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Abstract Background Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in pharmacy is a lifelong learning approach whereby individual pharmacists are responsible for updating and broadening their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This is vital to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care services. However, there is a lack of available data revealing the CPD needs of Ethiopian pharmacists. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify CPD training needs of pharmacists practicing in Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study design with a quantitative approach was employed in this study. This assessment involved 640 pharmacists representing various sectors of the profession. Data were collected through a combination of an online platform and a face-to-face questionnaire administered in person. Result A total of 634 participants completed and returned the questionnaires, resulting in an impressive response rate of 99.1%. A significant majority (74.1%) of the participants possessed bachelor’s degree in pharmacy (B. Pharm). Pharmaceutical Logistics and Pharmacy administration was preferentially selected as a prior CPD course by 36% of participants, of them while Pharmacotherapy (17%), Leadership/Governance (13%), Community Pharmacy (12%), Research and Development (11%) were also the subsequent top choices by participants. Off-site face-to-face lectures (59.2%), Hybrid (face-to-face + e-learning) (54.8%), and on-site on-the-job training (45.5%) were the most convenient means of CPD course delivery. On the other hand, the participants least favored print-based or correspondence programs for CPD course delivery. Conclusions CPD holds great importance in the professional lives of pharmacists. It is critical for pharmacists, CPD providers, and those responsible for accrediting CPD programs to recognize the specific CPD requirements, preferred methods of delivery, and obstacles involved. This understanding is vital for establishing priorities and effectively planning CPD activities. In light of this, our study identified the most preferred CPD training courses and convenient delivery methods for pharmacists in Ethiopia. We recommend that CPD providers and accrediting bodies in Ethiopia refer to our findings when approving CPD courses.

Abstract In recent years there has been a surge of interest in the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address the global threat of climate change. Here, we consider climate change applications, and review the ability of AI technologies to better quantify climate change-induced hazards, impacts and risks, and address key challenges in this domain. We focus on three application areas: data-driven modeling, enabling uncertainty quantification, and leveraging geospatial big data. For these, we provide examples from flood-related applications to illustrate the advantages of AI, in comparison to alternative methods, whilst also considering its limitations. We conclude that by streamlining the process of translating weather and climate data into actionable information, facilitated by a suitable technology framework, AI can play a key role in building climate change resilience.

BackgroundSuboptimal adherence to cardiac pharmacotherapy, recommended by the guidelines after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been recognized and is associated with adverse outcomes. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that eHealth technologies are useful in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. However, little is known about the effect of eHealth interventions on medication adherence in patients following ACS. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of the eHealth interventions on medication adherence to selected 5 cardioprotective medication classes in patients with ACS. MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted between May and October 2022, with an update in October 2023 to identify RCTs that evaluated the effectiveness of eHealth technologies, including texting, smartphone apps, or web-based apps, to improve medication adherence in patients after ACS. The risk of bias was evaluated using the modified Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs. A pooled meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effect Mantel-Haenszel model and assessed the medication adherence to the medications of statins, aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and β-blockers. ResultsWe identified 5 RCTs, applicable to 4100 participants (2093 intervention vs 2007 control), for inclusion in the meta-analysis. In patients who recently had an ACS, compared to the control group, the use of eHealth intervention was not associated with improved adherence to statins at different time points (risk difference [RD] –0.01, 95% CI –0.03 to 0.03 at 6 months and RD –0.02, 95% CI –0.05 to 0.02 at 12 months), P2Y12 inhibitors (RD –0.01, 95% CI –0.04 to 0.02 and RD –0.01, 95% CI –0.03 to 0.02), aspirin (RD 0.00, 95% CI –0.06 to 0.07 and RD –0.00, 95% CI –0.07 to 0.06), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (RD –0.01, 95% CI –0.04 to 0.02 and RD 0.01, 95% CI –0.04 to 0.05), and β-blockers (RD 0.00, 95% CI –0.03 to 0.03 and RD –0.01, 95% CI –0.05 to 0.03). The intervention was also not associated with improved adherence irrespective of the adherence assessment method used (self-report or objective). ConclusionsThis review identified limited evidence on the effectiveness of eHealth interventions on adherence to guideline-recommended medications after ACS. While the pooled analyses suggested a lack of effectiveness of such interventions on adherence improvement, further studies are warranted to better understand the role of different eHealth approaches in the post-ACS context.

