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Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a protein-rich crop that is resilient to various abiotic stresses, including drought. However, it is not cultivated widely for human consumption due to the neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) and its association with neurolathyrism. Though some varieties with low β-ODAP have been developed through classical breeding, the β-ODAP content is increasing due to genotype x environment interactions. This review covers grass pea nutritional quality, β-ODAP biosynthesis, mechanism of paralysis, traditional ways to reduce β-ODAP, candidate genes for boosting sulfur-containing amino acids, and the potential and targets of gene editing to reduce β-ODAP content. Recently, two key enzymes (β-ODAP synthase and β-cyanoalanine synthase) have been identified in the biosynthetic pathway of β-ODAP. We proposed four strategies through which the genes encoding these enzymes can be targeted and suppressed using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Compared to its homology in Medicago truncatula, the grass pea β-ODAP synthase gene sequence and β-cyanoalanine synthase showed 62.9% and 95% similarity, respectively. The β-ODAP synthase converts the final intermediate L-DAPA into toxic β-ODAP, whist β-cyanoalanine synthase converts O-Acetylserine into β-isoxazolin-5-on-2-yl-alanine. Since grass pea is low in methionine and cysteine amino acids, improvement of these amino acids is also needed to boost its protein content. This review contains useful resources for grass pea improvement while also offering potential gene editing strategies to lower β-ODAP levels.

Landslides have a profound impact on landscape geology, resulting in extensive devastation and loss of human lives. Mapping landslide susceptibility is crucial for effective land use planning in mountainous country like Ethiopia. This study was conducted in the upper Didessa sub-basin, southwestern parts of Ethiopia using Geographic Information System (GIS) and multi criteria evaluation (MCE) technique. This study employed a blend of primary data, encompassing field surveys and interviews with experts, as well as secondary data derived from diverse source, such as remote sensing data, digital soil maps, and geological maps. A total of eleven critical factors were employed to assess the triggers of landslides. These factors include slope, aspect, drainage density, topographic wetness index (TWI), stream power index (SPI), topographic ruggedness index (TRI), hypsometric integral, lithology, land use land cover (LULC), soil texture, and distance from roads. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to determine the significance of each indicator through pairwise comparison matrix. The study area was categorized into different zones based on the susceptibility to landslides, namely very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. Results revealed that cultivated land had the highest likelihood of experiencing landslides, with a total of nine incidents out of 25, followed by built-up areas with seven landslides. Conversely, dense forests, sparse forests, and grazing land experienced a lower likelihood of landslides. Out of the 11 factors contributing to landslides, 24% of the surveyed region was deemed to have a moderate susceptibility, with 12% and 6% falling into the categories of high and very high susceptibility to landslides, respectively. The findings of this research provide important information for policymakers to develop efficient measures for preventing and reducing the risks of landslides.

Abstract Background The nutritional status of the mothers before pregnancy and the weights gained during pregnancy are very crucial factors affecting the pregnancy outcomes and health of the infants. This study aimed to assess early pregnancy weight, determine the magnitude of gestational weight gain, and investigate the factors affecting gestational weight gain among pregnant women in the Gurage zone, 2022. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women who started antenatal care follow-up before the 16th week of gestation in the selected hospitals and health centers of the Gurage zone, Ethiopia. The gestational weight gain was obtained by subtracting the early pregnancy weight from the last pregnancy weight and categorizing based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation. Results The early pregnancy weight status of the women at enrollment indicates that 10% of them were underweight and 83% of them had normal weight. On average, the study participants gained 13.3 kgs of weight with [95% CI: 13.0, 13.6]. More than half (56%) of them gained adequate weight, a quarter (26%) of them gained inadequate weight, and 18% of them gained excess weight during pregnancy compared to the IOM recommendation. Maternal age, occupational status, and early pregnancy weight status were found to have a statistically significant association with the gestational weight gained. Conclusion Almost half (44%) of the pregnant women gained either inadequate or excess weight during pregnancy. Promoting gestational weight gain within recommended guidelines should be emphasized for younger, employed women and those who are either underweight or overweight.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the progress towards reducing TB-related catastrophic costs in 19 zones of Amhara, Oromia, SNNP (Southern Nations and Nationalities, and Peoples) and Sidama Regions of Ethiopia. METHODS: A baseline survey was conducted in randomly selected health facilities from all districts within the 19 zones from November 2020 to February 2021. Interventions targeting the major drivers of catastrophic costs identified in the baseline survey, such as installation of 126 GeneXpert and 13 Truenat machines, securing connectivity of 372 GeneXpert, establishing alternative specimen referral systems, and capacity-building of health workers, were implemented. A follow-up survey was conducted from October to December 2022. The WHO generic tool was used to collect data based on probability proportional to size. Data were entered into STATA software, and the proportion of catastrophic costs was calculated and compared between the two surveys. RESULTS: A total of 433 and 397 patients participated in the baseline and follow-up surveys, respectively. The proportion of catastrophic costs reduced from 64.7% to 43.8% (P < 0.0001). The share of direct non-medical costs decreased from 76.2% to 19.2%, while medical and indirect costs increased from 11.6% and 12.3% to 30.4% and 52.4 %. CONCLUSION: The proportion of households facing TB-related catastrophic costs has significantly reduced over the 2-year period. However, it remains unacceptably high and varies among regions. Further reducing the catastrophic costs requires multisectoral response, reviewing the TB service exemption policy, further decentralisation and improving the quality of TB services.

