22 research outputs found
Determinants of Womens Participation in Agricultural Extension Services among Rural Women Farmers in Yilmanadensa District, Northwest Ethiopia
No full textWomen play a very significant role in agricultural production in Ethiopia by contributing between 40-60 per cent of labour to agricultural production. Despite this, rural women farmers in Ethiopia including Yilmanadensa district rarely enjoy extension services and have little contact with extension service organizations. The low participation of women farmers in agricultural extension services in Yilmanadensa district is the main reason for conducting this study. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the determinant factors of women’s participation in agricultural extension services in Yilmanadensa district. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The paper is based on a review of literature and an analysis of data collected from127 sample respondents using a semistructured questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Binary logit regression was employed to analyse the collected data. It was found that farming experience, sex of the development agent and access to credit shows significant and positive relation with participation whereas, time spent on domestic activities and sex of the household headship shows significant and negative relationship with women’s participation.Thus, appropriate number of female agricultural extension workers should be assigned, labor saving and women friendly technologies should be promoted and disseminated through the extension system
Factors affecting the Practice of Sustainable Land Management in East Gojjam Zone, North West Ethiopia
No full textLand degradation is a serious problem in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. Although efforts have been made to achieve the objective of the sustainable land management program, the success is not comparable with the efforts the country has made; as a result the community’s livelihood is highly affected and many households cannot always ensure their food security. Therefore, this study was conducted in East Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia with the objective of identifying factors affecting sustainable land management practices. To achieve this objective, a household survey was conducted by collecting primary data from a randomly selected sample of 140 household heads. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentage and standard deviation along with F- tests, x2 - test and binary logistic regression model were employed to analyze the data. The survey results indicated that about 40 per cent of the sample respondents were maintaining the available land management measures regularly, whereas 60 per cent of them did not volunteer and hence were not interested to maintain different mass constructed land management structures. The results also revealed that educational level, awareness on land degradation, participation, labor availability, extension contact, farm size and slope of the land owned were found to be positively and significantly affecting sustainable land management practices. Finally, community empowerment, genuine community participation and appropriate sustainable land management technologies specific to each agro-ecosystem zone of the area are recommended
The Roles of Micro and Small Enterprises in Urban Household Livelihoods: The Case of Ambo Town, Ethiopia
No full textBacterial profile and drug susceptibility pattern of urinary tract infection in pregnant women at University of Gondar Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
No full textAbstract Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common health problem among pregnant women. Proper investigation and prompt treatment are needed to prevent serious life threatening condition and morbidity due to urinary tract infection that can occur in pregnant women. Recent report in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia indicated the prevalence of UTI in pregnant women was 11.6 % and Gram negative bacteria was the predominant isolates and showed multi drug resistance. This study aimed to assess bacterial profile that causes urinary tract infection and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among pregnant women visiting antenatal clinic at University of Gondar Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Gondar Teaching Hospital from March 22 to April 30, 2011. Mid stream urine samples were collected and inoculated into Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient medium (CLED). Colony counts yielding bacterial growth of 105/ml of urine or more of pure isolates were regarded as significant bacteriuria for infection. Colony from CLED was sub cultured onto MacConkey agar and blood agar plates. Identification was done using cultural characteristics and a series of biochemical tests. A standard method of agar disc diffusion susceptibility testing method was used to determine susceptibility patterns of the isolates. Results The overall prevalence of UTI in pregnant women was 10.4 %. The predominant bacterial pathogens were Escherichia coli 47.5 % followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci 22.5 %, Staphylococcus aureus 10 %, and Klebsiella pneumoniae 10 %. Gram negative isolates were resulted low susceptibility to co-trimoxazole (51.9 %) and tetracycline (40.7 %) whereas Gram positive showed susceptibility to ceftriaxon (84.6 %) and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (92.3 %). Multiple drug resistance (resistance to two or more drugs) was observed in 95 % of the isolates. Conclusion Significant bacteriuria was observed in asymptomatic pregnant women. Periodic studies are recommended to check the outcome of asymptomatic bacteriuria and also monitor any changes in the susceptibility patterns of urinary tract pathogens in pregnant women.</p
Comparative analysis of RUSLE and SWPT for sub-watershed conservation prioritization in the Ayu watershed, Abay basin, Ethiopia
