AAU Institutional Repository (AAU-ETD)
Addis Ababa University Institutional repository is an open access repository that collects,preserves, and disseminates scholarly outputs of the university. AAU-ETD archives' collection of master's theses, doctoral dissertations and preprints showcase the wide range of academic research undertaken by AAU students over the course of the University's long history.
How to Submit Your Work
The repository contains scholarly work, both unpublished and published, by current or former AAU faculty, staff, and students, including Works by AAU students as part of their masters, doctoral, or post-doctoral research
- All AAU faculty, staff, and students are invited to submit their work to the repository. Please contact the library at your college.
You may contact digirep@aau.edu.et.with any questions about the repository
Colleges,Institutes in AAU-ETD
Select a college,institute to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Quality of life assessment in patients with Alopecia Areata
(Addis Ababa Uinverstiy, 2025) Blen Yosef; Ahmed Mohammed; Mihretu Woldeyes
Alopecia Areata (AA) is a non-scarring, autoimmune hair loss disease that has the
same sex distribution, and an estimated prevalence of 1-6.7 percent by the general population. It
is chronic and may greatly diminish quality of life (QoL).
Objective: This study was aimed at measuring QoL among AA patients at the ALERT hospital
Dermatovenerology clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study on 68 AA patients (May-Oct 2025). The
Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to measure QoL. Checklist was used to gather
data and analyzed using SPSS 27. Median (IQR) and frequency (%) are used to present
continuous and categorical data, respectively. Tests of associations were performed on Mann Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Spearman correlation test (significance: p<0.05).
Result: The mean age of the respondents (69.1% females) was 29.4 +- 11.6 years. Most (63.6%)
were aged 16-34. The average length of disease was 12.67 +- 15.70 months. Nearly all (97.1%)
had patchy AA. The average SALT score was 4.54 +- 3.62; all the cases mild (SALT<25%).
Median DLQI score was 7 (IQR: 4-11). Younger age, high SALT score (p=0.043), disease
duration (p=0.043), prevalence of scalp involvement (p=0.019) and positive family history were
significantly correlated with higher DLQI (worse QoL).
Conclusion: AA has a significant effect on deteriorating QoL. The worse impact is associated
with the younger age, higher SALT scores, and longer duration of disease, beyond scalp
involvement, and positive family history. Psychosocial burden of AA is not only cosmetic and,
therefore, needs to be addressed in healthcare.
Evaluating Street Orientation for Pedestrian Thermal Comfort the Case of Metehara Town
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-04-01) Rorisa Eshetu; Nebyou Yonas
Urban design plays essential role in designing pedestrian thermal comfort, especially in regions going through high temperatures. This research investigates the evaluation of street orientation on pedestrian thermal comfort in Metehara Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, through a systematic examination of climatic variables and urban geometry during the hottest months of the year April, May and June of the town. The study utilizes a combined methodology integrating field measurements of air temperature and relative humidity alongside wind speed and solar radiation analysis collected from global weather datasets. Additionally, the study integrates thermal indices of mean radiant temperature and universal thermal climate index to evaluate outdoor thermal conditions extensively. A pedestrian survey obtaining thermal sensation, comfort perception, and meteorological preferences is carried out to verify subjective experiences. The study employs bioclimatic chart, shadow length and sky view factor analyses to examine optimal street configurations. Findings involve that street orientation effectively influences thermal exposure with north-south, east-west and northeast-southwest and northwest-southeast streets exhibit different microclimatic characteristics. In addition, the importance of integrating climate responsive urban design strategies such as vegetation coverage, reflective surfaces and optimized urban geometry to enhance pedestrian thermal comfort. This study provides a framework for urban planners and policymakers to formulate street design strategies that prioritize pedestrian’s thermal comfort supporting to sustainable urban development in arid and semi-arid climates.