In African nations with complex topographies, alternative rainfall estimation methods such as satellites are crucial. This study aimed at predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall in the lake Tana sub-basin from 1990 to 2020. A satellite-based rainfall estimate of Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) data was used with the same spanning period. The validation process employs point-to-pixel analysis, comparing CHIRPS estimates with observed data at specific gauge stations. The findings showed that CHIRPS had well estimated rainfall incidence in the highland areas and significantly overestimated it in the lowland areas. The Mann–Kendall trends for January, June, and August indicate decreasing trends, while the winter and spring seasons show notable declines. Regression analysis reveals a non-significant decrease in annual rainfall with the highest in the summer and relatively dry winters. In addition, the coefficient of variation value of 26.37% suggests a moderate level of variability around the mean annual rainfall. In conclusion, the CHIRPS satellite exhibited varied performance across the Tana sub-basin, with site-specific discrepancies and notable inaccuracies at certain stations. The study underscores the importance of considering local factors and topography in satellite-based rainfall assessments, providing valuable insights for agricultural planning in the region. HIGHLIGHTS The variability of rainfall was investigated using the standardized anomaly index, coefficient of variation, and precipitation concentration index.; The percentage of daily rainfall events with high intensity was overestimated while the number of daily rainfall events with light precipitation was underestimated by Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data.;

Abstract Background Unintended pregnancy is a major public health problem in sexually active female students in Ethiopia. In higher education, female students are exposed to unprotected sex and are at risk of pregnancy, abortion, and its associated problems. Objective The objective of this study was to assess knowledge of female students about emergency contraceptives and determine factors associated with utilization among college female students at Bonga College of Education, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods The study was conducted from November 10, 2022 to May 30, 2023. All female students of Bonga College of education in all departments were included in this study purposively. Data were collected using Amharic version pretested questionnaire. Data obtained from the survey was entered into Microsoft Excel 2010 and analysed with SPSS version 20.0. Data summary was done with descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was used to measure associations between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio was used to measure strengths of association between variables. Statistical significance was considered at 95% confidence level (CL). P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant during the analysis. Results In this study a total of 103 College female students were involved. The mean age of the respondents was 20.6 (SD ± 2.06) years. The finding showed that 31 (31.1%) female students had started sexual intercourse and among them 58.1% faced pregnancy. Among the total sexually experienced respondents, 93.5% use contraceptive methods while others 6.5% do not use. Among the total 31 study participants, 27(87.1%) started using EC. The majority of pregnancy (83.3%) was intended type whereas 16.7% was unwanted pregnancy. Regarding the general knowledge about contraceptive methods, 19(18.4%) had poor knowledge. Among the total 103 female college students, 66(64.1%) heard about emergency contraceptives. Forced sex and unprotected free sex are predicting factors that induces female students to use emergency contraceptives. Fear of discontinuing school was the main inducing factor to commit abortion. Logistic regression analysis showed that college female students whose age category above 25 years were more likely to use emergency contraceptives. Students who came from urban area are more likely to use EC than rural areas. Married female students (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 0.76, 8.7) were two times likely to use EC as contraceptive method. Conclusions Female students who came from urban area use EC better than who came from rural areas. Majority of sexually active female students had good practice and knowledge of using EC but some had poor knowledge. Forced sex and free sexual practice are key determinant factors that induces to use EC. Abortion was mainly done in private clinic. Fear of discontinuing school was determinant factors identified to commit abortion. Therefore, responsible bodies should develop strategies to improve female students’ reproductive health related to emergency contraceptives.

AbstractSoil erosion is still a vector of environmental and economic concern affecting most parts of the world, especially in Sub-Saharan African countries. Nevertheless, recent human activities in the hills, coupled with poor conservation measures and practices, could have amplified the rate at which soil is lost in the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia. This study focuses on quantifying and prioritizing micro-watersheds that require conservation actions by piloting spatial modeling of soil loss in the upper Bilate watershed. Sentinel image, soil, DEM, rainfall, and support practice data were used. A Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) using GIS and satellite images was applied. The estimated average annual soil loss rate was demonstrated to be 24.1 t ha−1yr−1 and varied between 0.05 and 498.24 t ha−1yr−1. About 51.2% of the total revealed has a high soil truncation trait, of which 40% of the cropland has exceeded the soil loss tolerances of Ethiopia and tropical regions. The most affected micro-watersheds are MWS 16, 8, 6, and 3, which contributed 39.4% of the average annual loss rate, indicating the hotspots of soil loss problems in the region. This will have far-reaching off-site impacts on food security, soil productivity, human lives, infrastructures, and ecosystem service provisions.

