Browsing by Author "Teferi Abegaz"

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    Assessment of Computer Vision Syndrome and Associated Factors Among Employees of Ethio Telecom in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-11) Natnael Gizachew; Teferi Abegaz; Ansha Nega
    Background: Computer Vision Syndrome is a range of eye and vison related problems which may result from extended use of digital devices such as computers. It is a public health problem, affecting more than 70% of all computer users. In developing countries like Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of studies on computer vision syndrome, particularly in the telecom industry for evidence-based practice. Hence, the study aims to identify the determinants and the prevalence of computer vision syndrome among Ethio telecom workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Ethio telecom employees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from march to June 2023. A total of 497 individuals participated in the study. Data was collected using an interview- administered questionnaire, observational checklist and an illuminance measuring instrument. Data were collected using Kobo toolbox and transferred to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association and control for potential confounders. Results: the prevalence of computer vision syndrome in the last 12 months among the total study participants of 497 was 68.8% [95% CI (64.5, 72.9)]. In Multivariate logistic regression factors that showed significant association were viewing distance, AOR (2.32(1.24-4.33)) and task illumination AOR: (1.78(1.09-2.91)). And Habit of taking break AOR: (0.439(0.281-0.686)) and adjustment of brightness and contrast AOR: (0.39(0.22-0.68)) were also found significantly associated factors of Computer Vision Syndrome. Conclusion: More than half of employees of Ethio telecom in Addis Ababa are affected by computer vision syndrome. Viewing distance, task illumination, habits of taking breaks, and adjustment of brightness and contrast were associated significantly. Results suggest a need for remedial actions to improve conditions of work environment.
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    Assessment Of Knowledge And Hygeinic Practices Towards Bacteriological Quality Of Drinking Water At Dobe Toga Kebele, Shebedino Woreda, SNNPR.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2007-08) Teferi Abegaz; Abera Kumie
    Background: Drinking Water becomes contaminated with faecal matter due to inadequate protection of the source, unhygienic practices of the community at the source and household level Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of knowledge and hygienic practices of the community on bacteriological quality of drinking water at the source and point of use. Methods: A community- based cross-sectional study was conducted using interviewer administered questionnaire, inspection check list to observe the condition of water sources, and bacteriological water quality examination of sources and household containers. The studywas conducted during August 2006-June 2007 in Dobe Toga kebele of Shebedino wereda.SNNPR. Four hundred twenty households were selected using systematic random sampling method to assess the knowledge and hygienic practices of the community and gathered by health extension worker under strict supervision of principal investigator and supervisors. Bacteriological examination of six protected springs and eighty four systematically selected household containers was carried out by using Oxfam DelAgua water testing kit. Results: Almost all of the springs were subjected to contamination of faecal coliform with high sanitary risk score. There is a significant variation between the bacteriological analysis of source water and household drinking water with a mean of 10.3 and 32.1CFU/ 100 ml of water samples respectively. Educational status was the only variables which was significant after adjustment of other socio demographic, Knowledge and practices variables [AOR: 6.64, 95% CI=1.028-42.927). However other variables like: types of household containers, washing of containers before transferring, methods of water withdrawal, duration of stored water and cover of container during transportation and storage were significant in bivariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. This may be due to confounding effects of different variables Conclusion and Recommendation: Protected springs with high sanitary risk score were highly subjected to bacteriological contamination and its load of feacal coliform almost tripled at household level, because of poor household management system. Proper protection of water sources, regular monitoring of water quality and hygiene education on water and sanitation, are very important strategies to improve the bacteriological water quality.
