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Retrospective Studies on Suspected Rabies Cases in Humans and Domestic Animals, and Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of Communities toward the Disease in Sekoru District of Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease affects all warm-blooded animals. A retrospective studies and
questionnaire survey were conducted from February 2024 to September 2024 in Sekoru district of
Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia to determine occurrences of suspected case of humans and animal
rabies and assess the community’s rabies knowledge, attitude and practice and their determinants.
Multistage sampling procedure was used to select study participants. A five year retrospective data on
suspected cases of humans and domestic animals rabies were collected from health centers and
veterinary clinics, respectively. Questionnaire survey data was collected from 403 household heads
through face to face interviews using a semi structured questionnair
ASSESSMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY of BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: A CASE of WOLISO TOWN
The rapid expansion of building construction in Ethiopia has raised concerns about environmental
sustainability, necessitating the green building practices. This study assesses the environmental
sustainability of building construction projects in Woliso town, examining the existing conditions
of buildings, stakeholder awareness, and challenges in implementing sustainable construction
methods.
A descriptive mixed-method approach was employed, utilizing site observations, questionnaires
based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) checklist, and interviews
with key stakeholders, including tenants, building owners, environmental protection officers, and
construction professionals. Data was analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS) and thematic analysis of transcription, coding and verification steps. The findings reveal
significant deficiencies in green building standards, with many buildings lacking essential features
such as urban heat mitigation, energy efficiency, and water conservation measures.
Key issues identified include the Urban Heat Island effect, excessive energy and water
consumption, and poor indoor environmental quality. Barriers to sustainability adoption include
weak regulatory frameworks, limited expertise, and misconceptions about the costs associated
with sustainable construction. While stakeholders demonstrated moderate awareness of
environmental sustainability principles, this knowledge has not effectively translated into practice.
The study underscores the urgent need for policy intervention, capacity-building programs, and
regulatory enforcement to enhance sustainable construction practices. By integrating
environmental sustainability principles into local building practices, Woliso town can foster a
more resource-efficient and environmentally responsible built environment
Assessment of Land Use Land Cover Change in Shinny Watershed, the Case of LiboKemkem District, North Ethiopia
Land use land cover change (LULCC) is one of the most challenges that aggravate
environmental problems. Understanding the scope of LULCC, driving forces, and
consequences is crucial for proper management of water and land resources. We investigated
LULCC using GIS and remote sensing data (1993–2023) to identify LULC class, by field
observation, household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions in the
study area. The results show that there are 5 major land use types: forest, rain fed
agriculture; settlement, irrigable land, and grazing land were identified. These are the study
areas that have changed significantly during the past 3 decades between 1993 and 2023, with
an overall accuracy (%) of 83, 85, and 81 and a kappa coefficient of 84, 87, and 82 for 1993,
2009, and 2023, respectively. This observed change indicates a reduction in forest land and
rain fed agriculture land from 6.96% to 6.61% (1993–2023) and 33.82% to 22.07% (1993
2023), respectively. An increase in settlement, irrigable land, and grazing land was 5.05% to
7.06% (1993 to 2023), 21.62% to 29.32% (1993–2023) and 32.55% to 34.94% (1993–2023),
respectively. Forest land was reduced from 6.96% in 1993 to 6.61% in 2023, but irrigable
land was expanded from 36.23% in 1993 to 51.63% in 2023. And the driving forces were
identified population pressure, a shortage of cultivated and fuel wood extraction behind the
LU/LC changes. The expansion of grazing land at the expense of forest cover in the study
area has negative implications for the natural resources and the livelihood of local people.
Thus to solve these LULC change; effective and strong land use planning and utilization
policy should be implemented by District land office in order to insure the sustainability of
natural resources in a way of participating the local community and the government should
be enhancing land use planning to aware development agents (DAs) and district officials are
important to improve the livelihood of farmers
Bacterial Profiles, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns, and Associated Factors of Ear, Nose and Throat Infections among Patients Attending ENT Outpatient Department at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia
Introduction: Bacterial Infections of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) are common infections
associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is also one of the leading causes of illnesses
that lead to frequent physician visits and drug prescriptions. However, limited data exist on the
bacterial etiology and resistance patterns of ENT infections in the Ethiopian context.
Objective: To determine bacterial profiles, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated
factors of ENT infections among patients attending ENT OPD at JUMC, Ethiopia
Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to October
2024 involving 256 patients with clinically diagnosed ENT infections at ENT OPD of JUMC,
Ethiopia. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire in
an online KOBO Toolbox along with patient chart review. Samples were collected from ear
discharge, nasal swabs, and throat swabs and cultured on blood agar, MacConkey agar and
chocolate agar. Bacterial identification was performed using Gram staining, colony morphology,
and biochemical tests, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby
Bauer disk diffusion method. Data from the KOBO Toolbox were exported to SPSS version 26 for
analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated
with ENT infection.