AbstractThe cycle of food insecurity caused by poor water management practices poses major concerns for the sustainability of living balance in Southwestern Ethiopia’s smallholder agricultural areas. The prior study looked at crop land suitability assessments. However, there are still knowledge gaps on irrigation infrastructure sites. As a result, this research was launched to evaluate the surface water irrigation (SWI) potential of river watersheds in the Gomma area, southwestern Ethiopia. To identify possible SWI, biophysical parameters such as topography, stream order, soil texture, land use-land cover, drainage density, and climate elements were analyzed. Potential SWI sites were identified using multiple-criteria decision-making analysis from the sources of information reviewed, which were applied for selecting suitable sites. A comparison matrix, weighted analysis, Boolean-operations, and survey approaches. The analysis findings reveal that about 16% of the Gomma is highly suitable (S1) for drip or sprinkler surface water irrigation (SWI) schemes, while 7% and 77% of the total fall under the categories of moderate and unsuitable for SWI, respectively. At the catchment level, the most irrigable catchments in Didessa, Naso, Awetu, Tamsa, and Urgessa were found to be approximately 1838, 1626, 1484, 1107, and 910 ha of total area, respectively. In contrast to prior outcomes, the eventual eligibility map of foreseeable SWI zones are squarely distributed over the study region. In conclusion, to optimize the impact on agricultural productivity and water resource management, it is advised to prioritize the implementation of drip or sprinkler surface water irrigation (SWI) schemes in areas identified as highly suitable.

Human-induced actions aggravate forest degradation and result in carbon emissions. Increment of carbon emission raises land surface temperature (LST) and contributes to climate change. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of forest cover change on carbon stocks, carbon emissions and LST over the period 1992–2022 using geospatial techniques in the Sor watershed, Western Ethiopia. The results revealed that forest land declined by 336.6 km2 due to the expansion of agricultural land with an area of 274.9 km2. Results show a decline in carbon stock of 58,883.4 tons/km2 while annual carbon emission exhibited an increasing trend of 2,418,083.91 tons to the atmosphere over the past three decades. As vegetation declined, LST increased by an average of 3.7 °C over the past three decades. All actors, including government and non-governmental organizations, should contribute to tree planting and reafforestation programmes to minimize the increasing trend of LST and carbon emissions. Furthermore, we need to build a climate-resilient green economy to protect people from the negative impacts of climate change. HIGHLIGHTS Geospatial technology is used to evaluate the effects of forest cover change on carbon stock degradation.; Forest land declined by 336.6 km2 due to the expansion of agricultural land with an area of 274.9 km2.; Carbon stock declined by 58,883.4 tons/km2 while annual carbon emission exhibited an increasing trend of 2,418,083.91 tons.;

Groundwater is fresh water that is stored in an underground zone, which is less vulnerable to pollution than surface water and communally used for economic, social, and ecological purposes. This study aimed to evaluate groundwater recharge potential by using a geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing in the Ziway Abijata sub-basin, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. In the present study, the six parameters of soil drainage, slope, lineament density, drainage density, soil texture, and land use land cover were used. ArcGIS 10.3, ERDAS Imagine 2015, IDRISI Selva 17, Arc SWAT 10.3, and Google Earth Pro were applied. The results revealed that about 58 km2 (2.1%) and 1,442.5 km2 (52.9%) were ranked as excellent and good for the groundwater recharge potential. Consequently, about 1,183.2 km2 (43.4%) was covered by a moderate groundwater recharge zone. Larger parts of the study area were dominated by good and moderate groundwater recharge potential. Based on the results, we recommended that decision-makers, environmentalists, geologists, and other stakeholders will have a critical role in the improvements of the future sustainability and proper management of groundwater in the study area. Further researchers can investigate other ecological parameters and socio-economic data that were not included in the present study. HIGHLIGHTS Evaluating a groundwater recharge potential zone plays a crucial role in the drought-vulnerable area.; Geospatial technology was applied for groundwater recharge potential zone mapping.; The study area was dominated by excellent (2.1%) and good (52.9%) groundwater recharge zones.;