No full textEthiopia is currently facing a major environmental problem caused by soil erosion. In order to tackle this problem, it is essential to implement a comprehensive watershed management approach and give priority to conservation efforts depending on the level of severity. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate the mean annual soil erosion and rank the sub-watersheds for conservations in the Ayu watershed, utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and the Sub-Watershed Prioritization Tool (SWPT). RUSLE was utilized to predict the annual average soil erosion rate, while SWPT was applied to conduct Weighted Sum Analysis (WSA) for ranking sub-watersheds. Support Vector Machine (SVM) was employed for classifying land use and land cover. The Relative importance of morphometric and topo-hydrologic features in the SWPT was analyzed using a Random Forest model. The Bland-Altman plot and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were employed to assess the agreement in prioritizing watersheds between RUSLE results and the SWPT. Furthermore, field observations were conducted to validate the land use classification by collecting ground data. In addition, the study was enhanced with local viewpoints by conducting focus group discussions with agricultural experts and farmers to obtain qualitative insights and validation of resuts. The findings showed that soil loss varied from 0 to 110 t/ha/yr, with an average of 8.95 t/ha/yr, resulting in a total loss of 384365.3 tons annually. The comparison of RUSLE and SWPT showed a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.59). The results of the Bland-Altman plot indicate a consistent agreement between the two methods. However, there is inconsistency among the five sub watersheds. This study enhances the knowledge of soil erosion patterns and offers useful guidance for watershed conservation techniques. It can be also used as a beneficial framework for managing watersheds, with possible uses outside of the Ayu watershed
Lessons and Implementation Challenges of Community Health Information System in LMICs: A Scoping Review of Literature
No full textBACKGROUND: Accurate and timely information on health intervention coverage, quality, and equity is the foundation of public health practice. To achieve this, countries have made efforts to improve the quality and availability of community health data by implementing the community health information system that is used to collect data in the field generated by community health workers and other community-facing providers. Despite all the efforts, evidence on the current state is scant in Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVE: To summarize the available evidence on the current implementation status, lessons learned and implementation challenges of community health information system (CHIS) in LMICs. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review that included studies searched using electronic databases like Pubmed/Medline, World Health Organization (WHO) Library, Science Direct, Cochrane Library. We also searched Google and Google Scholar using different combinations of search strategies. Studies that applied any study design, data collection and analysis methods related to CHIS were included. The review included all studies published until February 30, 2022. Two authors extracted the data and resolved disagreements by discussion consulting a third author. RESULTS: A total of 1,552 potentially relevant articles/reports were generated from the initial search, of which 21 were considered for the final review. The review found that CHIS is implemented in various structures using various tools across different LMICs. For the CHIS implementation majority used registers, family folder/card, mobile technologies and chalk/white board. Community level information was fragmented, incomplete and in most cases flowed only one way, with a bottom-up approach. The review also indicated that, technology particularly Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) and mobile applications plays a role in strengthening CHIS implementation in most LMICs. Many challenges remain for effective implementation of CHIS with unintegrated systems including existence of parallel recording & reporting tools. Besides, lack of resources, low technical capacity, shortage of human resource and poor Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure were reported as barriers for effective implementation of CHIS in LMICs. CONCLUSION: Generally, community health information system implementation in LMICs is in its early stage. There was not a universal or standard CHIS design and implementation modality across countries. There are also promising practices on digitalizing the community health information systems. Different organizational, technical, behavioural and economic barriers exist for effective implementation of CHIS. Hence, greater collaboration, coordination, and joint action are needed to address these challenges. Strong leadership, motivation, capacity building and regular feedback are also important to strengthen the CHIS in LMICs. Moreover, CHIS should be transformed in to eCHIS with integration of different technology solutions. Local ownership is also critical to the long-term sustainability of CHIS implementation
Soil loss estimation in Ethiopia: a comprehensive review of the RUSLE model integrated with geospatial technologies
No full textAbstract Soil erosion in Ethiopia harms agricultural production, water quality, and overall ecosystem health. Effective soil loss estimation can help minimize these outcomes. The implementation of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in Ethiopia has not been sufficiently evaluated. Thus, the main objective of this review is to systematically review the comprehensive strengths and limitations of the RUSLE model applications for soil loss estimation. Specifically, it evaluates the specific parameters used, the type of input data, the validation approaches, and the role of GIS and remote sensing in the computation process of the RUSLE Model. An extensive search method was employed to classify suitable research papers about applying the RUSLE model in estimating soil erosion in Ethiopia. The review underscores that different approaches have been used to compute the five parameters of the RUSLE model. Key strengths of the RUSLE model include its widespread acceptance and adaptability to various environmental conditions; however, notable limitations are evident, regarding the validation and calibration processes. This review highlights that the scale of study areas varies widely, from 18.33 to 1,119,683 km2. Soil loss estimates across the reviewed studies ranged from 12.94 to 576 t ha−1 yr−1. The findings of this review presented here are critical for using the RUSLE model to estimate soil loss integrating it with other process-based models and the advanced machine learning technologies. Ultimately, this review aids in improving soil resource management and ecological sustainability in Ethiopia
Intestinal parasitosis and shigellosis among diarrheal patients in Gondar teaching hospital, northwest Ethiopia