Result: A total of 256 participants were enrolled, with a (100%) response rate. Ear infections were
the most prevalent (77%), followed by throat (16.4%) and nasal infections (6.6%). Culture results
showed that 139(54.3%) of samples had bacterial growth, with Staphylococcus aureus 44(17.2%)
and Escherichia coli 17(6.6%) being the most frequently isolated pathogens. Nine bacterial strains
were identified in total. Acinetobacter spp. exhibited (100%) resistance to Cefuroxime, and
Klebsiella spp. showed (91.7%) resistance to Ceftriaxone. Among Gram-positive isolates,
Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated (50%) resistance to Tetracycline. Several factors were
associated with ENT infections: working in a noisy environment (95% CI: 1.63–13.01, p = 0.004),
tonsillar swelling or exudate (95% CI: 1.47–16.9, p = 0.010), family history of otitis media, and
presence of ENT discharge (95% CI: 5.3–32.63, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of ear infection among the ENT cases
evaluated. A substantial proportion of bacterial isolates were resistant to multiple commonly used
antibiotics. These findings underscore the critical need for routine antimicrobial susceptibility
testing before initiating antibiotic therapy to ensure effective treatment and help curb
antimicrobial resistance
Magnitude, clinical presentations, outcomes and Associated factors of guillain-barre syndrome among Pediatrics admited jumc southwest, Ethiopia
Background: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious neurological disorder in
children, often requiring intensive care. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical
characteristics, management, outcome and its predictor of pediatric GBS cases admitted to
JUMC (a tertiary care center) over a five-year period.
Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 pediatric patients
(<15years) admitted to JUMC for the diagnosis of GBS fulfilling the Brighton Criteria for GBS.
Clinical features, diagnostic procedures, treatments, outcomes and its predictors were reviewed.
Statistical associations between key clinical variables and outcomes were analyzed using logistic
regression.
Results: The prevalence of GBS was 0.9 per 100,000 children in the general pediatric
population and 0.5 per 100 pediatric hospital admissions, it’s found to be a peaked in children
aged 1–5 years. Males constituted 62.5% of the study, with a median age of 8.3 years. The
majority (84.5%) presented with ascending symmetrical weakness, with 85% reaching peak
weakness within two weeks. Quadriplegia was noted in 48.5% of patients, and neuropathic pain
was reported in 37%. Antecedent infections, particularly upper respiratory tract infections, were
identified in 80.6% of cases, with most cases occurring between September and December.
Cranial nerve involvement was observed in 38.9.3%, and autonomic dysfunction in 27.8%.
Intensive care was required for 58.9% of patients, with 37.3% needing mechanical ventilation.
Respiratory failure and requirement for mechanical ventilation significantly increased the odds
of mortality (AOR = 7.6, p = 0.007; AOR = 9.2, p = 0.027). Complications included ventilator
associated pneumonia (42%), aspiration pneumonia (27%), urinary tract infections (17%), and
bed sore (3%)
Lumbar punctures revealed albumin cytological dissociation in 66.7% of cases. Despite this,
only 9.6% of patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and 15% of these
experienced treatment-related worsening. At discharge, 45% of patients showed partial
recovery, 40.2% had no motor improvement without progression, and 5.6% died. The primary
causes of death were respiratory failure and autonomic dysfunction.
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Conclusion: Pediatric GBS presents significant morbidity and mortality, with respiratory failure
and requirement for mechanical ventilation being critical determinants of outcomes. Early
recognition of respiratory complications and timely intensive care interventions are essential to
improve outcomes and survival rate. Future studies should explore the role of
electrophysiological testing, long term outcome and optimal therapeutic strategies, including
broader use of IVIG
Fresh Moringa Leaf Consumption during Pregnancy and Its Association with Maternal Hemoglobin Level and Newborn Nutritional Status in Southern Ethiopia
Background: Moringa stenopetala, commonly known as the "miracle tree," is rich in essential
nutrients and holds promise for addressing maternal undernutrition and anemia, particularly in
resource-limited settings. In Ethiopia, maternal anemia and low birth weight remain critical
public health concerns. Although efforts such as antenatal nutrition counseling, iron and folic
acid supplementation, and community education through health extension workers have
contributed to some progress, challenges persist. Poor adherence to iron and folic acid
supplementation, rising food prices, and the increased burden of malnutrition continue to hinder
sustained improvements.