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    Assessment of Knowledge, Practice and Associated Factors of First Aid among Long Distance Bus Drivers Departing from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2020-12) Kebede Bonsa; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: First aid is the immediate or initial care given to victims of accidents before trained medical workers arrive. In developing countries including Ethiopia, there have been small numbers of drivers with first aid knowledge and few of them are involved in the actual practice. These shows, some of the drivers with first aid knowledge are not applied well. To my knowledge, the evidence is scarce about long-distance bus drivers’ knowledge and practice and associated factors of first aid. Objective: This study, aims to assess the status of first aid knowledge and practice among long- distance bus drivers’ departing or leave from Addis Ababa terminal. Method: Drivers based cross-sectional study was conducted at Kality, Ayer Tena, Asko, Lamberet and Addis Ketema terminals. Systematic random sampling was carried out to select the bus drivers. Buses were listed based on their side numbers and the first respondent was selected randomly then following respondents were selected every 4 intervals (k=4). Drivers of the selected bus were interviewed with structured questioners. Availability and completeness of first aid kits were checked by observational checklist. Epi data software used for data entry and bivariate and Multivariate analysis was done using SPSS V.20. Result: The mean age of participants was 37.77 (SD=±8.607). Regarding knowledge level 102(31.5%) had high level knowledge, 159(49.1%) of them had moderate level knowledge and 63(19.4%) of the study participants had low level knowledge. Having first aid training, (AOR=5.753:95%CI: 2.726-12.143) and ever used the first aid kit items(AOR=2.334:95%CI: 1.164-4.682) were significant associated with first aid knowledge. Moreover, drivers who had high level knowledge (AOR=4.618: 1.097-19.431), trained first aid (AOR=5.395: 2.39112.176) and also those had first aid kit in their buses (AOR=9.615:95% CI: 1.588-58.232) has a better first aid practice. Conclusion and Recommendation: Even though, the majority of respondents had first aid knowledge, only 46.2%of them were provided first aid at the scene. First aid knowledge and training are some of the important factors of the first aid practice of the drivers. At the same time, 25% of respondents had not first aid kit. Federal transport authority should be giving the training to improve first aid knowledge and practice of long-distance bus drivers.
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    Assessment of Occupational Chromium Exposure and Associated Factors Among Tannery Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross- Sectional Study.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Belaynesh Demissie; Samson Wakuma; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: Chromium is not only released into the environment from natural sources but also from industries. The pollutants generated in the tannery industry contain a high concentration of chromium which directly affects human health. Long-term exposure and high concentrations of chromium can cause respiratory challenges, cancer, skin damage, and birth defects. Despite this fact, there is no study done that shows chromium exposure levels in the tannery in Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the level of chromium in hair samples and associated factors among tannery workers in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted to assess the hair chromium level of the tannery workers compared to the bottled water factory workers from November 2023 – June 2024 in Addis Ababa. A simple random sampling method was used to identify a total of 112 study participants with tannery (n=56) and water (n=56) factory workers. The hair samples' chromium levels were analyzed using a microwave plasma emission spectrometer (MP-AES), and structured questionnaires were used to assess the associated factors of hair chromium exposure levels. SPSS Version 26, independent t-test, chi-square, and linear regression were used for analysis. Results: The findings showed that the average hair chromium level of (11.2±10.0) mg/kg among tannery workers was significantly (p<0.001) higher than the average hair chromium level of (4.6±2.7) mg/kg among water factory workers. The linear regression analysis result also observed that working duration in the year, working hours per day, and working sections were statistically significant (p<0.05) relationships to hair chromium levels among tannery workers. Conclusion: This study concluded that the tannery workers had higher significant hair chromium levels as compared to the water factory workers. Consequently, overall, tannery workers had two times higher mean chromium levels as compared to water factory workers. Hence the exposure of chromium in tannery workers should draw much more attention shortly by conducting more research and developing occupational exposure limit guidelines.
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    Assessment of Occupational Injury and its Associated Factors among Cement Factory Workers in Oromia Regional States, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-11) Dereje Gizaw; Abera Kumie; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: The cement industry is a cause of many types of injuries. The rate of occupational injuries is high in developing countries including Ethiopia. This study aims to assess occupational injury and its associated factors among cement factory workers in Oromia regional states. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023 among Cement factory workers in the Oromia Regional States. The study subjects were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews with 422 workers. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 Software and transported to SPSS version 21 software packages for analysis. Variables with a 95% p-value at < 0.2 during the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis to see the effect of confounding variables. Results: The Prevalence of occupational injury in the last 12 months was 129 (30.6%) 95%CI. Of the total of 129 injured respondents, 45(35%) were hospitalized; of these, 31 (68.9%) spent more than 24 hours in the hospital and 415 work days were lost due to this occupational injury. Workers engaged in the engineering department had 4.19 times higher odds of injury compared to workers placed in the raw material department [AOR=4.19, 95%CI :( 1.71-10.29)]. Workers who do not use PPE had 1.79 times higher odds of injury compared to those who used it [AOR=1.79, 95%CI: (1.08- 2.97)]. Workers whose work involves hand-arm vibration had 3.14 times higher odds of injury relative to those whose work does not involve it [AOR= 3.14, 95%CI :( 1.29-7.66)]. Conclusions and Recommendations: A high prevalence (30.6%) of occupational injuries was reported, affecting various body parts. Identified factors include high-risk job categories, lower education, insufficient PPE use, and manual handling activities. Recommendations include enhancing inspections, implementing comprehensive training programs, and measures to reduce manual handling risks.
