Introduction One of the most important but underappreciated roles of nurses is patient advocacy. To advocatefor patients effectively, the nurses should have a favorable attitude towards patient advocacy. Despite this fact, thenurses’ attitude towards patient advocacy was not known in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess nurses’ attitudetowards patient advocacy and its associated factors in East Gojjam Zone Public Hospitals, Northwest in 2023.Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 385 nurses in East Gojjam ZonePublic Hospitals from March 1 to April 30, 2023. Nurses were selected using simple random sampling techniquesfrom 11 public hospitals. The data were collected in a self-administered way. Binary logistic regression was used fordata analysis. All independent variables having a P value of < 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression were fitted intoa multivariable logistic regression. The AOR at a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the strength of theassociation, and a p value of 0.05 was used to declare it statistically significant at the final model.Result A total of 385 nurses participated in the study, for a 91% response rate. Among these, 49.9% of nurses hadan unfavorable attitude. Being working in a primary hospital [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: (1.4–3.8)], poor cooperation ofnurses [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: (1.1–2.8)], being unsatisfied with the job [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: (1.1–2.7)], and poor perceivedsupervision of work [AOR = 6.2; 95% CI: (3.7–9.8)] were factors associated with nurses’ attitudes towards patientadvocacy.Conclusion The number of nurses who had an unfavorable attitude towards patient advocacy was high. Workingin a primary hospital, poor cooperation with others, being dissatisfied with the job, and having an unfavorableperception towards the supervision of work were the factors associated with the unfavorable attitude of nursestowards patient advocacy. It is recommended that all hospitals better support the nurses to increase their jobsatisfaction and have good supervision of the nurses’ activities.Keywords Advocacy, Attitude, Nurse

Object tracking is a technique for finding moving objects of interest and estimating their trajectoryor path with regard to time in a series of images. It involves object representation, detection,and tracking. It becomes an important field of study due to the need in video surveillance, trafficmonitoring, live sport video analysis and many other applications. In this paper, both static camera-based and dynamic camera-based object tracking techniques have been developed. The static camera-based object tracking was developed with NI LabVIEW, and Shape adaptive mean-shift algorithmhas been used for tracking. In case of dynamic camera-based object tracking, an optimal Fuzzy-PIDcontroller has been designed to adjust the position of the pan/tilt mechanism so as to trace the object’strajectory. Genetic algorithm (GA) was used to find the optimal values of the operating ranges (scalingfactors) of the membership functions. The performance of the system has been tested by differenttrajectories like step, sinusoidal, circular and elliptical at different frequencies 1, 50 and 100 rad/sec.The system has best performance at low frequencies and when the frequency or speed of the objectincreases, the system performance decreases which complies for real systems. The simulation resultsdemonstrate that GA tuned Fuzzy-PID controller has given us the best results in terms of reducedsteady-state error, faster rise time and settling time, and object position stabilization than PID,Fuzzy and Fuzzy-PID controllers, which shows that optimal Fuzzy-PID controller designed is moreappropriate and efficient.Keywords: Object tracking, LabVIEW, Fuzzy-PID, Pan/Tilt system, Genetic algorithm

