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ECOLOGICAL AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS BASED ON HEAVY METAL AND PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SOIL AND VEGETABLES AROUND LAKE ZIWAY, ETHIOPIA
(HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-08) ASRAT FEKADU DEMSIE
HEALTHCARE SOLID WASTE GENERATION AND ITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: THE CASE OF KELLE PRIMARY HOSPITAL, KOORE ZONE, SOUTH ETHIOPIA REGION, ETHIOPIA
(HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-10) ABREHALIGN ASHENAFI
Healthcare facilities generate healthcare wastes that can endanger the health of human being and environment. Healthcare Waste refers to waste that is produced during treatment, diagnosis and related activities. It needs special and suitable handling before disposal. This study is aimed to assess the healthcare waste management system in Kelle Primary Hospital, Koore Zone, South Ethiopia region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design involving Direct Observation, Key Informant Interview and weighing scale was used to evaluate the healthcare solid waste management system. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean waste generation rate among wards. The average daily healthcare waste generation rate was determined to be 0.84 kg/bed/day and 0.65 kg/patient/day. Of the total solid waste generated, over half (52.16%) constitutes general waste and the remaining 47.84% was hazardous waste. There were significant variation between different wards regarding GW and HW. Regarding GW (OPD and radiological ward (MD=7.43, P<0.001)) was the highest and regarding HW (Delivery ward and Pharmacy (MD=7.61, P<0.001)) was the highest. Besides, there was limited segregation of healthcare waste by type at the point of generation. Healthcare waste was collected and transported using a cracked sub-standard open plastic bins. Moreover, the brick incinerator performs at low temperature. The average hazardous healthcare waste generation rate is above the threshold value set by WHO, of hazardous HCW generation rate in low-income countries. Therefore, proper application of the principle of waste segregation based on international and national guideline have to be applied in the Hospital.
AIR POLLUTANTS IN SCHOOL, URBAN, AND INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS OF HAWASSA CITY, ETHIOPIA: LEVELS AND POSSIBLE HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT
(HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-06) ABEBECH NUGUSE AMARE
Air pollution has received enormous attention globally due to its detrimental effects on human health, especially on susceptible populations such as children. However, there is scarce data on concentrations and sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), inorganic gaseous pollutants (NO2, CO, and SO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in Ethiopia, particularly Hawassa City. The objective of this PhD work was to determine the indoor and outdoor concentrations of VOCs, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 in schools, urban, and industrial environments in Hawassa City, Ethiopia, and evaluate potential health concerns. VOC samples were taken via the passive sampling method using Tenax TA as a sorbent and analyzed using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GCMS). The concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were measured using a portable gas monitor device (HoldPeak Laser PM meter, HP 5800D). Levels of NO2, CO, and SO2 were measured using the Aeroqual Series 500 Portable Air Quality Monitor (Aeroqual Ltd., New Zealand). Concentrations of 76 VOCs were determined in air samples from the classrooms and playgrounds of eight primary schools in Hawassa. Concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 were also measured in the outdoor and indoor environments of ten primary schools in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Additionally, indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 were measured in urban and industrial areas of Hawassa City, Ethiopia, in the dry and wet seasons. xxiii The highest total VOCs (TVOCs) concentration (83 μg/m3 ) was observed in a classroom of School 2, followed by a classroom of School 1 (76 μg/m3 ), while the smallest TVOC concentration, 37 μg/m3 , was recorded in the playground of School 8. Among the BTEX, toluene was the most dominant in all samples, ranging from 33% in School 4 to 38% in School 1 of ∑BTEX. The I/O ratios of individual VOC in the schools ranged from 0.44 in School 4 to 9.21 in School 2. The highest cumulative cancer risk (CCR×106 ) and the total hazard ratio indicator (THRI) values were 126 and 1.58E-01, respectively, in a classroom of School 4. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 in the ten primary schools ranged 11–66.3, 30.8–399.7, and 60.5–152 µg/m3 , respectively, and CO and SO2 were not detected in any of the schools. The hazard quotient (HQ) for PM2.5 and PM10 was greater than one in 20% and 50% of the indoor sampling locations, respectively, suggesting moderate risks. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at 40% and 30% of the outdoor sampling sites were unhealthy for sensitive groups due to exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be above the WHO mean guidelines in 55% and 85% of the sampling sites, respectively, indicating poor quality of the air. In the urban and industrial areas, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 were detected during both seasons and at all sampling sites. CO was detected during the wet season but not detected at all during the dry season at any of the sites. SO2 was detected only at one site, S17 (ambient of industry 1), during both studied seasons. During the dry season, the average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 ranged from 8.8–310.7, 20.1–515.8, and 40.0– 123.7 µg/m3 , respectively. In the wet season, the ranges for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO levels were 17.2–117.4, 24.3–167.2, 31.8–111.3, and 77–33312 µg/m3 , respectively. xxiv In both the wet and dry seasons, the hazard quotient for PM2.5 and PM10 was greater than one, suggesting a non-carcinogenic effect. The PM2.5 excess lifetime cancer risk ranged from 0.1 to 0.7, which was greater than the recommended range by the WHO and the US EPA, implying a considerable health risk in urban and industrial areas. The CCR and THRI values indicated that the exposure of children to the measured concentrations of benzene may have potentially harmful effects. Additionally, the AQI, HQ values, and concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 indicated poor air quality in the schools and suggested a significant health risk for all populations around the schools.
