Counseling Psychology
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Item A Research Thesis on Early Attachment Styles and Selected Demographic Factors as Determinants of Communication Styles of young adults Romantic Relationships in Arada Subcity, Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2025-10) Lidiya Sileshi; Daniel TeferaThis study explored how early attachment experiences influence communication patterns in romantic relationships among young adults in Arada Subcity, Addis Ababa. Guided by attachment theory, which suggested that caregiver bonds shape later social and emotional development, the research examined the link between early attachment styles and communication behaviors in intimate partnerships. A cross-sectional design was applied with 424 participants selected through stratified random sampling. Attachment styles were measured using the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), while communication tendencies were assessed through the Communication Styles Questionnaire (CSQ). Analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression. Findings indicated that secure attachment was most prevalent, followed by anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant patterns. Assertive communication emerged as the dominant style, though passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive tendencies were also observed. Results demonstrated a significant association between attachment and communication styles, with regression analysis confirming that attachment style remained a significant predictor even when sex and age were controlled. Securely attached individuals were more likely to communicate assertively, while insecure attachment styles were linked with maladaptive patterns. These outcomes reinforce the central premise of attachment theory and underscore the enduring impact of early relational experiences on adult intimacy. The study suggested practical applications for relationship counseling, youth-focused education, and psychological interventions aimed at enhancing communication and relational outcomes among young adults. By illuminating the pathways between attachment and communication, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how early bonds shape relational dynamics in emerging adulthood. Keywords: Attachment styles, communication styles, young adults, romantic relationships, assertiveness, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaItem A Study on the Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control in Career Decision Making: The Case in Nifas Silk Poly Technic College(Addis Ababa University, 2025) Alemayehu Gabisa; Tigist W.This study examined the relationship between general self-efficacy (GSE) and locus of control (LOC) and career decision-making (CDM) among students at Nifas Silk Polytechnic College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Guided by Bandura’s social-cognitive theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), the study sought to determine the extent to which these psychological factors predict students’ ability to make effective career choices. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed, and data were collected from 310 randomly selected TVET students using validated scales for GSE, LOC, and CDM. Descriptive statistics revealed that 63.2% of students had moderate CDM, while 61.6% reported low GSE. Correlation analysis using Spearman’s rho indicated a significant positive relationship between GSE and CDM (r = .477, p < .001) and a weaker but significant positive relationship between LOC and CDM (r = .167, p = .003). Multiple regression analysis showed that the model including GSE and LOC was significant (F(2,307) = 94.43, p < .001), explaining 38.1% of the variance in CDM. GSE emerged as the strongest predictor of CDM (β = .610, p < .001), whereas LOC was not a significant predictor (β = .064, p = .155). The findings highlight the central role of self-efficacy in shaping students’ career decision-making skills and suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing students’ self-efficacy may improve their career planning and outcomes. The study recommends integrating self-efficacy–building strategies and career guidance services into TVET programs to better prepare students for future employment. Keywords: Career Decision-Making; General Self-Efficacy; Locus of Control; Career GuidanceItem Academic Self-Concept of Remedial Program Students in Private Higher Education Institutions of Addis Ababa: The Role of Academic Motivation and Perceived Social Support(Addis Ababa University, 2026-05) Metmeku Yohanis; Seleshi ZelekeThe purpose of this study was to examine the academic self-concept of remedial program students in private higher education institutions of Addis Ababa and the role of academic motivation and perceived social support. The study was conducted using sequential explanatory mixed method research design. Data were collected from 366 participants. The quantitative data were collected through self-reported questionnaires by using academic self-concept questionnaire, academic motivation scale and multidimensional scale of perceived social support. The qualitative data were collected through an in depth interview. The quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS version 27 whereas the qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the participant’s academic self-concept was medium. There was statistically significant gender difference in the academic self-concept of remedial program students in private colleges of Addis Ababa. Male students scored significantly higher in academic self-concept than female students. Academic motivation was strongly and positively correlated (r=0.605, p,0.001) with academic self-concept. Perceived social support was moderately associated with academic self-concept (r = .412, p<.001)). The regression analysis results indicated that academic motivation is a significant predictor of academic self-concept, explaining 