Browsing by Author "Getachew Tilahun"
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Item Communication Strategies to Influence Audience Behavior: The Case of Road Traffic Safety Radio Programs in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2009-06) Getachew Tilahun ; Amare AsgedomThis study examined the effect of road traffic safety radio programs on road use behavior of audiences and the communication strategies being employed to achieve this purpose. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were chosen as methods of inquiring for this study. To collect data through a questionnaire for the quantitative survey, a total sample of 180 respondents from two Kebeles of Kirkos Sub-city in Addis Ababa, the study area, were contacted mainly through multi-stage sampling that combines random sampling and stratified sampling. The qualitative approach employed in-depth interviews with 13 audiences and road safety experts, text analysis of six months’ road traffic safety radio programs, and observation of commuters’ actual road use behavior focusing on whether pedestrians use zebra markings when they cross streets. The analysis of data collected revealed that the majority of the respondents are aware of the prevalence and preventability of road traffic injuries. As to the medias’ role in awareness raising and causing behavior change among the public, there is a significant effort of coverage, but because they do not base their efforts on theoretically and practically recommended BCC theories, and due to the fact that the mediated efforts are not backed up by interpersonal communication, it is revealed that actual road use behavior has not yet met expectations or what it is claimed to have been. The study finally attempted to give recommendations for future road safety intervention programs.Item A Critical Analysis of Stakeholders‟ Discourses on the Road Safety Problem in Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2016-11) Getachew Tilahun ; Derib AdoA significant step taken to address the road safety problem in Ethiopia was the formulation of a strategic plan/policy based on UN/WHO‘s recommendation of 2011-2020 as a Decade of Action for road safety. A key notion of the policy was stakeholders‘ collaboration based on the philosophy of shared responsibility and safe systems approach, an approach that promoted understanding and addressing the road and its environment, road users and vehicles as a whole instead of targeting road users alone. A crucial issue for ensuring road safety adopting this approach should be communication among the stakeholders. The purpose of this study was thus to: (1) understand stakeholders‘ conceptualizations of the road safety problem and ways of addressing it (2) explore which road safety knowledge and practices road safety stakeholders incorporate into/exclude from their daily practices; (3) identify impacts of these incorporated/excluded knowledge and practices; and (4) examine how the stakeholders position themselves and others in relation to their role to alleviating the road safety problem. The research was situated in the epistemology of social constructionism, adopted CDA as a theory and method of analysis, and used in-depth interviews, key documents and observation as instruments of data collection. Fairclough‘s three dimensional model of analysis (discourse as text, as discursive practice, and as social practice) was the analytical framework employed to explore the stakeholders‘ social identities, social relations and systems of knowledge and beliefs. Stakeholders uniformly conceptualized road safety in Ethiopia as a serious problem that had to be addressed through their concerted and collaborative efforts. However, they had different, mostly narrow and contradictory, pictures of what road safety is and how it should be addressed. The study has thus confirmed that stakeholders‘ road safety conceptualization was not based on the knowledge/belief systems of the approach that was adopted nationally. Regarding the recontextualization of road safety knowledge and practices, the Ethiopian road safety policy was formulated based on the UN/WHO‘s recommendation for action. In line with the sources, the central call of key documents and players was stakeholders‘ collaboration to address the problem comprehensively working on the five pillars: road safety management, safe roads, safe vehicles, safe road use behavior and post-crash care. However, the practice was far from the claim; the collaboration, if any, was only among the few government institutions, and in the form of submission to dominant players. Disregarding the other key issues, the practice targeted road users, taking them as sole causes of road traffic accidents. Stakeholders‘ construction of the self and others was analyzed to understand their social relations and social identities: how they position themselves and others in relation to their contribution to iv road safety. Stakeholders of both government and private institutions raised several issues by which they constructed themselves favorably and others unfavorably. Each claimed to have been devoted to ensuring road safety, and blamed others for the prevalence of the problem in the country. Road users were no different; they put both government and private institutions as aggravators of the problem involving in unethical practices. Hence, there was not any collaboration among road safety stakeholders and road users to cause positive change. Overall, road safety was framed as the sole subject