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FERTILITY DESIRE AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN MEKELLE, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2024: CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
No full textBackground: Fertility desire is defined as having motivation or intention to give birth by individuals in their future life irrespective the number of children. Fertility desire has undesirable effect on the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus to the partner due to unsafe sex, vertical transmission to the children and there will be also disagreement with the strategies developed for elimination of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in countries including Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of fertility desire and its associated factors among women attending antiretroviral therapy at public hospitals in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2024.
Methods and Materials: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 355 women and participants were selected using systematic random sampling method. The data were collected from August 1, 2024 to August 30, 2024 using pre-tested and interviewer administer questionnaire. Few variables were recorded from participant’s card. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science version 27. Binary logistic regression method of analysis was used. All variables with P-value <0.25 in bivariate were included in the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. The strength of the association was interpreted using an adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval. Statistically significant variable was declared at P-value < 0.05. Finally, the data were presented with texts, tables, figures, and graphs.
Results: This study included 355 women, of them 345(97.2%) responded to the study. The prevalence of fertility desire was 182(52.8%, 95% CI: 46.6%-59.1%). Being single 69.3% (AOR: 0.307, 95% CI: O.111-0.84), being widowed 91% (AOR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.038-0.214), being divorced 76.7% (AOR: 0.233, 95% CI: 0.109-0.497), number of women’s child 50.8% (AOR: 0.492, 95% CI: 0.382-0.632) and knowledge of women on prevention mother to child transmission 24.5% (AOR: 0.755, 95% CI: 0.608-0.938) were negatively associated with fertility desire. Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed that more than half of participants had fertility desire and factors associated with it were marital status, number of women’s child, knowledge of the women on prevention mother to child transmission. All stakeholders should take into account the prevalence of fertility and its associated factors while serving the women living with human immunodeficiency virus and counsel the women to decrease their interest on the number of children and promote knowledge on the prevention of mother to child transmission
Investigating Causes of Failure of Diversion Structure for Irrigation Scheme. (Case Study; May Timket River Diversion, Central zone of Tigray)
No full textSmall scale irrigation schemes are a key component of the Ethiopian government's food security strategy, Intended to boost agricultural productivity in smallholder farming. Over the past years, numerous schemes have been designed and implemented in the Tigray Region. While some have been successful, others have failed to fulfill their intended purposes. This research focuses on investigating the causes of failure of diversion headwork’s used for irrigation, with specific emphasis on hydrological, hydraulic, and structural design issues. The study centers on the May Timket River Diversion, located in Kola Tembien Woreda. Various data sources were collected and analyzed to identify the primary causes of failure in the May Timket irrigation scheme. ArcGIS was used to delineate the watershed of the study area. Therefore, peak flood discharge was estimated to be 367.66 m^3/s by using the Tekeze Basin method for a 50 year return period. The previous peak flood was 203.18 m^3/s. This difference shows that the causes of failure of the Diversion is mainly due to underestimation of peak flood discharge.in addition there were a problem on material they used; the stone used for masonry is from the river which is rounded and smooth. This makes loose bondage on each other. Therefore the remedial measure to be taken to solve the problem is redesigning the diversion weir based on the new peak flood that found through this study and reconstruct the weir structure using gabion inserted concrete, and gabion inserted hard core to strengthen the structure and protected with proper energy dissipation by constructing stair like structure at downstream of the weir to dissipate energy and downstream scour protection. Strict quality control during construction and regular maintenance are also essential to ensure long term stability and performance
EXAMINING THE IMPLICATION OF POLITICAL INTERFERENCE ON THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN ETHIOPIA: A CASE OF LAELAY QORARO WEREDA, TIGRAY REGIONAL STATE