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    Assessment of Safety Practice and Associated Factors among Waste Handlers in Selected Government Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-09) Tesgera Tekle; Abigiya Wondimagne; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: Health facilities generate different types of wastes characterized as hazardous wastes and most of them are toxic, harmful, carcinogenic, and infectious materials. Those contaminated wastes may affect health workers, waste handlers and laundry personnel. Medical Waste handlers faced massive exposure to hazardous wastes and occupational accidents as a result of manual handling of waste and working under unfavorable conditions. Waste handlers are often at high risk than health care professionals. In Ethiopia there are very little related studies conducted among medical waste handlers. Objective :The general objective of the study was to assess safety practices and associated factors among selected public hospital waste handler in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019. Method: An institutional based cross- sectional study was carried out among waste handlers in in selected public hospitals from February up to March 2019. All waste handlers of selected government hospital were included in the study. Data were collected using face to face interview. The collected data had been coded and then entered using Epi-info version 7 software and transferred to SPSS- version22 for analysis. Logstic regression model was carried out for analysis to identify independent predictors at ap-value 0.2. Result: The prevalence of current safety practice among public hospital waste handlers was found to be 44.1% (95% CI; 37.3-51.0). The odds of safety practice among respondents with good knowledge was 4.7 (AOR=4.7; 95% CI: 1.9, 11.5) times higher than those respondents with poor knowledge. The odds of safety practice among participants having good supplies were 6.78(AOR=6.78; 95% CI: 2.2, 20.7) times higher than those respondents with lack supplies. Conclusion: The prevalence of safety practices among hospital waste handlers was higher among those having good knowledge on safety measures and accessed with safety materials. To sustain good safety practice adequate per-service and in-service training should be in place to increase their knowledge about safety precautions and availing safety materials to adherence for safety practice among hospital waste handlers.
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    Assessment of Work-Related Injuries Among Small and Medium-Scale Building Construction Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-16) Mahlet Beyene; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: Among the most hazardous industries identified in several countries, the construction industry has been one of them due to the high rates of work-related injury and fatality. Globally, construction sites account for at least 55,000 fatalities annually. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of occupational injury and the associated factors among construction workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on small and medium-scale public construction projects in Kolfe Keraniyo, Akaki Kality, and Lemi Kura sub-cities, Addis Ababa city. Data was collected from August 2023 September 2023. A simple random sampling method was used to collect data from 378 study subjects through a structured questionnaire and workplace observational checklist. Data were entered, cleaned, coded, and analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 25. Descriptive analysis and binary followed by multiple logistic regression analysis were employed. Results: Among the 378 participants, 132 (34.9%) had encountered occupational injury in the past year. Illiterate workers were 3.74 times more likely to report occupational injury (AOR= 3.74, 95% CI; 1.92-11.72). Participants with ≤ 2 years of work experience were 5.31 times more injured than those with > 2 years of experience (AOR= 5.31, 95% CI; 1.41-19.99). Moreover, workers who hadn’t had safety training in connection with new employment, equipment, or work process experienced injury 11.47 times more than those who had it (AOR= 11.47, 95% CI; 1.35- 27.74). Conclusions: In comparison to studies conducted on large-scale building constructions, this study’s report showed a relatively lower injury prevalence (34.9%). Factors such as educational status, work experience, and safety training were found to be significantly associated with occupational injury.
