Awareness Of Health Hazards Research Articles

Fluoride in Drinking Water and Nanotechnological Approaches for Eliminating Excess Fluoride

Arising awareness of health hazards due to long-term exposure of fluoride has led researchers to seek for more innovative strategies to eliminate excess fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride-bearing chemicals in both natural and anthropogenic sources contaminate drinking water, which mainly cause for human fluoride ingestion. Hence, developing sustainable approaches toward alleviation is essential. Among many emerging techniques of defluoridation, nanotechnological approaches stand out owing to its high efficiency, and hence, as in many areas, nanotechnology for excess fluoride removal in water is gaining ground compared to other conventional adsorbents and process. The present review focuses on some of the advanced and recent nanoadsorbents including their strengths and shortcomings (e.g., CNT, LDH, graphene-based nanomaterials, and magnetic nanomaterials) and other processes involving nanotechnology while discussing basic aspects of hydrochemistry of fluoride and geological conditions leading for water fluoride contamination. Considering all the findings in survey, it is evident that developing more sustainable techniques is essential rather than conducting batch-type experiments solely.

Patterns of parents' perspectives on protecting young children from secondhand smoke exposure: A Q-methodology study.

To identify and describe the various patterns of parents' perspectives on avoiding secondhand smoke exposure. Q methodology was applied to investigate the parental perspectives of 50 parents. The study was implemented from September-December 2016. Forty-two Q-statements were constructed based on the literature related to parental attitudes and prevention practices regarding preventing young children from experiencing secondhand smoke exposure. A series of Q-sorts was performed by the participants to rank the statements into a Q-sort grid. PQMethod 2.35 software was used to perform principal component analysis to identify different patterns of parents' perspectives. Five patterns of shared perspectives, which accounted for 62% of the total variance, were derived from the analysis: (a) lack of confidence to confront smokers in non-smoking areas; (b) awareness of health hazards but not ready to take preventive actions; (c) emphasis on parental responsibility and behavioural guidance; (d) awareness of health rights protected by legislation; and (e) strong willingness to take protective actions. Our findings revealed the shared perspectives of five groups of parents. The exploration of clusters of parents could assist healthcare professionals in acknowledging parents' tendencies related to attitudes and responses towards secondhand smoke exposure. Using a forced distribution through the Q-sorting technique, the particular perspective patterns of parents' experiences would be captured. These findings can serve as a useful guide for researchers and practitioners to develop tailored intervention programs for parents with the purpose of reducing secondhand smoke exposure in young children.

On Reliability in Evaluating the Awareness of Health Hazard of Tobacco Smoking of a Group Bangladeshi Students

On Reliability in Evaluating the Awareness of Health Hazard of Tobacco Smoking of a Group Bangladeshi Students

On Reliability in Evaluating the Awareness of Health Hazard of Tobacco Smoking of a Group Bangladeshi Students

The present analysis was based on data related to knowledge about health hazard of tobacco smoking of a group of students. The data were collected from 798 students of American International University-Bangladesh during the academic session 2012-2013. Around 87% of the investigated students were high in awareness of health hazard of tobacco smoking but still 32.3% students were smokers.