No full textThis study aimed to examine the implication of political interference on the quality of education in Tigray Regional State; In the Case of Laelay Koraro Woreda”. To achieve this objective the study used descriptive survey design. Both probability and nonprobability sampling techniques were used to select the representative samples. From the 5,245 target population, 98 sample sizes for the questionnaire, 05 officials for the interview, and 08 respondents for the FGD were taken to collect pertinent data. And then, data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The collected data were presented and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The data gathered through questionnaires were analyzed quantitatively and represented in percentage and graphs and the interviews and FGD data were interpreted qualitatively and presented in paragraph narrations. In case of the major findings one, 85.7% in different school positions is TPLF members. Second, from the total sample size 73.5% are TPLF members. Third, of the members 82% are being members out of their willingness. Fourth, 87.76% of teachers’ performance evaluation is focused on political agenda rather than academic issues. Fifth, in case of academic freedom in the schools 85.71% teachers are not free to exercise their teaching profession. Sixth, 85.71% of the nonparty members are victimized during promotion, work place transfer and related issues. Finally, because of political intervention in the academic issues 51% of teachers in the study area hate their profession. Based on the major findings found the following recommendations were forwarded. Political membership should not be a criterion to be a school leadership. School leaders should be appointed by their knowledge, skill, and educational performance. Schools should free from any political intervention so that teachers could be evaluated, promoted or demoted by their performance rather than their political view
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia: A Cointegrated VAR Approach
No full textThis study investigates the impact of Foreign Direct Investment on poverty reduction in Ethiopia over the period 1990 to 2023, employing a Cointegrated Vector Autoregressive model. The primary objective is to examine both the long-run and short-run dynamics between Foreign Direct Investment inflows and poverty, proxied by real Gross Domestic Product per capita, while controlling for trade openness, government expenditure, inflation, infrastructure development, and education expenditure.
The research uses annual secondary data sourced from the World Bank, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the National Bank of Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission. Stationarity was tested using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips-Perron methods, followed by optimal lag selection based on the Akaike Information Criterion, the Schwarz Bayesian Criterion, and the Hannan-Quinn Criterion. Johansen cointegration analysis confirmed the existence of two long-run equilibrium relationships among the variables, leading to the estimation of a Vector Error Correction Model. The empirical findings reveal a positive and statistically significant long-run effect of Foreign Direct Investment on real Gross Domestic Product per capita, indicating that sustained Foreign Direct Investment inflows contribute to improved living standards and poverty reduction. Infrastructure and education spending were also found to enhance the poverty-reducing effects of Foreign Direct Investment, while inflation exerted a negative impact. Short-run effects of Foreign Direct Investment on poverty reduction were positive but smaller in magnitude, with the error correction term indicating a thirty-seven percent annual adjustment toward long-run equilibrium. Granger causality tests confirmed unidirectional causality from Foreign Direct Investment to poverty reduction. Variance decomposition and impulse response functions further underscored the importance of Foreign Direct Investment in explaining changes in living standards over time. The study concludes that Foreign Direct Investment plays a significant role in poverty reduction in Ethiopia when supported by investments in infrastructure and human capital, alongside macroeconomic stability. Policy recommendations include strengthening the investment climate, targeting Foreign Direct Investment toward labor-intensive and pro-poor sectors, expanding infrastructure, improving education and vocational training, and ensuring macroeconomic stability. These findings provide both academic and policy relevance, offering evidence-based guidance for maximizing the developmental benefits of Foreign Direct Investment in Ethiopia
Detoxification Effect of Rosemary Leaf Powder on Repeatedly Deep-Fried Hayat Palm Oil for Potato Chip Production
