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Students from disadvantaged or minority backgrounds are often underrepresented in public educational programmes for the gifted and talented (G&T), a phenomenon that has concerned educators for the last two decades. Ethiopian-Israeli minority students (EIMS) are a good example of this phenomenon, as more than 95% of the vast resources allocated to promoting this minority population are directed to advancing underachieving students. To explain the roots of this policy, we analysed all reports presented to the Israeli parliament regarding EIMS during the years 2000-2012, as well as all studies that these reports were based on. A policy discourse analysis revealed that the public-political discourse concerning EIMS focuses almost entirely on the weaknesses and needs of this population. In addition, this discourse is led by policy networks of interest groups that are involved in promoting minority students. Analysis of the relative achievement levels of EIMS suggests that some students, and especially those in lower school grades, are suitable candidates for integration within G&T frameworks. We suggest that a change of the discourse concerning EIMS and emphasizing their strengths may lead to a change in policy, which will promote G&T students and reduce the 'stereotype threat' within this group.

Generally, the behavior patterns concerns a social significance of values. This paper highlights the various behavior patterns like planner behavior, solution oriented behavior, and prescriptive behavior patterns. The main objective of the present study is to identify the behavior patterns that influence on students' achievement in psychological foundations of learning and development: a case of Mekelle University, Ethiopia in general. The one hundred PGDT student teachers were participating in this research. The data were collected by Behavior Pattern Rating Scale created and standardized by Nihat Caliskan (Caliskan et al., 2017) and the investigator developed a self-made questionnaire for students' achievement in psychological foundations of learning and development. The data were analyzed by 't' test and Pearson's product moment correlation. The results of the study revealed that there is no significant difference was found in the relationship between behavior patterns and psychological foundations of learning and development.

This research focuses on investigating the contribution of school culture to students' academic achievement. To this end, a mixed research approach was used. 82 teachers, 258 students, 5 school principals, and 3 school cluster supervisors were the data sources of this study. To see the contribution of school culture to students' academic achievement, questionnaire for students and teachers, interview with school principals and cluster supervisors were used. Percentages and one sample ttest were used to analyze the data. The quantitative data confirmed that the contribution of school culture to students' academic achievement was found statistically significant but slightly above the expected mean. Qualitative data from the respondents showed strong communication among stakeholders during the implementation process. The support system from teachers and other responsible bodies were seen as effective. A guideline that specifies teachers' responsibility and the program implementation process, such as continuous follow-up and supervision were reported relevant and triggering teachers to live up to the minimum teachers' professional commitment standard. Generally, both the qualitative and quantitative data analysis results revealed a moderate level contribution of school culture to students' academic achievement. As this result was not much encouraging, appropriate strategies of enhancing the contribution of school culture to students' academic achievement were pointed out in the paper.

The main objective of the paper is to investigate the determinant factors affecting the academic performance of regular undergraduate students of Arba Minch university (AMU) chamo campus students. To meet the objective, the Pearson product moment correlation statistical tool and econometrics data analysis (OLS regression) method were used with the aim of establishing the relationship between factors related to student's background and family background on academic performance of regular undergraduate students at Arba Minch university chamo campus students. The findings proved the existence of significant relationship between gender difference, university entrance exam, studying hours and academic performance (CGPA). The findings also revealed that there was a significant relationship between students former academic back ground,studying hours, and student's behavior on taking of alcoholic drug and chat on academic performance of students. On the basis of the findings, the researcher recommended that emphasis should be taken to improve the academic performance of female students, working at the ground with high school students earlier before they joined in to university and Providing Psychotherapy and supporting alcoholic drug and khat taker students to end the use such drug and Khat will bring more fruit to improve students' academic performance.

This investigation of physics teacher education in Ethiopia reveals a significant gap between the physics knowledge of pre-service teachers (PSTs) attained during training and that of the intended curriculum setting out expectations for their knowledge. Data were obtained by a test probing PSTs' physics knowledge (attained curriculum); analysis of teacher education curriculum documents (intended); and video-recording, observation and analysis of lectures delivered to pre-service teachers at four Colleges of Teacher Education (implemented). These illustrate that implementation focuses on high-level, abstract knowledge delivered mainly via mathematical approaches, offering limited opportunities for learning basic concepts by debate. An outcome of current practice is that physics teachers lack the necessary subject knowledge to teach effectively, leading successive generations of Ethiopian students to under-achieve. The paper argues for change to enable Ethiopia to achieve its aim of raising educational achievement and societal productivity to become a low-middle income nation by 2025.

