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Empirical evidence on the dynamics of agricultural technologies adoption and dis-adoption is lacking. We applied a dynamic random effect probit model on a repeated measure of improved chicken and maize adoption to explore the state dependence of households’ adoption decisions and associated factors. Results indicate interventions that initiated the initial adoption decision of an improved variety of maize seeds had a long-term structural and positive effect on subsequent adoption decisions, while this was not observed in improved chicken breed adoption. The absence of true state dependence in improved chicken breed adoption suggests the limited effects of interventions that initiated the initial adoption decisions to bring structural effects on subsequent adoption decisions. The divergence in persistent adoption decisions could be associated with observed and unobserved household heterogeneity, including technology generation and delivery systems, extension and advisory services, access to allied inputs and finance, access to market, and household location. Policy options to promote sustained adoption of agricultural technologies should consider introducing innovative and context-specific technology delivery systems and farm and household characteristics that can trigger persistent adoption beyond initiating the initial adoption decisions.

Hanibal Mehari,1 Feven Haile,1 Sador Habtezghi,1 Yuel Mulugeta,1 Gebru Abraham,1 Michael Berhe,2 Nuru Abdu3 1School of Public Health, Asmara College of Health Sciences, Asmara, Eritrea; 2National Health Observatory, Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea; 3School of Pharmacy, Asmara College of Health Sciences, Asmara, EritreaCorrespondence: Michael Berhe, Tel +291-7496890, Email mikidadimakaku@gmail.comBackground: Child marriage is a fundamental violation of human rights that can have numerous adverse effects on girls’ social, mental and physical health and wellbeing. Marriage in Eritrea relatively occurs earlier for women. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of child marriage, determinants and its related adverse health outcomes in five selected villages of the sub-region of Serejeka in Central region of Eritrea.Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 married women aged 18 to 30 years who are residents of five selected villages of the sub-region of Serejeka between July 12 and August 20, 2018. The sampling design was stratified random sampling and data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics including chi-square test and logistic regression were employed using SPSS (v.22).Results: The prevalence of child marriage was found to be 42% [95% CI (35.1, 48.9)]. The maximum and minimum age at marriage were 14 and 29, respectively. No formal education/primary level (AOR = 22.08, 95% CI: 4.16, 117.24), junior educational level (AOR = 6.95, 95% CI: 3.48, 13.87) and decision on the marriage (AOR = 4.30, 95% CI: 1.03, 17.92) were the significant determinants of child marriage. Prolonged labour (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1. 32, 5.98), abortion (OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 1.63, 9.53), hemorrhage during birth (OR = 4.83, 95% CI: 1.68, 13.87), spousal violence (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.75), pressure/stress (OR = 4.83, 95% CI: 1.68, 13.87), termination of education (OR = 8.24, 95% CI: 4.35, 15.63) and stigma or isolation from their society (OR = 7.38, 95% CI: 3.03, 17.98) were significant adverse health outcomes associated with child marriage.Conclusion: This study revealed that child marriage was still a common practice. It is associated with detrimental physical health, psychological well-being and socio-economic status. This mandates policy makers and program managers to focus their programs on delaying entry of children into wedlock and motherhood by providing information, education and enhancing communication with their community.Keywords: child marriage, determinant, adverse health outcome, married women, Eritrea

Enhancing smallholder chicken production and productivity is an integral component of agricultural development strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. The African Chicken Genetic Gain (ACGG) project has been testing, identifying, and disseminating tropically adapted improved breeds (TAIBs) in Africa to improve the production and productivity of the sector. We applied a multimethod approach and integrated analysis to explore the overall feasibility of TAIBs under smallholder management conditions and documented evidence for sustained adoption. We used data from a baseline survey, on-farm experiment, cluster-randomized study, and market assessment survey to analyse the technical, economic, social, and environmental feasibility of TAIBs adoption under smallholder management conditions. The multimethod approach attests TAIBs as a sustainable technological alternative to smallholder chicken producers in the region. Most smallholder farmers prefer TAIBs to indigenous breeds, and TAIBs-based production enhance producers’ consumption and income generation goals. Moreover, adopting these breeds generates higher economic gains, is socially viable, is technically feasible, and has mitigable environmental risks. However, sustained adoption requires delivery models, capacity building, marketing and financial models, and integrated risks reduction strategies. We argue that demonstrating innovations’ economic, social, technical, and ecological viability and enhancing access to efficient input and output markets are vital for sustained agricultural technology adoption.

