Effect of ectoparasites on quality of pickled skins and their impact on the tanning industries in Amhara regional state,Ethiopia

Five groups of 20 infested skins with different ectoparasites and different levels of infestation and two groups of negative control skins from sheep and goats were examined for their corresponding defects at the pickled or wet blue stage of processing in tanneries. In addition, an analysis of skin defects was made from randomly selected processed skins at Kombolcha and Dessei tanneries. The prevalence of ‘ekek’ (cockle) at the pickled stage in Damalina ovis and Melophagus ovinus-infested sheep skins were 100 and 95%, respectively. Pickled goat skins affected by sarcoptic mange and Linognathus spp. were 100 and 0% positive for ‘ekek’ (cockle) lesion, respectively. The prevalence in control sheep and goat skins were 15 and 0%, respectively. There was a strong association (p < 0.05) between ‘ekek’ and infestation with M. ovinus and D. ovis in sheep and sarcoptic mange in goats. Follow-up of randomly selected 1000 pickled sheep skins and 1000 wet blue goat skins revealed that 71% of pickled sheep and 42% of wet blue goat skins had ‘ekek’ lesions. As the proportion of ‘ekek’ increased, the quality of graded skins decreased both in sheep and goats. Both on pickled sheep and wet blue goat skins, scratch and scars were found to have a strong association (p < 0.05) with ‘ekek’. The annual economic loses in 2002/2003 due to ‘ekek’ at the two tanneries was estimated to be 1.6 million USD for pickled sheep and 0.6 million USD for wet blue goat skins.     

Sero-prevalence,risk factors and distribution of sheep and goat pox in Amhara Region,Ethiopia

Background

Sheep pox and goat pox are contagious viral diseases of sheep and goats, respectively. The diseases result in substantial economic losses due to decreased milk and meat production, damage to hides and wool, and possible trade restriction. A study was undertaken in Amhara region of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the sero-prevalence and identify associated risk factors, while retrospective study design was used to assess the temporal and spatial distribution of the disease. A total of 672 serum samples were collected from 30 Kebeles and tested using virus neutralization test.

Results

From a total of 672 sera tested, 104 (15.5%) were positive for sheep and goat pox virus antibody; from which 56 (17%) were sheep and 48 (14%) were goats. The diseases were prevalent in all study zones, the highest sero-prevalence was observed in South Gondar (20.9%) and the lowest in North Gondar and West Gojjam zones (11.9% each). From the potential risk factors considered (species, sex, age, agro-ecology and location); only sex and age were significantly associated (p?<?0.05) with the diseases in multivariable logistic regression. Female and young animals were at higher risk than their counterparts. From January 2010 to December 2014, a total of 366 outbreaks, 12,822 cases and 1480 deaths due to SP and 182 outbreaks, 10,066 cases and 997 deaths due to GP were recorded in Amhara National Regional State.

Conclusion

Both the serological and the outbreak data revealed that sheep and goat pox is one of the most prevalent and widespread diseases of sheep and goats in the study area. Hence, annual mass vaccination program must be implemented for economic and viable control of sheep and goat pox diseases in the Amhara region in particular and at a national level in general.

     

Major ectoparasites of cattle in and around Mekelle, northern Ethiopia

Studies on the identification of major ectoparasites of cattle in and around Mekelle in northern Ethiopia were carried out from November 2006 to June 2007. Ectoparasite prevalence, infestation, and the possible risks associated with ectoparasites were investigated. Data collected were analyzed using the χ²‐test. A total of 849 cattle were examined: 40.2% (341), 53.2% (452) and 5.9% (50) were infested with ticks, lice and Demodex, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between prevalence and production system and breed of cattle. The results also revealed widespread occurrence of ectoparasites that have affected the general health and productivity of cattle in the study area. Seven different species of ticks were found on the cattle, with some capable of transmitting pathogens harmful to both cattle and humans.     