Background: Doping is appearing as a major problem in Ethiopia, a country decorated with medium and long-distance runners. To protect athletes from doping, pharmacists can be the first port of call for advising athletes on drug treatment. Hence, to fuel the anti-doping movement, it is crucial to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice of community pharmacy professionals. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the community pharmacy professionals’ knowledge, attitude, and practices towards doping in sports in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey, involving 336 study participants, was conducted in selected community pharmacies of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from April to May 2018. Results: Of 336 study participants, most of them knew the word “doping” and out of these, 51.9 % of them wrote the definition of doping correctly. Most respondents classified narcotics, hormone modulators, growth factors, and β-2 agonists correctly. Almost one-third of the professionals agreed that they have adequate information about doping and that doping is a public health problem. Among the participants, only 33.4 % were confronted with ''suspicious of doping substance” without a prescription over the last 12 months. Conclusions: Although most pharmacy professionals lack doping-specific knowledge and adequate training required to be operative in doping prevention, most of them perceive doping as a public health problem although the curriculum does not have good coverage about doping.

Abstract Introduction Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent mental disorders in the general population and are expected to be the number one global burden of disease by the year 2030. They are also common comorbid conditions for patients with tuberculosis. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of symptoms of depression, and anxiety and their associated factors among patients with tuberculosis attending Gondar city health facilities. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 01 to 30/2020. A census sampling technique was employed to select 390 patients. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and a standardized hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to measure the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Data were entered in Epi-Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were computed to identify factors associated with the symptoms of depression and anxiety. P-value 12 months were associated positively ([AOR = 3.60; 95% CI (2.74, 4.43)], and [AOR = 3.19; 95% CI (2.17, 4.19)]) for both depression and anxiety respectively. Separate analyses revealed that the prevalence of symptoms of depression was 55.9% (95% CI (51.0%, 60.3%) and was significantly associated with duration of illness 4–6 months and > 12 months (AOR = 1.21; 95% CI (1.17, 2.73)] and [AOR = 2.36; 95% CI (2.16, 3.79)], comorbid chronic disease (AOR = 0.12; 95% CI (0.08, 0.91)] and perceived stigma [AOR = 0. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 39.5 percent, with 95% confidence intervals of 34.6% and 44.6%, and it was significantly associated with comorbid chronic disease [AOR = 2.53; 95% CI (1.96, 6.32)] and perceived stigma [AOR = 3.31; 95% CI (1.22, 7.74)]. Conclusion The prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety was high. Duration of illness, comorbid chronic disease, and perceived stigma were significantly associated with symptoms of depression. Comorbid chronic disease and perceived stigma were significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety.

Sorghum is the most popular crop in arid and semi-arid areas, especially in Sub-Saharan African countries. Genotype effects, environmental and the interaction of genotype by environmental factors have an influence on phenotypic traits. The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between grain yield and other yield-related traits and select the genotypes which perform better in grain yield as well as to examine the association between the uncorrelated phenotypic traits and grain yield via mixed model. The data was generated using a lattice square design. Principal component analysis was used to generate uncorrelated variables for the mixed model. The study revealed that there was a difference in grain yield due to the treatment and there was a pairwise relationship among the phenotypic variables. 77.12% of the total variance of the original phenotypic variables was explained by the first three principal components and decided to use PCAs as input variables for the mixed model. All PCs had significant effects on grain yield as well as grain yield variability due to random effects associated with genotypes, genotype interaction by treatment, and replication within the treatment. The variability of grain yield due to genotype effect was explained about 45.73%, the variation of grain yield due to the interaction of genotype by the treatment was also explained about 39.06% and 1.55% of the variation of grain was explained by replication within treatment. The best performer genotypes recommended for mass production were G40 (Genotype 40), G186 (Genotype 186) and G196 (Genotype 196) without any constraint of environment. The genotypes recommended for mass production under irrigation conditions were G40 (Genotype 40), G62 (Genotype 62) and G192 (Genotype 192). G26 (Genotype 26), G55 (Genotype 55) and G49 (Genotype 49) were the genotypes recommended for mass production under stress conditions. Overall, the study recommends using a mixed model to fit the grain yield, and future work will focus on to evaluate the performance of genotypes under different environments and years of production.

