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Female workers have long been the face of the textile and garment manufacturing industry around the globe. They are considered as not only having naturally "nimble fingers," but also being naturally more "docile and willing" to work in difficult situations. There is an underlying assumption that employment of women in the manufacturing industry will increase their job opportunities, enhance their access to and/or control over valuable resources, and empower them in decision-making. The development of the textile and garment manufacturing industry in Ethiopia has unquestionably opened employment opportunities for women constituting more than 80% of the labor force. By filling in an existing gap in research through addressing the workers' self-perception of empowerment (referred to as mebkat in Amharic), this paper examines the emic views of how women perceive and experience empowerment. This is juxtaposed with an external definition of empowerment, as it is defined by the government and its international development partners, which presumes a positive correlation between employment and empowerment. Based on the case study of female factory workers in Hawassa Industrial Park in Southern Ethiopia and a closer analysis of research participants' understanding of empowerment, this paper argues that Ethiopia's budding manufacturing sector has not delivered on its promises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Church Education (TCE) has been involved in literacy teaching for over two millennia, its potential as a model and an asset for adult literacy programmes has not been recognised by literacy providers. This paper examines how people of different generations acquire and practise literacy within TCE, including issues around gender equality, and explores the implications for revitalising adult literacy programmes in Ethiopia. Informed by an 'ideological model' of literacy, this ethnographic-style research included in-depth interviews with TCE students, graduates and teachers. The study revealed that diverse literacies were being learnt and practised, embedded in both the spiritual and physical aspects of TCE, although women had extremely limited participation. The paper points to ways in which intergenerational learning within the TCE could provide a model for adult literacy and education programmes in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The papers were searched in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Embase, Science Direct until 21 September 2023 and meta-analysis of concentration of PTEs in honey was performed using random effects model based on country subgroups. The non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk were calculated by Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Cancer Risk (CR), respectively. The sort of PTEs in honey based on pooled concentration was Cu (1.10E + 02 µg/kg) > Ni (1.80E + 01 µg/kg) > Pb (2.60E + 00 µg/kg) > Hg (1.50E + 00 µg/kg) > Cd (5.10E–01 µg/kg) > As (4.80E–01 µg/kg). The concentration of PTEs in the countries of Ethiopia (As), Jordan (Cd and Pb), Thailand (Ni), Brazil (Cu and MeHg) was observed to be higher than other countries. The non-carcinogenic risk was less than 1, hence, the consumption of honey does not have non-carcinogenic risk. Except children in Nigeria, CR due to iAs in honey was acceptable for the both adults and children in the other countries, Therefore, the consumption of honey does not have carcinogenic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding land use/land cover (LULC) changes is crucial for informing policymakers and planners on the dynamics affecting environmental and resource management. Most past studies highlighted the significance of LULC changes and their driving forces in various locations. However, comprehensive analyses that combine the impact of land management technologies (LMTs) on LULC changes using GIS and remote sensing tools have not been widely addressed. Thus, the study analyzes the effects of LMT adoptions on LULC dynamics and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in the Goyrie watershed from 1993 to 2022. It also examines household perceptions of the cause of LULC changes. Methodologically, Landsat 5 TM (1993), Landsat 5 ETM + (2008), and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS (2022) images were employed to analyze LULC changes and NDVI. Binary logistic regression models were used to identify households' perceptions of the causes of LULC changes. The findings revealed that the Goyrie watershed has experienced significant LULC changes since 1993. During the entire study period, the shares of grassland, shrub land, cultivated land, and settlement areas increased by 89.4%, 8.5%, 53.6%, and 1613.4% from their original sizes, respectively. Conversely, the coverage of bare land and forest land declined by 99.5% and 99.7%, with annual rates of decline of 3.29% and 3.3%, respectively. Throughout the study period, the increasing trends in grassland and shrub land, along with the decline in bare land, were attributed to LMT practices. The NDVI values of moderate and dense vegetation density decreased by 81.8% and 92.2%, respectively, from 1993 to 2022 due to the expansion of settlement areas and cultivated lands. Population pressure, expansion of settlements and agriculture, fuel extraction, LMTs, and policy issues significantly influenced the LULC changes. The study concludes that more sustainable and integrated LMT practices should be essential to managing the related risks of LULC changes., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: All authors have read, understood, and have complied as applicable with the declaration on “Ethical responsibilities of Authors” as found in the instructions for Authors. Consent to participate: All authors agreed with the content and offered their approval to submit and publish in this journal. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants where the study has been conducted, before the study is submitted to the journal. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

