College of Social Sciences & Humanities

URI for this communityhttps://rps.wku.edu.et/handle/123456789/45784

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 91

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUSES AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GURAGE ZONE SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-07) MINYAHIL MENGISTU TSEGAHE
Background: Malnutrition is a state of retarded physical development or specific clinical disorder caused by consistent lack of one or more nutrients and also excess amount of nutrients. It was the diminishing health outcome due to deficiency, excess or imbalance of nutrients. Infants, pre-school children, adolescents, pregnant women and elderly people are the persons likely to be malnourished. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess academic performance and its association with nutritional statuses among Primary School Students in Wolkite town Gurage Zone, SNNPR, in year 2015 E.CMethods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 participants age between 6-14 years in Wolkite town. A simple random sampling was used to select the participant from the registration book of selected schools. Weight and height of students was measured using standard instruments. The anthropometric measurement was taken in standardized manner by trained professional and two times measurement was taken to validate. The survey data was analyzed using WHO Anthro Plus software version 1.0.4 and SPSS 23.0. Results: A total of 391 school children were enrolled with 99.8% response rate. In this study mean academic performance for the study participant were 62.07(± 10.59 SD). The prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting was 17.4 %, 12% and 9.7 %, respectively. Stunting with 95%CI AOR= 0.39[95%CI: 0.14, 1.02], absent from school with 95%CI AOR= 0.47[95%CI: 0.25, 0.90], Habit of study with 95%CI AOR= 3.76[95%CI: 1.28, 11.02] and happy going to school with 95%CI AOR=3.76[95%CI: 1.28, 11.02] were significantly associated with Academic performance with P value < 0.05. Conclusion and Recommendation: With regard to academic performance among all studystudents (14 %) and (86%) had poor and good academic performance achievements. Based on the preceding major finding the following conclusion are made in this study showed that Stunting, Absent from school, Habit of study at night time and Happy going to school were significantly associated with academic performance at p-value < 0.05.The recommendation were The zonal health and education bureau should work in collaboration with other organizations (NGOs) to combat malnutrition and to strengthen the positive effect of nutrition on educational achievement of primary school children.
ACCESS, UTILIZATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS, AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE THE CASE OF WOLKITE TOWN AND KEBENA WOREDA GOVERNMENT SECONAARY SCHOOLS GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) ABDULAZIZ SHIFA
The purpose of this study is to examine how government owned secondary schools access andutilize instructional materials in classrooms and how this contributes to academic perfor mance of students. The objectives of the research were to explore the access for instructional materials, assess the utilization of the materials by teachers and students and to assess the ef fect of the utilization of instructional materials on students’ academic performance.The study adopted a deiscriptive survey design. The study considers sample of government owned sec ondary schools in wolkite town and kebena woreda. Out of 8 government secondary schools in wolkite town and kebena woreda 4 schools are selected by using stratified random sampling technique for data collection. In each sample school, 4 teachers and 91 students are considered for the structured and semi-structured questionnaire. Also head of 1 school and 1 Pedagogical center officers are interviewed questionnaire based interview. Instructional ma terials are the key to teachers’ and students’ performance. Most government secondary schools in wolkite town and kebena woreda in general suffer from shortage of essential teach ing and learning materials. The study shows insufficient access of instructional materials in all schools and inadequate utilization of the accessed IMS, the effect of utilization of IMS to improve their students’ performance is found to be significant.Also the students‘academic per formance in the class in the study area is low which in turn indicates the quality of education that is significantly affected in the study area.