The innovation platforms (IP) concept was adopted in Sudan as an effective multi-stakeholders approach for sustainable agricultural R4D. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the IP approach in enhancing wheat production and contributing to food security in Sudan. Six community-based IPs were established in four states. A range of activities were implemented within IPs including technology demonstration, seed production, capacity strengthening, field days, etc. A total of 440 farmer-managed demonstration plots were conducted and yields up to 6.0–8.0 t/ha achieved in some fields. The 4-year average yield across all IPs was 3.8 t/ha compared to the national average of 2.3 t/ha. A total of 2031 (66.6% female) trainees participated in 31 training courses targeted all stakeholders along the value chain. A total of 4335 tons of seeds produced and distributed to seed producers and farmers. More than 2500 tons of seeds produced by farmers diffused to neighbouring farmers. Due to the raised awareness of improved varieties, demand for quality seeds increased. Overall, more than 15,700 (31% female) stakeholders were directly reached. Coupled with enabling production measures, improved technologies encouraged national wheat production and productivity to significantly increase since 2011/2012 by 118,000 ton/year and 0.39 ton/ha/year, respectively. The IP approach was able to engage all stakeholders and brought changes in the attitude of many of them. The IP concept was adopted for technology dissemination and enhancing interaction among stakeholders of a number of crops in Sudan.

The classical model only provides a correct analysis if all the effects are fixed. For experiments that include fixed and random effects, the general linear mixed model is appropriate for handling the non-normal distributed response variables. The aim of this study is to perform the genotype selection through a generalized linear mixed model and identify the impact of treatment and the related traits on grain yield. The data were collected using a lattice square design and measured the phenotype traits of sorghum. The result of PCA was used as an input variable for the general linear mixed model. The data analysis was performed using a general linear mixed model with maximum likelihood methods to estimate the parameters of the model. The result showed that the grain yield had a gamma distribution and a treatment effect on grain yield. The first principal component was significant for grain yield. The variability of grain yield due to the random effects of replication within treatment, genotype, and the interaction of genotype by treatment were significant. The best genotypes effective for the mass production of sorghum were G137, G66 and G156 under stress conditions and G55, G41 and G78 under irrigated conditions. Overall, genotype selection using a general linear mixed model for grain yield is recommended for genotype selection of plant breeding.

Data analysis using the General linear model assumes the factors to be fixed effects, and the BLUE method, which is based on their mean performance, is appropriate to select the best performing genotypes. The linear mixed model incorporates fixed and random effects that are very important to compare a genotype’s performance through BLUP. The purpose of this study was to identify the best performing genotypes that provided a high grain yield using a mixed model, compare the mean performance of genotypes on grain yield using BLUP and BLUE, and determine the impact of drought on sorghum production in Ethiopia. The experiment used water availability as a treatment, and each replication within the treatment levels used a lattice square design for data collection. The design consisted of 14 × 14 square experimental units (plots) comprising 196 genotypes, where each row of the square was represented as a block receiving 14 genotypes. The phenotypic characteristics were measured for the study. The statistical methods used for the study were ANOVA and the linear mixed model to identify the best performing genotypes of sorghum. The study found that sorghum production was influenced by drought, which restricted sorghum growth due to a shortage of water. The implementation of irrigation increased the grain yield from 2.48 to 3.17 t/ha, indicating that the difference in grain yield between treatments (with and without irrigation) was 0.69 t/ha. The study compared the general linear model and linear mixed model, and the investigation revealed that the mixed model was more accurate than the general linear model. The linear mixed model selected the best performing genotypes in grain yield with better accuracy. It is recommended to use the linear mixed model to select the best performing genotypes in grain yield.

