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The main objective of this paper is to assess the determinants and challenges of economic achievement for women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia. The study used 698 sample women entrepreneurs selected randomly from a total of 2450 respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models. The results revealed that there is a high rate of challenges for divorced (30%) and widowed (41%) women entrepreneurs in the selected area. The results of multiple linear regression show that the educational level, family size, region (SNNP, Gambella, Harari, Dire Dawa, and Addis Ababa), parents' educational level, number of financially dependent people, business experiences, and access to raw materials were positive predictors of the income of women entrepreneurs. It is also found that entrepreneurial area (Afar, Amhara, and Oromiya), marital status (divorced and widowed), entrepreneurship training, enterprise's license, and lack of supporting institutions were negatively related with the income of women entrepreneurs. Therefore, improving entrepreneurs' and parents' education, providing entrepreneurship training, sharing business experiences, supporting entrepreneurs is the main instrumental in minimizing the factors affecting the income of women entrepreneurs. Moreover, it is advisable if the business participation status of women be assessed periodically to monitor the situation and to take appropriate measures for combating and preventing the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present results of an exploratory study conducted on entrepreneurial intent among graduating class students of higher education institutions in Kafa, Sheka, and Bench-Maji Zones, Southern Nation Nationalities Peoples' Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia. The research design of the study was a cross-sectional survey design where relevant data were collected through questionnaires from a sample of 347 University and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College graduating class students. The data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics (bar graph and pie chart) and inferential statistics (chi-square goodness-of-fit test, independent samples t test, and one-way between-group analysis of variance). The study found out that among prospective graduates of higher education institutions in the study area, only 45.4–50.6% had low, 24–33.7% had moderate, and 18–25% had a high level of entrepreneurial intent. The study also showed that the level of higher education, prior experience of self-employment, and the chance of taking extracurricular entrepreneurship courses were the three demographic and other distal variables that explained the difference in entrepreneurial intent among the study population. The study, however, showed gender, the chance of taking entrepreneurship courses as part of curriculum, college, department, parent's occupation, and level of education had no statistically significant association with entrepreneurial intent of the study population. The study is expected to hold relevant inputs to politicians and national policy-makers, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, entrepreneurial intent researchers, and model developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous deaths in under-five children occur from preventable and treatable causes. Seeking medical care for a sick child is an important aspect of child health. Parents decide the type and frequency of health care service utilization for their children. A number of factors influence mothers'/caregivers' health care seeking behavior for sick children. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of health care seeking behavior and factors associated with common childhood illnesses in Ethiopia. Methods: Studies were accessed via electronic web-based searches of PubMed, Web of Science, African Journals Online, the Cochrane Library, HINARI (Health Inter-Network Access to Research Initiative), and Google Scholar. We included all studies reporting the prevalence of health care seeking behavior for common childhood illnesses in Ethiopia and published in the English language. The data were analyzed using Stata Version 14.1 software. A forest plot and I-squared test were carried out to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. A funnel plot and Egger's regression test were done to check the publication bias. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and subgroup analysis performed to identify the probable source of heterogeneity. Results: Twelve articles comprising 16,873) study participants, were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of health care seeking behavior for common childhood illnesses in Ethiopia was 46.6% (95% CI: 38.7, 54.4) with severe heterogeneity (I2 = 99.0%; p value <0.001) and significant publication bias. Being of the male sex (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.43), severity of the illness (OR = 4.04; 95% CI: 2.45, 6.66), rural place of residence (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.67), and having an educated mother/caregiver (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.37, 3.65) were factors associated with health care seeking behavior for common childhood illnesses. Conclusion: Mothers'/caregivers' health care seeking behavior for common childhood illnesses was low in Ethiopia. The sex of the child, severity of the illness, place of residence, and maternal educational status were the major factors that determined the health care seeking behavior for common childhood illness. We recommend that awareness-raising activities should be strengthened, with a focus on rural residents and less educated mothers/caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Maternal & Child Health Journal is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: An episiotomy is a surgical technique that widens the perineum during the second stage of childbirth. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of episiotomy and the variables that affect it among women who gave birth in the town of Debre Tabor, in 2021. Methods: In the Debre Tabor municipality's four designated health center regions, 402 women who gave birth were included in a cross-sectional study. Systematic random selection was used to choose the study subjects. In SPSS version 23, data were entered, cleaned up, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The use of binary and multivariable logistic regression models allowed the researchers to identify characteristics related to episiotomy magnitude. Using a 0.05 p value, the level of statistically significant variables was also calculated. Result: Out of a total of 402 deliveries for this inquiry, the magnitude of the episiotomy was calculated to be 35.1% of those deliveries. About 127 women, or the bulk of respondents, were between the ages of 25 and 29 (33.1%). Face presentation was 4.7 times more common among primiparous women than breech and vertex presentation, and midwifery professionals and midwifery students were 5.5 times higher than internship medicine and health officer students. The odds of performing an episiotomy were 3.7 times higher among primiparous women compared to multiparous women (AOR = 3.754 (1.382–15.108)). Conclusion: The magnitude of episiotomy in this study was somewhat larger than the World Health Organization's recommendation of 10%.Instrumental delivery, neonatal presentation, experts allocated to the delivery ward, and the mother's parity were all shown to be strongly linked with the practice of episiotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's entrepreneurship is the pillar of economic expansion in many developing countries and is increasingly recognized as an essential driver of economic growth, productivity, innovation, employment, and economic dynamism. This study aimed to investigate the socio-economic factors that affect women's entrepreneurial performance in MSEs in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. This study employed explanatory and descriptive survey designs using a quantitative research approach. The data were gathered from a survey of 348 registered women-owned MSEs. Statistical models, including factor analysis, correlation, and regression analysis, were used to look for patterns and relationships between variables apart from other descriptive statistics. Based on the statistical analysis, the variables social, economic, and legal and administrative factors have a positive relationship with women's entrepreneurial performance in MSEs. On the other hand, demographic factors are found to be insignificant variables in predicting women's entrepreneurial performance in MSEs. Therefore, the research recommends improvements in social and economic development to facilitate the successful performance of women entrepreneurs in MSEs in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopia is one of the largest bamboo resource bases in Africa. However, a dearth of reliable data on bamboo resources has impeded the proper management of bamboo forests and limited their potential in providing more socio-economic and environmental benefits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the socio-economic importance of O. abyssinica in the Lower Beles River Basin, north-western Ethiopia. Datasets were collected from both primary and secondary sources. A combination of techniques: descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis, was employed for data analysis. The results showed that a total of 10 services were identified as important socio-economic uses of bamboo. Bamboo as construction material, traditional furniture, income, food, and medicine were the top five uses of bamboo as perceived by respondents and confirmed through quantitative analysis. Differences in views among respondents of different ethnic backgrounds concerning some socio-economic uses of bamboo, namely food, medicine, and musical instruments, were statistically significant. Despite the wide range of services bamboo provides, the management practice is so unsustainable and rudimentary, which impedes the sustainability of the resource and livelihood of people relying on it. Therefore, concerned bodies should provide the priority attention that the resource deserves to curve the unsustainability spiral as well as properly utilize and conserve the bamboo resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and physical health consequences of family structure transitions among children in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam. In many high-income countries, family structure transitions are common, and research suggests that they can lead to worse physical health for children. However, we know little about either the prevalence or consequences of family structure transitions for children in low-and middle-income countries, who make up the vast majority of the world's children. First, we estimated the number of family structure transitions by age 12 using four rounds of Young Lives data from four low-and middle-income countries (N = 8062, Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam) and validated our prevalence estimates with another dataset from these same countries. The proportion of children experiencing a family structure transition by age 12 was: 14.8% in Ethiopia, 5.6% in India, 22.0% in Peru, and 7.7% in Vietnam. We put these estimates in context by comparing them to 17 high- and upper-middle-income countries. Second, using linear mixed models, we found that family structure transitions were