BackgroundFailure to follow proper infection prevention practices puts healthcare workers, patients and communities at risk. Despite the increases of highly contagious infections, infection prevention practices among healthcare workers is unknown in many developing countries. The need to understand infection prevention practices is important for prevention and control of nosocomial infections. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess infection prevention practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in governmental healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February to March 2016, in Addis Ababa among 629 healthcare workers who were selected by multistage sampling technique from 30 governmental healthcare facilities. Data were collected using pre-tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi -data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with infection prevention practices.. Findings were presented using odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals., A p-value less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.ResultsSix hundred five (96.2%) healthcare workers participated in the study. Four hundred (66.1%, (95%CI: 62.1%–70.1%)) health care workers had good infection prevention practices. Having good knowledge on infection prevention meausures (AOR =1.53, 95%CI: 1.05–2.22), having positive attitude towards infection prevention practices (AOR=2.03, 95%CI: 1.26–3.26), having awareness on availability of standard operating procedures (AOR=1.97, 95%CI: 1.34–2.93) and presence of continuous water supply (AOR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.11–2.56) were predictors of good infection prevention practices.ConclusionTwo-third of the healthcare workers had good infection prevention practices. Having good knowledge on infection prevention measures, having positive attitude towards infection prevention practices, having awareness on availability of standard operating procedures and presence of continuous water supply were predictors of good infection prevention practices. To sustain good practices, adequate pre-service and in-service training should be in place to equip and update health care workers about infection prevention precautions. The need for continuous supervision should be implemented to strengthen adherence for infection prevention practices among workers along with sustainable and reliable water supply is crucial.

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As one of cities in the developing countries, a rapid population growth and industrial activities pose many environmental challenges for Jimma city, Ethiopia. One aspect of urban growth posing a threat on sustainable development is poor solid waste management, which results in environmental pollution. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quantity, composition, sources of waste generated, their current disposal practices, and to recommend appropriate management technologies. The total waste generated daily in Jimma city was ca. 88,000 kg, and the average per capita generation rate was 0.55 ± 0.17 kg/capita/day. Eighty-seven percent of the waste was produced by households and 13% by institutions, and a negligible fraction (0.1%) was generated by street sweepings. During the rainy season, 40% more waste was generated than in the dry season because of the increased availability of agricultural food product. Further analysis showed that biodegradable organic waste constitutes 54% by weight with an average moisture content of 60% that falls within the required limits for composting. The nonbiodegradable components constitute 46% of which 30% of it was nonrecyclable material. Only 25% of the community uses municipal containers for disposal at the selected landfill site. Fifty-one percent of the households disposed their waste in individually chosen spots, whereas 22% burned their waste. Finally 2% of households use private waste collectors. The socioeconomic analysis showed that higher family income and educational status is associated more with private or municipal waste collection and less with the application of backyard or open dumping. These insights into generated waste and management practice in Jimma city allow making suggestions for improved collection, treatment, and disposal methods. A primary conclusion is that the biodegradable waste is a major fraction having suitable properties for recycling. As such an economic benefit can be obtained from this waste while avoiding the need for disposal.

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