Browsing by Author "Shiferaw, Solomon"
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Item Assessment of factors Affecting Utilization of Institutional Delivery Among Women of Childbearing age in Harari Region, East Ethiopia(Addis Abeba Universty, 2010-06) Beker, Abdi; Shiferaw, SolomonIntroduction: Institutional delivery, a childbirth conducted by skill attendant in health facility built, equipped and managed to provide safe delivery service as one of its function, is responsible to provide greater assurance to find skilled attendant, essential equipment and drugs to manage labour and referral transportation as the need arises. Objective: This study assessed factors that affect utilization of institutional delivery among child bearing age women in Harari Region. Methodology: Community based unmatched case control study complemented with qualitative design was employed to assess factors that affect utilization of institutional delivery. Totally, 462 mothers 154 cases and 308 controls who had delivery within the last 24 months were enrolled and interviewed with pre tested questionnaire using Face-to-face interview & in-depth interview of key informants as data collection methods. EPI INFO Version 3.5.1 and SPSS version 15 statistical software were used to enter and analyze the data, respectively. Descriptive statistics, Univariate, Bivariate and Multivariate analysis of logistic regression as well as X2 test were used to determine factors that affect institutional delivery utilization. P-Value less than 5%, OR with 95% CI were used to show statistically significant association. Results: This study singled out a number of factors that affect institutional delivery utilization, mothers with secondary and more educations were 5.8 times more likely to use facility delivery compared with those had no formal education. Similarly mothers from house holds with 500ETB and more monthly income were 2.4 times more likely to use facility delivery. Obstetric factors such as ANC use, previous delivery complications, previous facility delivery utilization, Knowledge of risk associated with home delivery and benefit of institutional delivery were found to be independent predictors of institutional delivery utilization. Conclusion and Recommendations: factors that affect facility delivery utilization found to be different and interrelated at individual, family and community level. Based on these facts Promotion of women/girl education, promotion of income generating activities, health information, communication based on obstetric risk and benefit of safe delivery, organizing and promoting mother and community support group to improve awareness on planned and safe delivery are recommended.Item Assessment of gender Differential in Magnitude and risk factors of Childhood Malnutrition in Menz Keya District North Shewa zone Amhara Regional State Ethiopia(Addis Abeba University, 2009-06) Endazenaw, Getabalew; Shiferaw, SolomonBackground- Malnutrition remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children throughout the world. The nutritional status of infants and children under five years of age is of particular concern since the early years of life are crucial for optimal growth and development malnutrition has been responsible, directly or indirectly, for 60% of the 10.9 million deaths annually among children under five. Malnutrition is an underlying factor in over half of under-five child death in Ethiopia, and children with severe acute malnutrition face 30-50 percent chance of dying unless treated. Objective- to assess gender differential in the risk factors and magnitude of malnutrition among children of age 0-59 months in Menz Keya district North Shewa zone Amhara Regional state, Ethiopia. Methods- the study design was community based comparative cross-sectional quantitative study and supplemented qualitative (FGD) methods. A total of 746 children were selected using cluster sampling technique. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaire and including anthropometric measurements. The study variables include; socio-economic and demographic characteristics, child and maternal related variables and environmental health conditions. Data were entered and processed using EPi-info and SPSS for analysis. The NCHS reference population standard of WHO was utilized to convert height and weight measurements into Z-scores of the H/A, W/H and W/A indices considering age and sex of the children. Results-Stunting was found to be significantly higher in female children (36.7compared to 25.7%) among male children both in urban and rural areas. Among male children, age group of 6-11 and 48-59 months were found to be more affected by stunting. It was found that multiple determinant factors among operating at individual (mother age, education of the mother, immunization status, and weaning time) and house hold levels (household income, family size) are significant predictors of stunting. Wasting was found to be statistical significantly higher in male children than female children (14.7%) in urban and rural areas. children in the age group 