Background: Evidence-based practice is clinical decision-making using the best evidence available in the context of individual patients' preferences and clinical expertise. It is serving as a crucial instrument for the health science disciplines to minimize the theory-practice gap although the level of practice is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to assess nurses' implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing process and its associated factors in South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals.
Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed method was employed from April 1 to May 29, 2023, among 419 nurses for the quantitative part and 15 others for the qualitative part. The data were collected using structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaires. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select participants for the quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. The bivariable analysis was done primarily, and variables with a p-value < 0.25 were further examined using a multivariable logistic regression model to control con-founders. Then, variables having a p-value less than 0.05 with a 95% CI were used to declare significantly associated factors. The key informants were interviewed using pre-made interview guidelines, and then open code software was utilized to conduct a thematic analysis.
Result: Nurses who had poor implementation of evidence-based practice in the nursing process were 228 [54.42%; 95% CI: (49.8-59.3)]. Similarly, the key informants concluded that the implementation of evidence-based practice in the nursing process was low. Participants who were 31- 40 years old [AOR = 0.61, 95% CI: (0.38-0.99)], 41-50 years [AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: (0.15-0.65)], working at general hospitals [AOR = 3.37, 95% CI: (1.39-8.18)] and comprehensive specialized hospitals [AOR = 7.29, 95% CI: (3.06 - 17.31)], lack of training about evidence-based practice (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: (1.36-4.56)], and lack of internet access [AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: (1.43-4.23)] were factors associated with poor levels of nurses' implementation of evidence-based practice in the nursing process. The absence of computers, libraries, and updated guidelines were other factors identified on the quality analysis.
Conclusion: Nurses' implementation of evidence-based practice in the nursing process was low. Age, working in general hospitals, and comprehensive and specialized hospitals, lack of training, and internet access were factors that had significant associations. Hence, hospital managers should give an attention to internet access and training about utilization of evidence-based practice in nursing process, particularly for those aged above thirty years old.

Keywords: Ethiopia; Evidence-based practice; Nurses; Nursing process.

O. abyssinica, known in Ethiopia as lowland bamboo, is a solid-stemmed clump-forming bamboo species widelydistributed in the western dry regions of Ethiopia. The versatility of the species means that it has enormouspotential for land restoration in arid and semi-arid areas, in addition to bringing socio-economic benefits. It alsodisplays remarkable adaptability, allowing it to thrive in the challenging ecological conditions of areas such asthe Abay Gorge. The Abay Gorge, situated within the Upper Blue Nile River Basin of Northwestern Ethiopia ischaracterized by problems associated with soil erosion and land degradation. This study, therefore, aimed toevaluate and recommend a suitable spatial analysis for the adoption and development of lowland bamboo(O. abyssinica). Fifteen primary influencing factors were chosen according to the needs of O. abyssinica, theaccessibility of data, and the financial implications associated with data analysis, particularly the expensesrelated to soil laboratory testing. Eight composite soil samples were taken directly by dividing the watershed intotwo categories (upper and lower catchment areas). These composite soil samples were analyzed. Data analysiswas performed via Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in conjunction with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making(MCDM) analysis and the use of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). The spatialanalysis employed in this study was a weighted sum overlay analysis, which was applied by considering thecriteria weight assigned to each factor. The analysis revealed that 21.2 % (666.5 ha) of the total area was highlysuitable for the growth and development of O. abyssinica. About 56 % (1753 ha) of the land was moderately andmarginally suitable for the desired land utilization type. However, 23 % (723.8 ha) of the study area was un-suitable for O. abyssinica. O. abyssinica has the potential to rehabilitate large parts of challenging areas such as theAbay Gorge due to its naturally invase rhizomes and drought-tolerance. It can also be introduced into agrofor-estry systems and used as living fences for villages.
Keywords: AHP, GIS, Land evaluation, Lowland bamboo, MCDM, Remote sensing

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.

ABSTRACTSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the root extract Stephania abyssinica by aneco-friendly and cost-effective method. Stephania abyssinica root extract with AgNO3 solutionwas used to synthesize AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis,FTIR and XRD spectrophotometers. The antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles was testedby the agar disc diffusion method. The result was that the dark yellow colour solution changedto brown solution with AgNO3 solution confirming the formation of AgNPs. The UV–Vis peak at275 nm in the plant extract shows the presence of organic compounds that interact with silverto form AgNPs. The FTIR spectrum of AgNPs shows peaks at 3406 cm−1, 2353 cm−1, 1615 cm−1and 1021 cm−1. The XRD result showed that the AgNPs are face centred cubic crystallinestructures having a size of 20.8 nm. The synthesized AgNps are more potent in Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria.
KEYWORDS: Silver nanoparticles; Stephania abyssinica; antimicrobial activity; green synthesis; spectral analysis

Secularism in Ethiopia has not been practiced as stipulated in the 1995 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) constitution, the separation of state and religion. Instead, consecutive regimes since the introduction of secularism employed the tactic of co-option and repression towards the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) to meet their political objectives. This article thus tried to address the nature and manifestation of government intervention in the EOTC through either co-option and/or repression, with a special emphasis on the post-2018 regime. The study argues that de facto secularism in Ethiopia is far from the essence of the separation of state and religion; it is a new version of religion industriously implemented by governments to upgrade the Orthodox Church in a way that fits with the political system. The secular regimes co-opted and repressed the church conditionally at any cost to the institution through the Machiavellian approach. The study also finds that the Prosperity-led regime was actively involved in the internal affairs of the church—in the early days through co-option in the name of reconciliation with the exile synod and later through repression. Manifestations of this repression include the mass killing of orthodox followers, burning of churches and restriction on the church’s annual ceremony, as in the case of Epiphany and Meskel(Demera).Keywords: Secularism, religion, co-option, repression, EOTC

Extreme flood and drought events arise from temporal and spatial variations in the Earth’s water cycle, signif-icantly affecting water resources and the environment. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of climatevariabilities on extreme flood and drought events within the Blue Nile Basin. A systematic literature review andcontent analysis were conducted to understand the hydrological dynamics of floods and droughts. A Scopusdatabase was used to find relevant literature review articles related to flood and drought extreme events usingsearch terms queries. The findings suggest that rising temperatures and fluctuating precipitation patterns areleading to more frequent and severe floods and droughts. Future projections also suggest increased droughtseverity in most basin areas, coupled with more frequent floods. Fluctuations between dry and wet conditionshave intensified these extremes. While insufficient rainfall triggers droughts, excessive and concentrated rainfallcontributes to floods. The wet projection shows more frequent floods, while the dry projection indicates severedroughts throughout most of the basin. This review provides a valuable starting point for further action towards amore climate-resilient and water-secure for sustainable environmental development and management over thebasin.
Keywords: BNB, Climate variability, Hydrological extremes, Water resource