Adopting agricultural technologies is crucial to improve productivity and livelihoods in developing countries. While much research has focused on adoption decisions, understanding dis-adoption, when farmers stop using technology, is equally important. Studies on agricultural technology adoption often treat dis-adopters (those who initially adopted but later discontinued to use) and never-adopters (those who never adopted) as the same, using binary models to analyze farmers' decisions. We argue that a better understanding of these decisions can be achieved by separately analyzing 'never-adoption', 'dis-adoption', and 'adoption.' Using nationally representative data from three African countries, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, we developed a multinomial logit model to analyze the adoption of improved chicken breeds. Our findings show that dis-adopters of improved chicken are different from never-adopters. Factors associated with dis-adoption include gender and education of household heads, access to training and extension services, breeding and culling practices, access to markets, use of complementary inputs, production objectives, landholding size, income diversity, and access to finance. Policies and strategies that aim to enhance sustained adoption and use of improved chicken breeds should promote a bundle of technologies, including tailored training, women empowerment, locally adapted and farmer-preferred chicken breeds, complementary inputs and services, innovative marketing strategies, and delivery models for bundles of technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aimed to examine the two concepts of the educational process and educated person from the philosophical perspective of Richard S. Peters, a prominent philosopher of education. In light of this, one of his influential works, “What is an Educational Process?”, was carefully reviewed. Some comments on the overall relevance of Peters’ positions on the two concepts are also included. The review provides valuable insights into these concepts, which are profoundly important for the education field. Finally, concluding remarks and implications of the author's perspectives on contemporary educational systems are highlighted.

This study aimed to examine the development trends of micro and small enterprises and the challenges of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) interventions in Ethiopia, focusing on Bahir Dar City. For this purpose, a mixed methods research approach involving both quantitative and qualitative data from archives and interviews with officers, trainers, and enterprise owners was employed. The results of the study revealed an increase in enterprise enrollment from 2008 to 2021. However, the overall development progress remained notably low, as indicated by the limited proportions of enterprises reaching maturity stages. Moreover, the planning and implementation of TVET programs were found to be misaligned with the needs of various employment sectors, primarily due to lack of occupational standards, inadequacies in trainer availability, and deficiencies in skills and resources. This study proposed strategies to improve current performance and to address systemic challenges sustainably, including training on curriculum development.

In this study, Rumex abyssinicus (R. abyssinicus) roots were used for dye extraction via Soxhlet extraction. The effects of particle size, solid-to-liquid ratio and extraction time on dye yield were examined. The optimization of dye extraction was carried out using response surface methodology coupled with the Box–Behnken approach. A maximum dye yield of 53 % was attained at an optimum particle size of 0.355 mm, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 0.075 g/mL and an extraction time of 5 h. Functional group analysis using FTIR and a UV–vis spectrophotometer was performed to determine the characteristics of the extracted dye. The FTIR analysis results showed the presence of various functional groups in the extracted dye. Additionally, UV–vis spectrophotometer confirmed that the maximum absorbance peak was detected at 281 nm, with an absorbance of 0.908. Overall, the results show that R. abyssinicus root is a potential source of dye that has applications in various industries.

