Barriers to appropriate complementary feeding and the use of ultra-processed foods: A formative qualitative study from rural Oromia, Ethiopia.

Children's consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is increasing in Ethiopia, but relatively little is known about the specific feeding practices that underlie this pattern. The objective of this study was to explore patterns of consumption of UPF by infants and young children within a broader context of inappropriate complementary feeding practices in extremely poor households in rural Oromia, Eastern Ethiopia. A formative qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interview questionnaires developed drawing on a socioecological model.

Premarital sexual activity among unmarried adolescents in northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Sexual activity can expose adolescents to the risks of unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. This risk is magnified for girls. The objective of the study is to determine the magnitude and correlates of premarital sexual activity among unmarried female adolescents in northern Ethiopia.

Participation and significance of self-help groups for social development: exploring the community capacity in Ethiopia.

Background: There are various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia among which the 'Idir' is a social and financial institution widespread both in urban and rural areas of the country. So the objectives of this study is to investigate how women members perceive the contribution of iddirs toward improving their lives and to determine whether and to what extent participation in iddirs has social impacts on their lives.

Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study using Key Informant In-Depth Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was conducted in Addis Ababa, Addis Ketema Sub-city.

The role of self-help voluntary associations for women empowerment and social capital: the experience of women's iddirs (burial societies) in Ethiopia.

Mutual help is essential to the human race to progress to a full humanity. Participating in voluntary associations has multiple benefits and makes a bigger contribution to resiliency in socio-economically deprived neighborhoods. Therefore, the objective of the study is to assess the role of women's iddirs (burial societies) in promoting their lives, particularly in terms of their social and economic well-being.