36.6% of the total variance. Academic motivation and perceived social support together explained 41.5 % of the variance in academic self-concept. The qualitative phase shows intrinsic motivation functioned as a psychological buffer against the weight of prior failure; the conditionality of family support mattered as much as its presence; and also prior academic history and the nature of academic motivation associated with academic self-concept. Key terms; Academic self-concept, Academic motivation, Perceived social support, remedial Program, Private higher education.Item Accident Related Psychological Problems of Children at Three Selected Hospitals in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2006-07) Amanuel Haile; Sintayehu TaddeseThe main objective of this study was to examine accident related psychological problems of children at three selected hospitals in Addis Ababa. The study also aimed at finding if there are age, sex and accident type differences in exposure to the ps ychological problems(Anxiety, Emotional Distress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Score}. Investigation of the p s y chological services in the three hospitals was also another objective. To meet these objectives, 100 victimed children, 100 ' parents of children participants and 20 health professionals were purposively selected and included in the sample. Three scales measuring the psychological problems (anxiety, emotional distress and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms) and two stru ctured interviews were used as instruments. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to analyze the data obtained through the scales and interviews. Percentage results showed that 75% victimed children s howed clinically s ignificant level of anxiety while 98% had clinically significant level of emotional distress. Se vere . posttraumatic stress symptom was exhibited in 61 % of the cases. Results from the analysis of variance indicated that there were no statistically significant age, sex and accident type differences in experiencing anxiety, emotional distress and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom levels. The main and interaction effects of the three way ANOVA also came up with statistically non significant results. Interview results with health professionals and parents of participants s howed the absence of counseling services In the three hospitals. Recommendations and implications of the study are indicatedItem Adaptation and Validation of the Career Adapt-Ability Scale (Caas) Among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Barkot Maeregu; Daniel TeferaCareer adaptability is a crucial psychological and social resource that enables university students to deal with employment related tasks, transitions and uncertainty of the constantly altering world of work. The Career Adapt-Ability Scale (CAAS), originally developed and validated by Mark Savickas and Erik Porfeli, has emerged as a well-established tool for evaluating important career resources. Even though CAAS has been validated across several countries and cultural contexts, there are limited evidence about its psychometric properties in Ethiopia. As a result, this research intended to adapt and validate the Amharic version of CAAS among undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University. A quantitative cross-sectional methodological study design was employed in 487 final year undergraduate students. Standard cross-cultural adaptation procedures which included forward translation, back translation, expert review and pilot testing were followed. The study results demonstrated good internal consistency reliability for the overall scale (α=.849),while subscale reliability coefficients ranged from .835 to .858. Item-Level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) values ranged from .83 to 1.00, and the Scale-Level Content Validity Index (S-CVI) was .95. The factor analyses supported the original four-factor structure of the scale, consisting of concern, control, curiosity and confidence. The study concluded that the Amharic version of the CAAS demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity for assessing career adaptability among Ethiopian undergraduate students.Item Adverse Childhood Experience and Mental Health Concern among Clients Visiting Erq Ma’ed Psychological Services(Addis Ababa University, 2025) Betelehem Bekele; Belay TeferaAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction have lasting impacts on adult mental health. This study examined the re-lationship between ACEs and mental health concerns, focusing on depression, anxiety, and stress among clients visiting Erq Ma’ed Psychological Services. A total of 70 clients who met inclusion criteria participated in the study; since all eligible individuals were included, no sampling tech-nique was applied. Data were collected using the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Analyses in-cluded correlations, chi-square tests, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and multiple regressions. Results showed that 85.7% of participants reported exposure to high levels of ACEs (4+ ACEs). High ACE exposure was significantly associated with greater depression and anxie-ty, though stress did not differ significantly across exposure levels. Sexual abuse, emotional abuse, parental separation or death, and family member incarceration were found to uniquely predict higher depression and anxiety scores. Gender analysis revealed that women reported significantly higher mental health distress related to interpersonal ACEs compared to men.The findings suggest that cumulative and interpersonal childhood adversities contribute substantially to adult psychological distress. Discussion highlights the consistency of these findings with glob-al evidence linking ACEs to adult psychopathology, emphasizing the urgent need for trauma-informed and gender-sensitive mental health interventions within the Ethiopian context. The study