of a few government institutions that had both historical and political position to policy and practices, but that worked for the perpetuation of the position they held. Despite policy formulations and claims of working accordingly, road safety practice in Ethiopia was influenced by the individual user approach, emphasizing on education and enforcement; as a result, change in road safety knowledge and practice proved to have been so insignificant. On the other hand, although they were not strong enough to influence, emerging road safety discourses/practices were observed; if they were shaped and strengthened, they could positively contribute to change the road safety problem widespread in the country. Finally, theoretical and practical implications of the study were explained, recommendations for the concerned bodies were provided, and potential issues for future studies have been suggested. Key words: road safety conceptualization, road and its environment, stakeholders, road user, vehicle, vision zero, critical discourse analysis, safe systems approach, individual user approach.Item Prevalence and Public Health Significance of Bovine Fasciolis in Selected Sites North Gondar Bordering Lake Tana(AAU, 2005-06) Getachew Jember Bizuneh; Getachew TilahunRetrospective data study of hospital record s showed the lack of awareness about the disease but clinical symptoms and the epidemio logy of the disease revealed its high public health signifi cance in the study area. The results of the study are discussed in comparison with findlll gs of workers in Ethiopia and abroad.Item Prevalence and Public Health Significance of Bovine Fascioliasis in Selected Sites of North Gondar Bordering Lake Tana(2005-06) Getachew Jember; Getachew TilahunOne thousand one hundred and seven local Zebu cattle in two Peasant Associations of Dembia wereda, North Gondar Administrative Zone bordering Lake Tana were examined from September, 2004 to February, 2005. The primary objective was to determine fascioliasis prevalence, characterize hepatic lesions and compare its relationship to parasite burden and faecal egg output, to see the seasonal fluctuation in snail density and magnitude of cerceriae shedding ones. In addition, retrospective data of hospital records were also studied to have a picture of the disease on its public health point of view. Prevalence was determined through coprological examination. For hepatic lesion studies in the abattoir and malacological studies on snails, standard procedures described in texts were implemented. Prevalence was 79.1%. Among the potential risk factors considered, season and age were found to affect the occurrence of fascioliasis significantly (p < 0.05). The monthly prevalence of the disease was peak in the late rainy season (82%). Similarly, egg output (EPG) was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by season and age group where highest burden in the late rainy season and in animals aging between 1.5-5 years old. Out of 200 total livers examined, 53(26.5%) were lightly, 71(35.5%) moderately and 76 (38%) severely affected. Low fluke count (60) was observed in severely affected livers than in moderately (96) affected ones. There is no significant association between fluke burden and intensity of hepatic lesion(r=0.020, p>0.05) and also an inverse correlation between liver lesion and faecal egg output (r=-0.04, p>0.05). All (100%) of the collected snails were Lymnaea truncatula 76% of the snails were found infected. The highest snail density and cerceriae shedding prevalence were obtained in the month of September. Comparison of density and infection proportion with the existing bionomic factors showed that there exists a strong functional relationship between them. XI Retrospective data study of hospital records showed the lack of awareness about the disease but clinical symptoms and the epidemiology of the disease revealed its high public health significance in the study area. The results of the study are discussed in comparison with findings of workers in Ethiopia and abroad.Item Ruminant Fasciolosis: Studies on the Clinical Occurrence, Coprology, Malacology and Abattoir Survey in Debre Birhan and Surrounding Areas .(Addis Ababa Universty, 2006-06) Zerihun Abegaz; Getachew TilahunA study on ruminant fasciolosis in Oebre Berhan and surrounding Peasant Associations was conducted from September 2005 to February 2006. The town of Dchre Berh an and surrounding five Peasa nt Associations fPA '51 within 15 k111 radius namely; Chole, Genal,Zanjera, Wushawushign and Faji kebele were includ ed in these study period. The study consisted of a questiorulaire survey, clinical examination, stud ies on the prevalence offasciolosis in cattle and sheep as well as snail population dynamics and infection rates. During the study period cross sectional surveys, coprologicaJ examination on animals and evaluation of the liver fluke disease with reference to sex, breed, age, body co ndition score and seaso nwere perfonned. At the same time studies were conducted in Oebre Serhan municipal abaltoir,private hotels and restaurants to evaluate the leve l of liver nuke disease damage in slaughtered animals. The methodology and procedures used in the studi es consisted questionnaire survey,coprology_ abattoir survey and malacology. Out of the 246 faecal samples collected fromcattle and 38-1- from sheep 158 (64.23%) and 208 (54.17 %) were found positive for fasciolosis respecti\'ely. Results of the coprologica\ examinations also indicated that the prevalence of