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Abstract Background Due to its perception as a disease of development, road traffic accident and related injuries tend to be under recognized as a major health problem in developing countries. However, majority of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in low income and middle income countries. Since the main cause of road traffic accident is attributed to human risky behaviors, it is important to identify significant factors for risky behaviors of drivers. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study with a sample size of 350 drivers was conducted in April 2011. The study was conducted among Taxi, Bajaj (three tire vehicles) and private owned car drivers. After proportion to size allocation for Taxi (75), Baja (103) and private owned car (172) drivers, we used systematic random sampling method to identify illegible study subjects. Data was collected with face to face interview using a pretested questioner. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Results The mean age of the respondents was 28.7 (SD 9.9). Majority were 339 (96.9%) males. Significant number of the study subjects 233 (66.6%) had risky driving behaviors. More than a quarter 100 (28.6%) had less knowledge about basic traffic signs. Majority of drivers 181 (51.7%) had negative attitude towards risky driving behaviors. Significant percent of them 148 (42.3%) had a habit of using mobile phone while driving vehicle and 28 (9.7%) had experience of driving after drinking alcohol. All the Bajaj, 97(62.6%) house car and 58(37.4%) taxi unfasten their seat belt while driving. Majority 303 (86.6%) followed the recommended speed limit of driving. About 66 (18.9%) of them had experience of punishment or warning by traffic polices in the previous 1 year and 77 (22%) ever had car accident while driving. Conclusions Drivers of secondary education and with high average monthly income were more likely to have risky driving behavior. Having supportive attitude towards risky driving behaviors and not getting advice about risky driving from significant others increases the likelihood of developing risky driving behavior. Interventions targeted at developing negative attitude towards risky driving behaviors on drivers and significant others should be implemented to bring positive behavior change. The interventions need to be segmented with educational status and income.

Background: Health literacy plays a pivotal role in healthcare utilization and health-related lifestyle choices. This makes health literacy a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where there are intricate health challenges. Despite its significance, there is a dearth of studies on the issue in Ethiopia. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on health literacy in Ethiopia, and to discuss the implications for healthcare practice, health promotion, and research endeavors.Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted to achieve the purpose of this study. A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, and PLOS Global Public Health was conducted for eligible evidence. Searches were conducted from May 12 to September 9, 2022. The PRISMA flow diagram guideline was utilized to ensure transparent reporting of the reviews process. The data extraction tool used was based on the JBI methodology guidance for reviews.Results: The search in total yielded 543 records. However, only 16 studies met the eligibility criteria after a thorough screening process. All eligible studies were conducted in health facilities and schools with limited scopes. The main findings of the eligible studies focused on health literacy levels, health information sources, and health literacy determinants among the studies participants. Many of the studies reported low health literacy levels and multiple predicting factors ranging from personal to socioeconomic conditions among the respondents.Conclusion: This review has provided critical insights into the state of health literacy in Ethiopia. There is a need for comprehensive research and the development of context-appropriate health literacy measurements tailored to the Ethiopian context, as well as evidence-based health literacy interventions. Prioritizing health literacy as a key research and intervention area is essential for improving the health of individuals and populations and achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia.Plain Language Summary: Health literacy is a vital factor in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals, as it influences individuals' healthcare utilization and health-related lifestyle decisions in their daily lives. Therefore, it is a pressing matter for low-income countries like Ethiopia, where health problems stemming from unhealthy lifestyle choices and poor healthcare utilization are on the rise and adding burden to the existing health problems. This review indicates that health literacy in Ethiopia is problematic, and it underscores the need for comprehensive health literacy research or a deeper understanding of the issue, and effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health literacy has critical health implications. Health literacy in young people is a pressing matter as it determines their current and future health. Although health literacy research is increasing, there are limited health literacy studies from Africa. The aim of this study was to provide a coherent summary and synthesis of the available health literacy studies among young people in Africa. Methods: A systematic scoping review was chosen to attain the aim of this study. PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, JBI EBP, EBSCO, and Google Scholar were searched for evidence. Based on JBI's methodology for reviews, a three-step search strategy was employed. The search was conducted up to April 20, 2022. The PRISMA flow diagram guideline was used to ensure a transparent reporting of the review process. Results: The search for evidence identified 386 records, of which 53 were selected and their full texts were assessed for eligibility. Nine studies matched the eligibility criteria. The main findings of the eligible studies are: health literacy levels, association between health literacy and health outcomes, and predictors of health literacy among young people. Low health literacy was common among young people, and there was a significant association between low health literacy and negative health outcomes among this group. Health literacy among young people was impacted by a wide range of socio-demographic factors. Conclusion: Health literacy studies among young people in Africa were rare. Although the reviewed studies shed some light on health literacy levels, the association between health literacy and health outcomes, and the predictors of health literacy among young people, they may not give an accurate picture of health literacy among young people, for several reasons. Both primary and secondary health literacy studies are needed to fully understand the issue, and to develop and guide policies and interventions in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS epidemics continue unchecked in African countries at all level of society bearing the heaviest burden of the scourge. Different researches have been done to see the progress of disease from time to time However, information that shows the trend of HIV among the healthy population over a period of time in Ethiopia is very limited. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out to see the trend of HIV Sero-positivity and associated socio-demographic factors. The data was retrieved from records of people who donated blood during the period of January 2007 to December 2010, at Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH). Data on socio--demographic variables and serologic status of the subjects were abstracted from their records using structured format. Then the data were cleaned, edited and entered into computer and analyzed by Microsoft Excel sheet. Then Chi-Square (X²) Statistical test was used for testing associations and P value less or equal to five percent (P ≤ 0.05) was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 3788 subjects had donated blood from 2007 to 2010 of which 3034 (80.1%) were males. Thirty nine (1%) of the donors were positive for HIV upon screening by Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The prevalence of HIV infection was 1.2% for males and 0.5% for females. The age specific prevalence was highest in the age group 30-39 years (2.2%) followed by 40 -- 49 (1.4%). HIV sero-prevalence was higher among rural dwellers (1.4%) than urban (0.8%); drivers and their assistants (2.8%), and daily laborers (2.6%) had higher prevalence. Similarly, those who donated blood for replacement purpose had higher sero-prevalence (1.5%) as compared to those on voluntary basis (0.3%). CONCLUSION: There is decreasing trend of sero-positivity over the years, with higher prevalence among sexually active age groups and rural dwellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration of intercultural communication barriers among the students of college of social sciences and law at Jimma University was conducted from October 2009 to 2011. The study based on qualitative descriptive one. The data collection methods were focus group discussion and in-depth interview. The research found that the barriers for intercultural communications among the students from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds were ethnocentrism, prejudice, past historical back drops, linguistics and socio cultural variations. Sometimes misunderstanding occurs due to cultural completion and political and social reality existing in at the national level at this time of the study. Lack of opportunities created by university structure was also considered as the proximate barriers for intercultural communication. Thus, the promotion of tolerance for diversity and multicultural competency has been recommended to be implemented to various level of schooling. Among these, the necessity of learning Afaan Oromo as a course starting from primary school was recommended by students. Moreover, continuous awareness creation program aimed at promoting diversity and tolerance has been expected from university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV/AIDS epidemics continue unchecked in African countries at all level of society bearing the heaviest burden of the scourge. Different researches have been done to see the progress of disease from time to time However, information that shows the trend of HIV among the healthy population over a period of time in Ethiopia is very limited., Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out to see the trend of HIV Sero-positivity and associated socio-demographic factors. The data was retrieved from records of people who donated blood during the period of January 2007 to December 2010, at Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH). Data on socio-demographic variables and serologic status of the subjects were abstracted from their records using structured format. Then the data were cleaned, edited and entered into computer and analyzed by Microsoft Excel sheet. Then Chi-Square (X(2)) Statistical test was used for testing associations and P value less or equal to five percent (P ≤ 0.05) was considered significant., Results: A total of 3788 subjects had donated blood from 2007 to 2010 of which 3034 (80.1 %) were males. Thirty nine (1%) of the donors were positive for HIV upon screening by Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The prevalence of HIV infection was 1.2% for males and 0.5% for females. The age specific prevalence was highest in the age group 30-39 years (2.2%) followed by 40 - 49 (1.4%). HIV sero-prevalence was higher among rural dwellers (1.4%) than urban (0.8%); drivers and their assistants (2.8%), and daily laborers (2.6%) had higher prevalence. Similarly, those who donated blood for replacement purpose had higher sero-prevalence (1.5%) as compared to those on voluntary basis (0.3%)., Conclusion: There is decreasing trend of sero-positivity over the years, with higher prevalence among sexually active age groups and rural dwellers.

Background: Health promotion and health education activities rely on a variety of well designed and effective printed Information Education Communication materials to help ensure success. However, in Ethiopia, there is no well established evidence that shows the extent to which printed Information Education Communication materials are produced distributed, utilized and the existing needs and gaps. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the process of printed Information Education Communication materials production, distribution and utilization and to identify current Information Education Communication needs and gaps., Methods: Cross sectional study combining quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted at Federal, Regional (Oromiya), zonal (Jimma) and facility levels. Fourteen health centers within Jimma Zone were randomly selected and 303 health workers working in these health centers were included in the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to identify respondents for in-depth interview. The quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS for windows version 16.0., Results: The materials designed both by the Health Education Extension Center and Oromiya Regional Health Bureau were not fully culture sensitive. Information Education Communication materials inventories had not been practiced, particularly at zonal and health center levels. Furthermore, at zonal and health center level, there were no safe storage places. Chronic shortage of Information Education Communication materials was reported consistently. Only 206 (68.0%) of the participants had ever used printed Information Education Communication material. 146 (48.2%) and 29 (9.6%) of the participants were rated the IEC material they have seen as very good in terms of understablity and the extent to which it takes the local context into account, respectively. Participants who were nurse and laboratory technologist were 0.35 and 0.23 times less likely to use IEC materials than environmental Health experts [AOR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.14-0.85] and [AOR=0.23, 95%CI: 0.07-0.79], respectively. Graduates of private colleges were 10 times more likely to report utilization of IEC materials than graduates of government institutions [AOR=10.46, 95% CI: 3.47-31.50]., Conclusion: This study revealed that design, production, distribution and utilization of printed Information Education Communication materials were not in line with the underlying principles of Information Education Communication material development. Thus, all concerned institutions and individuals should work towards to improvement.