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Reta Dewau,1 Elsabeth Addisu,2 Tilahun Dessie,3 Tesfaye Birhane,2 Sisay Eshete Tadesse,4 Amare Muche,2 Yitbarek Wasihun Feleke,5 Baye Akele,6 Melaku Yalew,2 Kemal Ahmed Seid,7 Yitayish Damtie,2 Bereket Kefale,2 Zinet Abegaz Asfaw,2 Bezawit Adane,1 Wondwosen Mebratu,1 Ayechew Ademas,8 Niguss Cherie,2 Assefa Andargie,1 Muluken Genetu Chanie,9 Asnakew Molla,9 Metadel Adane8 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2Department of Reproductive health, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 3Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 4Department of Public Health Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 5Department of Health Education, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 6Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 7Department of Infectious Disease, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 8Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 9Department of Health Service Management, School of public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Elsabeth Addisu, Email elsabethko@gmail.comBackground: Vaccines are a powerful choice to stop disease outbreaks, including covid-19. However, people are hesitant to take vaccinations due to uncertainty about side effects. So, this study aimed to assess covid-19 vaccine side-effect and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, in Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dessie Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital among 351 vaccinated healthcare workers from April 25 to May 25, 2021. Self-administrated questionnaires were used by consented health workers. Variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to assess the multicollinearity of independent variables. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify significant factors of vaccine side effects. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported as the effect size. Statistical significance was considered at p-value < 0.05.Results: Overall, of vaccinated healthcare workers, 56.98% (95% CI, 50.86– 61.26%) experienced at least one side effect. The majority of the side effects were fever (44.44%), headache (39.03%), fatigue (27.35%), injection site pain (25.93%), and nausea (24.22%). Healthcare workers with (≥ 10 years) of work experience (AOR: 3.74, 95% CI, 1.32– 10.59), Hesitancy to take the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine (AOR: 3.01, 95% CI, 1.82– 4.99), underlying chronic disease (AOR: 14.41, 95% CI, (5.07– 40.92)), being on antihypertensive medication (AOR: 0.15; 95% CI (0.02– 0.93)), and unsafe perception of vaccine safety (AOR:3.50; 95% CI, 1.43– 8.57) were independent factors of Covax vaccine side effect development.Conclusion: Overall, common vaccine side effects were identified in healthcare workers who have taken the Covax vaccine. Healthcare workers with (≥ 10 years) of work experience, Hesitancy to take the first dose, unsafe perception of vaccine safety, and underlined chronic disease were predictors of vaccine side effect occurrence. So, providing vaccine-related information to the community to be vaccinated is mandatory to reduce hesitancy and flaws regarding vaccine safety.Keywords: Covid-19, vaccine side effects, associated factors, health care workers, Ethiopia

Abstract Plants are good sources of various bioactive substances and have significant importance for the discovery of new drugs. In this study, Croton macrostachyus plant roots from six different sites in the Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia, were collected; and their phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant and antibacterial activities were investigated. Total phenolics and flavonoid contents of the root extracts were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. Moreover, the antibacterial activities were evaluated by disk diffusion method. Results revealed that total polyphenols and flavonoid contents were in the range of 802 ± 53–1557 ± 75 mg GAE/100 g and 342 ± 26–745 ± 32 mg CE/100 g, respectively. Root extracts of C. macrostachyus were found to have higher antioxidant activities ranging from 3.53 ± 0.38 to 6.38 ± 0.62 mg AAE/g sample. They also showed inhibition zones of 5.8, 6.2, 5.9 and 6.0 mm for Staphylococcus aurous, Staphylococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia, and had equivalent potency with the reference Gentamicin antibiotic. Pearson correlation result indicated a strong relationship between total polyphenol contents and their respective antioxidant activities. This study articulates that the root extracts accumulated a substantial quantity of polyphenols and bears a considerable antioxidant activity.

