Neonatal sepsis is a clinical illness characterized by infection-related signs and symptoms in the first month of life, with or without bacteremia. Septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and urinary tract infections are all examples of systemic illnesses that can affect newborns. Hence, the main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with neonatal sepsis among newborns in Woldia and Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, northeast Ethiopia, from January 1 to July 30, 2021. Methods: This institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to July 30, 2021, on 344 randomly selected neonates who visited the hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select samples, and data were collected using a pre-tested standardized questionnaire. For data entry and analysis, Epi Data version 4.1 and SPSS version 24 applications were used, respectively. The goodness-of-fit was tested by the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic test. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors at a 95% confidence interval. Significance was considered at p-value <0.05. Results: In this study, the prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 79.4% (95% CI: 75.2-83.6%). Maternal UTI/STI history [AOR: 3.1; 95% CI (1.5-7.1)], gestational age <37 weeks [AOR: 4.4; 95% CI (1.0-8.9)], PROM [AOR: 4.9; 95% CI (2.5-6.8)], and new-born resuscitation history [AOR: 2.3; 95% CI (1.5-4.3)] were all significantly associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion:This study indicates that the proportion of neonatal sepsis is high. A history of maternal PROM, being a preterm neonate, a history of maternal UTI/STIs, and having received resuscitation at birth were identified as risk factors for neonatal sepsis.

Background: In the past 20 years, the overall incidence of health care associated infections has increased by 36%. It is estimated that more than 1.4 million people worldwide are suffering from infections acquired in hospitals. Sub Saharan Africa harbors the largest population of people living with infectious disease mainly with HIV/ AIDS including Ethiopia. Methodology: Institution-based cross sectional study was employed; and data was collected using selfadministered questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out manually by using tally and calculator, and descriptive summaries were used to describe the study variables like frequency tables and charts. Result: 50.55% of health care workers had good knowledge; 69.23% had positive attitude and 48.35% had safe practice of infection prevention. Above half (51.65%) of them had unsafe practice of infection prevention. Conclusion:Health care workers' knowledge, attitude and practice towards infection prevention in Dubti Referral Hospital were not sufficient, favorable and safe enough to the expected standard. There were gaps regarding infection prevention practice like proper utilization of personal protective equipments.

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Introduction Globally around 1.6 million individuals have died as a result of disasters per year. These disruptive events that happen in the world each day result in damage to individuals, families, and communities. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. All frontline health-care providers at the emergency departments of Amhara Regional State Referral Hospitals during the study period were considered as studied subjects. Data were collected through a self-administered technique. Once all essential data were collected, data were coded and entered into epidata manager (v4.6.0.2) statistical software. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the findings of this paper. Results The result of this research study showed that 66.7% were males and 33.3% were females with mean age of respondents being 31.2 ± 5.8. Among respondents, 54% (52.9) % did not have an understanding of disaster preparedness. As a result, the majority of participants, 52 (51%), have inadequate knowledge. Most respondents have adequate attitude (57.8%) and only a few, 12 (11.8%), of respondents were very familiar with regard to disaster and disaster handling preparedness. In multivariate logistic regression, receiving training on the subject (P = 0.000, AOR: 15.109. 95% CI: 3.525–64.769), respondents receiving simulation in the subject of disaster (P = 0.015, AOR: 4.855, 95% CI: 1.366–17.260) and having a direct personal/professional experience of disaster (P = 0.003, AOR: 5.703, 95% CI: 1.825–17.823) were significantly associated. Conclusion and Recommendation Disaster handling preparedness, knowledge and familiarity levels were below those expected for emergency department nurses. Capacity building through training, education and simulation is essential.

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