Community Hygiene Research Articles

Geospatial insights into open defecation vulnerability in Gulumbe, Nigeria

Open defecation (OD) poses a serious public health risk by exposing communities to diseases and compromising the well-being of people. One potential approach to mitigating its impact is the application of spatial planning techniques. However, spatial data paucity is one of the major problems in addressing open defecation issues in Nigeria. This study employed spatial analysis to identify areas particularly susceptible to OD using Geographical Information System (GIS) including Merginmap applications on Android and QGIS software, which were used with field observations to georeferenced residential areas, public toilets, and instances of open defecation. Proximity analysis and local indicators of spatial autocorrelation, based on Moran’s I, were employed to assess vulnerability. Buffer analysis was conducted to identify residential areas within 100 m of an OD site, and the findings indicated residential areas at high risk of experiencing negative impacts from OD. The LISA analysis revealed a high-to-high clustering pattern (p < 0.05) in the southern region of the study area, which aligns with the results of the buffer analysis and further suggests consistent spatial patterning. Furthermore, OD was more prevalent near water bodies and inner residential areas, increasing the risk of water and air pollution. This pollution could facilitate the spread of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, from OD sites to nearby households, increasing the risk of disease. This study stresses the potential of GIS in evaluating areas vulnerable to OD and highlights the need to expand awareness campaigns regarding proper hygiene and sanitation practices in rural communities.

Community overview on the differential prevalence of Hepatitis E in two sub-counties in Kitgum District, Uganda: a mixed study design

BackgroundAn epidemic of Hepatitis E infection occurred in Kitgum district, northern Uganda in 2009. In that epidemic, more than 10,422 people were infected, and over 166 deaths were registered. Kitgum District Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) showed that Hepatitis E cases continued to occur in Mucwini more than in Kitgum Matidi sub-county despite instituting similar epidemic control measures in the two communities. The tenacity of the virus in Mucwini sub-county had remained unclear. This study aimed to assess communities’ views and perspectives on the differential prevalence of Hepatitis E in the two sub-counties of Kitgum Matidi and Mucwini in northern Uganda.MethodsA mixed study using qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Four Focus group discussions and six key informant interviews were conducted with the village health teams, local council chairpersons, health workers, and community members. These participants were chosen purposively because of their expertise and experience in community health services. Face-to-face interview guides were administered to obtain detailed information on factors associated with the differential occurrence of Hepatitis E in the two sub-counties. This study was approved by a local IRB and the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCS&T).ResultsThe most substantial findings were the differences in prevention and control practices in the two communities. Residents of Mucwini were less compliant with infection, prevention, and control guidelines, and disagreements between local councilors and village health teams in Mucwini over allowances led to poor implementation and non-adherence to guidelines on community control of the epidemic.ConclusionA differentially higher prevalence of Hepatitis E in Mucwini than in Kitgum Matidi resulted from poor personal and community hygiene and non-adherence to behavior change communication among residents of Mucwini than their counterparts in Kitgum Matidi. The authors recommend a more proactive approach to managing an epidemic by securing the willingness of the affected community to adopt appropriate infection prevention and control guidelines. In addition, disagreements among stakeholders should be resolved quickly so that all community members adhere to control measures.

Treatment Options and the Management of Complications in Hydatid Cysts of the Liver in Endemic Regions.

Hydatid cyst of the liver induced by Echinococcus granulosus is a pervasive zoonotic disease in our region. Its incidence varies across age groups, contingent on community lifespans and hygiene standards. Therapeutic modalities include Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, Re-aspiration (PAIR), and surgery. Due the limited feasability of PAIR, we suggest that surgery represents the optimal treatment in all stages, especially in endemic regions, depending on patient-specific variables. Patients with hydatid cyst of the liver treated with PAIR and surgery in our center between January 2016 and January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. PAIR or cystectomy were applied in treatment. These were then compared in terms of efficacy, feasibility, and complications. A single hydatid cyst of the liver was detected in 184 of the 225 cases, two cysts in 33, and three or more cysts in eight. The largest cyst diameter was 233 × 124 mm in the surgery group and 100 × 90 mm in the PAIR group. One hundred thirty-three of the 225 patients underwent open surgery, and no recurrence was encountered in these. However, recurrence was observed 19 patients treated with PAIR. Allergic reaction developed in one case during surgery, postoperative abscess in two cases, biliary fistula in five, and pneumonia in one. Surgical treatment should represent the standard procedure since it is safe and effective, ensures complete elimination of the parasite, involves no intraoperative shedding, preserves healthy tissues, and minimizes the risk of long-term recurrence and cavity-related complications.