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    Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Workers in Flower Farms in Southwest Shoa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Tsiyon Abera Jebessa; Meaza Gezu; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent in workplaces, especially in agriculture and floriculture. Working on flower farms presents significant risks for WRMSDs due to extended postures and repetitive tasks such as cutting, packing, storing flowers, and loading/unloading boxes. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their associated factors among flower farm workers in the Southwest Shoa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined WRMSDs and associated factors among 423 flower farm workers in Southwest Shoa, Oromia, from January to June 2024. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Ethical approval was granted by the Research Ethics Committee of Addis Ababa University’s School of Public Health. Results: This cross-sectional study (Jan–Jun 2024) in Southwest Shoa Zone, Oromia, examined WRMSD prevalence and predictors among flower farm workers using interview data and logistic regression (OR, 95% CI, p < 0.05). The prevalence of WRMSDs was 63.36% (95% CI: 58.77–67.95%). Significant factors included age 25–35 years (AOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.07–4.08), being married (AOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.12–3.91), divorced/widowed (AOR: 5.00; 95% CI: 1.19–21.05), and basic literacy (AOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.11–0.67). Occupational and psychosocial factors—such as working in packhouses (AOR: 4.37; 95% CI: 1.51–12.69), awkward bending or twisting (AOR: 18.98; 95% CI: 1.62–221.96), job stress (AOR: 3.67; 95% CI: 1.55–8.64), and job dissatisfaction (AOR: 3.12; 95% CI: 1.56–6.23)—were also significantly associated. Conclusion: Flower farm workers in Southwest Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, exhibited a high prevalence of WRMSDs. Significant factors included age (25–35 years), marital status, literacy level, packhouse work, awkward postures, job stress, and dissatisfaction. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of WRMSDs and the need for integrated ergonomic and psychosocial interventions.
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    Magnitude, Outcomes, and Associated Factors of Road Traffic Injuries among Trauma Victims that Visited AaBET Hospital from 2020 to 2022
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-08) Golgotha Behailu; Teferi Abegaz; Yordanos Tadesse
    Background: Worldwide, approximately 1.3 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents and more than 90% of road traffic deaths occur in low and middle- income countries. Currently in Ethiopia, it is posing a major public health threat with significant morbidity and mortality in road traffic victims with a pooled prevalence of 31.5% in road traffic accident victims among trauma patients. Objective: The main objective of the study is to determine the magnitude of road traffic accident victims among trauma patients, associated factors, and their outcomes at ABET Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. Methods: A quantitative retrospective institution-based study design was applied at AaBET Hospital using an adopted Kampala and tailored pre-tested data collection checklist with a systematic random sampling technique. The sample size was 667, and collected data was entered into Epi-Data and transferred to SPSS for analysis. Binary and multivariate analysis was used to determine associated factors with outcomes of road traffic injury victims. Results: The magnitude of road traffic accidents among admitted trauma patients at AaBET Hospital was 44.8%, with males accounting for 78% of the victims. The age groups between 30 to 44 years had the highest prevalence with 38.4% among the road traffic accident victims. 39.6% of victims arrived with private vehicles with the commonest time of injury during the day time. 44.3% of road traffic accident victims were pedestrians accounting. Only 50.8% received pre-hospital care/treatment before their referral. Severe injury outcomes accounted for 58.6% (190) and outcomes with non-severe injury were 41.4% (133). Factors with a significant association for outcomes were type of victims who are drivers, moderate Glasgow Coma Scale, and duration of hospitalization greater than 24 hours. Conclusion: Type of victims who are drivers , moderate Glasgow Coma Scale, and duration of hospitalization greater than 24 hours have a statistically significant association with severe injury outcome. With almost half of the trauma patients arriving at AaBET Hospital being road traffic accident victims, urgent multi-sector intervention is needed to prevent the injury as well as decrease complications.
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    Occupational Lead Exposure and Renal Function Impairment among Garage Workers Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A comparative Cross-Sectional Study.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-03) Firehiwot Getahun; Meaza Gezu; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: Lead exposure is a major occupational hazard in the automotive industry, where workers routinely handle lead-containing materials. Chronic kidney disease is a serious health risk associated with lead exposure. Objective: This study aimed to assess the blood lead levels and renal function test parameters of garage workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 120 exposed garage workers and 110 non-exposed water bottling factory workers. Data collection included questionnaires, blood samples, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure measurements. Blood analyses determined blood lead level and renal function parameters. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 software. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences in blood lead levels and renal function parameters between groups. In addition, a generalized linear regression model was employed to examine the association between the glomerular filtration rate and independent variables. The significance level was set at (P < 0.05). Result: The median blood lead level of garage workers (11.98 μg/dL) (IQR) = 5.78ug/dL – 21.54ug/dL) was significantly higher than water bottling factory workers (6.87 μg/dL) (IQR = 4.17ug/dL– 10.13 ug/dL) (p < 0.001). Workers in mechanic and welding departments have higher blood lead levels than the comparison group. Creatinine levels were statistically higher in garage workers compared to the comparison group (p<0.030). In addition, the estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower among garage workers (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) between garage workers and water-bottling factory workers. Diastolic blood pressure, older age, and higher body mass index were associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion: Garage workers had significantly higher blood lead levels, indicating possible occupational exposure to garage workers compared to water bottling workers. In addition, serum creatinine was significantly higher among garage workers. So, preventive methods should be implemented to reduce lead exposure in garage workshops.