This study sought to examine the impact of lesson study on teachers’ professional development. For this purpose, a quasi-experimental design involving 46 English teachers from 24 primary schools in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia, was employed. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed quantitatively using means, standard deviations, independent samples t-tests, and pair sample t-tests. The findings of the study revealed that the teachers in the experimental group who participated in the lesson study intervention demonstrated better professional practices than those in the control group. This improvement was evident in the teachers' ability to prepare lesson plans, deliver classroom teaching, and reflect on lesson plans. Furthermore, the pre-test and post-test results of the experimental group showed that teachers had demonstrated better performance after the intervention. Generally, the study highlighted that a well-planned and implemented lesson study program can have a positive impact on the professional development of teachers.

This editorial highlights the manuscripts published in the January 2024 edition of the Bahir Dar Journal of Education. Written by a total of 24 scholars from six universities and one international non-governmental organization, the manuscripts provide valuable insights into some fundamental educational issues in two African countries, namely, Ethiopia and Somaliland. The editorial outlines the main themes of the manuscripts and the valuable contributions the authors made to the field of education. Focusing on the African context, the editorial also featured paragraphs on some key educational challenges and the vital role scientific research and researchers can play in alleviating the challenges.

BackgroundSexual violence is a major public health problem that affects the health and well-being of millions of young people. Housemaids are the most vulnerable group to sexual violence due to their nature of work. It leads to various physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health problems, especially in our country's context. However, they have limited information regarding the magnitude and the factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and risk factors for sexual violence among female housemaids attending night school in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022.MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 340 housemaids attending night school in Bahir Dar city from May 15 to June 20, 2022. Participants were selected using simple random sampling through computer-generated techniques. An interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire was used. Data were entered, coded, and cleaned using EPI Data version 4.6.0.2, and exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were done to identify factors associated with sexual violence. P-value and 95% confidence interval were used to declare the statistical association.ResultThe magnitude of sexual violence after being a housemaid was 30.3% with a 95% confidence interval (25.3-35.38). Ever had sex [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 4.67; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (2.60, 8.39)], no discussion of sexual and reproductive issues [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 2.32; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (1.29, 4.16)], poor social support [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 2.69; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (1.32, 5.52)], were identified as factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids. Similarly, academic performance [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.96; 95%; Confidence Interval (CI) (0.93, 0.99)], and distance to reach school [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.04; 95%; Confidence Interval (CI) (1.19, 3.48)] were identified as factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids.ConclusionThis study identified that the magnitude of sexual violence among housemaids was high. Housemaids who ever had sex, no discussion of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) with anyone, poor social support, poor academic performance, and distance to reach school were factors associated with sexual violence. Therefore, creating a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) discussion session for housemaids is important for securing their sexual rights.

