Browsing by Author "Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)"
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Item Assessment of Adolescent Parent Communication Concerning Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues among Ayer Tena Preparatory School Students(Addis Ababa University, 2011-06) Zewdu, Solomon; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)The present study was conducted to assess parent adolescent communication on SRH issues among Ayer Tena preparatory school students, Addis Ababa. Mixed methods research design was used. A total of 393 (female =214 and male =179) adolescent students were selected using systematic sampling technique. A pre-tested, structured and self-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative study, and an interview guideline was used to generate data from interviewee adolescents and pertinent professionals. To analyze the quantitative data of 378 (female= 208 and male= 170), Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used. In addition to descriptive statistics (univariate analysis), further statistical analysis such as Crude Odds Ratio and Adjusted Odds Ratio were employed to see the associations of single independent variable and dependent variable, and multiple independent variables and dependent variable respectively. 95 % confidence interval (CI) and 5% margin of error was considered during the statistical analysis. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically and integrated with the quantitative based on the study questions. Findings showed that 287 (75.9%) adolescents recognized the importance of SRH issues communication with their parents. 34.5% adolescents ever had discussed on at least two topics of SRH issues. Communication was mostly based on parent child sex similarity (mother-daughter and father-son). The study also found that there is a statistically significant relationship between having positive attitude towards parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues, having informed about SRH issues and having literate parents, and parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues. Conclusion was made and the implication was discussed. Key words: Parent, Adolescent, Communication, Sexual and Reproductive HealthItem Assessment of the Determinants and Associated Risks of Khat Chewing Among Students of the University of Ambo Woliso Campus(Addis Ababa University, 2014-11) Gadisa, Megersa; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)Students of higher educational institutions are at higher risk of khat chewing. Khat chewing is one of the serious socio-economic and public health problems. Though khat chewing occurs in all segments of all societies, it is highly spreading among students of higher education. This study aimed to assess the predicting factors and associated problems of khat chewing among students of Ambo University Woliso campus. Quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed in March, 2014. A sample of 264 students was selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using pre-tested self-administered questionnaires. The data were cleaned, coded, entered into excel and analyzed using SPSS computer software package version 20. Logistic regression model was employed to establish the association between predicting factors and students khat chewing. The lifetime and current prevalence of khat chewing among the study participants were 56.8% and 48.1%, respectively. Being male was associated with khat chewing [AOR, 95%CI; .456(.243-.890)]. First and second year studying were associated with khat chewing [AOR, 95%CI; 3.450(1.751-6.797)] &[AOR, 95%CI; 2.628(1.207-5.720)]. Growing in single headed family was associated with khat chewing [AOR= .072(.023-.230)].Having peer who chew khat was predictor of khat chewing [AOR, 95%CI; .207(.106-.403)]. The main reasons for khat chewing were to study for long hour 46%, to reduce stress 30%, for curiosity 28%, and to get acceptance from friends 24%. Associated problems are discrimination, class missing and reduced appetite. This study showed that khat chewing as a critical problem among students. Universities need to follow and educate students with special focus on freshman & second year students, on the socio-economic, academic and health problems associated with khat abuseItem An Assessment of the Role of Productive Safety Net Program on Household Resilience: The case of Dodota District of Oromiya Region(Addis Ababa University, 2015-06) Merid, Hermela; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)This research attempted to assess the role of productive safety net program on household resilience and examined the coping mechanisms of farmers at times of stress in Dodota district, of Oromiya Region. Purposive, stratified proportionate random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select sample respondents. A total of 290 households were selected for the study. The instrument developed was survey questionnaire and combination of other data collection techniques like focus group discussion and key informant interview. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered for the study. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, and inferential statistics such as t-test and χ2-test were employed to see mean difference between resilience and other variables. The result showed that sampled farmers used both positive and negative coping strategies. Due to the existence of PSNP, farmers in Dodota have absorptive resilience. PSNP provides various services to farmers however; the survey result revealed that the growth component of productive safety net is not successfully implemented. Five variables showed significance relationship with resilience. To some extent, PSNP has built adaptive resilience in those farmers who had credit access, used improved varieties of seeds, enrolled in informal safety nets and possess a land more than two hectares of land. It can be recommended that creative livelihood programs and business linkages should be designed and included in PSNP to achieve resilience. Policymakers and development practitioners must involve in the measurement of resilience in order to synchronize the newly approved social protection policy and help PSNP program become harmonized and impact households more effectivelyItem An