tiledisease significantly varied among the study locations and species of animals. The highest infection rate in cattle was found in \Vushawushign (77.5%) and the lowest (53.7%) in Faji kebeles. On the other hand the pre\'alence of ovine fasc iolosis was highest in Genet Giorgls(61.80%) than other kebeles while the lowest prevalence of ovine fasciolosis were recorded in Wushawushignkebele though statistically not significant (P>0.05). Results of the malacological study showed that the major species identified were Lylllnaea natalellSls. L. frllI/cawla, BulillllS IrclllcalllS, B. Jorscalii. Bioll/phi/aria pJefferi. Bim/via, AlleyJlls al/d OllieI' small Plallorbids.From the findings of this study the most abundant snail was BulillllSaccounting (55.60%) followcd by Lymnaed species. Snail population dynamics and their cercanae shedding pattem was higher in late rain season than in the dry season. L. IUllaJellsls was encountered for the first time in thi s area. These snails were recovered from Angolela River at a dislance of about 15 kms on Oebre Berhan-Mendida·Jihur road located at analtiwde 2621 Ill.a.s.l. Of the 223 bovine and 292 ovine cases prcsented to the Debre SirhanVeterinary Clinic 38.56% and 28.77% were coprologically positive for Fasciola infecti on.respectively. The drugs most commonly used for the treatment of fasc iolosis in the clinic were tricalbendazole and albendazole. Analysis of the findings among different age groups also indicated the existence of significant difference in prevalence of fasciolosis both in cattle and sheep (PO. OS). while stastically no significant difference was noted in cattle. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the magnitude of fascioliasis in ruminants in the study area: identify the species of snails incriminated as intemlediate hosts and examine snail infection rates.Item Ruminant Fasciolosis: Studies on the Clinical Occurrence, Coprology, Malacology and Abattoir Survey in Debre Birhan and Surrounding Areas(2006-06) Zerihun Abegaz; Getachew TilahunA study on ruminant fasciolosis in Debre Berhan and surrounding Peasant Associations was conducted from September 2005 to February 2006. The town of Debre Berhan and surrounding five Peasant Associations /PA’s/ within 15 km radius namely; Chole, Genat, Zanjera, Wushawushign and Faji kebele were included in these study period. The study consisted of a questionnaire survey, clinical examination, studies on the prevalence of fasciolosis in cattle and sheep as well as snail population dynamics and infection rates. During the study period cross sectional surveys, coprological examination on animals and evaluation of the liver fluke disease with reference to sex, breed, age, body condition score and season were performed. At the same time studies were conducted in Debre Berhan municipal abattoir, private hotels and restaurants to evaluate the level of liver fluke disease damage in slaughtered animals. The methodology and procedures used in the studies consisted questionnaire survey, coprology, abattoir survey and malacology. Out of the 246 faecal samples collected from cattle and 384 from sheep 158 (64.23%) and 208 (54.17%) were found positive for fasciolosis respectively. Results of the coprological examinations also indicated that the prevalence of the disease significantly varied among the study locations and species of animals. The highest infection rate in cattle was found in Wushawushign (77.5%) and the lowest (53.7%) in Faji kebeles. On the other hand the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis was highest in Genet Giorgis (61.80%) than other kebeles while the lowest prevalence of ovine fasciolosis were recorded in Wushawushign kebele though statistically not significant (P>0.05). Results of the malacological study showed that the major species identified were Lymnaea natalensis, L. truncatula, Bulinus trancatus, B. forscalii, Biomphilaria pfefferi, Bivalvia, Ancylus and other small Planorbids. From the findings of this study the most abundant snail was Bulinus accounting (55.60%) followed by Lymnaed species. Snail population dynamics and their cercariae shedding pattern was higher in late rain season than in the dry season. L. natalensis was encountered for the first time in this area. These snails were recovered from Angolela River at a distance of about 15 kms on Debre Berhan-Mendida-Jihur road located at an altitude 2621 m.a.s.l. Of the 223 bovine and 292 ovine cases presented to the Debre Birhan Veterinary Clinic 38.56% and 28.77% were coprologically positive for Fasciola infection, xi respectively. The drugs most commonly used for the treatment of fasciolosis in the clinic were tricalbendazole and albendazole. Analysis of the findings among different age groups also indicated the existence of significant difference in prevalence of fasciolosis both in cattle and sheep (P<0.05). Sheep with poor body condition were more affected by the disease than sheep with good body condition (P>0.05), while stastically no significant difference was noted in cattle. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the magnitude of fascioliasis in ruminants in the study area; identify the species of snails incriminated as intermediate hosts and examine snail infection rates.Item Study on Comparative Diagnostic Techniques of Fasciolosis in Slaughtered Ruminants at Elfora Export Abattoir Debre Zeit, Ethiopia(2006-06) Meskerem Adamu; Getachew TilahunA study was conducted at ELFORA Export Abattoir, Debre-Zeit in order to compare the different diagnostic techniques in ruminant fasciolosis. The results of standard faecal sedimentation technique for fluke egg quantification was compared to that of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (indirect ELISA) test and liver inspection as well as results of serum enzyme activities. Out of the 324 cattle, 350 sheep and 385 goats slaughtered at ELFORA Export Abattoir, 125 (38.5%), 4 (1.14%) and 2 (0.51%) were found to be positive for lesions of fasciolosis, respectively during post mortem inspection. During faecal examination 108(33%), 4(1.14%) and 2(0.51%) were positive for fasciola eggs in cattle sheep and goats respectively. Further examination on 134 randomly selected samples from cattle revealed that 75%, 29% and 41% were positive using serological, faecal and postmortem examination techniques, respectively. In small ruminants, the prevalence of fasciolosis was low both in coproscopy and indirect ELISA testes: only one out of 68 sheep was positive coproscopically and 3 were positive serologically; and one out of 22 goats tested was positive both at coproscopy and serology examinations. This indicates the high sensitivity of ELISA compared to the others techniques in diagnosing fasciolosis. The overall assessment indicates the relatedness of faecal examination result with ELISA findings, though the test agreement is weak (Kappa 0.236). Similarly, there was a strong relationship between faecal examination and postmortem findings of liver lesions, Kappa value, P=0.758). Out of the 54 cattle with known liver lesions of fasciola 33 (61.1%) were having elevated levels of GGT than normal value for cattle, in support of the above statement, our findings regarding the level of GGT suggest its association with liver lesions encountered at postmortem examination. The level of test of agreement between the liver examination and GGT determination was however moderate (Kappa=0.332). On the other hand the level of LDH has shown to be generally elevated both in negative as well as positive animals for liver lesions indicating the absence of relationship between liver lesions and level of LDH. The use of ELISA is found to be a more reliable diagnostic test than coproscopy in detecting fasciolosis in ruminants.Item Study on the Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis in Awassa Municipal Abattoir and Taenia Saginata in Awassa Town and its Surroundings, Southern Ethiopia(2006-06) Fufa Abunna; Getachew TilahunThe study was made from October 2005 to April 2006 at the Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples Region, Awassa town and its surroundings. It was carried out with the overall objective of providing base line data on the prevalence of C. bovis/T. saginata. A total of 400 carcasses of randomly selected bovine animals were used for the active abattoir survey. The study comprised of an active abattoir survey data collection at Awassa municipal abattoir, questionnaire survey on volunteer respondents and an inventory of pharmaceutical drug stores and shops in Awassa town. Of the 400 carcasses examined during the study period, 105 (26.25%) were infected with C. bovis. The distribution of organs/tissues infected with C. bovis were, heart (11.25%), diaphragm (1.75%), masseter (8.5%), kidney (0.25%), lung (0.5%), shoulder (9%), tongue (3.25%), and liver (0.75%). Analysis of active abattoir survey revealed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05, OR = 3.34) between breeds, but there were no significant differences observed in the infection rates between sex (P > 0.05, 2 = 0.02) and origin (P > 0.05, OR = 0.87) of the animals. The viability test on all isolated bladder worms showed that 44.2% were viable. The tongue, heart, shoulder and masseter muscles had the highest number of viable (11.25%), (9%), (8.5%) cysts respectively. Based on the questionnaire survey, T. saginata taeniosis is a wide spread problem in Awassa town and its surroundings. 64.2 % of the respondents had contracted taeniosis due to T. saginata. The potential risk factors of taeniosis namely, age, sex, religion, occupation, educational levels, raw meet consumption, use of spices during meat consumption and marital status were considered. The prevalence of taeniosis was slightly significant by the age of the respondents (P<0.05 and 2=6.23). There was no association between the prevalence of taeniosis and sex (P> 0.05 and 2 = 0.44). Among Muslim and Christian communities, it was found that there was a statistical significant difference in the prevalence of taeniosis (P<0.05 and OR = 5.34), higher in the Christian communities. Statistical analysis indicated that there was a significant difference between occupation between low and high-risk groups (P<0.001 and 2 = 15.79). Educational backgrounds had no significant association with the prevalence of taeniosis (P>0.05 and OR = 0.71). The prevalence of taeniosis was highly significant (P<0.001 and OR = 8.47) in the raw meat eaters as compared to those consuming cooked meat. The use of spices xi during meat consumption was analyzed and found to be significant in those who had the habit of using spices with meat (P<0.001 and OR =12.03). Marital status had also significant effect on the prevalence of taeniosis among the respondents (P<0.05 and 2 = 7.00), higher in married ones. In addition; multivariate analysis (logistic regression) showed that raw meat consumption, occupation and use of spices with meat were important risk factors for taeniosis. Statistical analysis showed that preferences of the available taenicidal drugs