The objective of this research was to convert xylose into furfural using flax straw-based bifunctional solid acid catalyst. The catalyst was synthesized by impregnation-carbonization and sulfonation processes. The characterization of biochar, Al-biochar, and sulfonated Al-biochar catalyst were carried out by using Brunauer–EmmetTeller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the surface area, total acid density, and SO3H density of sulfonated Al-biochar catalyst were 516.03 m2/g, 4.767 ± 0.23 mmol/g and 1.033 ± 0.1 mmol/g, respectively. The result of FTIR indicated that the presence of the different functional groups such as the phenolic group (-OH), carboxylic group (-COOH), sulfoxide group (-SO3H), and Al-O-Al on the surface of the prepared catalyst. The catalytic performance of the synthesized catalyst was evaluated in a biphasic system of water and 2-methyl tetra hydro furan. The effects of dehydration reaction parameters (reaction temperature, reaction time, and catalyst loading) on the formation of furfural were also studied. The maximum furfural formation was obtained at 180°C, 2 hr, and 0.2 gm of catalyst loading. Under this condition, the yield of furfural was around 64.7%, with a selectivity of 88.0%. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the catalyst in the transformation of xylose into furfural.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to analyze the current status of faculty members’ pedagogical competence in developing 21st century skills at selected universities in Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed-explanatory, sequential research design. It was an investigation done by collecting data from faculty members (n = 322) and students (n = 327) through a questionnaire administered at the selected universities. It also used 10 interviewees and three classroom observations. The result showed that faculty members’ performance on 21st century teaching and learning competencies such as developing skills in critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and innovation, collaboration, communication, and information communication technology could not be considered satisfactory. The findings suggested that urgent interventions needed to be undertaken to develop university faculty members’ 21st century pedagogical competence in the selected universities of Ethiopia.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the perception and practices of primary school English teachers on the role of lesson study (LS) in improving classroom practices in Bahir Dar City Administration, Ethiopia. To attain the purpose of the study, a mixed methods research approach with an embedded quasi-experimental design was used. Questionnaires, interviews, and observations were used to collect data pertinent to the study. Data collected through these methods were analyzed quantitatively using percentage, descriptive statistics, paired and independent sample t-test and qualitatively through description and narration. After 6 weeks of intervention, the results of the study showed that primary school English teachers’ perceptions in LS and classroom practices have improved. The results also showed that those teachers who took part in lesson study performed better in preparing, enacting, and reflecting on their content plans. In addition, the paired sample t-test showed that there is a significant difference in mean value in the post-test (44.912) and the pre-test mean value (21.33), revealing that the post-test preferences are better. The independent sample t-test also showed a significant difference in the post-test results of the control and experimental groups. Thus, it is possible to conclude Lesson Study fostered collaboration work with colleagues improves teachers’ competence.

Article highlights Built semantic segmentation models using machine learning classifiers (SVM and RF), and deep learning using LinkNet with ResNet34 as encoder techniques. Presents the semantic segmentation for land cover classification. Compare and contrast the machine learning classifiers and deep learning techniques performance.

Welcome to the third issue of Bahir Dar Journal of Education for the year 2023. In this issue, we publish eight manuscripts authored by a total of seventeen scholars. They cover a variety of topics pertaining to education. From the challenges faced in implementing 21st-century skills, authentic learning, and time management to parents' concerns over television viewing’s impacts on children's education and well-being, the papers attempt to address various educational challenges. Each manuscript brings unique insights and recommendations that collectively contribute to the ongoing quest for quality education.

This study aimed to investigate how instructors at three Ethiopian universities conceptualize and practice 21st century skills in classrooms. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative case study design was employed. Using a purposive sampling method, three universities in the Amhara national regional state of Ethiopia were selected. From these universities, ten participants were selected purposively. Semi-structured interviews and observation were used to collect data essential for the study. The data collected through these methods were thematically analyzed. The results revealed that participants had a limited understanding of 21st century skills. To be specific, their conceptions reflected the conventional pedagogical approach rather than the pedagogy of the 21st century. On the other hand, participants believe that 21st century skills are important for both instructors and their students. However, they had difficulties to practice these skills in the teaching-learning process. Finally, the implications of these findings for future research and policy initiatives are presented.

This article is mainly a reaction paper that reflects on the views and positions of Wraga and Hlebowitsh (2003) concerning the crisis and renaissance of the curriculum field. In doing so, a brief critical review of the two authors’ views with regard to the ups and downs that the curriculum field has passed through, and most importantly, the crisis it faced as it went through its formative period was made. The article also endeavored to show the efforts of different curriculum scholars, including the proposals of these two authors, to rescue the field from its total collapse. Next to this, my reflections on the views and positions of the two authors vis-à-vis the current state of the field and the proposals they presented to solve its crisis are highlighted. The paper also tried to reflect on the current state of the Ethiopian curriculum field based on some personal experiences and observations. Accordingly, it revealed that many of the signs of curriculum crisis are prevalent in contemporary Ethiopia. Finally, concluding remarks and lessons to be learned from this article are included

