AAU Institutional Repository (AAU-ETD)
Addis Ababa University Institutional repository is an open access repository that collects,preserves, and disseminates scholarly outputs of the university. AAU-ETD archives' collection of master's theses, doctoral dissertations and preprints showcase the wide range of academic research undertaken by AAU students over the course of the University's long history.
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The repository contains scholarly work, both unpublished and published, by current or former AAU faculty, staff, and students, including Works by AAU students as part of their masters, doctoral, or post-doctoral research
- All AAU faculty, staff, and students are invited to submit their work to the repository. Please contact the library at your college.
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Recent Submissions
Outcomes of open vs closed reduction with percutaneous pinning of completely displaced pediatric supracondylar fracture of humerus at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, a four-year retrospective study
(Addis Ababa Uinverstiy, 2025) Tefera Belay; Birhanu Ayana; Bahiru Bezabih; Samrawit Esayas
Background: Displaced supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF) are common pediatric injuries. While Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning (CRPP) is the first line treatment, Open Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning (ORPP) is required when closed reduction fails, and when intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging is not available. The comparative functional and cosmetic outcomes of these techniques within our context is not known, leading to variation in perception of surgical practice.
Objective: To compare functional and cosmetic outcomes between CRPP and ORPP for displaced SCHF (Gartland types III and IV) in children at TASH.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study will be conducted, reviewing medical records of all eligible children (<16 years) treated with CRPP or ORPP for displaced SCHF at TASH between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2025. Data on patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and operative details will be collected. Functional and cosmetic outcomes will be assessed using Flynn criteria. Complications including nerve palsy, infection, and malunion will be recorded. Statistical analysis using SPSS version 27 (t-tests, chi-square, regression) will be performed to compare outcomes between the two groups.
Expected Outcomes: the study will provide crucial, localized evidence on the functional and cosmetic outcomes, and specific complications associated with CRPP and ORPP. The finding is expected to inform the development of an evidence based treatment protocol for displaced pediatric SCHF at TASH, aiming to optimize surgical decision making, improve patient outcomes and guide resource allocation.
Assessment of clinical characteristics and outcomes of obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit at two selected public hospitals: A retrospective study.
(Addis Ababa Uinverstiy, 2025) Bezawit Hailu; Lemlem Beza; Bitaniya Debalkew
Background: Obstetric complications remain a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low-resource settings such as Ethiopia. Despite improvements in antenatal care and delivery services, severe obstetric complications requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission continue to pose major challenges, causing feto-maternal morbidity and mortality.
Objective: To assess the prevalence, clinical profiles, and outcomes of obstetric complications among ICU admissions and identify factors associated with maternal mortality in ICU settings.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on all obstetric patients admitted to the ICUs of ALERT and Zewditu Memorial Hospitals from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2025. Data were extracted from medical records using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized patient demographics, obstetric complications, and clinical profile. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of ICU mortality. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Of the 101 obstetric ICU admissions analyzed, the predominant diagnoses were eclampsia (31.7%), postpartum hemorrhage (29.7%), and preeclampsia (27.7%). System specific medical emergencies such as respiratory, renal, infectious, hematologic and neurologic system were observed in two-thirds of patients. The overall in ICU mortality rate was 21.8% (95% CI: 14%-30%). Place of residence emerged as the only significant predictor of ICU
mortality, with women residing outside Addis Ababa exhibiting higher odds of death compared to those from in the city (AOR: 6.17; 95%CI: 1.24–30.73).
Conclusion: Eclampsia, post-partum hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia were the leading causes of ICU admission. strengthening early identification and timely intervention at primary and secondary health care facilities could help reduce the need for ICU admission. Place of residence was the only significant factor associated with in ICU mortality. It is recommended that strengthening referral and transportation systems for obstetric emergencies might help
reduce morbidity and mortality.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Nurses on the Use of Glutaraldehyde in Urology Departments at Three Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-12-08) Tsiyon Nigusie; Messay Mekonnen; Habtamu Aderaw
Background:
Glutaraldehyde is a widely used high-level disinfectant for reprocessing heat-sensitive urological instruments such as endoscopes. Although effective when used properly, improper handling or inadequate knowledge of reprocessing protocols can expose patients to healthcare-associated infections and staff to chemical hazards. Despite its widespread use in Ethiopian hospitals, there is limited data on nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding glutaraldehyde use in urology departments.
Objective:
To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses on the safe and effective use of glutaraldehyde for urological instrument reprocessing in three tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa—Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, and Minilik II Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study conducted from September 1–30, 2025, by including all nurses working in the urology departments of the three hospitals. Data collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, knowledge, attitude, and practice components. A descriptive analysis was used to report the percentages and frequencies. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were analyzed using an Independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation tests.
Results:
A total of 42 urology department nurses participated in the survey. Half of the nurses exhibited average knowledge and only a minority (14.3%) had adequate knowledge.78.6% of nurses demonstrated a strong Positive Attitude toward safety. However, this attitude did not translate into safe practice, as 46.3% of participants demonstrated Inadequate Practice, and only 2.4% achieved an Adequate Practice score. A significant finding was the perceived lack of institutional support: 58.5% strongly disagreed that their workplace provides sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training. Significant difference in the mean overall kAP score is found across the nurses highest professional qualification (p=0.036) and status of nurses on receiving formal training on glutaraldehyde use (p=0.007). Additionally, a significant positive correlation between knowledge-attitude (r=0.238, p0.05), and attitude-practice (r=0.02, p>0.05) was observed.