Distribution and Availability of Essential Tuberculosis Diagnostic Items in Amhara Region,Ethiopia

Adequate supplies of tuberculosis laboratory reagents and consumables are necessary for tuberculosis diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response. This study assessed the distribution and stock levels of laboratory commodities used in tuberculosis control in health centers of Amhara region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 82 health centers, among 801, providing sputum microscopy services. Stock levels were calculated, and distribution of reagents and consumables assessed. Thirty three (40.2%) health centers were under stocked for at least one of the key items for tuberculosis diagnosis at the time of visit. Fifteen (18.3%) health centers had no stocks of at least one of the key items (methylene blue (11%), carbol fuchsin (11%), acid alcohol (8.5%) and sputum cups (3.7%)). Of the 82 health centers, 77 (93.9%) did not fulfill the criteria for effective distribution of tuberculosis laboratory reagents and consumables. There were many health centers that had no or only low stocks of key tuberculosis laboratory reagents and consumables as a result of ineffective distribution system. It is necessary to strengthen supply chain management to ensure uninterrupted TB diagnostic service.     

Ethnomedicinal study of plants used for human ailments in Ankober District,North Shewa Zone,Amhara Region,Ethiopia

Background

Ankober District has long been inhabited by people who have a long tradition of using medicinal plants to treat human ailments. Overexploitation of medicinal plants coupled with an ever-increasing population growth, deforestation and agricultural land expansion threatens plants in the area. Hence, this study aimed at documenting and analyzing the plant-based ethnomedicinal knowledge of the people in order to preserve the dwindling indigenous knowledge.

Methods

Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and walk-in-the-woods. Quantitative approaches were used to determine Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL) values. Statistical tests were used to compare the indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants among different informant categories.

Results

A total of 135 medicinal plant species belonging to 128 genera and 71 botanical families were reported to treat human diseases in the District. Families Asteraceae (12 species, 9%) and Fabaceae (10, 7.4%) were found to be best represented in the area. About 44% of preparations were reported to be obtained from roots. Significant difference (P?<?0.05) was observed on the mean number of medicinal plants reported by groups of respondents compared within age, literacy level and experience parameters. Highest ICF values were recorded for gastro-intestinal & parasitic and dermatological disease categories (0.70 each) indicating best agreement among informants knowledge on medicinal plants used to treat aliments in these categories. Highest fidelity level values were recorded for Zehneria scabra (95%) and Hagenia abyssinica (93.75%) showing conformity of knowledge on species of best healing potential. Podocarpus falcatus was ranked first in a direct matrix ranking exercise of multipurpose medicinal plants. The output of preference ranking exercise indicated that Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata was the most preferred species to treat atopic eczema.

Conclusion

The study revealed that Ankober District is rich in medicinal plant diversity and associated indigenous knowledge. However, anthropogenic factors coupled with acculturation and very poor conservation efforts threaten medicinal plant survival in the area. Promoting a complementary in situ and ex situ conservation strategy for medicinal plants of the District is highly recommended.

     

A Venue-Based Survey of Malaria,Anemia and Mobility Patterns among Migrant Farm Workers in Amhara Region,Ethiopia

Background

Mobile populations present unique challenges to malaria control and elimination efforts. Each year, a large number of individuals travel to northwest Amhara Region, Ethiopia to seek seasonal employment on large-scale farms. Agricultural areas typically report the heaviest malaria burden within Amhara thereby placing migrants at high risk of infection. Yet little is known about these seasonal migrants and their malaria-related risk factors.

Methods and Findings

In July 2013, a venue-based survey of 605 migrant laborers 18 years or older was conducted in two districts of North Gondar zone, Amhara. The study population was predominantly male (97.7%) and young (mean age 22.8 years). Plasmodium prevalence by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was 12.0%; One quarter (28.3%) of individuals were anemic (hemoglobin <13 g/dl). Nearly all participants (95.6%) originated from within Amhara Region, with half (51.6%) coming from within North Gondar zone. Around half (51.2%) slept in temporary shelters, while 20.5% regularly slept outside. Only 11.9% of participants had access to a long lasting insecticidal net (LLIN). Reported net use the previous night was 8.8% overall but 74.6% among those with LLIN access. Nearly one-third (30.1%) reported having fever within the past two weeks, of whom 31.3% sought care. Cost and distance were the main reported barriers to seeking care. LLIN access (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30, P = 0.04) and malaria knowledge (OR = 0.50, P = 0.02) were significantly associated with reduced Plasmodium infection among migrants, with a similar but non-significant trend observed for reported net use the previous night (OR = 0.16, P = 0.14).

