Prediction of Bio-methane Potential of Fresh Human Feces for the Development of Sustainable Urban Sanitation Technology in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Background: Recycling human excreta has become one of the alternatives for the prevention of communicable diseases related from lack of safe sanitation while generating revenue. In urban areas, sanitation-related health risks extend far beyond basic access to household sanitation. The problem is more serious in low-income countries, including Ethiopia, and particularly in urban slums where the majority of people live together. Biogas toilets are among the most resource efficient sanitation technologies, generating energy and stabilizing waste-producing biofertilizers for agricultural input. In Ethiopia, knowledge of the energy potential of human excrement is limited to optimizing the development of biogas toilet facility Therefore, the prediction of the bio methane potential of human excreta for the development of sustainable sanitation technology is one alternative way of reducing the environmental pollution. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the biogas and biofertilizer potential of human excreta in Jimma City, Ethiopia, which may contribute to the development of sustainable sanitation technologies. Methods and materials: In this study, experimental and theoretical prediction methods were used. The lab-scale batch experiment was conducted by taking composite samples of fresh human feces using Eco-San technology. Using both ultimate and proximate laboratory analysis, the theoretical yield of biogas was predicted. Then a series of anaerobic digestion batch experiments were conducted to determine the practical energy yield. The biofertilizer potential of human feces was determined by analyzing the nutrient constituents of human feces. Results: The findings of this study showed that the biogas yield from the experimental results of Experiment 1,2,&3 was, on average, 0.393 m3 /kg. Based on the energy conversion of methane to MJ by multiplying the values, the mean was 14.16 MJ/kg. The biogas meter cubes per capita per head per year were 28.71 (28.03–29.27) in the experimental result and 45.26 for the theoretical yield of methane & C/N ratio was 20.11%. In our study, the biofertilizer potential of human feces was evaluated using nutrient analysis, specifically the NPK. Accordingly, human feces contain potassium (2.29 mg/kg), phosphorus (1.12 mg/kg), and nitrogen (4.29 g/kg). This finding suggests the bio-methane potential of human feces can satisfy energy recovery and alternative sanitation options, providing a positive remedy for the sanitation crisis in urban setting

COVID – 19 related knowledge and preventive practices early in the outbreak among health care workers in selected public health facilities of Illu aba Bor and Buno Bedelle zones, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background Novel-coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease is currently a worldwide health risk and public health emergency concern. The virus is transmitted from an infected person to another person through close contact and droplets. Frontline health care workers are the most at risk of infection, and so a WHO interim guidance document was issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) which underscores the importance of proper sanitation and waste management practices for COVID- 19 in health-care settings. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 among health care providers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2020 among 330 health workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno-Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of preventive practices towards Covid-19. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of &lt; 0.05. Result The majority of respondents (93.3%) demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19, and the mean (SD) knowledge score was 9.04 ± 1.06. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) of the study participants had good infection prevention practices. Being male (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: (1.96, 6.80)), education level (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.02, 3.22)), profession (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI (1.08, 9.33)), service year (5–10 years) (AOR = 2.00 (1.02, 3.92)) and more than 10 years (AOR = 3.14 (1.51, 6.52)), availability of personal protective equipment (AOR = 1.96 (1.06, 3.61)) and Knowledge level (AOR = 2.61 (1.48, 4.62)) were independent predictors of COVID-19 preventive practices. Conclusion The overall level of knowledge of HCWs was good. However, the practice was relatively low. Gender, educational status, profession, year of service, knowledge towards COVID-19, and availability of personal protective equipment were independent predictors of good infection prevention practices. Optimizing the infection prevention and control loop of the health facilities is recommended. </jats:sec

Knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 and associated factors among healthcare workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. As the virus is transmitted through close contact and droplets, frontline HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients are at risk of the infection. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 among health care providers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2020 among 330 health workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno-Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered onto Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of preventive practices towards Covid-19. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of &lt; 0.05. Result: Greater part (93.3%) of the respondent demonstrated good knowledge towards COVID-19 and the mean (±SD) knowledge score was 9.0 4± 1.06. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) of the study participants had good infection prevention practices. Being male (AOR=3.65, 95% CI: (1.96, 6.80)), education level (AOR=1.82, 95% CI (1.02, 3.22)), profession (AOR=3.17, 95% CI (1.08, 9.33)), service year ( 5 – 10 years) (AOR=2.00 (1.02, 3.92)) and more than 10 years (AOR=3.14 (1.51, 6.52)) , availability of personal protective equipment (AOR=1.96 (1.06, 3.61)) and Knowledge level (AOR=2.61 (1.48, 4.62)) were independent predictors of COVID-19 preventive practices. Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge of HCWs was good. However, the practice was relatively low. Gender, educational status, profession, year of service, knowledge towards COVID-19, and availability of personal protective equipment were independent predictors of good infection prevention practices. Optimizing the infection prevention and control loop of the health facilities is recommended.</jats:p