ABSTRACTAnthropogenic land use and land cover (LULC) change was the most serious problem in worldwide. This study attempted to investigate spatiotemporal LULC changes in the Upper Anger watershed, Western Ethiopia. In the present study, Landsat TM of 1990, Landsat ETM+ of 2003, and Landsat OLI/TIRS of 2020 were used to analyze the LULC change and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The supervised classification with maximum likelihood algorithm was employed for classification of the LULC. The result shows that the agricultural land was increased by 707.4 km2, whereas forest land was decreased by 179.9 km2. Consequently, agricultural land and bare land were increased with rate of 23.6 km2/year and 0.5 km2/year, while grassland and forest cover decreased by rate of 18.2 km2/year and 6 km2/year, respectively, from 1990 to 2020. The maximum NDVI value was declined with 0.19 from 1990 to 2020 due to expansion of agricultural land, bare land, and settlement in the study area. About 530 km2 of grassland and 241.5 km2 of forest cover were converted into other land cover classes between 1990 and 2020. Thus, appropriate land use planning and environmental education should be promoted to minimize the rapid loss of forests and grasslands in the study area.

Forests and wetlands played a crucial role in minimizing the increasing trends of land surface temperature (LST). This study aimed to analyze the contribution of forests and wetlands on LST in Yayo district using multi-spectral and multi-temporal satellite. Landsat images of 1986, 2003 and 2021 were downloaded from United State Geological Survey website with 30 m spatial resolution. Results show that the mean LST was increased from 22.8 °C in 1986 to 27 °C in 2003 over cultivated land. As the results of forest conservation and wetland protection, the LST in Yayo district is experencing a declining trend in the recent year. Result reveal that the normalized difference vegetation index and Normalized Difference Water Index show a strong negative relationship with LST. Over the last two decades, the LST was declined by 1.5 °C due to the protection of forest and wetland ecosystem. Thus, governmental and non-governmental organization should encourage the conservation and protection of forest and wetland ecosystems.

Urban expansion possesses significant negative impacts on the environment, particularly in forest areas worldwide. This study aimed to analyze urban expansion by using stochastic modeling with the CA-Markov chain and multi-scenario prospects in Mettu area, Ethiopia. The Landsat images of 1986, 2000, and 2021 were used. The results reveal built-up areas gained 27.2%, of which cropland and forest accounted for 11.4 and 6.4%, respectively, within the 1986–2021 period. Despite the potential decline in urban growth rates, the model revealed that the spatial extent will likely expand twofold before the 2040s. In the rapid development (RD) scenario, urban development due to population increase will occur, which is also prevalent in the proposed suitable urban expansion (PSUE) scenario, but the ecological and economic protection (EEP) scenario reveals very limited. The findings of this study will have far-reaching impacts on ecological and economic livelihoods unless green economy principles are effectively implemented.

Land suitability analysis of Moringa oleifera tree cultivation is important to enhance its product, as the demand for this tree for medicinal values and food sources is increasing worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess suitable land for Moringa oleifera tree cultivation by using the integration of multi-criteria evaluation with geospatial technologies in the Dhidhessa catchment, western Ethiopia. Five parameters, namely: slope, land use and land cover (LULC), soil texture, land surface temperature, and rainfall data, were used in this study. The land suitability evaluation of Moringa oleifera is classified into three classes as highly suitable, moderately suitable, and not suitable. The results revealed that, about 344.4 ​km2 (12.2%) of the area is categorized into highly suitable, and 2343.7 ​km2 (83%) is moderately suitable for Moringa tree, whereas, 137.2 ​km2 (4.9%) is categorized as not suitable for Moringa oleifera tree cultivation. Hence, based on the finding of the study, we suggested that farmers and other stakeholders can cultivate Moringa oleifera trees in the Dhidhessa catchment.

Urban green space (UGS) is crucial in providing ecosystem services and optimizing the health of urban residents. This study aimed at identifying suitable sites for UGS development using geospatial techniques in Addis Ababa City. In the present study, an analytical hierarchical process with Geographic Information Systems based multi-criteria evaluation process was used for identifying suitable sites for UGS development. Eight parameters namely land use land cover types, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, population density, soil types, slope, elevation, road and rivers were used. Results show that about 1 km2 (0.2%) and 67.4 km2 (12.8%) are categorized as highly suitable and moderately suitable sites for UGS, respectively. About 247.2 km2 (46.9%) of the area was marginally suitable and 205.2 km2(38.9%) was currently not suitable, while 6.2 km2(1.2%) was permanently not suitable. The evaluation of UGS development support policy makers to identify the importance of open green space for environmental quality and quality of life in urban center.

