Abstract:Although, improvement has been observed in Ethiopia, female students' academic competency and performance is low compared with male students because of various economical, environmental or socio cultural factors resulting higher attrition rate in their academic success. The study was designed to assess female students' perception on factors affecting their academic competency and performance. Cross-sectional study and random sampling was applied among Dire Dawa University senior female students. Questionnaire and structured interview were used for data collection. Female students' perception on various factors was addressed. Most female students agreed that institutional, family and their background, environmental and socio-cultural, behavioral and commitment related factors affect their academic performance and competency. They perceived that lack of self-confidence, stress, lack of preparation, university related factors (lack of proper reading place, lack of proper guidance), and students and teachers characteristics influence their competency and performance. The university management, parents, students themselves and other concerned bodies should work to reduce factors that affect academic performance and competency of female students. Projects should be designed to alleviate the problems so as to make female students competent and successful in their academic life.

Cobblestone workers exposed to dust inhalation and physical injuries during cobblestone work activities exposed to respiratory problems due to proliferation and fibrotic alteration changing in their spiro metric lung function indices. This study was designed to determine changes in spirometric lung function indices of cobblestone workers. Comparative crosssectional study was applied. Cobblestone workers exposed for one and above years and proportional non exposed non-smoking normal study participants with similar age range and anthropometric values were participated. The study showed higher change in Spiro metric lung function indices. Mean values and percent predicted mean values of lung functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, PIFR and FEF25-75) were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Reduction in spirometric values was more marked in chiseling workers. Thus, dust emission during cobblestone preparation adversely affects pulmonary function of workers. Further studies should be conducted on many workers to make standing decisions and regulations. Workers should be trained and appropriate PPEs should be provided. Guideline has to be developed to provide guidance on how to assess and reduce health impacts of dust emissions.