Conclusion:
Despite a generally positive attitude and a portion of nurses achieving adequate knowledge, the concerning finding of inadequate practice and the strong perception of lack of resource, adequate training and written, facility-specific standard operating procedures brings a critical challenge. Urgent, interventions are needed to prevent patient infection risk and bring occupational health.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Disrespect and Abuse During Childbirth Among Mothers Who Delivered at Public Health Facilities in Sodo Woreda, East Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia.
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-12-06) Mesele Zewdie; Assefa Seme
Background:
In low- and middle-income nations like Ethiopia, violence and disrespect during childbirth are serious global health issues. Maternal health outcomes, human rights, and women's willingness to seek facility-based care are all negatively impacted by such abuses, which range from verbal and physical abuse to denial of informed consent. Evidence is scarce despite increased attention, particularly locally.
Objective:
To assess the prevalence and factors associated with disrespect and abuse during childbirth among mothers who deliver at public health facilities in Sodo Woreda, East Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia, 2025.
Method:
In 2025, a facility-based mixed-methods study was carried out. 427 postpartum mothers provided quantitative data, and 18 mothers and six providers were interviewed for qualitative data. Five domains were used to measure disrespect and abuse: poor rapport, stigma and discrimination, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and failure to meet professional standards. To account for confounding, all variables with a p-value less than 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regression analysis were chosen as potential variables for the multivariable logistic regression analysis. When p – value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals were presented.
Result:
Overall, the prevalence of disrespect and abuse was 42.4%. Physical abuse had been suffered by 18.3% of the mothers, although 64.6% felt that care was provided without their consent, and 67.4% felt that there was poor communication. Only 34.4% of the women felt safe, although 65.6% felt that they were not involved in decision making for their care. There were several variables that were significantly associated with the risk of disrespect and abuse. Women who had a relative with them during childbirth were 34 times more likely than others who did not have anyone with them (AOR = 34.894, 95% CI = 15.208-80.059). However, women who were allowed to deliver in the position of their choice were less likely than others to experience abuse (AOR = 0.062, 95% CI = 0.025-0.152). On the other hand, women who felt supported by healthcare providers were less likely than others to experience disrespect and abuse. Women who felt they received sufficient support were 81% less likely than others to experience disrespect and abuse (AOR = 0.199, 95% CI = 0.085-0.465). Participants reported that there were inadequacies in privacy provisions when delivering services. Even if the doors and window were closed, this practice did not make them feel safe. A participant asserted, ―During service delivery, there were no adequate measures taken to ensure privacy. Apart from closing the door and window, it did not make me comfortable‖ (Interview 9, 37 years). ―I have not seen a lack of respect or abuse in the service delivery process‖ (interview 1, 25 years). Another participant asserts, ―I have seen a lack of respect or abuse in the service delivery process, which is a result of Ethical issues among professionals.
Conclusion and recommendation:
Disrespect and abuse during childbirth remains extremely common in the study area, suggesting deep-seated issues in the quality of care and respect for maternal rights. Respectful Maternity Care needs to be brought into practice at all levels of the health system. This should include introducing standard-of-care training for providers; supportive supervision; and a woman-centered, culturally sensitive facility.
Assessment of the Uptake and Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Slum Areas of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05-24) Rahel Mekonnen; Wakgari Deressa; Muluken Gizaw
Background:
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Cervical cancer is preventable through screening, and vaccination. Despite public health efforts, screening remains low among women in slum areas where socioeconomic vulnerabilities like limited education and poor health seeking behavior further limit the uptake.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to assess the uptake and determinant of cervical cancer screening in selected slum areas of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods:
Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 576 women who live in a selected slum area of Addis Ababa from February to May 2025, using a multistage sampling technique. The study used a mixed method approach. Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data was collected using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Descriptive analysis, binary logistic regression and Multivariable logistic regression were applied to summarize and show association of the quantitative data. Qualitative data was coded using MAXQDA software and analyzed through thematic analysis.
Result:
The study showed the prevalence of cervical cancer screening among women in slum area of Addis Ababa was 25%. Women aged 40 and above had 2.5 times higher odds of screening(AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.43 - 4.58), women with higher education had 4.4 times higher odds of screening (AOR = 4.42; 95% CI: 1.96 - 9.96) and those with good knowledge had 5.37 times higher odds of screening (AOR = 5.37; 95% CI: 3.20 - 8.98), while those practicing health-seeking behaviors were more likely to get screening (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.25 - 3.48). These factors significantly influenced cervical cancer screening uptake in the study population. Qualitative findings showed that low awareness, cultural beliefs, and fear of judgment hindered cervical cancer screening uptake. Discomfort with male healthcare providers and being judged by their community was a key barrier.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Cervical cancer screening uptake in the study area falls significantly short of the global coverage targets set for elimination efforts, indicating a need for substantial intervention. The study found particularly low screening rates among younger women, those with no formal education and with poor health-seeking behavior and limited knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening. Targeted education initiatives and integrated awareness programs are essential to increase screening uptake among vulnerable groups.