Despite Moringa‘s wide availability, affordability, and well-documented nutritional value, there
is a lack of empirical evidence in Ethiopia regarding its association on maternal and newborn
health outcomes during pregnancy. This study aims to assess the association between fresh
Moringa leaf consumption during pregnancy with maternal hemoglobin level, fetal nutritional
status, and newborn birth weight in Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: This study employed a mixed design, incorporating community-based cross-sectional,
comparative cross-sectional and prospective cohort approaches. Sample sizes were determined
using single and double population proportion formulas via Epi Info version 7.2 and G\*Power
version 3.1, respectively.
Data were collected from 623 participants to assess fresh moringa leaf consumption and its
associated factors. Of these, 460 pregnant women (230 consumers and 230 non-consumers) were
included to examine associations with maternal hemoglobin levels, neonatal birth weight, and
newborn nutritional status.
Participants were recruited from May to June 2022, at 20–26 weeks of gestation, from 20
randomly selected kebeles across two districts, with proportional allocation based on population
size. Follow-up continued up to delivery to track moringa consumption status in both groups.
Data collection included structured interviews, hemoglobin measurements, maternal mid-upper
arm circumference, and newborn birth weights. Newborn nutritional status was assessed using
standard clinical tools. The data collection team consisted of ten nurses, three lab technologists,
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and two supervisors with public health master‘s degrees. Data were collected digitally via Kobo
Collect, supported by standard tools, and analyzed using STATA version 14.0.
Descriptive statistics were presented through frequencies, tables, and graphs. Principal
component analysis was used to assess household wealth status and knowledge of moringa‘s
benefits. Bivariable analyses (p < 0.25) identified candidate variables for multivariable modeling
for each outcome variables. Associations with outcome variables were tested using multivariable
regression model at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05).
Binary Logistic regression analyzed factors influencing moringa consumption. Independent t
tests compared mean maternal hemoglobin, newborn birth weight, and nutritional status between
consumer and non-consumer groups. Additionally, multilevel mixed-effects linear regression,
modified Poisson regression, and structural equation modeling were applied, as appropriate, to
assess outcomes related to hemoglobin levels, newborn nutrition, and birth weight respectively
by considering assumption for each model.
Result: Fresh Moringa stenopetala leaf consumption was reported by 49.6% of pregnant women
(95% CI: 45.67%–53.52%). Significant associated factors were age under 24 years, rural
residence, ANC attendance, and good knowledge of moringa‘s nutritional benefits.
Multilevel analysis revealed that moringa consumption was associated with a 0.90 g/dl increase
in maternal hemoglobin levels (β = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.54–1.27), with an overall mean of 11.76 ±
1.47 g/dl. Other contributing factors included number of children under five, bleeding during
pregnancy, male-headed households, ANC attendance, rural residence, and distance to the
nearest health facilities.
Fetal malnutrition affected 9.79% of newborns—8.4% among moringa consumers and 11.21%
among non-consumers. While the mean Clinical Assessment of Nutritional (CAN) score was
significantly higher among consumers (mean difference = 1.48; p = 0.002), the incidence of
malnutrition did not differ significantly. Risk factors included adolescent maternal age, low
educational status, absence of dietary counseling, and low dietary diversity (<5 food groups).
In the cohort analysis, infants of moringa consumers had a significantly higher mean birth weight
(3334.42 g) than non-consumers (3196.73 g; p = 0.008). Moringa intake was associated with a
115.77 g increase in birth weight (β = 115.77; SE = 43.03; p = 0.007). Additional determinants
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included maternal hemoglobin, maternal and newborn nutritional status, residence, history of
pica, current pregnancy bleeding encountered, parity, and distance to the nearest health facility,
and also gestational age at delivery.
Conclusion: This study found that 49.6% of pregnant women consumed fresh Moringa
stenopetala leaves. Consumption was significantly associated with younger maternal age, rural
residence, antenatal care attendance, and good knowledge of moringa‘s nutritional benefits.
After adjusting for confounders, moringa intake was linked to higher maternal hemoglobin levels
and birth weight of newborn. Although the incidence of fetal malnutrition did not differ
significantly in both group,while newborns of moringa consumers had better Clinical
Assessment of Nutritional scores, indicating improved fetal nutrition.
These findings highlight the potential of Moringa stenopetala as a locally accessible and
affordable dietary supplement to improve maternal and neonatal health. Its positive effects on
hemoglobin and birth weight suggest it could help address maternal anemia and low birth weight
ongoing public health concerns in Ethiopia and similar contexts.