ADHERENCE TO PRENATAL IRON-FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN ENOR DISTRICT: COMMUNITY BASED CROSS-SECTIONALSTUDY
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-12) Ayele Melis
Introduction: Iron and folic acid supplementation is the most widely employed strategy to alleviate iron deficiency anemia and neural tube defects. Adherence to iron and folic acid is crucial for the prevention of birth defect and anemia during pregnancy. In Ethiopia, the national data suggests that from all pregnant women supplemented with IFA tablets only 0.4% consumed more than 90 tablets during their pregnancy time. The factors for this low adherence are not clearly known.Objective: To assess adherence to prenatal iron folic acid supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Enor district, South Ethiopia, 2023.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in 388 pregnant women attending antenatal care from 20th of March to 20th of April 2023 in Enor district, South Ethiopia. The study participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique. The level of adherence was assessed based on the reported number of iron folic acid tablet doses taken by pregnant women ≥ 4 times per a week in the previous one month preceding the survey during the data collection period. Data were entered in to Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Variables having P ≤ 0.05 in the bivariate analysis were entered in to a multivariable logistic regression analysis in order to detect association with adherence to iron folic acid supplementation. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI were estimated to assess the strength of associations and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.Results: The adherence rate in this study was 53.6% (95% CI: 49.5 – 57.9). Factors significantly associated with adherence to Iron/folic acid supplementation in the multivariable logistic regression model were history of still birth (AOR: 2.957: 95% CI: 1.098 - 7.965), history of abortion (AOR: 3.444: 95% CI: 1.290 - 9.191), early registration during the first ANC visit (AOR: 2.768: 95% CI: 1.182 - 6.486), knowledge of anemia (AOR: 2.093: 95% CI: 1.106 -3.961), and knowledge of Iron folic acid supplement (AOR: 2.1: 95% CI: 1.108 - 3.981). Conclusion: This study revealed that the adherence status of pregnant women to iron folic acid supplement was low in the study area. Improving the knowledge of pregnant women on anemia and iron folic acid supplement by delivering health education on the cause, consequence and prevention of anemia during pregnancy was primarily recommended to increase adherence level.
AMHARIC-ENGLISH CODE-MIXED LANGUAGE IDENTIFICATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA USING MACHINE LEARNING AND DEEP LEARNING APPROACH
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-01) YETMWORK TESFAYE ASFAW
In recent years, the study of identifying languages in social media text has been a fascinating area of research. Earlier English language was dominantly used in social media communication, but code-mixed text in social media is prevalent in non-English-speaking states. In code-mixed data, a single sentence combines two different languages, making it challenging for people to determine the language used in the text. Therefore, the use of language identification for processing such code-mixed sentences is essential in language processing tasks. In this proposed work we employed different machine learning and deep learning techniques to identify Amharic-English code-mixed text from social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Telegram. For the proposed models we prepared 5021 sentences from these social media, and we applied scraping, cleaning, filtration, and then tokenization and POS tagging using NLTK. After tokenization was performed, we labeled each language tag and Amharic POS tag manually, the total number of words was thirty-one thousand three hundred five (31,305) prepared. The process of categorizing Amharic-English code-mixed data into Amharic, English, Named Entity, and Universal was executed. In this study, we employed machine learning and deep learning methods, we trained our models with count vector, TF-IDF vector, bi and tri gram, and word to vector. After model training was finished, we evaluated the effectiveness of each model using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-Score, and for user-friendly interaction, we saved the model and deployed using the Flask web Framework. The result shows SVM, logistic regression, and naïve bayes achieves an accuracy of 96%, 86%, and 86%, with TF-IDF and count vector respectively, and decision tree, XGBoost, random forest, and MaxEnt performs an accuracy of 94%, 93%, 93% and 87% with word to vector respectively. And LSTM, CNN, Bi-LSTM, MLP gained accuracy of 84%,87%,87%, and 87%. Generally, SVM is best fit for our code-mixed language identification. From deep learning algorithm MLP is best in terms of f1-score of 0.90,0.95,0.64, and 0.55 for Amharic, English, named entity and universal language label.
ASSESSEMENT OF STATUS OF SOIL ACIDITY UNDER DIFFERENT LAND USE TYPES AND SLOPE GRADIENTS: THE CASE OF WEST AZERNET BERBERE DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2022-06) AHMED ASRAR ABDELLA
The general purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of land use types; slope gradient and their interaction on soil acidity and selected physico-chemical properties in West Azernet Berber Woreda. The experiment was taken as the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and total of 27 composite samples were taken. For data analysis, general linear model procedure of SAS version 9.4 was used.Three land uses (natural forest, grazing and cultivated land), and three slope gradients (10-15%, 5-10% and 2-5%) in three replications were considered for this study. Totally 27 composite soil samples were collected from cultivated, forest and grazing lands and slope gradients with three replications for laboratory analysis. Results indicated that the highest mean value of sand was recorded in grazing land and highest mean value of silt and clay were recorded under forest land, cultivated lands and upper slope classes respectively. Soils were strongly acidic (pH =5.2-5.4), whereas natural forest land uses and lower slope classes were moderately acidic2 (pH =5.9-6.0). The total porosity, bulk density and PH, Av.P, OM, CEC,Ca+2, Mg+2 K+, Na+, were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) affected by land use types and slope gradients .Percent base saturation Total nitrogen and except silt, particle size distribution were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by land use typesand slope classes . The mean values of sand ,total porosity, pH, OM, TN, CEC, Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, Na+ and PBS were higher in forest and lower slope classes as compared with grazing , cultivated lands and in 10-15% and 5-10% slope classes respectively. The exchangeable acidity and exchangeable Al were significantly (P≤0.05) affected by under cultivated land and grazing lands and upper slope classes. Generally, land use types and slope gradient have significant effect on their interaction soil acidity and selected physic-chemical properties of soil. Therefore, in order to reduce soil acidity problem, minimize intensive cultivation, over grazing, liming and integrated soil acidity management practice is recommended for study area and further study should be investigated on the rest soil nutrients.