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    Prevalence and Associated Factors of Glue Sniffing and Symptoms of Neurotoxicity among Street Children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2021) Tony Girma; Teferi Abegaz; Samson Wakuma
    Background: Organic solvent like toluene is a neurotoxin chemical known to cause many health effects targeting mainly the central nervous system. Such chemicals are found in glue. These days, street children are abusing this substance by sniffing on the glue which leaves them for risk of neurotoxicity that is a toxicity of central nervous system.. The magnitude of problem is not explored in our context. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of glue sniffing and neurotoxicity symptoms among street children who have been exposed to organic solvents through sniffing glue. It‟s also thrives to find out the factors associated with glue sniffing. Method: A cross sectional study was employed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Four hundred twenty participants were recruited in this study with a Probabilistic sampling techniques. A modified Germen version Q18 was used to assess neurotoxic symptoms. Focus group discussion (FGD) was used for the qualitative study. Data were transferred to epi info version 7and then transferred to SPSS version (20) for analysis. The qualitative data were collected using one male and one female FDG. Key informants‟ interview was also carried out. Descriptive analysis and Logistic regression analysis was used for the quantitative data whereas Content analyze was done using open code software for the qualitative part. Result: Of 420 participants 330 (78.6%) were male. The prevalence of glue sniffing among street children was found to be 81.9% at 95%CI, of which 274 (79.6%) were male. Depression 293(69.8%), Headache 287(68.3%) and feeling sick 212(50.5%) were the most prevalent neurotoxicity symptoms among street children. Age (AOR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.06-3.93), Work status (AOR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.26-0.91), time on the street (AOR=3.73; 95% CI: 1.78-7.82), Peer pressure (AOR=3.10; 95% CI: 1.72-5.59), stress and depression (AOR=3.72; 95% CI: 2.07-6.68) and self-esteem (AOR=2.86; 95% CI: 1.51-5.43) were significantly associated with glue sniffing. Conclusion: The prevalence of glue sniffing among street children is alarmingly high causing health problem on these children with a high prevalence of neurotoxicity symptoms; depression, headache and short memory. The determinant factors were age, time on street, work status, peer pressure, stress & depression and self-esteem,. Prohibiting the use of glue by law and further study is recommended.
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    Prevalence and Associated Factors of Occupational Injury among Glass Factory Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2020-10) Mengistie Simegnew; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: In manufacturing industries, workplace injuries and property damages were highly significant and becoming bigger than before in developing countries. Body of pieces of evidence showed that injuries are common among workers involved in the glass manufacturing industry; cuts, burns are the common one, however, there is insufficient evidence on the magnitude and associated predictors in Ethiopia. Thus, the study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among glass factory workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2018/2019. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2019, on 363 randomly selected workers after stratified by working department. A structured questionnaire and observational checklists were used to collect the data. The collected data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 software and transported to SPSS version 23.0 software for analyses. Bivariate logistic regression was used to identify candidate variables and multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of occupational injuries and to control confounders. Results: The overall occupational injury rate was 58.3% workers per year. Twenty-one (11.1%) injured workers were hospitalized. A total of 254 workdays were lost, being 2.54 days lost on average per an injured worker. Service duration of five years or less in the present job [AOR=5.052, 95% CI: (1.886-13.535)], absence of health and safety information [AOR: 2.371, 95% CI: (1.375- 3.955)], sleeping disorder [AOR: 3.073, 95% CI: (1.535- 6.153)] and use of personal protective devices [AOR: 6.506, 95% CI: (2.645- 16.000] were significant factors to occupational injuries in glass factories. Work section of forming [AOR: 14.04, 95% CI: (4.26846.179)] was also another factor positively affecting injuries. Conclusion: working section, work experience in the present job, health and safety information, sleeping disorder and absence of protective devices increases the risk of occupational injuries. Ongoing health and safety information and/or training, periodic supervision, and occupational health and safety services should be emphasized to promote the health and safety conditions of the worker. Thus more attention should be given to these industries to improve occupational safety measures and a safe working environment and promoting health and safety for their workers.
