Dr Zelalem Mengesha
Research Fellow

Dr Zelalem Mengesha

PhD (Western Sydney University), MPH (University of Gondar) 

Medicine & Health
Centre for Primary Health &Eq

Dr Zelalem Mengesha is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE). Zelalem utilises systemic theories to examine inequities in health care access and outcomes. His areas of research interest are sexual and reproductive health, male health, refugee and migrant health, critical public health, and qualitative and mixed methods research. Zelalem is committed to reducing health inequities by sharing insights that trigger practice, service delivery and system change.
Phone
+61 (02) 8738 9341
E-mail
z.mengesha@unsw.edu.au

Publications

  • Book Chapters | 2019
    Dune T; Mengesha Z; Buscemi V; Perz J, 2019, 'Jumping the methodological fence: Q methodology', in Handbook of Research Methods in Health Social Sciences, pp. 751 - 768, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5251-4_101
  • Journal articles | 2021
    Dune T; Ayika D; Thepsourinthone J; Mapedzahama V; Mengesha Z, 2021, 'The role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking attitudes amongst 1.5 generation migrants in australia: A quantitative pilot study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, pp. 1 - 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031341
    Journal articles | 2020
    Shanmugalingam R; Mengesha Z; Notaras S; Liamputtong P; Fulcher I; Lee G; Kumar R; Hennessy A; Makris A, 2020, 'Factors that influence adherence to aspirin therapy in the prevention of preeclampsia amongst high-risk pregnant women: A mixed method analysis', PLoS ONE, vol. 15, pp. e0229622, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229622
    Journal articles | 2020
    Dune T; Ullman J; Ferfolja T; Thepsourinthone J; Garga S; Mengesha Z, 2020, 'Are services inclusive? A review of the experiences of older GSD women in accessing health, social and aged care services', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, pp. 1 - 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113861
    Journal articles | 2018
    Mengesha ZB; Perz J; Dune T; Ussher J, 2018, 'Talking about sexual and reproductive health through interpreters: The experiences of health care professionals consulting refugee and migrant women', Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, vol. 16, pp. 199 - 205, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2018.03.007
    Journal articles | 2018
    Tessema GA; Mekonnen TT; Mengesha ZB; Tumlinson K, 2018, 'Association between skilled maternal healthcare and postpartum contraceptive use in Ethiopia', BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-1790-5
    Journal articles | 2018
    Mengesha ZB; Perz J; Dune T; Ussher J, 2018, 'Challenges in the Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care to Refugee and Migrant Women: A Q Methodological Study of Health Professional Perspectives', Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, vol. 20, pp. 307 - 316, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10903-017-0611-7
    Journal articles | 2018
    Mengesha ZB; Perz J; Dune T; Ussher J, 2018, 'Preparedness of health care professionals for delivering sexual and reproductive health care to refugee and migrant women: A mixed methods study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010174
    Journal articles | 2017
    Dune T; Perz J; Mengesha Z; Ayika D, 2017, 'Culture Clash? Investigating constructions of sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of 1.5 generation migrants in Australia using Q methodology', Reproductive Health, vol. 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12978-017-0310-9
    Journal articles | 2017
    Mengesha ZB; Perz J; Dune T; Ussher J, 2017, 'Refugee and migrant women’s engagement with sexual and reproductive health care in Australia: A socio-ecological analysis of health care professional perspectives', PLoS ONE, vol. 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181421
    Journal articles | 2016
    Tesfaw G; Ayano G; Awoke T; Assefa D; Birhanu Z; Miheretie G; Abebe G, 2016, 'Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among patients with HIV on-follow up at Alert Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia', BMC Psychiatry, vol. 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-1037-9
    Journal articles | 2016
    Mengesha ZB; Dune T; Perz J, 2016, 'Culturally and linguistically diverse women's views and experiences of accessing sexual and reproductive health care in Australia: A systematic review', Sexual Health, vol. 13, pp. 299 - 310, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/SH15235
    Journal articles | 2016
    Belay AD; Mengesha ZB; Woldegebriel MK; Gelaw YA, 2016, 'Married women's decision making power on family planning use and associated factors in Mizan-Aman, South Ethiopia: A cross sectional study', BMC Women's Health, vol. 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12905-016-0290-x
    Journal articles | 2015
    Abera Y; Mengesha ZB; Tessema GA, 2015, 'Postpartum contraceptive use in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study', BMC Women's Health, vol. 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12905-015-0178-1
    Journal articles | 2015
    Fute M; Mengesha ZB; Wakgari N; Tessema GA, 2015, 'High prevalence of workplace violence among nurses working at public health facilities in Southern Ethiopia', BMC Nursing, vol. 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12912-015-0062-1
    Journal articles | 2015
    Mengesha ZB; Worku AG; Feleke SA, 2015, 'Contraceptive adoption in the extended postpartum period is low in Northwest Ethiopia', BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12884-015-0598-9
    Journal articles | 2014