Assessing the Level of Awareness of Health Hazards Associated with Operations of Medium-Scale DPK Vendors Using Motorized Pumps with ASTs in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Introduction: The continuous trend in the increase of diseases and death associated mostly with hazards from the use and transportation of kerosene; coupled with tens of millions of Nigerians depending on it - as a substitute for stoves, cooking and an erratic electric power supply for lamp illumination, this could be as a result of low awareness of these risks amongst kerosene suppliers and retailers. Kerosene being a highly inflammable substance is a major factor in various fire burn injuries, child poisoning incidences reported across the country. Thus, numerous studies have been conducted on petrol stations and refineries; with little focusing on kerosene vendors and the operations of these vendors.
 Objectives: This study assessed the level of awareness of health hazards associated with operations of medium-scale DPK vendors using motorized pumps with Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: The study adopted a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire (to elicit the information on the operation of DPK vendors, health hazards and safety measure with their operations), observational checklist and Handheld Germin (GPSmap® 78) GPS.
 Results: There was over 2000% increase in the establishment of DPK vendors within Ilorin metropolis from two in 2007 to seventy-six in 2017 with highest (48) found in Ilorin West LGA. A higher percentage of the DPK vendors (77.6%) lack the awareness on the health hazards associated with their operations; with a large proportion of the DPK vendors not engaging in basic safety practices. Few (7.9%) have fire extinguishers and majority (88.5%) of the DPK vendors not using the personal protective equipment (PPEs). The geospatial assessment of the DPK vendors also revealed that only two fire stations are found within Ilorin metropolis with 71% of the DPK vendors lacking the knowledge of their locations and all were ignorant of the fire station emergency numbers in case of fire mishaps. There is significant association between basic safety precaution practices and awareness on health and environmental hazards among DPK vendors. 
 Conclusion: The study revealed there is an uncontrolled proliferation of DPK vendors, low awareness level on the health hazards associated with their operations, lack of compliance to basic safety practices and high level of non-compliance to the use of PPEs. There is need for massive awareness campaign on the various health hazards associated with DPK vendors operations, basic precaution practices, the use of safety wears, fire stations emergency numbers and the precautions to avoid fire outbreaks and other disasters associated with their trade is sacrosanct.

Canonical Correlation Analysis to Study the Impacts of Different Social Factors on Awareness of Health Hazard of Tobacco Smoking and Smoking Habit

The present analysis is done using the data collected from 1012 students of three universities, where students are investigated according to the convenience sampling plan. Most of the students (88.3%) are highly aware of the problem of health hazard of smoking...

An Assessment of Awareness on Oral Cancer Among Smokeless Tobacco Users in Rural Skirts of Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Smokeless tobacco (ST) is tobacco consumed orally, not smoked. It has been in use for as long as other forms of tobacco consumption and its use have increased. The deleterious effects of smokeless tobacco use are perhaps not as well-known as those produced by smoking. Smokeless tobacco use has been recognized as a cause of cancer. In developing countries, tobacco is mostly chewed with other ingredients. Despite the claims by some tobacco companies and a few harm reduction proponents that using smokeless tobacco products is less harmful than smoking or that smokeless tobacco should be used as a tool to help smokers quit smoking (but continue using tobacco in the form of smokeless tobacco), the fact remains that using smokeless tobacco still exposes users to many harmful chemicals and still heightens a user's risk for many of the same health problems as smoking. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness of health hazards of tobacco among smokeless tobacco users in Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology: The inhabitants of the villages in Kancheepuram district, who have completed 18 years were included in the study. Ethical clearance from the board, permission from the village panchayat leader and informed consent from the participants to conduct the study was obtained. Inhabitants of the villages aged 18 to 75 years and present on the day data collection and who were willing to participate in the study were included. Random sampling method was used and data were collected from a cross-sectional survey, using a pretested questionnaire, which included demographic data, tobacco habits, its frequency and form. Antitobacco counseling was given on the spot and followed. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 15. Results: The study population consisted of total 400 individuals, male 200 and females 200. From the results it is observed that more than 70% were unaware of the harmful effects of tobacco. Majority of the females use smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco was common among males. Most common cause of tobacco use was pleasure 32.5%, inducing factor were friends 43.7% followed by parents and siblings. Effectiveness of antitobacco counseling is greater among the females compared with males. Conclusion: The dangers from smoking and chewing tobacco are well documented within the literature but the public's lack of knowledge of the risks is a concern. Health professionals are encouraged to disseminate information on the subject as widely as possible and improve existing screening programs to ensure that the public is made aware of these risks, especially those within high-risk groups.