Abstract Background Noroviruses (NoVs) are the leading cause of diarrheal disease among all age groups worldwide, with an increased burden in developing countries. As there is no surveillance, epidemiological data is limited in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of NoV infection among patients with diarrhea in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods A prospective health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to November 2021. A total of 550 study participants of all age groups with symptoms of diarrhea were proportionately assigned to the four study areas, area with three health facilities. Study participants were systematically sampled in each health facility. A fecal sample from each case was collected. The RNA was extracted and tested for NoV by one-step RT-PCR. Sociodemographic and other variables were gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed. Both binary and multiple logistic regressions were utilized to identify factors associated with NoV infection. Variables with a p-value

Abstract Background Even though the disease has spread throughout the world, with millions killed, global COVID-19 vaccination coverage remains low, particularly in developing countries. However, epidemiological data is lacking in the area. Hence, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 uptake, willingness for vaccination, and associated factors. Method A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2022, among patients attending chronic follow-up clinics in the two comprehensive specialized hospitals in Bahir Dar. The total sample size was 423. Participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Data was gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. A descriptive analysis was performed. A binary logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between variables. Variables with a p-value

Abstract Background The majority of existing industries in Ethiopia discharge untreated effluents into nearby water bodies, streams and open land. The wastewater generated by Gondar malt factory (GMF) was disposed freely and join a natural wetland implemented for the treatment of the wastewater. The objective of the study was to analyze and characterize wastewater from GMF and to evaluate the effectiveness of the wetland for the treatment purpose. Methods Different Physicochemical quality indicators (color, turbidity pH, temperature, Total Dissolved solids, Total Suspended solids, total solid, conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, free chlorides, heavy metals-(Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Pb)and Biological Oxygen Demand were measured according to the standard procedures. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-25). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to find whether significant differences existed in the different sampling stations for the parameters studied. P value less than 0.05 was considered to show significant difference. Results The results of this study revealed that most of the quality indicators were improved in value after the water passed through the wetland except for alkalinity M, sulfite, Mn, temperature and pH. From ANOVA result, it was noted that there was a significant mean difference between the stations except for chromium, manganese and lead. The result showed that the wetland plays a great role in the removal of pollutants where the best performance was obtained at removal efficiency of 96.188% PO4 HR ,75.63% Nitrate,>99% Cl2, ammonia and nitrite 99.99%, 92.77% sulfate,84.36% Total hardness,87.43% color, and for others it is ranged between 30 and 60%. Conclusion the study concluded that GMF wetland was almost effective and had potential in treatment of the wastewater from the discharging facilities (especially for nutrients, alkalinity P, hardness, color and chloride). It is recommended that wetlands should be conserved and used as wastewater treatment facility.

BackgroundFertility rates are key indicators of population health and demographic change, influencing economic development, healthcare planning, and social policies. Understanding subnational variation in fertility rate is important for effective geographical targeting and policy prioritization. This study aimed to identify geographic variation, trends, and determinants of fertility rates in Ethiopia over the past two decades.MethodsWe estimated total fertility rates (TFRs) and age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) using five nationally representative cross-sectional Demographic and Health Surveys collected in Ethiopia between 2000 and 2019. ASFRs represent the number of live births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49 during the 3 years before each survey, while TFRs indicate the average number of children a woman would have by the end of her reproductive years, calculated as the sum of ASFRs over five-year intervals. We developed model-based geostatistics by incorporating demographic and healthcare access data with spatial random fields to produce high-resolution fertility rate maps. These results were then aggregated to produce fertility rate estimates at local, sub-national, and national levels in Ethiopia.ResultsThe national TFR gradually declined from 4.8 live births in 2000 to 4.2 live births in 2019, but it is still above the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. There were sub-national and local variations in TFR, ranging from 5.7 live births in Somalia and 5.3 Oromia regions to 2.7 live births in Addis Ababa and 3.6 live births Dire Dawa cities. Geographical areas with high TFR were mostly associated with a high proportion of Muslim women and low access to health facilities.ConclusionDespite a decline in fertility rates among women of reproductive age over the past two decades, marked spatial variation persists at sub-national and local levels in Ethiopia, with demographic factors determining the spatial distribution and rate of decline, highlighting the need for tailored programs and strategies in high-fertility areas to increase access to family planning.