    Endale W; Mengesha ZB; Atinafu A; Adane AA, 2014, 'Food Insecurity in Farta District, Northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study', BMC Research Notes, vol. 7, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-7-130
    Journal articles | 2013
    Getahun F; Mazengia F; Abuhay M; Birhanu Z, 2013, 'Comprehensive knowledge about cervical cancer is low among women in Northwest Ethiopia', BMC Cancer, vol. 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-13-2
    Journal articles | 2013
    Adinew YM; Worku AG; Mengesha ZB, 2013, 'Knowledge of reproductive and sexual rights among University students in Ethiopia: Institution-based cross-sectional', BMC International Health and Human Rights, vol. 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-698X-13-12
    Journal articles | 2013
    Feleke SA; Koye DN; Demssie AF; Mengesha ZB, 2013, 'Reproductive health service utilization and associated factors among adolescents (15-19 years old) in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia', BMC Health Services Research, vol. 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-13-294
    Journal articles | 2013
    Tadesse N; Awoke Ayele T; Birhanu Mengesha Z; Addis Alene K, 2013, 'High prevalence of HIV/AIDS risky sexual behaviors among street youth in gondar town: A community based cross sectional study', BMC Research Notes, vol. 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-6-234
    Journal articles | 2013
    Mengesha ZB; Biks GA; Ayele TA; Tessema GA; Koye DN, 2013, 'Determinants of skilled attendance for delivery in Northwest Ethiopia: A community based nested case control study', BMC Public Health, vol. 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-130
    Journal articles | 2013
    Aemro M; Mesele M; Birhanu Z; Atenafu A, 2013, 'Dietary diversity and meal frequency practices among infant and young children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia: A secondary analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2011', Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/782931
    Journal articles | 2012
    Negese D; Addis K; Awoke A; Birhanu Z; Muluye D; Yifru S; Megabiaw B, 2012, 'HIV-Positive Status Disclosure and Associated Factors among Children in North Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.', ISRN AIDS, vol. 2012, pp. 485720, http://dx.doi.org/10.5402/2012/485720
    Journal articles | 2012
    Ambaw AD; Alemie GA; Wyohannes SM; Mengesha ZB, 2012, 'Adherence to antihypertensive treatment and associated factors among patients on follow up at University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia', BMC Public Health, vol. 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-282
    Journal articles | 2012
    Amano A; Gebeyehu A; Birhanu Z, 2012, 'Institutional delivery service utilization in Munisa Woreda, South East Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study', BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-12-105
    Book Chapters | 2019
    Dune T; Mengesha Z; Buscemi V; Perz J, 2019, 'Jumping the methodological fence: Q methodology', in Handbook of Research Methods in Health Social Sciences, pp. 751 - 768, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5251-4_101
  • Journal articles | 2021
    Dune T; Ayika D; Thepsourinthone J; Mapedzahama V; Mengesha Z, 2021, 'The role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking attitudes amongst 1.5 generation migrants in australia: A quantitative pilot study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, pp. 1 - 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031341
    Journal articles | 2020
    Shanmugalingam R; Mengesha Z; Notaras S; Liamputtong P; Fulcher I; Lee G; Kumar R; Hennessy A; Makris A, 2020, 'Factors that influence adherence to aspirin therapy in the prevention of preeclampsia amongst high-risk pregnant women: A mixed method analysis', PLoS ONE, vol. 15, pp. e0229622, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229622
    Journal articles | 2020
    Dune T; Ullman J; Ferfolja T; Thepsourinthone J; Garga S; Mengesha Z, 2020, 'Are services inclusive? A review of the experiences of older GSD women in accessing health, social and aged care services', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, pp. 1 - 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113861
    Journal articles | 2018
    Mengesha ZB; Perz J; Dune T; Ussher J, 2018, 'Challenges in the Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care to Refugee and Migrant Women: A Q Methodological Study of Health Professional Perspectives', Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, vol. 20, pp. 307 - 316, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10903-017-0611-7
    Journal articles | 2018
    Mengesha ZB; Perz J; Dune T; Ussher J, 2018, 'Talking about sexual and reproductive health through interpreters: The experiences of health care professionals consulting refugee and migrant women', Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, vol. 16, pp. 199 - 205, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.srhc.2018.03.007
    Journal articles | 2018
    Tessema GA; Mekonnen TT; Mengesha ZB; Tumlinson K, 2018, 'Association between skilled maternal healthcare and postpartum contraceptive use in Ethiopia', BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-1790-5
    Journal articles | 2018
    Mengesha ZB; Perz J; Dune T; Ussher J, 2018, 'Preparedness of health care professionals for delivering sexual and reproductive health care to refugee and migrant women: A mixed methods study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010174
    Journal articles | 2017
    Mengesha ZB; Perz J; Dune T; Ussher J, 2017, 'Refugee and migrant women’s engagement with sexual and reproductive health care in Australia: A socio-ecological analysis of health care professional perspectives', PLoS ONE, vol. 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181421