No full textDeep-frying with vegetable oils, particularly Hayat palm oil (HPO), is widespread activity in Tigrai; Northern Ethiopia. However, frequently frying with HPO can generate harmful chemicals to health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the detoxification effect of rosemary leave powder on HPO used for the preparation of potato chips. Different frying cycles (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th) with and without rosemary powder were employed for frying 500 g of row potato at 180 oC in 2L of Hayat palm oil at different doses of 100,150, 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg rosemary powder for 20 min. Oil samples were taken at 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th frying days. The result of the analyzed physical parameters such as moisture content for fried Hayat palm oil without rosemary (FHPO) was found in the ranges of 0.73 to 1.265% while fried Hayat palm oil with rosemary (FHPOR) varied from 0.19 to 0.538% and specific gravity from 0.8906 to 0.9226% for FHPO and 0.8868 to 0.9121% for FHPOR. The refractive index for FHPO was also recorded from 1.459 to 1.547, but FHPOR was obtained in the ranges of 1.453 to 1.459. The pH values were recorded between 4.058 to 4.57 for FHPO and 4.68 to 5.814 for FHPOR. In addition, the viscosity value also ranged from 73.635 to 88.415 cP for FHPO and 48.214 to 63.741 cP for FHPOR. Among the chemical parameters analyzed, peroxide values ranged from 10.167 to 14.578 meqO2/kg oil for FHPO and 6.463 to 9.8 meqO2/kg oil for FHPOR, iodine values from 57.34 to 53.54 g of I2/100g oil for FHPO, and from 45.55 to 50.465 g of I2/100g oil for FHPOR, acid values from 0.935 to 5.61mg KOH/g oil for FHPO and from 0.186 to 0.7922 mg KOH/g oil for FHPOR, saponification values from 204.5431 to 208.508 mg KOH/g oil for FHPO and 157.129 to 203.977 mg KOH/g oil for FHPOR, conjugated diene values from 3.079 to 4.374 % for FHPO and 0.2869 to 0.6432% for FHPOR. Statistical analyses using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) across all studied physical and chemical parameters. GC-MS analysis also confirmed the removal of harmful chemicals such as alcohol, epoxide, ketone, and CDLA from FHPOR while oleic acid present, indicating that the oil had not decomposed. The level of heavy metal concentrations in FHPOR were found within the permissible limits (Pb: 0.01, Fe: 0.10, Cu: 0.10, Cd: 0.01, As: 0.01, Hg: 0.01) mg/100g, while FHPO exhibited higher levels (Pb: 0.10, Fe: 0.02, Cu: 0.11, Cd: 0.12, As: 0.11, Hg: 0.10) mg/100g. In conclusion, the incorporation of rosemary leaf powder into deep-frying practices significantly enhances the chemical profile of HPO by reducing toxicant chemicals and improving its oxidative stability. Generally, the present study showed the potential of rosemary as a natural additive for healthier cooking methods and improved oil qualityMekelle Universit
The Potential of Alkali-Treated Sisal Fiber/Granite Reinforced Hybrid Composites for Automotive Semi-Trailer Loading Floor Applications
No full textNatural fiber reinforced composites offer a sustainable alternative in the composite industry due to their low density, high specific strength, and eco-friendliness. Sisal fibers, abundantly grown in northern Ethiopia, are attractive for their low cost and favorable mechanical properties but are limited by their inherent weaknesses in mechanical strength, water absorption resistance, and durability. This research focuses on enhancing these properties in sisal/polyester composites for automotive applications, specifically for a semi-trailer loading floor. The study investigates the efficacy of alkali (NaOH) treatment of sisal fibers and hybridization with granite powder as a filler to improve mechanical performance and water resistance. Experimental evaluations determined that a composite with 30 wt.% alkali-treated sisal fibers and 5 wt.% granite powder (E8) exhibited the best overall mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, compressive, and impact strengths) and significantly reduced water absorption. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed to select this optimal composite formulation from various alternatives. Subsequently, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the design of a sisal/granite hybrid composite loading floor, achieving an approximate weight reduction of 64.3% compared to a conventional steel counterpart. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) validated the optimized design, confirming a peak stress of 43.9 MPa and a minimum factor of safety of 2.19 in the most critical ply, meeting the design constraints. The maximum deflection was 1.459 mm, well within serviceable limits. The findings demonstrate the potential of alkali-treated sisal/granite polyester composites as a lightweight, durable, and sustainable material for semi-structural transport applications
Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns and Associated Risk factors Among Fistula patients at Hamlin Fistula Hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, North of Ethiopia
No full textBackground: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, both in the community and hospital. UTIs are a significant cause of hospital admissions, a widespread concern, affecting millions of people worldwide and causing significant morbidity, mortality, and serious healthcare costs. Patients with obstetric fistula usually suffer from urinary and stool incontinence that can predispose them to frequent infections with urinary tract infection. Despite this fact, there is lack of data on the prevalence, causative pathogens, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of UTIs, particularly in lower resource settings like Tigray, Ethiopia.
Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of bacterial urinary tract infection, evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and identify associated risk factors among fistula patients at Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2025 at Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Mekelle, Tigray. Socio-demographic characteristics and other urinary tract infection related risk factors were collected from study participants using structured questionnaires. The mid-stream urine was collected and cultured on Cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar, and MacConkey agar. Bacterial isolates of gram negative and gram positive were characterized using series of biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disc diffusion method and interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI2020) guidelines. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 27.
Results: Out of the 151 patients sampled, 104 (68.8.6%) were found to have significant bacteria infecting the urinary tract. Isolation of significant bacteriuria was strongly associated with the history of previous UTI and history of catheterization (p=0.01). Eight different species of bacterial uropathogens were identified from the samples. The bacteria isolated were 94.2 % gram negative and 5.8% gram positive. The most predominant bacteria identified were E. coli followed by P.vulgaris. The isolated bacteria had shown the highest resistance rate (72.2%) to Tetracyllin followed by Ampicillin (69.2%) and highest susceptibility to Amikacin (100%) followed by Meropenem (98.1%). Twenty-six of the isolated bacteria (98) were found to be ESBL-producing gram-negative bacteria.
Conclusion and recommendation: The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection among fistula patients is high. The predominant pathogen of UTI isolated was E. coli followed by P.vulgaris and K. peumoniae. All the bacterial isolates have shown multiple antibiotic resistance pattern. Based on the findings of the present study, routine screening, urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are recommended for all fistula patients
DETERMINANTS OF CREDIT DEFAULT OF MICROFINACE INSTITUTIONS BORROWERS: THE CASE OF MEKELLE CITY, TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA
No full textMicrofinance involves the provision of micro-credit, saving and other services to poor people that are excluded by the commercial bank for collateral and other reasons. The role of microfinance institutions is to serve needy people generally in the region and specifically in the city. This study aims at identifying the major socio-demographic factors, business related, institutional and loan related factors that determine credit default of MFIs borrowers. In fact, identifying and analyzing such determining factors of credit default is vital in the achievement of profitability and sustainability of MFIs. The survey population was divided into defaulters and non-defaulters based on credit repayment performance. In this connection, the researcher collected data from primary and secondary sources. The primary data has been collected by interviewing and using a structured questionnaire from 400 defaulters and non-defaulters’ respondents with the help of trained enumerators. The questionnaire includes both open and closed- ended questions. In addition, secondary data were gathered from Mekelle citifies offices and other related relevant publications. Descriptive statistics with the help of tables and Percentages were used in analyzing the collected data. In addition to this econometric model by employing SPSS versions 16.0 were used to analyze the collected data. Furthermore, a chi-square(X2) test of independence was employed to compare the relationship of dependent variable with independent variables. A total of twelve explanatory variables were included in the regression and the result of the model show that age, education level, family size, other sources of income, and method of lending are significant factors affecting loan repayment in MFIs. In contrast, gender, loan size, business experience, timeliness of loan release, distance from MFI, and suitability of installment period were not significant in predicting repayment performance. Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were made to improve loan repayment performance in the study area. To improve loan repayment of MFIs interventions should be tailored to borrowers' age, education, and family size, with a focus on providing financial education for those in larger households. Efforts should also prioritize strengthening reliable income sources and financial management skills, particularly for borrowers with informal income streams. Additionally, enhancing group lending mechanisms with better peer monitoring and stricter institutional oversight will help reduce default rates
Unveiling the Hidden Burden of Neural Tube Defects Crisis: A Triple-Lens Investigation of Prevalence, Risk Factors and Maternal Folate Deficiency in War-Torn Tigray, Northern Ethiopi
No full textBackground: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most severe congenital anomalies globally, with disproportionately high prevalence in low-resource settings. The Tigray regional state in northern Ethiopia, already facing one of the highest NTD burdens in sub-Saharan Africa, has endured an extensive armed conflict for several decades and as recently as in 2020, resulting in the collapse of its healthcare system, widespread famine, and profound maternal health challenges. Despite anecdotal reports of increased birth defects during the conflict, empirical data have been lacking.
