NAME: Markos Desalegn Beyene

Qualification: Master's of Public Health in Reproductive and Family Health

Position: Assistant Professor

Phone Number: +251927619190/+251902044837

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Social media: Facebook-

Research Area or Interest: Reproductive and sexual health related to women of reproductive age group, and adolescents,  maternal and adolescent mental health, and substance use, HIV, and stigma among adolescents.

Publications.

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections prevention service utilization and associated factors among University College Students in Nekemte city.

Rata, A., Guja, F., Desalegn, M., Oljira, H., & Wirtu, D. (2025). Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevention Service Utilization and Associated Factors Among University and College Students in Nekemte City: A Mixed-Methods Study. Sage Open, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251355009 (Original work published 2025)

2. Healthcare-seeking behaviors for common childhood illnesses and associated factors among mothers/caretakers of under-five children in Haro Limu district, East Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Oljira SF, Merdassa E, Desalegn Z, Desalegn M. Healthcare-seeking behaviors for common childhood illnesses and associated factors among mothers/caretakers of under-five children in Haro Limu district, East Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health. 2025 Jul 16; 13:1519027. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1519027. PMID: 40740386; PMCID: PMC12307282.

3. Incidence and predictors of mortality among HIV-positive children on anti-retroviral therapy in the selected health facilities of West Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia: Retrospective Cohort study

Gurmu G, Merdassa E, Tiruneh G, Efrem K, Belay F, Mekonnen L, et al. (2025) Incidence and predictors of mortality among HIV-positive children on anti-retroviral therapy in the selected health facilities of West Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia: Retrospective cohort study. PLoS ONE 20(1): e0314112. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314112

4. A comparative study of antenatal depression among urban and rural pregnant women in Gimbi District, Oromia, Ethiopia

Chala S, Desalegn M, Oljira R, Fite MB, Mecha SH and Hunde GM (2024). A comparative study of antenatal depression among urban and rural pregnant women in Gimbi District, Oromia, Ethiopia. Front. Public Health 12:1393880.Chala S, Desalegn M, Oljira R, Fite MB, Mecha SH and Hunde GM (2024) 2023

5. Magnitude and determinants of undernutrition among tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Feyisa JW, Berhanu RD, Lema M, Desalegn M, Merdassa E, Kitila KM, Hailu WB, Beyena SD, Shama AT. Magnitude and determinants of undernutrition among tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2024 Jun 25; 24(1):1698. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19220-3. PMID: 38918733; PMCID: PMC11201327.           

6. Prevalence of homebirth preference and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

 Feyisa, J. W., Merdassa, E., Lema, M., Hailu, W. B., Desalegn, M., Shama, A. T., Jaleta, D. D., Tolasa, G. F., Berhanu, R. D.,Alemu, S. S., Beyena, S. D., & Kitila, K. M. (2023). Prevalence of homebirth preference and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 18(11), e0291394. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291394 PloS one

7. Essential newborn care practices and associated factors among home-delivered mothers in Guto Gida District

Abebe, M., Kejela, G., Chego, M., & Desalegn, M. (2023). Essential newborn care practices and associated factors among home delivered mothers in Guto Gida District, East Wollega zone. PLOS Global Public Health, 3(1), e0001469. https:// doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001469

8. Menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in Western Ethiopia

 Daniel, N., Kejela, G., Fantahun, F., Desalegn, M., & Guteta, F. (2023). Menstrual hygiene management practice and itsassociated factors among in-school adolescent girls in Western Ethiopia. Contraception and reproductive medicine, 8(1), https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-022-00196-7

9. The prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care service in public hospitals

 Tafara, L., Bikila, H., Feyisa, I., Desalegn, M., & Kaba, Z. (2023). The prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care service in public hospitals of western Ethiopia. PloS one, 18(1), e0278180. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.027818

10. Antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care a public health facilities in the Gida Ayana district, Oromia Region, West Ethiopia

 Oljira, L., Abdissa, E., Lema, M., Merdassa, E., Wakoya Feyisa, J., & Desalegn, M. (2023). Antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in the Gida Ayana district, Oromia Region, West Ethiopia, in 2022. Frontiers in public health, 11, 1176703. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh. 2023.1176703

11. Quality of Antenatal Care in Selected Public Health Facilities of West Ethiopia

 Nemomsa, A., Wirtu, D., Getachew, M., Kejela, G., Merdassa, E., Diriba, W., & Desalegn, M. (2022). Quality of antenatalcare in selected public health facilities of West Ethiopia. Contraception and reproductive medicine, 7(1), 18. https:// doi.org/10.1186/s40834-022-001869