Introduction. In Ethiopia, different medicinal plants have been claimed and used to treat diarrheal diseases. However, these claimed effects for most medicinal plants have not been scientifically verified. One of such plants in Ethiopian folkloric medicine is Moringa stenopetala, which is usually consumed as a vegetable in southern Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal and antisecretory effects of 80% methanolic leaf extract of Moringa stenopetala in different mice models. Method. Using Swiss albino mice, castor oil-induced diarrhea, charcoal meal-based gastrointestinal motility, and castor oil-induced secretion models were employed to assess antidiarrheal activity. In all of the test models, animals were randomly assigned into five groups consisting of six animals in each group. Group I received 0.5 ml of the vehicle (2% tween-80), while group II was treated with standard drug (3 mg/kg loperamide) in the respective models, whereas groups III to V received 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg of the methanolic leaf extracts of Moringa stenopetala. Onset, frequency, consistency, and weight of stool (diarrhea) were recorded, and different parameters and percentage proportions were calculated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test, and p

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown under rain-fed conditions is frequently affected by drought stress at different stages, resulting in reduced grain and biomass yield. The aim of this study was to characterise sorghum landraces and to select farmer-preferred medium-maturing genotypes under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Hundred and ninety-six sorghum accessions were evaluated at Kobo site of the Sirinka Agricultural Research Center in 2014/2015 in Ethiopia. Data collected from 14 traits were subjected to analysis of variance, cluster analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis, path coefficient analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Significant genotypic differences (p

Abstract Background Routine health information systems (RHIS) are vital for the acquisition of data for health sector planning, monitoring, and evaluation. However, in developing countries the insufficient quality of the data produced by RHIS limits their usefulness in decision-making. As routine health information utilization is still low in Ethiopia, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of routine health data utilization and associated factors among health care professionals in some public health institutions in North Gondar, northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April2017, at public health institutions of North Gondar Zone, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 720 health care professionals were selected from public health institutions using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist, cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi-info version 3.5.3 and transferred into SPSS version 20 for further statistical analysis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, a less than 0.05 P-vale was considered statistically significant. Result In this study, the level of good routine health information utilization among health professionals was 78.5% (95% CI: 73.2%, 84.3%). According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, sex (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.47, 3.27), type of institution (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI: 2.39, 5.32), standard indicators (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.90, 5.65), data analysis skills (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.23), and good governance (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.95), were found significantly associated with a good level of health information utilization. Conclusion Over three-fourths of the health care professionals working at public health institutions of North Gondar utilized health information better than the respondents in previous studies. Sex, type of institution, standard indicators, data analysis skills, and governance were factors related to routine health information utilization. Therefore, standard indicators, data analysis skills and good governance are highly recommended for improving routine health data utilization of health care professionals working at public health institutions.

Abstract Background Most of the nearly 104 million underweight children in the world lived in South East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in 2010. According to the 2014 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) report, 24 and 7% of children aged 6–59 months were underweight and severely underweight, respectively. Although appropriate child feeding and nutritional interventions reduce child illness and death, malnutrition remains a leading public health problem in Ethiopia. As literature on the issue is scarce in northwest Ethiopia, this study aimed at determining the prevalence of under-weight and associated factors in children 6–59 months of age in Takusa district, northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February, 2017, at Takusa district, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 645 subjects were selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. Anthro software version 2.02 was used to determine the nutritional status of the children. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with underweight. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with the corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were used to show the strength of associations, and variables with P-values of 35 years), no antenatal follow up during pregnancy, and rural residence were significantly associated with underweight. Therefore, interventions targeting community management of acute malnutrition might be appropriate to manage the problem of underweight; efforts should also be intensified to reduce under-weight by focusing on identified determinants.