Health risk assessment of indoor air quality, sociodemographic and kitchen characteristics on respiratory health among women responsible for cooking in urban settings of Oromia region, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Objectives In Ethiopia, where biomass fuel is used by the majority of the population, women who are primarily responsible for cooking are at a higher risk of having respiratory symptoms. However, there is limited information on the respiratory symptoms of exposed women. This study assessed the magnitude of respiratory disease symptoms and associated factors among women responsible for cooking in Mattu and Bedele towns, south-west Ethiopia.Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 randomly selected women in urban settings in south-west Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a modified version of the American Thoracic Society Respiratory Questionnaire. The data were cleaned, coded and entered into EpiData V.3.1 and exported into SPSS V.22 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with respiratory symptoms at a value of p&lt;0.05.Results It is found that 34.9% of the study participants have respiratory symptoms (95% CI 30.6% to 39.4%). Unimproved floor (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.4 at 95% CI 1.42 to 4.15), presence of thick black soot in the ceiling (AOR=2.1 at 95% CI 1.2 to 3.6), using fuel wood (AOR=2.3 at 95% CI 1.1 to 4.7), using a traditional stove (AOR=3.37 at 95% CI 1.85 to 6.16), long duration of cooking (AOR=2.52 at 95% CI 1.4 to 4.5) and cooking room without a window (AOR=2.4 at 95% CI 1.5 to 3.9) were significantly associated with women’s respiratory symptoms.Conclusion More than two in six women who cook had respiratory symptoms. Floor, fuel and stove type, soot deposits in the ceiling, duration of cooking and cooking in a room without a window were the identified factors. Appropriate ventilation, improved floor and stove design and the switch to high-efficiency, low-emission fuels could help to lessen the effects of wood smoke on women’s respiratory health

Knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 and associated factors among healthcare workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. As the virus is transmitted through close contact and droplets, frontline HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients are at risk of the infection. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 among health care providers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2020 among 330 health workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno-Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered onto Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of preventive practices towards Covid-19. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of &lt; 0.05. Result Greater part (93.3%) of the respondent demonstrated good knowledge towards COVID-19 and the mean (± SD) knowledge score was 9.0 4 ± 1.06. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) of the study participants had good infection prevention practices. Being male (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: (1.96, 6.80)), education level (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.02, 3.22)), profession (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI (1.08, 9.33)), service year ( 5–10 years) (AOR = 2.00 (1.02, 3.92)) and more than 10 years (AOR = 3.14 (1.51, 6.52)), availability of personal protective equipment (AOR = 1.96 (1.06, 3.61)) and Knowledge level (AOR = 2.61 (1.48, 4.62)) were independent predictors of COVID-19 preventive practices. Conclusion The overall level of knowledge of HCWs was good. However, the practice was relatively low. Gender, educational status, profession, year of service, knowledge towards COVID-19, and availability of personal protective equipment were independent predictors of good infection prevention practices. Optimizing the infection prevention and control loop of the health facilities is recommended.</jats:p

Hygiene Practices and Associated Factors Among Meat Handlers at Butcher Houses and Restaurants in Gambela Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background Meat is subjected to contamination from a variety of sources during slaughter and sale. Globally, an estimated 600 million people per year are affected by illness from poor meat handling, of which 420,000 result in deaths. However, evidence on the magnitude and factors associated with hygienic practice in low-income countries limits the extent of this underestimation of the problem. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of meat hygiene practices and factors associated with poor practices among food handlers in Gambela, Ethiopia. Methods This institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gambela town. Systematic sampling at random was used to select workers from butchers’ houses, meat-selling shops, and restaurants in Gambela. A sampling frame of 1,080 workers was obtained from the total number of restaurants, meat-selling shops, and restaurants in the town. A sampling interval (K) was calculated. Finally, a participant was selected for every two individuals until the final 422 individuals were sampled. Data were collected using structured questions through interviews and observations. Data collectors were trained and oriented on the questionnaires before data collection, and they were supervised throughout the data collection period. Results This study showed a low prevalence of good hygiene practices of 40.6% (36.0–45.6) among meat handlers at butcher houses and restaurants in Gambela, southwest Ethiopia. Low levels of good hygiene practices were significantly related to education (i.e., having a secondary education) (AOR: 95% C.I., 2.51: 1.17–5.41) and food hygiene training (i.e., receiving training on general safe food hygiene) (AOR: 95% C.I., 5.11: 2.55–10.23). Conclusion This study finds evidence of a low level of hygiene practices among meat handlers at butcher houses and restaurants in Gambela, Ethiopia. Low hygiene practices were significantly associated with the education level of food handlers and meat hygiene training. Intensive food safety training and providing a comfortable work environment will help them attract educated workers.</jats:p