Using the four major philosophies of education (Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, and Social Reconstructionism) as its theoretical framework, this study examined the perceptions of teacher educators about the functions of education in Ethiopia. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and employed the case study as a design. Through a purposeful criterion-based sampling technique, six teacher educators from Bahir Dar University were selected as participants in the study. Data pertinent to the study were collected through semi-structured interviews and document reviews. The data collected through these methods were thematically analyzed. The results of the study revealed the existence of multifarious perceptions among teacher educators. To be specific, the teacher educators were found to be proponents of the perennialist, essentialist, and progressivist educational purposes. As far as the function of education in Ethiopia was concerned, the study revealed that the perennialist and essentialist purposes of education were dominant. Educational purposes advocated by the progressive educational philosophy were also found to be important. The social reconstructionist function of education, however, was not given an adequate place. Finally, the implications of these findings for the country’s teacher education programs and policymaking initiatives are indicated.

The purpose of this study was to examine the place of some gender issues in curriculum materials of Ethiopia. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative content analysis was made on the country’s Grade Eight English textbook. The analysis was conducted on two interrelated categories: nature of narrations and sensitivity of illustrations. In doing so, a nine-stage content analysis model, developed by Frankel and Wallen (2006), was employed. The analysis revealed that in all of the evaluation criteria, the textbook was gender-biased favoring the male gender. For instance, most of the passages and stories presented in the textbook were narrating the fame, contributions, and achievements of the masculine gender. The study also revealed that the great majority of the role models in the textbook under consideration were representing the male gender. Besides, most of the illustrations presented in the textbook were male-dominated that convey unequal power relationships between the two genders. Overall, from the findings of the present analysis, it was understood that some gender issues that need to be considered while writing a language textbook were not adequately addressed. Finally, the implications of these findings for future research and policy initiatives are briefly indicated.

Using the Social Reconstructionist educational philosophy as a theoretical framework, this study attempts to understand the place of society and major societal issues in the current Education and Training Policy of Ethiopia. To achieve this purpose, an analysis was made both on the manifest and latent contents of the whole policy document. The analysis revealed that in the present Education and Training Policy of Ethiopia, words, concepts, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs that reflect basic ideas of the Social Reconstructionist educational philosophy were not satisfactorily incorporated. Besides, though some society-related concepts were explored, contents dealing with sensitive social, economic, and political problems were not adequately included. Based on the above findings, therefore, it is concluded that the Education and Training Policy of Ethiopia has not satisfactorily echoed society and major societal issues, particularly those that are given much emphasis in the Social Reconstructionist educational philosophy. Hence, towards the end of the article areas of intervention that could possibly ameliorate this problem are highlighted.

This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of principals in managing the implementation process of civic and ethical education curriculum. To accomplish this task, a mixed research approach, using both quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis methods, was employed. Data sources of the study were 300 Grade Eight students and 25 civic and ethical education teachers, from 15 primary schools found in two woredas (districts) of East Gojjam Administrative Zone, Ethiopia. Data collected through questionnaire and interviews were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Accordingly, it was explored that the curriculum of civic and ethical education in primary schools studied has been in the process of ‘implementation’ without sufficient and meaningful support and active involvement of principals. Put differently, primary school principals were not found satisfactorily discharging many of their responsibilities in relation to the implementation process of civic and ethical education curriculum. In view of this, areas of intervention that could possibly mitigate the problem are forwarded.

The purpose of this study was to understand the practice of society-centered instruction in teacher education classrooms. Hence, a qualitative research approach focusing on the phenomenological design was employed. Participants of the study were six teacher educators from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Bahir Dar University. They were selected through purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to collect data essential for the study. An adapted five-stage data analysis model was also used to analyze the data collected through the above methods. The findings of the study revealed that the experience of teacher educators in practicing society-centered instructional methods and assessment techniques was minimal. The study also revealed that the instructional processes in teacher education classrooms of Bahir Dar University were not satisfactorily interconnected with major issues of society. Towards the end of the article, the implications of these findings for classroom practices and policy initiatives are highlighted.