Purpose: Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has been cultivated for centuries as a staple food crop for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. In Ethiopia a total of 4.34 million tons of sorghum is being produced per annum, predominantly in the arid and semi-arid areas. However, the yield and quality of sorghum is affected by a wide array of production constraints, notably severe and recurrent drought stress. The aim of this study were to determine the impact of drought on sorghum production and productivity over time and space, and to identify farmers’ trait preferences, production constraints and coping strategies when dealing with drought in north eastern Ethiopia. Materials and methods: Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was employed in three administrative zones of north eastern Ethiopia. One Woreda from each Zone and two Kebeles from each Woreda were selected on the basis of sorghum area coverage, production, consumption and prior information on the intensity, duration and spatial coverage of drought. In each kebele, 30 respondents were selected for interview and 12 key informants were selected for group discussions and transect walk personal observations. Data collected from 180 respondents was subjected to statistical analysis and the information gathered from 72 key informants through focus group discussions and transect walk observations were used in discussing the results. Results and discussion: The present study found that productivity of sorghum was challenged by recurrent droughts, Striga infestation, insects, birds, diseases, a lack of varieties with farmers-preferred traits and high yield potential, limited policy support, a lack of improved seed system, poor sorghum production practices and application of crop input and poor soil fertility, in a decreasing order of importance. Among the listed sorghum production constraints, severe drought in the post-flowering stage was identified by most interviewed farmers as the leading constraint across the three study zones. Focus group discussions and transect walk observations held in each Kebele revealed that farmers’ had lost numerous valuable local landrace varieties due to extreme drought conditions over the years. A significant number of interviewed farmers preferred to grow high grain and biomass yielder medium-maturing sorghum varieties which can be sown at the normal planting time but which would escape post-flowering drought. Conclusion: Overall, sorghum breeding programme should be directed at developing farmers’ ideal sorghum varieties with high grain and biomass yield, adequate level of drought and Striga tolerance. In addition, development of farmer preferred medium-maturing sorghum varieties suitable for April planting should be strengthen to boost its productivity and to increase varietal adoption rate in the area.

Abstract Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of septicemia, meningitis, and pneumonia in neonates. Maternal colonization with GBS is the principal risk factor for early-onset disease in infants. Group B Streptococcus is now an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. In Ethiopia, few studies have been done on GBS colonization among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GBS colonization, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and assess risk factors among pregnant women. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2014 at selected public antenatal care (ANC) centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Clinical and socio-demographical data were collected using structured questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent. A total of 281 lower vaginal swabs were collected and inoculated into 1 ml Todd Hewitt Broth supplemented with gentamicin and nalidixic acid to prevent the growth of contaminants. After overnight incubation, all broths were subcultured on 5% sheep blood agar for isolation of GBS. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to the criteria of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines 2013 by disk diffusion method. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used. P-value

Abstract Background Many people still experience pain and inflammation regardless of the available drugs for treatments. In addition, the available drugs have many side effects, which necessitated a quest for new drugs from several sources in which medicinal plants are the major one. This study evaluated the analgesic and anti- inflammatory activity of the solvent fractions of Moringa stenopetala in rodent models of pain and inflammation. Methods Successive soxhlet and maceration were used as methods of extractions using solvents of increasing polarity; chloroform, methanol and water. Swiss albino mice models were used in radiant tail flick latency, acetic acid induced writhing and carrageenan induced paw edema to assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The test groups received different doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) of the three fractions (chloroform, methanol and aqueous). The positive control groups received morphine (20 mg/kg) or aspirin (100 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg) based on the respective models. The negative control groups received the 10 ml/kg of vehicles (distilled water or 2% Tween 80). Results In all models, the chloroform fraction had protections only at a dose of 400 mg/kg. However, the methanol and aqueous fraction at all doses have shown significant central and peripheral analgesic activities with a comparable result to the standards. The aqueous and methanol fractions significantly reduced carrageenan induced inflammation in a dose dependent manner, in which the highest reduction of inflammation was observed in aqueous fraction at 400 mg/kg. Conclusion This study provided evidence on the traditionally claimed uses of the plant in pain and inflammatory diseases, and Moringa stenopetala could be potential source for development of new analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract Background In Ethiopia, plant based remedies are still the most important and sometimes the only source of therapeutics in the management of livestock diseases. However, documentation of this indigenous knowledge of therapeutic system still remains at a minimum level. The aim of this study was, thus, to document the traditional knowledge of botanical ethnoveterinary therapies in the agro-pastoral communities of Fafan Zone, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional participatory survey. Purposive sampling technique was applied to select key respondents with desired knowledge in traditional animal health care system. Data were gathered from a total of 24 (22 males and 2 females) ethnoveterinary practitioners and herbalists using an in-depth-interview complemented with group discussion and field observation. Results The current ethnobotanical survey indicated that botanical ethnoveterinary therapies are the mainstay of livestock health care system in the studied communities. A total of 49 medicinal plants belonging to 21 families, which are used by traditional healers and livestock raisers for the treatment of 29 types of livestock ailments/health problems, were identified in the study area. The major plant parts used were leaves (43%) followed by roots (35%). In most cases, traditional plant remedies were prepared by pounding the remedial plant part and mixing it with water at room temperature. Conclusion The various types of identified medicinal plants and their application in ethnoveternary practice of Fafan zone agro pastoralists indicate the depth of indigenous knowledge in ethnobotanical therapy. The identified medicinal plants could be potentially useful for future phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Abstract Background Using reliable information from routine health information systems over time is an important aid to improving health outcomes, tackling disparities, enhancing efficiency, and encouraging innovation. In Ethiopia, routine health information utilization for enhancing performance is poor among health workers, especially at the peripheral levels of health facilities. Therefore, this study aimed to assess routine health information system utilization and associated factors among health workers at government health institutions in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at government health institutions of East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia from April to May, 2013. A total of 668 health workers were selected from government health institutions, using the cluster sampling technique. Data collected using a standard structured and self-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi-info version 3.5.3, and transferred into SPSS version 20 for further statistical analysis. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 at multiple logistic regression analysis were considered statistically significant factors for the utilization of routine health information systems. Results The study revealed that 45.8% of the health workers had a good level of routine health information utilization. HMIS training [AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.60, 4.62], good data analysis skills [AOR = 6.40, 95%CI: 3.93, 10.37], supervision [AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.42, 4.75], regular feedback [AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.38, 3.51], and favorable attitude towards health information utilization [AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.78, 4.54] were found significantly associated with a good level of routine health information utilization. Conclusion More than half of the health workers working at government health institutions of East Gojjam were poor health information users compared with the findings of others studies. HMIS training, data analysis skills, supervision, regular feedback, and favorable attitude were factors related to routine health information system utilization. Therefore, a comprehensive training, supportive supervision, and regular feedback are highly recommended for improving routine health information utilization among health workers at government health facilities.