Angereb Reservoirs are experiencing significant levels of pollution due to various anthropogenic activities such as agricultural runoff, untreated sewage discharge and industrial waste, were degrading water quality and causing eutrophication. Communities used Angereb Reservoir water is at increased risk of waterborne diseases; particularly heavy metal causes chronic health problems. However there was lack of comprehensive data on the cause and extent of pollution in the Angereb Reservoir. This comprehensive assessment highlights urgent need for integrated water resource management and effective pollution control strategies. This study was conducted through a multi-faceted and systematic approach involving several key methodologies. Six water samples were collected along the strategic points of the reservoir between May 2023 and March 2024. Different standard analytical methodologies were applied for analysis of water quality parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients and heavy metals. The finding indicates that the concentration (mg/L) of heavy metals were Fe (0.01–6.56), Zn (0.67–5.22), Cu (0.009–0.19), Mn (0.0–1.89), Cr (5.06 × 10–5–0.03), Cd (0.029–0.27) and Pb (0.001–2.216). Cd and Pb were exceeded WHO for safe drinking water, heavy metal evaluation index values was > 10. Hazard Quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) were calculated. Average HQ values for Cd and Pb were above the risk threshold (HQ>1), indicating significant long-term exposure risks. HI>1 suggested potential non-carcinogenic effects. Furthermore, ILCR values exceeding 10–4 threshold, shows that Cd and Pb were the major risk factor for cancer particularly in children. The findings underscore the urgent need for Cd and Pb removal from Angereb reservoir.

IntroductionAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric condition that affects children. Its magnitude varies by area, ranging from 0.2% to 26.8%. Even though there is debate, culture and geographical location may have little or no influence on the epidemiology of ADHD worldwide. Despite this variation, debate over the national prevalence and location of ADHD is unknown in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of ADHD and its contributing factors among children.MethodsElectronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and institutional repositories, were searched. The studies that covered the prevalence and/or risk factors of ADHD in children were included in the collection. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality rating tool was used to rate the quality of each study. The data were extracted using Microsoft Excel 2019, and the statistical analysis was performed using STATA 17.0. Using a random-effects model, we evaluated the combined prevalence of ADHD and associated factors. The Cochrane Q-test and I2 test statistics were used to quantify the heterogeneity. Furthermore, publication bias was examined using funnel plot graphs and Egger's tests. A Galbraith plot was employed to illustrate outliers. Sensitivity analysis was also applied.ResultThis study included a total of six articles with 4,338 participants. The pooled prevalence estimate of ADHD was 8.81% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.52–13.11; I2 = 96.95%; P = 0.001]. Age 6–12 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.51 (95% CI, 1.38–5.64), I2 = 0%; P = 0.001], being male [AOR = 1.94 (95% CI, 1.09–2.79), I2 = 0%; P = 0.001], and living with a single parent [AOR = 4.92 (95% CI, 1.24–861), I2 = 0%; P = 0.001] were significant variables.Conclusion and recommendationOne out of every 12 children in Ethiopia suffers from ADHD. Living with a single parent, being male, and being between the ages of 6 and 12 were risk factors for ADHD. A nationwide study with a large sample size may be required to ascertain the true impact of ADHD. It may be crucial to improve school health services to identify ADHD early and lessen its long-term effects.

Wastewater management in higher educational institutions is an existing environmental challenge in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate and characterize university of Gondar wastewater and its impact on the downstream community. The University has five campuses and one community school and staff residential areas. Wastewater samples were collected and analyzed for the physic-chemical, nutrients and heavy metals from eight sampling sites in 2020. The results of the study were ranged as temperature (20.60 °C–25.02 °C), pH (6.9–8.2), Electrical conductivity (871.5to3630), turbidity (4.11to330NTUs), total dissolved solids (360.3–1824), dissolved oxygen (3.4–8.5), biological oxygen demand(1.0–4.1 mg/L), salinity (0.34–1.9), nitrate (4.2–33.0 mg/L, nitrite (0.33–10.6 mg/L with mean value of 2.4 mg/L), NH3–N (0.08–3.10 mg/L with mean value of 0.83 mg/L), phosphate (8.38–270.00 mg/L with mean value of 52.53 mg/L), sulfate (2.00–195.00 mg/L with mean value of 79.4 mg/L). The mean value of phosphate was within the permissible limit of FAO and WHO but above the limit of USEPA, and mean concentration of nitrate was found to be above the maximum permissible limit set by FAO and USEPA. Similarly, the values of sulfate was above the acceptable range for wastewater discharged limit set by FAO and WHO and that of ammonia was above the limit of WHO. Regarding heavy metal analyses, only lead was above the permissible limit. Thus, the result showed that the wastewater released from University of Gondar pose a risk to the surrounding environment and human health unless a proper waste management system is implemented. Moreover, the university should implement recycling of wastes in order to apply circular economy.