This article considers the degree to which achieving equity in Global North–South research partnerships is possible under current UK funding models. While there has been significant discussion with respect to the decolonisation of research, it will be argued that there is some distance between the language of equity articulated currently by UK funding bodies, and the realities of working as a project partner in the Global South. The article draws on the prior and ongoing experiences of a multidisciplinary team of researchers brought together by a UK-funded research project. In the interests of moving towards more equitable systems of knowledge production and dissemination, it explores the power asymmetries that can be inherent in Global North–South research partnerships, and the extent to which issues of coloniality continue to shape aspects of research agenda setting, project framing, impact, academic publishing and the division of labour within partnerships.

Chickpea is one of the major pulse crops produced for home consumption and income sources. Its productivity is low due to low attention on chickpea production improvement technologies. This study examined chickpea farming system and its production status in wheat-based farming system areas. The purposes of the study were to evaluate the farming system of chickpea, to identify the determinant factors on chickpea technology adoption, and to assess the importance of chickpea in the study area. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data were obtained from a total of 230 randomly selected rural farmers in Ensaro district. Descriptive statistics and complementary log-log methods were used to assess the farming system and the adoption status of the improved varieties. Chick pea is one of the major crops produced and farmers allocated their farm for chickpea production and grow both local and improved varieties. Neighbor farmers, the district office of agriculture and Debre Birhan agricultural research center were the main sources of improved seeds. Chickpea producers obtained more grain yield and farm benefits and better position in household income and expenditure than the non-grower farmers. Farmers who used improved chickpea varieties gained more gross margins from chickpea compared with their counterparts. Farmers near to market, better contact with extension and access to agriculture-related trainings used improved chickpea production technologies. Chickpea contributed for availability of food, income and gross field benefits improvement for the grower farmers. The improved varieties provide more grain yield than the local. Strengthen extension farmers linkage and improve market access contribute for the improvements of chickpea production and rural household income in chickpea growing areas.

This study addresses the question whether an 'attention reminder' in discrete choice experiments (DCE) affects preferences, willingness to pay (WTP), and attribute non-attendance (ANA). We report on an experiment which elicited preferences for livestock market facilities from 960 randomly selected farm households in Ethiopia. Basic diagnostic comparisons of the estimations showed that taste parameters are significantly different and the WTP values of two (out of eight) facilities are different between before and after the reminder. Latent class model based ANA analysis revealed that the reminder has increased fully compensatory choice behavior [full attention] among sample respondents. The mixed logit models estimated in WTP space also showed that the WTP values are slightly smaller for most of the facilities after the reminder. In terms of relative importance, veterinary clinic, fenced shed, and watering trough facilities are the three livestock market facilities valued most by the farm households both before and after the reminder. Our results imply that researchers studying behaviors of rural communities in developing countries using DCEs might be able to address issues related to heuristics if they reminded respondents of the need to pay attention to all elements in the experiment unless understanding the choice decision making process itself is the point of interest. Empirically, livestock market development initiatives need to take into account farmers' clear and consistent prioritization of the market facilities.

Abstract Objectives Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) has been considered as the complex nutritional problem within developing countries. Alleviating its occurrence also exists in an anxiety. A series of studies were conducted to disclose evidences and documented by here author. Moreover key messages were abstracted with this review easing access of texts. Results Due to pitiable sanitary practices 30% of cow milk had massive bacterial isolates like Escherichia coli; while usage of raw milk has been common do. Besides the mean severe household food insecurity was 6.5% and practice of family planning was 30%; whilst family size subsists as predictor for household food insecurity. The habits of exclusive breastfeeding, timely initiation of complementary feeding and apt complementary feeding were 78%, 34% and 11%, respectively with awareness as predictor. On the other hand SAM has been recognized as problem in children and treated mainly in outpatient therapeutic program by curative foods. Yet the provided foods were shared due to severe household food insecurity causing SAM recovery rate intolerable. So children get severely underfed by multidimensional determinants and need multifaceted strategies starting from awareness creation and alleviating household food insecurity.