not directly associated with worse physical health for children in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam. Children in Peru experienced higher rates of family structure transitions relative to children in the other Young Lives countries, and similar rates to many of the 17 comparison countries, yet physical health was unaffected. It is possible that in low-and middle-income countries, the environment may overwhelm family stability as a determinant of physical health. Highlights: The prevalence of children experiencing a family structure transition by age 12 in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam was 5.6–22.0%: a wide-range, similar to what has been observed in high-income contexts. Family structure transitions are not directly associated with children's general physical health in Ethiopia, India, Peru, or Vietnam. Family structure transitions do not influence children's general physical health trajectories over time in Ethiopia, India, Peru, or Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of freshwater is essential for sustaining human life. Understanding the water provision modelling associated with the Land Use/Cover (LUC) change and climatic factors is vital for landscape water resource management. The Winike watershed is the largest tributary in the upper Omo Gibe basin of Ethiopia. This research aims to analyze the spatial and temporal change in the water yield to investigate the water yield contribution from the watershed based on the variation in input parameters. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs Tool (InVEST) water yield model was used to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of the water yield in different years (1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018). The data required for this model include LUC data from satellite images, reference evapotranspiration, root depth, plant available water, precipitation, season factor (Z), and a biophysical table. The analysis of LUC change shows a rapid conversion of grazing land, shrubland, and forest land into cultivated land. There has been a significant variation in water provision, which increased from 1.83 × 109 m3 in 1988 to 3.35 × 109 m3 in 2018. Sub-watersheds 31, 32, and 39 in the eastern part of the watershed contributed more water due to higher precipitation and lower reference evapotranspiration. The major increase in the contribution of water yield was in built-up land by 207.4%, followed by bare land, 148.54%, and forest land by 63%. Precipitation had a greater impact on water yield estimation compared with the other input parameters. Hence, this research helps decision-makers to make informed decisions regarding new policies for LUC change improvement to maintain the water resources in the Winike watershed. Highlights: Spatiotemporal changes in water yield from 1988 to 2018 were investigated. The water yield of each LUC was analyzed using the InVEST model. The main driver of increased water yield is climate factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Loss to follow-up from anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is common and can have adverse health impacts. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up among adult patients on ART treatment at Hadiya zone public hospitals. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in public hospitals in Hadiya zone, Ethiopia, from 2014 to 2018. Kaplan-Meier failure curves were used to estimate the probability of loss to follow-up after ART initiation. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess predictors associated with loss to follow-up after ART initiation. Results: The incidence rate of loss to follow-up among advanced and not advanced disease of adult HIV-infected patients was 11.9/100 person-years (95% CI 9.47–14.99) and 8.6/100 person-years (95% CI 6.37–11.67), respectively. Baseline CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm³ (AHR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.87, 6.18), advanced disease at ART initiation (AHR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.58), not receiving isoniazid preventive therapy (AHR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.64, 3.94), fair or poor adherence to medication (AHR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.87, 4.34) and ambulatory or bedridden functional status (AHR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.33, 4.18) were significantly associated. Conclusions: The overall incidence rate of loss to follow-up was high. Loss to follow-up was associated with low CD4 cell count, advanced disease stage, not receiving IPT, fair or poor adherence and ambulatory or bedridden functional status. Therefore, interventions should be strengthened to reduce loss to follow-up by addressing the identified risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Headache disorders are disabling, with major consequences for productivity, yet the literature is silent on the relationship between headache-attributed disability and lost productivity, often erroneously regarding the two as synonymous. We evaluated the relationship empirically, having earlier found that investment in structured headache services would be cost saving, not merely cost-effective, if reductions in headache-attributed disability led to > 20% pro rata recovery of lost productivity. Methods: We used individual participant data from Global Campaign population-based studies conducted in China, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Russia, and from Eurolight in Lithuania, Luxembourg and Spain. We assessed relationships in migraine and probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH), the most disabling common headache disorders. Available symptom data included headache frequency, usual duration and usual