Conclusions

High prevalence of malaria and anemia were observed among a young population that originated from relatively proximate areas. Low access to care and low IRS and LLIN coverage likely place migrant workers at significant risk of malaria in this area and their return home may facilitate parasite transport to other areas. Strategies specifically tailored to migrant farm workers are needed to support malaria control and elimination activities in Ethiopia.     

Occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in faeces, skin and carcasses from sheep and goats in Ethiopia

Aims:  To determine the occurrence and proportion of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in faeces, skin swabs and carcasses before and after washing, from sheep and goats in Ethiopia.
Method and Results:  Individual samples were enriched in modified tryptic soy broth with novobiocin, concentrated using immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and plated onto cefixime-tellurite containing sorbitol MacConkey agar. Presumptive colonies were confirmed by biochemical tests and subjected to latex agglutination tests. A PCR was performed on isolates for the detection of stx ₁, stx ₂ and eae genes. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated from faeces (4·7%), skin swabs (8·7%) and carcasses before washing (8·1%) and after washing (8·7%) and on water samples (4·2%). The proportion of carcasses contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 was strongly associated with those recovered from faecal and skin samples. Both stx ₁ and stx ₂ genes were identified from one E. coli O157:H7 isolate from a goat carcass.
Conclusions:  Even though the numbers of samples examined in this study were limited to one abattoir, sheep and goats can be potential sources of E. coli O157:H7 for human infection in the country. Control measures to reduce the public health risks arising from E.   coli O157:H7 in reservoir animals need to be addressed at abattoir levels by reducing skin and faecal sources and carcass contaminations at different stages of slaughter operations.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  Escherichia coli O157:H7 was detected from carcasses before and after washing during slaughtering operations, and one O157 isolate was positive for verotoxins.     

Pigment types in sheep, goats, and llamas

Pigment types in various colors of fiber from sheep, goats, and llamas were assayed by a method using high performance liquid chromatography. In these three species the black/gray group is due to eumelanin, which is fully intense in all three species. Red phenotypes are due to pheomelanin and fade considerably with age in fiber from sheep and goats, but not in llamas. This phenomenon has implications on the genetic mechanisms used in generating white fiber. Brown phenotypes in sheep are due to eumelanin, in goats these phenotypes are equivocal, and they were not observed in llamas.     

Conservation genetics of cattle, sheep, and goats

Cattle, sheep and goats were domesticated about 10,000 years ago, spread out of the domestication centers in Europe, Asia, and Africa during the next few thousands years, and gave many populations locally adapted. After a very long period of soft selection, the situation changed dramatically 200 years ago with the emergence of the breed concept. The selection pressure strongly increased, and the reproduction among breeds was seriously reduced, leading to the fragmentation of the initial gene pool. More recently, the selection pressure was increased again via the use of artificial insemination, leading to a few industrial breeds with very high performances, but with low effective population sizes. Beside this performance improvement of industrial breeds, genetic resources are being lost, because of the replacement of traditional breeds by high performance industrial breeds at the worldwide level, and because of the loss of genetic diversity in these industrial breeds. Many breeds are already extinct, and genetic resources in cattle, sheep, and goats are thus highly endangered, particularly in developed countries. The recent development of next generation sequencing technologies opens new avenues for properly characterizing the genetic resources, not only in the very diverse domestic breeds, but also in their wild relatives. Based on sound genetic characterization, urgent conservation measures must be taken to avoid an irremediable loss of farm animal genetic resources, integrating economical, sociological, and political parameters.     

Tuberculosis Laboratory Diagnosis Quality Assurance among Public Health Facilities in West Amhara Region,Ethiopia

Introduction

Reliable smear microscopy is an important component of Directly Observed Treatment Scheme (DOTS) strategy for TB control program in countries with limited resources. Despite external quality assessment is established in Ethiopia, there is lower TB detection rate (48%) in Amhara region compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate (70%). This highlights the quality of smear microscopy needs to be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of sputum smear microscopy performance among health center laboratories in West Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Materials and Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted from July 08, 2013 to July 07, 2014. Data were collected from 201 public health center laboratories using a structured questionnaire. Slides were collected based on Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) method and rechecked blindly by trained laboratory technologists. The data were entered into EPI info V.7 and smear quality indicators and AFB results were analyzed by SPSS version 20.

