Background Food-borne diseases are a public-health problem in developed and developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that in developed countries, up to 30% of the population suffers from food borne diseases each year and more in developing countries, where up to 2 million deaths are estimated per years. Objective To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and its associated risk factors among food handlers in Nekemte town. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nekemte from April to May, 2016. A total of 240 food handlers were selected using a simple random-sampling technique from hotels, bars, and restaurants. Data were collected using pretested questions and stool-specimen examination for intestinal parasites. For intestinal parasites, stool-sample examinations were done using wet-mount and concentration methods. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Associations among intestinal parasites and risk factors were determined using logistic regression and P <0.05 considered significant. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was 52.1%. Entamoeba histolytica / dispar was the most predominant parasite (56.8%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (26.4%), Taenia saginata (16%), and hookworm (16.8%). Hygienic practice such as hand washing after toilet by water, hand washing after toilet by water and soap, trimming of finger nail, wearing proper working clothes and shoes were statistically significant with intestinal parasitic infection if not regularly performed ( P <0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was high, with single double, and triple infection. Food handlers should practice safe food preparation and food service to reduce the probability of intestinal parasite infection.

Continual improvement of laboratory quality service is vital to ensure accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of laboratory results. Implementation of the quality management system is an effective way of monitoring and assuring laboratory quality service. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of laboratory quality management system implementation on improving quality laboratory service in the health centers of Oromia region. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 89 health centers from March 27, 2019 to June 30, 2019 in Oromia. Data were collected using a nationally established laboratory quality management system implementation assessment checklist for health center laboratories. It was analyzed by SPSS version 20 and significantly associated variables with improved laboratory quality services were identified. The status of laboratory quality management system implementation in each laboratory was determined by achievement of star levels.Results: Seventy-one (79.8%) of the total health center laboratories achieved star zero, 6 (6.7%) star one and 9 (10.1%) star two. Only 3 (3.4%) of the total participated laboratories achieved star three. Availability of SSOPs (AOR[95% CI]=7.5 ([1.10-51.54])), preventive maintenance (AOR [95% CI]=9.34 ([1.15-80.95])), review of customer satisfaction (AOR[95% CI]= 15 ([2.87-80.82])), verification of results (AOR[95% CI]= 4.07 ([1.16-14.36])), availability of specimen guideline (AOR[95% CI]= 5.91 ([1.48-23.60])), availability of established quality indicators (AOR[95% CI]=5.51 ([1.15-26.43])) and quality plan (AOR[95% CI]=4.69 ([1.37-16.07])) were significantly associated with improved quality of laboratory service. Conclusion and Recommendation: About 20.2% of the health center laboratories provide improved laboratory service and achieved greater than star zero. Availability of SSOP, proper handling of documents, preventive maintenance, staff regular meetings, review of customer satisfaction, quality plan, verification of results, availability of specimen guideline, and availability of established quality indicators were the predictors of quality of laboratory service. Technical and managerial support by regional laboratories, facility management, and regional health bureau is vital for implementation of LQMS to improve laboratory quality services.