This paper examines the status of the implementation of continuous assessment (CA) in Mettu University. A random stratified sampling method was used to select 309 students and 29 instructors and purposive method used to select quality assurance and faculty Deans. Questionnaires, focus group discussion, interview and documents were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed in terms of descriptive statistics whereas qualitative data qualitatively. The finding of the study reviled that; instructors considered it as continuous testing, students perceived it as a method of assessment used to increase their academic result. The major challenges were: lack of clear manuals and guidelines, lack of continuous and adequate training, awareness and skills on the part of instructors, large class size, lack of infrastructure and instructional materials, poor communication of staff with concerned bodies. Based on the results recommendations were forwarded.

The use or misuse of addictive substances like khat has become widespread among the youths especially in countries where the substance is produced and/or consumed. In this paper, we examine whether khat use has any impact on the academic achievement of university students with particular reference to undergraduates in Jimma University, Ethiopia. Using data gathered from students between May to June 2011, the two-limit tobit model was employed to estimate the effect of khat use on students' grade point average (GPA), a measure of students' academic performance. The results reveal that khat use has a negative influence on students' academic performance at the university. On the other hand, however, students' academic performance at the university is positively related to their past performance (university entrance examination score) as well as parental education (household head) among others. Awareness creation on the negative impacts of the use of addictive substances like khat should, therefore, be carried out by the university management, local governments at various levels and policy makers at large. Interventions that target preparatory level education would, therefore, have higher returns in terms of human capital development.

Gender is among the determinant factors affecting students' academic achievement. This paper tried to investigate the impact of gender on academic performance of preparatory secondary school students based on 2014 EHEECE result. Ex post facto research design was used. To that end, data were collected from 3243 students from eight purposively selected schools. The analysis has been undertaken quantitatively using independent samples t-test, one sample t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Chi-square test, ANOVA and linear multiple regression. The findings revealed that there is statistically significant difference between male and female students favoring the former. Sample mean is statistically higher than regional and zonal mean scores. A statistically significant difference among sampled schools has been observed. Younger students have scored significantly higher result than the older ones. The proportion of male students in the upper achieving groups was significantly higher than females and the opposite was true for low achieving groups. More effort is needed by concerned bodies so as to narrow the gender disparity. Furthermore, additional studies should be conducted to investigate the performance differences among schools.

Primary school enrolment in Ethiopia has more than doubled over the past two decades. In spite of this impressive achievement, and as in many low- and middle-income countries that have experienced rapid expansion, the Ethiopian education system is characterised by a 'learning crisis' in which many children are leaving school without basic numeracy and literacy skills. In this paper, we explore the relationship between low learning levels and the features of an education system characterised by a sudden increase in learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, including 'first generation learners', or students whose parents have never been to school. Using unique longitudinal school survey data, we examine whether first-generation learner status represents an additional layer of disadvantage in the Ethiopian education system; the relationship between first-generation learner status and learning outcomes; and the educational trajectories of first generational learners through primary school. Based on these findings, we consider the implications of a rising tide of access for Ethiopia as it seeks to provide equitable, quality education for all by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on our participatory multi‐faceted community‐wide intervention to change gender perceptions and encourage support for girls' education to improve their school attendance and performance. The intervention involved community and education stakeholders in implementing a context‐specific multi‐faceted intervention to improve opportunities for girls in 123 primary schools in the rural Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. We implemented a repeated‐measures quasi‐experimental design in a sample of 30 schools (15 project and 15 control schools) to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness. Over 3 years we assessed gender perceptions of a cohort of 750 Grade 6 girls, their parents and teachers in project and control schools. In addition, participative group discussions were conducted with various stakeholders. In project schools, we recorded significant changes (e.g., provision of sanitary pads, counselling, tutorial classes and community involvement). Teachers and parents reported improved gender attitudes and support for girls' education; while girls' self‐esteem scores and educational aspirations increased. The findings showed a change in community perceptions of the value of girls' education and some evidence of increased equality in gender perceptions. We concluded that these systemic changes marked the start of a long‐term change process. This intervention showed the value of a participatory approach in a systemic community intervention. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing participation in family decision making is an integral part of adolescent development. This paper uses longitudinal data from four low and middle income countries—Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam—to assess the relationship between young people's involvement in schooling decision making and schooling outcomes. In the pooled sample, compared to young adults who indicate to have no say in educational choices at age 19, adolescents who make these decisions unilaterally or jointly with parents are on average 17%–23% more likely to drop out by age 22. The effects are, however, heterogenous across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of educational service quality (ESQ) on student academic performance via the mediating role of student satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: To serve the study's purpose, the study adopted a quantitative research approach. Three public universities representing 30% of the ten public universities located in the Southern part of Ethiopia participated in the study. Questionnaires were the main tools for gathering data. The adapted questionnaire, consisting of 116 items was administered to 400 randomly selected regular undergraduate graduating class students. The quantitative data collected via questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and advanced inferential statistics. Findings: The quantitative findings revealed that there is a statistically positive association between overall education service quality and students' satisfaction (r = 0.712). The findings proved that the facets of education service quality accounted for 71.2% of the variations in students' satisfaction in the universities. The quantitative findings further showed that the education service quality has a statistically indirect effect on students' academic performance via the mediating role of students' satisfaction (test statistic = 31.5311573, std. error = 0.00122536 and p-value = 0). The findings further confirmed that the overall education service quality accounted for 12.7% of the variations in students' academic performance via student satisfaction in the universities. Research limitations/implications: The present study was conducted in public universities located in the Southern part of Ethiopia. The findings and conclusions of the study may not be generalizable to all Ethiopian public universities. Future researchers and scholars should conduct their study in all Ethiopian public universities by taking a representative sample from the Ethiopian public universities. Practical implications: The present finding suggests that an improvement in ESQ leads to students' satisfaction and that could contribute to boosting their academic performance. The findings of the present may help the practitioners who measure higher education service quality by providing how the provision of ESQ indirectly influences the student's academic performance in the universities. Social implications: The findings of this study confirmed that the facets of ESQ are associated with students' satisfaction and this, in turn, indirectly influences their academic performance. Student academic performance is one of the key indicators of quality education, and it has its influences on the social, political and economic development of a country. The findings of the present research provide valuable insights to higher education management bodies, higher quality assurance agencies and the Federal Ministry of Education to learn the indirect effect of ESQ on students' academic performance and take necessary measures to improve the Ethiopian higher education quality. Originality/value: The contributions of ESQ in the higher education sector are enormous. However, the existing service quality literature in higher education mainly focuses on the interrelation among service quality, student satisfaction, loyalty and behavioral intentions. Little is known about the indirect influence of ESQ on student academic performance (one of the key indicators of quality education), principally in Ethiopian higher education, the place of current research. The present study showed the indirect impact of ESQ on student academic performance in Ethiopian public universities. The study, therefore, suggests that university management bodies should actively monitor the quality of their services and commit themselves to boosting students' learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of human history, the environment favoured and promoted equality of males and females. In the 21st century , knowledge plays the leading role and education is the central element that nations can use to maintain equality among society specially to insure gender equality. Thus this paper would attempt to identify the socio-economic factors affecting girl's academic achievement and gender based violence in higher institutions in case of SNNPR by selecting two university from first, one from second and two from third generation universities including Wolkite five universities will be included out of the total seven universities found in the region. The respondents are selected randomly from each university. The respondents included in this study are female students, gender office, instructors, student deans and registrar workers. The data would be collected using Focus group discussion, interview and questionnaires. To analyze the data logistic regression and Two limit Tobit model would be used. Even if there is some progressive trend, the girls academic achievement is low and their attrition rate is high. That is their mean achievement below the national average. From econometrics result it has been found that entrance exam result, parents income, personal related factors, peer pressure the major factors that substantially determines level of girls academic achievement. Similarly, though there are positive changes regarding gender based violence still significant portion of girls were vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze and illustrate achievements and challenges of Ethiopian higher education, both at the system level and at the level of new public universities. Design/methodology/approach – Achievements