48-59 months were more affected in both male and female. Education of the mother, household income, family size, immunization status and waste disposal area were found to be the important determinant factors for wasting. Underweight was slightly higher male children compared to female children (22% vs 20.1%). Educational status of the mother, duration of breast feeding, immunization status family size, household income, and domestic waste disposal areas were determinant factors for underweight. Conclusions and recommendations- The finding of this study showed that the prevalence of stunting was higher in female children in both urban and rural areas compared to male. Whereas wasting and underweight were more common in male children than female children regardless of their place of residence. Educational status of the mother and family monthly income were important determinant factors for chronic malnutrition for both male and female children. Empowering women to improve their education and income generation potential is recommended.Item Assessment of Household Food Security and Nutritional Status of Women in the Context of High Food Price in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2012-06) Birhane, Tesfaye; Shiferaw, Solomon; Hagos, SeifuBackground: Since recently, the world’s economic crisis, mainly the high food price is increasing the number of poor people and aggravating their living conditions. In big urban areas of Ethiopia like Addis Ababa where populations rely on market based household food supply, increasing price of food and nonfood commodities can threaten households’ food security status. In many societies, women bear the brunt of the food price crisis. Thus, it is crucial to generate evidence about the food security of urban households and women’s nutritional status during time of high food price. Objective: To assess households’ food security status and nutritional status of women in the context of high food price in Addis Ababa City Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted from January 18 to Feburary14, 2012. A total of 550 households were selected from three sub-cities of Addis Ababa using multi stage sampling technique. Food security status was assessed using Household Food Insecurity Access Score, and weight and height were also measured using standardized weight measuring scale and height measuring board. Data were collected using questionnaire based interview with household heads. Qualitative method using focus group discussion was employed to explore the possible effect of food price on household food security, and people’s perception about food security. Result: This study found that 75% of households were generally food insecure and 23 % were already in hunger state. Reduction in meal size and shifting to poor quality/less expensive food types/ were common coping strategies to high food price used by households. Household income and educational status of household head were significant determinants of food security. Households with higher food insecurity score have lower dietary diversity and are less likely to consume high quality diets. About 12.7% of women in the sample were underweight while 26% were overweight or obese. Being overweight was significantly associated with better dietary diversity of households. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study revealed that about three fourth of households were food insecure which forced them to reduce their meal size and quality with nearly a quarter of households were suffered from hunger. Household food insecurity was common among the low income households and those headed by uneducated, daily wagers and government employed household heads. Beside subsidization of food items at affordable manner, policy makers should work on stabilization of food market, and create opportunities and capacities for households to increase their per capita incomeItem Assessment of nutritional status of adolescents living with HIV receiving care at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Abeba Universty, 2012) Abdulkarim, Birra; Shiferaw, SolomonMalnutrition is a major threat to the health of HIV infected individuals and is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality. Objective; the objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status and associated factors among adolescents living with HIV enrolled at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Facility based across-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2016.Data were collected on 340 adolescents aged 10-19 years attending government public hospitals in Addis Ababa. Nutritional status was assessed using BMI-for-Age (BAZ) and Height-for-age (HAZ) as measures of thinness and stunting respectively. Standard deviation (SD) scores (Z scores) were applied to determine the nutritional status. Adolescents whose BAZ and HAZ was less than -3SD were considered severely malnourished; those adolescent with BAZ and HAZ between -2SD and -3SD were considered malnourished while those with BAZ and HAZ >= - 2SD were wellnourished. Statistical analysis was done using WHO anthro plus and STATA 12. Statistical software package. Result: The prevalence of stunting was 37.4% [0.3218-0.425, 95% CI, with 8.2% [0.052- 0.11, 95% CI] of adolescents being severely stunted. The risk factors for stunting included skipping of meal [(AOR: 1.74.; 95% CI:1.07- 2.83) and primary care (AOR: 1.23.; 95% CI, 1.03.