intensity. We used frequency and duration to estimate proportion of time in ictal state (pTIS). Disability, in the sense used by the Global Burden of Disease study, was measured as the product of pTIS and disability weight for the ictal state. Impairment was measured as pTIS * intensity. Lost productivity was measured as lost days (absence or < 50% productivity) from paid work and corresponding losses from household work over the preceding 3 months. We used Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses. Results: For migraine, in a linear model, we found positive associations with lost paid worktime, significant (p < 0.05) in many countries and highly significant (p < 0.001) in some despite low values of R2 (0–0.16) due to high variance. With lost household worktime and total lost productivity (paid + household), associations were highly significant in almost all countries, although still with low R2 (0.04–0.22). Applying the regression equations for each country to the population mean migraine-attributed disability, we found pro rata recoveries of lost productivity in the range 16–56% (> 20% in all countries but Pakistan). Analysing impairment rather than disability increased variability. For pMOH, with smaller numbers, associations were generally weaker, occasionally negative and mostly not significant. Conclusion: Relief of disability through effective treatment of migraine is expected, in most countries, to recover > 20% pro rata of lost productivity, above the threshold for investment in structured headache services to be cost saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antenatal care (ANC), delivery by skilled birth attendants, and postnatal care (PNC) are critical components of maternal health services for reducing maternal mortality. The study aimed to compare the utilization of maternal health services in the two most recent rounds of Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) and identify the factors influencing the utilization of these services using the 2016 EDHS. Methods: Two rounds of EDHS data in 2011 and 2016 were used to estimate the proportion of women who had ANC, delivered by skilled birth attendants, and had a postnatal checkup and other characteristics of the surveyed population. The most recent round of data—the 2016 EDHS—was used to examine the socio-cultural and reproductive health factors associated with the three maternal health services utilization. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses with adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) were conducted using Stata 15.0. Results: The use of ANC services and skilled birth attendants increased significantly between 2011 and 2016 EDHS, utilization of ANC services increased from 34.0 to 65.5%, and use of skilled birth attendants increased from 11.7 to 35.9%, respectively. The use of postnatal care decreased from 9.3 to 6.9%. Utilization of maternal health service was significantly associated with urban residence, Protestant religion, Oromo ethnicity, more education, more household wealth, and less parity. Furthermore, women who had ANC visits during pregnancy were more likely to subsequently use skilled birth attendants (AOR 5.5, p < 0.001) and PNC (AOR 2.9, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlighted the inequalities in the utilization of maternal health services between rural and urban areas, and the need of addressing the social, economic, and physical barriers that prevent women from using these services. Further, programs should be targeted at promoting the use of professional birth and postnatal services in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lower limb deformities include conditions such as leg length discrepancy, lower limb deficiency and associated angular and rotational deformities of the hips, knees, ankles and feet. Children with lower limb deformities often have physical limitations due to gait irregularities and pain. The differences in the appearance and function of their lower limbs can discourage participation in social, recreational and leisure activities, which may result in behavioural, emotional, psychological and social adjustment problems. The health-related quality of life (HRQL) of these children is often impacted due to the factors discussed above, as well as by the complex surgical procedures. Surgical treatment options for limb deformities in children vary from limb lengthening and reconstruction to amputation. The lack of evidence demonstrating superiority of either treatment options and their effect on HRQL limits the ability of healthcare providers to counsel families on the best evidence-based treatment option for them. This manuscript describes the international qualitative study which guided the development of a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Individual semi-structured face-to-face interviews with children with lower limb deformities and their parents were conducted at five sites: Canada (2 sites), Ethiopia, India and the USA. Results: Seventy-nine interviews were conducted at five international sites. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews and formed the basis of the conceptual framework. These themes were: 1) appearance, 2) physical health, 3) psychological health 4) school and 5) social health. Conclusions: Lower limb deformities have a substantial impact on the HRQL of children. The concepts of interest identified in our study were similar across children from all countries. The conceptual framework guided the development of outcome scales specific to these patients. The information about the impact of various treatment options on the HRQL of children with lower limb deformities, collected using this new PROM, could be used to inform parents and children about outcomes (physical, social, psychological) associated with specific treatment options. This information could supplement other objective outcome information (e.g., complication rates, how the leg will look, etc.) to help families to come to a more informed decision on a child's course of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the association between EBF and educational status, household income, marital status, media exposure, and parity in Ethiopia. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL and WHO Global health library databases were searched using key terms for all studies published in English between September 2009 and March 2019. The methodological quality of studies was examined using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cross-sectional studies. To obtain the pooled odds ratio (OR), extracted data were fitted in a random-effects meta-analysis model. Statistical heterogeneity was quantified using Cochran's Q test, τ2, and I2 statistics. In addition, Jackknife sensitivity analysis, cumulative meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis were conducted. Results: Out of 553 studies retrieved, 31 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Almost all included studies were conducted among mothers with newborn less than 23 months old. Maternal primary school education (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.03–1.89; I2 = 86.11%), medium household income (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.05–1.55; I2 = 60.9%) and being married (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.05–1.83; I2 = 76.96%) were found to be significantly associated with EBF. We also observed an inverse dose–response relationship of EBF with educational status and income. However, EBF was not significantly associated with parity, media exposure, and paternal educational status. Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, we showed the relevant effect of maternal education, income, and marital status on EBF. Therefore, multifaceted, effective, and evidence-based efforts are needed to increase the national level of exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regular physical activity is vital for children's health, well-being, and development. However, evidence is scant about physical activity indicators for children and youth in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess physical activity indicators among children and youth in Ethiopia. Methods: This study was conducted as part of the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance's "Global Matrix 3.0" which included 49 countries. Data were collected from December 2017 to April 2018. The country research team included different disciplines related to physical activity. Data were retrieved from pre-reviewed literature, government policy documents, and an expert interview panel. Data were analyzed using the ten physical activity indicators for children and youth. The grading system was done through a harmonized process and the standard grading rubric of the Global Matrix 3.0 study ((A = ≥ 80%, B = 60%–79%, C = 40%–59%, D = 20%–39%, F = < 20%, INC = incomplete data). Results: For the overall physical activity indicator, 28% of children and youth in Ethiopia met the recommended physical activity of 60 min per day which resulted in a "D" grade. Likewise, the school and government indicator received a "D" grade. Almost 32% of schools in Ethiopia had access to infrastructures and multipurpose spaces for physical activity including outdoor play. The government policy partially existed in the non-communicable diseases agenda but had less focus on children and youth. The active play indicator scored the highest grade of "B." About 71% of children and youth were involved in active play for at least 2 h a day before, during, and after school. About 50% of children and youth were engaging in organized sport participation, and this indicator was graded a "C." Similarly, 48% of children and youth walked to and from school as a means of active transportation resulting in a "C" for this indicator. Three indicators (sedentary behavior, family and peers, and community and environment) were graded as an "F." Approximately 8% of children and youth were living in communities and environments that did not support opportunities for physical activity. Only 13% of children and youth spent less than 2 h per day in sedentary screen time. There was no adequate information to grade the physical fitness indicator. Conclusion: This study showed that Ethiopian's children and youth have received low grades for majority of physical activity indicators. Therefore, urgent actions should be taken by the government, policymakers, researchers, and key stakeholders to address the suggested priority areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a national estimate of breast and complementary feeding practices and its predictors in Ethiopia. Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, CINHAL, Web of Science and WHO Global Health Library electronic databases were searched for all available literature published until April 2018. Observational studies including cross-sectional, case–control and cohort studies were included. Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies. Heterogeneity of studies was quantified using Cochran's Q χ2 statistic and Higgins's method (I2). A meta-analysis using a weighted inverse variance method was performed. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on region and study area. Results: In total, 70 studies that involved > 55,000 women from nine regions and two chartered cities in Ethiopia were included. The pooled national prevalence for timely initiation of breastfeeding (TIBF), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and timely initiation of complementary feeding was 66.5%, 60.1% and 62.5%, respectively. Guidance and counselling on breastfeeding, vaginal delivery and health institution delivery significantly increased the odds of TIBF and EBF. In addition, TIBF significantly associated with high EBF practice. Maternal occupational status significantly associated with low EBF practice, but not TIBF. Conclusions: Based on the WHO standard, the current breast and complementary feeding practice in Ethiopia is good and improving. Integrated intervention is still required for further improvement and minimizing the effect of occupational status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of school children in eight elementary schools in Eastern Ethiopia.Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1523 schoolchildren. The study subjects' height and weight were measured via anthropometric measurements, and their nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric indicators of the body mass index for age and height-for-age. The data were analyzed by AnthroPlus software and SPSS version 16.Results: One thousand five hundred twenty-three schoolchildren whose age ranged from 6 to 18 years participated in the study. The prevalence of stunting was 17.1%, thinness 17.9%, and over-nutrition 5.6% (overweight accounted for 4.4% and obesity 1.2%). Children aged 15-18 years were found to be more stunted than the children aged 6-9 years (AOR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.08) and 10-14 (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.45). Children aged 15-18 years were also significantly thin for age compared with those aged 6-9 years (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.56) and 10-14 (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.59). Children from rural residences were significantly stunted (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.51) and overnurished (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.25, 0.71) compared with the children from urban areas. Children who lived in urban areas were also significantly thin for age compared with those who lived in rural areas (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.87).Conclusion: Undernutrition was an important problem among the school children in the study area. Stunting and thinness were significantly increased in the higher age group. Therefore, more effort should be made to improve the nutritional status of children aged 15-18 years in both the rural and urban study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare pregnancy outcomes of immigrants from Former-Soviet-Union (FSUI) and Ethiopia (EI) to those of Jewish-native-born Israelis (JNB), in context of universal health insurance. Birth outcomes of all singletons born in Soroka-University Medical-Center (1998-2011) of EI (n = 1,667) and FSUI (n = 12,920) were compared with those of JNB (n = 63,405). Low birthweight rate was significantly higher among EI (11.0 %) and slightly lower (7.0 %) among FSUI, compared to JNB (7.5 %). Preterm-delivery rates were similar to those of JNB. Both immigrant groups had significantly ( p < 0.001) higher rates of perinatal mortality (PM) than JNB (21/1000 in EI, and 11/1000 in FSUI, compared to 9/1000). Using multivariable GEE models both immigrant groups had significantly increased risk for PM; however, EI had twice as much FSUI origin (OR 2.3, 95 % CI 1.6-3.4, and OR 1.3, 95 % CI 1.1-1.6, respectively). Universal health care insurance does not eliminate excess PM in immigrants, nor the gaps between immigrant groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Headache disorders are the third-highest cause of disability worldwide, with migraine and medication-overuse headache (MOH) the major contributors. In Ethiopia we have shown these disorders to be highly prevalent: migraine 17.7%, TTH 20.6%, probable MOH (pMOH) 0.7%, any headache yesterday (HY) 6.4%. To inform local health policy, we now estimate disability and other burdens attributable to headache in this country. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey using cluster-randomized sampling, we visited households unannounced in four diverse regions (urban and rural) of Ethiopia. We interviewed one member (18-65 years old) of each household using the HARDSHIP structured questionnaire. Screening and diagnostic questions based on ICHD-II were followed by burden enquiry in multiple domains. We estimated disability using disability weights (DWs) from the Global Burden of Disease 2013 study. Results: We interviewed 2385 participants (1064 [44.7%] male, 596 [25.0%] urban; participating proportion 99.8%). Reported mean intensity of migraine was 2.6 (scale 1-3). People with migraine spent 11.7% of their time in the ictal state (DW: 0.441); they were therefore 5.2% disabled overall. Pain and disability from TTH were much lower. Mean intensity of pMOH was 2.95. People with pMOH spent 60.2% of time with headache (DW: 0.223), and were 13.4% disabled. Average proportions of per-person lost productive time were, for migraine, 4.5% from paid work, 5.3% from household work; for pMOH they were 29.2% and 16.0%. There were highly-disabled minorities, and large gender differences, males losing more paid workdays, females more household workdays. All headache types were associated with impairments in quality of life. Across the population aged 18-65 years (effectively the working population), disability from headache was 1.4%, with 1.6% of workdays lost (half from migraine). Estimates from HY, eliminating recall error, were highly compatible. Conclusions: Ethiopia is a low-income country, and cannot afford these losses - including, perhaps, 1.6% of GDP. Political action is necessary, aimed at mitigating both the economic burden and the associated ill health. WHO has recommended structured headache services with their basis in primary care as the most