Quality of Life of Obese School-Age Children and their Mothers' Perspectives in Cairo, Egypt

Background: Obesity is rapidly overtaking as a burden of the disease, it is expanding to include children, which put it on the top of the international public health agenda. Aim the study aimed to explore the quality of life among school-age children suffering from obesity and their mothers’ perspective in the Cairo governorate. Research design was descriptive correlational cross-sectional design. Setting: The study was carried out in selected governmental primary schools in Cairo governorate. Sample: In total, two hundred children and their mothers agreed to participate in the study. Tools: Two tools were used, I : Pre-designed Questionnaire interviewing Format which consisted of three parts: first part focused on socio-demographic data for children such as age, gender, grade level, their parents’ educational levels and family income of the studied sample. Second part focused on medical and family history. Third part focused on the nutritional habits of children. II: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 which consisted of two part, first part: Children health-related quality of life to assess QoL of children which includes 3-items covering the physical, emotional, social and school functioning domains. Second part: Mothers’ perspective on the QoL of their children. Results: that the mean age of the participating school children was ૛.37 ± 1.8, ⯀3.5% of the children were obese and 5% of them had obesity class III. ⯀૛.5% of children have a positive family history of obesity. An overview of the QoL dimensions, showing the weighted means for physical, social, emotional, and school dimensions (1.૛⯀±0.43; 1.૛4±0.51; 1.⯀5±0.3૛; 1.80±0.43 respectively). These values indicate poor QoL. Conclusion: It was concluded that school-age children in the Cairo governorate had a poor QoL, with a statistically significant difference recorded with respect to age, BMI, and family income, and a highly statistically significant difference with the educational level of the mother of each child. However, no statistically significant difference was identified between QoL and gender. Recommendation: Establish education programs from school age onwards to teach families about healthy eating habits and raise awareness of health hazards associated with fast food consumption.

Knowledge, attitude, and status of nitrite inhalant use among men who have sex with men in Tianjin, China

BackgroundNitrite inhalants have become popular as recreational drugs among the homosexual population in some developed countries since the 1980s. These drugs, also called RUSH in China, have become attractive among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in the past few years. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to understand the knowledge, attitude, and status of nitrite inhalant use among Chinese MSM.MethodsThe study participants were recruited from Tianjin, China between April and August 2012. Information, including demographics, sexual behavior, and RUSH use, was obtained through structured interviewer questionnaires. Blood samples were also collected to identify the status of HIV, HSV, and syphilis infections.ResultsA total of 500 participants were interviewed. Of the participants, 64.0% knew that RUSH could increase sexual pleasure and 38.6% of the participants had used RUSH at least once. The mean duration of RUSH use was 1.5 years. Among the participants who were familiar with RUSH, 60.0% had heard of RUSH for the first time after 2011, 55% received information about RUSH via the internet, and only 42.2% knew the side effects of RUSH. RUSH users were more likely to work in companies (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.65–4.12), live with homosexual partners (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.19–2.92), not live alone (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.29–3.96), smoke cigarettes (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.02–2.17), use alcohol (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.12–2.39), and seek sexual partners on the internet (OR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.50–4.50).ConclusionsThe impact of RUSH abuse on the expanding HIV epidemic among MSM has been demonstrated in China. Our findings suggest that the communication and awareness of health hazard of recreational drugs should be reinforced in HIV prevention education, especially through new media. Future research is needed to further explore how integrative strategies should be used to reduce the substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors.

Pattern of Use, Awareness of Health Hazards, And Effect on Family Relationships among Saudi Blackberry Users

Pattern of Use, Awareness of Health Hazards, And Effect on Family Relationships among Saudi Blackberry Users

Tribological properties of nonasbestos brake pad material by using coconut fiber

In automotive industry, the brake system is influenced by a large number of variables including geometry of components, materials of brakes, components interaction and many operating condition. Organic fiber reinforced metallic friction composites are increasingly being used in automotive brake shoes, disc and pads, linings, blocks, clutch facings, primarily because of awareness of health hazards of asbestos. Current trend in the research field of automotive industry is to utilization of different wastes as a source of raw materials for composite materials. This will provide more economical benefit and also environmental preservation by utilize the waste of natural fibre In this paper it has performed a tribological study to determine the characteristics of the friction product by using coconut natural fibred reinforced in aluminium composite. In this sense, two different laboratory formulation were prepared with 5% and 10% coconut fibre and other constitutes like binder, friction modifiers, abrasive material and solid lubrificant using powder mettallurgy. These dnew materials for brake pads are tested for tribological behaviour in a standard pin on disc tribometer. To know the wear behavior of composite materials will determine the parameters that characterize there tribological properties.

