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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]

Introduction: Low adoption rates of digital tools in agricultural extension services persisted among smallholder ginger producers in Southern and Central Ethiopia, despite their recognized benefits. This study investigated the factors that drove or hindered digital tool adoption in this context. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis. The Endogenous Switching Regression model was applied to examine the socio-economic, institutional, and technological factors affecting adoption. Results: The results showed that digital tool adoption significantly enhanced both agricultural productivity and household income among smallholder farmers. Key determinants included access to digital infrastructure, availability of ICT resources, and tailored extension services. Discussion: The findings suggested a need for policies that promoted digital adoption, emphasizing infrastructure investment, expanded ICT access, and the development of specialized extension programs. These actions were seen as crucial for advancing rural livelihoods, supporting sustainable agriculture, and stabilizing the regional economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Gibe and Ameka districts of Hadiya Zone to characterize and describe indigenous chicken populations and their production systems and, to determine the productive and reproductive performance of indigenous chicken populations. A total of 351 respondents from purposively identified districts were randomized to gather the information through semi-structured questionnaires. Phenotypic data were collected from a total of 224 (33 male and 191 female) matured indigenous chickens. The morphometric traits recorded were body weight, body length, breast circumference, wingspan, shank length, shank circumference, comb length, wattle length, earlobe length and beak length. Among the analyzed morphometric traits, the significant (p<0.05) difference in districts for both sexes of chickens was only body weight, but female chickens significantly (p<0.05) different for breast circumference, shank length, shank circumference, wattle length, wing span and comb length in the studied districts. Others analyzed phenotypic trait were comb type, plumage color, ear lope color, feather morphology and distribution, spurs, shank color, feather on shark, plumage pattern, eye color and skin color. The results showed that mean flock size of the study area was 9.63 chicken/household of which 44, 14, 12, 6 and 14% of the total indigenous chicken population structure were chicks, pullets, cockerels, cocks and hens chicken respectively. Reproductive traits showed significant difference (p<0.05) between Gibe and Ameka districts. Disease, lack of knowledge, predators and feed were the major chicken production constraints in studied area area. The variations in chickens for different sites and sexes considered as opportunities for selection and genetic improvement of indigenous chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are a group of structurally related mycotoxins produced by the Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius species as secondary metabolites. Well-known forms of Aflatoxin are AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, AFM1, and AFM2. aflatoxin B1 is the most prevalent one. It can be metabolized in the liver and excreted as aflatoxin M1 in milk. Both forms have mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. In Ethiopia, there is limited information on the occurrence and contamination level of aflatoxin in raw and pasteurized milk. The present study was conducted in the Addis Ababa milk shed area to detect and quantify the level of Aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2020 to May 2021 on a total of 114 cow milk samples consisting of 60 raw milk and 54 pasteurized milk samples with the aim of detecting and quantifying the amount of aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk in central Ethiopia by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using C18 column with fluorescence detector. AFM1 was detected in 79 (69.3%) of the 114 tested milk samples. The maximum and mean concentrations were 0.893 μg/L and 0.0465 μg/L, respectively. 25.4% of them contain AFM1 above the maximum limit of EU (0.05 μg/L), and 1.8% contained above the maximum limit of CES278 and FDA (0.5 μg/L). 26.7% of the samples from Sebata and 6.7% from Sululta contain above the maximum limit of EU (0.05 μg/L). Higher contamination of AFM1 was detected in pasteurized milk (96.3%) than in raw milk (16.7%). 35.2% of pasteurized and 16% of raw milk contained AFM1 above the maximum limit of EU0.05 μg /L. The study results showed a significant difference in AFM1 occurrence with feed type, storage time, and milk type. The current AFM1 concentration level in raw and pasteurized milk was not safe for human consumption in the study areas. Due to its heat resistance, AFM1 is found in pasteurized milk and has great health effects. Creating awareness of feed management for feed producers and farmers and developing risk mitigation methods are crucial in order to reduce public health threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper biosecurity practice is crucial in poultry farming to reduce the risk of diseases. A study was conducted in Adama, Ada’a, and Lume districts, central Ethiopia, to assess the biosecurity measures of commercial poultry farms. A total of 51 farms were randomly selected, and their geographical locations were recorded using GPS devices. The biosecurity level of each farm was assessed using an observation checklist and a biosecurity score. The collected data were analyzed using Stata version 16 for binary data, and QGIS version 3.24.1 was used to map the farms. The results of the study showed that the farms were located close together within 5 km square, 3 km square, and 6 km square areas in Ada’a, Lume, and Adama, respectively. The average distance among the farms was 933.8 meters. The majority of the farms were located within 100 meters of residential areas. Only 58.8% of the farms had adequate space between sheds; 60.8% did not have an adequate drainage system. Ninety-eight percent of the farms obtain chicken from certified breeding enterprises; 92.2% provide underground water for their chickens; 80.4% report frequent cleaning and disinfection of farms; and 82.4% disclose vehicle movement control. Nearly one-third (31.4%) of the