efficient, effective, affordable and equitable solution, potentially cost-saving. We believe they can be implemented within Ethiopia's existing health-care infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of meaning in life, or lack thereof, on suicidal tendencies among populations at greater risk-youth born to immigrants from developing countries, in this case Ethiopia-in comparison to native-born Israeli youth was examined among 277 adolescents-162 of Israeli origin and 115 of Ethiopian origin-aged 15-18. (1) Overall significant negative correlation between meaning in life and suicidal tendencies was found; (2) no difference was found in meaning in life between immigrant and native-born youth; (3) higher suicidal tendency, anxiety and depression were found among immigrants, with boys displaying more anxiety than girls. No difference in depression was detected between Ethiopian boys and girls. Meaning in life is crucial to minimizing suicidal tendencies among youth, native-born and immigrant alike. Establishment of prevention, intervention and therapy plans in the age range crucial for suicide. Such programs should be based upon finding meaning in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypertension, glucose and blood lipid abnormalities among a community of Ethiopian immigrants in Minnesota. This cross-sectional study used data from the parish nursing program 2007-2012. A total of 673 encounters were included in this study. Various dependent variables including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), blood glucose (BG), and serum lipids were examined. High blood pressure was defined as a mean SBP equal to or higher than 140 mm/Hg and/or DBP equal to or higher than 90 mmHg. Elevated fasting glucose defined as levels equal to or higher than 126 mg/dL. High level of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were defined as ≥240, ≥200, ≥160 and ≤40 mg/dL, respectively. General linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship of participants' age and gender, to the continuously distributed response variables, which included systolic and DBP, BG, TC, TG, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. This is a nonrandom sample of adult Ethiopian church members who were invited to participate in a parish nurse cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor screening program. Participants in this sample were 43 % male and 57 % female. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 30.1 % with a cut off mark of 140/90 mm/Hg. The prevalence of hypertension was 33 and 24 % among men than among women, respectively ( p < 0.01). Of all participants, 12 % had BG level of equal to or higher than 126 mg/dL. Low levels of HDL were reported in 30 % of the participants (<40 mg/dL). A higher prevalence of high LDL level (20 %) was observed among women compared to those found in men (16 %). High TC levels (>240 mg/dL) were observed in 15 % of the women and 10 % of the men ( p = 0.2). Higher SBP and DBP were significantly higher in male participants than their female counterparts ( p < 0.05) and in contrast, women showed a significantly higher TC ( p < 0.01) and LDL (0.05) and HDL ( p < 0.001). Female participants also had higher BG than male participants but the difference was not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). This opportunity sample suggests high prevalence of CVD risk factors in a community of Ethiopian-American adults, and a pressing need for more comprehensive and systematic assessment of chronic disease health needs in this growing community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: In the Ethiopian Rift Valley, 8.5 million people depend on water sources with excessive fluoride. In one rural village, a fluoride-removal community filter was implemented; a personalized reminder was distributed to change people's behavior and increase the usage of the in-village community filter. During this promotion phase, an alternative fluoride-removal option was installed in a neighboring village. This study examines psychological factors that explain the differences in preference between the two options and their influence on the usage of the different sources. In addition, the effectiveness of the applied behavior change technique, a personalized reminder, on the use of the in-village community filter was analyzed. Subject and methods: In a complete longitudinal survey, 180 households, with access to both mitigation options, were interviewed through structured, face-to-face interviews. Logistic regressions were carried out to reveal factors predicting the usage of the two mitigation options and the effect of the implemented behavior change intervention. Results: The results showed that the better the taste, the lower the effort and the lower the costs for using the in-village community filter are perceived; in addition, the lower the perceived vulnerability to contract disease, the more the in-village community filter is used. Moreover, it was found that the personalized reminder also had a positive effect on the usage of the in-village mitigation option. Conclusion: Based on the results, possible recommendations for practitioners and researchers are made to help plan and implement mitigation options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assessed the internal consistency and construct validity of the Amharic version of the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale-Revised (CITES-R). Data was collected from 318 female children. With few exceptions, the result revealed that the internal consistency and the construct validity of the scale were found to be in the expected directions. The mean alpha value for all the scales was 0.71. Social support and empowerment were significantly correlated with the positive self-worth component