Abstract Objectives Severely undernourished young children clinically present with a typical nutritional oedema or none-oedematous. However, research evidence is limited on how these types predict treatment outcomes in Ethiopia. This study was aimed to compare oedematous and none-oedematous children for their treatment outcomes in Boloso Sore district in Southwest Ethiopia. Results The overall recovery rate was 396 (68%). From oedematous children; 235 (79.9%) recovered, 18 (6.1%) transferred, 6 (2.0%) defaulted, 3 (1.0%) died, and 32 (11%) remained none-respondents. The treatment outcomes among the none-oedematous children were 161 (55.9%), 12 (4.2%), 4 (1.4%), 3 (1.0%), and 108 (37.5%) in similar order. Treatment outcomes of severely undernourished children in the two arms were statistically different (Χ2 = 5.82, P

Abstract Background Poor complementary feeding practice to infants is one of risk factors for child undernutrition in Ethiopia. This would vary across the culturally and socioeconomically diverse settings in this country. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the proportion of timely initiated complementary feeding practice of women to their children aged 6–23 months in rural Soro district in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A community based crossectional survey was conducted in Soro district from August to September in 2015. Randomly selected 543 women having children aged 6–23 months were the final sampling units for this study. First, local administrative units (kebeles) of residents were randomly selected from such lists in the district. Secondly, the sample size was proportionally allocated to each selected kebele by population sizes. Individual households were selected by systematic random technique. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire through face to face interview. Descriptive statistics was done for univariate results, and we applied bivariate logistic regression to look for crude association, and multivariate logistic regression to model predictors with effect measures and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was decaled at P

Abstract Background Inappropriate complementary feeding is a major contributor of child malnutrition. Previous studies have described complementary feeding practice using a single indicator but combinations of indicators were needed to better explain the role of complementary feeding practices in child growth and survival. So this study aimed to assess the determinants of appropriate complementary feeding practice among mothers of children 6–23 months in rural Damot sore Woreda, Southern Ethiopia by using a combination of indicators. Methods Community based cross sectional survey was carried out in August 2015. The study population comprised of 546 mothers and their children selected using two stage cluster sampling procedure. Data were entered using Epi-data software version 3.1 and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20. Binary and multivariable Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice and statistical significance was determined at the p-value of 0.05. Results The response rate was 93.8%. The study showed that level of appropriate complementary feeding practice was 11.4%, 95% CI (8.8, 14.3). Antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: (1.1, 9.5) and birth order (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: (1.1, 5.1) were found to have a significant association with appropriate complementary feeding practice. Conclusion The study showed only one in eleven mothers practiced appropriate complementary feeding practice for their children aged 6–23 months. Mothers especially during first and second birth order need attention. Moreover, antenatal care follow up should be strengthened and nutrition specific issues should be addressed.