Background: An edible oil factory is a labor-intensive and technologically complex industry, with workers potentially exposed to a variety of dangers associated with such industries. Personal protective equipment is a universal, legal requirement, and an important strategy for preventing occupational injuries and illnesses caused by workplace hazards. However, such industries receive little attention, especially in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess personal protective equipment utilization and its associated factors among workers in the PhiBela edible oil factory in Burie, Ethiopia, in 2022.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed among the PhiBela edible oil factory workers in Burie. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 389 PhiBela edible oil factory workers. Face-to-face interviews and self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect data on workers' protective equipment utilization practice, socio-demographic, work-related, environmental, and organizational factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The logistic regression method was used to see factors associated with workers' protective equipment utilization. The strength of the association was calculated using an odds ratio at 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Of the total workers, 216, 55.52% (48.33-57.78) workers utilize personal protective equipment in the factory. The study showed safety training [AOR (4.68, 95%CI (2.76-7.45)], availability of personal protective equipment [AOR = 4.86; 95%CI: 2.23-6.98], regular health and safety supervision [AOR = 2.751; 95%CI: 1.806-3.801], availability of safety guideline at workplace [AOR = 3.798; 95%CI: 1.248-6.173], having work experience 3 years and above [AOR = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.06-2.18], not using alcohol [AOR = 3.07; 95%CI: 2.11-4.76], and not smoking cigarette [AOR = 1.88; 95%CI: 1.55-3.11] were predictors of personal protective equipment utilization.
Conclusion: The level of personal protective equipment utilization among Phibela edible oil factory workers is 55.52%, which is moderate when compared to other studies done in developing countries. The presence of Safety training, availability of personal protective equipment, regular health and safety supervision, availability of guidelines at workplaces, having work experiences, not using alcohol, and cigarrete smoking were factors found to be a significant predictors of personal protective equipment utilization. As a result, close workplace supervision, safety training, and availing guidelines are the recommendations to be in place.

Keywords: Ethiopia; Utilization; factory worker; personal protective equipment.

Background: An edible oil factory is a labor-intensive and technologically complex industry, with workers potentially exposed to a variety of dangers associated with such industries. Personal protective equipment is a universal, legal requirement, and an important strategy for preventing occupational injuries and illnesses caused by workplace hazards. However, such industries receive little attention, especially in Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess personal protective equipment utilization and its associated factors among workers in the PhiBela edible oil factory in Burie, Ethiopia, in 2022.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed among the PhiBela edible oil factory workers in Burie. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 389 PhiBela edible oil factory workers. Face-to-face interviews and self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect data on workers' protective equipment utilization practice, socio-demographic, work-related, environmental, and organizational factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The logistic regression method was used to see factors associated with workers' protective equipment utilization. The strength of the association was calculated using an odds ratio at 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Of the total workers, 216, 55.52% (48.33-57.78) workers utilize personal protective equipment in the factory. The study showed safety training [AOR (4.68, 95%CI (2.76-7.45)], availability of personal protective equipment [AOR = 4.86; 95%CI: 2.23-6.98], regular health and safety supervision [AOR = 2.751; 95%CI: 1.806-3.801], availability of safety guideline at workplace [AOR = 3.798; 95%CI: 1.248-6.173], having work experience 3 years and above [AOR = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.06-2.18], not using alcohol [AOR = 3.07; 95%CI: 2.11-4.76], and not smoking cigarette [AOR = 1.88; 95%CI: 1.55-3.11] were predictors of personal protective equipment utilization.
Conclusion: The level of personal protective equipment utilization among Phibela edible oil factory workers is 55.52%, which is moderate when compared to other studies done in developing countries. The presence of Safety training, availability of personal protective equipment, regular health and safety supervision, availability of guidelines at workplaces, having work experiences, not using alcohol, and cigarrete smoking were factors found to be a significant predictors of personal protective equipment utilization. As a result, close workplace supervision, safety training, and availing guidelines are the recommendations to be in place.

Keywords: Ethiopia; Utilization; factory worker; personal protective equipment.

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to assess the potential occurrence of coal deposits in the East Gojjam zone, specifically in Debre Eliyas woreda. It also aims to determine the quality and quantity of coal through field and laboratory techniques. A total of twenty coal samples and twenty rock samples were systematically collected from surface outcrops and analyzed at the Geological Survey of Ethiopia. Major oxides in the rock units were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), while coal samples were subjected to Gravimetric, Proximate, and Adiabatic Calorimetric analyses to quantify moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content, and calorific value. The geologic setup of the study area is predominantly characterized by sedimentary rock, like Sandstone, limestone, mudstone, and basaltic rocks. Geochemical analysis of sandstone, mudstone, and limestone samples reveals distinct compositional characteristics that reflect their depositional environments and diagenetic processes, providing valuable insights for resource exploration and geotechnical assessments. A geological map at a scale of 1:25,000 and three coal occurrence maps at a 1:20,000 scale were prepared based on detailed field surveys and laboratory analyses. Chemical analysis of collected coal samples revealed moisture contents ranging from 2.32% to 29.72%, volatile matter from 20.01% to 37.29%, fixed carbon from 7.12% to 31.88%, ash content from 4.27% to 66.07%, and calorific values between 2,323.044 and 9,378.684 Cal/gm. The values indicate that the coal in Debre Eliyas ranges in rank from lignite to bituminous. Across all identified coal-bearing sites, the average seam thickness ranges from 2.35 to 5.13 meters. The total estimated coal resource of the study area is approximately 2,755,124.83 tons. Keywords: Debre Elias, Coal Deposit, Economic Potential, Calorific value

