderate (Geometric _ epg = 289). Of the 137 positives, 21.2% had heavy infections (>800 epg). The prevalence and intensity of infection was high in the age group of 10-14 years. Reduction in morbidity is recommended as top priority in the control of schistosomiasis. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1999;13(1):15-19

The Practice and Challenges of Distributed Leadership at Some Selected Primary Schcools of Debark District: Ethiopia

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the extent to which leadership was distributed among employees in the five primary schools in Debark District. In order to achieve this purpose, survey research design was employed. Questionnaire were employed to gather quantitative data from teachers and school leadership. And qualitative data were collected from cluster supervisors and informal leaders through the use of interview and focused group discussion. To analyze the data both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the study. In addition, the interview and focused group discussion data were analyzed, sorted and created themes in order to fill the gaps that were not filled by the quantitative approach. The findings demonstrate: the schools were different on distributed leadership practice specifically, the study found that schools had vision but the vision and mission statement were not communicated among employees, students and parents. The principals were not encouraging teachers to participate in the decision making process of their school affaires. The study also came up with problems related to school factors that hinder distributed leadership practice which include employees’ reliance on par time, lack of capacity of the formal leaders and teachers; School leaders’ attitude to teachers’ participation in their school affair and social stereotype that disadvantaged groups were not participating in the leadership practice. Non-school factors include inadequate follow up by the district, Regional and Ministry level; The school infrastructures were not favorable to promote distributed leadership approach. The study concluded that the schools were not effectively practicing the distributed leadership approach. The study, therefore, recommended that the schools should try to effectively communicate the vision and mission through designing strategies such as through streaming the school vision and the major actors in the schools should be trained about theories of leadership and distributed leadership practice

Gender Mainstreaming Challenges and Opportunities in Government Agencies in Selected Government Offices in Fogera District, Ethiopia

The main objectives of this study were to assess current gender mainstreaming practices and to identify opportunities and challenges in mainstreaming of gender issues in selected government offices in Fogera district, Ethiopia. The specific objectives of the study were to assess and analyze the practice of gender mainstreaming, to identify the existing opportunities for gender mainstreaming and to examine the major practical problems that inhibit gender mainstreaming. The study used qualitative research methods and case study research design. Consequently, purposive sampling was used to select the informants and discussants of the study. The findings showed that most participants of the study who are currently working in study offices are clear with the concepts of gender and gender mainstreaming, but they did not have clear understanding on the point that promoting gender equality. Besides, the study offices did not fully employ different tools and techniques for gender mainstreaming practice. The finding also showed that the participants of the study offices have less access to training and retraining opportunities of gender and gender mainstreaming. Lack of commitment and attention on the part of decision-making bodies, lack of continuous access to gender awareness and sensitivity training were identified as the major challenges

Determination of Surface Water Quality Status and Identifying Potential Pollution Sources of Lake Tana: Particular Emphasis on the Lake Boundary of Bahirdar City, Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia, 2013

Background: The water quality of Lake Tana is influenced by environmental stress and anthropogenic activities. Point and non-point sources are the major factors which affect the quality of the lake. Objectives: To determine surface water quality status of Lake Tana and to identify the potential pollution sources bound to Bahirdar City Administration, Ethiopia. Methodology: Laboratory based cross – sectional study was conducted in order to assess the quality and to identify the potential pollution sources of the lake. Geo referenced water samples were collected at eight sampling stations. Repeated water samples were collected and analyzed. Result: The common water quality monitoring parameter were analysed, very low dissolved oxygen (3.5 mg/l) and high biochemical oxygen demand (23.7mg/l) were investigated in severely stressed sites. In addition to these, enriched nutrient like phosphorus and nitrate were identified to a level that influences algal growth. According to microbial analysis, total coli forms >180mg/100ml and Escherichia coli type one were isolated. Conclusions: The Canadian Water Quality Index result categorizes the lake as poor state to aquatic life, recreation and drinking. Keywords: Water quality, Lake, surface water, Water pollution, Point source pollution, Water Quality Inde

Attrition rates among student nurses at the Gondar college of medical sciences

Abstract: A retrospective analysis of academic performance of nursing students was done. From the 402 students admitted from 1984 to 1991, 267 (66.4%) graduated. The attrition rate showed an increase from 15.2% to 45.4%. Higher attrition rate (51.3%) was reported for females as compared to males (21.9%). No correlation between ESLCE result and academic performance was detected (r = 0.01) .The use of multiple admission criteria, increasing the duration of training and improving the learning environment are some of the recommendations suggested based on the study. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1995;9(2):87-90

A REVIEW OF THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN GONDAR

ABSTRACT: Academic performance result measured in CGPA and ESLCE score of medical students ofGondar College of Medical Sciences was reviewed. Out of 900 students admitted from 1979 to 1987, only 530 (58.9% ) graduated. The reported attrition rate was 41.1%. Poor correlation (r = 0.32) was detected between ESLCE result and final CGPA. Difference in academic performance between males and females was observed during the early phases of medical education. The validity of the ESLCE result as a sole admission criteria is discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1994; 8(1):23-28