Genotype-environment interaction (GxE) is a common phenomenon in sorghum. The effect of GxE can be reduced by identifying stable genotypes across environments. An investigation was conducted to study yield stability and adaptability of 13 sorghum genotypes across six environments. Additive Main-effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), Genotype and Genotype-Environment interaction (GGE), and stability analyses were computed. The AMMI analysis explained 68.67% of the GxE variance, while GGE captured 74.41% of the GGE variance. GGE analysis identified Kobo (KB13 and KB14) as a suitable environment for selecting generally adapted lowland sorghum genotypes. The GGE and the stability analyses further identified G13 and G2 as the least and the most desirable sorghum genotypes, respectively. Genotype G2 has high level of adaptability to the northeastern parts of Ethiopia, as evidenced by its high-yielding ability, stability and early maturity. This genotype (G2; WSV-387 x E-36-2) was released with the approval of the National Variety Release Committee in 2017. Need-based large volume seed production, dissemination over a wider area and the consequent adoption of the variety by target farmers would be convenient and fast.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are the major limiting factor for the successfulness of livestock production throughout the world. Emergence of resistance strains as well as scarcity and high cost of the currently available drugs has led to the evaluation of other alternative helminth control options, mainly from plants. The current study is aimed at investigating the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of crude methanolic extracts of two traditionally important medicinal plants, Artemisia herba-alba and Punica granatum, against Haemonchus contortus using adult motility assay (AMA) and egg hatch inhibition assay (EHIA). Four graded concentrations of the extracts were tested for both the AMA (10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 mg/mg) and EHIA (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) in replicates. Albendazole and phosphate-buffered saline (AMA) or distilled water (EHIA) were used as the positive and negative controls, respectively. The crude extracts of A. herba-alba and P. granatum exhibited a potential anthelmintic activity at all dose levels in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. The highest concentration (10 mg/mL) of all the extracts caused a significantly (p