Introduction: Anemia, defined as a low hemoglobin level, is a common condition in pregnancy that can have adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes. Anemia can result from various causes, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, hemolysis, or bleeding. The association between anemia and preeclampsia is not fully understood, but some studies have suggested that anemia may increase the risk of developing preeclampsia, especially in women with iron deficiency or chronic inflammation. Objective: To assess the association of anemia during pregnancy and the risk of developing preeclampsia. Study Design and Setting: A multicenter unmatched case-control study was conducted. The study was conducted from 2 December 2020 to 1 January 2021 in West and North Gojjam zone governmental hospitals, North West Ethiopia. A total of 337 pregnant women (113 cases and 224 controls) who consented verbally and attended antenatal or delivery services were enrolled in the study. Population: The participants of this study were mothers attending attended antenatal care and delivery services. Data Management: The analysis involved manual checking, data entry using EpiData Manager, and subsequent analysis using SPSS version 23, with logistic regression and p-values <0.05 determining statistical significance. Results: Being nonanemic, high consumption of fat related, mid-upper arm circumference ≥25.6 cm, frequent consumption of milk products, and fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A were found to be factors associated with the risk for developing preeclampsia. Conclusion and recommendations: Being nonanemic, diets that are characterized by a high intake of vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables and milk products were significantly associated with a low risk of preeclampsia. On the other hand, high intake of fatty foods and obesity were associated with the development of preeclampsia. Therefore, preventing anemia encouraging and promoting healthy eating habits during pregnancy by including vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables and milk products can effectively prevent the development of preeclampsia., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Context: Health care providers (HCP) experience high stress and burnout rates. Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI) with biofeedback may help improve resiliency but require further research., Design and Study Participants: Aims were to evaluate changes in sleep patterns, nocturnal physiology, stress, mood disturbances, and perceived experience with biofeedback during the Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) intervention. Data from 66 HCP were included after removing those below 75 % compliance with wearable sensors and wellness surveys. Participants were enrolled in MIM, including eight weekly one-hour virtually delivered synchronous group meetings and ∼10 min of mindfulness home practice at least 3 times per week using a mobile application. Participants wore wearable sensors to monitor sleep and nocturnal physiology and completed short daily stress and mood disturbances., Results: According to mixed effect models, no sleep nor physiological metrics changed across MIM (p > 0.05). More time was spent in bed after MIM sessions (8.33±1.03 h) compared to night before (8.05±0.93 h; p = 0.040). Heart rate variability was lower nights after MIM (33.00±15.59 ms) compared to nights before (34.50±17.04 ms; p = 0.004) but was not clinically meaningful (effect= 0.033). Significant reductions were noted in perceived stress at weeks 3 through 8 compared to Baseline and lower Total Mood Disturbance at weeks 3, 5, 6, and 8 compared to Baseline (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Participating in the MIM with mobile applications and wearable sensors reduced perceived stress and mood disturbances but did not induce physiological changes. Additional research is warranted to further evaluate objective physiological outcomes while controlling for confounding variables (e.g., alcohol, medications)., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Open defecation contributes to the spread of different feco-oral diseases. Therefore, access to a latrine is strongly recommended, as it considerably reduces the risks. Even though provision of latrine facilities alone does not guarantee the desired health benefits, they should be integrated with behavior change. In Ethiopia, efforts have been made to increase the coverage of latrine facilities. However, evidence on how consistently households use it is limited. Most prior studies focused on latrine utilization among households, and limited evidence is available about open defecation practices among households with latrines and associated factors. Thus, this study is critical for developing effective intervention approaches to prevent open defecation among households with latrines., Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the open defecation practice and associated factors among households with latrines in rural communities of Ararso District, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2023., Method: A community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed among households with latrines in the district. A total of 632 households latrines were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. The questionnaire was designed in KoboTool box, Humanitarian Response software, and the data were collected using the Kobo Collect version 2023.2.4 mobile application. The data were downloaded from the server in the Microsoft Excel format for data cleaning before being exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were employed to investigate the relationship between outcome and independent variables. Odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals were utilized to assess the association between the outcome and the predictor variables. A P-value of <0.05 was used as the threshold point for statistical significance., Result: In this study, the prevalence of open defecation practice among households with latrines was 32.4% (95% CI: 28.1, 35.9). Sex of the household (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.4), educational status (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.53), family size (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.78), the presence of under-5-year-old children in the house (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.75), the need for latrine maintenance (AOR = 2.37.95% CI: 1.62, 3.48), current status of the latrine (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.48), and latrine cleanness status (being unclean) (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.81) were significantly associated with open defecation practice among households with latrine., Conclusion: The study concluded that open defecation was significantly practiced by households with latrines. This revealed that the presence of a latrine alone was insufficient to considerably reduce open defecation. To alleviate this problem, the government and health workers, in collaboration with the health bureau, should promote frequent sanitation and hygiene education in the communities., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Ismail, Ibrahim, Abdi, Geremew, Mulugeta, Ayele and Cheru.)