12. Drinking alcohol raises the chance of premarital sex by four folds among secondary school adolescent students in Jima Arjo

 Biratu, B., Garoma, S., Getachew, M., & Desalegn, M. (2022). Drinking alcohol raises the chance of premarital sex by fourfold among secondary school adolescent students in Jima Arjo, Southwestern Ethiopia, 2018: a school-based crosssectional study. Contraception and reproductive medicine, 7(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-022-00171-2

13. Family and Social Support Among Patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy in West Wollega Zone Public Hospitals, Western Ethiopia

 Desalegn, M., Gutama, T., Merdassa, E., Kejela, G., & Benti, W. (2022). Family and Social Support among Patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy in West Wollega Zone Public Hospitals, Western Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional. HIV/AIDS (Auckland, N.Z.), 14, 167–179. https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S36043

14. Acute respiratory distress syndrome among patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the treatment center of Wollega University Referral Hospital

Tolossa, T., Merdassa Atomssa, E., Fetensa, G., Bayisa, L., Ayala, D., Turi, E., Wakuma, B., Mulisa, D., Seyoum, D.,Getahun, A., Shibiru, T., Fekadu, G., Desalegn, M., & Bikila, H. (2022). Acute respiratory distress syndrome among patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the treatment center of Wollega University Referral Hospital, western Ethiopia. PloS one, 17(6), e0267835. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267835

15. The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

GBD 2019 Cancer Risk Factors Collaborators (2022). The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet (London, England), 400(10352), 563–591.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736 (22)01438-LANCET, Q1 Journal

16. Effect of Food Insecurity and Other Possible Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Among Mothers Who Gave Birth to Live Newborns

Desalegn, M., B. Terefe, and H. Bikila, Effect of Food Insecurity and Other Possible Factors Associated with Low Birth weight Mothers Who Gave Birth to Live Newborns in West Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Unmatched Case-Control Study. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements, 2021. Volume 13: p. 133-143.

17. High Perceived Stigma Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in a resource-limited setting in Western Ethiopia

Turi, E., Simegnew, D., Fekadu, G., Tolossa, T., Desalegn, M., Bayisa, L., Mulisa, D., & Abajobir, A. (2021). High Perceived Stigma Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in a Resource Limited Setting in Western Ethiopia: The Effect of Depression and Low Social Support. HIV/AIDS (Auckland, N.Z.), 13, 389–397. https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S295110

18. Determinants of Diarrhea in Under-Five Children Among Health Extension Model and Non-Model Families

Bekele, D., Merdassa, E., Desalegn, M., Mosisa, G., & Turi, E. (2021). Determinants of Diarrhea in Under-Five Children among Health Extension Model and Non-Model Families in Wama Hagelo District, West Ethiopia: Community-Based Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare, 14, 2803–2815. https://doi.org/10.2147/ JMDH.S32484

19. Risky sexual behavior and its associated factors among daily laborers in the Arjo-Didessa sugar factory, Jimma Arjo

Gemechu, A. G., Assefa Ayana, L., Waqtole, Z. D., Tola, E. K., & Beyene, M. D. (2021). Risky sexual behavior and its associated factors among daily laborers in Arjo-Didessa sugar factory, Jimma Arjo, Southwest Ethiopia: An institution based cross-sectional study. SAGE open medicine, 9, 2050312121994358. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312121994358

20. The impact of antenatal care on maternal near-miss events in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ebisa Turi, Ginenus Fekadu, Bedasa Taye, Gemechu Kejela, Markos Desalegn, Getu Mosisa, Worku Etafa, Reta Tsegaye, Dawit Simegnew, Temesgen Tilahun(2020), The impact of antenatal care on maternal near-miss events in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, Volume 13, 2020, 100246, ISSN 2214-1391, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2020.100246. S2214139120301232)

21. Compliance with iron and folic acid supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fite, M. B., Denio, A. D., Muyhe, A., Merdassa, E., Desalegn, M., & Gurmesa, T. T. (2020). Compliance with iron and folic acid supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Scientific Reports, 6(12), 514–522. https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20205031

22. Three Fourth of Adolescent in Arjo Gudetu Town had Multiple Sexual Partner as a Risky Sexual Behavior: Eastern Wollega Zone, West Ethiopia: a Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Daniel N, Getachew M, Desalegn M (2020) Three Fourth of adolescents in Arjo Gudetu Town had Multiple Sexual partners as a Risky Sexual Behavior: Eastern Wollega Zone, West Ethiopia: a Community cross-sectional Study. J Preg Child Health 6: 437

23. Utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods and associated factors among married women in Adama town

Desalegn, M., Belachew, A., Gizaw, M., Kejela, G., & Gudeta, R. (2019). Utilization of long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods and associated factors among married women in Adama town, Central Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study. Contraception and reproductive medicine, 4, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-019-0101-5

24. Prevalence and associated factors of female genital mutilation among high school students in Dale Wabera Woreda, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Shiferaw, D., Deyessa, N., Fufa, G., Kinati, T., & Desalegn, M. (2017). Prevalence and associated factors of female genital mutilation among high school students in Dale Wabera Woreda, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 9(6), 72-78.