Parental Childcare Practices Related to Nutrition, Psychosocial Support, Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Kanam Communities, Plateau State, Nigeria

Parental childcare practices involve the interactions, behaviours, emotions, knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practices associated with providing children with health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, safety and security, and early learning. However, this study examined parental childcare practices related to nutrition, psychosocial support, water sanitation and hygiene in Kanam communities in Plateau State, Nigeria. Three objectives and one hypothesis were formulated for the survey research. Four primary health centres were purposively selected to draw up the 697 respondents (511 females and 187 males). Structured questionnaires and checklists on childcare practices related to the study were developed and administered to the parents. The major findings indicated that childcare practices on nutrition were grossly below the requirements, psychosocial support practices were average, and WASH practices were below average. The findings also established that parental childcare practices related to nutrition, psychosocial, and WASH have a significant difference. Recommendations include stakeholders intensifying good nutrition knowledge provision for caregivers nursing children below age five, parents improving their interaction with their children using play materials, and the government reintroducing environmental inspection officers in every community to enforce WASH practices.

Enablers and barriers to vaccine uptake and handwashing practices to prevent and control COVID-19 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania: a systematic review.

The global emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed unprecedented challenges, jeopardizing decades of progress in healthcare systems, education, and poverty eradication. While proven interventions such as handwashing and mass vaccination offer effective means of curbing COVID-19 spread, their uptake remains low, potentially undermining future pandemic control efforts. This systematic review synthesized available evidence of the factors influencing vaccine uptake and handwashing practices in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in the context of COVID-19 prevention and control. We conducted an extensive literature search across PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Out of 391 reviewed articles, 18 were eligible for inclusion. Some of the common barriers to handwashing in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania included lack of trust in the government's recommendations or messaging on the benefits of hand hygiene and lack of access to water, while some of the barriers to vaccine uptake included vaccine safety and efficacy concerns and inadequate awareness of vaccination sites and vaccine types. Enablers of handwashing practices encompassed hand hygiene programs and access to soap and water while those of COVID-19 vaccine uptake included improved access to vaccine knowledge and, socio-economic factors like a higher level of education. This review underscores the pivotal role of addressing these barriers while capitalizing on enablers to promote vaccination and handwashing practices. Stakeholders should employ awareness campaigns and community engagement, ensure vaccine and hygiene resources' accessibility, and leverage socio-economic incentives for effective COVID-19 prevention and control. Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42023396303].

Perceived Benefits and Disadvantages Associated with the Use of the Electronic Consultation Register by Health Providers in the Health District of Toma, Burkina Faso.

Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa need to catch up in integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) into their health systems. This is mainly because of the need for more infrastructure that allows for reasonable use of the technologies. To support the actions of the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso, a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) has implemented the integrated electronic diagnostic approach (IeDA) Project. The project includes the deployment of an electronic consultation register (ECR). This article aims to explore the perceptions of healthcare providers on the benefits and disadvantages of using the ECR. We conducted a qualitative, descriptive study through individual semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers. Data were collected in the Toma health district in December 2021. In addition, a thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software. Thirty-five healthcare workers were interviewed (19 nurses, 7 midwives, 6 mobile community health and hygiene workers, and 3 birth attendants). Two main themes emerged from our analyses, which are the advantages and disadvantages perceived by ECR users. Our data suggest that using the ECR had many benefits ranging from improving healthcare providers' knowledge and performance in terms of patients' care, assisting and helping in patient diagnosis and treatment and improving patient satisfaction. However, the participants also shared their negative perceptions about the ECR, mentioning that it increased their workload. They also reported lengthened consultation time and work duplication as the tool was still in its trial phase and was used along with the paper consultation register. The ECR is an effective tool for diagnosis and management, which has several advantages and reasonably satisfies patients. However, disadvantages, including increased workload and lack of fluidity and stability of the system, must be considered to ensure better usability.