and challenges at the system level are based on literature review and secondary data. Illustrative case studies are based on university data and interviews with university representatives. Findings – The Ethiopian higher education system has increased its enrollments substantially. The construction of 13 new universities that started enrolling students around 2007 contributed greatly to this achievement. Challenges accompanying this growth lie in funding, quality and quantity of staffing, teaching practices, research and community service, quality assurance and gender balance. Originality/value – The present study contributes to existing literature by describing case studies illustrating challenges and achievements in new public universities in Ethiopian higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Since 2012 the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health and Education implemented a new medical curriculum in 13 institutions. The new curriculum introduced some questions on its admission policy: students can join with different educational backgrounds. Students' performance on qualifying exams and grade point average are lower than desired. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate what factors predict the academic performance of students in the New Medical Education Initiative in Ethiopia. Methods: A concurrent mixed method of survey and qualitative was used; for the survey, a structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed to students of four randomly selected medical schools from December 2018 to January 2019. The questionnaire includes questions about socio-demographic and educational background of participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was used in order to identify the factors associated with academic performance. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 key informants to explore qualitatively. Results: In the multiple linear regressions, stress was associated with lower academic performance. Students with prior education in the field of health science outperformed students with other bachelors. The cumulative grade point average of the previous bachelor degree and the score on the entrance exam to join medicine also significantly predicted performance. Although some more variables are identified from the qualitative interviews, its findings supported the survey results. Conclusions: Of the number of predictor variables analyzed in the model, only stress, prior educational degree, performance in the prior degree and entrance exam score were significantly correlated with the performance of students in their preclinical medical engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of studies have confirmed that written corrective feedback (hereafter WCF) is vital for improving learners' L2 writing. However, many scholars could not agree whether this improvement was due to direct, indirect, or both forms of WCF. Thus, this study first investigated the role of WCF students' writing achievement; it then investigated if there was a statistically significant difference in writing achievement between groups that received direct and indirect WCF forms. To this end, a quasi-experimental research design involving three intact first-year classes from a university found in northwest Ethiopia was used. Two experimental groups and one comparison group of learners were participants in this study. Test scores analyzed by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that WCF has an influential role in enhancing learners' writing performance. Moreover, this study showed that learners in the direct WCF accompanied by a metalinguistic explanation group outperformed their counterparts in the indirect WCF group in writing paragraphs. Based on the study's findings, it is possible to conclude that the provision of WCF is vital in the Ethiopian context; moreover, learners could benefit more from using linguistic structures correctly if metalinguistic explanations accompany the provision of direct WCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research dealt with identifying the predictive quality of secondary school students' classroom achievement on national examination results. A correlation survey design with a concurrent mixed approach to data was used. Data were obtained from existing school archives through careful identification of subjects where the 25 top achievers in each one of the four sampled schools were considered (n=100). Moreover, references were made to key-informant principals (n=2), officers (n=2) and secondary school teachers (n=40) for complementary purposes. The findings revealed that students' school-based achievements were strong predictors of the national examination results in some schools (r²=.82) whereas they were weak predictors in others (r² =.29). In that, there was a significant difference between public and private schools on the level of prediction. There was also a significant difference in the level of prediction among private schools themselves. Findings showed a shortage in classroom arrangements and facilities, weak experiential exchanges and guidance services, and a shortage in identifying model skills among teachers and students to have been the bottleneck issues in enhancing the quality of school-based preparation for the national examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its emphasis on the integrated nature of what students need to learn, competency-based education is considered as the leading paradigm for innovation and development. Due to meager adaption of technology integration, the education system has been severely affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to redesign the existing mathematics course in Ethiopian higher education to produce a pedagogically enhanced learning environment. To achieve the goal of the study, a pedagogical intervention with a time series design was employed at Wachemo University, Ethiopia. The result of the study shows a significant improvement of students' course achievement. The model was found to be essential for the transformation to ICT mediated learnin, which is the future most dominant factor. Due to the several challenges associated while