Results

Among 201 laboratories enrolled in this study, 47 (23.4%) laboratories had major errors. Forty one (20.4%) laboratories had a total of 67 false negative and 29 (14.4%) laboratories had a total of 68 false positive results. Specimen quality, smear thickness and evenness were found poor in 134 (66.7%), 133 (66.2%) and 126 (62.7%) laboratories, respectively. Unavailability of microscope lens cleaning solution (AOR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.25–6.75; P: 0.013) and dirty smears (AOR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.14–6.18; P: 0.024) were correlated with false negative results whereas no previous EQA participation (AOR: 3.43; 95% CI: 1. 39-8.45; P: 0.007) was associated with false positive results.

Conclusion

The performance of health facilities for sputum smear microscopy was relatively poor in West Amhara region. Hence, strengthening the EQA program and technical support on sputum smear microscopy are recommended to ensure quality tuberculosis diagnostic service.     

Effect of cropping systems on cereal stemborers in the cool‐wet and semi‐arid ecozones of the Amhara region of Ethiopia

1 Field experiments were conducted on maize and sorghum at three locations in the Amhara state of Ethiopia to determine the effects of mixed cropping on stemborer infestation, borer natural enemies and grain yields. In the cool‐wet ecozone of western Amhara, sole maize was compared with maize intercropped with faba bean, mustard, potatoes and cowpea. In the semi‐arid ecozone of eastern Amhara, the trial was conducted on both maize and sorghum with the companion crops haricot bean, sesame, cowpea and sweet potatoes. 2 The results showed that the predominant borer species in western and eastern Amhara were, respectively, Busseola fusca and Chilo partellus. In Addis Zemen, western Amhara, maize intercropped with mustard and potatoes had significantly lower pest numbers and percent tunnelling than other intercrops and the maize monocrop during the vegetative stage. In eastern Amhara, the cropping system did not significantly affect pest densities but damage to stem, ear or heads tended to be greatest when cereals were intercropped with sweet potatoes. 3 Parasitism of C. partellus by the braconid Cotesia flavipes was greater on maize than sorghum, and on maize it was greater with sweet potatoes than in other intercrops or sole maize. Cocoon mass number per plant did not vary significantly between treatments. 4 There were significant differences between treatments in yields of both sorghum and maize (per plant and per unit area) with the lowest yields observed when they were intercropped with a tuber crop. 5 The results suggest that simultaneous planting of the crop species selected has little advantage over monocropped maize.     

Intestinal parasites and ectoparasites in the V region, Chile: study in the Psychiatric Hospital of Putaendo

A prospective study was carried out in 229 chronic patients (of both sexes) from the Psychiatric Hospital of Putaendo, in order to find out the frequency of intestinal parasites and/or commensals in the period 1987-1989. One hundred and ninety four (84.7%) out of the 229 studied patients were infected by parasites and/or commensals. The high prevalence of commensals Entamoeba coli (55.0%) and Endolimax nana (50.5%) became more evident. Among the parasites, the most frequent was Trichuris trichiura (41.5%). The presence of Pediculus humanus capitis and lesions suggestive of those produced by Sarcoptes scabiei were detected in 7.2 and 0.6 of the examined patients. The results obtained show the high frequency of intestinal infections by parasites and commensals in the patients of the studied hospital.     

Knowledge,Attitudes and Practices Related to Visceral Leishmaniasis in Rural Communities of Amhara State: A Longitudinal Study in Northwest Ethiopia

Background

In the northwest of Ethiopia, at the South Gondar region, there was a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) outbreak in 2005, making the disease a public health concern for the regional health authorities ever since. The knowledge on how the population perceives the disease is essential in order to propose successful control strategies.

Methodology/Principal findings

Two surveys on VL knowledge, attitudes and practices were conducted at the beginning (May 2009) and at the end (February 2011) of a VL longitudinal study carried out in rural communities of Libo Kemkem and Fogera, two districts of the Amhara Regional State. Results showed that VL global knowledge was very low in the area, and that it improved substantially in the period studied. Specifically, from 2009 to 2011, the frequency of proper knowledge regarding VL signs and symptoms increased from 47% to 71% (p<0.0001), knowledge of VL causes increased from 8% to 25% (p<0.0001), and knowledge on VL protection measures from 16% to 55% (p<0.0001). Moreover, the improvement observed in VL knowledge was more marked among the families with no previous history of VL case. Finally, in 2011 more than 90% of the households owned at least an impregnated bed net and had been sprayed, and attitudes towards these and other protective measures were very positive (over 94% acceptance for all of them).