Analysis on Smart Healthcare Monitoring Based on Compound Dimension

INTRODUCTION: Life expectancy has steadily increased in the majority of countries over the last few decades as a result of vast improvements in medical care, public health initiatives, and individual, community hygiene practices as well. OBJECTIVES: An effective and inexpensive alternative to institutional care was remote health surveillance, which relies on non-invasive and wearable sensors, actuators, and modern statement and information technology to allow the elderly to remain in their familiar homes. METHODS: With the use of open-source software, widely accessible minimal chipsets, and remote data warehouses for storing, this study details the design and construction of e-health apparel for health monitoring. RESULTS: By utilizing these devices, medical professionals will be able to track vital signs in real-time, evaluate patients' status, and provide feedback even when they are physically located in a different facility. The next step included creating a wearable system and the garment platform it would be used on. CONCLUSION: More features were implemented in the form of a smartphone application. This research has potential application in broadening the scope of wearable healthcare systems by investigating the role of apparel in this area.

Gendered community-based waste management and the feminization of environmental responsibility in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia

This article investigates gender dynamics in the practices of community-based waste management in households and local communities in the Greater Jakarta region of Indonesia, using a Feminist Political Ecology framework. We argue that community-based waste management, which was established as a decentralized waste management system, reinforces gender inequality by relying on women feeling responsible for waste management in their homes and communities and doing related care work. While our focused ethnographic studies in Bogor District, Tangerang City, and Depok City in 2021–2022 found diverse local waste management systems involving both formal and informal enterprises, the practices across these sites were clearly gendered, with women engaged in underpaid care work. We trace this gendered division of labor to the continued influence of ibuism, the ideology of the Indonesian state that deems women responsible for household and community hygiene, in effect feminizing environmental responsibility. We argue that, to become truly sustainable, waste management practices must be designed with men and women in communities, and address various forms of gender inequality and the gendered impact of community waste practices on health.

The Lassa fever cases and mortality in Nigeria: Quantile Regression versus Machine Learning Models

Introduction. Lassa fever (LF) is caused by the Lassa fever virus (LFV). It is endemic in West Africa, of which 25% of the infections are ascribed to Nigeria. This disease affects mostly the productive age and hence a proper understanding of the dynamics of this disease will help in formulating policies that would help in curbing the spread of LF. Objectives. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of quantile regression models with that of Machine Learning models. Methods. Data between between 7th January 2018 2018 and 17th December, 2022 on suspected cases, confirmed cases and deaths resulting from LF were retrieved from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The data obtained were fitted to quantile regression models (QRM) at 25%, 50% and 75% as well as to Machine learning models. The response variable being confirmed cases and mortality due to Lassa fever in Nigeria while the independent variables were total confirmed cases, the week, month and year. Results. Result showed that the highest monthly mean confirmed cases (56) and mortality (9) from LF were reported in February. The first quarter of the year reported the highest cases of both confirmed cases and deaths in Nigeria. Result also revealed that for the confirmed cases, quantile regression at 50% outperformed the best of the MLM, Gaussian-matern5/2 GPR (RMSE= 10.3393 versus 11.615), while for mortality, the medium Gaussian SVM (RMSE =1.6441 versus 1.8352) outperformed QRM. Conclusion. Quantile regression model at 50% better captured the dynamics of the confirmed cases of LF in Nigeria while the medium Gaussian SVM better captured the mortality of LF in Nigeria. Among the features selected, confirmed cases was found to be the most important feature that drive its mortality with the implication that as the confirmed cases of Lassa fever increases, is a significant increase in its mortality. This therefore necessitates a need for a better intervention measures that will help curb Lassa fever mortality as a result of the increase in the confirmed cases. There is also a need for promotion of good community hygiene which could include; discouraging rodents from entering homes and putting food in rodent proof containers to avoid contamination to help hart the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

Penerapan UU No. 18 Tahun 2008 Terhadap Etika Masyarakat Lingkungan V Kelurahan Sidorejo Dalam Membuang Sampah