Oxyhydrides of rare-earth metals (REMOHs) exhibit notable photochromic behaviors. Among these, yttrium oxyhydride (YHO) stands out for its impressive transparency and swift UV-responsive color change, positioning it as an optimal material for self-cleaning window applications. Although semiconductor photocatalysis holds potential solutions for critical environmental issues, optimizing the photocatalytic efficacy of photochromic substances has not been adequately addressed. This research advances the study of REMOHs, focusing on the properties of gadolinium oxyhydride (GdHO) both theoretically and experimentally. The electronic and structural characteristics of GdHO, vital for ceramic technology, are thoroughly examined. Explicitly determined work functions for GdH2, GdHO, and Gd2O3 stand at 3.4 eV, 3.0 eV, and 4.3 eV, respectively. Bader charge analysis showcases GdHO’s intricate bonding attributes, whereas its electron localization function majorly presents an ionic nature. The charge neutrality level is situated about 0.33 eV below the top valence band, highlighting these materials’ inclination for acceptor-dominant electrical conductivity. Remarkably, this research unveils GdHO films’ photocatalytic capabilities for the first time. Even with their restricted surface due to thinness, these films follow the Langmuir–Hinshelwood degradation kinetics, ensuring total degradation of methylene blue in a day. It was observed that GdHO’s work function diminishes with reduced deposition pressure, and UV exposure further decreases it by 0.2 eV—a change that reverts post-UV exposure. The persistent stability of GdHO films, hinting at feasible recyclability, enhances their potential efficiency, underlining their viability in practical applications. Overall, this study accentuates GdHO’s pivotal role in electronics and photocatalysis, representing a landmark advancement in the domain.

Abstract Background Depression has a multitude of clinical and public health consequences for HIV patients. The magnitude of HIV patients who failed first-line antiretroviral treatment and switched to second-line therapy is becoming a growing public health concern. However, unlike first-line therapy, to date, little attention has been given to mental health problems in such patients, particularly in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this research was conducted to determine the magnitude of depression and its determinants among HIV patients on second-line antiretroviral therapy. Methods A multi-centered cross-sectional study was conducted on 714 HIV patients on second-line therapy who were selected via systematic random sampling. Data were collected in personal interviews as well as document reviews. The nine-item patient health questionnaire score was used to assess depression, while the three-item Oslo Scale was used to assess social support. The associations between exogenous, mediating, and endogenous variables were identified simultaneously using structural equation modeling. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value less than 0.05, and the effect sizes were presented using 95% CI. Results Depression was reported in 27.7% of HIV patients on second-line therapy [95% CI: 24.7–31.1%]. Social support has a direct [ $$\widehat{\beta }$$ β ^ = − 0.9, (95% CI: − 1.11 to − 0.69)] and indirect [ $$\widehat{\beta }$$ β ^ = − 0.22, (95% CI: − 0.31 to − 0.13)] negative effect on depression. Perceived stigma was a mediator variable and significantly associated with depression [ $$\widehat{\beta }$$ β ^ = 0.40, (95% CI: 0.23–0.57)]. Co-morbid illness [ $$\widehat{\beta }$$ β ^ = 0.49, (95% CI: 0.35–0.63)], high viremia [ $$\widehat{\beta }$$ β ^ = 0.17, (95% CI: 0.08–0.26], moderate and high-risk substance use [ $$\widehat{\beta }$$ β ^ = 0.29, (95% CI: 0.18–0.39)], and not-workable functional status [ $$\widehat{\beta }$$ β ^ = 0.2, (95% CI: 0.1–0.31)] were all positively associated with depression. Conclusions This study revealed that there was a high prevalence of depression among HIV patients on second-line antiretroviral therapy. Social and clinical factors were associated with depression risk. As a result, screening, prevention, and control strategies, including psychosocial support, should be strengthened in routine clinical care.

On a global scale, there is consensus to double food production as a means to address food and nutrition insecurity, yet the capacity of available resources and technologies to gratify the demands of this growing population and the price of agricultural commodities remains uncertain in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. Despite the availability of fertile agricultural land, inappropriate use of that resource leads to reduced agricultural productivity, yet little is known about food insecurity and impacts on commodities in southwestern Ethiopia. This study was aimed at spatial modeling of land suitability evaluation for Eragrostis tef Zucc and Hordeum Vulgare L crops in the Misha district. About 11 variables related to topography, climate, and soil have been considered and resampled to 10 m resolution. The spatial analysis result indicated that, about 33.4% and 21.8% of the total area is found to be highly suitable, about 54% and 63% of the total study area is categorized into moderately suitable for Eragrostis tef Zucc and Hordeum Vulgare L crop cultivation, respectively, whereas 12.7% and 15.3% of the study area is not suitable for the above mentioned crops. The spatial decision support system reflects that Misha has mammoth potential productive lands, which are most likely promised to satisfy the demand for food and raw materials. Therefore, the stakeholders should make hard-nosed efforts on sage land use and adopt exactly the optimum land suitability plans to advance the current cropland resources for maximize yield in a sensational way for the healthier development of the region.