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    Prevalence and Determinants for Low Back Pain among Taxi Driver Assistants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,2023: A Community Based Cross- Sectional Study
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-12) Kemal Mohammed; Samson Wakuma; Teferi Abegaz
    Background: - Globally Low back pain (LBP) is the most known musculoskeletal problem which causes limitation of activity and work absenteeism and it is one of the major across-the broad public health problems. In Ethiopia there is a high burden of LBP in the working segment of the Ethiopian population including drivers and their assistants. And it is common problem that indicates the importance of the problem in public health which needs an attention. Objective: -The study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of low back pain among taxi driver assistants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed among taxi driver assistants in Addis Ababa from March-July 2023. A total of 633 taxi driver assistants were participated in the study. A standardized questionnaire adapted from the Nordic questionnaire was used to collect the information. The data‘s were entered and cleaned using Epi-info version 7.2 and exported in to SPSS Version 25 software for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to compute means and standard deviations for numerical variables. Bivariate analysis was used to assess the association between these variables and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors predicting low back pain. The threshold for statistical significance was p<0.05. Result: - A total of 633 taxi driver assistants with the mean age of 26.3 (±7.3) and the mean experience of driver assisting 3.9 (±2.6) was participated in this study. Of the 633 participants, 292 (i.e., 46.1%) reported having low back pain at least for one day in the 12 months prior to the survey. Many of the participants mentioned lack of physical exercise [AOR =6.1,(95% CI, (2.5-15.1)] year of assisting experience [AOR = 3.3 (95% CI, (1.1-9.2)] and There were also respondents who mentioned sitting on uncomfortable seat while assisting [AOR=3.2 (95% CI, 2.4-6.9)] as determinant of low back pain by taxi driver assistants in Addis Ababa. Conclusion: - Low back pain was found to be common among taxi driver assistants in Addis Ababa. Occupation and behavior related factors were noted as strong determinants of LBP among the taxi driver assistants found in the present study. Further study, with an alternative designs, were recommended to investigate other determinants of low back pain among
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    Prevalence Road Traffic Injury Crash and Associated Factors On Addis Ababa-Adama Expressway: A Cross-Sectional Study, 2019/2020.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2021-06) Negesa Adugna; Teferi Abegaz; Meaza Gezu
    Background: - Road traffic accidents are one of the main public health problem results pre-mature death and injuries in the world. Ethiopia is among the leading countries in road traffic accident in the world. Addis Ababa – Adama Expressway is one of the newly introduced modern toll road with a traffic accident are occurred increasingly. This study describes prevalence, trend and associated factor of road traffic injury crashes. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and trend of road traffic injury crash and associated factors on Addis Ababa-Adama Expressway. Methods: - The study is based on the secondary data collected from Ethiopian Toll Road Enterprises from September 2014 to August 2018. The collected data contained information about the cause of accident, types of accidents, human causality and injury and other relevant information on the environmental condition and vehicle characteristics. Electronic data received in excel sheet was transferred to SPSS statistical software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the possible predictors. Results: - The overall prevalence of RTIC was (30%). In bivariate logistic regression: age of driver, season, types of vehicle, and types of collision and cause of road traffic crashes were significant association with RTC. Socio-demographic status, being 50 and above(AOR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.58), types of vehicle status, being minibus and bus (AOR- 2.75, 95% CI: 1.88, 4.02), pick up and medium truck (AOR= 1.88, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.71), automobile( AOR= 1.50, 95% CI: 1.07,2.10), car overthrow (AOR= 2.00, 95% CI: 1.49, 2.67), sleeping/fatigue (AOR= 2.76, 95% CI: 1.15, 4.62), over speeding (AOR= 1.53, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.12) and unethical driving (AOR= 1.43 95% CI: 1.08, 1.90). Conclusion: Road traffic injury crash on Addis Ababa-Adama Expressway become increasing. This trend showed that the issue need urgent attention and consider as a priority public health agenda.