Households' access to safely managed sanitation facility and its determinant factors in Jimma town, Ethiopia

Abstract Safe sanitation service is vital to a healthy life and promoting well-being. However, information on the proportion of households' access to safely managed sanitation services and its determinants in urban resource-limited settings is particularly scarce in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine households' access to a safely managed sanitation service and its associated factors in Jimma, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was conducted on 782 households selected randomly. Household heads were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and facility conditions were assessed using an observation checklist. The proportion of households with access to sanitation services was presented in frequency and percentage. A binary logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the association between the explanatory and dependent variables. The study found that a significant proportion of households (87%) use unsafe sanitation services. The presence of a school-attending family member, a smaller family size, heads of households engaged in private work, wives engaged in employed work, a higher monthly income, and toilet age are all associated with access to safely managed sanitation. To ensure safe sanitation access in the setting, sanitation interventions should take into account household differences, prioritize sustainable sanitation technology options in newly built toilets, improve households' economic status, and expand job opportunities and education for mothers, which demands long-term policy interventions.</jats:p

Hygiene Practices and Factors Associated With Hygiene Practice Among Meat Handlers at Butcher Houses and Restaurants in Gambela Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Meat contamination during slaughter and sale affects 600 million people globally annually, leading to diseases and 420,000 deaths. However, evidence on hygienic practices in low-income countries, particularly in Ethiopia, limits the extent of this problem, highlighting the need for research on hygienic practices. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of meat hygiene practices and factors associated with poor practices among food handlers in Gambela town, Ethiopia. The study was an institution-based, cross-sectional study among food handlers. A total of 422 participants were chosen at random using systematic sampling. Data were collected using structured questions through interviews and observations. The study analyzed the prevalence of good hygiene practices and factors associated with meat hygiene practices using binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was determined using adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence interval, and p -value of .05, and the model was checked using Hosmer and Lemeshow tests. The study result shows that good hygiene practices were only 40.6% (36.0–45.6) among meat handlers at butcher houses and restaurants in Gambela town. Low hygiene practices were significantly associated with the education level of food handlers (AOR: 2.5, 95%CI [1.17–5.41]) and meat hygiene training (AOR: 5.1, 95%CI [2.55–10.23]). Therefore, intensive food safety training for the workers, engaging educated professionals in food safety services, and mitigating the health risks and consequences of contamination demand intervention in the setting

Determinants of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Bed Net Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Gechi District, Buno Bedele Zone South West Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLITNs) are a key malaria prevention method, but their consistent use in Ethiopia, particularly among rural mothers, remains challenging. Information on LLITN usage among pregnant women in resource-limited settings is especially scarce. This study investigated LLITN utilization and the factors influencing its use among pregnant women in the Gechi district, Southwest Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2024, including 422 randomly selected pregnant women. Data collection employed a pretested questionnaire, and logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify factors influencing LLITN usage. Variables with a P -value < .25 in univariable analysis were incorporated into the multivariable logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed, and statistical significance was set at P  ⩽ .05. The model’s performance was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results: The finding of this study revealed that 93.9% of the respondents had LLITN, and the current utilization status of pregnant women was 46.5% [41.7%-51.3%]. The low level of utilization was significantly associated with women’ education, parity, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, and family size. Accordingly, women without formal education were 52% less likely [AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.81]; those with primipara were 1.98 times more likely [AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.30-3.03]; a family size of less than 5 was 2.53 times [AOR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.61-3.87] more likely, and women who attended at least 1 ANC visit were 2.08 times more likely [AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.21-2.58] to use LLITN. Conclusion: The pregnant women’s LITN utilization in settings was low, associated with women’s education, parity, antenatal care attendance, and family size. Key players should focus on awareness creation and ANC follow-up to reduce illness during pregnancy, particularly in rural, hard-to-reach settings