Purpose Rubbing the hands with alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) is globally recommended as the preferred approach to prevent healthcare-associated infections in most routine encounters with patients, except in cases handwashing with soap and water is advised. Inappropriate utilization of ABHR could have detrimental effects, most importantly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which include exposure of healthcare professionals to healthcare-associated infections and the development of resistant microorganisms. In a hospital setting, the utilization of ABHR among frontline healthcare workers including pharmacy professionals is low. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the current practice of hand rubbing among pharmacy professionals in public hospitals of Addis Ababa during the pandemic of COVID-19. Methods The study was a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire conducted among pharmacy professionals in public hospitals found in Addis Ababa from 10th May to 9th June, 2020 to recognize ABHR utilization rate. Data were collected on a sample of 384 pharmacy professional by a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using software for the statistical package for social science version 25.0. To identify the significant predictors of ABHR utilization practice bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were carried out. Crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were calculated to determine the predictors. Results Out of 384 participants, three hundred and four participants were included in the final analyses after the exclusion of incomplete responses. Female participants represented 41.4% of the study participants. More than half (58.9%) of the pharmacy professionals had sufficient knowledge on ABHR utilization for COVID-19 prevention. Similarly, 56.6% of pharmacy professionals had positive attitude towards ABHR for COVID-19 prevention. But only 35.9% of the study participants had good ABHR utilization practice. Conclusion Despite the modest level of knowledge and attitude towards ABHR, pharmacy professionals’ utilization practice of ABHR for COVID-19 prevention was found to be suboptimal. Provision of ABHR solutions through hospitals and increasing the awareness of pharmacy professionals on ABHR needs to be encouraged.

Extemporaneous compounding is among the key hospital pharmacy services that promotes pharmaceutical care. It is a long-standing practice in dermatology for patients who need custom-made drug products. The practice of dermatologic compounding practice in Ethiopian public hospitals is found at the beginning and very few hospitals have started the practice so far. This research communication aimed at examining Ethiopian public hospitals' extemporaneous compounding practice for dermatologicals with emphasis on regulatory requirement and quality control activities. To benefit patients from these products, good compounding practice should be obeyed in line with the expansion of the service. Gaps have been observed in the facilities with regard to quality assurance system and compliance with the country's regulatory requirements. This implies a need to take appropriate and timely actions by the responsible stakeholders and expand the service in the country by fulfilling the regulatory requirement.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are regarded as the "gold standard" for hand disinfection in healthcare facilities. Local production of ABHRs in health facilities is recommended by WHO due to its availability and affordability reasons. However, fire hazard is a concern in health facilities during ABHRs production, storage, or use from dispensers. Objective: To evaluate the preparedness of public hospitals found in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia towards potential fire hazards during ABHR production and storage practices. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was applied. An assessment checklist was used for evaluating public hospitals' measures taken for the potential fire hazards during ABHR production and storage practice. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: Out of the 13 public hospitals observed in the study, fire extinguishers were not available in more than half of the hospitals' (7 hospitals) compounding premises. Also, 57.1% of the hospitals without fire extinguishers were manufacturing beyond the WHO 50 liters limit of ABHR solution at once under such unfavorable conditions. Moreover, ethanol and the oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide were not stored separately in eight hospitals. Conclusion: None of the hospitals were found to be well prepared for the potential risk of fire associated with ABHR solution production and storage practice. Generally, the practices taken by the studied hospitals for preventing the fire risk and minimizing the damage if fire hazards occurred during ABHR production and storage were not satisfactory. On the safety and precautions measures taken for the risk of fire, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital (AMSH), and Eka Kotebe General Hospital (EKGH) showed a relatively better preparedness compared to others. ABHR solutions should be manufactured and stored in a way that limits the risk of ignition and follows standard fire safety measures.

Hand hygiene is one of the least expensive measures proven to be effective in preventing the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). When access to handwashing facilities is limited, hand sanitizers offer a viable alternative for hand hygiene. Since the appearance of the first case of COVID-19 in Ethiopia, the demand for hand sanitizers, especially alcohol-based handrubs (ABHRs), was found to be increased. In the country, more than 100 manufacturers are engaged in the production of ABHRs. Besides, there are similar products without labels available for sale in the streets of Addis Ababa for which their nature and source are not clearly known. Generally, hand sanitizers marketed in the streets of the city are against the country's regulatory requirement. The Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority should inspect manufacturers regularly and evaluate the quality of hand sanitizers in the market, especially those obtained from the streets of the city, and take appropriate measures on those products and manufacturers which fail to meet the regulatory requirements.

Background: Skin diseases are among the major contributors of disease burden in Ethiopia affecting individuals of all age. Extemporaneous compounding of topical medications serves as a necessary option to treat skin diseases when manufactured medications could not meet specific patient needs. Different classes of drugs are commonly used for the treatment of dermatologic diseases. Failure to periodically assess the prescribing pattern and patient needs may lead to inappropriate planning and implementation that ultimately compromise the service. Periodic prescription analysis for compounded medications helps to monitor the prescription pattern with respect to medication selection, disease condition, dosage form types and other relevant parameters. The current study was conducted to analyze the pattern of compounding prescriptions for dermatologicals in ALERT hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted by retrospectively evaluating compounding prescription records of January and July, 2021. A total of 460 prescriptions in the hospital community pharmacy were systematically selected. Data related to disease pattern, product selection and dosage form type were extracted and analyzed. Data analysis was done using software for the statistical package for social science version 25.0. Results: A total of 441 prescriptions containing dermatological products for compounding were analyzed. Most patients were female (62.8%) and aged 30-64 years (44.0%). Psoriasis (36.2%), acne vulgaris (15.3%), and rosacea (13.4%) were the top 3 skin diseases for which the compounding preparations were prescribed. Salicylic acid (38.0%) was the most frequently prescribed drug followed by betamethasone (20.2%); while white petrolatum (47.2%) was the most common diluting agent used for compounding. Conclusion: Psoriasis was the major dermatologic disease for compounding prescriptions and salicylic acid was the most frequent product used in compounding for treatment of the prescribed skin diseases.