Assessing Economic Value of The Emerging Trend of Constructing High-Rise Headquarters by Ethiopian Banks
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-12-01) Gemechis Fekadu; Eyasu Kumera
Ethiopian banks are increasingly shaping Addis Ababa’s skyline through the construction of high-rise headquarters. This thesis examines the economic value of constructing high-rise headquarters by Ethiopian banks focusing on three areas: the contribution of bank headquarters to the local economy, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of such investments, and their comparison with other commercial high-rises in the city. Using a mixed-method approach that combines surveys, interviews, and cost–benefit analysis, the study finds that these investments generate notable economic benefits for the local economy. They create jobs during construction and operation, stimulate local procurement, increase tax contributions, and enhance the city’s real estate market. Beyond their financial impact, they also strengthen banks’ visibility, prestige, and customer trust. According to the findings of the study, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of high-rise bank headquarters investment appear to be generally satisfactory. However, the research also uncovers risks that these investments may not always yield the most efficient returns compared to other investments. When compared with other commercial developments, bank headquarters stand out as symbols of institutional strength, as drivers of urban transformation, and as more valuable in the market. Overall, the study suggests that while these projects carry real economic and symbolic value, banks must balance their desire for landmark buildings with strategies that ensure long-term financial sustainability and broader economic contribution.
Examining Community Perceptions on the Impacts of Land Use and Land Cover Change on Urban Environments: Evidence from Ayat Tafo Condominium Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-12-01) Belhu Fikadu; Mulugeta Maru
Globally, urban areas face rapid changes in LULC driven by population growth. In sub-Saharan Africa, these changes frequently happen without proper planning, causing biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. In Addis Ababa, condominium developments, including Ayat Tafo, have intensified pressure on green-infrastructure, disturbed-drainage functionality, and degrade ecosystem-functionality. Although quick condominium development and visible environmental dreadful conditions at the Ayat Tafo 20/80 site, the fine-scale biophysical effects of LULC change and the role of community insight and involvement in undertaking these challenges remain mainly undocumented and poorly understood. As a result, this study attempts to examine community perceptions of Land Use and Land cover change impacts on urban environments. The study used a mixed-methods approach using GIS-based time-series LULC analysis (2015–2025), and household surveys (questionnaire), site observations, and key-informant interview were used to collect firsthand data. Sample size of the study was 368 household and 8 key informant, systematic random sampling and purposive sampling technique was used respectively. To analyses quantitative and qualitative data, SPSS, Excel, and ArcGIS 10.8, software were used. The finding revealed wide alteration of vegetated, wetland, and open spaces into built-up areas. About 97% of residents observed foremost LULC changes, with urban development and land conversion as leading trends. Waste administration, loss of green areas, and water deficiencies were identified as serious challenges. Although the result revealed that 73% believed community involvement is effective while, 62% stated no participation due to absence of awareness, economic-constraint, and weak institutional corporation. The study concludes that LULC change at the community scale has created unified ecological, infrastructural, and social challenges, which can’t be addressed without participatory planning and green- infrastructure approaches. It recommends combined waste management, re-establishment of green and wetland spaces, viable water controlling, and supported community commitment inside urban planning frameworks to certify ecologically resilient and socially all-encompassing condominium growth.
A Conservation Study of The Italian Consulate Building in Adwa and An Adaptive Reuse Proposal for Its Up Keep
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-01-01) Beza Alemu Asgedom; Fasil Giorghis
This thesis addresses the critical need for the conservation of the Italian Consulate Building in Adwa, a significant structure embodying the historical and architectural heritage of the region. The primary objective of this research is to comprehensively document the building's existing condition and cultural value, and subsequently, to develop a systematic and sustainable conservation-based intervention strategy. The methodology employed qualitative approaches, including in-depth historical research and archival review and a case study combined with a meticulous physical condition assessment to document the building's current conditions, damages, material failures, and structural vulnerabilities. Findings confirmed the structure's high architectural and historical value, while simultaneously documenting extensive deterioration driven by environmental exposure and long-term neglect. The proposed recommendations are a detailed conservation plan that specifies necessary technical interventions focusing on minimal intervention, structural stabilization, and appropriate material repair alongside a framework for adaptive reuse. The study concludes by providing a conservation model for similar heritage assets in Adwa, advocating for the urgent implementation of the recommended strategy to ensure the building‘s authenticity, integrity, and long-term viability for future generations.