ASSESSMENT OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS ON UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN VISITING ASSELA REFERRAL HOSPITAL
(HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-11) TILAHUN ENDALE
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and undernutrition in under-five children are of significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries and contribute significantly to childhood morbidity and disability. Unfortunately, under-five children are more susceptible to infection. However, information is scarce in the study area. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between intestinal parasites and the anthropometric status of outpatients under five children in Assela referral hospital, east Arsi zone, Ethiopia. An institutional-based crosssectional study was conducted at Assela referral hospital from February 15 to March 15, 2024. Stool samples were collected from 227 children and examined using direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Children's weight, height, and Z scores were measured using a digital balance scale and a wooden board, with mothers or caregivers deducted from weight. The data were entered into Excel and analyzed using WHO-Anthro Plus software version v3.2.2 and SPSS v24 statistical software, respectively. An AOR analysis was done to test the association between intestinal parasites and nutritional status. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 38 (16.7%), 64 (28.2%), and 59 (26%), respectively. The total prevalence of parasitosis was 19.4% of children infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. The most common intestinal parasitic infections detected in the study were E. histolytica (8.4%), E.Vermicularis (4.4%), and Giardia lamblia (3.5%). Residence (P: <0.001), deworming (P: 0.009), toilet (P: 0.034), and others like: fingernail cleanness, water source and parental education levels were the predictor variables for the prevalence of IPIs. Protozoan parasites are the most common cause of disease in under-five children in the area. Public health interventions for intestinal parasitic infections include targeted deworming programs, health education campaigns, sanitation improvements, routine screening, nutritional support, community-based interventions, and comprehensive health policies.
TRENDS, PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF MALARIA INFECTION IN DALE DISTRICTS OF SIDAMA REGION, ETHIOPIA
(HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) TIGIST YONAS
Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The bulk of global malaria burden is in Sub Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. Despite global efforts to combat malaria, the disease's prevalence and transmission dynamics vary across regions, influenced by socio-economic, environmental, and climatic factors. This study aims to assess the prevalence, trends, and associated risk factors of malaria infection in the Dale Districts of the Sidama Region, Ethiopia. By examining both previous prevalence data from 2018 to 2022 and assessing active malaria cases in 2023, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of malaria dynamics in the region. Data on malaria trends over five years were obtained from the malaria laboratory registry books of local health facilities. For active malaria cases, a cross-sectional survey was conducted involving adults with febrile symptoms from selected villages. The study employed both microscopic blood analysis and structured questionnaires to assess malaria prevalence and respondents' knowledge of the disease.The finding of this study indicate that, from 2018 to 2022, a total of 129,613 suspected malaria cases were recorded, with 15,030 testing positive, yielding an overall positivity rate of 11.60%. Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant parasite, accounting for 76.80% of cases. Gender analysis revealed higher incidence rates among males (54.76%), while age-specific analysis showed the highest incidence in young adults aged 15-29 years which is (24.76%). Seasonal trends indicated a peak in malaria cases between September and November. Statistical analysis using Negative Binomial regression highlighted significant factors influencing malaria prevalence, including seasonality and age. For the cross sectional study the, prevalence of malaria among 381 respondents, females exhibited higher malaria prevalence (16.38%) compared to males (9.51%). The highest prevalence was observed in individuals over 50 years old (22.00%). Logistic regression identified significant associations with the use of mosquito nets, anti-malaria spraying, and the presence of stagnant water in the surrounding . In the study area both plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium vivax co-exist with the dominance of Plasmodium falciparu, in malaria cases underscores the need for targeted interventions against this species. The findings recommend targeted interventions focusing on high-risk groups, enhanced healthcare access, and community engagements are crucial for effective malaria control in the Dale Districts.