Conclusions/Significance

In 2009 the level of knowledge regarding VL was very low among the rural population of this area, although it improved substantially in the study period, probably due to the contribution of many actors in the area. VL patients and relatives should be appropriately informed and trained as they may act as successful health community agents. VL risk behavioural patterns are subject to change as attitudes towards protective measures were very positive overall.     

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Diabetes Mellitus among Tuberculosis Patients in South-Eastern Amhara Region,Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

Background

The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) is re-emerging worldwide. Recently, the prevalence of DM is increasing in resource poor countries where TB is of high burden. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and analyze associated factors of TB and DM comorbidity in South-Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Methods

This was a facility based cross-sectional study. All newly diagnosed TB patients attending selected health facilities in the study area were consecutively screened for DM. DM was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyles and clinical data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TB and DM comorbidity.

Result

Among a total of 1314 patients who participated in the study, the prevalence of DM was estimated at 109 (8.3%). Being female [odds ratio (OR) 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.10–2.62)], patients age [41–64 years (OR 3.35; 95% CI (2.01–5.57), 65–89 years (OR 3.18; 95% CI (1.52–6.64)], being a pulmonary TB case [(OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.09–2.63)] and having a family history of DM [(OR 4.54; 95% CI (2.36–8.73)] were associated factors identified with TB and DM comorbidity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of DM among TB patients in South-Eastern Amahra Region is high. Routine screening of TB patients for DM is recommended in the study area.     

集水区尺度下东北东部森林土壤呼吸的模拟

IBIS模型是陆地碳循环模拟的有利工具,土壤呼吸是陆地碳循环的关键生态学过程,利用IBIS模型模拟估算土壤呼吸对陆地碳循环和全球变化研究具有重要意义.在地形数据、植被参数、土壤质地参数和气象数据支持下,利用改造后的IBIS模型模拟2004年张家沟集水区5种森林类型的土壤呼吸,以实测数据对模拟结果进行验证,并分析土壤呼吸时空格局及其与土壤温湿度的关系.结果表明:(1)改造后的IBIS模型模拟的土壤呼吸值与实测值相关性显著,可较好地用于集水区尺度的森林土壤呼吸模拟估算.(2)土壤呼吸年均值为571 gCm-2 a-1,年土壤呼吸空间格局与生长季土壤呼吸空间格局相似,均表现为高值区主要分布在北部、西南和东南区域,低值区主要分布在沟谷附近,该格局与集水区的地形、植被及其组合等因素有关.(3)生长季内,5种森林类型土壤呼吸的季节性变化均呈单峰曲线形式,土壤呼吸峰值均出现在7月,其中落叶松林峰值最低,为85.5gC/m2,杂木林峰值最高,为146.3 gC/m2.(4)5种森林类型的土壤呼吸值与5 cm深土壤温度存在极显著的指数关系,与土壤湿度的相关性较低,土壤温度的变化可以解释土壤呼吸约70％的季节变化.     

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Related Factors in School-Aged Children in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Libo Kemkem and Fogera Districts,Amhara Regional State

Introduction

The present study describes the distribution of selected micronutrients and anaemia among school-aged children living in Libo Kemkem and Fogera (Amhara State, Ethiopia), assessing differences by socio-demographic characteristics, health status and dietary habits.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out during May–December 2009. Socio-demographic characteristics, health status and dietary habits were collected. Biomarkers were determined for 764 children. Bivariate and multivariable statistical methods were employed to assess micronutrient deficiencies (MD), anaemia, and their association with different factors.