Littering has become a problem for environmental hygiene and health threatening people in the red zone. It is feared that it becomes a seductive ethic. The ward head serves as a local government geographically a territory closer to the community being led. As a result of his hand being extended to assist his duty, which includes the administration of environmental order and security surveillance and the dynamics of community life has been observed and faced by the ward's head. The study was aimed at getting information from a facto face perspective on the ethics of the environment community concurred with government policy on keeping the environment clean, including the disposal of trash in its place. This method of research uses qualitative research using data collection techniques through semi structured interviews. The results showed that there was no crucial problem with the people's ethic of removing garbage and local governments had undertaken socialization to maintain community hygiene and that garbage disposal workers had been radiating governments to help transport the garbage on a regular basis. The community's ethical cooperation and the attention of the government have succeeded in turning the neighborhood into a green zone on environmental hygiene.

Behavioural effect of soil transmitted helminths control programme among school going children in Meru County, Kenya

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are major public health problems mostly among children contributed in part by adults in developing countries. Despite the effort of World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate intestinal parasitic infections, the infection continues to be the most common of tropical diseases in developing countries. Methods: This study adopted a mixed methods design, specifically the convergent parallel mixed methods research design. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informants guide, observation and stool examination for intestinal parasitic infections which were administered to both the experimental groups and the control groups. Data analysis was carried out with the aid of statistical package of the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, using descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the studied population. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis. Results: Washing hands after visiting the toilet (p&lt;0.05), washing hands before eating (p&lt;0.05) and washing hands after playing (p&lt;0.05) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections in both intervention and control groups. Further, at post intervention, in the intervention group, the overall prevalence of protozoan infections reduced from 28.0% to 14.7% before and after intervention respectively as well the overall prevalence of helminthic infections reduced from 40.3% to 13.7% before and after intervention respectively. Conclusions: Public health interventions influenced the reduction of the prevalence of intestinal parasites. The county government should play a role in interventions to improve sanitation and hygiene in communities. Public health offices should enforce skills training and enhancement at the household level, and multiple targeted interventions focused on intestinal parasite infections should be implemented.

Lassa fever cases and mortality in Nigeria: Quantile Regression vs. Machine Learning Models.

Lassa fever (LF) is caused by the Lassa fever virus (LFV). It is endemic in West Africa, of which % of the infections are ascribed to Nigeria. This disease affects mostly the productive age and hence a proper understanding of the dynamics of this disease will help in formulating policies that would help in curbing the spread of LF. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of quantile regression models with that of Machine Learning models in. Data between between 7th January 2018 2018 and 17th December, 2022 on suspected cases, confirmed cases and deaths resulting from LF were retrieved from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The data obtained were fitted to quantile regression models (QRM) at 25, 50 and 75% as well as to Machine learning models. The response variable being confirmed cases and mortality due to Lassa fever in Nigeria while the independent variables were total confirmed cases, the week, month and year. Result showed that the highest monthly mean confirmed cases (56) and mortality (9) from LF were reported in February. The first quarter of the year reported the highest cases of both confirmed cases and deaths in Nigeria. Result also revealed that for the confirmed cases, quantile regression at 50% outperformed the best of the MLM, Gaussian-matern5/2 GPR (RMSE=10.3393 vs. 11.615), while for mortality, the medium Gaussian SVM (RMSE=1.6441 vs. 1.8352) outperformed QRM. Quantile regression model at 50% better captured the dynamics of the confirmed cases of LF in Nigeria while the medium Gaussian SVM better captured the mortality of LF in Nigeria. Among the features selected, confirmed cases was found to be the most important feature that drive its mortality with the implication that as the confirmed cases of Lassa fever increases, is a significant increase in its mortality. This therefore necessitates a need for a better intervention measures that will help curb Lassa fever mortality as a result of the increase in the confirmed cases. There is also a need for promotion of good community hygiene which could include; discouraging rodents from entering homes and putting food in rodent proof containers to avoid contamination to help hart the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

Health belief model approach in reducing worm infections in elementerary school in North Aceh, Indonesia