concludes that early screening for ACEs in counseling settings is essential for effective prevention and treatment. Future research should include larger and more diverse samples, em-ploy longitudinal designs to clarify causal pathways, and explore protective factors such as resil-ience and social support that may buffer the effects of childhood adversity. Keywords: adverse childhood experiences, mental health, depression, anxiety, stress, gender dif-ferences.Item Assessment Literacy Among Teachers of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Centers in Region-6(Addis Ababa University, 2005-06) Abera Kelemu; Bidyadhar, SaThe main purpose of the study was to examine teachers' training background, their perception on their training back ground they had in assessment of students' learning, the competence level of teachers in the seven standards of assessment, and teachers' perceptions about their abilities in the seven competence standards of assessment. Beside, the relationship among their background, perception and level of knowledge were investigated. To serve the purpose of the study 41 teachers available in the TVET centers of Region-6 form the sample of the study. To gather data from the selected sample teachers' assessment literacy questionnaire was administered. To analyze the collected data, percentage, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson product moment correlation were used. The results indicated that most teachers have taken less than one course on measurement and evaluation during their college training and they believe their training was inadequate. Most of them have no in-service training and they showed low level of performance in the assessment competency test and a large majority rated their abilities as "very good" in some assessment skills. It was also found that experienced teachers and teachers who have taken measurement and evaluation course during their college showed better overall performance than teachers who lack experience and who haven't measurement and evaluation course during their college education. However, a significant difference is not observed between teachers who believed their college training is adequate and those teachers who believed their college training to be inadequate. Based on these findings conclusion and suggestion have been drawnItem Assessment of Guidance and Counseling Services Offered in Selected Secondary Schools of Addis Ababa(2018) Meron Kassu; Ayele, Mogoshe aim of this study was to determine the types of services that school counselors in government run secondary schools in Addis Ababa offer to students. The study also sought to assess if school counselors keep process data and if there are any written standards that govern what school counselors should do.51 school counselors in government run secondary schools were chosen for the study through stratified sampling and simple random sampling method. SCARS (School Counselors’ Activity Rating Scale) was used to collect quantitative data. Interview was conducted to gather qualitative data by selecting 10 school counselors by simple random sampling method. The qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive analysis method and repeated measures ANOVA. The qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive analysis method. Result of the study showed that school counselors provide direct and indirect services to students including counseling, consultation, coordination and curriculum activities as well as non guidance and counseling activities. Results from repeated measures ANOVA showed that age and gender had an effect on the performance of the school counseling activities (counseling, consultation, curriculum, coordination and other activities) and there was a significant difference on the provisions of the school counseling activities. Results of study also revealed that school counselors do not keep process data and there are no written standards that govern what they should do. The research data gathered from this study could be used to evaluate and reform current practices of guidance and counseling programs in schools.Item Assessment of Guidance and Counseling Services Offered in Selected Secondary Schools of Addis Ababa This(Addis Ababa University, 2018-06) Meron Kassu; Mogos AyeleThe aim of this study was to determine the types of services that school counselors in government run secondary schools in Addis Ababa offer to students. The study also sought to assess if school counselors keep process data and if there are any written standards that govern what school counselors should do.51 school counselors in government run secondary schools were chosen for the study through stratified sampling and simple random sampling method. SCARS (School Counselors’ Activity Rating Scale) was used to collect quantitative data. Interview was conducted to gather qualitative data by selecting 10 school counselors by simple random sampling method. The qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive analysis method and repeated measures ANOVA. The qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive analysis method. Result of the study showed that school counselors provide direct and indirect services to students including counseling, consultation, coordination and curriculum activities as well as non guidance and counseling activities. Results from repeated measures ANOVA showed that age and gender had an effect on the performance of the school counseling activities (counseling, consultation, curriculum, coordination and other activities) and there was a significant difference on the provisions of the school counseling activities. Results of study also revealed that school counselors do not keep process data and there are no written standards that govern what they should do. The research data gathered from this study could be used to evaluate and reform current practices of guidance and counseling programs in schools.Item Assessment of Mental Health Concerns among Students in