implementing blended learning, this type of model is far important when trying to change the customary face-to-face environment to computer mediated one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To the knowledge of the present researcher, studies on the experience of blind students in the Ethiopian higher education institutions are very limited, and thus this study is meant to make some contribution on the subject. The study focused on the experiences of 22 blind students, randomly picked from two campuses of Bahir Dar University. To that end, using a case study design, data were generated through in-depth interview, key-informant interview, and focus group discussions on the availability of support services, challenges participants experienced, and their coping mechanisms. Results of the study revealed that, though the university provided participants with some financial support on an annual and a monthly basis, several challenges were still affecting the participants' academic and social experiences. The study has implicated the inclusion of blind students cannot be complete unless equal emphasis is given to ensure accessible instructional materials (in Braille or audio files), pedagogy, and facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excellence in Anesthesia education has been advocated to meet the current and future needs of the society. Educational environment plays significant role in determining students' learning and academic achievement. This study assessed the perception of Anesthesia students on their educational environment and it association with their academic achievement at Debre Tabor University and University of Gondar. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was employed on 3rd and 4th year students. Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) was used to assess students' perception on their educational environment. Perceived performance, Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and 100 MCQ items were used to assess the academic achievement of the students. An independent t-test was used to assess the differences in the perception of educational environment and academic achievements. Bivariate and multivariable linear regressions were fitted to assess the relationship between perception on educational environment and academic achievement. A P-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare the statistical significance. Result: A total of 123 students (91 from University of Gondar and 32 from Debre Tabor University) were participated on this study. The study showed no statistically significant differences between the groups on the perception of students on the educational environment on DREEM total and subscale scores, and academic achievements. However, there were statistically significant differences in some items of the educational environment measures. On multivariable linear regression; entrance exam result, students' perception of teachers, students' academic self –perception and students' social self-perception showed positive correlation with students' academic achievement (ß = 0.003 & P = 0.04, ß = 0.009 & P = 0.9, ß = 0.06 & P = 0.42, ß = 0.06 & P = 0.39, ß = 0.14 & P = 0.015 and ß = 0.13 & P = 0.023) respectively. Conclusion: The perception of students on the educational environment was found to be more positive and there was no statistically significant differences in total and domains of DREEM scores and academic achievement of students between the two institutions. Entrance exam result and more positive perception of the educational environment were positively associated with academic achievement of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breakfast skipping and its relationship with academic achievement among primary school children were investigated in this study. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 848 primary school children. Breakfast skipping was analyzed using a 2-item questionnaire. A 19-item Social Academic and Emotional Behavior Risk Screening questionnaire was used to collect data on children's behavior. The prevalence of breakfast skipping was found to be 38.1%. Living in a rural area (AOR = 5.2; 95% CI: 3.54, 7.71); having illiterate parents (AOR = 6.66; 95% CI 3.0, 14.7); having parents with a primary education level (AOR 5.18, 95% CI: 2.25, 11.94); living with guardians or other relatives (AOR = 4.06; 95%CI: 2.1, 7.9); and having lower academic achievement (AOR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.44, 5.29) were factors associated with skipping breakfast. In conclusion, breakfast skipping has been identified as a significant public health concern that requires an immediate response from stakeholders. It is recommended to intervene based on the identified factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Education plays a pivotal role in producing qualified human power that accelerates economic development and solves the real problems of a community. Students are also expected to spend much of their time on their education and need to graduate with good academic results. However, the trend of graduating students is not proportional to the trend of enrolled students and an increasing number of students commit readmission, suggesting that they did not perform well in their academics. Thus, the study aimed to identify the determinants of academic performance among university students in Southern Ethiopia. Method: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1 to 28, 2020. A total of 659 students were enrolled and data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 software for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable data analysis were computed and a p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Smoking, age, and field of study were significantly associated with academic performance. Result: Four hundred six (66%) of students had a good academic performance. Students aged between 20 and 24 years (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22-0.91), and medical/ health faculty (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.45-4.20) were significant associates of good academic performance. Students who didn't smoke cigarettes