Recommendations: To improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, the Ministry of Health
and stakeholders should incorporate Moringa stenopetala into maternal nutrition and antenatal
care programs. This can be achieved by strengthening community-based education for women of
reproductive age, training health professionals in evidence-based dietary counseling that includes
moringa, and promoting large-scale roundemized clinical trial, longitudinal research to further
validate its nutritional benefits and long-term effects
Assessment of Socioeconomic and Ecological Impacts of Eucalyptus a Case of Mana District, Oromia Region, Southwest Ethiopia
Eucalypts tree is native to Australia and widely planted for various uses in the different parts of
Ethiopia integrating into the various farming systems, this study aim is to assess the overall
socioeconomic and ecological impact of Eucalyptus plantations in the Manna District of
Southwest Ethiopia. We used a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and
qualitative techniques. Data were collected randomly from HHs, focus group discussion and key
informant by using semi-structured survey questionnaires. The Descriptive and dispersive
statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, variance, standard deviation, p- value and
correlation were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that Eucalyptus contributes
significantly to household income, accounting for 11.7% of annual earnings, with coffee and
crop production remaining dominant. It supports housing construction, education, and food
security. However, its rapid expansion converting 35.9% of cropland, 30.4% of degraded land,
and 15.4% of grazing areas has led to negative ecological consequences, including reduced
water availability, soil fertility degradation, and loss of biodiversity, which can result in water
scarcity and reduce environmental adverse impacts proper integrated land use management.
While Eucalyptus serves as a vital economic safety net, especially for land-constrained and poor
households, its uncontrolled expansion threatens long-term environmental sustainability and
food security in the study area and policy should be employed to reduce the conversion of
cultivation land to eucalyptus plantation
Awareness of teratogenic risks of mood stabilizers and associated factors among women of reproductive age women with bipolar disorder and practitioners’ counseling practice at jimma medical center, Ethiopia: a mixed study design
Background: Teratogenic exposure during pregnancy poses a significant risk to fetal
development, increasing the overall risk of major congenital malformations. Despite the serious
implications of teratogenic exposure due to the use of mood stabilizers, limited studies have been
conducted to assess the awareness of among women of reproductive age regarding these risks.
This study aims to assess the awareness of mood stabilizer teratogenic risks and the factors
affecting it in women of reproductive age with bipolar disorder attending follow-up treatment at
Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess awareness of mood stabilizer teratogenic risk and associated factors among
women of reproductive age with bipolar disorder attending follow-up treatment and counseling
practice of mental health practitioners at Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia, 2025.
Methods: A mixed methods study with an embedded design was conducted from January to
March 2025. A total of 170 women were selected for the quantitative study using a consecutive
sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using structured and
semi structured questionnaire. The collected data using kobo tool box was exported to Statistical
Package for Social Science (SPSS) V.26.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic
regression analyses were performed to identify presence of associations. Adjusted odds ratios
(AOR) along with a 95% CI and P-value <0.05 were used to determine the strength of
association and to declare statistically significance in the final model. Purposive sampling
technique was used to select seven study participants for the qualitative approach. Transcripts
were imported to ATLAS and then data was coded and analyzed thematically. Interviews were
audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated from Amharic to English for analysis. A
thematic content analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti, involving transcript coding, subtheme
grouping, theme refinement, and triangulation with observational data to ensure validity.
Results: Adequate awareness of teratogenic risks associated with mood stabilizers among
reproductive aged female patients with bipolar disorder attending follow-up treatment at
Psychiatry OPD of Jimma Medical Center was 28.8% (95% CI: 22.1-36.3). Factors associated
with adequate awareness were older age (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI: 1.12–14.5), higher education
levels (AOR = 10.7, 95% CI: 1.62–21.5), longer duration of illness (AOR = 7.98, 95% CI: 1.32
18.2), previous pregnancy while on medication (AOR = 4.56, 95% CI: 1.12–18.7), current
contraceptive use (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.06–14.9), pre-treatment pregnancy testing (AOR =
9.23, 95% CI: 2.70–31.6), counseling from healthcare professionals (AOR = 11.4, 95% CI: 1.39
23.1), and low perceived stigma (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.12–11.8). Qualitative insights revealed
that discussions about these risks and contraception are infrequent and often initiated by patients,
hindered by heavy workloads, limited resources, and cultural sensitivities among mental health
providers.
Conclusion: Approximately 71.2% of women with bipolar disorder at Jimma Medical Center
were not adequately aware of the teratogenic risks of mood stabilizers. Adequate awareness was
linked to older age, higher education, longer illness duration, prior pregnancy on mood stabilizer,
contraceptive use, pre-treatment pregnancy testing, professional guidance, and low stigma.