Addis Ababa University through Online Platform: Self-Diagnosis, Coping Mechanisms and Influence on Academic Performance(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06) Genet Mekuria; Belay TeferaThis mixed-methods study conducted in June 2026 assessed the relationships between general mental health distress, digital health tracking, self-diagnosis, and academic functioning among 400 undergraduate students at Addis Ababa University. The results showed that 78% of all surveyed participants utilized online platforms to research their health symptoms when feeling unwell, relying primarily on smartphones to access Google and various artificial intelligence tools. Within the subgroup of 312 active online health information seekers, a striking 87.8% reported experiencing moderate to high levels of baseline psychological distress. Moreover, the study identified significant behavioral consequences of these habits, noting that 55.4% of the student population displayed moderate cyberchondria and 8.3% suffered from high cyberchondria. Pearson correlation analyses confirmed that using online resources as a digital coping mechanism was associated with an increase, rather than a reduction, in mental distress (r=.253, p<.01), functioning as a maladaptive behavioral loop that feeds health anxiety. This elevated mental distress was subsequently found to have a significant negative correlation with general life satisfaction (r=-.274, p<.01) and a positive correlation with negative academic impacts (r=.201), indicating that unmanaged digital searching explicitly disrupts concentration, study workflows, and subjective well-being. Keywords: Cyberchondria, mental health distress, online self-diagnosis, digital coping mechanisms, health anxiety,Item Assessment of the Barriers and Facilitators of Tele-Counseling Service Delivery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06) Abyssinia Beshada; Abera GetachewThe adoption of remote mental health services in Ethiopia is hindered by prevailing cultural norms, inadequate technological infrastructure, and economic constraints. This study explored the barriers and facilitators of tele-counseling service delivery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from the perspectives of clients and mental health professionals. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed, involving twenty participants (n = 20), including ten tele-counseling clients and ten mental health counselors selected through purposive sampling from private psychological centers and the Ministry of Health Helpline. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method. The findings revealed four major themes: (1) Stigma, (2) Infrastructure, (3) Privacy, and (4) Facilitators. Tele-counseling effectively helped clients avoid social stigma by ensuring absolute privacy and anonymity, thereby lowering barriers to entry for individuals fearing judgment or social consequences. Key facilitators included enhanced scheduling flexibility, reduced travel time amid Addis Ababa’s traffic, audio-only anonymity that supported emotional disclosure, and counselors’ adaptation through culturally appropriate communication (plain Amharic), vocal tone, and leveraging family collectivism for treatment adherence. Conversely, the identified barriers centered on Infrastructure challenges (unstable internet connectivity, frequent power interruptions, and high data costs that disrupted sessions and created financial strain) and Privacy deficits (lack of private spaces in crowded multi-generational households, forcing clients into creative and sometimes unsafe workarounds such as parked cars or outdoor locations). These barriers compromised therapeutic continuity and safety, particularly during emotional or crisis moments. Based on these findings, the study offers the following recommendations: the Ministry of Health should establish stronger collaborations with Ethio Telecom to provide institutional toll-free mental health hotlines; academic institutions should set up dedicated, private counseling spaces on university campuses for students; and mental health organizations should develop low-bandwidth, flexible tele-counseling platforms capable of functioning during poor internet connectivity. Additionally, targeted public awareness campaigns should be launched to maximize digital e-health opportunities and further dismantle mental health stigma. Keywords: Tele-counseling, Mental Health, Descriptive Phenomenology, Mental Health Stigma.Item An Assessment of the Major Psychological and Social Problems of Female Child Commercial Sex Workers in Some Selected Tourist Sites: the Case of Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and Gondar(Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Ashenafi Kassahun; Sentayehu TadesseThe study focused on the assessment of the major psychological and social problems oj child commercial sex workers in some selected tourist sites in Ethiopia. It was conducted on 103 purposively selected child commercial sex workers and 1 broker in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and Gondar. InJormation was gathered through questionnaire, the Center Jor Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Jor Children (CES-DC), the Children Hope Scale (CHC), and interview. The collected data were analyzed through percentage, t-test and one way ANOVA. A lthough the clients oj the majority oj the participants were predominantly the local people (69%), 31% oj the respondents reported that they had contact with Joreigner clients. In the interview, in addition to public places, it was explored that there were hidden places organized to connect foreigners with children for commercial sexual exploitation. On the Center Jor Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Jor Children (CES-DC), most oj the participants 63% of them reported total scores above the cut off point 15, which is suggestive oj existence oj significant depression symptom. On the children hope scale, the majority (61%) scored