were three times more likely to score good academic grades compared to those who smoke (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.21-7.30). Conclusion: In this study, increased odds of good academic performance were observed among students reported to be non-smokers, adults, and medical/health science students. Reduction or discontinuation of smoking is of high importance for good academic achievement among these target groups. The academic environment in the class may be improved if older students are invited to share their views and particularly their ways of reasoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning is a fundamental human right, the basis of developing human capital and the foundation of human development. Basic skills provide individuals, their families and communities with the foundations needed to participate in society and to achieve better life chances. The shift in focus from mass access to mass learning has drawn attention to the question of who is and is not attaining these skills, and why. Opportunities to learn depend on access to schooling, but also the effectiveness of that schooling. There is considerable evidence of learning inequalities, both across and within countries. However, less is known about whether these patterns of inequality are rooted in variations in school effectiveness. In this paper we use evidence from Young Lives school surveys in Ethiopia, India and Vietnam to consider differences in girls' and boys' learning outcomes and progress and investigate how these patterns relate to school effectiveness. We explore whether girls or boys are 'sorted' into more or less effective schools and whether the same schools are differentially effective for boys and girls. Findings from India are perhaps closest to the 'typical' story that is often heard, in which girls, particularly those in rural areas, have lower attainment and attend less effective schools. In comparison, in Vietnam, girls have higher test scores and attend more effective schools on average, with this pattern driven by the higher performance of girls in rural areas. In Ethiopia, the divide between urban and rural areas is predominant in this context, over and above other areas of inequality including gender. Comparing results from these different areas of analysis and from three very different countries reveals the complexities of understanding how gender relates to educational outcomes. It demonstrates the importance of understanding gendered outcomes and school effectiveness in context. • Educational outcomes depend on access to education and the quality of that education. • Cross-country analysis reveals the complexities of how gender and school effectiveness relate to educational outcomes. • In India, where there is greatest school choice, girls have lower attainment and attend less effective schools than boys. • In Vietnam, the opposite is true - girls perform better and attend more effective schools. • In Ethiopia, the divide between urban and rural areas is predominant, over other axes of inequality including gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching quality is important for students' English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Achievements. The three basic dimensions of teaching quality (student support, classroom management, and cognitive activation) showed effectiveness in some subjects in developed countries, but there is very little investigation on its effectiveness in developing ones. Using hierarchical linear modeling and re-centered influence function regression, this study investigates the extent to which the three basic dimensions of teaching quality affect students' EFL achievements and how much the effect varies across achievement distributions in the context of Ethiopia. Findings reveal that classroom management does not affect students' EFL achievements and this is consistent across achievement distributions. However, cognitive activation positively affects students' EFL learning achievements and the effect is consistent across the distribution of achievements. Similarly, student support affects students' EFL achievements positively, but its effect is higher for high-achieving students. Implications of the findings were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All the associated risk factors were not equally responsible for influencing individuals either in alcohol use, khat use, tobacco, or cannabis use. This study attempted to examine sociocultural factors influencing university students in substance use by comparing one with another. A cross-sectional study was carried out. The study used a quantitative approach to collect data from 384 students. Compared with their involvement in khat use, female students were positively influenced in cigarette and hashish use (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR = 1.102, 95% CI: 1.056, 1.149) and alcohol use (AOR = 1.066, 95% CI: 1.021, 1.113). The involvement of students in alcohol use (AOR = 0.884, 95% CI: 0.838, 0.932) and cigarettes and hashish use (AOR = 0.909, 95% CI: 0.866, 0.953) were negatively associated with stress related to their academic activities. The involvement of students in alcohol use (AOR = 0.942, 95% CI: 0.906, 0.979) was negatively associated with parental influences; involved in alcohol use (AOR = 0.445, 95% CI: 0.210, 0.941) was negatively associated with the thoughts of considering substances as an energizer. The involvement of students in alcohol use (AOR = 4.980, 95% CI: 1.614, 15.368) was positively associated with peer influences. It was, thus, suggested that the management of Haramaya University should work on creating awareness of the negative consequences of substance use. Concerned professionals, including sociologists, psychologists, and health workers, should work on raising students' awareness as it was possible to undertake their studies without substance use. Moreover, the university management is strongly recommended to expand recreational centers within the campus. Lastly, Haramaya woreda administration should restrict the availability and accessibility of these substances around the campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two