Qualitative findings show infrequent and reactive counseling, often patient-initiated or triggered
by positive pregnancy tests. Heavy workloads, limited resources, and lack of standardized
protocols hinder consistent risk discussions. Cultural sensitivities and assumptions of prior
counseling lead to inconsistent, biased counseling, leaving women uninformed. This lack of
communication leaves many women uninformed about their reproductive health, underscoring
the need for standardized protocols and culturally sensitive counseling to bridge the gap in
psychiatric care
Assessing Students Writing Strategies and Training on Efl Learners Paragraph Paragraph writing Skills: Grade Ten in Focus
The purpose of this study was to assess grade 10 students' paragraph writing problems, because
the student cannot write a paragraph due to different factors. The Study was carried out in Bita
millennium Secondary School with special reference to Grade 10 students in focus . Quasi
experimental case study was employed to address the problem. Conduct the study, grade 10
section A students were chosen as experimental group and section B as control group. Random
sampling techniques were used. All these students wrote four paragraph types. For focus g roup
discussion, fifteen Students were selected using random sampling technique. On the other hand,
five teachers Who teach grade ten sections were also chosen through random sampling
technique. In order to achieve the objectives, the study employed three questionnaire document
Analysis, focus group discussion and semi-structured interview. Document analysis was
Employed to identify features of students paragraph writing Factors that affect students'
paragraph writing problems were identified. Furthermore, Semi-structured interview was used
to obtain information about what teachers think, Experience and do regarding to students'
paragraph types writing. All data collected using Different tools were analyzed qualitatively and
quantitively But to make the data manageable and Understandable, students' written paragraph
types only analyzed quantitatively, and qualitatively. The study Identified the major paragraph
types writing problems that students encounter. These are lack Of knowledge about paragraph
types, lack of paragraph types writing experience in lower grade levels before joining grade 10
problem of Identifying topic, supporting and concluding Sentence: problem of keeping unity,
coherence, completeness and length in the paragraph. . They hav e also knowledge gap about
writing approaches and writing strategies. is there a significance diff erence between
experimental and control group paragraph writing performance? Significance of the s study is
hoped to be useful for Engli sh Ianguage teachers, students, a nd sy II abus and curriculum desi
gners. The scope of the study in Bitta millenn ium secondary school in Bitt a woreda south west
but the research limited by di fferent factor like computer, material a nd financial problem. The
students shoul d practice paragraph writi ng not onIy in school , but al so in home
Assessment of Factors of Post-Harvest Fish Losses in the Gilgel Gibe Dam I Reservoir, Sokoru Woreda, Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Fish is a vital source of protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients, playing a crucial role in food security
and economic stability in developing countries. However, post-harvest fish losses (PHFL) significantly affect
both availability and profitability of fish in local markets, with global estimated loss of 10-12 million tons
annually, accounting for 10% of total fish production. While small-scale fisheries in developing countries
contribute nearly half of the world's total fish supply, they face challenges such as post-harvest losses, illegal
fishing, and overfishing. This study aimed to assess factors contributing to post-harvest fish losses in Gilgel
Gibe-I Reservoir in Jimma Zone, Sokoru Woreda, South West Ethiopia, using questionnaire, interview and field
observations from cooperative fishermen. All the study participants were male, with 85.5% being single and
14.5% married; 73.5% were aged 18-25 years, 25% were 26-35, and 1.5% were 36-45 years old. In terms of
education, 95% had only primary-level education, while 5% attended high school. Regarding occupation, 73%
were fishermen, and 27% were fish traders, with 45.5% having two years of experience, 36% one year, 17%
three years, and 1.5% four years. The estimated average weekly fishermen production was 250kg and 45kg
weekly loss due to various factors. The study identified key factors contributing to post-harvest losses,
including lack of market linkages between fishermen and traders, lack of storage materials, insufficient
refrigeration, poor market accessibility, and inadequate transportations. About 53% of the respondents store fish
for 1-2 days before selling, while 47% stored fish less than a day, and although all respondent washed fish
after harvested, 56% had never received formal training on best fishing practices. Furthermore, 80% of
fisherman at Gilgel Gibe reservoir, didn’t take immediate preservation measures at landing site, exacerbating
post-harvest losses. These challenges highlight the urgent need for effective interventions by government
authorities and stakeholders to improve market access, infrastructure, training, and preservation techniques,
ensuring better economic outcomes and food security.Key supporting actors including the oromia Agricultural
research institute, Sebeta fishery research institute, Gilgel Gibe hydroelectric power and Jimma University, all
of which play vital roles in delivering these service