below the cut point 21 which is an indication of low level oj hope. The participants score on CES-DC and CHS were compared across different background variables and significant differences were observed. In addition to these psychological variables, the social problems oj the child commercial sex workers were explored. Most oj the participants reported that they spent the day time by chewing chat (62.9%) and sleeping (47.1%). One oJthejustificationsJor spending their time these ways was a feeling oj a sense oj embarrassment to go out side in the day time and these helped them to hide themselves Fom the society. Frequent quarrel (51%) with other persons was the other major inter personal problem investigated in this study. Finally, all stake holders are recommended to organize activities that help child commercial sex workers to cope with the psychological and social problems identified in one way or anotherItem Assessment of the Psychological Care Giving Patterns of Child Care Institutions(Addis Ababa University , 2019) Eyerusalem Shibru; Z., Teka (PhD).The aim of this study is to assess the psychological care giving pattern of child care institutions. It is conducted in a government orphanage center called Kebebe – Tsehay found in Addis Ababa. The research primarily used a descriptive case study design of qualitative research method. It mainly focused on the interaction between the care givers and the children. Qualitative data was collected using an observation, interview and focus group discussion techniques. The data was analyzed using manual coding system. A total of four observations, 3interviews and one focus group discussion session were carried out with the caregivers and other concerned bodies of the institution. The study revealed that because of the incomparability of child – care giver ratio and other related factors, the institution has low quality of psychological care giving pattern. The caregivers were providing care with a very little warmth, sensitivity and affection due to their over load and inability of getting the chance of building their capacity with frequent trainings. As a result the children in the institution are destitute of the privilege of being raised in a nurturing environmentItem Assessment of the Role of Counseling Service during Pre and Post Treatment of Fistula Patients at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital(Addis Ababa University, 2015-06) Tirsit Teklewold; FekadeThe study is meant to assess the role of counselling service during pre and post treatment of Fistula Patients at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Exploring the effectiveness of counselling services is also another objective of the research. The researcher involved patients who came to Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital to get treatment and the service provider who serves as a counsellor at the Addis Ababa Fistula hospital as a study population. Mixed approach is used as a research design to gather the necessary data from forty sample patients who came for surgery during the data collection period. Data also collected from six available counsellors by administering structured questioners during the study period. The quantitative data was analysed by using SPSS version 20 computer software. Tables and percentage presented in case of quantitative information and narration for the qualitative data collected with focus groups discussions. The result of this study shows that,the pre and post treatment counselling services undertaking at Addis Ababa Fistula hospital have a valuable contribution for the patients to cope their difficulties in relation to psychological health by helping them to decreases their level of depression symptoms and enhancing their self-esteem. There is a good practice of counselling service which follows the standards of fistula counselling manuals with certain challenges. Although there are rooms for counselling it is not found that they are not convenient for counselling as they are not separated form hospital wards. There is also a lack of mechanisms to prevent burn out of counsellors and refreshment trainings which would possibly affect qualities of counselling given for the patients. Finally based on the result and reviewed related literature, it is recommended thatthe counsellor’s needs to be capacitated with intensive counselling trainings and the rooms should be organized in a conducive way for counselling. The Hospital should continue its effort in providing Holistic treatment by placing counselling unit. This unit would promote multicultural counselling approach to satisfy the needs of diversified patients who came from different regions of Ethiopia.Item An Assessment on Career Development Counseling Service Delivery, Challenges and Existing Needs of Auricular Undergraduate Students(Addis Ababa University, 2019-10) Degu Yeshiwas; Moges AyeleThe purpose of this study was to assess the career development counseling services delivery, associated challenges, and existing needs of students among AAU regular undergraduate students‟. To this end, the study employed a qualitative approach within which variety of data gathering tools such as key informant interview (KII), focus group discussions (FGD), document analysis and observation were employed. The method was found convenient to make the required modifications in the course of the study unlike the quantitative approach as the knowledge of the subject among the research participants were known explicitly beforehand. Accordingly, FGD was used to collect data from the students whereas the KII was used to collect data from the guidance and counseling (GCU) experts and that of student career development center (SCDC) staff. Both the KII and the FGD were conducted in Amharic by using hand written notes and partly audio records. All data from the field work were organized, transcribed and translated into English first. In organizing the gathered data, codes were given to each participant‟s response