among the respondents were Niclosamide (62.5%), Mebendazole (56.67%), Albendazole (53.33%) and Praziquantel (48.33%). The annual taenicidal drug treatment cost in the study area from 2002-2005 by prescription and complaints of patients was estimated to be 7, 219,019.95 Eth. Birr. The drug inventory clearly demonstrated the economic significance of T. saginata taeniosis in the study area. According to the respondents, the use of traditional herbal taenicidal drugs was not commonly practiced. But it is well understood that a considerable proportion of residents mainly use herbal drugs due to its highly purgative effect and cheaper price. Hence, this disease deserves serious attention by the various stakeholders in order to safeguard the health of the residents of Awassa town, consumer and further promote beef industry in the study area in particular and the country in general. The distribution of T. saginata cysts in carcasses, the potential risk factors for taeniosis and the economic impact of this parasite are also discussed. KeItem The Effect of Capital Structure on The Financial Performance of Addis Ababa Large Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry(AAU, 2025-02-17) Getachew Tilahun; Degefa DuressaThe effect of capital structure on firm value has been a contentious issue in corporate finance, with inconsistent and inconclusive findings across various industries and countries. This study aims to examine the effect of capital structure decisions on the financial performance of large food and beverage manufacturing companies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The primary objective is to analyze the effect of debt ratio and long-term debt to equity ratio on profitability, as measured by Return on Assets (ROA), while considering other variables such as firm size, liquidity, asset tangibility, sales growth, age, and inflation rate. Using secondary panel data from the audited financial statements of 12 large food and beverage companies for the period 2017-2022, the study employs econometric analysis to investigate these relationships. The findings reveal that capital structure, particularly higher leverage or debit ratio has a significant negative impact on financial performance, with long-term debt to equity ratio also having a statistically significant negative relationship with ROA .this is because of the excessive costs associated with debt .additionally asset tangibility and age of firms having significant negative relationships with ROA. In contrast, some variables, such as firm size and sales growth shows positive effects on performance. Based on these results, the study recommends that financial managers in the food and beverage sector carefully balance their debt and equity financing by reducing their debt to optimize profitability. Additionally, it suggests that firms should consider the specific economic and industry context when making capital structure decisions, as the effects can vary significantly across different environmentsItem The Epidemiology of Cattle Trypanosomosis, Helminthe and Tsetse Flies in Selected Areas of Kelem Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2012-04-20) Solomon Kebede; Getachew TilahunAn epidemiological Shudy of bovine trypanosomosis, GIT helminthes and their concurrent infection was carried out from November 2011 to April 2012 in Dale Sedi and Hawa Gelan districts, Kellem wollega zone, Oromia National Regional State, Western Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of trypanosomosis, GIT helminthes and their concurrent infection and associated risk factors, to determine the apparent densities and distributions of tsetse and other biting flies and to find out the association of trypanosomosis, GIT helminthes, and their conClment infection to PCV. The Shudy methodology comprises cross sectional shudies by using parasitological, entomological and coprological surveys. A total of 1,244 animals were examined in the two districts and the prevalence of trypanosomosis in Dale Sedi was 4.7% (3 .3%-6.2%) di ffer significantly (P < 0.05) from I-Hawa Gelan district 9.7% (6.9%- 12.S%). Out of 1,108 cattle examined for coprological examination, 36.2% (n=401) were found to harbor one or more helminthes. Out of which 313 (28.2%),74 (6.7%), 12 (1.1%) and 45 (4.1 %) were found to be infected with Fasciola, Paramphistomum, Oocyst and Strongyle, respectively. The prevalence of concurrent infection of Trypanosomiasis and GIT helimenthes (Fasciola) is 23 (2.1%). The mean PCV of trypanosoma infected bovines (21.S7±6.49) was significantly (P < 0.001) lower than that of non-infected bovines (25.50±4.40), the mean PCV of helminthes infected bovines (24.88±4.SS) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of non infected bovines (25.49±4.75), the mean PCV of Trypanosoma and Fasciola concurrently infected bovines (l9.74±5.55) was significantly (P < 0.001) lower than that of Fasciola infected bovines (24.62±4.35) and also lower than that of Trypanosoma infected bovines (22.81±6.80) but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) among them. Analyses of the obtained results suggest that concurrent infection markedly fall the PCV and the pathologic effects of concurrent infections due to Trypanosome and Fasciola were predominantly influenced by the Trypanosome infection. Four tsetse fly species are found abundantly (G. Juscipes juscipes and G. tachinoides) riverine species are predominating over the other two species G. pallidipes and G.morsitans submorsitans, the savannah group.