ASSESSING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND ITS CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS: IN THE CASE OF
(Wolkite University, 2022-05) Kedija Sani
After the down fall of the military regime, the current government of Ethiopia had shown the commitment to improve public sector leadership. For the last two decades, all the federal, regional and local governments made a number of efforts to develop the capacities of public sector leaders. However, many public sectors still lack well experienced and competent leaders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the practices and challenges of leadership development in EWPSOs. The descriptive research design by using mixed (quantitative and qualitative) research approach was applied. Stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select sample respondents. The data were collected from public servants, Woreda cabinet and Woreda top management through questionnaire, interview and FGD respectively. The analysis of quantitative data was made by using SPSS computer software while the analysis of qualitative data was made by following qualitative data analysis procedures. The findings of the study show that short term trainings, management courses in universities, selection and self- help activities are the main leadership development practices that are being exercised in EWPSOs. However, these leadership development practices are notproperly implemented Lack of well- organized and integrated leadership development plan, lack of identifying the basic leadership competencies and the better developmental activities, improper selection of young and new leaders for leadership positions and lack of conducive organizational culture are the basic challenges that hinder the effectiveness of leadership development efforts of public sector organizations. Finally, recommended that EWPSOs should understand the importance of developing many leaders in today's complex situation to address the fast increasing need and demand of the society.
ASSESSING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND ITS CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS: IN THE CASE OF ENOR WOREDA
(Wolkite University, 2022-01-30) Kedija Sani
After the down fall of the military regime, the current government of Ethiopia had shown the commitment to improve public sector leadership. For the last two decades, all the federal, regional and local governments made a number of efforts to develop the capacities of public sector leaders. However, many public sectors still lack well experienced and competent leaders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the practices and challenges of leadership development in EWPSOs. The descriptive research design by using mixed (quantitative and qualitative) research approach was applied. Stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select sample respondents. The data were collected from public servants, Woreda cabinet and Woreda top management through questionnaire, interview and FGD respectively. The analysis of quantitative data was made by using SPSS computer software while the analysis of qualitative data was made by following qualitative data analysis procedures. The findings of the study show that short term trainings, management courses in universities, selection and self- help activities are the main leadership development practices that are being exercised in EWPSOs. However, these leadership development practices are not properly implemented Lack of well- organized and integrated leadership development plan, lack of identifying the basic leadership competencies and the better developmental activities, improper selection of young and new leaders for leadership positions and lack of conducive organizational culture are the basic challenges that hinder the effectiveness of leadership development efforts of public sector organizations. Finally, recommended that EWPSOs should understand the importance of developing many leaders in today's complex situation to address the fast increasing need and demand of the society.
Assessing Second Year English Language Major Students’ Attitudes Towards Using English As A Medium Of Communication In TheClassroom: The Case Of Wolkite University Students
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2019-03) Kamila A/Zinab, Kamila
The study aimed at assessing second year English language and literature students’ attitudes towards using English as a medium of communication in the classroom level. 12 students were participant of the study. Comprehensive and purposive sampling techniques were applied to select the participants for questionnaire, and interview, respectively. 12 questions were distributed to the students to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Interview (semi structured) was conducted with six students to get qualitative data and finally analyzed by the researcher. The data that gathered through closed-ended questionnaire was analyzed quantitatively by using percentage and tabulation. The data that gathered through open-ended questionnaire and interview was analyzed through the qualitative and quantitative method. The finding of this study revealed that most of the second year English language and literature students have positive attitudes towards using English language as a medium of communication.