The editorial in "Frontiers in Psychiatry" focuses on the mental health challenges faced by individuals in prison, including high rates of suicide and self-harm. The research presented in the document highlights the need for improved screening and care for mentally disordered prisoners, as well as effective transition back into the community. Studies in the volume address topics such as suicide risk screening, characteristics of prisoners who self-harm, and aftercare planning post-release. The research also includes studies from socioeconomically disadvantaged countries like Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health in diverse populations. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Currently, irrational uses of medicines becoming global problem largely in developing countries like Ethiopia. Inappropriate prescribing is a major cause for poor treatment outcome and higher costs. Hence, this study was aimed to investigate medicine prescribing practice and prescription errors using WHO medicine-utilization core indicators. Methods: A hospital based retrospective cross sectional study design was used to evaluate prescribing practices and prescription errors from September to October, 2024 at the OPD pharmacy using systematic random sampling technique while a prospective approach was employed for facility indicators. Presence of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) were evaluated using Medscape Online Drug Interaction Checker. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and interpreted as tables and figures. Results: A total of 1019 medicines were prescribed in 524 prescriptions and 81.6% (n = 832) were actually dispensed. The percentage of antibiotic, injections and medicine prescribed from Essential Drug List was 33.9% (n = 345),3.5% (n = 36) and 92.3% (n = 941) respectively. The most frequently prescribed class of medicine were antibiotics 33.9% (n = 345). 65.1% (n = 341) were ≥2 medicines and 8.3% (n = 85) had at least one potential DDIs. Among overall DDIs, the monitor closely and serious level was 60% (n = 51) and 11.8% (n = 10) respectively. The average prescription error was 4.3. Prescription errors due to failure to mention diagnosis was 40.6% (n = 213). Conclusion: Based on findings, the prescribing practices had defects to the optimum value recommended by WHO and showed high prescription errors. Antibiotics prescribing was the major problem in practice. Remarkable DDIs were observed in prescribed medicines. Therefore, designing and implementing policy to improve medicine use practice is highly indispensable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expansion of global production networks (GPNs) in Africa, more women are becoming employed in low-skilled and labor-intensive jobs. Most studies on workers in GPNs focus on work conditions and their impact on production and network effectiveness, while placing less emphasis on the relational well-being of local industrial workers. Employing a relational well-being approach that considers the multiple dimensions of people's lives (the material, subjective, and relational), we explore how female workers experience their well-being in foreign-owned flower and apparel sectors operating in Ethiopia. Based on in-depth interviews with thirty-nine female employees, we find that women value the different types of social relationships they have. Coworkers, friends, family, and members of the broader community are important for the women's well-being, supporting them materially and subjectively, and enabling them to cope with work and life difficulties. Relationships with supervisors and employers, however, can negatively impact well-being, especially through the stress they can cause, while the social and political environment also has a negative effect on overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The third most prevalent gynecological cancer globally, following cervical and uterine cancer, and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. The time ovarian cancer patients have to wait between diagnosis and initiation of treatment are the indicators of quality in cancer care and influence patient outcomes. Despite extensive studies in the field, little is known about the strength of the association between ovarian cancer survival and waiting time. So, the main purpose of this study is to assess the effect of waiting time on ovarian cancer survival in oncology centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based retrospective cohort study was conducted with a total of 561 study participants included. The main outcome of interest for this study was death due to ovarian cancer. The authors compared the ovarian cancer patients with waiting times ≤ 10 weeks and waiting times > 10 weeks for overall survival rate using the log rank test. The incidence density rate of mortality was calculated for each group variable. The effect of waiting time on ovarian cancer mortality was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model at the 5% level of significance. Results: The incidence density rate of mortality among ovarian cancer patients for waiting time ≤ 10 weeks was found to be 10.85 (95%CI, 9.10-12.98) per 1,000 person years observation, while for waiting time > 10 weeks the mortality rate was found to be 18.05 (95%CI, 15.33–21.23) per 1,000 person years observation. In the Cox regression analysis after full adjustments for confounder variables, the mortality event risk was 36% higher among waiting time > 10 weeks women (AHR = 1.36; 95%CI = 1.05–1.75) as compared to waiting time ≤ 10 weeks. Conclusions: We have found that the incidence density rate of mortality among ovarian cancer patients was significantly higher in waiting time > 10 weeks groups. Therefore, future policy and clinician programmers should consider the impact of waiting time from diagnosis until to get the first treatment more carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The institutionalization of village health services with salaried community health workers has been established in Ethiopia for over a decade. However, there are serious concerns about the capacity of health posts to provide quality curative care for children under-five.Understanding the readiness of health posts is crucial for improving the care given to sick children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the readiness of health posts to deliver quality curative care for children under-five in four regional states in Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health posts across 10 zones in the Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, and Tigray regions. Study participants, including health posts and health extension workers, were selected using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling strategy. The readiness of health post was assessed in terms of infrastructure, human resources, medicines, medical equipment and supplies and job aids. The variations in health post readiness were analyzed using a One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: A survey was conducted on 169 health posts and 276 health extension workers. The majority of health posts had a toilet facility (83%) and water supply (62%). However, less than a quarter had electricity connection (22%) and communication equipment (18%). Over three-fourths of health extension workers were trained (83%) and supervised (78%) on clinical management of sick children. Less than half (44%) had received clinical mentorship. Availability of essential medicines ranged from 81% for zinc tablets to 28% for cotrimoxazole. Similarly, availability of essential medical equipment varied from 57% for blood pressure apparatus to 86% for thermometer and 99% for Mid-Upper Arm Circumference tape. Only a small portion of health posts (8%) had all critical items for infection prevention practices, which are essential for quality care. Overall, the average percentage availability of items to provide quality curative care to children was 66%, with health post preparedness significantly varying across regions (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The readiness for delivering quality curative care was below standard and significantly varied among health posts across regions. Serious attention is needed to ensure the sustained availability of critical inputs such as trained health extension workers, medicines, medical equipment, and supplies, which is paramount for delivering quality care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To ensure fair access to TB screening, early diagnosis of TB infections, and timely starting of appropriate treatment, mobile technology tools provide convenience and feasibility for communities with limited infrastructure. This study aimed to assess the intention to use mobile-based TB screening among HIV patients in Debre Tabor Town Public health facilities, in Ethiopia. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 HIV patients. Data was collected from May 23 to July 11, 2022, through the use of an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Epi-data 4.6 was utilized for data entry, and analysis was performed using Stata 14. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with the outcome variable. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Around 70.7% of HIV patients indicated their intention to use mobile phone-based TB screening services. being employed, (AOR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.35–6.34), experience reading received text messages (AOR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.05–7.49), perceived usefulness (AOR = 7.29; 95% CI: 4.00 -13.31), perceived ease of use (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.17–3.95) clients having clinical follow-ups at the hospital (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.63–5.62) are significantly associated with intention to use mobile phone-based TB screening. Conclusion: In conclusion, approximately 70.7% of HIV clients intend to use mobile phone-based TB screening services, which is higher compared to previous studies. Factors such as employment status, experience reading received text messages, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and having clinical follow-ups at a hospital were found to be significantly associated with the intention to use mobile phone-based TB screening. Healthcare providers, mobile health developers, and policymakers should take into account these factors when developing and deploying mobile phone-based TB screening initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The worldwide scarcity of nurses is a pressing concern, with the World Health Organization predicting a deficit of 5.9 million nurses globally by 2025. Notably, 89% of this shortage is expected to impact low- and middle-income countries. To address the growing demand for nursing professionals, the concept of telenursing care is being considered. However, there is limited evidence regarding nurses' attitudes towards telenursing care in Ethiopia. This study aims to understand how nurses feel about telenursing care and the factors related to it at a specialized teaching referral hospital in northwest Ethiopia. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study at a specialized teaching referral hospital, employing a simple random sampling technique to gather information from 423 nurses. The study took place from July 28 to December 19, 2022/23. Descriptive statistics, including tables and bar graphs, were utilized. Additionally, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted with 95% confidence intervals and a significance level of P < 0.05 to identify factors influencing nurses' attitudes toward telenursing. Result: Out of the total 416 nurses who responded, representing a response rate of 98.35%, 39.7% exhibited favorable attitudes towards telenursing care. Factors associated with nurses' attitudes included awareness, source of information, social media use, knowledge, computer access, digital training, internet access, and computer training. Conclusions: The findings indicate a low level of positive attitudes towards telenursing care among nurses. To enhance future acceptance, use, and implementation, policymakers, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders should collaborate to improve nurses' attitudes toward telenursing care, taking into consideration various factors and user preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securitization of refugees and migrants is a growing global phenomenon that is well illustrated by how refugee camps have emerged as governmental technologies of control in major host countries across the world. Policymakers and the media prominently feature the migration-security connection and depict refugees as threats to internal security, linking their presence to acts of terrorism and crime. This article examines how the securitization of Somali refugees in Kenya and Ethiopia, the two main host countries for this refugee group, has hindered their formal integration and exacerbated policies of encampment in these countries. Drawing on securitization theory, we highlight the discrimination of Somali refugees in Kenya and Ethiopia by demonstrating how this refugee group is seen as a specific security threat and treated differently from other refugee groups in these countries. A history of border conflicts that shaped the relationship between refugee hosting areas and the national governments long before the advent of camps, coupled with shared Somaliness between locals and refugees in hosting areas, and the back-and-forth refugee movements across international borders have created a confluence of factors that reinforce suspicion and distrust towards Somali refugees. The article adds a normative empirical dimension to securitization theory by providing a nuanced understanding of the concept as it applies to different refugee groups in similar contexts. It also contributes to refugee and migration literature by arguing that although shared Somaliness with locals has strengthened the informal integration of Somali refugees in the two study contexts, the same ties have also provided justification for securitizing this refugee group and denied it from benefitting from progressive laws on formal integration that are being implemented for other refugee groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately 70% of child deaths due to diarrhea are caused by a lack of timely healthcare. However, there was little evidence of factors associated with delays in seeking health care for patients with diarrheal diseases in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate delays in seeking healthcare for children with diarrhea and identify associated factors among caregivers in health centers of Northwest Ethiopia. Method and materials: An institution-based mixed study method was conducted from May to June 2022. Quantitative data were collected from 374 participants who were selected by systematic random sampling using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and chart review. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science software version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors. Variables with a p- value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered to be significantly associated. Qualitative data were collected from participants in waiting area after receiving treatments via in-depth interviews and analyzed using open-source software. The qualitative data were transcribed, translated, coded, thematized, and interpreted accordingly. Results: In this study, 53.48% of patients experienced delays in seeking healthcare for diarrhea. A large family size (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.26–5.4), poor knowledge about diarrhea danger signs (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.6–6.6), difficulty paying for treatment (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.6–5.3), not visiting health facilities as the first response to diarrhea (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.96–7.9), only diarrhea (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.01–5.63), and no information about early healthcare seeking (AOR = 4.88, 95% CI: 1.91–12.43) were identified; moreover, from the qualitative findings, mothers' perceptions of the illness were mild, poor service provision, and economic problems were determinants of delay. Awareness, barriers, compliance, and perception emerged as themes. Conclusion: The prevalence of delays in seeking healthcare for children with diarrhea was high. This poses a negative health risk to the lives of children and their caregivers. A large family size, poor knowledge about diarrhea danger signs, difficulty paying for treatment, and many others were factors associated with delayed health care seeking. Hence, the government and other concerned stakeholders should give due emphasis to tackling the identified causes of delay in seeking health care for children under five years of age with diarrhea by diverting community focus toward timely care seeking and disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-risk fertility behavior (HRFB) is a serious public health issue that may influence the country's economic development as well as the health status of mothers mainly in developing countries, like Ethiopia.However, there is a scarcity of evidence about HRFB and associated factors in the study area. Therefore, this study assessed HRFB and associated factors among mothers attending antenatal care in public health facilities in Hossana town, Hadiya zone, Central Ethiopia Region. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 women who were attending antenatal care follow-up by using a systematic sampling technique from July 01 to 30, 2023. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Data entry was done by Epi data version 4.6 and analysis was done by SPSS 25 statistical software. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in bi-variable analysis were moved to multivariable analysis for controlling the possible confounders. In the multivariable analysis, variables with p-values less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant to HRFB. Results: In the study, it was found that 67.39% of the total participants, specifically women, exhibited high-risk fertility behavior (HRFB) (95% CI: 63.91, 71.01). Among these, 41.90% were identified as having a single high-risk factor (95% CI: 39.78, 44.2), while 25.47% were classified as facing multiple high-risk factors (95% CI: 24.13, 26.8). The research indicated that several factors significantly contributed to maternal HRFB, including lack of antenatal care (ANC) follow-up (AOR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.78, 6.35), having fewer than four ANC visits (AOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.38, 4.32), and a poor knowledge of contraceptives (AOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.02, 5.11). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that HRFB is high. Almost two out of three women experience HRFB. Having ANC follows- up, number of ANC visits, and knowledge on contraception were the major factors affecting HRFB. HRFB could seriously indicate the development of the country as well as maternal health issues. Therefore, Health education on advantages of ANC follow up and contraceptive use should get due attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The issue of workplace violence (WPV) directed at nurses is a chronic and global public health concern. Numerous studies on workplace violence in Ethiopia have been conducted; however, the results have been inconsistent. The review aims to identify the pooled prevalence and associated factors of workplace violence against nurses. Methods: A systematic and methodical literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as Google Scholar, EMBASE I, Scopus, PubMed, HINAR, the Web of Science, and the African Journal Online (AJOL). Each original study's efficacy and quality were assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) technique designed for cross-sectional research. The Cochrane Q and I2 test statistics were used to verify the heterogeneity of the studies. Using a random effect model, the pooled estimate of workplace violence among nurses was calculated. Result: The pooled estimate of workplace violence among nurses in Ethiopia was 39.43% (95% CI: 27.63, 51.23). Female nurse (POR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.29, 3.92), short work experience (POR = 3.25; 95% CI: 2.37, 4.45), and living without a spouse (POR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.99) were identified factors associated with workplace violence. Conclusion: This study found that about two-fifths of nurses encounter workplace violence. According to this study, there was a significant association between work place violence among Nurses and being female, having less job experience, and being single. To address this issue, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), policymakers, and other stakeholders should prioritize interventions aimed at reducing workplace violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic syndrome has become a major public health problem worldwide and is attributable to the spread of different non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery diseases, stroke, and permanent or temporary disabilities. It is not a single disease entity but encompasses different risk factors. However, there were inconsistencies among previously conducted primary studies, hence this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome among type2 diabetes patients in Ethiopia. Method: First-hand studies about the metabolic syndrome among adult type 2 diabetic patients in Ethiopia were searched through known and international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochran Library) and search engines (Google and Google Scholar). Data was extracted using a standard data extraction checklist developed according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The I2 statistics are used to identify heterogeneity across studies. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's tests were used to check for publication bias. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among non-insulin-dependent patients in Ethiopia. The STATA version 11 software employed for statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 11 software. Result: The overall pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome among type2 diabetic patients in was 54.56% [95%CI (43.73, 65.38), I2 = 97.0%, P = 0.001] using NCEP-ATP III, 48.32% [95%CI (42.1, 54.44), I2 = 97.0%, P = 0.001] IDF diagnosis criteria, 47.0[95%CI(27.01–66.99)], I2 = 97.5%, p = 0.001 using WHO and 59.37%(95%CI(47.21–71.52), I2 = 91.2%, p = 0.001 using harmonized diagnosis criteria respectively. This meta-analysis identified several significant predictors of metabolic syndrome among type 2 diabetes patients in Ethiopia. The odds of having metabolic syndrome was reduced for females (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35–0.87) compared to males. However, the odds of metabolic syndrome increased with alcohol intake (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.03–2.01), the odds of living in urban areas(AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.55–2.88), and the odds of having a diabetes duration of six or more years since diagnosis (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.17–7.41) were significant predictors. Conclusion: The pooled prevalence was considerably high among type 2 diabetic patients in Ethiopia. The pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome varies as per the diagnosis criteria used with the highest observed in harmonized diagnosis criteria. Being female, being rural residency, alcohol intake, and duration of diabetes since diagnosis were significant predictors of metabolic syndrome among type 2 diabetic patients in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a recently introduced term that is a complex disease consisting of cardiovascular disease, renal disease, obesity, and diabetes. The association of social determinants of health (SDOH) with CKM syndrome is not fully known. Objective We aimed to assess SDOH affecting CKM syndrome among adult patients with diabetes at follow-up at a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional hospital-based study was used. Data were collected using a Kobo toolbox and entered into SPSS version 29 for further analysis. Results A total of 422 adult patients with diabetes were included in this study. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 54.14 ± 13.74 years. Fifty-two percent of the patients were male. In this study, 52.4% had cardiovascular kidney metabolic syndrome. Male patients (AOR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.01-2.94), lost to follow-up for more than a year due to lack of money (AOR: 2.69; 95% CI, 1.01-7.22), missed an appointment due to lack of transportation in the past 1 year (AOR: 2.98; 95% CI, 1.21-7.33), were patients with disability (AOR: 1.97; 95% CI, 1.12-3.48), had hypertension (AOR: 3.12; 95% CI, 1.85-5.28), had obesity (AOR: 2.27, 95% CI, 1.17, 4.40), and were in retirement (AOR: 2.12; 95% CI, 1.04-4.30) these being more significantly associated with CKM syndrome. Conclusion More than half of patients had CKM syndrome. More attention should be given to SDOH, including male sex, financial constraints, transportation issues, disability, and retirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the efficacy and residual activity of SumiLarv 2MR, SumiLarv 0.5G, and Abate 1SG (used as a positive control) against Anopheles stephensi larvae in Awash Subath Kilo, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia, using a semi-field experimental setup. Plastic containers with capacities of 100L and 250L were used to assess the residual efficacy of SumiLarv 2MR. Specifically, four 100L containers were each treated with one disc of SumiLarv 2MR, compared to two untreated controls. Similarly, four 250L containers received one disc each, with two untreated controls. Additionally, eight 250L containers were treated with a half-dose to match one disc per 500L, alongside four untreated controls. For SumiLarv 0.5G and Abate 1SG, four 100L containers were treated with each larvicide, with two untreated controls for each. Each container received 20–25 third and fourth instar An. stephensi larvae. Observations of adult emergence were conducted until all pupae either emerged or died. Results showed that SumiLarv 2MR demonstrated a nine-month residual efficacy, SumiLarv 0.5G provided seven weeks of efficacy, and Abate 1SG showed a five-week efficacy. Additionally, SumiLarv 2MR discs retained nearly 50% of their initial pyriproxyfen content after nine months, suggesting potential for extended residual activity. This study highlights the long-term effectiveness of SumiLarv 2MR's as a larvicide against An. stephensi in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Today's youth are adopting a new trend: casual sex. College students are expected to engage in a range of potentially harmful sexual activities, such as casual sex. Numerous factors can lead students to engage in casual sexual encounters. However, there has been limited research on the prevalence of casual sex and related issues in higher education institutions in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of casual sex and its associated factors among regular undergraduate students at Debre Berhan University in 2023. Methods: From 15 May 2023, to 30 May 2023, regular undergraduate students from Debre Berhan University participated in a cross-sectional study. A total of 512 samples were collected using a multistage sampling technique. Subsequently, a simple random sampling technique was employed to select the students, with a proportionate allocation of samples distributed to randomly selected colleges, departments, and academic years. The data were collected using a structured, pretested, and self-administered questionnaire. Once the data were imported into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis, frequencies, percentages, and tables were generated. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify characteristics associated with casual sex. Results: The prevalence of casual sex among regular undergraduate students at Debre Berhan University was 31.0% 95% CI (27.2–34.6). Several factors were significantly associated with casual sex. These included students from urban areas [AOR: 2.95; 95% CI (1.66–5.24)], students with poor academic performance [AOR: 2.81; 95% CI (1.51–5.22)], alcohol consumption [AOR: 4.59; 95% CI (2.60–8.12)], attending nightclubs [AOR: 2.75; 95% CI (1.47–5.16)], watching pornography [AOR: 2.59; 95% CI (1.47–5.16)], and peer pressure [AOR: 2.24; 95% CI (1.38–3.65)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of casual sex was high among Debre Berhan University students. In order to lessen the negative effects of casual sex practices, this study found predictors that can be avoided through various interventions. Key preventative measures include improving student academic performance, providing engaging and free entertainment, restricting access to pornographic websites on university Wi-Fi, and employing peer educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Person-centered care practice has not yet been fully adopted in low- and middle-income nations such as Ethiopia. It focuses on improving several areas of patient-physician interaction. Despite Ethiopia's rapid growth in healthcare facilities, there is insufficient data available on care practices. Method: A facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in selected public and private general hospitals in Addis Ababa from May 26 to July 26, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, entered into Epi Info-7, and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant factors associated with care practices. Results: A total of 848 patients were involved, with a response rate of 99.5%. The overall magnitude of good care practice was 52.8%, with 34.8% in public hospitals and 70.9% in private hospitals. Factors associated with good care practices in private hospitals included hospital attractiveness (AOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.6–6.5), ease of access to services (AOR: 12.1; 95% CI: 6.2–23.3), and privacy of access and care (AOR: 10.89; 95% CI: 5.60–21.19). In contrast, factors associated with good healthcare practices in public hospitals were perceived intimacy with the provider (AOR: 8.85; 95% CI: 4.50–17.43), privacy in accessing care (AOR: 12.1; 95% CI: 6.62–22.16), and the provision of medication information (AOR: 4.39; 95% CI: 2.40–8.03). Conclusion: Overall, 52.8% of participants rated person-centered care practices as good, with private hospitals in Addis Ababa (70.9%) demonstrating a higher prevalence of person-centered care practices compared to public hospitals (34.8%). The factors associated with healthcare practices in both public and private hospitals include hospital type, hospital attractiveness, ease of access to services, privacy in accessing care, perceived intimacy with the provider, and the provision of medication information. We recommend targeted improvements in public hospitals to enhance the quality of PCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Arabica coffee grows in the forests and woodlands of Ethiopia. These Arabica coffee populations contain a reservoir of the highest genetic variation of this species, which is extremely valuable from a biodiversity conservation and coffee breeding point of view. Knowledge about the distribution of these populations, including how and to what extent they have been managed by local communities now and in the past, is limited. We reveal insights into the history, distribution, and management of Arabica coffee populations in the remaining forests of Ethiopia, which is essential for developing effective conservation policies for this globally important resource. Summary: To guide conservation of forest biodiversity in a broad sense, we need to understand the landscape‐level variation in current and historical management practices of agroforestry systems.We collected data on coffee management practices across a large forested landscape in Ethiopia within Arabica coffee's indigenous distribution, using interviews in 11 villages and field surveys and interviews at 78 coffee sites in the forest.There was a gradient in coffee density (higher), liana cover (lower), and canopy cover (lower) from sites with high management intensity to sites without management. Recently, management intensity has increased in the forest edges. Interviews suggest that substantial areas of currently unmanaged coffee forests are a legacy of reforestation of abandoned (semi‐) open landscapes in the late 19th century.Despite a dynamic history of coffee cultivation across these areas, the conservation of forest biodiversity, including unmanaged populations of genetically diverse Arabica coffee, should be a priority, given the few such remaining areas in Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated care pathway to manage small and nutritionally at‐risk infants under 6 months (u6m) and their mothers (MAMI Care Pathway) is consistent with 2023 WHO malnutrition guidelines and is being tested in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in Ethiopia. To optimise trial implementation, we investigated contextual fit with key local stakeholders. We used scenario‐based interviews with 17 health workers and four district managers to explore perceived feasibility. Eighteen policymakers were also surveyed to explore policy coherence, demand, acceptability, evidence needs, opportunities and risks. The Bowen feasibility framework and an access to health care framework were adapted and applied. Health workers perceived the MAMI Care Pathway as feasible to implement with support to access services and provide care. The approach is acceptable, given consistency with national policies, local protocols and potential to improve routine care quality. Demand for more comprehensive, preventive and person‐centred outpatient care was driven by concerns about unmet, hidden and costly care burden for health services and families. Inpatient care only for severe wasting treatment is inaccessible and unacceptable. Support for routine and expanded components, especially maternal mental health, is needed for successful implementation. Wider contextual factors may affect implementation fidelity and strength. Policymakers cautiously welcomed the approach, which resonates with national commitments, policies and plans but need evidence on how it can work within varied, complex contexts without further system overstretch. A responsive, pragmatic randomised controlled trial will generate the most useful evidence for policymakers. Findings have informed trial preparation and implementation, including a realist evaluation to contextualise outcomes. Key messages: The MAMI Care Pathway integrated approach is perceived as acceptable, needed and possible to implement during a randomised control trial in outpatient clinics in Ethiopia.Contextualised inputs (training, staffing, space and supplies) will be needed to strengthen implementation of existing activities and for new components.Breastfeeding counselling skills and maternal care provision, especially maternal mental health, are varied and often limited in routine services.National policymakers need trial implementation evidence to contextualise RCT outcomes for policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of human behaviour is marked by key decision-making processes reflected in technological variability in the early archaeological record. As part of the technological system, differences in raw material quality directly affect the way that humans produce, design and use stone tools. The selection, procurement and use of various raw materials requires decision-making to