Youth unemployment in the East Gojjam Zone is a critical issue. This study focuses onidentifying the factors that influence unemployment duration and evaluating the impact ofjob creation programs on the well-being of youth in this region. We employed Cox regres-sion to analyze the determinants of unemployment duration and used propensity scorematching to assess the welfare effects of job creation initiatives. Our multistage clustersampling revealed a youth unemployment rate of 33.3% (95% CI: 27.3–39.3). Over half ofthe unemployed youth transitioned to employment within four years, with 25% securingjobs within two years. Participation in job creation programs led to an average earningsincrease of 1,069.716 birr, though retention in these programs was low at 49%. The find-ings reveal a connection between prolonged unemployment, skill mismatches, financialconstraints, limited work experience, weak social networks, low income, and a preferencefor public-sector employment. To effectively address these challenges, interventions mustfocus on improving job accessibility, aligning vocational training with labor market needs,promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing social support systems.

Backgrounds Poverty is a complex and multifaceted global public health issue, particularly prevalent in Ethiopia,including the East Gojjam Zone. Previous studies on poverty have largely relied on unidimensional measures,providing limited evidence on multidimensional poverty (MP). Therefore, this study tried to assess the prevalenceand identify the associated factors of MP among rural households in selected woredas of East Gojjam Zone, NorthernEthiopia.Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the fall of 2020 in randomly selectedworedas of East Gojjam zone, involving 770 rural households. Multistage cluster sampling was used, and data werecollected through structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires covering eleven MP indicators. The globalmultidimensional poverty index (MPI) was applied to assess poverty status. The multivariable partial proportionalodds model (PPOM) was employed to identify the associated factors of MP, and variables with a p-value < 0.05 wereconsidered as significant.Results Among 770 rural households considered 37.27% (25.45% moderately and 11.82% severely) of them wereclassified as multidimensionally poor. The standard of living dimension accounted for the largest contribution to MP.Household head aged, 30–45years (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.15) and those over 45 years (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.42,5.33), weather condition(Kolla) (AOR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.05, 3.07), experiencing drought in the preceding 12 months(AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.41), dependency ratio (AOR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.13,1.59), and adult equivalence (AOR = 1.13,95%CI: 1.07,1.19) were more likely to experience MP. Conversely, marital status (being married) (AOR = 0.36, 95%CI:0.21, 0.64), woreda, Machakel (AOR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.36, 0.86), Sinan (AOR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.95), and road accessibilityin the village (AOR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.37, 0.81) were significantly associated with lower odds of MP among ruralhouseholds in the study area.
Conclusion: Approximately 37% of rural household’s experience moderate to severe MP, and living standardsdimension accounted for the largest contribution. Various socio-demographic, agro-ecological, and related factorshave been identified to rural MP. To address this issue, stakeholders should prioritize to promote climate-resilientagriculture and strengthening drought coping mechanisms. Furthermore, it is essential to account for the variations inpoverty levels across different administrative units and ecological zones to effectively eradicate poverty among ruralhouseholds.Keywords: East Gojjam zone, Ethiopia, Multidimensional poverty, Partial proportional odds model, Rural household