and it was these codes used while this research report is written. In sum, a total of 28 people were involved in the study of whom 10 were from the AAU staff (from those two ventures i.e. GCU and SCDC) while the remaining 18 were students who are representatives in their respective departments and sections. Moreover, document analyses were made upon the number of bi-weekly, interim and annual report found in the SCDC structure whereas the observation has been used to collect data concerning the office space and setup of the GCUs‟ and SCDC. As a result, the study found out that the majority of students don‟t ever know that the services offered by GCU do exist despite the fact that they have stayed for the last two to four years at AAU. On the other hand, SCDC is a new venture at AAU, which is only one year old, and have been working on graduating class students in which case, the majority of the FGD participants‟ were not as such expected to knew about it and the services that it offer, in relative terms. Be that as it may, the regardless of its newness the SCDC was found to delivered better career development counseling services than that of age old GCU. On the other hand, both GCU and SCDC were found to have challenges specifically related to office space and other required inputs. Lack of the required human resource input has also been found the additional challenge for SCDEC whereas GCU lack clear guidelines, policies, protocols and the required counseling skills to function fully. So far as the students career development counseling needs are concerned, the SCDC found to have a better competitive advantage than that of the GCU in the sense that all the activities embedded in SCDC are directly related to the career development needs of the students while much of the GCU experts time has been allocated to small group of students with difficulties in their personal/social life. In reality, it is a misunderstanding and lack of guidance that make the GCU experts to focus on that component; otherwise, being in a school set up much of their time and energy has been expected to be bestowed to support the students‟ academic and career matters. And a huge gap has been observed on the part of the students as to what career development counseling needs that they have and prioritize them. Finally, the study attempted to recommend the need for developing career development counseling resources that could be made accessible to the majority of students in a technology assisted manner and the pressing need for collaboration between SCDC and GCU of AAUItem An Assessment on Pregnant Women's Utilization of and Attitude Towards Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Service: the Case of Gondar town(Addis Ababa University, 2008-07) Abebe Fekadu; Desalegn ChalchisaVoluntary counseling and HIV testing for pregnant women is a starting point for instituting an MTCT prevention program. The objective of this study was to assess pregnant women's utilization of and attitude towards voluntary HIV counseling and testing service. A crosssectional study design was used in which data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered in a face to face interviews. The study was conducted in Gondar town at two hospitals and one health center, namely, Gondar University hospital, Defense hospital and Gonder health center. The study sample comprised of 176 pregnant women aged from 18 to 38 years. It was found that most of the respondents had good knowledge of mother to child transmission of HIV and its prevention; and voluntary HIV counseling and testing service. Similarly, most of them had a positive attitude towards Voluntary HIV counseling and testing service. However, most (93.18%) of them had never used voluntary HIV counseling and testing service because of the presence of different factors. Except age other variables (level of education, occupational status and marital status) had no significant relationship with utilization of VCT service at 0.05 level of significance. The study indicated that good knowledge about MTCT and VCT; and positive attitude towards VCT did not contribute to pregnant women's utilization ofVCT serviceItem Barriers to Utilizing Counseling Services among High School Students (The Roles of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice)(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Eden Assefa; Seleshi ZelekeAdolescence, marked by significant changes, requires effective support systems, especially considering mental health challenges like academic stress and identity issues. Despite the recognition of the importance of counseling services, their uptake is hindered by factors like lack of awareness, stigma, and cultural barriers. The main aim of this study was to investigate barriers to utilizing counseling services and the roles of knowledge, attitude, and practice among high school students in Lideta Sub-city, Addis Ababa. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa with a total sample size of 427 study participants. The data were entered into epi-info software and analyzed using SPSS. Bi-variate and multi-variate analyses were employed using a logistic regression model. They were interpreted based on the odds ratio and level of statistical significance at a p-value of 0.05. Out of the total study participants, 63.9% heard about counseling services, 61.6% (95% CI: 56.9%- 66.1%) had a favorable attitude towards counseling services, and 39.1% (95% CI: 34.6%- 43.8%) had utilized counseling services. The logistic regression analysis indicated that those who had inadequate knowledge about counseling services were 2.50 times less likely to seek counseling services than those who had adequate knowledge (AOR= 2.50; 95%CI: (1.59- 3.90)) (p < .001). Besides, those who were learning at Balcha Abanefso were 5.23 times more likely to seek counseling services than those who were learning at Africa Hibret (AOR= 5.23; 95%CI: (2.87-9.52) with p-value < 0.001. In conclusion, the data highlights a