In most developing countries, including Ethiopia, the excessive use of toxic and persistent pesticides for agricultural and malaria control purposes poses a significant challenge. This study focuses on evaluating the concentration and ecological risks associated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the sediments of Lake Tana and Hayqe. Employing a laboratory-based cross-sectional approach, the residues of OCPs in sediment samples were extracted using the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method, followed by dispersive solid phase extraction cleanup (d-SPE) techniques and analyzed for 18 OCPs by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The risk Quotient (RQ) method was adopted for ecological risk assessments by using fish, daphnia, and algae as indicators. The concentration of OCPs ranged from 10.11 to 125.65 μg/kg and 10.96–45.17 μg/kg in Lake Tana and Hayqe, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean concentration of OCPs across the sampling sites in Lake Tana. Deltamethrin and lindane exhibit comparatively lower concentrations among the OCPs, whereas endrin, DDT, and their metabolites were the predominant pesticides in the study area, exceeding WHO and USEPA residue limits, except for endosulfan. Risk Quotient values ranged from 0.006 to 865.4 in Lake Tana and 0.005 to 729.9 in Lake Hayqe, indicating potential low to high ecological risks for aquatic organisms. High ecological risks are particularly evident in fish, daphnia, and algae species exposed to α and β-Endosulfan, DDT, and their metabolites, while specifically in daphnia, endrin poses high ecological risks. The ANOVA test revealed there were statistically significant differences (p-value

Abstract Introduction Despite several strategies exist for anemia prevention and control, it has been the major public health important problem in the world. Numerous immediate and long-term health issues were reported in children who have history of anemia including decreased work productivity in adult hood period. Although analyzing data on burden and risk factors of anemia are the recommended action areas of World Health Organization framework for accelerating anemia reduction, the aggregated national burden and contributors of anemia in Ethiopia has not been determined so far. There for, this systematic and meta-analysis study is aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of anemia among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia. Methods The electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google scholar and institutional repositories were searched using search terms. The studies that reported the prevalence and/or risk factors of anemia in children 6–23 months of age were included. The JBI quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of each study. The data was extracted with Microsoft Excel, 2019 and analyzed with STATA 17.0 statistical software. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia and its associated factors. The Cochrane Q-test statistics and I2 test were used to measure heterogeneity between the included studies. Furthermore, publication bias was examined using the funnel plot graph and statistical tests (Egger’s and begg tests). Outliers also visualized using Galbraith plot. When necessary, sensitivity analysis was also employed to detect small study effect. Result Ten studies with a total population of 14, 733 were included for analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–23 months of age in Ethiopia was found to be 57.76% (95%CI; 51.61–63.91; I2 = 97.192%; p

Pumps as turbine (PAT) for small-scale hydropower, pressure relief valves, and hydro-pumping applications have recently gained popularity. In contrast to conventional turbines, pumps do not have movable guiding vanes to accommodate changes in flow rate and head. This limits their use to the single best operating point. As a result, the precise estimation of reverse mode operating parameters is critical. One of the most successful techniques in this regard is the energy loss model. However, it necessitates extremely detailed pump geometry and experimental data. Although it is claimed to be more accurate, the lack of data makes it impractical. This calls for the devising of a pump geometrical parameter prediction model from limited manufacturer information. Using 137 sets of commercial pump operating data, geometry redesign was carried out by MATLAB code. Following that, multivariate linear regression analysis was carried out, and a one-dimensional geometrical prediction model was developed. Then the result was validated with computational analysis and measurement. The model results were 99 %, 100 %, and 95 % correlated for pump inlet, volute, and throat inlet diameters, respectively, with the experimental results. Similarly, the model results were also 99 %, 71 %, and 89 % correlated for pump inlet, outlet, and volute blade width, respectively, with experimental results. The model gave a more accurate geometrical result than the analytical and numerical methods.