Multidimensional poverty, encompassing deprivations in education, health, and living standards, is a significant challenge in rural Ethiopia. Despite various development initiatives, poverty remains pervasive in the West Gojjam Zone of northern Ethiopia. This study aims to assess the extent of multidimensional poverty in this region and identify key factors contributing to the likelihood of households experiencing it.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the West Gojjam Zone, involving 628 rural households selected through a multi-stage sampling approach. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the multidimensional poverty index (MPI), focusing on poverty incidence, gap, and severity. A binary logistic regression model was applied to examine the relationship between household characteristics and the likelihood of being multidimensionally poor.
Results
The study revealed that 93.95% of households in the West Gojjam Zone experience multidimensional poverty, with an intensity of 61.17% and an adjusted multidimensional headcount ratio of 57.47%. Key factors associated with a lower likelihood of multidimensional poverty include land ownership, off-farm income, year-round road access, the frequency of agricultural extension services, and access to loans. Conversely, the age of household heads is positively associated with an increased likelihood of poverty, with older household heads being more vulnerable.
Conclusions
The findings highlight that multidimensional poverty in the West Gojjam Zone is primarily driven by limited access to land, financial services, infrastructure, and agricultural support. Furthermore, older household heads are particularly at risk. To address these challenges, the study recommends policies that focus on enhancing agricultural productivity, expanding access to financial services, improving road infrastructure, and fostering non-farm income-generating activities. Strengthening agricultural extension services is essential to enhancing household resilience and reducing poverty.

Background: Children on the streets are still vulnerable to early and unsafe sexual experiences. Having multiple sexual partners and the limited use of condoms were major risk factors for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases among youths in Ethiopia.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the risk factors of sexual and reproductive health problems, service utilization, and challenges among street youths in the East Gojjam Zone.
Method: A phenomenological study design was employed on street youths residing in the East Gojjam Zone. Study participants were purposively recruited from four town administrations in the East Gojjam Zone. The primary study unit was street youths who live in the zone. Eight in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions were conducted. The data were audio recorded and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: In this study, the risk factors that exposed street youths to sexual and reproductive health problems included low perceived susceptibility, lack of awareness of sexual and reproductive health, having multiple sexual partners, exposure to pornographic films, and utilization of alcoholic drinks and substances. Mainly, those street youths who were engaged in transactional sexual relationships were utilizing condoms consistently and had regular HIV screening tests. In addition, few street youths ever utilized maternal and child health services. The unsupportive behavior of health professionals, the absence of exact data, the health system, and lack of specific responsible organization on the sexual and reproductive health of street youths were considered major challenges.
Conclusion and recommendation: Most of the street youths were not utilizing reproductive health services. Limitation on the accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services to this segment of the population was the main contributing factor. So, the health system and policy should take front-line responsibility for the sexual and reproductive health of street youths and consider convenient reproductive health service programs for them.

Keywords: Risk factors; Sexual and reproductive health service utilization; Street youths.

One of the biggest global challenges to development and public health is road traffic accidents (RTAs). As aresult, this study focuses on analysing road traffic accident determinant factors using the Wrapper Feature Se-lection Method in case of East Gojjam Zone located in Amhara region, Ethiopia, sub-Saharan. To do this, EastGojjam Road traffic office RTA data classified as simple injury, major injury, and death is gathered. The gatheredinformation is pre-processed before being used using machine learning classification algorithms includingNearest Neighbour (KNN), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and NaïveBayes (NB). Using the wrapper feature selection approach, the most significant factor was identified using themachine-learning algorithm KNN, which obtained the best classification score with an accuracy of 99.5 %. Thus,the type of vehicle, the reason for the accident, the location of the accident, and the licence level were identifiedas crucial RTA factors. Finally, the variables, Sino track, unfavourable weather, Dolphin, and Debre Elias rated100 %, 100 %, 85 %, and 82.35 % for fatality in relation to the factors licence driver, cause of accident, type ofvehicle, and accident location, respectively.
Keywords: Road traffic accident, East Gojjam, Amhara region, Ethiopia, Machine learning, Feature selection, Filter, Wrapper method, Embedded method, Data mining