Assessing the Challenges of Administrative Decentralization in Local Government Offices: The Case of Wolkite Town Municipality.
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) FETLEWORK TEKALIGNE
The main objective of this study where to assess institutional and implementation challenges of administrative e decentralization the case Wolkite town municipality. To pursue the objective of the study, the researcher used primary data gathered through questionnaires and key informant interviews, while secondary data was obtained from document analysis and consulting various literatures. Simple random sampling method was employed to select sample questionnaire respondents and informants for a key informant interview were selected purposively. From 146 research participants, 10 were interviewed and 136 were requested via paper questions, of which 4/four/ were not returned. Data collected by surveyed questionnaires was entered into SPSS for statistical analysis, and interviews were analyzed qualitatively using thematic based arrangement the analyze sis of data. The question examining the legal and institutional challenges of administrative decentralization, identifying implementation challenges of administrative decentralization and suggest possible recommendations that improve the implementation of administrative decentralization in the Wolkite town municipal office. The assessment on challenge of institution administration de centralization result of the study. Thecause of challenges where lack of commitment, lack of co ordination and cooperation, political intervention, unsettled urban boundary and No modify urban plan. According to the document analysis made in the institutional structures of the municipality, the findings portray that the problem was the misuse of the budget, leadership instability, and poor management
Assessing the challenges of micro and small enterprises in Dalocha town
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2021-07) Abdulmejid Admama
This study focused on assessing the challenges of micro and small enterprises in Dalocha town. The objective of the study was to investigate the challenges of micro and small enterprises in Dalocha town. In order to achieve the objective of this study, the study used both qualitative and quantitative research approach. The study data was gathered from primary and secondary sources and examined through probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Accordingly, challenges of financial facilities, marketing networks, infrastructural faculties, management efficiency as well as socio political situations had very high effects and negative effect on the progress of the studied area Micro and Small Enterprises. Thus Considering the output of the research, the study were recommended the following; Micro Finance Institutions interest rate is so high and loan payback period is short, to reduce this challenges the study recommend Micro Finance Institutions reconsiders the procedures, to reduced management efficiency among member groups of Micro and Small Enterprises. The study recommends that the Woreda bureau of Micro and Small Enterprises may provide experts technical assistance and training according to the nature of the enterprises.
ASSESSING THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN RURAL ROAD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: THE CASE OF GUMMER WOREDA GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) ZEKIWOS ATFUAYE
Community participation plays an irreplaceable role in the effectiveness of any development project. This means that no development work at any level can be successful without community participation. Based on that, the main objective of this study is: to examine the role of community participation in road development project in the case of Gummer woreda Gurage zone. The study used a mixed research approach and method of data collection were written questionnaires, interview and document analysis. In order to collect the required data, the study used multi stage sampling technique through this at first stage clustering sampling technique second stage simple random sampling technique and at third stage stratify sample sampling technique were employed. Subsequently, the data has been collected from these 151 samples and from 9 key informants and analyzed by using data analysis methods of descriptive statistics for qualitative research and graph, percentage and cross tabulation data analysis method for quantitative research. Findings show themajority of the respondent agreed that participation of the community in the area of road development is very high and their contribution is manifested in different ways, sharing money, by sacrificing their labor and giving their time to coordinate and managed the project. On the other hand, the result of the study confirm that there are structural, economic and institutional problems that prevent community participation from being effective at the required level, and recommended that to reduce the high cost of bringing select material from distant places, the district government should work with the neighboring districts and zones to produce gravel.
ASSESSMENT OF ACADEMIC STAFF TURNOVER IN PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: THE CASE OF WOLKITE UNIVERSITY
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) ENDALE SETOTAW
Massive exits from jobs in higher educational institutions have been observed in many higher educational institutions. Literatures revealed that lack of adequate salaries and allowances, housing and promotion lack of career development for university instructors are among the possible reason for massive exit. This study was aimed at assess staff turnover trend, assess the staff satisfaction about psychographics and socio-demographic factors, and determinants of staff turnover intention in public higher educational institutions in Ethiopia. Both descriptive and econometric methods (probit model) of data analysis were employed. Random sampling method was used to select sample academic staff from their respective college/school of Wolkite University. In general, a total 91 respondents were used for gathering the required data. The study showed that the annual average rate of academic staff turnover has been increasing since 2010 EC. Academic staffs were moderately satisfied with their job, innovative working behavior, co-worker support, carrier management, academic staff happiness, leader’s member exchange, and work life balance with this stated psychographics and socio-demographic factors. The probit model result showed that job satisfaction, carrier management, coworker support, gender, educational qualification and experience are the major factors affecting employer turnover intention positively and negatively in public higher educational institutions. At last, the study forwarded possible mechanisms such as strengthen employee job satisfaction, developing carrier management guideline, supporting social capital among academic staff, offering phD educational scholarship, and better management for senior experienced staff management are required.