Electronic Cigarettes and Awareness of Their Health Effects.

The use of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes is strongly on the rise. The literature confirms that in the process of quitting smoking using an electronic device dispensing nicotine should be a transitional stage before the complete cessation of smoking. The aim of the present study was to assess the popularity of e-cigarettes, the underlying reasons for use of such nicotine products, and the level of awareness of health hazards associated with e-cigarettes. The study is of a survey type. The material consisted of data collected from an anonymous survey distributed among 46 female and 23 male users of e-cigarettes in 2015. We used a questionnaire of our own design. The findings demonstrate that the main reason for a recourse to e-cigarettes is a desire to use fashionable technological innovations, and the conviction that such cigarettes are less harmful than the traditional tobacco products. Some respondents used e-cigarettes to quit smoking; others to minimize the harmful effects of smoking. Most respondents acquired information about e-cigarettes from friends or from the Internet. There was a high awareness of the chemical composition of substances contained in e-cigarettes. An interest in e-cigarettes is caused by an increased knowledge on the negative effects of traditional smoking. Currently, the e-cigarettes remains a technological novelty, so that the exact health effects of their long-term use are open to conjecture.

Improving awareness of health hazards associated with air pollution in primary school children: Design and test of didactic tools

ABSTRACTOne of the objectives of the MAPEC-Life project is raising children's awareness on air quality and its health effects. To achieve this goal, we designed didactic tools for primary school students, including leaflets with more information for teachers, a cartoon, and three educational videogames. The tools were then tested with 266 children who attended six primary schools in four Italian cities. A control group of 51 children received only explanations from teachers. An improvement in knowledge after using the audiovisual package was demonstrated, with higher efficacy compared with the control group. In addition, the use of videogames was greatly appreciated.

Competitive and Comparative Advantages Analysis of Organic Rice Farming in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java Province

In era of the free trade which increasingly competitive, it is important to understandthe competitiveness of foodstuff commodity by every country. Public awareness of health hazards and adverse environmental impacts, as well as the trend of consumers choosing safe foodstuffs, lead to a shift to the cultivation of organic systems. This paper uses Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) analysis to determine whether rice farming system has a comparative and competitive advantages when produced with organic farming practices. The purposes of this paper are to (1) Analyse the financial and economic advantages of organic rice farming in Karanganyar. (2) Analyse competitiveness of organic rice in Karanganyar Regency viewed from competitive advantage and comparative advantage. Based on the data analysis,results show that the organic rice farming in Karanganyar Regency has a competitive advantage and comparative advantage, indicated by PCR and DRC value that is less than one. The competitive advantage of organic rice in Karanganyar Regency is greater than the comparative advantage. PCR coefficient amount of 0.74 and DRC coefficient amount of 0.56. Thus organic rice farming in Karanganyar Regency is worth developing and has good competitiveness in domestic market as well as international market.

Usage of Plastic Bags and Health Hazards: A Study to Assess Awareness Level and Perception about Legislation Among a Small Population of Mangalore City.