Large-scale textile industries used large amounts of toxic chemicals which are very hazardous to human health and environmental sustainability. In this study, the removal of various dyes from effluents of textile industries using the electrocoagulation process was investigated. The studied dyes were Reactive Red 120 (RR-120), Basic Blue 3 (BB-3), and Basic Red 46 (BR-46), which were found in samples collected from effluents of three major textile factories in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. For maximum removal, the dye BB-3 required acidic pH 3, RR-120 basic pH 11, while BR-46 neutral pH 7 conditions. BB-3 required a longer treatment time of 80 min than BR-46 and RR-120, which required 30 and 40 min, respectively. The best removal efficiency of 99.5%, 93.5%, and 96.3% was achieved for BR-46, BB-3, and RR-120, respectively, from synthetic wastewater containing 10 mg l-1of each dye at an applied potential of 10 V. The method was applied to real textile wastewaters and 73.0 to 99.5% removal of the dyes was achieved, Indicating Electrocoagulation can be used as a simple, and reliable method for the treatment of real wastewater from textile industries. It is used as a potentially viable and inexpensive tool for the treatment of textile dyes Analysis of the electrochemically generated sludge by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy revealed the expected crystalline aluminum oxides (bayerite (Al(OH)3 diaspore (AlO(OH)) found in the sludge. The amorphous phase was also found in the floc. Textile industry owners should be aware of the impact of the discharge of effluents on the Ecosystem and should use the investigated electrocoagulation method for effluent treatment before discharging into the environment.

The northern part of Ethiopia is endowed with local and exotic breeds of chicken; however, their morphometric characterization needs to be done to support future improvements and conservation. Hence, the study was conducted in three agro-ecologies (lowland, midland, and highland) of Northern Ethiopia to assess the morphometric traits of local and exotic (Naked-neck) chicken genotypes. The experiment was designed as 4×2 factorial with Chicken genotype (4 levels: local from each of lowland, midland and highland, and exotic from lowland) and Sex (2 levels: female and male) being the factors. ANOVA was conducted to determine the main and interaction effects of these factors on 21 morphometric traits. The results revealed significant interaction of Chicken genotype and Sex on all morphometric traits other than skull length, skull width, skull index and neck length highlighting the presence of vast sex specific differences among the genotypes. Apart from comb, earlobe and beak indices and wattle width, male Naked-neck (from lowland) have significantly higher values than the other seven combinations. The morphometric variations of chicken genotypes unveiled in this study are good indicators of genetic diversity of chicken population in Northern Ethiopia and calls for designing community based genetic improvement program to maximize desirable traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271127.].

Since solar energy uses the sun's free energy and is environmentally friendly, it is generally accepted for various applications like drying products. However, the drawback of this system is the inconsistent and unpredictable nature of solar radiation. The best solution for the above said problem is using thermal energy storage. In this study forced convection indirect solar drying system that has a double pass solar air heater (DPSAH), shell and tube type latent heat storage (LHS) with paraffin wax as phase change material (PCM), blower and drying chamber is developed and tested. Numerical study is conducted on the DPSAH to determine the effect of mass flow rate on its performance and appropriate flow rate is selected for the drying experiment. It was found that outlet temperatures of the DPSAH is higher at lower mass flow rates and lower at higher mass flow rates and mass flow rate of 0.01 kg/s gives the required outlet temperature. Whereas numerical simulation is done on the LHS to predict the charging and discharging behavior of the PCM and found that the storage can reach a fully charged state within 133 min, which can be achieved around the peak hours during the experiment. The performance of the components of the dryer and the overall performance of the dryer is investigated with experiment. From the experimental result, a maximum temperature of 69 °C is obtained at the outlet of the DPSAH and the energy and exergy efficiencies are 25 % and 1.5 %, respectively. The LHS reduces the fluctuations in the outlet temperature of the SAH and extends the drying process for extra 3 h a day. The drying experiment is conducted by drying 5 kg fish and took 21 h to reduce the moisture content of the fish from an initial value of 75 %–12.5 %. The efficiency of the drying chamber was 35 % and the overall efficiency of the dryer was 9.4 %.