of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Moreover, intercorrelations between the PTSD symptoms and abuse attributions demonstrated significant positive associations. In conclusion, the Amharic version of the CITES-R was found to be comparable with the original scale and previous studies that employed this instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The occurrence of high fluoride concentrations in the ground- and surface water all over the world leads to the risk of developing dental and skeletal fluorosis. In Ethiopia, 8 million people depend on water sources with excessive fluoride. In four project areas in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, fluoride removal household filters based on bone char media have been implemented. This study examines possible predictors of consuming filtered water derived from various behavior change theories. Subject and methods: In a complete cross-sectional survey, 160 filter users were interviewed through structured face-to-face interviews. A logistic regression was carried out to reveal factors predicting consumption of filtered water. Results: The results show that the consumption of fluoride-free water is mainly related to people's pride in offering filtered water to guests (status norm) and the feeling of being able to produce enough water with the filter (perceived behavioral control). Moreover, the study showed that the more filter users like the taste of filtered water and the more expensive they perceive the filter media, the more likely users will exclusively consume filtered water (attitudinal beliefs). Furthermore, perceiving the act of filling as a matter of habit (perceived habit) enhances filtered water consumption. Conclusion: Based on the results, possible intervention strategies to change the influential psychological factors and, hence, increase the consumption of treated water can be designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutual help is essential to the human race to progress to a full humanity. Participating in voluntary associations has multiple benefits and makes a bigger contribution to resiliency in socio-economically deprived neighborhoods. Therefore, the objective of the study is to assess the role of women's iddirs (burial societies) in promoting their lives, particularly in terms of their social and economic well-being. We employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey. The study population from which the survey data were collected was members of five women's iddirs'. Majority of them (52.5%) reported that their iddirs helped them to a great extent to become more connected with the people in their local community and 36.4% reported that their confidence has increased to have their own say. Nearly three-fourth (70.3%) of the participants indicated that members were willing to help each other. About 71.6% totally agreed that participation in iddirs alleviates stress and difficulty when a relative or family member dies. Majority of the participants (93.3%) stated that their iddirs didn't help them to have access to money. All participants (100%) reported that their iddirs don't have explicitly stated credit mechanisms and nearly all (94.8%) didn't have any experience of borrowing money from banks. Most study participants appeared to appreciate the social benefits of iddirs much higher than that of their economic benefits. This suggests that iddirs need to be well-organized and co-operate with each other and ensuring flexible lending and interest payment criteria need to be established logistically to serve the needs of the poor members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potato is one of the major staple crops in the Eastern and Central Africa sub-region. Its importance continues to rise due to increased urbanization and demand for potato is projected. This increase will definitely come with its share of challenges that need to be addressed. This study was aimed to measure the level of technical efficiency, yield loss due to inefficiency and identify the factors that influence the efficiency levels of potato producers' in Chilga District. Primary data were collected from 150 farmers selected using multistage sampling procedure and analyzed using descriptive statistics, a parametric stochastic frontier production function models. Results: The results of the study indicated that the minimum, maximum and average yields of potato production in the sample households were 1000, 36,000 and 13,108 kg/ha, respectively. The stochastic frontier and Cobb–Douglas functional form with a one-step approach was employed to analyze efficiency and factors affecting efficiency in potato production. The mean technical efficiency (TE) was found to be 46%, and about 17,782.43 kg of potato output per hectare was lost due to inefficiency factors implying there is a room for improvement in technical efficiency by 54% with the present technology. The Stochastic Production Frontier (SPF) result revealed that DAP at 5% and Oxen, MDE and seed at 1% probability level significantly influencing potato production. The socio-economic variables that exercised important role for variations in technical efficiency positively were age and improved seed and nevertheless distance to market was found to increase inefficiency significantly among farm household. Conclusions: There is considerable difference in the efficiency level among plots. Hence if inputs are used to their maximum potential, there will be considerable gain from improvement in technical efficiency. The estimated SPF model together with the inefficiency parameters shows that age and improved seed variety were influenced by inefficiency negatively whereas distance to market increased the level of technical inefficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]