ASSESSMENT OF CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN THE CASE OF GURAGE ZONE
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2024-04) ZAKIR ABDELHY
The aim of the study was to assess the challenges and prospects of private investment in the Gurage zone. The study was survey type which was collected from sample respondents of 70 investors out of 231 investors in the zone. The study has employed survey questionnaire so as to gather data from large number of respondents with in specified period of time. The study used stratified random sampling design because it endeavored to stratify the population in different sectors of investment. Within the strata to select the respondents, simple random sampling; method was used. The study was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods. The study revealed that Accessibility of natural resource, followed by infrastructure, next cheap labor, and good governance are the main opportunities. As indicated the survey cheap labor, good governance rate the least from the alternatives. As investors responded that they faced different types of challenges at beginning of the investors face obstacle (challenge), only 35.3%of private investors satisfied by their tax payment. because of such challenges 33.8% of private investors have plan to shut down their investment projects . And the respondents indicated that they observed the coordination problem at Gurage zone I investment office, by 55.9%. The factors that affected the investment decision shows that good investment environment, the feasibility of the investment project, the existence of potential investment opportunity in the zone and good infrastructure are significant variables that had positive contribution to the private investment activities of the zone.
ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL AUDIT EFFECTIVENESS IN OROMIA INTERNATIONAL BANK WOLKITE BRANCH
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2021-01) FEYISA DESTA
This paper focused on the assessment of internal audit effectiveness in oromia international bankwolkite branch. Internal auditing help the bank to accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic discipline to evaluate and improve the efficiencies manner. The study was tried to assess the effectiveness factors, like internal audit quality, management support, organization setting, organizational independence of internal auditors and audit attribute. The study would be used primary sources of data in order to gather the required information. The data would be collected through structured questionnaire distribution to managers and employees (8respondents) purposively. Then the data would be processed, analyzed and interpreted by using descriptive statistics. The findings further indicate that there is a problem regarding quality of internal audit in internal audit department of OIB Wolkite branch. Based on findings, conclusion and recommendations to the banks and suggestions for other researchers are forwarded.
ASSESSMENT OF LABOR CONDITIONS IN THE ETHIOPIAN HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY: THE CASE OF TINAW FLORICULTURE FARM.
(2024-05) HENOK BEYENE
The horticulture industry is one of the fastest-growing and most significant agricultural sectors in Ethiopia. For the last two decades, the industry has been contributing to the country's economic growth and development by generating substantial foreign exchange earnings and job opportunities for thousands of workers. This study aims to assess Labor Conditions in the Ethiopian Horticulture Industry: The Case of Tinaw Floriculture Farm. The study employed a descriptive research design and this study used both quantitative and qualitative data. Data were collected using a simple random sampling technique by structured questionnaires from 278 employees 269 respondedproperly, and using the snowball sampling method 10 informants were drawn for interview. A purposive sampling technique is employed to conduct in-depth interviews with 6 farm leaders and the Office of Labor and Social Affairs experts. Regarding the Labor conditions results, both qualitative and quantitative data indicate that the workers in the Tinaw floriculture farm studied are working in below standard Labor working conditions and Employees are working at very low wage levels and 78.9% of respondents believe that official working hours are not reasonable and suitable for their job responsibilities. Employees have not also signed contracts with their respective employers. 85.9% workers are not well-informed about the Labour code and claim that the national Labour proclamation is still not prepared and implement a Minimum wage level for the country, 84.4 % of respondents do not know where are going for their complaints and the health conditions of workers are becoming desperate; prevention interventions are by and large neglected. Therefore, as a whole, it is concluded that the Labor conditions in Tinaw floriculture are below standard.
