The aim of this research was to analyze midwives' job satisfaction and intention to leave in developing regions of Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 107 midwives in four developing regions of Ethiopia. All midwives who were working in 26 health facilities participated in the study. A structured self-administered questionnaire, and in depth key informant interview guides, were used to collect data. Job satisfaction was measured by nine dimensions and intention to leave their current position was measured using three questions. More than two-thirds (67%) of the midwives were female, with a mean age of 26.1 (sd±4.2) years old. Less than half (45%) of the midwives were satisfied with their job, less than half (42%) were satisfied with 'work environment' and less than half (45%) were satisfied with 'relationship with management' and 'job requirements'. Relatively better satisfaction rates were reported regarding 'professional status', of which more than half (56%) of midwives were satisfied, followed by more than half (54%) of midwives being satisfied with 'staff interaction'. Almost two-fifths (39%) of midwives intended to leave their current position. Job dissatisfaction and intention to leave rates amongst midwives in developing regions in Ethiopia are a source of concern. The majority of midwives were most dissatisfied with their working environment and issues related to payment. Their intention to leave their current position was inversely influenced by job satisfaction. The introduction of both financial and nonfinancial mechanisms could improve midwives' job satisfaction, and improve retention rates within the profession.

The main purpose of this research was to analyze gender context in the Afar region of Ethiopia and propose a set of strategies or actions to improve adolescent and youth health. Using a pre-established gender analysis framework, an explorative qualitative study was conducted in five districts. Sixteen key informants and eight focus group discussions were conducted among adult women and men of young adolescents and youth. The study revealed that younger and older women are the most disadvantaged groups of the society. This is due to the high workload on women and girls (housekeeping, building a house and taking care of cattle and children), they also are less valued, have no control over resources and have no part in decision making, including their personal life choices. As a result, they rarely access school and health facilities. They are forced get married according to arranged marriage called “absuma.” As such, they suffer from multiple reproductive health problems. Women have poor decision-making autonomy, lack control over resources, have limited participation in socio-economic practices, and experience child and early forced marriage, and this poor service utilization has exposed them to the worst sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

This study examines the associations between women’s empowerment and family planning use in Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia. A total of 746 randomly selected married women of reproductive age were interviewed. The data were employed by structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the complex and multidimensional pathways to show women’s empowerment domains in family planning utilisation. Results of the study revealed that 72% of married women had used family planning. Younger women, having access to information, having access to health facilities and being aware about family planning methods, living in a rural area, having an older partner and increased household decision-making power were associated with using family planning methods. Women’s empowerment is an important determinant of contraceptive use. Women’s empowerment dimensions included increased household decision-making power, socio-demographic variables and having access to information about family planning and accessible health facilities. These were found to be important determinants of contraceptive use. Future interventions should focus on integrating women’s empowerment into family planning programming, particularly in enhancing women’s autonomy in decision making. Further research is warranted on the socio-cultural context of women that influences women’s empowerment and family planning use to establish an in-depth understanding and equity of women in society.

This study aims to explore the effects of voluntary family planning (FP) utilization on food security in selected districts of Ethiopia. Quantitative research methods were used to conduct a community-based study among a sample of 737 women of reproductive age. The data were analyzed using a hierarchical logistic regression constructed in three models. The findings showed 579 (78.2%) were using FP at the time of the survey. According to the household-level food insecurity access scale, 55.2% of households experienced food insecurity. The likelihood of food security was lower by 64% for women who used FP for less than 21 months (AOR = 0.64: 95%CI: 0.42–0.99) in comparison to mothers who used FP for more than 21 months. Households having positive adaptive behaviors were three times more likely (AOR = 3.60: 95%CI 2.07–6.26) to have food security in comparison to those not having positive adaptive behaviors. This study also revealed that almost half of the mothers (AOR: 0.51: 95%CI: 0.33–0.80) who reported being influenced by other family members to use FP had food security, in comparison to their counterparts. Age, duration of FP use, positive adaptive behaviors, and influence by significant others were found to be independent predictors of food security in the study areas. Culturally sensitive strategies need to be considered to expand awareness and dispel misconceptions that lead to hesitancy around FP utilization. Design strategies should take into account households’ resilience in adaptive skills during shocks, natural disasters, or pandemics which will be invaluable for food security.

Background/Objectives: Vaccination uptake in Ethiopia is deeply shaped by gender norms, with women serving as primary caregivers but often limited by low autonomy, while men typically control household decisions but remain less engaged in child health. This study examines gendered influences on vaccine hesitancy and acceptance to inform future strategies. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in four regions of Ethiopia (Amhara, Oromia, Afar, and Tigray). Quantitative data were collected from 992 caregivers through multistage stratified sampling procedure, whereas qualitative data were collected from 26 in-depth interviews, 24 exit interviews and 11 key informant interviews and were analyzed thematically guided by the WHO Behavioural and Social Drivers framework. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the associations. Results: The result highlighted that the proportion of caregivers who reported willingness to vaccinate their child with all recommended vaccines was high (93.5%) and more likely among those with higher education, family support, religious support, and frequency of health worker contact. However, 51.1% of caregivers displayed some degree of vaccine hesitancy, with higher prevalence among males. Hesitancy was linked to traditional beliefs and norms that assign vaccination responsibility to mothers, urban residence, and being employed, while secondary education, family support, and religious support were protective. While acceptance is high, hesitancy persists. Gender roles, education, social support, and health worker engagement influence immunization outcomes. Conclusions: The study highlighted that expanding immunization across all age groups and reducing persistent hesitancy requires a shift toward gender-responsive strategies including integrating a gender perspective into the immunization programs that address traditional norms and misinformation.

Groundwater is a vital resource in arid and semi-arid regions, such as Ethiopia’s Jimma and Borena zones, where surface water availability is limited. This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to delineate groundwater potential zones. Key hydrogeological parameters, including lithology, slope, land use/land cover, drainage density, and recharge, were analyzed and weighted using the AHP to generate suitability maps. The findings indicate that in Jimma, 4.6% of the area is highly suitable for groundwater development, 24% is moderately suitable, and 70% has low suitability. In Borena, 6.2% of the area is highly suitable, 42.6% is moderately suitable, and 51.1% exhibits low suitability due to topographic and geological constraints. Validation using borehole data confirms the model’s reliability, demonstrating strong agreement with observed groundwater yields. These results provide a cost-effective approach for groundwater exploration and highlight the necessity of geophysical surveys in complex terrains to enhance mapping accuracy. This study offers valuable insights for water resource planners and policymakers, supporting sustainable groundwater management strategies in the region.