Department of Biology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://etd.hu.edu.et/handle/123456789/90

Browse

Start date: 2020End date: 2025

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 59
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    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.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    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.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    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.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    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.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The prevalence and associated risk factors of Intestinal Schistosomiasis in school age children at Dura (May Nigus) irrigational dam, Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-10) TEKLAY ABRHA YANSHET
    A water-borne parasitic disease Schistosomiasis, caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma, continues to be a major public health issue in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa, including Northern Ethiopia's Tigray region. This study investigates the prevalence of S. mansoni and associated risk factors in the irrigational dams in Dura (May Nigus). A schoolage child-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Debrebrhan secondary and Dura elementary schools in the central Tigray region. Two hundred four schoolchildren aged from seven to twenty-one years were randomly selected to provide stool specimens for Schistosoma infection examination by Kato-Katz techniques. Of the 204 randomly selected students, 190(93.14%) passed the stool collection for stool specimen examination, and 24 (12.6%) were found positive for Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was significantly associated with (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOD)); for irrigation practice; 13.21, 95% CI (2.35, 74.20); p=0.003, for fetching water 14.52, 95% CI (2.82, 74.7); p=0.001, for washing clothes 6.4, 95% CI, (1.14, 35.4); p=0.035 respectively. Meaning thy are individually associated with S. mansoni presence. According to the retrospective data even-though there is decreasing intestinal case examination in St. Merry Hospital Axum for the past ten years the total prevalence(trend) for Schistosoma mansoni shows increasing from year to year with slight fluctuation in different age groups and genders. The most prevalent were in males among the age 10 to 25 years old. Based on the prevalence result for Schistosoma mansoni, now is the critical time to take controlling measurement and treatment in the community with a full campaign for elimination. A treatment of all school-age children once every two years is recommended with Snail control and non-specific control approaches, including the provision of clean water supply and health education, should also complement to the mass drug administration of praziquantel.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION AND INSECTICIDE RESISTANT STATUS OF ANOPHELES GAMBIAE (S.L.) IN MALARIA ENDEMIC DISTRICTS OF SIDAMA REGION, SOUTH ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) MEDAN TAYE HUSSE
    The prevalence of malaria in Ethiopia has decreased somewhat in recent decades, but it is currently increasing as a result of the introduction of insecticide-resistant Anopheles mosquitoes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the anopheles mosquito's insecticide susceptibility status and habitat characterization in a selected study area at November. Cross sectional study was used to conduct the study. The presence of Anopheles larvae was confirmed in all water-holding habitats, and information about the habitat's perimeter, water depth, light intensity, current flow, temperature, pH, turbidity, and proximity to the closest house was noted. Additionally, information about vegetation coverage, permanence, surface debris, emergent plant, habitats and substrate type of larval holding habitats were recorded for the purpose of characterizing the habitat. Sample of anopheles larvae were taken to Akililu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology from study area in November 2024. The larvae were then reared there, their insecticide susceptibility tested, and their species was identified using the Coetzee 2020 identification key. In order to test for insecticide susceptibility, 100 adult Anopheles mosquitoes were exposed to each insecticide that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended (propoxur 0.1%, deltamethrin 0.05%, and alpha-cypermethrin 0.45%). The knockdown times (KDT), percentage knockdown, and percentage mortalities of the exposed mosquitoes were noted. Anopheles gambiae s.l., the species of mosquito that was identified, was resistant to propoxur (0.1%) and delthametrin (0.05%), but it was completely susceptible to alphacypermethrin (0.45%) across all study sites. In all research sites, alpha-cypermethrin insecticide took less time (18.67-24.23min) to kill 50% of Anopheles gambiae s.l. In every study area, the KDT50 of Anopheles gambiae exposed to propoxur insecticide was high, ranging from 51.95 to 56.25 minutes. Anopheles mosquito species that dominate study area was Anopheles gambiae s.l; it was susceptible to Alpha cypermethrin and resistant to delthametrin and propoxur and it prefer to breed in habitat which exposed to sun light, had stone substrate and had no canopy cover. Anopheles gambiae (s.l) that inhabit Chuko, Dale and Loka Abaya was susceptible to Alphacypermethrin and resistant to Deltamethring & Propoxure. This species was highly productive in habitat like ditches, burrow pits and road puddle which exposed to sun light, without canopy cover and with stony substrate.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS VISITING ADARE HOSPITAL HAWASSA, ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-11) BONTU DESU
    Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant public health issue, especially in regions with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IPIs and identify the associated risk factors among patients visiting Adare Hospital in Hawassa, Ethiopia. A health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted, with socio-demographic data collected through semi-structured questionnaires and stool samples analyzed using Direct Microscopy (Wet Mount) and Formal-Ether Concentration methods.. Data was analysed using SPSS version-27, by descriptive statistics and Logistic regression analyses. A p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance .Out of 422 stool samples, 152 (36.0%) tested positive for intestinal parasites. The most commonly detected parasites were Giardia lamblia (14.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.4%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (7.6%), while Hymenolepis nana was less frequently identified. Additionally, 16 participants (3.8%) had double infections. This study investigates the risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in a specific population, focusing on age, income, occupation, hygiene practices, and access to clean water, dietary habits, and medical history. Findings reveal that Children aged 0-5 and 6-15 years face a higher risk of infection (AOR 1.509, p = 0.018), (AOR 1;59, P=0.17)respectively and low-income households, particularly those earning below 1000 NTS, are at greater risk (AOR 1.304, p < 0.01). Among occupations, students show a notably high risk (AOR 13.39, p < 0.001). Hygiene practices, especially hand washing with soap and water, significantly reduce IPI risk (AOR 0.188, p = 0.030), while limited access to clean water increases it (AOR 3.436, p < 0.001). Dietary habits, such as consuming raw meat or fish, are linked to higher infection rates (AOR 0.368, p = 0.001).These finding highlight critical risk factors, including age, income, occupation, hygiene, and water access and underscore the need for improved hygiene practices, sanitation, and access to clean water in Hawassa to mitigate the spread of parasitic infections. This study provides essential insights that can inform targeted public health interventions in the region.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    PREVALENCE OF TYPHOID FEVER AND RELATED RISK FACTORS IN GUMER DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) LAKE AYNU
    Typhoid fever (TF) continues to be a major public health problem in many developing countries. . In Ethiopia, like any other sub-Saharan African country, the condition is worsened due to shortage of safe potable water and toilet access, low health education and overall high illiteracy level. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of TF and its asosated risk factors in Gumer District, Gurage zone, Central Ethiopia regional state, Ethiopia. In this health facilitybased cross-sectional study design, all patients attending Gumer District selected Health Center A structured questionnaire was administered to capture socio-demographic and other -related variables in association to the risk of TF. Blood samples collected, sera separated and tested by the slide agglutination (Widal) method were used. The required statistical analysis was done using SPSS software Pearson’s correlation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the association between socio-demographic variables and seropositivity for salmonella antigens used with p-value ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Out of 384 patients diagnosed 278 (72.4%) were TF seropositive the highest proportion (52 .6 %) of cases occurring among the age 16-31 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.259, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.227-4.161, p=0.009), males 172(80.4%) TF positive with (AOR 0.861, 95% CI 0.131- 1.72, p=0.000), lack of toilet 144 (37.5%) from this 202(52.6%) TF positive with (AOR 1.672, 95% CI 1.610-1.7100, p=0.000), and illiteracy 90(81.8%) TF positive with (AOR 2.756 95% CI 1.416-4.322, p= 0.004 uncooked vegetables 168(76.7%) with (AOR) 2.103 95% CI 1.213-3.171 p=0.029) were independent significant predictors of TF seropositivity. TF is a serious public health burden in the locality calling for scale-up of intervention strategies including provision of safe water supply, toilet coverage and health education. Residents should be sensitized on control of fly densities from their latrines, washing hands with soap and clean safe water after visiting the latrine and before preparing or eating food. They should also be sensitized on washing and/ or pealing fresh fruits before eating and how to treat water at home before drinking using cheap, simple and effective methods like filtration, boiling and using water treatment agents like aqua safe and water guard
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    FACTORS AFFECTING SMALL-SCALE TREE PLANTATION PRACTICES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE LIVELYHOOD OF FARMERS IN GUMMER WOREDA, GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) HAYDER BIKA
    Tree plantation is one of the important issues in Ethiopia as it plays key role in improving the income and productivity of the farmers and contributes to the efforts to reduce the impacts of climatic changes. Similar to other woredas in Ethiopia, small scale tree plantation has been practices by the farmers of Gummer Woreda of Gurage Zone for many years. However, no thorough study has been carried out to determine factors that affect tree plantation practices and their benefits in the woreda. The present study aimed to investigate the factors that affect small scale tree plantation and the contribution of trees to the livelihood of farmers in Gummer Woreda, Gurage Zone. From the 18 kebeles in the woreda, three kebeles were selected purposively and 282 households were selected randomly from the selected kebeles following standard sampling method for interview. Moreover, predetermined number households and experts were purposively selected for key informant interview, group discussion and observation of tree plantations. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and narrative depending on the types of data. Tables and figures were used to organize and present the analyzed data. The results showed that land holding size, household income, availability of tree seedlings, labor, availability of market, age and genders of the household heads were the main factor that affect tree plantation in the study area. The main sources of income for the households of the study area were crops, trees and their products, domestic animals, daily work and trade. The majority of the households (90%) were categorized under low and middle income based on the wealth differentiation used in the woredas. It was found that farmers planted 13 species of trees that were classified under 13 genera and 10 families. The results also showed farmers most frequently plated exotic trees compared to indigenous ones. In the study areas, trees provide poles, timber, lumber and other materials for construction and furniture making, charcoal and firewood, and used as source of income by selling trees and their products. Trees also provide ecological services such as reducing soil erosion, improving soil fertility, providing shade, maintain suitable climate and as source of traditional medicine for the local community. The results showed that educational level had positive effect on tree plantation. Therefore, it is better to give trainings to the farmers concerning tree plantation and their uses.