    Journal articles | 2017
    Dune T; Perz J; Mengesha Z; Ayika D, 2017, 'Culture Clash? Investigating constructions of sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of 1.5 generation migrants in Australia using Q methodology', Reproductive Health, vol. 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12978-017-0310-9
    Journal articles | 2016
    Mengesha ZB; Dune T; Perz J, 2016, 'Culturally and linguistically diverse women's views and experiences of accessing sexual and reproductive health care in Australia: A systematic review', Sexual Health, vol. 13, pp. 299 - 310, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/SH15235
    Journal articles | 2016
    Tesfaw G; Ayano G; Awoke T; Assefa D; Birhanu Z; Miheretie G; Abebe G, 2016, 'Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among patients with HIV on-follow up at Alert Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia', BMC Psychiatry, vol. 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-1037-9
    Journal articles | 2016
    Belay AD; Mengesha ZB; Woldegebriel MK; Gelaw YA, 2016, 'Married women's decision making power on family planning use and associated factors in Mizan-Aman, South Ethiopia: A cross sectional study', BMC Women's Health, vol. 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12905-016-0290-x
    Journal articles | 2015
    Mengesha ZB; Worku AG; Feleke SA, 2015, 'Contraceptive adoption in the extended postpartum period is low in Northwest Ethiopia', BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12884-015-0598-9
    Journal articles | 2015
    Abera Y; Mengesha ZB; Tessema GA, 2015, 'Postpartum contraceptive use in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study', BMC Women's Health, vol. 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12905-015-0178-1
    Journal articles | 2015
    Fute M; Mengesha ZB; Wakgari N; Tessema GA, 2015, 'High prevalence of workplace violence among nurses working at public health facilities in Southern Ethiopia', BMC Nursing, vol. 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12912-015-0062-1
    Journal articles | 2014
    Endale W; Mengesha ZB; Atinafu A; Adane AA, 2014, 'Food Insecurity in Farta District, Northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study', BMC Research Notes, vol. 7, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-7-130
    Journal articles | 2013
    Getahun F; Mazengia F; Abuhay M; Birhanu Z, 2013, 'Comprehensive knowledge about cervical cancer is low among women in Northwest Ethiopia', BMC Cancer, vol. 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-13-2
    Journal articles | 2013
    Mengesha ZB; Biks GA; Ayele TA; Tessema GA; Koye DN, 2013, 'Determinants of skilled attendance for delivery in Northwest Ethiopia: A community based nested case control study', BMC Public Health, vol. 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-130
    Journal articles | 2013
    Aemro M; Mesele M; Birhanu Z; Atenafu A, 2013, 'Dietary diversity and meal frequency practices among infant and young children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia: A secondary analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2011', Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/782931
    Journal articles | 2013
    Feleke SA; Koye DN; Demssie AF; Mengesha ZB, 2013, 'Reproductive health service utilization and associated factors among adolescents (15-19 years old) in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia', BMC Health Services Research, vol. 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-13-294
    Journal articles | 2013
    Adinew YM; Worku AG; Mengesha ZB, 2013, 'Knowledge of reproductive and sexual rights among University students in Ethiopia: Institution-based cross-sectional', BMC International Health and Human Rights, vol. 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-698X-13-12
    Journal articles | 2013
    Tadesse N; Awoke Ayele T; Birhanu Mengesha Z; Addis Alene K, 2013, 'High prevalence of HIV/AIDS risky sexual behaviors among street youth in gondar town: A community based cross sectional study', BMC Research Notes, vol. 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-6-234
    Journal articles | 2012
    Ambaw AD; Alemie GA; Wyohannes SM; Mengesha ZB, 2012, 'Adherence to antihypertensive treatment and associated factors among patients on follow up at University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia', BMC Public Health, vol. 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-282
    Journal articles | 2012
    Negese D; Addis K; Awoke A; Birhanu Z; Muluye D; Yifru S; Megabiaw B, 2012, 'HIV-Positive Status Disclosure and Associated Factors among Children in North Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.', ISRN AIDS, vol. 2012, pp. 485720, http://dx.doi.org/10.5402/2012/485720
    Journal articles | 2012
    Amano A; Gebeyehu A; Birhanu Z, 2012, 'Institutional delivery service utilization in Munisa Woreda, South East Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study', BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, vol. 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-12-105

Awards

Grants

Media

Zelalem is leading a number of equity focused research projects aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia. The projects, funded by the NSW Refugee Health Services, include: 

  1.      An exploration of asylum seekers access to hospital services and the impact on their health and wellbeing 
  2.      A scoping study on the public health risks faced by community based asylum seekers in NSW during the COVID-19 pandemic
  3.      Evaluating volunteer led programs to promote refugee health using a citizen science approach