Assessment on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Female Returnees: A Case of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Returnees(Addis Ababa University, 2015-06) Mengistu, Betelhem; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)The study aimed to present the process of rehabilitation and reintegration supports provided to female returnees from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provides an understanding on the opportunities and challenges of female returnees. Moreover, the study brings a discussion on how these experiences have affected the life of returnees. The study employed qualitative methods particularly, case study to get in-depth insight of the subject matter. Data were collected through purposive sampling. The data collection techniques used included in-depth interview, key informant interview, and observation. The data was analyzed thematically through following basic qualitative and case study procedures. The finding of the study demonstrate that various supports were offered to female returnees during return, upon arrival and while they are staying in Addis Ababa. The result showed that there was a gap in providing comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration programs in effective and coordinated manner. The study revealed that there is a need for national policy and preparedness on rehabilitation and reintegration of returneesItem An Assessment on the Contribution of Whistle Blowing in Combating Corruption: The Case of Five Public Sectors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2016-05) Belayneh, Mesfin; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)The study aimed at assessing the contribution of whistle blowing in combating corruption in five public sectors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Qualitative research design and descriptive case study approach was used. Purposive and snow ball sampling techniques were used in this study. Accordingly, ten whistle blowers were selected using snowball technique while five ethics liaison officers from public sectors and four key informants from Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission were selected using criteria based purposive sampling respectively. The data collection instruments were in-depth interview, and observation supplemented with field note. In-depth interview, key informant interview, observation and secondary data collection methods were employed in the study. Descriptive analytical method is used in to analyze the qualitative data. The main results of the study were: poor implementation of whistle blowing scheme with lower protection coverage for whistle blowers, whistle blowing confidentiality exposition and absence of transparent and timeliness feed backs for whistle blowers in public sectors; whistle blowers lower participation and lack of selfless stance; invisible and bureaucratic challenges on whistle blowers for detecting corruption offence in public sectors and the commitment of leaders found as a key factor in determining effective whistle blowing system in the public sectors. In conclusion, absence of effective whistle blowing system results lower participation of the employee to detect corrupt practice in their working places. The employee whistle blower participation is challenged by simple visible to huge invisible factors which are networked by actors found inside and outside of the public sectors. Leaders in the public sectors at different managerial hierarchy not only role players for the challenges of whistle blowing scheme but also certainly influence the effectiveness of whistle blowing system in the public sectors. Finally, the study implication for social work education, policy frame works, future researches and interventions needed were indicatedItem The effect of School Feeding Program on the school performance of primary public school children in Arada Sub City, Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2017-05) Yohannes, Abiy; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)The research was aimed to assess the effect of School Feeding Program on the school performance of primary public school children in Arada sub city. A quantitative evaluative research approach and a quasi-experimental design were employed in order to accomplish the research objective. 320 school children whose grade range [3-7] are participated in the research. The data collection instruments were student roster card analysis and standardized attention measure scale. The study applied two statistical tests; Difference in Difference linear regression for academic achievement and attendance and independent samples t-test for attention measure. The main finding of the study is that the positive effect of School Feeding Program on academic achievement and attendance is not significant. Moreover, the program has not effect on children’s’ attention measure. However, the small positive effect of the program is detected on academic achievement and attendance score and this effect is more viable to academic achievement. At the end, the study recommends that all stake holders working on School Feeding Program need to focus at mezzo and macro level interventions to enhance the program effectivenessItem Elders engaged in begging as a means of livelihood in Debre Birhan town: An exploration of major push factors and challenges(Addis Ababa University, 2017-06) Wendosen, Aynshet; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)This study explored that the push factors, challenges and coping mechanisms of elder beggars in Debrebirhan town. Qualitative descriptive case study design is employed to come up with the detailed understanding of the issue under investigation. Multiple data sources which include in-depth interview, focus group discussion and observation are used to generate adequate data. The study employed purposive sampling methods in order to incorporate participants based on pre-determined criteria. Thematic types of data analysis is used to categorize and labeled ideas in to meaningful themes from which meaningful interpretation emerged. The analysis of the study passed through the process of transcribing, translating, categorizing, thematizing and interpreting. According to the findings of the study the major push factors of elder beggars to engage in begging