Soil erosion is a vector of disturbances to agricultural productivity and economic development in the western highlands of Ethiopia. Yet, tough vegetation cover loss swapped to other land uses could have amplified the soil loss rate at which land cover change preceded, but little is known about their effects on soil loss in the Limu-Seqa watershed. This study was designed to evaluate the historical trends of the effects of land use-land cover change on soil erosion dynamics as a threshold for potential monitoring of soil loss. Satellite image data of 1987, 2002, 2021, and DEM-20 m resolution were used. The RUSLE model was applied with primary parameters to generate soil loss. Findings show that average annual soil loss increased from 4.5 in 1987 to 13.5 t ha−1 yr−1 in 2002 and surpassed to 45.35 t ha−1 yr−1 in 2021 as a result of LULC changes, particularly the transition of forest and overgrazed land to cropland (43.83%) and dense-forest to poor-open-up forest (6.92%) between 1987 and 2021. Soil loss during the recent study period was substantially affected by a substantial LULC change, from forest to cropland. The severe and very severe erosion risk categories jointly cover more than half of the entire catchment, which contributes to two-thirds of the total mean annual soil loss in the watershed, which is found to be over and above soil loss tolerance (SLT) in Ethiopia and tropical regions. Therefore, given the robust economic and political status of priority conservation measures, red hues areas are significant.

Background: The Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KHDSS) was established in 2000 to define the incidence and prevalence of local diseases and evaluate the impact of community-based interventions. KHDSS morbidity data have been reported comprehensively but mortality has not been described. This analysis describes mortality in the KHDSS over 16 years. Methods: We calculated mortality rates from 2003–2018 in four intervals of equal duration and assessed differences in mortality across these intervals by age and sex. We calculated the period survival function and median survival using the Kaplan–Meier method and mean life expectancies using abridged life tables. We estimated trend and seasonality by decomposing a time series of monthly mortality rates. We used choropleth maps and random-effects Poisson regression to investigate geographical heterogeneity. Results: Mortality declined by 36% overall between 2003–2018 and by 59% in children aged

Parasitic and microbial contamination and the pattern of occurrence of the parasite species depends on weather conditions, socio-cultural conditions, sampling season, analyzed vegetable products, and other factors. Therefore, local assessment of vegetable contamination is crucial for targeted and effective interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2022. A questionnaire was used to assess factors associated with parasite contamination of vegetables during the marketing period. The selected vegetables were purchased and processed for parasite and microbial analysis using standard methods. Finally, all data were summarized and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. A total of 180 vegetable samples were purchased from 180 vendors. This study identified a total of 129 parasites from 180 vegetable samples, with an overall contamination rate of (75; 41.7%). Both protozoa (41; 31.8%) and helminthes (88; 68.2%) were identified from vegetables. Contamination with more than one parasite species was (38; 21.1%). The kind of produce, finger nail status of vendors/sellers, the medium of the display, the type of market and not washed prior to display were significantly associated with parasite contamination. The results also showed that vegetable microbial load for total heterotrophic count, total coliform count, fecal coliform count, yeast count, and mold count was higher in the afternoon than in the morning. To decrease risks to public health, local health authorities and/or market inspectors should establish and implement strategies to reduce contamination such as encouraging specific display medium and washing of vegetables prior to display.

Due to several important characteristics of microalgae including high oil content, ability to overcome harsh conditions and high photosynthetic efficiency the production of biofuels from microalgal biomass has gained interest. The present study focused on economic evaluation of a microalgal biofuel production conceptually coupled with an actual sugar factory so that the waste effluent and byproducts from the factory would be used as inexpensive sources of nutrients and carbon dioxide. This study was based on the findings of a previous study in which the outputs and energy requirements of a conceptual microalgal biofuel production coupled with an actual sugar factory were evaluated. The economic feasibility of the process was performed using discounted cash flow analysis approach. Defined value internal rate of return (IRR) and a net positive value (NPV) were used as cost indicators. The sensitivity of the minimum biodiesel selling price (MBSP) to changes of some selected parameters was also investigated. It was found that in order for the biodiesel from microalgae to be competitive with the world petroleum price ($1.09/L) its estimated minimum selling price ($2.17) needs to be reduced at least by half. Sensitivity analysis on the MBSP illustrates that oil content of the microalgae, nitrogen content in the waste effluents, extraction and esterification efficiencies are important parameters which significantly affect the feasibility of the process. The microalgae is the most important parameter that as it varies from 20 to 40% (wt.%) the MBSP decreases from 3.03 to $1.74 per liter of biodiesel. This study examined economic viability of coupling microalgae biomass production with sugar factory wastes and by-products, and is significant to identify future research focus areas.

