• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2014

Background: Health care professionals (HCPs) are at high risk of contracting blood-borne infections due to their occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). The incidence of these infections among HCPs are higher in low income countries such as Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of occupational exposure to BBFs and its associated factors among HCPs in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used from October 1, 2012 to October 30, 2012. Three hundred and seventeen HCPs were included in the study using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors related to exposure to BBFs. Results: Two hundred and nine (65.9%) HCPs were exposed to BBFs in the past year, of which 29.0% were needlestick injuries. Work experience [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56-10.91], inconsistent use of gloves (AOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04-3.43), and not complying with standard precautions (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.00-3.22) were the factors associated with occupational exposure to BBFs. Conclusion: A high proportion of HCPs was exposed to BBFs in this study. Occupational exposure to BBFs was determined by the use of gloves and not complying with standard precautions. Ensuring the availability of gloves, training about standard precautions, and motivation of HCPs to implement standard precautions should be emphasized to avoid such exposures.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a two-year global health project to improve maternal and child health (MCH) in Ethiopia. Methods: This is a descriptive case study. The target area is Kilte Awlaelo Woreda in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. A baseline survey was conducted to identify the needs of community residents and health care professionals. A MCH program was developed according to a project design matrix that included: infrastructure renovation of health centers; continuing education for midwives, nurses, and health extension workers (HEWs); and improvement of residents' MCH awareness. Project evaluation will examine the structure, process, and outcomes of the program. Results: The baseline survey showed low rates of family planning (31%) and antenatal and postnatal care use (36.1% and 69%, respectively). The institutional birth rate was 13.5%. Midwives and nurses received 2~4 educational programs about family planning and perinatal care. HEWs were also given practical education. Water and electrical infrastructure of all five health centers in the Kilte Awlaelo Woreda were renovated. Additionally, medical supplies and equipment were provided. Community health education on perinatal care, family planning, and personal hygiene was presented. Conclusion: This study highlights the role of nursing in global health and provides basic information on the development and outcomes of the global health project.

• CELLMED
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.8.1-8.6
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• 2014

Despite the remarkable advancements of the modern medicine, the traditional system of medicine (TSM) still serves as a potential primary health care modality in the in low- and middle-income countries. The recent reports suggest that there is a renewed interest has been observed towards TSM in the developed countries too, because of the adverse side-effect of modern medicines. Medicinal plants have been widely serving as a rich source of therapeutic agent. Ethiopia is one of the most reserves rich countries in the world. It is renowned for well-diversified and natural resources in terms of its unique flora and fauna. Ethiopian deep-rooted tradition and culture largely depends on the usage of plants for their religious ceremonies, impressive festivals, traditional medicinal uses and other basic necessities. The present scrutiny is an attempt to understand the omnipotent nature of an Ethiopian Ethnomedicinal plant called Tinjute [vernacular name (local native language, Amharic); Otostegia integrifolia]. There are several studies suggest that Tinjute can be used as a natural medicine or health-promoting agents for various disorders and ailments. Nevertheless, in Ethiopia, it is renowned as an insect repellent to drive-away insect vector of diseases, particularly mosquitoes in the early evening. However, there are many more issues and challenges which must be urgently addressed to scientifically formulate various potent, efficacious, safe and highly selective phytotherapeutic agents and insects' repellent from the Tinjute plant in the near future.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.77-87
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• 2016

Objectives: This study was conducted to provide data in order to develop effective family planning programs by analyzing the factors which affect contraceptive use among women in Ethiopia. Methods: The community health survey was conducted on women of childbearing age. The research model was developed based on Andersen's Model. A total of 320 respondents were analyzed through Chi-square analysis, t-tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: Contraceptive prevalence rate was 43.1% and most of them were using modern and short-term methods. Among three factor categories, the need factor(unwanted pregnancy experience) was revealed as the most important factor, following enabling factor which was knowing the FP services in health center. Conclusions: These results lead to several conclusions. First, the results imply that programs should focus on women who are in the over 30yr. as well as the poorer economic group and urban residents. Second, to improve the effectiveness of the program, it is important to help them to be motivated themselves and to promote knowledge on various methods. Third, in terms of service delivery, community health workers are expected to take a crucial role. To improve the availability of services, they should provide practical services as those in health center.

• Asian Journal of Business Environment
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.29-34
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• 2020

Purpose: Town of Woldia, a semi-arid region in the Northern Wollo region of Ethiopia, faces water supply shortage in general, though the town possesses a running stream of clean water throughout the year. This study is aimed at analyzing the possibility of using rainwater for water scarcity and non-potable water needs of the Woldia University. A careful study and analysis have been made to assess the feasibility of using rainwater in place of the tap water supply. Research design and methodology: This study was done inside the main campus of Woldia University located in Woldia town. The runoff water from the roof of buildings was studied, by the time of rainfall in the town. Also, the budget needed for implementing a rainwater harvesting system was calculated. Results: The findings of the study clearly indicates that the requirements of the water to use for flushing, cleaning, and washing toilets in the administrative buildings and classrooms can be satisfied by using rainwater as an alternative to tap water. Conclusion: Based on the results the study finds it is benefitable for the Woldia University to install the rainwater harvesting system at the earliest to solve the water problems prevailing in the current situation.