Results

More than two thirds of the school-aged children (79.5%) had at least one MD and 40.5% had two or more coexisting micronutrient deficiencies. The most prevalent deficiencies were of zinc (12.5%), folate (13.9%), vit A (29.3%) and vit D (49%). Anaemia occurred in 30.9% of the children. Children living in rural areas were more likely to have vit D insufficiency [OR: 5.9 (3.7–9.5)] but less likely to have folate deficiency [OR: 0.2 (0.1–0.4)] and anaemia [OR: 0.58 (0.35–0.97)]. Splenomegaly was positively associated with folate deficiency and anaemia [OR: 2.77 (1.19–6.48) and 4.91 (2.47–9.75)]. Meat and fish consumption were inversely correlated with zinc and ferritin deficiencies [OR: 0.2 (0.1–0.8) and 0.2 (0.1–0.9)], while oil consumption showed a negative association with anaemia and deficiencies of folate and vitamin A [0.58 (0.3–0.9), OR: 0.5 (0.3–0.9) and 0.6 (0.4–0.9)]. Serum ferritin levels were inversely correlated to the presence of anaemia (p<0.005).

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency and a moderate prevalence of zinc and folate deficiencies in school-aged children in this area. The inverse association of anaemia and serum ferritin levels may be due to the presence of infectious diseases in the area. To effectively tackle malnutrition, strategies should target not only isolated micronutrient supplementation but also diet diversification.     

External quality assessment of malaria microscopy diagnosis among public health facilities in West Amhara Region,Ethiopia

Objective

To evaluate the importance of external quality assessment program on malaria microscopic diagnosis.

Results

A total of 3148 slides were collected in 4 consecutive external quality assessment rounds and blindly rechecked at Amhara Public Health Institute. The average agreement between health facility and APHI slide readers was 96.6%. The percent agreement for parasite detection and species identification for P. falciparum became improved in four consecutive EQA rounds from 93.88 to 99.24% and 92.67 to 97.35% respectively. The rates of false positive and false negative were also dramatically decreased in each round from 10.5 to 0.79% and 2.14 to 0.74% respectively. Therefore, we recommend that malaria EQA program should maintain and expand in all malaria diagnostic health facilities in the region to provide accurate and reliable malaria microscopic service.

     

Comparison of RBG-banded karyotypes of cattle, sheep, and goats

The karyotypes of the three main domestic Bovidae species. Bos taurus, Ovis aries, and Capra hircus, have been investigated by RBG-banding. Primary fibroblast cells were cultured from fetal lung or muscle tissue and collected for chromosome preparation after double thymidine synchronization. Depending on the culture and species, BrdU and FdU were added for 8-11 h or 7-10 h, respectively, before harvest. The chromosomes of the three species were classified and numbered according to standard conventions (ISCNDA, 1989) and compared at different stages of condensation. Within the resolving power of the images obtained, the RBG-banding patterns appear to be very similar, with only minor differences existing between chromosome 9 and the sex chromosomes of cattle and the same chromosomes in the domestic sheep and the goat.     

Risky Sexual Behaviors among Female Youth in Tiss Abay,a Semi-Urban Area of the Amhara Region,Ethiopia

Background

Little is known about sexual risks and associated factors about female youths in semi-urban areas of Ethiopia. This study aimed to describe the nature and magnitude of risky sexual behaviors, and the socio-demographic and behavioral determinants among female youths in Tiss Abay, a semi-urban area on the outskirts of Bahir Dar City of the Amhara Region in northern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional census type study was conducted among female youths who were unmarried and aged 15–29 years in September 2011.

Results

711 female youths participated in the study, with the mean age of initiation of sex of 78.6% being16.73±2.53 years. Only 52(9.3%) used condom during the first sex. Within the last 12 months, 509(71.6%) had sexual intercourse and 278(54.6%) had two or more sex partners, and 316(62.1%) did not use condom during their last sex. Sex under the influence of substances was reported by 350(68.8%), and a third of the recent sexes were against the will of participants. One or more risky sexual practices were reported by 503(70.3%) participants, including: multiple sexual partnerships, inconsistently using or not using condoms, sex under the influence of alcohol and/or sex immediately after watching pornography. Age group, current marital status, drinking homemade alcohol, chewing ‘khat’, watching pornography and using any form of stimulant substances were the predictors of risky sexual behavior. Watching pornography before sex and sex for transaction were the predicators of not using condom during most recent sex.

Conclusions

Risky sexual behaviors were very common among the female youths in Tiss Abay. Initiation of context-based interventions, such as raising awareness about the risks, safer sex practices, condom promotion and integration of gender issues in the programs are recommended.