No full textAbstract Background Diarrheal diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developing world. Understanding the etiologic agents of diarrheal diseases and their association with socio-demographic characteristics of patients would help to design better preventive measures. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria in diarrheic patients. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 384 consecutive diarrheal patients who visited Gondar teaching hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia from October 2006 to March 2007 was conducted. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria following standard parasitological and microbiological procedures. Results Intestinal parasites were diagnosed in 36.5% of the patients. The most frequently encountered protozoan parasite was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.3%) followed by Giardia lamblia (5.0%), Cryptosporidium parvum (1.8%) and Isospora belli (1.3%). The dominant helminthic parasite identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (5.5%) followed by Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma mansoni (3.1% each), hookworm infection (1.8%), and Hymenolepis species (1.3%). Multiple infections of intestinal parasites were also observed in 6.3% of the patients. Among the enteropathogenic bacteria Shigella and Salmonella species were isolated from 15.6% and 1.6%, respectively, of the patients. Escherichia coli O57:H7 was not found in any of the stool samples tested. Eighty eight percent and 83.3% of the Shigella and Salmonella isolates were resistant to one or more commonly used antibiotics, respectively. Intestinal parasitosis was higher in patients who live in rural area, in patients who were washing their hands after visiting toilet either irregularly with soap and without soap or not at all, in patients who used well and spring water for household consumption, and in patients who had nausea (P P Conclusions The high prevalence of intestinal parasites and Shigella species in diarrheic patients calls for institution of appropriate public health intervention measures to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. The rational use of antibiotics should also be practiced.</p
Prevalence, years lived with disability, and trends in anaemia burden by severity and cause, 1990-2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
No full textBackground Anaemia is a major health problem worldwide. Global estimates of anaemia burden are crucial for developing appropriate interventions to meet current international targets for disease mitigation. We describe the prevalence, years lived with disability, and trends of anaemia and its underlying causes in 204 countries and territories. Methods We estimated population-level distributions of haemoglobin concentration by age and sex for each location from 1990 to 2021. We then calculated anaemia burden by severity and associated years lived with disability (YLDs). With data on prevalence of the causes of anaemia and associated cause-specific shifts in haemoglobin concentrations, we modelled the proportion of anaemia attributed to 37 underlying causes for all locations, years, and demographics in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Findings In 2021, the global prevalence of anaemia across all ages was 24 center dot 3 (95 uncertainty interval UI 23 center dot 9-24 center dot 7), corresponding to 1 center dot 92 billion (1 center dot 89-1 center dot 95) prevalent cases, compared with a prevalence of 28 center dot 2% (27 center dot 8-28 center dot 5) and 1 center dot 50 billion (1 center dot 48-1 center dot 52) prevalent cases in 1990. Large variations were observed in anaemia burden by age, sex, and geography, with children younger than 5 years, women, and countries in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia being particularly affected. Anaemia caused 52 center dot 0 million (35 center dot 1-75 center dot 1) YLDs in 2021, and the YLD rate due to anaemia declined with increasing Socio-demographic Index. The most common causes of anaemia YLDs in 2021 were dietary iron deficiency (cause-specific anaemia YLD rate per 100 000 population: 422 center dot 4 95% UI 286 center dot 1-612 center dot 9), haemoglobinopathies and haemolytic anaemias (89 center dot 0 58 center dot 2-123 center dot 7), and other neglected tropical diseases (36 center dot 3 24 center dot 4-52 center dot 8), collectively accounting for 84 center dot 7% (84 center dot 1-85 center dot 2) of anaemia YLDs. Interpretation Anaemia remains a substantial global health challenge, with persistent disparities according to age, sex, and geography. Estimates of cause-specific anaemia burden can be used to design locally relevant health interventions aimed at improving anaemia management and prevention. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license
Prevalence, years lived with disability, and trends in anaemia burden by severity and cause, 1990–2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
No full textBackground: Anaemia is a major health problem worldwide. Global estimates of anaemia burden are crucial for developing appropriate interventions to meet current international targets for disease mitigation. We describe the prevalence, years lived with disability, and trends of anaemia and its underlying causes in 204 countries and territories. Methods: We estimated population-level distributions of haemoglobin concentration by age and sex for each location from 1990 to 2021. We then calculated anaemia burden by severity and associated years lived with disability (YLDs). With data on prevalence of the causes of anaemia and associated cause-specific shifts in haemoglobin concentrations, we modelled the proportion of anaemia attributed to 37 underlying causes for all locations, years, and demographics in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Findings: In 2021, the global prevalence of anaemia across all ages was 24·3% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 23·9–24·7), corresponding to 1·92 billion (1·89–1·95) prevalent cases, compared with a prevalence of 28·2% (27·8–28·5) and 1·50 billion (1·48–1·52) prevalent cases in 1990. Large variations were observed in anaemia burden by age, sex, and geography, with children younger than 5 years, women, and countries in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia being particularly affected. Anaemia caused 52·0 million (35·1–75·1) YLDs in 2021, and the YLD rate due to anaemia declined with increasing Socio-demographic Index. The most common causes of anaemia YLDs in 2021 were dietary iron deficiency (cause-specific anaemia YLD rate per 100 000 population: 422·4 [95% UI 286·1–612·9]), haemoglobinopathies and haemolytic anaemias (89·0 [58·2–123·7]), and other neglected tropical diseases (36·3 [24·4–52·8]), collectively accounting for 84·7% (84·1–85·2) of anaemia YLDs. Interpretation: Anaemia remains a substantial global health challenge, with persistent disparities according to age, sex, and geography. Estimates of cause-specific anaemia burden can be used to design locally relevant health interventions aimed at improving anaemia management and prevention. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licens