• Journal of Construction Engineering and Project Management
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.24-34
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• 2016

Disputes seem to be synonymous with large-scale construction projects in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors responsible for impacting the performance of Ethiopian public construction projects. To this end, 35 success and failure attributes responsible for impacting the performance of the projects were identified and presented to Ethiopian construction professionals in the form of a structured questionnaire, and responses were collected. The factor analysis conducted on the success and failure attributes influencing no-dispute performance separately resulted in six success factors and five failure factors. Further analysis using stepwise multiple regression indicates that owner competence and interaction among project participants have a positive impact on no-dispute performance. However, conflict among project participants has a negative impact on the no-dispute performance of Ethiopian public construction projects. Although Ethiopia-specific, the results reflect construction management problems common to both developed and developing countries. The findings are expected to help researchers and practitioners gain a better understanding of critical success and failure factors and to help them take proactive measures to avoid disputes in public construction projects.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.11-19
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• 2022

Purpose: Food security is a dynamic concept, which has continuously integrated new dimensions and levels of analysis over the years; this reflects the wider recognition of its complexities in research and public policy issues. Food insecurity is a major challenge for Ethiopia and for many African countries. This paper aims to identify the roles of social enterprises to overcome food insecurity. Research design, data and methodology: The research has focused on one primary question. What are the role of social enterprises to overcome food insecurity? The survey questionnaire was developed and an interview was made using enumerators. A total sample size of 400 sample households was selected randomly using the method of sampling with probability proportionate to size. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods were used for data analysis. Results: Results of the regression analysis show that all of the hypothesized independent variables are significantly and positively affecting post membership income of the sample households. Conclusions: all stakeholders as government, development actors and academic institutions should closely monitor and support social enterprises/cooperatives technically, financially and materially. By doing so, the full potential and contributions of social enterprises in reducing unemployment and solving the social and environmental problems can be effective.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.344-354
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• 2023

Food and feeding habits of large cyprinid fishes (Labeobarbus intermedius, Labeobarbus nedgia, and Labeo forskalii) had been investigated in the upper Blue Nile River, Ethiopia. Four sampling sites were selected and specimens were sampled during the post-rainy (November 2016) and dry (March 2017) seasons by gillnets of 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, and 14 cm mesh sizes. Totally 401 fishes were collected and about 30.4% (122) of the samples were documented with empty guts and 279 (69.6%) of them were with non-empty guts. The whole contents of all non-empty gut specimens were taken, labeled, and preserved using a 5% formaldehyde solution for further analysis. In the laboratory, gut contents were examined and identified using compound and stereo microscopes. The relative importance of different food items in the diet compositions was analyzed using a frequency of occurrence and volumetric analysis. During the post-rainy season, insects and phytoplankton were mostly ingested as food items. However, during the dry season, phytoplankton was the most important food item in the diet of all cyprinid fishes of the river. Based on current study results, L. intermedius and L. nedgia might be omnivores in their diet but Labeobarbus forskalii seemed to be detritivorous.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.23-34
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• 2024

While scientific information on the spatial variation of soda lake Microalgae is important to limnological studies, little information was reported from the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake, Lake Chitu. This study aimed to understand the spatial distribution of the dominant Microalgae taxa in Lake Chitu, Ethiopia. The collection of samples and in situ measurements of some physico-chemical parameters were recorded at three sites for one cycle in November 2021. Fourteen species or genera of Microalgae were identified. Among those, Bacillariophyta were the most important with regard to species abundance and the rarest in species richness. Cyanophyta were the second-most important group in terms of species richness and rarity. Comparatively, all microalgae taxa were rare at both the anthropogenic areas (AA) and the flooding area (FA), which could be mainly due to intensive human and animal intervention and associated with extreme turbidity. Among Cyanophyta, Chroococcus minutus, Microcystis aeruginosa, and Spirulina platensis/fusiformis were predominant at both AA and FA, revealing their adaptation to less clear water and pollution. But S. platensis/fusiformis attained the highest abundance at the FA, indicating their preference for water in a highly nutrient-enriched area. We concluded that the spatial variation of microalgae diversity in relation to water quality parameters has implications for the importance of microalgae as a baseline indicator of water quality assessment tools in lakes.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.219-244
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• 2014

Agricultural extension service in Ethiopia was started in early 1950s with mandate of transferring local research outputs and technologies to farmers, and importing technologies and improved practices from abroad. Extension service provided in this early time was limited to areas surrounding the experiment stations. Since then, Ethiopian Agricultural extension service has passed through at least five stages: the land grant extension system, the Comprehensive Package Programs, the Minimum Package Projects, the Peasant Agricultural Development Program, and the Participatory Demonstration and Training Extension System (PADETS). The comprehensive package extension program was initially implemented in selected pilot areas and eventually to be scaled up to cover about 90% of the farming community within 15-20 years time. The program used demonstration plots managed by development agents and used to train farmers organized through various field days. However, since all of these programs were operational in only small areas, the vast majority of the country was out of their reach. Through Participatory Demonstration and Training Extension System, the extension service in Ethiopia has come under the spotlight and government debates and external reviews are putting additional scrutiny on the system. Despite this long history, the system is still in its infancy in terms of coverage, communication and institutional pluralism. Currently in Ethiopia the Agricultural extension is provided primarily by the public sector, operating in a decentralized manner through which extension is implemented at the district level. Therefore, the main focus of this paper is to scrutinize the past, the present and the future Agricultural extension system in Ethiopia.