-1.47). The prevalence of thinness was 15.6 % [0.117- 0.194, 95%CI] with 2.9% [0.0113 - 0 .047, 95% CI] severely thin. The risk factors for thinness include treatment interruption [AOR 2.78, 95% CI, 1.20- 6.43] nutrition counseling[AOR 2.05 ,95 %CI,1.13- 3.72 ] and moderately household food insecurity (AORAOR1.67,95CI % 1.21- 3.21) amongadolescentsliving with the HIV enrolled at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Conclusion:The prevalence of stunting and thinness was high among the HIV infected adolescents. Skipping meal, getting primary care from relatives, nutritional counseling, and moderately household food insecurity were significantly associated with malnutrition (stunting and thinness). Recommendation; Greater recognition of the substantial burden of malnutrition among adolescents living with HIV is needed, and there is a need for more services aimed at nutrition counseling, retention in care , nutrition interventions beyond clinical settings and economic empowerments of adolescents living with HIV. Key words; HIV, thinness, stunting, adolescentsItem Assessment of Optimal Breastfeeding among Working and Stay-at-Home Mothers in Bahir Dar Town Amhara Regional State, North West of Ethiopia(Addis Abeba University, 2010-06) Tamir, Gezahegn; Shiferaw, SolomonBackground: Optimal breastfeeding practice is essential for the healthy growth and development of children during their early life. It improves the nutritional status and reduces the chances of contracting infection. Studies have shown that globally 70.0% of infants are sub-optimally breastfed, which is major contributor to infant mortality. Objectives: This study is aimed at assessing and comparing mother's knowledge, practices and determinants on optimal breastfeeding among working and stay-at-home mother's having children 0-23 months of age. Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted on 825 mothers aged 17-49 years having children 0-23 months of age residing in Bahir Dar town Amhara Region April, 2010. Modified EPI cluster sampling technique was applied to select households. Experienced interviewers and qualified supervisors were employed and a pre-tested questionnaire was utilized for this purpose. Four FGDs among mothers (segregated by working status) complemented the quantitative survey Results: Three hundred seventy one (92.2%) working and two hundred seventy six (65.4%) stay-at-home mothers had satisfactory knowledge on breastfeeding practice, [AOR: 3.36, (1.94, 5.81)]. Mothers with formal education, those attended ANC follow up and gave birth at health institution were more likely to have satisfactory knowledge on breastfeeding practices [OR: 2.25, 95%CI :( 1.14, 4.43), (OR: 6.14, 95%CI: (3.18, 11.85) and (OR: 1.85, 95%CI :( 1.05, 3.26)] respectively compared to their counterparts. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice was 34%, 95%CI:(31%-37%) for working and 71.3%, 95%CI : (68.2%-74.4%) for stay-at-home mothers and the working status of the mother was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice, that those mothers who were working were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding than those who were stay-at-home[AdjusteOR:0.30,95%CI:(0.20,0.46)]. the median duration of EBF for working children was 4 months and 6 months for stay-at-home . Conclusions and Recommendations: Overall the study indicates that the maternal knowledge on breastfeeding practice was satisfactory. However, there is inadequacy of optimal breastfeeding practice especially exclusive breastfeeding for the first six month of life among working compared to stay-at-home mother. This would increase the risk of infant morbidity and mortality. VII Approximately three in four working and one in three stay at home initiated complementary feeding at appropriate time. The findings indicate that both groups of mothers don't have optimal child feeding practices, although the forms of suboptimal behavior are different. Therefore, the government, health workers and community members should work on strengthening the optimal breastfeeding practice by encouraging, supporting mother's to breastfed their children optimally.Item Assessment of Overweight, Obesity and Hypertension among Shift and Day time Factory Workers in Wonji Shoa Sugar Factory, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2012-05) Asresahegn, Henok; Shiferaw, SolomonBackground: Stable circadian rhythm is important for proper functioning of the physiological activities of the body. Shift work, including night work, has been hypothesized to increase the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Recent reviews of evidence relating to these relationships support the hypothesis. However, few studies have attempted to establish