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/xwXNgnCdD_g Introduction: The prevalence of worm infections in Indonesia is still relatively high, about 2.5% - 62%, depending on geographical conditions, education, economics, environmental sanitation and community hygiene. Elementary school students have an increased risk of worm infections due to personal hygiene and environmental factors which cause high levels of worm infections in students. Implementing the health belief model (HBM) will be a model for identifying public understanding regarding preventive and promotive efforts to reduce the risk of worm infections. This study aims to determine the application of the HBM for reducing worm infections in elementary school students in Lapang sub-district in North Aceh. Method: This type of research is a purposive sampling with a cross sectional design. A number of 120 respondents are from elementary school in Lapang sub-district, HBM was measured by using a questionnaire. Worm infection was determined from the results of fecal examination using the direct slide method. Results: The results found that 45.8% students experienced worm infections, majority's perception of susceptibility to worm infections (67,3%), perception of seriousness (65,5%), and perception of benefits (65,5%) were in low category but perception of barriers was in high category (58,2%). HBM Assessment Analysis on perceived vulnerability shows a p-value of 0.020, perceived seriousness shows 0.034, perceived obstacles show 0.021, and perceived benefits shows 0.022. The four HBM concept assessments have a value of p&lt;0.05. Conclusion: The results concluded that the Ho meaning was accepted which there was a relationship between HBM and the reduction of worm infections.

PELAYANAN KEBERSIHAN DINAS KEBERSIHAN, PERTAMANAN, DAN TATA RUANG KOTA BANJARBARU

This research aims to: 1) to find out the hygiene services performed by the Department of hygiene, Gardening, and Spatial Banjarbaru, 2) to know the obstacles faced by the hygiene, Gardening, and Spatial Banjarbaru city janitorial service in 3) to find out a solution to overcome the obstacles faced by the hygiene, Gardening, and Spatial in-Banjarbaru City Janitorial service.This research use the method diskriftif. Data collection techniques used are interviews, observation and documentation. Samples taken with the technique of sampling aksiden with a population of 50 people. While the data analysis technique used is qualitative.Results of the study showed, 1) Services Service hygiene, Gardening, and Spatial Banjarbaru in providing services to the citizens of the community hygiene Banjarbaru include: Implementing local regulations concerning the Hygiene of the city, the transport of Waste every day, Garbage Wagon Fleet, Procurement and revenue increase a janitor. 2) obstacles faced by the hygiene, Gardening, and Spatial Banjarbaru in dealing with the issue of hygiene in areas of the city such as: place of the lack of public awareness of the meaning of cleanliness and lack of supervision by a supervisory officer in the field. 3) solution that has been Reached on the basis of constraints faced by a solution undertaken by the Department of hygiene, Gardening, and Spatial Banjarbaru to overcome problems of hygiene in the region namely: Banjarbaru Give socialization to society about the sense of the importance of hygiene service, Held the race – race hygiene and beauty of the city, Assigned to the officer's supervisor in the field to active checking and supervising janitor and hauled back trash bins are still lags behind – because society throw late in his time.

Risk assessment of Sanitation and water Infrastructure in informal settlements of Kisumu: Implications for Hygiene and Public Health

Risk assessment encompasses assessment and reporting of the potential harm, danger and health concerns arising from the use or contact with potentially harmful materials or substance. In the context of urban sanitation and water, risk assessment may involve the assessment of the likely harm arising from the use of unprotected or unimproved water and sanitation facilities and likelihood of injuries that such facilities may exert on the community. Urban informal settlements, which remain the face of urban vulnerability in most developing countries, are dominated by unprotected sanitation facilities and water sources which have subsequently exacerbated the urban social and health vulnerabilities and risks. This article assessed risks from sanitation and water infrastructure in urban informal settlements and their implications on community hygiene and public health using the case study from Kisumu City, Kenya. The article is based on data collected using a modified WASHFIT risk assessment tool developed by the WHO. One hundred and fourteen water sources and 460 sanitation facilities were covered by the study. Findings from the study revealed that 87% of water sources studied were shared by multiple households, while 65% and were unprotected. Some improvements had been undertaken in only less than 20% of sanitation facilities, with large proportion accounting for the ventilated improved pit latrine type. The remaining more than one fifth or 80% of the facilities were poorly constructed traditional pit latrines. Water quality findings revealed that nitrate and thermotolerant coliform levels were higher across most water sources and beyond the minimum recommended thresholds by WHO drinking water standards. On the risk assessment scale, 67% of water sources and 70% sanitation facilities were categorised as “risky” respectively.

