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Abstract

ABSTRACT:The sanitation of water with respect to water borne diseases is a great concern worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the bacteriological quality and hygiene behaviors of hand washing water in the Hotels and Restaurants of Ilu Aba Bora zone, southwest Ethiopia. A cross sectional prospective study was conducted in Ilu Aba Bora zone from February -June, 2014. Forty eight water samples of hand washing water were collected randomly from 48 hotels and restaurants (one sample from each). All the water samples were collected in triplicate and analyzed by using laboratory standard method. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 20. The study found out there was poor hygiene such as improper storage and handling of hand washing water. The mean bacteriological counts of all water samples of present finding ranged from 1.2 × 10 4 CFU/ml to 1.1 × 10 8 CFU/ml. The overall mean counts of total bacterial, total coliform and spore former bacteria were 1.3x10 6 , 5.7x10 6 and 6.4x10 6 CFU/ml, respectively. The mean counts of total bacterial and coliform count were the highest in water of Yayo hotels and restaurants. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between mean counts of total coliform and spore-former bacteria. The presence of Escherichia coli (20%) was also tested in the study area. The study revealed that the bacteriological quality of water in some hand washing bowls used in the selected area were unacceptable for use by the customers. The study concluded that there was lack of proper hygienic and sanitation measures in most of the hotels and restaurants. Therefore, results focused on the need for further protocols for safe and hygienic status of hand washing water