the role of shift-work in determining chronic diseases risk factors in a developing country setting. Therefore, the present study attempted to address this knowledge gap by assessing the magnitude and determinant factors of chronic disease risk factors among shift workers and day workers. Objective: To determine and compare the levels of risk factors for selected chronic non communicable diseases (obesity and hypertension) among shift and day time workers in Wonji Shoa sugar factory workers, Ethiopia. Method: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted from October, 2011 – December, 2011 in Wonji Shoa sugary factory, East shoa, Oromia Region. The study participants were 836 factory workers (418 shift workers and 418 day time workers) who have worked at least for five years. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, and weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure was measured using standardized weighing scale, measuring board and digital sphygmomanometer respectively. Data was entered using Epi- info version 3.4 and analyzed by SPSS version 16. A descriptive statistics, bivarate and multivariate analysis was done as appropriate. Result: Overall the prevalence overweight/obesity among the factory workers was 34.1% (95% CI=30.9%, 37.3%); 15.7% among shift workers versus 18.4% among daytime workers. Shift workers were 39% more likely to be overweight/obese compared with day time workers although the difference was not statistically significant [AOR (95% CI) = 1.39 (0.93, 2.09)]. Overall the prevalence of obesity among the factory workers was 4.2% (3.1% among shift workers versus 5.3% among daytime workers; (95% CI=2.8%, 5.6%). But, the difference was not statistically significant [AOR (95% CI) = 1.0 (0.44, 2.26)]. X The prevalence of hypertension was 36.4% (95% CI=33.1%, 39.7%), 21.3% among shift workers versus 15.1% among daytime workers; shift workers being significantly more likely to be hypertensive compared with their day time counterparts [AOR (95% CI) = 1.48 (1.02, 2.14)]. Shift workers were also significantly more likely to be smokers (13.1% versus 6.5%; P-value< 0.05). Factors associated with overweight/obesity include female sex (AOR ;95% CI = 1.97 (1.26, 3.08), older age (AOR; 95% CI=3.15(1.23,8.07), higher educational status (AOR; 95% CI=1.53(1.003,2.32), higher income quintile (AOR; 95% CI=7.28(3.81,13.89), more working experience in the factory (COR; 95% CI=1.59(1.00,2.51) and non smoking habits (AOR; 95% CI=2.25(1.15,4.39). In contrast, the condition of being a shift worker was associated with hypertension (AOR; 95%CI=1.48(1.02, 2.14) along with older age (AOR; 95% CI=3.99(1.65, 9.67), higher income quintile (AOR; 95% CI=3.24(1.78, 5.89), and family history of hypertension (AOR; 95% CI=2.24(1.54, 3.26). Conclusions and Recommendations: The present study has identified working in a shift is associated with higher odds of having hypertension and overweight/obesity though the later was not statistically significant regardless of difference in age, gender, physical activity and dietary habits. Shift workers were also more likely to be smokers, which is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, efficient health screening and regular checkups combined with support in controlling unhealthy lifestyle factors has the potential to be of considerable benefit in maintaining the health of shift workers.Item Assessment of Psychosocial Health and Risky Sexual Behaviors of Students in Higher Learning Institutions: a Comparative Cross-Sectional Study Between Old and Newly Established Universities(Addis Abeba Universty, 2009-06) Tsegaye, Ademe; Shiferaw, SolomonStudents in higher institutions are exposed to many psychosocial problems and risky sexual behaviors as they are away from their parents and possibly due to suboptimal counseling services. The problems may be more apparent in newly established universities. Despite this concern, there is no information regarding the psychosocial health status and risky sexual behaviors of students in higher learning institutions in Ethiopia. The study aimed to assess and compare the magnitude of risky sexual behaviors and psychosocial ill health among students of newly established and old universities. The study employed a comparative cross-sectional survey supplemented with qualitative methods. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the departments after dividing the total sample size proportionally to first year and second year students. A total of 1033 students were included in this study: 518 from DBU and 515 from AAU. Quantitative data were processed in SPSS v.13.00 statistical software. Ethical clearance was obtained from ethical review committee of the school of public health and institutional review board at Medical Faculty of Addis Ababa University. Taped qualitative data were transcribed, translated into English, and manually analyzed by grouping into predetermined thematic areas. The response rate was 97.4%. The results indicate that significantly more students of DBU than AAU [(24.7%) versus 69(13.4%)] were likely to have had