Melkamu Enjamo,1 Amare Deribew,2 Selamawit Semagn,1 Moges Mareg1 1Department of Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia; 2Departent of Public Health, St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Nutrition International’s Country Director, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Moges Mareg, Tel +251923527030, Email metanmann@gmail.comBackground: Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) varies from country to country and complicates 4 to 10% of pregnancies worldwide it has an overwhelming effect on maternal and newborn health. Even though many interventions implemented to tackle it, the problem is persisted.Objective: To identify determinants of premature rupture of membrane among pregnant women who have visited labor wards in four hospitals found in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: Hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from February to May 2020. Data were collected among 75 cases and 223 controls using face-to-face interviews. Cases and controls were recruited consecutively from pregnant women who have visited the labor ward. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression was used to check the association between dependent and independent variables, statistically significant association was declared at p-value < 0.05.Results: A total of 75 cases and 233 controls were enrolled in the study. Hypertension during index pregnancy [AOR = 2.81 (95% CI: 1.09 − 7.23)], history of abortion [AOR = 3.7 (95% CI: 1.41– 9.73)], history of caesarean section [AOR = 3.46 (95% CI: 1.34– 8.9)] and history of PROM [AOR = 4.77 (95% CI: 2.31– 9.89)] were associated with premature rupture of membranes.Conclusion: Hypertension during the index pregnancy, history of abortion, history of PROM, and history of cesarean section has an association with premature rupture of membrane. The result of the study suggests early identification and treatment of abortion, hypertension, and cesarean section in pregnant women mitigates the risk of premature rupture of membrane.Keywords: premature rupture of membrane, determinants, Southern Ethiopia, case-control study

Abstract Background Medication adherence plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired treatment outcomes. The proportion of HIV patients on second-line antiretroviral therapy is becoming a growing public health concern. However, to date, little attention has been given to second-line antiretroviral medication adherence. Moreover, the association between health facility characteristics and medication adherence has yet not been tested. Thus, this research was conducted to determine the magnitude of medication adherence and examine the role of facility-level determinants among HIV patients on second-line ART. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 714 HIV patients on second-line therapy who were selected via systematic random sampling in twenty public health facilities. Medication adherence was measured using the six-item Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) tool. Data were collected in a personal interview as well as document reviews. A multi-level binary logistic regression was used to uncover individual and facility-level determinants. The effect size was presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR), and statistical significance was declared at a P value less than 0.05. Results The magnitude of optimal medication adherence among HIV patients on second-line antiretroviral therapy was 69.5% (65.9–72.7%). Medication adherence was positively associated with the use of adherence reminder methods [AOR = 3.37, (95% CI 2.03–5.62)], having social support [AOR = 1.11, (95% CI 1.02–1.23)], and not having clinical depression [AOR = 3.19, (95% CI 1.93–5.27). The number of adherence counselors [AOR = 1.20, (95% CI 1.04–1.40)], teamwork for enhanced adherence support [AOR = 1.82, (95% CI 1.01–3.42)], and caseloads at ART clinics were all significantly correlated with ARV medication adherence at the facility level. Conclusions A large proportion of HIV patients on second-line antiretroviral therapy had adherence problems. Both facility-level and individual-level were linked with patient medication adherence. Thus, based on the identified factors, individual and system-level interventions should be targeted.

Ethiopia has been experiencing resettlement programs primarily as a response to the tragedy of land degradation. The program, however, resulted in massive deforestation in the resettled sites. This study, therefore, aimed at evaluating the impact of resettlement on the moist evergreen Afromontane forest cover between 2000 and 2018 in the Hawa-Galan district. Landsat TM of 2000, ETM+ of 2010, and OLI of 2018 were used to detect forest cover change. Likewise, an explanatory sequential approach of mixed research design was used. Hence, 118 participants out of the total 2232 indigenous and resettled households were employed to survey the impact of deforestation.The study area lost 55% of its total area over the last two decades, corresponding to average deforestation rates of 2.06, 6.75, and 4.14% for the corresponding periods: 2000–2010, 2010–2018, and 2000–2018, respectively. Our findings also revealed the demographic, socioeconomic, and backgrounds of the resettlers were the prominent triggers. Conversion of forests to other uses will have far-reaching impacts on the residual biodiversity and ecosystem services. Therefore, in the light of resettlement, it is high time for the Ethiopian government to revisit its intervention strategies and resettlement policies in the forest priority areas.