evaluate multiple factors such as suitability to produce and design tools, but also the materials' efficiency and durability in performing a given task. Therefore, characterizing the physical properties of various lithic raw materials is crucial for exploring changes in human interactions with their natural environment through time and space and for understanding their technological behaviour. In this paper, we present the first step in an ongoing program designed to understand the decision-making criteria involved in the use of raw materials by the early Acheulian tool-makers at the Melka Wakena (MW) site-complex, located on the Ethiopian highlands. We present the results of the first experimental step, in which we identified and measured the engineering properties of raw materials in the lithic assemblages. These data serve as an objective, quantifiable baseline for natural experiments as well as archaeological inquiries into the technological decision-making processes of early Pleistocene hominins in Africa., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2025 Paixão et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: The use of eHealth innovations is becoming increasingly important in improving health outcomes, especially for maternal and newborn health. However, planning and executing these innovations can be challenging due to their complex nature. To provide guidance and clarity on implementation approaches, researchers need to use implementation research (IR) tools. We conducted IR to recognize the challenges in implementing eHealth innovations in the context of maternal and newborn healthcare using the implementation research logic model (IRLM). Therefore, this paper aims to describe the practical application of IRLM to design, execute and evaluate eHealth innovations that improve maternal and newborn care in public facilities in Ethiopia., Methods: We employed rapid review, formative assessment and process evaluation of an eHealth innovation in selected healthcare facilities serving maternal and newborn care. The eHealth innovation we developed and deployed was named 'ADHERE' (Antenatal Care, ChilDbirtH CarE and Postnatal CaRE), representing the continuum of maternal care. The rapid review was conducted as an initial step using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We employed a mix of data collection methods: interview/discussion, eHealth system or document review and direct observation. Furthermore, we executed various stakeholder engagement activities: two co-creation workshops and on-site iterative discussions. We applied the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS) to capture ongoing implementation learnings., Results: We developed IRLM of the eHealth innovation implementation for three contexts: urban, peri-urban and remote public healthcare facilities. The model depicted the mechanism of interaction between implementation determinants and implementation strategies to produce the intended implementation outcomes. The IRLM helped to identify more than 35 implementation barriers or facilitators for eHealth interventions and to develop over 17 mitigation strategies for the study contexts. The initial IRLM was refined through ongoing implementation learnings and the mitigation strategies that were executed., Conclusions: The IRLM is a comprehensive and effective guiding tool for the development, implementation and evaluation of innovations in various low- and middle-income contexts. Researchers and implementing partners should adapt and use it., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Ethics approval was obtained from the Bahir Dar University College of Medicine and Health Sciences Institutional Review Board. The Amhara Public Health Institute (APHI) gave support letters to the relevant healthcare facilities or public health administrations. Besides, we sought written informed consent from each study participant. The study team ensured the anonymity and confidentiality of information throughout the study process. Consent to publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Ethiopia has made notable progress in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality, yet challenges remain in meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Persistent issues such as low service utilization, coupled with poor quality, fragmented care, and ineffective referral systems hinder progress. The "Improve Primary Health Care Service Delivery (IPHCSD)" project, implemented by JSI and Amref Health Africa since April 2022, seeks to address these gaps through a Networks of Care (NoCs) approach. This paper describes the lessons learned from implementing the NoCs approach to optimize primary health care in Ethiopia., Methods: The project incorporates embedded implementation science, guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. Key implementation strategies co-designed included strengthening community engagement, establishing NoCs, and introducing quality improvement initiatives using the Model for Improvement. Routine program monitoring data, NoCs process evaluation, and facility service statistics were utilized for this study. Service statistics were analyzed using Student's t-test and interrupted time-series analysis to compare maternal and child care outcomes before and after the NoCs intervention, with counterfactual estimates generated to assess the intervention's impact. Qualitative data from key informant interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed to identify themes and patterns using Atlas.ti., Results: The NoCs approach has significantly enhanced relational linkages between primary health care facilities and health care providers, fostering stronger collaboration and communication. This has fostered trust, improved care coordination, optimized primary health care performance, and increased health service utilization within woreda health systems. The interrupted time series analysis indicated that the rate of ANC 8+ visits was 29.8% per month higher than expected without the NoCs strategy (Coef: 2.39; p-value < 0.01) and an 18.4% increase in obstetric complications managed (Coef: 1.71; p-value = 0.050), with a 43% overall increase. Perinatal mortality decreased by 34%, from 31.3 to 20.1 per 1,000 births [t-test: 2.12; p-value: 0.040)]., Conclusion: The NoCs approach in Ethiopia has proven effective in enhancing the relational elements, care coordination, and quality of primary health care services, leading to better maternal and child health outcomes. The findings expand the existing body of research on NoCs implementation best practices and further confirm that it provides a scalable model for strengthening health services in low-resource settings., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2025 Tiruneh et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) associated diseases remain a global public health issue and linked with Sustainable Development Goal 6. In November 2020, a war broke out in Tigray, Ethiopia, resulting in a negative health consequence. The post war status of WASH and its associated diseases are not documented. The aim of this study was to assess the status of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene practices and the prevalence of WASH-associated diseases in Tigray, Ethiopia following the war. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 randomly selected accessible districts of Tigray, Ethiopia. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data from households in the study. Data was collected from 2338 households. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The average age of respondents was 28.7 years (SD = 6.2). The majority of respondents 2030 (86.8%) were married and 1698 (72.6%) were rural residents. Nearly one third of the respondents were uneducated and around 40% have either radio or TV as means of communication. More than half (55.2%) of the respondents had a family size of over 5. A quarter (25%, 95% CI: 23.3, 26.8) of study participants had access to a basic water supply. Less than a tenth (7.7%, 95% CI: 6.6, 8.8) of households had access to basic sanitation. Basic hand washing was available in 2% of households. Malaria, diarrhoea, skin infection and eye infection were the common reported disease in the community. Marital status, family size, place of residence and liquid waste management were the most important predictors of reported diseases. Access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services was low, and the prevalence of malaria, diarrhoea and skin infections was higher. There were differences in WASH services and reported diseases according to zone and place of residence (urban-rural). Post war, improved access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services is recommended to prevent WASH-associated diseases in Tigray, Ethiopia. Furthermore, the prevention oriented policy of the country needs better implementation to reduce preventable diseases and ensure better health status in the community., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Improper disposal of traditional plastics leads to the generation of microplastics, resulting in severe pollution of land and oceans and posing a threat to human health and marine ecosystems. Hence, adopting eco-friendly bioplastics, particularly in food packaging, is essential. In this study, Enset starch-based biocomposite films, reinforced with Ethiopian bentonite clay at various ratios (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 % w/w) were prepared using solvent casting method. The effect of bentonite clay on biocomposite films on structural, physicochemical, and morphological properties were analyzed. Characterization tests confirmed the even distribution of bentonite, strengthening of bonds, and enhancement of the biocomposite film properties. The biocomposite film with 5 wt% bentonite clay incorporation into enset starch exhibits optimal performance; maximum strength (increased by 132 %), less water solubility (reduction in 33 %), reduction in water vapor permeability (decreased by 42 %), and better compatibility in the morphologies attributed by the intercalated silicate layer. This study highlights the effectiveness of bentonite clay in enhancing enset starch biocomposite properties, offering a promising eco-friendly solution for biodegradable food packaging and promoting sustainable resource utilization., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is the infectious agent that causes infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), a disease affecting the reproductive and respiratory systems of cattle. Significant economic losses result from infectious bovine rhinotracheitis because of metritis, abortions, placenta retention, recurrent breeding, animal deaths, and losses from trade restrictions. Reports of the diseases have been made in southern, southwestern and in major cities that kept improved breed of dairy cows in Ethiopia with prevalence ranging from 28.5-67 %. However, there is insufficient information available regarding the frequency and spread of IBR in the northwest part of the nation. In northwest Ethiopia, a cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate seroprevalence of BoHV-1 and identify associated risk factors. Dairy farms and farm owners were chosen using a multistage cluster sampling technique, while dairy cattle were chosen using a simple random sample technique. Four hundred and thirty-one dairy cattle from 177 herds in the Debark and Lay-Armachiho districts in the North and Central Gondar zones, respectively, both in Northwestern Ethiopia, were selected to provide serum samples. Owners of dairy animals provided information via questionnaires. Using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA), anti-BoHV-1 antibodies were detected in serum samples. To identify risk factors, univariable and multivariable mixed effect logistic regression models were used. We calculated animal level and herd level seroprevalence of 72 % (95 % CI: 64.9-78.4 %) and 85.7 % (95 % CI: 79.8-90 %), respectively. Parity was associated with seroprevalence of BoHV-1; cows with higher parity had increased seroprevalence of BoHV-1. Bull mating [OR=3.13, (95 % CI: 1.74-5.64)] compared to AI and Debark district [OR=2.73 (95 % CI: 1.63-4.57)] compared to Lay-Armachiho district, were associated with seroprevalence of BoHV-1. The study had shown that BoHV-1 is circulating out of the major cities and also on dairy farms keeping local breeds of dairy cows in Gondar zones, North-West Ethiopia. This suggests need of attention in prevention and control of BoHV-1., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Regarding the research, writing, and/or publication of this paper, the authors declared that they had no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Tree planting schemes are implemented to achieve social, cultural, economic, and environmental goals. Various frameworks and guidelines outline good governance practices to aid the achievement of these goals. However, there is rarely sufficient monitoring and reporting of tree planting schemes for it to be possible to determine whether schemes adhere to good governance practices. Here, we assessed the performance of 16 tree planting schemes in Ethiopia using focus group discussions with local communities, interviews with scheme managers and beneficiaries, remote sensing, and reviewing official documentation. We used a qualitative comparative case study approach to analyse (1) implementation adherence to three standard tools and guidelines, (2) legitimacy of schemes through beneficiary satisfaction, and (3) delivery of socioeconomic and environmental outputs. We found that most tree planting schemes did not adhere to the implementation guidelines but that those that did perform better by securing legitimacy and delivering their targeted outputs. We contend that an integrated performance assessment is vital to check whether a tree planting scheme has good governance practice and ultimately is sustainable., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)