significant awareness and positive attitude towards counseling services among the participants. However, the utilization rate of counseling services stands at only 39.1%, indicating a gap between knowledge and actual engagement with these services. Keyword: barrier, knowledge, attitude, practice, Addis AbabaItem Behavioral Change and Responses HIV/AIDS Messages in Some Selected Private College Students of Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2007-05) Biruk Berahnu; Dubey SurendraThe extent of damage caused by HIVIAIDS, particularly, in developing countries calls for everyone 's contribution towards its prevention. The danger is more serious imagining adolescents and adults as primary victims of the disease. Hence, this study is done to identify the level of HIVIAIDS related issues such as knowledge, behavioral change, risk perception, appraisal of recommended responses among private college students of Add is Ababa, where the most vulnerable age group could be found. Associations of behavioral change with the others are also determined. 230 subjects were randomly selected from two of the private colleges found in Addis Ababa. And data was obtained from the subjects using self administered questionnaire and descriptive "analysis of it was done. Correlation analysis was also made to see the association between behavioral changes with the factors mentioned above. Knowledge about HI VIA IDS was found to be high among the participants. Although, the overall behavior/practice was safe by majority, unsafe sexual behaviors were also observed from the results. Subjects ' risk p erception was found to be in a good position. The same is true for appraisal of recommended responses. Positive correlation was obtained between behavioral change and the rest factors suggesting their contribution to behavioral changeItem Behavioral Problems of Government and Private High School Adolescents in Adama Town(Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Edae Gobna; Tamirie AndualemThis study tried to see the commonly prevailing behavioral problems among high school students; the perceived effects of these behavioral problems on students' academic performance and on teachers' job related morals, the differences and/or similarities between Government and Private high school students on the types and perceived effects of the problems, and create awareness in all school stake holders so as to have positive regard towards students with behavioral problems. The study has the sample of 161 of which 106 are students and 55 are teachers selected from 4 of the 10 schools in Adama town. Students were selected using stratified sampling and then systematic sampling from each strata; teachers also were selected using the above sampling methods; where as school administrators and student council members were selected using comprehensive sampling method As this study is more of descriptive, the obtained data of the quantitative part is analyzed in terms of percentage while the qualitative part is in discussion form. The instruments used are open and close ended questionnaire andfocus group discussion. The obtained result reveals that; not doing home work and class work (78.18%), being passive in class (78.18%), short al/ention span to education (74.55%), and disturbing in class or outside (69.09%) to be the commonly prevailing behavioral problems; from the three categories of behavioral problems the one related to problematic students is found to be high (49.1%) in its occurrence as compared to others, though others also have their own share problems against teachers (44.2%) and problems against other students (45.63%). The study also revealed that, students' behavioral problems have perceived effects on their academic performance and on teachers' job related stress. More over, it is found that though both share many behavioral problems in common; the problems seem to be high in private schools than in government schools. In conclusion, students' behavioral problems that are identified have effects on their academic performance and teachers' job-related stress unless joint effort is made by all stakeholders to alleviate themItem Career Choice, Associated Factors and Career Strategies among General Winget Polytechnic College Students(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Mehari Abebe; Abera GetachewThe major aim of this study was to study career choice, associated factors and career strategies among General Winget polytechnic college students. Research design was apply survey research design and the study employed questionnaires for data collection. Stratify sampling technic use conducted and 200 participants selected randomly. The collected data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative used descriptive and inferential statistics method of analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the findings of the study and inferential statistics were employed to check the statistical significance of the tests. Hence to calculate the correlation between variables Pearson product moment correlation, independent sample t-test was used to calculate career choice factor across sex. ANOVA was used to view the relationship between career choice factor and demographic variables. Many of students’ chose their career based on their interest. Career orientation had significant positive association with student career choice. From career orientation real challenge and lifestyles was the major factor of career orientation. Career thought was significant factors of student career choice. Majorities of students decision making confusion during career choice. Career counselor role has a significant effect on the student career orientation and career choice. Career choice strategies are students before career choice understand and know their interest and talent to give attention for own interest, passion and ability. Keywords: - Career choice, career orientation, career thought, career counselor, career strategies and college student.