25. Assessment of the Prevalence of FGM and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age Group in Kebirbeyah Town, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2017

 Abdisa B, Desalegn M, Tesew A (2017) Assessment of the Prevalence of FGM and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive

Age Group in Kebirbeyah Town, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2017. Health Sci J. Vol. 11 No. 4: 517

26. The Nexus between Khat and Other Drug Use among Undergraduate Students of Jigjiga University in Ethiopia: Contributing Factors and Prevalence Rates

Gamachu Fufa, Desalegn Shiferaw, Tadele Kinati, Markos Desalegn, The Nexus between Khat and Other Drug Use among Undergraduate Students of Jigjiga University in Ethiopia; Contributing Factors and Prevalence Rates, Public Health Research, Vol. 7 No. 2, 2017, pp. 49-54. doi: 10.5923/j.phr.20170702.03.

Name:  Dessalegn Wirtu  Tesso

Academic Status:  PhD in Public Health

Position:  Associate professor

Field of Specialization:  Public Health/ Reproductive Health

Department: Public Health

Research Interest: Reproductive Health, Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health, and Adolescent Health

Publications:

Contact:

Phone: +251911180221 

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Name:  CHALTU FILE TEKA

Academic Status: MPH/RH

Position:  Lecturer

Field of Specialization:  Reproductive health

Department: Reproductive and Family health

Research Interest:

My research focuses on reproductive health, especially improving maternal and child health outcomes and expanding access to family planning services. With a background as a Clinical Nurse and a BSc in Midwifery, along with twelve years of experience in clinical settings at hospitals and four years in the academic field, I am passionate about addressing challenges such as healthcare access disparities and reproductive education. I aim to conduct impactful research that informs policy and develops practical solutions to enhance the quality of reproductive healthcare. The Department of Reproductive Health’s dedication to evidence-based and community-focused research aligns perfectly with my goals. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to improving reproductive health equity and well-being in diverse populations

Publications:

Contact:

Phone: 0915929914

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.        

Name: AYANTU GETAHUN HABTE

Academic Status: MPH/RH

Position: LECTURER

Field of Specialization: MPH IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Department: FAMILY AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Research Interest: ADOLESCENT AND YOUTH HEALTH, FAMILY HEALTH

Publications:

Contact:

Phone:+251920412038

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Name: DIRIBA AYALA MIJANA

Academic Status: MPH/RH

Position: Lecturer

Field of Specialization: Reproductive Health

Department: Reproductive and Family Health

Research Interest: Maternal and Child Health

Publications:

Contact:

Phone: +251911590916/+251921185457

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Institutional email: diribaam@wollegauniversity.edu.et

Applicants must:

Admission for post basic family health

• TVET level 4 Health Extension worker (HEW) and nurses having diploma who are working as urban health extension with COC certificate from a recognized institution
• A minimum of 2 years’ full-time service
• One recommendation letters from Regional Health Bureau (RHB) or City Administration HB
• The applicant must successfully score 50% to pass mark.
• Sponsorship letter from sponsoring government institution

Admission for postgraduate training in reproductive health sciences

• The applicants should have a minimum of first degree in health fields from recognized higher institutions in a recognized field of studies by health authorities.
• Applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and above in the previous degree.
• The applicant must satisfactorily pass a qualifying examination (must score ≥50%).

Vision

• To become a leading centre of excellence in reproductive and family health education, research, and community service, contributing to improved maternal, new-born, child, and adolescent health outcomes in Ethiopia.

Mission

• The Department of Reproductive and Family Health is committed to producing competent and ethical public health professionals through high-quality teaching, innovative research, and community engagement. We strive to advance reproductive, maternal, new-born, child, and adolescent health by generating evidence-based solutions, strengthening partnerships, and providing impactful services to our communities.

Aim of the Program

• To improve reproductive, maternal, new-born, child, and adolescent health through excellence in education, research, and community service, while producing highly skilled public health professionals who can address the reproductive and family health needs of Ethiopia.