farms practice isolation of sick birds but keep them within the same shed where healthy birds are kept. The assessment of biosecurity levels of the study farms revealed that 23.5% (n=12) of the farms had a good biosecurity score, while 76.5% (n=39) had a poor score. The biosecurity scores of the farms showed a statistically significant difference among the study districts (p=0.040), with the Lume district having higher biosecurity scores than Adama and Ada’a districts. The age of the farm owners was significantly associated with the biosecurity score (p=0.003); all farms (100%) owned by individuals aged 20 - 39 had good biosecurity scores, and 80% of those farms owned by individuals aged 40 - 59 had good biosecurity. Farms owned by individuals who have previous chicken-rearing experience had better biosecurity scores than those farms owned by non-experienced owners (p<0.001). Among the farms having professional consultants, 57.7% of them had good biosecurity scores, whereas only 12.0% of farms lacking professional consultants had good biosecurity scores (p=0.015). In conclusion, the study revealed that biosecurity measures were not adequately implemented in poultry farms in central Ethiopia. Farm owners, veterinarians, and livestock authorities must collaborate to implement biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of losses and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In Ethiopia, most people rely heavily on traditional therapeutic plants that have been used for years. The practice of traditional medicines use to treat hepatitis is currently gaining popularity due to the limited availability and affordability of modern drugs. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the traditional medicinal plants use to treat viral hepatitis among communities of Central region of Ethiopia. Methods: Data was collected from November 2018 to December 2021 in Central Ethiopia. An open-ended semi-structured interview was used among purposively selected herbalists, traditional medicine entrepreneurs, village heads, and patients visiting traditional healers for hepatitis treatments. A 5 mL blood sample was collected from patients who visited a traditional healers' clinic for hepatitis treatment and tested for HBsAg and HCV-antibody by using ELISA. Among HBsAg-positives, further nucleic acid test for HBV-DNA load was assessed to measure the effects of prescribed medicinal plants. Results: Herbalists cited 24 plants that were used for hepatitis treatment; of which Rumex nepalensis, Vangueria apiculata, and Solanum incanum were the most frequently cited plants. Remedies were commonly prepared by crushing or powdering, mixing them with water, and taken orally. Forty-two individuals were diagnosed and treated as hepatitis patients by herbalists, of which eight of them were HBsAg-positive but no positives for anti-HCV ELISA. At the third and sixth months of viral load assessment among HBsAg-positive, serum HBV-DNA suppression was observed in three individuals treated with different combinations of frequently cited plants. Conclusion: In this study, traditional healers used various plants to treat hepatitis. HBV-DNA suppressive activity was detected in three NAT-positive individuals who were treated by using a mixture of these frequently cited and highest preference-ranked plants. This suggests that these plants have antiviral properties and serve as a basis for more pharmacological research in the quest for new antiviral agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Evaluation of biosecurity measures remains essential for successful control and prevention of diseases in a country like Ethiopia, where the poultry sector is flourishing. This research was conducted from October 2020 to June 2022 and aimed to assess the level of implementation of biosecurity practices of 226 poultry farms belonging to different scales found in three selected areas of central Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, Bishoftu and West of Shaggar City. The study showed a very low overall biosecurity practices score compared to the global average. All three study areas had rather similar levels of biosecurity practices, being statistically insignificant. The majority of the external biosecurity components were highly disrupted and far below the global average. Similarly, the internal biosecurity practices were found to be still lower than the global average. Thus, weak and relaxed biosecurity practices were evident among poultry farms in central Ethiopia. Understanding the poor status of the implementation of appropriate biosecurity practices will help to design and develop strategies that safeguard the poultry production sector from the impact of various deadly diseases. The findings emphasize the need for active involvement of all stakeholders in the poultry production value chain towards boosting the productivity of the sector in Ethiopia. The present study aims to assess the level of implementation of biosecurity practices of small-, medium- and large-scale poultry farms in central Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was implemented involving 226 poultry farms (153 small-, 53 medium- and 20 large-scale farms) in three selected areas of central Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, Bishoftu and West of Shaggar. The results revealed a very low overall biosecurity score of 43.1% for central Ethiopia compared to the global average score of 64.3%. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in the overall biosecurity practices among the three study sites (36.1% for Addis Ababa, 49% for Bishoftu and 34.9% for West of Shaggar) was observed. Six of the eight external biosecurity components with an overall score of 40.7% as compared to the global average of 64.6% were highly disrupted and scored lower values. With regard to internal biosecurity disease management, cleaning and disinfection practices were found to be 52.6% as opposed to the global average of 64%. The poor biosecurity level among poultry farms of central Ethiopia clearly demonstrates the urgent need for the implementation of appropriate biosecurity practices through the active involvement of all stakeholders to combat the impact of various diseases and boost the productivity of the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease and the major cause of cervical cancer, which threatened the lives of several women and remains a critical concern in Africa and around the world. Ethiopia initiates the human papillomavirus vaccines on 3rd December 2018 for the primary time to vaccinate six million girls. Objective. This study assessed knowledge and attitudes toward the human papillomavirus vaccine among parents of daughters aged between 9 and 14 years in the Central Ethiopia Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 619 parents whose daughters were aged between 9 and 14 years old from February 01 to February 30, 2021. A multistage sampling method was employed to select study participants. Data were collected using an interview administered questionnaire adapted from related literature. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were done by using SPSS v. 20.0. Results. A total of 619 parents participated in the current study of whom, only 242 (39.1%) and 249 (40.2%) of the respondents were knowledgeable and had a favorable attitude toward the HPV, respectively. Age (AOR 1.98, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.69), place of residence (AOR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.45, 8.92), and wealth status (AOR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.26) was independently associated with the knowledge of parents toward the HPV. Conclusion. Policymakers and other stockholders require more effort to provide a resource to enhance knowledge and attitudes toward the HPV through the mass media and other health education outlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geology of the central part of Ethiopia exhibits a variety of rock types that can potentially be developed for construction stone production, of which the most wide spread and important one is the Termaber basalt. Even though some preliminary work is done on these rocks towards construction material application, it remains largely that this resource is untouched and needs further scientific characterization for the use in large scale industrial application. Basaltic rocks have been widely used in many parts of the world as concrete aggregate and dimension stone for various civil structures. The present research study was carried out for Geo-engineering evaluation of Termaber basalt rock mass for crushed stone aggregate and building stone from Central Ethiopia (around Debre Birhan). The main objective of the present research study was to assess the general suitability of the Termaber basalt to be used as coarse aggregate for concrete mix and/or to utilize it as cut stone at industrial level. Only choice made with full knowledge of the basic characteristics of the material, of its performance and durability against the foreseen solicitations will ensure the necessary quality of the stone work and thereby a possibility to reach its intended service life. In order to meet out the objective of the present study, data from both field and laboratory were collected and analyzed. The field data included geological investigations based on different methods and sample collection while the laboratory work included, uniaxial compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic elasticity modulus, bulk density, water absorption, specific gravity, open porosity, aggregate impact value, petrographic examination and XRF, aggregate crushing value, Los Angeles abrasion value, sodium sulfate soundness, X-ray diffraction and alkali silica reactivity tests. The field and laboratory data were compiled and compared together to reveal the engineering performance of the rock mass in terms of cut stone and coarse aggregates. The basaltic rock shows a variety of textural and mineralogical characteristics which could affect their physical and mechanical properties as well as their use as construction material. The compressive strength of the basaltic rock ranges from 130 MPa to 350 MPa, ultrasonic pulse velocity from 4000 m/s to 7000 m/s, open porosity from 0.33% to 3.08%, bulk density from 2.6 g/cm 3 to 3.1 g/cm 3 , dynamic elasticity modulus from 64 GPa to 129 GPa, etc. The petrographic examination also indicated some deleterious constituents within the middle basaltic flow layers however; there are distinct flow layers which could be used as dimension stone and coarse aggregate for concrete and asphalt mix. The field investigation as well as the laboratory tests conducted indicated the high potential of the Termaber basalt formation to be used as construction material with further refining works. The study presented in this paper was carried out on basalts that are widespread in the central highland of Ethiopia and that comprise the major source of local crushed rock aggregates and building stone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a global phenomenon but disproportionately affects smallholder farmers, prompting them to use various coping and adaptation strategies to counter the problem. This study aimed to examine the trends of climate parameters, assess farmers' perception of climate change, and identify the strategies of adaptation measures in central Ethiopia. Climate data were obtained from the National Meteorological Agency. Survey data were collected from 120 randomly selected households in 2017 and complemented with focus group discussions. The Mann–Kendall approach was used to detect climate trends, while a rainfall anomaly was calculated using the rainfall anomaly index. Multinomial logit model was used to examine determinants of farmers' adaptation to the perceived change. In most of the cases, farmers' perceptions were in accordance with climate trend analyses. Farmers used crop diversification, adjustments of planting dates, destocking of livestock, seasonal migration, crop rotation, and climate information services to adapt to climate-related shocks. Empirical results showed that the age and education of the household heads, family size, access to extension services, and farm and nonfarm incomes had a significant association with the adaptation practices farmers took. The existence of strong correlations between the demographic, socio-institutional variables, and the choice of adaptation strategies suggests the need to strengthen local institutions to enhance the adaptation of smallholder farmers to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Salmonellosis is a foodborne zoonoses found worldwide. The main purpose of this study was to isolate and identify Salmonella and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles from smallhold broilers supply chains and slaughterhouses in Bishoftu and Modjo, central Ethiopia. Methods: Four smallhold broiler farms under the auspices of Chico Meat were selected randomly. Feed, water, and water- and feed-trough samples were collected from broiler farms, while cecal contents were collected from slaughtered chicken at Chico Meat slaughterhouse. Conventional bacteriological techniques were used to isolate and identify Salmonella from the samples. Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion was employed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Results: Salmonella was isolated from 131 (24.3%, 95% CI 20.74– 28.15) of the 539 samples tested. Salmonella was found in 43 of the 250 samples collected from Bishoftu (22%, 95% CI 17.02%– 27.65%) and 76 of the 289 samples collected from Modjo (26.29%, 95% CI 21.32%– 31.77%). Salmonella was isolated from 26.46% of the cloacal samples, 21% of the cecal contents, 30.77% of the feed samples, 25% of the water samples, 22.22% of samples from feed troughs, and 20% of samples from water troughs. The highest level of resistance (80.81%) was observed against tetracycline, followed by kanamycin (71.72%), chloramphenicol and amoxicillin (67.68%), sulfamethazole–trimethoprim (61.62%), naldixic acid (63.64%), and streptomycin (59.60%), whereas most of the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin (69.70%). Resistance to more than two drugs was also observed. Conclusion: Salmonella was found in high prevalence in broilers, their feed, and their environment. Moreover, a majority of the isolates were resistant to most antimicrobials used in medical and poultry practices. This has significant implications for public health and antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out with the aim of analyzing the technical, allocative and economic efficiencies of smallholder farmers in the production of major crops and their determinants in central Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 386 sampled households through a semi structured questionnaire. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression model were employed for analysis and the mean technical, allocative and economic efficiencies were 0.48, 0.59 and 0.29 respectively. Age, access to credit, training, and farming information; livestock size, marital status, level of education, farming experience, cooperative membership, off/non-farm income have influenced the efficiencies of smallholders significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethiopia is one of the Sub-Saharan African countries with an increasingly risky sexual practice and mostly affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic. Dual protection is an important preventive approach which can prevent both unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the dual contraceptive utilization and associated factors among reproductive-age women on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in central Ethiopia. Methods: An-institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 women on ART at public hospitals of West Shewa Zone from June to September 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to IBM SPSS statistical software version 25 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed. Odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval was computed to ascertain the association. Results: The prevalence of dual contraceptive utilization among women on ART was 21.4% (95% CI: 16.8– 25.9). Age of respondents between 15 and 24 years [AOR=8.35, (95% CI: 3.12– 17.78)], living in urban [AOR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.15– 4.22], separated women [AOR=2.28, 95% CI (1.26– 5.04)], had post-diagnosis counselling on family planning [AOR=5.33, 95% CI: 1.52– 18.68], disclosed HIV status [AOR=5.98, 95% CI: 1.63– 21.93], freely discuss with their husband [AOR=4.22, 95% CI, 1.84– 12.36], have no fertility desire [AOR=2.46, (95% CI: 1.34– 6.44)] were significantly associated with dual contraceptive utilization. Conclusion and Recommendation: The overall magnitude of dual contraceptive utilization among women on ART was found to be low. Factors like age, residence, marital status, post-diagnosis counselling, disclosure of HIV status, and free discussion with husband were significantly associated with dual contraceptive method utilization. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the range of strategies and tools available to married and single women's for protecting themselves from being infected with other strains and pregnancy. The concerned stakeholders also should emphatically consider those identified factors for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widely prevalent cyst forming Apicomplexan parasites with significant impact on animal production particularly in sheep, goats and pigs. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the seroprevalence and to assess risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs. A systematic random sampling technique was used to collect 402 blood samples from pigs in Central Ethiopia. Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) was used to test sera. A questionnaire survey was made to assess potential risk factors and knowledge of farm attendants about toxoplasmosis. Results: An overall seroprevalence of 32.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.6%-36.9%] was found. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that extensively managed pigs (39.7%) are nearly twice (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:=1.91, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.63) at higher risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis than intensively managed pigs (30.5%). Pigs supplied with feed containing animal byproducts had nearly four times (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 2.01, 7.36) higher risk of acquiring T. gondii infection. Most of the farm attendants had little knowledge of health risks due to cats, neither to human nor to animals. Absence of rodent control, high neonatal mortality and history of abortion were found among herds of the studied pig farms. Conclusions: T. gondii infections in pigs are wide spread. Extensive management systems and pig feed types containing animal byproducts are independent predictors of T. gondii seropositivity. The high seroprevalence suggests that pigs might serve as an important source of T. gondii infection for people. This is the first report of seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in pigs in Ethiopia. Further studies are warranted for designing appropriate prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]