Plastic bag users are at risk of number of health hazards. There is paucity of data with regard to awareness of health hazards among general population in India. This study was done to find out the status of awareness of the health hazards associated with the usage of plastic bags among people and their perception towards the legislation prohibiting the usage of plastic bags. This cross-sectional study conducted in Mangalore city in August 2013. Data was collected by interviewing any adult member (aged above 18 years) in each of the selected households using an interview schedule. Mean age of the 250 participants was 32.8±10.8 years. Majority 160(64%) were females educated up to undergraduate level or above 187(74.8%). Among the participants 216(86.4%) were aware of the health hazards associated with the use of plastic bags. Awareness was significantly more amongst females (p=0.027), well-educated participants (p=0.004) and among professionals and semi-professionals (p<0.001). There were 50(20%) participants reusing plastic bags for shopping after initial usage. The cloth bags were used for shopping in place of plastic bags by 13(5.2%) participants. Among the participants 213(85.2%) were aware of the legislation banning the use of plastic bags and out of which 166(77.9%) were in its favour. Semi-professionals and students favoured the ban on plastic bags whereas unskilled and semiskilled workers were against the ban (p=0.01). Most of the participants in the settings had the awareness of hazards of plastic bag usage. However, there is a need for spreading the awareness of using alternative strategies and effective implementation of legislation in order to minimize the usage of plastics in the community.

Is There Any Impact Of The Gutkha Ban on Users and Vendors in Rangareddy District? A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction:Gutkha contains harmful and carcinogenic chemicals and oral cancer caused by tobacco usage has been reported as a major preventable cause of death worldwide by the World Health Organization. The Telangana state government implemented a ban on gutkha usage starting in 2013 but how effective this ban has been remains unclear.Objectives:The objective of this study was to determine the actual impact of the gutkha ban on users and vendors.Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted among gutkha users and tobacco vendors in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana. Based on a pilot study the sample size was determined as 368 and 384 for users and vendors respectively. Two separate questionnaires were administered to these groups. The parameters studied mainly included knowledge regarding the ban, and its impact.Results:About 49.1% of the users were aware of the ban on gutkha. Newspapers were the main source of information regarding the ban as reported by 45.3% of users. After the ban, 29.8% of gutkha users switched to other tobacco products. Awareness of health hazards and non-availability of gutkha was the most important reason stated for quitting or reducing consumption.Conclusion:The perspective of ban when visualized from the users point of view depicted a negative impact while the vendors portrayed a positive impact. Considering the addictive potential of the ingredients of gutkha, recording the effects of the ban on regular consumers and determining whether they can still obtain the products by illicit trade, would be noteworthy for implementation of strict rules.

Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Among Dental Practitioners: Prevalence and Health Perceptions.

BACKGROUNDWaterpipe tobacco smoking prevalence, practice, and the associated health perceptions among dental practitioners have not been previously reported. This study aims to determine the prevalence of waterpipe smoking among dental practitioners and to evaluate their awareness of health hazards of waterpipe smoking, particularly the adverse effects on oral health.METHODSThis was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey among dental practitioners. Surveyed dental practitioners practiced dentistry in the holy city of Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, a city in the Central-Western Region of Saudi Arabia, and the study was conducted during March 2015. The questionnaire consisted of questions on demographic data, history and practices of tobacco use, and perceptions toward the health hazards of smoking. Dentists were approached at their work places and invited to participate. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample’s demographic and smoking characteristics, while cross-tabulation and chi-square test were used to determine the statistical significance of association between the groups (P ≤ 0.05).RESULTSOne hundred dental practitioners participated in the survey, with 55 males and 45 females. Twenty-six percent indicated that they were waterpipe smokers. Male gender and cigarette smoking were the only factors to be significantly associated with waterpipe smoking (P = 0.008 and P = 0.000, respectively). Most participants stated that waterpipe smoking is harmful to health, and the most commonly reported health hazard was respiratory disease, which was reported by 81% of participants.CONCLUSIONSPrevalence of waterpipe smoking among dental practitioners is comparable to adult populations but lower than younger populations of university students. Health awareness of dental practitioners regarding waterpipe smoking was judged to be insufficient.