Objectives of the department

Prepare competent and motivated professionals who are able to:

• To deliver comprehensive and updated reproductive and family health curricula at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to address national reproductive and family health priorities.
• To conduct high-quality research addressing maternal mortality, family planning, adolescent health, sexual and reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and other public health issues.
• To promote evidence-based decision-making through dissemination of research findings
• To support local health facilities and communities through outreach programs, health education, and professional training.
• To strengthen reproductive and family health services in underserved populations.
• To enhance the skills of academic staff through continuous professional development and collaborative training.
• To cultivate student research and leadership abilities.
• To establish and sustain partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations to improve teaching, research, and community service.

Name: Worku Fikadu

Academic Status: MPH

Position: Lecturer

Field of Specialization: Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Department: Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Research Interest: Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Global health

Publications:

1.Validation of food frequency questionnaire for food intake of adults in Gida, West, Ethiopia.

Fikadu W, Mulugeta S, Dejene Y.Front Public Health. 2024 Nov 28;12:1438008. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1438008. eCollection 2024.PMID: 39668953 Free PMC article.

1. HIV seropositive disclosure and associated factors among adult HIV positive clients in public health facilities in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia.

Fikadu W, Dechassa C, Desalegn Z, Ewunetu A, Lema M, Tekle A.PLoS One. 2024 Oct 29;19(10):e0305389. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305389. eCollection 2024.PMID: 39471142 Free PMC article.

2. Uptake of the COVID-19 Vaccination and Associated Factors Among Health Care Providers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Fikadu W, Addissie A, Kifle A.Infect Drug Resist. 2023 Jul 11;16:4519-4534. doi: 10.2147/IDR.S416781. eCollection 2023.PMID: 37457793 Free PMC article.

3. Fertility desire and associated factors among reproductive age women on anti-retroviral therapy in East Wollega public health facilities, west Ethiopia: facility based cross-sectional study.

Fikadu W.Front Reprod Health. 2025 Jun 12;7:1449392. doi: 10.3389/frph.2025.1449392. eCollection 2025.PMID: 40574902 Free PMC article.

4. Time to death and its predictors among HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Horro Guduru Wallaga zone, Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study.

Morka B, Belay Keno F, Gebre DS, Fikadu W, Tiruneh G, Golja EA, Ewunetu A.Front Public Health. 2025 Apr 16;13:1565573. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1565573. eCollection 2025.PMID: 40308933 Free PMC article.

5. Community-based health insurance dropout rate and its' associated factors among households in Seyo District, Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study.

Tafasa SM, Etana Y, Keno FB, Fikadu W, Seyoum D.Front Public Health. 2025 Jun 12;13:1562257. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1562257. eCollection 2025.PMID: 40575102 Free PMC article.

6. Birth preparedness, complication readiness and associated factors among pregnant women attending public health facilities in Chelia District, Central Ethiopia (2022): a cross-sectional study.

Tafasa SM, Bekuma D, Fikadu W, Gelassa FR, Jebena DE, Zerihun E, Willi W, Chaka EE.BMJ Open. 2024 Nov 25;14(11):e084945. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084945.PMID: 39592161 Free PMC article.

7. Magnitude of substance use and associated factors among Wallaga University undergraduate students, Western Ethiopia, 2024.

Firezer Belay K, Golja EA, Desisa AE, Gobena GG, Bulbula DB, Moti LM, Dibbisa KE, Fikadu W, Fetensa G.Front Public Health. 2025 Mar 25;13:1519425. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1519425. eCollection 2025.PMID: 40201369 Free PMC article.

8. Improving Second-Year Midwifery Female Students' Classroom Participation at Wollega University: An Action Research DOI: 20372/mhsr

         Worku Fikadu, Segni Mulugeta , Firezer Belay Keno ,Adisu Ewunetu

9. PREDICTORS OF MORTALITY AMONG ADULT PATIENTS ADMITTED TO INTESIVE CARE UNIT WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN NEKEMTE TOWN, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA:accepted for publication on BMC cardiovascular

     Worku Fikadu ,Alebachew,Wase benti

11. Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Associated Factors Regarding  Monkeypox Infection Among Healthcare Providers in Public Hospitals in Nekemte City, East Wollega, Ethiopia:Hospital based crossectional study. Accepted for publication on Health science report Worku Fikadu¹, Meseret Belete¹  ,Tesfaye Abera², Teferi Babu³,Segni Mulugeta¹,Firezar Belay¹, Merga chala²