sexual intercourse [P<0.001]. More students of AAU than DBU used condom in their last sexual intercourse [40(60.6%) versus 21(22.8 %); AOR (95%CI) = 7.08 (3.00, 16.71)]. Students at DBU were significantly more likely to have multiple se xual partners than AAU students [75(78.2%) versus 42(62.7%): COR (95%CI)= 2.13(1.06,4.24)]. More students of DBU than AAU [64.9% versus 50.9 % ; AOR(95%CI)=0.60(0.45,0.8 0)]were found to have sad feelings. More students of DBU than AAU [69 (13.4%) versus 47(9.14%); O R (95%CI) =1.50 (1.03,2.27)] seriously considered suicide. In addition, more students who had psychos ocial ill health had multiple sexual partner [ 82(70.1%) versus 35(29.9%); COR(95%CI) = 1.82(1.20,2.75)]. Overall the findings indicate that substantial segment of the student population in both viii universities have risky sexual behavior and psychosocial problems. This calls for strengthened effort to expand the existing and initiate additional preventive measures. In both universities, proper orientation is crucially important especially when students first join the university. Preventive activities for HIV/AIDS like condom distribution, providing health information about HIV are urgently needed at DBU. In addition, mechanisms for economic support (for example loan service) should be arranged to the needy students in both universities.Item The Effect of Living Arrangements and Parental Attachment on Sexual Risk behaviors and Psychosocial Problems of Adolescents in Dessie Preparatory School, Ethiopia(Addis Abeba Universty, 2004-04) Shiferaw, Solomon; Fantahun, Mesganaw (PhD)The family environment is critical in supporting healthy adolescent development. Following the opening of technical and preparatory schools in Ethiopia, it has become necessary for students particularly of the rural areas to move to the nearby towns for the duration of their training. However, whether adolescents who come from rural areas (who might lack consistent adult supervision and exposed to a relatively new environment) are having an elevated sexual-risk taking behavior and more psychosocial problems remain unanswered. In an attempt to respond to questions posed on these differential vulnerabilities of adolescents, a comparative cross-sectional study that examined the effect of living arrangement and parent-teen connectedness on sexual risk behaviors and psychosocial problems of students was conducted in Dessie preparatory school, Ethiopia. A sample of 667 students (512 male and 155 female) completed a pre-tested structured anonymous questionnaire. Qualitative information was obtained from four focus group discussions and sixteen peer-to-peer interviews segregated by gender and residence. We found that living with friends (OR=2.77; 95%CI=1.47, 5.24), alcohol consumption (OR=1.94; 95%CI =1.24, 3.04), lower perceived family connectedness (OR=0.97; 95%CI=0.95, 0.99) and parental monitoring (OR=1.70; 95%CI=1.06, 2.73), older age (OR=4.37; 95%CI=2.11, 9.04), having peer pressure (OR=1.82; 95%CI=1.20, 2.77) and peers who are sexually experienced were associated with increased odds of sexual activity. Having a depressive symptom was associated with female gender (OR=1.96; 95%CI=1.18, 3.23) , lower family connectedness (OR=0.96; 95%CI=0.94, 0.99), lower grade-pointaverage (OR=1.93; 95%CI=1.01, 3.71), and living with friends (OR=3.16; 95%CI=1.66, 5.00), relatives (OR=2.52; 95%CI=1.28, 4.95) or alone (OR=2.15; 95%CI=1.04, 4.46). The study revealed that suicide attempt in the past 12 months was linked to having a history of suicide attempt in the family (OR=2.59; 95%CI=1.09, 6.15) or among friends (OR=4.32; 95%CI=1.88, 9.94), female gender (OR=2.60; 95%CI=1.05, 6.48) and sexual activity (OR=3.00; 95%CI=1.27, 7.11). viii The overall research finding indicate that living with both biological parents and good parentteen connectedness are related to better psychosocial health and being sexually abstinent. The evidence from this study suggests that parents need to know the continued importance of having good relationship with their adolescents. Youth programs should also address the central role of familial influences (specifically high levels of parental connectedness and monitoring) in protecting boys and girls from unsafe sexual behavior and psychosocial problems. Additional research needs to explore the impact of familial influences on adolescent reproductive and psychosocial health and preferably use longitudinal designs to determine the stability of the observed association over time. Key words: Adolescents, living Arrangements, parental attachment, sexual risk behaviors psychosocial problems, Ethiopia.Item Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Work- Related Factors among Health Care Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2021-06) Petros, Rita; Shiferaw, SolomonBackground. Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful practices for promoting child survival and well-being. Healthcare workers have a responsibility to promote and support breastfeeding among their clients, even though their ability to do this may be influenced by their workplace environment and personal experience. However, little is known about exclusive breastfeeding practices and the perceived barriers among health workers. Objective: To assess the exclusive breastfeeding practices and work-related factors among healthcare workers with children between the ages of 4-6 months in government and private hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 health care worker mothers with children between the ages of 4-6 months from January to February, 2021. Exclusive breastfeeding was assessed based on infant feeding practice in the 24 hours preceding the survey. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and EPI data version 4.6.0 to enter, clean and Stata version 16.0 was used to analyze data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were fitted to identify the presence and strength of association. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were computed to determine the level of significance. Result: The magnitude of exclusive breastfeeding among healthcare workers with infants between the age of 4-6 months was 26.6% (95 % CI: 22, 31) in the 24 hours preceding the survey. Being employee of a government hospital (AOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.44, 6.63), giving birth through spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR=3.71; 95% CI: 1.48, 9.26), being a part time employee (AOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.19, 4.06) and resumption of work at 5 months (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 2.1, 6.46) were found to be significantly associated with higher exclusive breastfeeding practice. Conclusion: A small proportion of infants are exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months, despite what is recommended in the national and global infant and young child feeding guidelines.The type of organization, mode of delivery, working status and time of return to work were factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Employers should make workplaces more breastfeeding friendly to enhance exclusive breastfeeding.Item Household Food Insecurity, Underweight Status and Associated Characteristics among Women of Reproductive age Group in Aysaita district, Affar Regional State, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Abdu, Jemal; Shiferaw, SolomonBackground: Ethiopia has experienced rapid, sustained improvement in undernutrition during the past 15 years. However, undernutrition among children and women remains an urgent concern, requiring greater multi-sectoral efforts. Poor nutritional status of children and women has been a serious problem in Ethiopia for many years. Rural women are more likely to be undernourished than urban women, and those residing in the Affar region are the most likely to be undernourished (43.5%) of any region. Objective: To assess the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with both household food insecurity and underweight status among women in the reproductive age (15–49 years of age) group, in Aysaita district of Affar regional state, eastern Ethiopia. Method and Materials: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among nonpregnant women on May 2015. The Household-Food-Insecurity-Access-Scale (HFIAS) classified food insecurity and anthropometric data classified underweight. Further survey questions assessed dietary diversity and socio-demographics. Multiple binary regression models was used to quantify the association between household food security and nutritional outcomes among women of reproductive age, while accounting for other covariates potentially associated with the outcome variables of interest. Results: the mean Household Food Insecurity Access Scores (HFIAS) were 7.0 (3.6 ±SD), out of 27 classifying 26.1% as mild, 30.2% as moderate and 14.1% as having severe food insecurity. Underweight prevalence (BMI <18.5) was 41% among non-pregnant participants (n=490), with frequencies of mild, moderate and severe underweight of 34.5%, 3.9% and 2.7% respectively. Multiple logistic regression predicting underweight (vs. non-underweight) found that participants with moderately food insecure were more than 2 times odds of being underweight compared with those food secure(AOR=2.66, 95% CI; 1.27, 5.58), while severely food insecure were more than 6 times odds of being underweight compared with those food secure (OR 6.99, 95% CI; 2.66 to 18.38). Women with ≥2 under five years old children had more than 9 times odds of being underweight compared with those who had no (OR 9.27, 95% CI; 3.35, 25.59). Conclusion: High levels of underweight were associated with women’s age, categorized HFIAS food insecurity, marital status, parity, vocation and increasing number of <5 y of children. The factors with strongest effect for household food insecurity were education, parity, vocation and having ≥2 under five children in a family.Item Prevalence and Determinants of Child Malnutrition In Gimbi district, Oromia region, Ethiopia Comparative Cross - Sectional study(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Eticha, Kebede; Shiferaw, SolomonChild malnutrition is one of the most serious public health problem in the developing world including Ethiopia. Recent survey in the country show that 38% of children are underweight, 10.5% wasted and 46.5% are stunted. However, underlying variations of these nutritional indicators and determinant factors among regions and localities is poorly understood. The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of child malnutrition and identify the various causes and their relative contributions in urban and rural settings. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted in Gimbi district, Oromia region on a total of 490 children (310 from rural and 180 from urban areas) of age 6-59 months in March 2007. A multistage systematic sampling method was employed to collect quantitative data using structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The study variables include; socio-economic and demographic characteristics, child and maternal related variables and environmental health conditions. Data were processed using EPi-info soft ware and exported to SPSS for analysis. NCHS reference population standard of WHO utilized to convert height and weight measurements into Z-scores of the H/A, W/H and W/A indices considering age and sex of the children. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis methods were used to identify determinants of nutritional status and to account for potential confounding factors. The result of the study indicated that 15.9 percent of the children were wasted, 32.4 percent were stunted, and 23.5 percent underweight. Prevalence of severe wasting, stunting and underweight respectively were 5.7%, 15.7%, and 8.0%. No significant variation of child malnutrition by residence was observed. Main determinant factors of wasting were childhood illness indicated by fever, low household income and maternal lack of education. Low birth size of children, paternal lack of education, maternal lack of decision making on use of money and lack of animals were associated with vii chronic malnutrition (stunting). ARI in children, lack of windows of houses and low maternal BMI (<18.5) are most important determinants of under weight. Rural resident children were more exposed to nutritional risk factors than their urban counterparts. This study indicated that acute nutritional problem is highly prevalent in the area and chronic nutritional problem is also of particular concern. It is recommended that prevention and treatment of childhood illness should be enhanced and therapeutic feeding centers be established in short term. More over, women empowerment and efforts to alleviate poverty are crucial if the problem of malnutrition is to be solved in the long run.Item Prevalence of Visual Deficiency and Color Blindness Among High School Students the Case of Menelik II Preparatory School Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2021-12-30) Shiferaw, Solomon; Wube, Tilaye (PhD)Acuity of vision is the ability of the eye to determine the precise shape and details of an object. Normal vision refers to a state in which parallel light rays entering the eye form images on the retina when the eye is in a completely unregulated state. Refractive errors affect a large proportion of the population worldwide, irrespective of age, sex and ethnic group. They can easily be diagnosed, measured and corrected with spectacles or other refractive corrections to attain normal vision. The eye is very important to perceive colors using photo receptors found in the retina. Color deficiency describes the inability or decreased ability to identify colors or perceive color differences under normal lighting conditions. The cause of color vision deficiency can be acquired or inherited. Certain diseases, drugs and chemicals may cause color blindness. It can also be caused by accidents or trauma which produces swelling of the brain in the occipital lobe. Most of the inherited color vision deficiencies are due to the inheritance of mutated gene on the X-chromosome. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of visual deficiency and color blindness among high school students. Regular students of 824 Menelik II Preparatory School participated in the study. Visual acuity was tested by using Snellen chart and that of color vision test by using Ishihara 24 plates. The result shows that 92 percent of the students had a normal visual acuity. On the other hand, a small percentage i.e. nearly eight percent had mild visual deficiency where they were unable to discriminate all the letters in Snellens chart. More males showed the mild visual deficiency compared to females (39 vs 28), However, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.179). Regarding color vision, 32(3.88%) males and 29(3.51%) females were found to be color deficient. The difference between male and female students with color deficiency was not statistically significant (p=0.701). Of the total subjects found to have color deficiency, 24(2.91%) males and 18(2.18%) females were deutans; whereas, 8(0.97%) and 11(1.33%) males and females were protons