Estimation of prevalence of headphone usage during driving and awareness about their health hazards among medical undergraduates

Background: As year passes, numbers of vehicles on road are increasing at the same time numbers of accidents are increasing. One of the major contributors for these accidents is the distraction created by headphone use during driving. Youngsters which are the major contributor for any nation’s development are lost due to these accidents. Aims: To estimate prevalence of headphone use while driving among medical graduates and find out felt problems associated with headphone usage while driving. Methods: Setting and design: An observation (Cross-sectional) study was conducted in government medical college situated in urban area. Technique: 260 medical under graduate were selected for study. A semi structured questionnaire was used as study tool for observation. Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Statistical analysis used: The data was analyzed using appropriate statistical software (MS excel). Results: In this Study out of 260 medical undergraduates, 192 (73.85%) boys and 68 (26.15%) girls participated. 37.30% students were using headphone during driving out of which 20.77% were always using with every drive and 16.53% were occasionally using headphone. Only 71 (27.31%) student were not using helmet during driving. 37.11% students used headphone for both talking and listening songs, they prefer to listen songs in high volume (21.65%). 65% students had knowledge about health hazards associated with headphone usage. Conclusions: Prevalence of headphone usage during driving among medical undergraduates was found to be 37.3%. Despite of the awareness of health hazards associated with headphone usage, most of the students prefer headphone over helmet.

Fast Food Consumption Pattern and Its Association with Overweight Among High School Boys in Mangalore City of Southern India.

Fast foods are quite popular among children owing to taste, appearance and hype created by mass media. However, the increased incidence of lifestyle disorders seen now-a-days at an early age could be attributed to fast foods. This study was done to assess the awareness of health hazards, consumption pattern of fast foods and to find out its association with overweight among high school students. This cross-sectional study was done among boys of 3 private schools in Mangalore city in March 2012. Data was collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and binary logistic regression analysis was used for analysis. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant association. Mean age of boys was 13.5±0.9 years. Out of 300 participants, 41(13.7%) were overweight and 8 (2.7%) were obese. 292(97.3%) were fast food users of which 42(14.4%) consumed it every day. Majority of participants were introduced to fast foods through television commercials 193(64.3%). 73(57%) developed this habit as they were bored with home food. Awareness of harmful effects of fast food consumption was known to 186(62%) students and this was found to be associated with the perceived need to control its usage (p<0.001). Parental consumption of fast foods was found to influence fast food consumption among children (p=0.024). As many as 68(22.7%) and 206(68.7%) children were not eating vegetables and fruits respectively every day. Increased frequency of fast food consumption in a week was found to be associated with overweight or obesity among children after adjusting the effects of confounders (p=0.003). Awareness on health hazards of fast foods needs to be taught at schools so as to minimize its consumption. Parents have to set an example themselves by not eating fast foods and improving home food to support discouragement of fast foods. This would minimize life style disorders among children to a greater extent.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE;

From ancient times, humankind has used self-created traditional methods for handling the illnesses and continues to use them along with modern medicine. Even today, more than 70% of the world’s population still depends on the complementary and alternative systems of medicine (CAM). The objective of this study is to create awareness of health hazards with the use of CAM therapies and to find out its utility among Pakistani population. Comprehensive questionnaire was developed for the study on the use of CAM and was distributed to 470 patients/attendants in different hospitals of Lahore as well as major hospitals and clinical setups in the peripheral regions of Lahore, Pakistan. Over all, the response rate of the study was 81.7% while 78.1 % population found as CAM user. The most common type of alternative medicine used by patients is from Hakeem (Natural Therapist) which is about 17% and the most frequent disease for which patients often go for CAM therapy is liver diseases (19%). Respondents found inclined towards CAM only due to its marketed false benefits and not because of their dissatisfaction with conventional therapy. Conclusions: A noteworthy population of Pakistan is using CAM therapies from different practitioners, irrespective of any education and awareness about their disease and long-term drawbacks because of improper treatment of the disease. Though adverse events due to the use of CAM therapy are not unusual still a delay in the proper treatment usually ends up in serious consequences and even loss of lives.