components of hope (i.e., hope‐agency defined as the ability to envision and believe in one's ability to achieve goals; hope‐pathway defined as belief in one's ability to devise strategies to achieve one's goals) propel adolescents toward well‐being, academic achievement and personal fulfillment. This study compares levels of hope and its components, for different groups of immigrant and ethnic non‐immigrant youths, while adjusting for and measuring the impact of racism, school and family characteristics, and the youth's unique individual attributes. Using a community‐based participatory research approach and a cross‐sectional study design, data were collected from immigrant and non‐immigrant youth (n = 567) between May 2015 and December 2015 at three Israeli public high schools. The study included five groups of youth based on their self‐descriptions: Ethiopian immigrant (n = 48), Russian immigrant (n = 145), Israeli‐born Mizrachi/Sephardi (n = 59), Israeli‐born Ashkenazi (n = 49), or Israeli‐born Unspecified (n = 266). Linear regression models showed that Ethiopian immigrant youth, compared to Russian immigrant youth and all Israeli‐born groups of youth, had significantly lower hope‐agency, hope‐pathway and overall hope. However, an interaction effect between racism and ethnicity indicated that adolescents who perceived racism and self‐identified as Ethiopian had higher hope‐agency, hope‐pathway and overall hope. This effect was not found with Russian immigrant or Israeli‐born youth. Immigrants of color compared to other immigrants and ethnicities have less overall hope; but those who acknowledge racism feel more control over their future (hope‐agency), able to devise strategies to surmount barriers blocking goals (hope‐pathway), and have greater overall hope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was done to examine the transition of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) and hearing students from the first cycle (Grade 4) to the second cycle (Grade 5) of primary education in Ethiopia. Academic achievement and self-concept were measured longitudinally with 103 DHH and hearing students. Participants were selected from three different settings (special schools, special classes and regular schools). Self-Description Questionnaire I (Marsh, H. W. 1990. Self-Description Questionnaire – I (SDQ I). Manual. MacArthur, NSW, Australia: University of Western Sydney) was used to measure the children's self-concept. The results showed a decrease in the academic achievement and academic self-concept of DHH students who were in a special class (Grade 4) when they transferred to the mainstream (Grade 5), while the academic achievement and self-concept of the DHH students continuing in a special school remained stable. All three groups – DHH in the mainstream, DHH in the special school and hearing students – showed improvements in their social self-concept after the transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at assessing the demand and supply of private tutoring in the upper primary schools of Ethiopia. To achieve this objective a cross-sectional survey research design was employed. Data were collected from 866 upper primary school students, 370 teachers, and 26 school principals. Accordingly, four regions (two from the relatively developed and two from the emerging regions) and one city administration were selected as sample regions by using simple random sampling technique. Again from each region the capital town of each sample regions was selected as sample towns through purposive sampling technique. Then from each sample town three government schools and three private schools were selected by simple random sampling technique. Finally, from each selected sample schools 50% of the students and all the teachers of the sample schools and the principal of the school were taken as sample of the study by purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires', interview, and focus group discussion. The result shows that students received supplementary private tutoring in addition to learning in mainstream schools and started this program when they are grade 7-8. In Ethiopian context the private tutors are the mainstream teachers of the students and other teachers in the same school. The main driving force for students to participate in the supplementary tutorial is due to their parents and friends push. Students receive the tutorial in one-to-one base. The major reason students need supplementary private tutoring is education-related purpose that is to improve their academic score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitual khat use has negative psychological, social, sexual, and economic consequences. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of khat use and associated factors among university students in the University of Gondar. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to September 2011. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Epi Info and SPSS softwares were used to enter and analyze the data. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors. Independent two-sample “t” test was employed to compare academic performance between khat chewers and non-chewers. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to assess the strength of the association.P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The current prevalence of khat chewing was 16.4%. Sex, place of upbringing, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and history of family and friends related chewing khat were statistically associated with khat chewing habit. The prevalence of khat chewing was found moderate and had not any influence on academic performance. Targeted and consistent counseling by a close controller and guidance is recommended as a direct in-campus intervention to tackle this habit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims This study aimed to validate the presence of a khat use disorder syndrome using DSM-5 criteria and to examine its relationship with increased experience of harms. Design Cross-sectional, purposive sample of current khat-chewers, recruited from khat markets and cafes. Setting Participants were recruited from the general community and from Adama Science and Technology University in Ethiopia. Participants A total of 400 current khat consumers aged 16 and above were recruited between September 2014 and January 2015 Measures Survey comprising current clinical symptoms (using a modified Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-IV), and validated measures of health, psychological distress, quality of life and academic functioning. Findings A third [35.5%95% confidence interval (CI) = 31.0-40.3] of respondents reported daily khat use and a quarter (25.4% 95% CI = 21.4-30.0) using three times or more per week. Using DSM-5 criteria, 10.5% (95% CI = 7.9-13.9) were categorized as experiencing mild, 8.8% (95% CI = 6.4-12.0) moderate and 54.5% (95% CI = 49.6-59.3) severe khat use disorder. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a good fit of symptoms to a single underlying construct, consistent with other substance use disorders. Individuals categorized as experiencing khat use disorder demonstrated significantly greater frequency [odds ratio (OR) = 45.29; 95% CI = 10.97-19.01) and quantity of khat use (OR = 2.35; 95%CI = 1.29-4.29). They also demonstrated increased financial problems associated with use, greater problems with academic functioning and higher rates of self-reported mental health problems, higher psychological distress and poorer quality of life. Treatment accesswas poor, with only one-third (32.9%) of individuals with khat use disorder reporting life-time access, near-exclusively related to help-seeking from friends and relatives. Conclusion The construct of a substance use disorder syndrome for khat using DSM-5 criteria appears valid and performs in a manner consistent with other substances of dependence. Individuals with khat use disorder experience substantial problems in association with khat use. Despite this, there are low levels of help-seeking for these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is the most common gynecologic compliant among adolescent females. There is a wide variation in the estimate of PD, which ranges from 50% to 90%, and the disorder is the most common cause of work and school absenteeism in adolescent females. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of PD among female university students and understand its effects on students' academic performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed in 440 research participants. A multistage stratified sampling technique was employed to select the study units. Structured and pretested self-administered questionnaires were used and weight and height measurements were conducted. The severity of dysmenorrheal pain was assessed by using a verbal multidimensional scoring system and visual analog scale. The data were double entered in Epi Info version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 17. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: A total of 440 students participated in this study. The prevalence of PD was 368 (85.4%). Of these, 123 (28.5%) had mild, 164 (38.1%) moderate, and 81 (18.8%) severe primary dysmenorrheal pain. Among students with PD, 88.3% reported that PD had a negative effect on their academic performance. Of these, 80% reported school absence, 66.8% reported loss of class concentration, 56.3% reported class absence, 47.4% reported loss of class participation, 37.8% reported limited sport participation, 31.7% reported limitation in going out with friends, and 21% reported inability to do homework. Based on the multivariate logistic regression, PD was statistically significant with those who had lower monthly stipends, a history of attempt to lose weight, a history of depression or anxiety, disruption of social network of family, friends or people they love, who consumed more than four glasses of tea per day, who drunk one or more Coca-Cola or Pepsi per day, in nullipara, and students with a family history of dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: PD is more prevalent among female students attending university. It has a significant negative impact on students' academic performance. Thus, it needs medical attention. There are various identified associated risk factors and considering them in the management of the disorder is fundamental. It is also wise to recommend future studies to better identify risk factors for PD and lighten its effect on students' academic performance at a larger scale in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia during childhood impairs physical growth, cognitive development and school performance. Identifying the causes of anemia in specific contexts can help efforts to prevent negative consequences of anemia among children. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence and identify correlates of anemia among school children in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from January 2012 to February 2012 in Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia. The study included randomly selected primary school students. Hemoglobin concentration was measured using a Hemocue haemoglobinometer. A child was identified as anemic if the hemoglobin concentration was <11.5 g/dl for children (5–11 yrs) and < 12 g/dl for child older than 12 years age. Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to calculate prevalence ratios. Result: The overall prevalence of anemia was 27.1% (95% CI: 24.98, 29.14): 13.8% had mild, 10.8% moderate, and 2.3% severe anemia. Children with in the age group of 5-9 years (APR, 1.083; 95% CI, 1.044- 1.124) were at higher risk for anemia. Paternal education (Illiterate, 1.109; 1.044 - 1.178) was positively associated with anemia. Children who had irregular legume consumption (APR, 1.069; 95% CI, 1.022 -1.118) were at higher risk for anemia. Conclusion: About a quarter of school children suffer from anemia and their educational potential is likely to be affected especially for those with moderate and severe anemia. Child age, irregular legume consumption, and low paternal schooling were associated with anemia. Intervention programmes aimed to reduce anemia among school children are crucial to ensure proper growth and development of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]