respectively. These data imply that 42(5.09%) of the subjects were deutans and 19(2.30%) were protans. Out of the 61 students who showed color vision deficiency 69% had the Deutran type while 31% had the Protan type. None of the students were Protanopan. Deutranopia was more common among males while the reverse was true for protan. The overall difference between deutans and protons was statistically significant (p=0.003).Therefore, the result of the present study showed that visual deficiency should be given importance.Item Study on Prevalence of Poultry Coccidiosis in and Around Ambo, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia(Addis Ababauniversity, 2006-06) Shiferaw, Solomon; Dr. Ayana, DinkaA cross sectional study was conducted on poultry coccidiosis of local and Rhode Island breed from October 2013 to February 2014 in and around Ambo town, Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of coccidiosis, to identify species of Eimeria and to assess potential risk factors(breed,age sex and manegment system). The study involved postmortem examination of chickens, mucosal scraping and parasitological examination of oocyst, gross and histopathological examination and identification of Eimeria species. Out of 390 examined chickens 18.7%(73/390) of them were harbor different Eimeria species. Statistically no significant differences p˃0.05 (χ2=0.921, p= 0.337) was noted between young and adult age groups. Additionally there were no significant differences between local and Rhode Island Red breed(χ2= 0.16, P>0.05), management systems (extensive and semi intensive)(χ2= 2.245, P=> 0.05 and sexes(χ2= 3.609, p˃0.05). In the attempt made to identify the prevalent species of coccidian in the study area, five Eimeria species were identified, namely Eimeria. tenella, Eimeria. necatrix, Eimeria. burnette, Eimeria. maxima and Eimeria. acervulina with the prevalence of 60.27%, 15.06%, 9.6%, 1.4% and 1.4% respectively. Eimeria. tenella was the predominant species in the study area. In conclusion, the present study showed that coccidiosis is an important disease of poultry in the study area and further strategy needs to be implemented to reduce the loss due to coccidiosis. Key words: Ambo, coccidiosis, Eimeria, poultry, prevalenceItem Under-Nutrition and its Determinants among Cobblestone Workers in Cobblestone Project, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.(Addis Abeba University, 2015-06) Moges, Geteneh; Shiferaw, SolomonBackground: Under-nutrition is one of the most important public health problems, affecting more than 900 million people around the World. It is an important underlying cause of illness and death in Africa and imposes a huge cost both in human and economic terms worldwide. In Ethiopia, although under-nutrition costs as high as 16.5% of its GDP, there is limited research evidence on its magnitude among the growing population of daily laborers. Objective: To assess the level of under-nutrition and its determinants among cobblestone workers in cobblestone project, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Methods: The study was community based cross sectional involving 423 cobblestone workers from February 20 to April 1, 2015. Systematic random sampling method was employed (with proportional allocation) for Qatsila, Gewasa and Tafo Cobblestone sites. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height) were recorded. Dietary intakes were estimated by 24 hrs recall using Household Dietary Diversity Score Questionnaire. Two days training was given to supervisors and data collectors. The data entered, cleaned and analyzed by using Epi info 3.5.3 and SPSS 20 version software respectively. Multiple binary logistic analysis was performed to examine the effect of independent variables on under-nutrition as defined by BMI<18.5. Results: Overall, 423[300 males (71%)] respondents participated in this study making the response rate at 100 percent. The prevalence of underweight (BMI<18.5) were 141(33.3%; 95%CI: 28.8- 38.0). Males were significantly more likely to have the conditions of under-weight 112(37.3%) versus 29(23.6%) [95% CI; 31.8-43.1] compared to their female counterparts. Lower educational status, bigger family size (greater or equal to 3), lower monthly income (<1500 ETB) and smoking, remained significant in multivariate analysis. Study participants who had no education were significantly more likely to be undernourished [OR = 7.83; 95% CI (3.78, 16.22)] compared to ≥ secondary level education. Daily laborers who had low monthly income (<1500) were significantly more likely to be undernourished [OR= 9.77; 95%CI (4.92, 19.39)] compared to high income (≥2500ETB). Conclusion: The study revealed that substantial segments of cobblestone workers were undernourished. Significant determinant of under-nutrition include; lower educational level, bigger family size, lower monthly income and smoking. Based on the findings of the study it is important to prioritize such groups of cobblestone workers for targeted nutrition programs to reduce the burden of under-nutrition and contribute to their productivity.