ASSESSMENT OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND ASSOCIATED FACTOR AMONG NEWBORNS AT GURAGE ZONE HOSPITALS, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2023
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-12) ALEMINESH MEKIBIB; Dr Agize Asfaw ( Ph.D)
Introduction: More than 20 million infants worldwide, representing 15.5% of all births are born with low birth weight, of which 95.6% are in developing countries. In low-income countries, many low-birth-weight newborns often miss the chance for survival sooner or later.One of the key strategies to reduce infant mortality rates and improve child health is improving birth weight; however, low birth weight is significantly higher in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, the magnitude of low birth weight among newborns is high and yet has been contributing a lot to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight among newborn in Gurage zone hospitals, South Ethiopia. Methods and Materials: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 505 newborns in Gurage Zone hospitals. Data was collected using a structured, pre-tested interviewer-guided questionnaire that was prepared by reviewing similar literature and the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey 2019. Six data collectors, who are diploma midwives,and three BSC midwife supervisors were recruited. Data were cleaned manually, coded, and entered into Epi Data Entry 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS version 24 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used, and variables with a P value less than 0.2 were included in multivariable logistic regression. The adjusted odd ratio along with the 95% CI was calculated to see the strength of the association, and P<0.05 was taken as the level of statistical significance. Results: A total of 505 newborns and their index mothers were planned to participate in the study. Among the planned, 496 completed the study with a response rate of 96.3%. The findings showed that 85 (17.1%), with a 95% CI of 13.9–20.4%, of the newborns had a low birth weight. Mothers with a previous low birth weight AOR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.08, 9.21), chronic medical illness (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.09, 11.10), current pregnancy complication (AOR = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.24, 4.24), and being female (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.13–4.01) were significantly associated with low birth weight.Conclusion: The prevalence of low birth weight among newborns was 85 (17.1%), with a 95% CI of 13.9–20.4%. We recommended that a high-risk approach be taken, and these women need to be monitored frequently and treated to prevent low birth weight
ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HEALTH FACILITIES IN EZHA DISTRICT GURAGE ZONE, SOUTHERN REGION, ETHIOPIA
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-12) APOLO TENI
Family planning programs have played a significant role in reducing fertility rates in developing countries by providing accessible education and resources on contraception, enabling informed decision-making and improved family planning. This study aimed to assess the quality of family planning services and its associated factors among health facilities in Ezha District, Gurage Zone, Southern Region, Ethiopia. A facility-based cross sectional study was conducted from June 5 to August 20, 2023, involving 419 reproductive age women attending a family planning unit. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study included 401 clients, with an overall response rate of 95.7%. The clients' satisfaction with family planning services was 67.1% (95% CI 0.644-0.698). Satisfaction was higher among clients who received clear explanations of the process (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.96-6.40), had privacy during consultation, and received their preferred contraceptive method. Clients who visited health facilities for the first time and perceived the provider as easy to understand reported higher satisfaction. Protestant and Orthodox clients had significantly lower satisfaction compared to the Muslim reference group with adjusted odds ratios of 0.30 (95% CI 0.12-0.80) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.12-0.81), respectively. The study identified constraints in the delivery of quality family planning care, with moderate satisfaction levels among clients. Key factors influencing satisfaction included clear explanations of methods, respectful treatment, and privacy during consultations. Establishing a robust feedback mechanism involving clients is crucial for improving service quality. Addressing modifiable barriers for religious groups and implementing regular trainings for service providers are essential for enhancing satisfaction levels and delivering high-quality family planning care.