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and became pandemic after emerging in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Several studies have been conducted to understand the key features of COVID-19 and its public health impact. However, the prognostic factors of COVID-19 are not well studied in the African setting. In this study, we aim to determine the epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 cases, immunological and virological courses, interaction with nutritional status, and response to treatment for COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. Methods A multi-center cohort study design will be performed. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to selected treatment centers will be enrolled irrespective of their symptoms and followed-up for 12 months. Baseline epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and imaging data will be collected from treatment records, interviews, physical measurements, and biological samples. Follow-up data collection involves treatment and prognostic outcomes to be measured using different biomarkers and clinical parameters. Data collection will be done electronically using the Open Data Kit (ODK) software package and then exported to STATA/SPSS for analysis. Both descriptive and multivariable analyses will be performed to assess the independent determinants of the treatment outcome and prognosis to generate relevant information for informed prevention and case management. The primary outcomes of this study are death/survival and viral shedding. Secondary outcomes include epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, genetic frequency shifts (genotypic variations), and nutritional status. Discussion This is the first large prospective cohort study of patients in hospitals with COVID-19 in Ethiopia. The results will enable us to better understand the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa. This study will also provide useful information for effective public health measures and future pandemic preparedness and in response to outbreaks. It will also support policymakers in managing the epidemic based on scientific evidence. Trial Registration: The Protocol prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04584424) on 30 October, 2020.

Shambel Wedajo,1 Getu Degu,2 Amare Deribew,3 Fentie Ambaw2 1School of Public Health, CMHS, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, CMHS, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 3Nutrition International (NI) in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Shambel Wedajo Tel +251 913893606Email Swedajo@gmail.comBackground: In Ethiopia, first-line antiretroviral therapy failure is growing rapidly. However, unlike first-line therapy, to date, very little is known about the outcomes of second-line therapy. Thus, this study assessed the rate of viral re-suppression and attrition to care and their predictors among people living with HIV on second-line therapy.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 642 people living with HIV at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from October 2016 to November 2019. A proportional Cox regression model was computed to explore predictors of viral re-suppression (viral load less than 1000 copies/mL) and attrition to care.Results: Out of 642 subjects, 19 (3%), 44 (6.9%), 70 (10.9%), and 509 (79.3%) patients were lost to follow up, died, transferred out, and alive on care, respectively. Similarly, 82.39% (95% CI: 79.24– 85.16%) of patients had achieved viral re-suppression, with 96 per 100 person-year rate of re-suppression. Patients who switched timely to second-line therapy were at a higher rate of viral re-suppression than delayed patients [adjusted hazard rate, AHR = 1.43 (95% CI: 1.17– 1.74)]. Not having drug substitution history [AHR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.02– 1.52)] was positively associated with viral re-suppression. In contrast, being on anti-TB treatment [AHR = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.49– 0.91)] had lower likelihood with viral re-suppression. In the current study, attrition to care was 11% (95% CI: 8.7– 13.9%). Ambulatory or bedridden patients were more at risk of attrition to care as compared with workable patients [AHR = 2.61 (95% CI: 1.40– 4.87)]. Similarly, being not virally re-suppressed [AHR = 6.87 (95% CI: 3.86– 12.23)] and CD4 count ≤ 450 cells/mm3 [AHR = 2.61 (95% CI: 1.40– 4.87)] were also positively associated with attrition to care.Conclusion: A significant number of patients failed to achieve viral re-suppression and attrition from care. Most identified factors related to patient monitoring. Hence, patient-centered intervention should be strengthened, besides treatment switch.Keywords: second-line therapy, re-suppression, retention to care, attrition

Introduction: Urogenital schistosomiasis is one of public health problems in lowland areas of Ethiopia. The disease is caused by Schistosoma haematobium . Freshwater Bulinus snails are intermediate hosts for the parasite transmission. The aim of the study was to assess intermediate host snails of urogenital schistosomiasis, human water contact behavior and physico-chemical characteristics of Alwero Dam reservoir. Methods: Bulinus snails were sampled from 12 sites of Alwero Dam. Bulinus snails were collected, identified and examined for natural schistosome infections. A total of 206 people were interviewed to determine human water contact behavior. The water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, salinity and conductivity of the water were determined. Results: Of 1125 Bulinus snails collected, 72 (6.4%) were infected with echinostome cercariae but none of them were infected with schistosome cercariae. The abundance of Bulinus species did not show significant variation across seasons ( P = .61). Occurrence of Bulinus species was significantly higher in stony substratum than sandy substratum ( P = .01). Of the total 206 participants, 119 (57.8%) had water contact activities like washing clothes, bathing or swimming. Majority of respondents (70.0%) reported that they visited the dam reservoir once or twice a week, while 16.5% and 13.6% reported that they visited the dam 3 to 5 times a week and daily, respectively. Moreover, 72.3% of the respondents had reported they had history of urogenital schistosomiasis infection. The mean water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, electric conductivity, and salinity of the dam water was 28.6°C, 7.07, 5.75 mg/l, 90.0 ppm, 124.8 µS/cm, and 50.0 ppm, respectively. Conclusion: At Alwero Dam, Bulinus snails were highly abundant and the human water contact activities were frequent. Therefore, the community awareness creation should be made to reduce water contact with snail infested water to prevent risk of urogenital schistosomiasis infection.