were death and distance of support providers, disengagement from work, economic, family, environmental, physical and health problems. The finding of the study also showed the challenges of elder beggars. Elder beggars encounter challenges in getting food and cloth, house, problem of health, physical and psychological challenges. They cope those challenges by cutting meal, by drying bulle, buying cheapest food, some of them by drinking local areke, Self-medication, eating garlic, reporting the police, sharing feelings, adapting the situation and using religious practices. Implication for social work practice, policy and future research also suggested that social workers can play the role of intervention through advocating, counseling for the study participants, work in the formulation as well as suggestion of policy based on the finding of the study and also further investigation should conduct by including elder beggars in different regions of the countryItem Ethiopian Criminal Justice Policy Analysis: focus of Juvenile Offenders(Addis Ababa University, 2015-05) Girma, Yodit; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)This paper analyzed the criminal justice policy using the cycle of social policy analysis model as a conceptual framework. The analysis fundamentally looked at whether or not principles of social justice have been taken into consideration. The paper also tried to find out which social problems have been dealt with following the adaptation of the policy. Moreover, the paper analyzed the content of the policy focusing on juvenile justice, in respect of the pertinent laws of our country, especially the constitution. Any observed inconsistency and discrepancies were forwarded, with the duty to bring to attention. Furthermore, the paper analyzed whether or not the policy is based on the international standards set on Juvenile justice and how Ethiopia has incorporated these standards in to its domestic legislations and practice. While the focus of this paper is on juvenile justice; the paper analyzes the overall principle of policy making process by using qualitative data analysis methods starting from the initiation to the evaluation of the policy. A case study approach within qualitative design was used. In the study two individuals who participated in the process of the policy making had been interviewed. Data from key informants as well as key literature review were analyzed rigorously through consistently comparing the major findings. The finding suggests that the policy has not been properly implemented and evaluated and there are no preventive mechanisms for juvenile offenders. Finaly, the need for a policy making guideline in a national perspective as well as a need for citizen awareness and dissemination of the policy for proper implementation were forwarded as major recommendations. Key Words: Social Policy, Juvenile Offenders, Criminal Justice, International LawItem Exploring Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Rural-Urban Migrant Street Vendors: The Case of Damot Sore Woreda Migrant Street Vendors in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2015-06) Paulos, Degu; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)The study explored Challenges and coping mechanisms of rural-urban migrant vendors in Addis Ababa. Qualitative case study design was employed. To collect data, in-depth interview was made with fourteen individuals. The finding of the study depicted challenges migrant vendors encounter. Migrant vendors encounter challenges of finance, livelihood insecurity, physical insecurity, problem of shelter and health. They cope with these challenges employing social, economic and cultural capitals. Implication of the research to social work profession is that social workers can play the role of intervention through advocating for the study participants based on the finding of the studyItem Exploring the Challenges of Large Bus and Minibus that Passengers Face in Gambella Region: The Case of Makuey, Wanthowa and Itang Special Woreda(Addis Ababa University, 2016-06-25) Buony, Bol; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)This comprehensive study on the challenges bus passengers face in Gambella will create good work environment for Gambella transport authorities by providing them with new and valuable information to help them better understand the challenges bus passengers face. The study objectives were to describe the affordability, acceptability of bus transport services and to explore the availability and accessibility of bus transport service as well as to investigate the challenges bus passengers face. The researcher had used qualitative approach with case study methodology and cross-sectional study design. The finding of the study showed that there is a huge demand of improvement on bus transit system in the three selected woredas. When I analyzed the point of views of bus passengers, views of transport authorities and cases, the study exposed that the current status of bus transport service in Wanthowa, Makuey and Itang special Woreda demands huge improvement. Large buses and minibuses are overcrowded; passengers pay unauthorized transit price and pay illegal tax to police, special force and militias at checkpoints. Besides, there are no waiting shelters and toilet rooms at bus stations and there is poor traffic management. Not only this, wuyallas/porters use to abuse bus passengers at bus stop or bus station at any time of a day. To improve bus transport services provision, I had provided practical recommendations. I believed that when the recommended strategies are effectively implemented, there would be effective bus transit system in the region, particularly, Wanthowa, Makuey and Itang Special WoredaItem Psychosocial Experiences of Ethiopian Women Domestic Workers in the Middle East: The Case of Returnee Migrants in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2015-05) Abitew, Addisalem; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)The current study explored the overall psychosocial experiences of Ethiopian women domestic workers in the Middle East. Specifically, Ethiopian women‟s psychosocial experiences and the difficulties they face while they were in the Middle East, as well as the change they have brought in their life after their return was explored in depth. The