A Multilevel Decomposition of Time Variation in the Risks of Infant Mortality in Rural Uganda: UDHS 1995–2016

The study assessed the contribution of maternal, child, paternal, household, proximate, and community-level factors to infant mortality risk time variation in rural Uganda between 1995 and 2016. Five rounds of Uganda Demographic and Health Survey data sets were used, and a multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was applied to decompose the contribution of different factors to time variation in the risks of infant mortality. All live births that were made five years before the surveys of 1995, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 were considered, with infants who did not survive beyond one year treated as the outcome variable analysis, excluding those who were born less than 12 months before the survey. The fixed part of the model helped us detect the significant variables in determining infant mortality, and yet the random part of the model helped us quantify the amount of time variation in the risks of infant mortality explained by the selected variables. The child-level determinants of infant mortality were sex, birth order, and weight. Among the maternal factors, the study revealed that marital status, access to ANC, use of contraceptives, maternal education level, and preceding birth interval were consistent deterrents of infant mortality, while household size, sanitation, and wealth index remained critical. While controlling for other factors in the rural areas, time variation in the risks of infant mortality was dependent on community factors (such as region, community hygiene, and prenatal care utilization rate), proximate factors (such as access to prenatal care, contraceptives use, place of delivery, and the number of ANC visits), maternal factors (such as marital status, educational level, age, parity, preceding birth interval, desire for pregnancy, and breastfeeding), and endowment. It was observed that the changes in the risks of infant mortality over the period were explained by community (30.7%), proximate (22.7%), maternal (41.0%), and endowment (37.9%). Child-level factors explained 28.2%, and paternal-level education level explained only 30.1%. Remarkably, household-level factors captured 32.3% of the changes in infant mortality. A higher proportion of the explained variation in the risk of infant mortality across communities (PCV) was captured by child, paternal, maternal endowment, and household factors. Interventions to accelerate the reduction in infant mortality should target birth spacing to at least two years, girl child education to at least o level, joint household decision-making in having children, avoiding teenage pregnancies, postnatal care utilization, enforcing at least four ANC visits during pregnancy, improving household sanitation, and increasing access to safe water at household-levels

The mediating effect of the built environment on the relationship between socioeconomic status and mental health: findings from the 2019 Shanghai Community Survey

Abstract Objective: Based on the theory of spatial production, the built environment is considered a mediating mechanism for health inequality. This study tested the hypothesis that communities, where populations with a higher socioeconomic status live, have a higher-quality built environment, which, in turn, promotes their mental health. Methods: Based on data from the 2019 Shanghai Community Survey (n = 3233), the general linear regression model (Ordinary Least Squares) and the classic three-step method developed by Baron and Kenny (1986) were used to test the mediation effects; subsequently, a structural equation model (bootstrap) was used to examine average direct effects and average causal mediation effects. Results: There were fewer types of aversive facilities, more green spaces or sports fields conducive to leisure and exercise, and better environmental hygiene in communities with higher-income populations, all of which improved their mental health. The total effect of income on mental health was 0.145 (P &lt; 0.001), of which the average causal mediation effect through the built environment was 0.013 (P &lt; 0.05), accounting for ~8.97%. Among the 3 dimensions of the built environment, the sanitation environment had a greater effect, accounting for 55.07% of the total mediation effect. Surrounding facilities accounted for 34.73%, whereas community green and sports spaces accounted for ~10.19%. Conclusions: The built environment quality of communities where low-income groups reside is worse, resulting in lower levels of their mental health. In the spatial planning of built environments, the socioeconomic characteristics of different residential groups should be considered, and the environmental quality of low-income communities should be improved using targeted measures.

The Role of Non-Governmental Sector in Community Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Technologies and Services in North- Western Ghana

Despite the Sustainable Development Goals which have been adopted since September 2015, researchfindings on sectoral achievements of the gaols are inadequate. This study ascertained the approaches,effectiveness, implications and challenges of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and OrganisationalDevelopment as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in promoting access to water, sanitation andhygiene (WASH) through its water for resilience project in rural communities of the Lawra Municipalityand Nandom District of the north-western corridor of Ghana. A before-and-after study design with mixedmethods research approach was used, and theoretically dictated by the Malongza’s model. Sample sizesof 400 for ex-ante evaluation and 260 at the ex-post evaluation stages were used. It was found that theintervention improved WASH technologies and services, provided schools with vegetables, equippedwomen with livelihood opportunities and reduced diarrheal diseases, but challenged by implementationdeadlines. Joint public and private sector interventions to make WASH services sustainable in ruralcommunities were recommended.