Assessment of Social and Economic Impacts of Mining of Construction Materials: The Case of Cheha Woreda in Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia Regional State
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-11) Nebiyu Daniel Gebreyes
Mining of construction materials has been recognized as a socioeconomic activity serving as a fundamental source of income for construction material manufacturers and for some communities. Nonetheless, most operations are often accompanied by adverse impacts on the same communities and the environment. Thus, the study sought to establish the social and economic impacts of mining of construction materials activities in Gurage Zone, Cheha woreda central Ethiopia's regional state. Gasorena-keracha kebele. Specifically, it sought to examine the social impacts of construction mining activities in the study area, assess the impacts of construction mining activities on the economic life of the local community, and evaluate the level of awareness of the people about the rules and regulations governing the operations of construction mining in the study area. The study applied qualitative and quantitative approaches with a sample size of 310 households, 88 quarry workers, 16 focus group discussions, and 15 key informants. The sampling methods used were census for the quarry workers, stratified sampling for households, and purposive sampling for the key informants. Data were collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observation, and pictorials. Data were analyzed through content analysis, descriptive analysis, and inferential analysis. The findings show that mining of construction materials activities a health hazard, and the majority of quarry workers do not use protective clothing or gear at work. The damage to buildings and other household property, and generally the noise pollution and vibration, have indeed important implications for the social impacts, disadvantages, or negative concerns. However, the study confirmed to some extent that each of the two study areas indicated positive impacts. Majority of the respondents considered MCM (quarrying) activities has often had a negative impact on the community. It was concluded that awareness of socioeconomic rules and regulations on the MCM significantly influences the local community and environmental degradation. The study recommended that the Cheha wereda and Gurage Zone Mine and Energy Departments fulfill their responsibilities by implementing the country's decree and directive, enforcing compliance with social and economic rules, regulations, policies, and principles governing the mining of construction materials in the area, and developing a county quarrying and mining policy.
ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES OF ―KISTANE GURAGE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION" IN THE CASE OF EAST GURAGE ZONE, SOUTH SODO WEREDA,CENTRAL ETHIOPIA REGIONAL STATE
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-01) SHAMBEL KIFLE HABTE
This research work seeks to explore the assessment of the contributions and challenges of the "kistane gurage development association" in the case of gurage zone, sodo wereda pick up the appropriate lessons from the organization as a community-based development organization. This work is aimed at illustrating the contributions and challenges of the Kistane Gurage Development Association when it was in operation. Four hundred ninety questionnaires were prepared and distributed to the respondents, but the actual respondents were reduced to fourhundred sixty-five because they refused to return them to the researcher. In addition, twenty sample respondents from different sections of the Kistane Gurage originated individuals were selected purposefully. Six respondents have participated in interviews, and the rest fourteen participated in focus group discussions. The data gathered from these respondents analyzed in a thematic mode. The findings depict that KGDA was established on December 3rd, 1992. The finding shows that KGDA has faced some challenges from the beginning to now, and this organization is seriously challenged by a shortage of skilled manpower, a shortage of capital, and a loose structural organization at the grassroots level, i.e., the Woreda level. The main contributions of KGDA were that it constructed several schools and health institutions and also constructed over two hundred fifty kilometers of all-weather roads. The majority of the respondents agreed that KGDA's downward journey occurred because of the deterioration of organizational structures and unnecessary political interventions at the woreda and zonal levels. According to many of the respondents, KGDA can be more active for strong operation now due to the many prospects that the country has achieved in general and the Kistane Gurage people in particular. KGDA is a pure community-based development organization that was organized by the Kistane Gurages. KGDA still has a lot of lessons to give to any development organizer. KGDA as an organization was fruitful in integrating the migrant Kistane Gurages and the local Kistane Gurages, but it is highly challenged by the problem of forming organizational structures at the woreda levels.
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF STUDENTS’ PARAGRAPH LEVEL WRITING: WOLKITE UNIVERISTY, SECOND YEAR ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITRATURE STUDENTS IN FOCUS
(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2019-06) FIRNESH LEGESSE
The main objective of this study is to assess the practices and challenges students’ paragraph writing. The study is carried out in wolkite university special reference to second year English language and literature major student in focus. The researcher is employed 12 students to fill questioner. In order to achieve the objectives, the study employed three data gathering tools: closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires, interview for teachers and document analysis. The questionnaire is employed to identify student student’s response by figures and descriptive method. The document analysis, which used to find out student’s paragraph writing problems and identify factor that affects the quality of paragraph written by students. Furthermore, the interview is employed to identify what the writing teachers were doing when they teach paragraph writing, challenges, that hinder students in paragraph level writing. All the data collected using different tools were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively .the study identified the major paragraph writing challenges students encountered. These are problem of organization, unity, process, grammar, punctuation, capitalization and spelling. in addition ,factors that were affecting student’ paragraph writing were divided into students related factors like lack of knowledge of strategic use, students writing apprehension, shortage of vocabulary and lack of regular practice, and teachers related factors such as teachers’ ways of giving feedback. Therefore, since paragraph writing is a skill that could be improved through sufficient practicing, second year major English language and literature students should be practice a lot and use grammatical rules for good paragraph writing.