Enhancing the performance of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises by implementing supply chain finance: challenges emerging from COVID-19 pandemic

Healthcare waste management practice and its predictors among health workers in private health facilities in Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Oromia region, South West Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

A lack of safe healthcare waste management (HCWM) practice poses a risk to healthcare staff, patients and communities. In low-income countries like Ethiopia, studies on the level of safe HCWM practices in private healthcare facilities are limited. This study was designed to assess the level of good HCWM practice and associated factors among health workers in private health facilities.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ilu Aba Bor zone, South West Ethiopia. A random sample of 282 health workers from 143 private health facilities was included in the study. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare factors, knowledge assessment and an observation checklist adapted from WHO guidelines. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.3.1 and analysed with SPSS V.25.0. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HCWM practice. Variables with a p value of <0.05 at 95% CI were declared significant.

RESULTS

More than half (58.7%) of private-sector health workers had good HCWM practice. The presence of the HCWM committee (adjusted OR (AOR)=9.6, 95% CI 4.5 to 20.6), designated healthcare waste storage site (AOR=3.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 6.5), reading the HCWM manual (AOR=4.4, 95% CI 2.2 to 9.0) and having good knowledge of HCWM (AOR=2.6, 95% CI 1.06 to 6.15) were factors associated with good HCWM practice.

CONCLUSION

About three out of five health workers in private healthcare facilities were practising good HCWM. The presence of an HCWM committee, waste management utilities, reading HCWM guidelines and knowledge of health workers were the identified factors. Health workers should read guidelines to improve their knowledge, and the presence of committees and waste management utilities in private clinics should be followed to ensure compliance with safe HCWM practice.

The Role of Micro Waqf Bank in Women’s Micro-Business Empowerment through Islamic Social Finance: Mixed-Method Evidence from Mawaridussalam Indonesia

This study examined the role of the Micro Waqf Bank in empowering women micro-entrepreneurs. This research used a mixed-method with an explanatory design. Quantitatively, this study examines the effect of the joint responsibility system, financing, and mentoring on the growth of the micro-enterprises business. The sample used was 200 women micro-entrepreneurs using a purposive sampling technique. Quantitative data analysis was performed using the Structural Equation Model based on Partial Least Squares (SEM PLS) technique. This research qualitatively analyzes how the Micro Waqf Bank has carried out its role in empowering women, including dealing with crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used as the qualitative data analysis technique. Informants in this study amounted to 6 informants from MWB Mawaridussalam consisting of Management, Mentors, and female micro-enterprises. The research results quantitatively indicate that there is a positive and significant impact on the joint responsibility system, financing, and mentoring on the development of micro-enterprise members. Mentoring is the most significant variable that impacts the growth of a micro-enterprise business. Qualitatively, the research results show the role of the Micro Waqf Bank in the economic empowerment of women micro-business entrepreneurs by specifically recommending reinforcement of the mentoring function.