Biorisk management practice and associated factors Among laboratory professionals working in public and Private hospitals of jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Biorisk management is the systematic strategy used by laboratories to reduce the risks associated with bioagents, hazardous materials, and laboratory processes. In hospital laboratories, biorisk management plays an essential role in keeping laboratory personnel, patients, and the community safe. However, biorisk management strategies currently in use in Jimma Zone public and private hospital laboratories are not well studied. Objective: To assess biorisk management practices and associated factors among private and public hospital laboratories in the Jimma Zone, southwest Ethiopia, from February 6 to April 29 in 2025. Methods: An institutional-based, multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from February 6 to April 29 2025. Data were collected from 128 total voluntary laboratory professionals using mobile data-gathering tools and Kobo Toolbox (as a backup questionnaire). Structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed using SPSS statistical software version 26. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: - From the total of 128 laboratory professionals overall, national biorisk management performance in both public and private laboratories was scored at 54.7%. Performance varied across categories: essential work habits (63.5%), infectious material handling (59.7%), equipment maintenance (65.8%), and administrative controls (58.2%). Factors significantly associated with better compliance included having a second degree (AOR 3.1), >10 years of experience (AOR 2.3), access to biological safety cabinets (AOR 2), regular biosafety training (AOR 1.5), and biosecurity awareness (AOR 2.5). However, critical gaps were noted, including low adherence to protective barriers (41.8%), infrequent use of eye protection (55.5% never used it), inadequate biosafety training (36.5%), limited access to BSCs (60.2%), and insufficient biosafety procedures (53.1%). Conclusion and recommendation: - Overall, the findings from this study suggested that biorisk management practice among laboratory professionals was low. Highlight the need for improved training, resources, and enforcement of safety protocols.