Despite the number of patients enrolled in ART is increased, HIV/AIDS continues to constitute a significant proportion of medical admissions and risk of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. As one of these countries, the case in Ethiopia is not different. The aim of this study was thus to assess reasons for hospitalization, discharge outcomes, and predictors of inpatient mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH), Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. Prospective observational study was conducted in medical wards of JUSH from February 17th to August 17th, 2017. In this study, 101 PLWH admitted during the study period were included. To identify the predictors of mortality, multiple logistic regression analysis was employed. Of the 101 hospitalized PLWH, 62 (61.4%) of them were females and most of them (52.5%) were between 25 and 34 years of age. A majority (79.2%) of the study participants were known HIV patients, before their admission. Tuberculosis (24.8%), infections of the nervous system (18.8%), and pneumonia (9.9%) comprised more than half of the reasons for hospitalization. Moreover, drug-related toxicity was a reason for hospitalization of 6 (5.9%) patients. Outcomes of hospitalization indicated that the overall inpatient mortality was 18 (17.8%). The median CD4 cell counts for survivors and deceased patients were 202 cells/μL (IQR, 121–295 cells/μL) and 70 cells/μL (IQR, 42–100 cells/μL), respectively. Neurologic complications (AOR = 13.97; 95% CI: 2.32–84.17, P=0.004), CD4 count ≤ 100 cells/μl (AOR = 16.40; 95% CI: 2.88–93.42, P=0.002), and short hospital stay (AOR = 12.98, 95% CI: 2.13–78.97, P=0.005) were found to be significant predictors of inpatient mortality. In conclusion, opportunistic infections are the main reason of hospitalization in PLWH.

Background. Malaria is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Moreover, the emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs is a major problem in controlling the disease. This makes the development of novel antimalarial drugs a necessity. Medicinal plants are important sources in discovering antimalarial drugs. Schinus molle is claimed for its antimalarial effect in Ethiopian folkloric medicine and endowed with in vitro antiplasmodial activity. In the present study, the in vivo antimalarial activity of the plant was investigated. Methods. Acute toxicity was carried out using a standard procedure. To screen the in vivo antimalarial potential of the S. molle against Plasmodium berghei (ANKA), a 4-day suppressive test was employed. The extracts and fractions were given to infected mice by oral gavage at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day for four consecutive days. Parameters such as parasitemia were then evaluated. Results. Any sign of toxicity was not observed in the oral acute toxicity test. The crude extracts and solvent fractions exerted a significant (p

Malaria, caused by apicomplexan parasite, is an old disease and continues to be a major public health threat in many countries. This article aims to present different aspects of malaria including causes, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment in an articulate and comprehensive manner. Six Plasmodium species are recognized as the etiology of human malaria, of which Plasmodium falciparum is popular in East and Southern Africa. Malaria is transmitted mainly through Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus, the two most effective malaria vectors in the world. Half of the world’s population is at risk for malaria infection. Globally, the morbidity and mortality rates of malaria have become decreased even though few reports in Ethiopia showed high prevalence of malaria. The malaria parasite has a complex life cycle that takes place both inside the mosquito and human beings. Generally, diagnosis of malaria is classified into clinical and parasitological diagnoses. Lack of clear understanding on the overall biology of Plasmodium has created a challenge in an effort to develop new drugs, vaccines, and preventive methods against malaria. However, three types of vaccines and a lot of novel compounds are under perclinical and clinical studies that are triggered by the occurrence of resistance among commonly used drugs and insecticides. Antiadhesion adjunctive therapies are also under investigation in the laboratory. In addition to previously known targets for diagnostic tool, vaccine and drug discovery scientists from all corner of the world are in search of new targets and chemical entities.

Background. Despite a substantial scientific progress over the past two decades, malaria continues to be a worldwide burden. Evergrowing resistance towards the currently available antimalarial drugs is a challenge to combat malaria. Medicinal plants are a promising source of new drugs to tackle this problem. Thus, the present study aimed at evaluating the antiplasmodial activity of Terminalia brownii in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Methods. A 4-day suppressive test was employed to evaluate the antimalarial effect of 80% methanol and aqueous bark extracts of T. brownii against P. berghei in Swiss albino mice. Results. The in vivo acute toxicity test indicated that both extracts of T. brownii did not cause mortality. The 4-day early infection test revealed that the 80% methanol and aqueous extracts exhibited a significant inhibition of parasitemia p

Introduction. Ethiopia has a high incidence of unwanted pregnancies and incomplete and unsafe abortions, particularly among adolescents. This can be avoided by using different contraceptive methods including emergency contraceptives (EC). This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of EC among female college graduating students in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 female students selected from two randomly selected colleges. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 20.1. Level of significance was taken at P