Complementary feeding practice and its determinants among mothers with children 6 to 23 months of age in Finote Selam, Ethiopia

Introduction: the development of a child's full human potential requires adequate nourishment during infancy and early childhood. Under-nutrition is mostly caused by a lack of proper breastfeeding and supplemental feeding practices. After six months of age, when the incidence of growth faltering, micronutrient deficiencies and viral diseases is at its peak, children become stunted. This study aimed to assess complementary feeding practices and their determinants among mothers with children aged 6 to 23 months in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: a community-based cross-sectional study on 414 caregivers was conducted using a systematic random sampling technique. Pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered into Epi-Info version 3.5.1 and analyzed with SPSS version 21. Logistic regressions and frequency distribution were used. The strength of the association was measured using odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. Results: out of 414 study participants, 201 (48.6%) practiced timely initiation of complementary feeding. Married women [AOR=2.87; 95% CI: (1.31-6.30)], radio owners [AOR=4.58; 95% CI:(2.48-8.46)], four or more ANC follow up times [AOR=1.99; 95% CI: (1.12-3.55)] and health institution delivery [AOR=2.56(1.21-5.42)] were all associated with timely initiation of complementary feeding. Conclusion: complementary feeding is not widely practiced in the study area. Complementary feeding should be promoted through institutional delivery, prenatal care follow-up, and mass media coverage. Through health information and communication, it is critical to improve the timing of the start of supplemental feeding

Gender Responsive Pedagogy Practices: Secondary School Science Teachers in Ethiopia

This paper examines the current status of secondary school science teachers\u27 gender-responsive pedagogy (GRP) practices. Women’s participation in secondary school teaching is a major concern in many regions of the world. The use of instructional strategies that promote gender inclusion and sensitivity in initial teacher training is very important in the development of teachers. In this paper, the use of gender-responsive pedagogy in Ethiopia’s secondary school program is highlighted. Using data from baseline, midterm, and end-line surveys, the paper addresses how tutors and mentors use gender-responsive pedagogy and the changes that have occurred as a result. The study adopted a qualitative approach using lesson observations and interviews to capture data from ten novice teachers and twenty mentors sampled from six secondary schools. The findings presented in this paper reveal that there has been significant improvement in the use of gender-responsive pedagogy by tutors within the core subjects (English, Mathematics, and Science). Both male and female tutors demonstrated increasing use of gender-responsive pedagogy in their teaching. A similar increase has been found in the use of gender-responsive mentoring strategies by mentors. The paper concludes by highlighting the implications of the findings for policy in the use of gender-sensitive pedagogy in Ethiopia’s secondary school program. It also assesses the GRP practicing status of the teachers according to their gender and level of teaching experience. The required data were gathered from teachers, department heads, school principals, and students via interview and focus group discussion (FGD). The qualitative data were organized thematically by taking into account the issues raised in the research questions. By so doing, the findings revealed that science teachers were competent in their classroom organization and interaction and in tackling sexual harassment. On the contrary, they were ineffective in creating gender-sensitive lesson plans and teaching materials, and they also were weak in treating the subject of sexual maturation. The study also found that the teacher’s gender and their level of teaching experience did not affect their GRP practices

Health service utilization and reported satisfaction among adolescents in Dejen district, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background: There is no adequate health service or counseling specifically suitable for adolescents in Ethiopia. Adolescents’ satisfaction on the health service provided is important to increase utilization and quality of care. The objective of this study was to assess health service utilization, reported satisfaction and predictors of satisfaction among adolescents of 15-19 years in Dejen District.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was done from February 05 to 17, 2012. Interview method was used to collect data from 690 adolescents. Following stratification into urban and rural, six kebeles were selected by lottery method. Study participants allocated proportionally to households’ size of kebele. Households were selected randomly, and one from each household was used. Descriptive measures and binary logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors for health service satisfaction.Results: Among 690 adolescents, 313(45%) used health service. Of these, 190 (60.7%) were satisfied. Physical proximity (AOR=3.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 7.3), drug availability (AOR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.8), health services availability (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.0), treatment in separate room (AOR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.6), checked all adolescents problem (AOR=4.0, 95% CI: 2.0, 8.5), treated with respect (AOR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.7) and opportunity to explain feeling (AOR=3.3, 95% CI: 1.7, 6.6) were predictors of satisfaction.Conclusion: Adolescents’ health service utilization and satisfaction were low. Adolescents’ perception of accessibility, acceptability and interaction with health workers’ had significant influence on health services satisfaction. Therefore, health professionals and administrators should work on availing services with close proximity and acceptable behavior in order to increase adolescents’ satisfaction.Keywords: Adolescent, Health service, Utilization, Satisfaction. Ethiopi

Epidemic prone diseases in Ethiopia EPHA Expert Group report

Infectious agents have caused disease and death in human populations throughout history . Some of the most devastating epidemics ever recorded have been caused by uncontrollable spread of dangerous human pathogens. The plague epidemic of the middle ages was responsible for the death of 13 million people in Europe during a four-year period (1). More recently, in the first part of the century , pandemic influenza swept the world by killing 20 million people in less than a Year's time (1). At present the world population is affected by devastating epidemics that have resulted in high morbidity and mortality