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Background: Nosocomial infections are some of public health problems globally and continue to be increased regardless of the hospital's efforts on infection control measures and are contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality and cost. The absence of infection control policies, guidelines and trained professionals also contributes to the magnitude of the problem. The aim of this study was to assess the Knowledge, attitude and practices towards infection control measures among healthcare workers at Old Mutare Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to acquire information. A purposive sampling method was used to select 22 nurses, 15 nurse Aids and 2 laboratory technicians (Lab Tech). A self-administered questionnaire with four components addressing demographic data, knowledge, attitudes and practices was used to collect data that was completed by a checklist. Results: The study findings revealed a poor knowledge of infection control measures among the nurse's aide. The attitude and practices among participants were impartially good in all variables. The participants had scored over 50% towards their attitude and their practices on infection control. A significant statistical difference was found between the professional status of the participants and the ability to explain how one can get Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) and awareness of infection control programs in their hospital (r s = 0.640, 0.645) with P < 0.05 (0.01, 0.01) respectively. Conclusion: Despite of having a fair attitude and practice towards infection control, the participants had presented poor knowledge; therefore, it had been recommended that in service training and workshop should be planned by the administration to update their knowledge and attain full compliance towards their practice.

Since improper management practices of solid medical waste (SMW) could potentially result in serious health risks and environmental problems, it is very important to properly treat and dispose of the medical wastes. In this study, current practices of SMW management from storage to final disposal stage in 12 health care facilities (HCFs) of Burundi were investigated using the official government reports. The results showed that 75% and 92% of HCFs used uncovered wheelbarrows and trucks for on-site or off-site SMW transportation, respectively, indicating that most transportation equipment and waste workers are not safely protected. The results also showed that 92.8% of SMW (15,736.4 ton) from all 12 HCFs were inappropriately disposed of through uncontrolled land disposal and incineration. If pharmaceutical wastes and discarded medical plastics (29.5% of SMW) can be separated and treated properly, the treatment costs can be reduced and resource savings can be achieved. Raising awareness of healthcare workers and general public about potential health effects arising from improper SMW management, sufficient financial and human resources for the treatment facilities (especially incinerators), and effective regulations and guidelines for transportation and treatment of SWM are some of the major tasks for safe and sustainable medical waste management in Burundi.

Introduction: Nursing theory provides a systematic explanation and description of nursing phenomena. It is very important during nursing practice in healthcare facilities (HCFs) because it guides nurses on how to collect data, which data to collect, decide how to interpret the data through the perspective of the theorist, how to plan and implement care, how to make a change and how to evaluate the patient's outcomes. This study aims to illustrate how nursing theory can be applied during the implementation of nursing care in HCFs of Burundi by orienting the nurses to understand its application during practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the use of nursing theories in healthcare facilities. A purposive sampling method was used also to select 81 nurses working full and part by applying Alain Bouchard's formula and the questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. Results: The current study had revealed a poor knowledge among the participants on the use of nursing theory in these two HCFs as for all variables, their average scores were almost 24.1% whilst those who had no notion related to nursing theory reach a percentage of 75.9%. Conclusion: The study findings were slightly poor as for all variables, they scored less than 40%. Therefore, the use of theories to guide their practice was highly recommended to enhance the patients' outcomes based on the use of scientific-based experts which could result from continuous education.