Objective: This dissertation aimed to assess the prevalence, and associated factors of NTDs in war affected areas of Tigray. It also evaluated maternal red blood cell (RBC) folate levels in NTD high-risk regions to explore biochemical risk factors contributing to these anomalies.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed across three interrelated studies. Quantitative data were obtained through hospital-based retrospective chart reviews, prospective observational assessments, and laboratory analyses of RBC folate concentrations in first-trimester pregnant women. Socio demographic, obstetric, nutritional, and biochemical variables were analyzed to identify risk factors associated with NTDs.
Results: The findings revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of NTDs (262 per 10, 000 births) in the conflict-affected health facilities of Tigray, significantly exceeding national and regional estimates. Risk factor analysis of our study showed strong links between NTDs and factors such as young maternal age, rural residence, unplanned pregnancy, poor prenatal care, low education, high birth order, and lack of folic acid use. Additional risks included poor folate awareness, food insecurity, low dietary diversity, violence exposure, and limited healthcare access. Biochemical assays showed widespread deficiencies in RBC folate among pregnant women in high-risk areas, with levels frequently falling below WHO recommended thresholds for NTD prevention, with dietary diversity strongly influencing folate status, emphasizing the key role of nutrition in NTD prevention.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates an alarming surge in NTDs in war-affected Tigray, primarily driven by widespread folate deficiency, poor dietary diversity, and the collapse of maternal health services. Additional risk was compounded by key socio demographic factors such as low education attainment, rural residence, and limited reproductive autonomy. These findings underscore how conflict magnifies preventable health crises through the convergence of nutritional, medical, and social failures. Hence, efforts should prioritize the restoration of antenatal care services, targeted folic acid supplementation for women of reproductive age, and community-based nutrition education to improve dietary diversity. In the longer term, food fortification with folic acid should be considered once health systems stabilize. These targeted interventions fall within the study’s evidence base and are feasible within conflict-affected and resource-limited contexts
The socio-cultural and Economic consequence of Tigray war on Returnees in Hawzen Woreda: A Case of Megab Tabia in Eastern Tigray-Ethiopia
No full textDue to the Tigray war opened in 2020 millions of people have been displaced from their home land for the sake of peace and stability. The war devastates communities’ infrastructure, like schools, health care center, factories, and individuals house, not only these damages people’s mentality. The main objective of this research study was to investigate the socio cultural and Economic consequences of Tigray war on returnee. Under the main objective, the socio-cultural situation of the returnees as a result of the war, the survival strategies of the war affected people, and the reintegration challenges of returnees were examined. To meet these objectives, focus group discussion, key informant interview, and household survey were employed to collect the data. The research design, and approach was descriptive, and qualitative respectively. The study shows the sociocultural situation of returnee mainly food insecurity, social disarticulation, jobless ness, morbidity, and sexual violence have been increased. They have been also challenged to reform their former life in terms of their economy, and mental health, and encountered several problems to serve their life like having less access to medical services, trauma healing process. They were enforced to serve their life engaging in begging, resilience and adaptability were used as means survival strategy to sustain their lif