Water, Sanitation and Hygienic (WASH) risk factors that promote cholera outbreaks in Nairobi County

BACKGROUND &#x0D; Cholera is still a significant worldwide threat to global public health as it leads to about 100,000 deaths every year. It is a diarrheal water and foodborne disease with its person-to-person transmission resulting from limited sanitation access, poor hygiene, and inadequate water supply, which often leads to outbreaks. This study sought to examine Water, Sanitation and Hygienic (WASH) risk factors that promote cholera outbreaks in Nairobi County &#x0D; METHODOLOGY &#x0D; A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used in this study. The target population included 2,154,726 residents of Nairobi County aged 18 years and above. Slovin's Formula was used in the study to estimate the sample size. The study adopted stratified random sampling in the selection of 399 respondents from the target population. Primary datasets were collected using questionnaires and key informant interviews. The data from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies were used to study the trends and WASH factors related to cholera outbreaks. Inferential statistics included Chi-square (X2), which was used to analyze the relationship between variables. &#x0D; RESULTS &#x0D; The study established that the top five WASH challenges associated with the spread of Cholera disease included lack of enough water supply (76%); poor personal hygiene (54%); poor wastewater management (54%); poor community hygiene and sanitation (55%); and poorly maintained sewage facilities in the residential areas (44%). Communal water challenges included irregular supply of water (77%) and limited access to safe drinking water in most of the households (58%), lack of tap water in households (44%), unhygienic water vending facilities (57%) and supply of poorly treated water (38%). &#x0D; CONCLUSION &#x0D; The main risk factors related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene practices (WASH) in areas reporting cholera outbreaks in Nairobi County were lack of adequate water supply, poor personal hygiene, poor wastewater management, poorly maintained sewage facilities, and poor culture of community hygiene and sanitation. Inadequate water supply, unregulated water vendors and water kiosks made water contamination likely.

Adopt a Heritage Scheme: A CSR Initiative for Preserving our Past Glories to Future

Purpose: India has a wealth of cultural architectural heritage that must be incorporated into the mainstream development process. The growing economy necessitates a strong corporate presence, and the social responsibility programmes of these corporations provide the opportunity for engagement with the cultural heritage sector, aimed at sustainable development, and thus preserving and promoting our country's cultural heritage. The primary goal of this research is to preserve and improve world-class amenities and visitor infrastructure. Including both basic public utilities and advanced amenities such as a secure environment, ease of access, quality of community life, hygiene, luminance, and night displaying establishments for an all-inclusive visitor experience, resulting in increased footfall from both foreign and domestic visitors. Methodology/ Design: In this research article, secondary sources of information from websites, and academic research papers on the research topic are used. The purpose of this research was to contextualise and strengthen the connection between Indian traditional art and historical monuments. It aims to involve both public and private organisations, as well as corporate citizens/individuals, in taking on the obligation of attempting to make cultural history and tourism more sustainable by developing, operating, and preserving outstanding tourism architecture and facilities at ASI/state In India, there are inheritance locations and other essential tourist attractions. Findings: In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Department of archaeology Survey of India, state and UT governments, and private and public sector corporate entities, among others, the Tourism Department wants to develop, enhance, and maintain facilities at historic monuments, heritage landmarks, and tourist areas. This is carried out to make the architecture more visitor and to boost the site’s tourist attraction by continuously improving the visitor experiences. Public and private sector organisations, for example, can participate in the construction process by submitting a proposal for embracing intangible cultural sites based on their interest and viability within the project timeline. Under this project, Companies in the private and public sectors, trusts, non-governmental organisations, and individuals are all eligible to adopt a historic property. The full implementation of this involvement, nevertheless, is based on their assessment of their proposal and other criteria specified in the time schedule. Originality/Value: This review finds that work done for society may benefit the corporate world, and initiatives in this area may increase the value. Paper Type: Research article