study employed a qualitative research design and a descriptive case study analytical approach. In this study, both primary data sources and secondary data sources were used. For primary data, qualitative in depth interview with returnees and key informants were conducted. The collected data were analyzed using a qualitative data analysis technique. The findings from this study show that, prior to their departure to the Middle East countries; all the informants were living in poverty and were unemployed. They immigrated out to the Middle East countries hoping that their life would change. However, their expectation was shattered because of the harsh experience they had at the destination country. According to the informants, prolonged working hour due to extreme workload, emotional abuse, sexual harassment and denial of their monthly wage were some of the negative psychosocial experiences while working as a house maid in the Middle East. Furthermore, they experienced loneliness and the feeling of inferiority, humiliation, degradation and maltreatment which was worsened by the language barrier they had. As a result, they described their stay in the Middle East very challenging. In general, the overall unfavorable living condition and the hostile working environment in the country of destination made them unable to change their own and their family‟s life and ended in being incompetent in achieving their goals and expectations. Their reaction to their failed expectations and the ill treatment they had in the Middle East has created a huge distortion in their overall social and economic life after they are back in the country of origin. They have developed the feeling of hopelessness; they are mostly depressed and lonely. Hence, based on the findings, this study suggests, the government of Ethiopia should play a great role creating a favorable working condition in the country of destination through strong consular relations, migrants should be aware of the socio economic situation of the country and the culture and a minimum educational level needs to be set for migrants in order to enhance their understanding of situations they will be facing and they should be well equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications and organizations that are working with returnee migrants should work together with donor organizations so that they are more capable in providing rehabilitation treatment and psychosocial support. Having this in mind, social workers should play a great role in advocating better living condition for the migrants in the country of destination and they should involve in the rehabilitation and treatment of the returnee migrants as facilitator or counselor roleItem The Roles and Challenges of parents to Protect Teenage Children from Western Cultural Influence A case study at Bole sub city Addis Ababa Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2014-06) Kebede, Tigist; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)This research assesses parents’ awareness towards western culture including its negative and positive impacts. It mainly explores parents’ roles to protect teenage children from western cultural influence and to embrace their own culture. It also explores both the internal and external parental challenges that hinder them to perform their roles. Moreover, it identifies the potential opportunities both internally and externally to enhance and support parents’ role. The research is conducted in Bole sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A qualitative research method, case study approach is employed to obtain comprehensive data and sixteen teenage child/children parents with different social economic background are participated in-depth interviewed. Consequently, the finding indicates that participants’ have a certain understanding towards western cultures in general and majority of them indicated western cultures are very influential to teenage children. However, most of the participants’ were confident that they are performing their roles to protect their children from western cultural influence but they identified they have not done much to embrace children their own culture. They also revealed that from all forms of western cultures particularly, they are highly challenged by their lack of awareness advancement of electronic technologies and media exposures of westerns’ and their work situations. Based on the study major findings and related literatures general conclusion and significant social work profession implications are forwarded. Besides a conceptual frame work is designed to summarize the basic findings and to show the conceptual relationships with the aim of the studyItem Social Workers Practice in the Court with Sexually Abused Children(Addis Ababa University, 2013-07) Abate, Marshet; Kassahun, Meseret (PhD)This study explored social workers practice in the court with sexually abused children including the social workers’ role in the court; social workers interdisciplinary involvement and their actual versus the expected roles in ‘Lideta’ Federal First Instance Court, Addis Ababa. Qualitative case study research method was used to undertake this study. Accordingly it included in-depth interview with four social workers, three prosecutors, one judge, administrator and two lawyers. The data from these interviews were analyzed using pre coding and coding. Thematic analysis was used as an approach to the data analysis. The finding of the study indicated that social workers have diverse roles such as acting as an intermediary between the sexually abused child as a witness and the court and preparing the child for court under special circumstances. Furthermore, other roles such as: referral and advocacy has been discovered as roles social workers. Social workers as well work with families of sexually abused children in case of interfamilial sexual abuse being a mediator and an advocate. What is more is that, the study also revealed, social workers have professional relationship with Prosecutors, Judges and Lawyers while working with sexually abused children. The study also found out the center of the relationship on social workers practice is working as an intermediary. The court also has a wide discretionary power on permitting social workers either to be a witness or give an expert opinion