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    Risk of Nephrotoxicity among Dry Cleaning Workers Exposed to Perchloroethylene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Philemon Mohammed; Teferi Abegaz; Meaza Gezu
    Background: Perchloroethylene, a solvent commonly used in dry cleaning, have an impact on kidney’s health. As the dry-cleaning industry grows in Addis Ababa, it presents an occupational hazard. Limited global research and a lack of African studies on this issue highlight this study to inform policymakers and promote worker health and safety. Objective: The objective of this study is to measure selected urinary and blood nephrotoxic biomarkers among dry cleaners in Addis Ababa and compare them with hotel laundry workers to see the impact of perchloroethylene on kidney health. Method: A multi-center comparative cross-sectional study was carried out in 17 dry-cleaning shops and 21 hotel laundries in Addis Ababa, involving 70 participants from each group. The study assessed nephrotoxic biomarkers such as urinary protein, creatinine, calcium, sodium, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. Data collection involved both biological samples and structured questionnaires administered via Open Data Kit (ODK), with data analysis conducted using SPSS. Statistical methods included t-tests, chi-square tests, correlation and multivariable regression with significance determined at p < 0.05. Result: The result showed that majority of the employees were females in both groups and the risk of nephrotoxicity was higher in dry cleaners as compared to hotel laundry workers, where 88.2% of the abnormal proteinuria, 76.9% of the abnormal creatinine and 38.5% and 62.5% of the abnormal urinary calcium and sodium values were found in dry cleaners respectively. We found a significant mean difference in three biomarkers namely, Total Protein (TPU) with a Median & IQR value of (102 mg/dl &70.75 mg/dl) and (54.5 mg/dl &27.25 mg/dl), Urinary creatinine with a Median & IQR value of (193 mg/dl & 111.06 mg/dl) and (142.93 mg/dl & 78.17 mg/dl) and Urinary Calcium with a Median & IQR value of (2.60 mmol/l & 2.94 mmol/l) and (0.835mmol/l & 0.79 mmol/l) for the exposed and the control groups respectively. However, a significant difference was not found in urinary sodium, Blood urea nitrogen and S. creatinine between the two groups, but higher value of sodium above range and higher BUN within range was observed in dry cleaners. The Log10 transformed TPU and raw BUN showed a significant association with experience of PCE spillage, r (140) = 0.201, p = 0.017 and r (24) = 0.536, p = 0.007, respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that dry cleaners faced the highest risk and abnormalities in kidney biomarkers, with factors such as duration of employment, PCE spillage, sex, frequency of handling PCE, and poor ventilation positively correlating with immediate symptoms. Although the absence of precise exposure measurements limited definitive conclusions, the findings indicated that dry cleaners are the most vulnerable group. Therefore, strong safety protocols and regular medical checkups are recommended for workers frequently exposed to Perchloroethylene
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    Role of Personality and Risky Driving Behavior on Road Traffic Accidents among Public Transport Drivers in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia: 2019.
    (Addis Ababa University, 2019-10) Teyiba Kemal; Teferi Abegaz; Yifokire Tefera
    Background: Road traffic accident is one of the top ten leading causes of death in world-wide. Every year 1.35 million peoples around the world die as a result of road traffic collisions. It‟s the result of contribution of many factors including environmental, vehicle and human factors and from all factors human factors contribute the major role for the cause of road traffic accident. There is no much evidence how the personality of drivers affects driving behavior and as well as its contribution on accident. Objective: To assess the relationship between of personality and risky driving behavior and their role on road traffic accidents among the public transport drivers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study design was conducted from January 01 to February 30, 2019 G.C. Using random selection three hundred seventy seven public transport drivers were selected from operated terminals. Data were collected by trained data collectors through interview using standardized questionnaire. The collected data were entered in Epi-data version 3.1 software and exported to Stata version 14.0 statistical software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to know the final predictors with a cut of point of P-value < 0.05 level of significance. Structural equation modeling program was applied to assess the relationship between personality and risky driving behaviors. Result: Totally 374 drivers participated in the study with response rate of 99.2%. The overall magnitude of risky driving behavior the study participants was 49%. Those had anger personality and speeding behavior had increased odds of road traffic accident. Two of personality trait were found positively significant with risky driving behaviors, driver anger (β = 0.24, P= 0.000) and sensational seeking (β = 0.13, P=0.000) with 58% total variance. Both personality and risky driving behaviors directly predicted road traffic accident with 23% of variance. Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings of the study show, anger and speeding had important contributor to accident and personality had significant association with risky driving behavior. And both personality and risky driving behavior had strong effect accident. And transport authority should design strategy and promote that helps to reduce speeding