Hand Washing Practices Research Articles

FAMILY SUPPORT AS A SUPPORT SYSTEM IN PREVENTING INFECTION AND DISEASE RECURENCE

Background: Amilies play a crucial role in preventing the transmission and recurrence of disease by fostering care and instilling habits of clean and healthy living-most notably, the proper practice of handwashing. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has officially ended, new cases continue to emerge, and other infectious diseases remain a public health concern. Therefore, family support is essential to achieving optimal health, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Objective: To improve the health status of families and communities, and to prevent infections and disease recurrence particularly among mothers in the Mojogedang 1 area. Method: The community service activity included lectures, presentations using banners and canva-based materials about family support and infection prevention. The program was conducted at the Mental Revolution House (WCS), covering the stages from assessment to evaluation. Results: The proportion of participants categorized as having “good” family support increased from 16.8% to 66.7%, while those with “good” knowledge rose from 25% to 91.7%. Conclusion: Empowered family support serves as the most effective system for preventing infectious diseases and their recurrence.

Peningkatan Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat (PHBS) sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Stunting melalui Kegiatan Edukasi di SD Negeri Tunfeu 2 Kabupaten Nekamese

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that poses a major challenge to the development of quality human resources. The condition is not only influenced by inadequate nutritional intake, but also by environmental and behavioral factors. One of the factors that contribute to stunting is the low level of Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS), especially the habit of washing hands properly. Previous studies confirm that proper handwashing behavior, as part of Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS), has a significant correlation with reducing stunting. In addition to nutritional interventions, stunting prevention also requires changes in community behavior (PHBS) through effective education. The purpose of this community service activity is to increase elementary school students' knowledge about PHBS as an effort to prevent stunting. The implementation method includes educational counseling, discussion, six-step hand washing simulation, and evaluation through pre-test and post-test. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants' knowledge, where students with good knowledge increased by 73%, and students with poor knowledge decreased to 7%. In addition, students' hand washing practice skills also showed improvement. PHBS education carried out from an early age has proven to be effective in shaping hygienic behavior and supporting efforts to reduce the prevalence of stunting in the future.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among preschool and school-aged children in Egypt: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major public health concern, particularly among children in low- and middle-income countries, where limited resources and data hinder effective interventions. This meta-analysis consolidates current evidence on the prevalence of IPIs among preschool and school-aged children in Egypt, identifies key risk factors, and examines trends in prevalence over time.MethodsSix databases (African Journals Online, African Index Medicus, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) were systematically searched from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2025. Studies conducted in Egypt on apparently healthy preschool or school-aged children were included if they reported IPIs prevalence or risk factors. A random-effects model was employed to estimate pooled prevalence or risk ratios. The meta-analysis was performed using the ‘meta’ package in R (version 4.4.1), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThis meta-analysis included 21 studies conducted between 2009 and 2021, involving 54,282 school and preschooler children from both Lower and Upper Egypt. The pooled prevalence of at least one IPI was 46.5% (95% CI: 40.5–52.5). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the finding, with no evidence of publication bias. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of at least one IPI remained consistent from 2009 to 2021. The most prevalent parasite was Entamoeba spp. (10.9%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (7.3%) and Enterobius vermicularis (4.9%). Less common parasites included Schistosoma mansoni (1.3%), Ancylostoma duodenale (1.0%), Schistosoma haematobium (0.6%), Heterophyes heterophyes (0.7%), Trichuris trichiura (0.5%), and Fasciola spp. (0.3%). Key risk factors included age 6–10 years (RR = 1.5), rural residence (RR = 1.4), low socioeconomic status (RR = 2.4), poor handwashing practices (RR = 2.1), consuming unwashed vegetables (RR = 1.5), and low maternal education (RR = 1.62).ConclusionThese findings highlight the substantial burden of IPIs among Egyptian preschool and school-aged children, with nearly half infected by at least one parasite. The consistently high prevalence from 2009 to 2021 underscores the urgent need to reevaluate current control measures and prioritize interventions targeting the high-risk groups identified in this study.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Secondary School Adolescents in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is an infectious organism affecting man which occurs worldwide, more prevalent in developing countries including Nigeria. It is the most frequent cause of peptic ulcers in children and is linked to the emergence of gastric cancers in adults. H. pylori is usually acquired in childhood and may persistent into adulthood without treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among secondary school adolescents in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out using 402 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years attending secondary schools in randomly selected two public and twenty-two private schools in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt Metropolis, from May 2021 to July 2021. The adolescents' sociodemographic, household characteristics and hygiene practices were entered into a proforma. Stool antigen test was carried out on each subject’s stool. A mixture of dilution buffer and stool was centrifuged to obtain the supernatant. H. pylori Stool Antigen dipstick was dipped into the supernatant and results read within 5-10 minutes. A colored line shows a positive result when it appears in the test region, but a negative result when it does not. If no line appears in the control region, the test result was interpreted as being invalid. Results: Infection with H. pylori was prevalent in 59.7% of adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. Statistically significant difference was found with increasing age, poor hand washing practice after toilet use and poor hygiene practice in washing of vegetables before eating and lower mother’s education with (p &lt; 0.05). Predictors of H. pylori infection were lower mother’s educational level (OR-1.744, 95%Cl=1.066; 2.853, p=0.027), poor handwashing practices after toilet use (OR-1.668, 95%Cl=1.073; 2.594, p=0.023), and poor hygiene practice in washing of vegetables before consumption (OR-8.781, 95%Cl=1.102; 60.972, p=0.040) respectively. Conclusion: The high prevalence of H. pylori infection could be attributed to the poor hygiene practices of the adolescents and the low educational level of their mothers. There is need to strengthen school health programs through quality health education on good hand hygiene practices and consumption of properly washed vegetables. There should be provision of adequate clean water in schools and improvement in the education of the girl child.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella in Raw Chicken Eggs Sourced from Commercial Poultry Farms and Retail Shops and In-contact Humans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella in Raw Chicken Eggs Sourced from Commercial Poultry Farms and Retail Shops and In-contact Humans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Community-Acquired Clostridioides difficile Infection: The Fox Among the Chickens.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) appears mainly as nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and community-acquired infection is increasingly being recognized. The threshold of asymptomatic colonization and the clinical manifestation of CDI need further elucidation. Community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI) should be considered when the disease commences within 48 h of admission to hospital or more than 12 weeks after discharge. Although CDI is not established as a food-borne or zoonotic disease, some data support that direction. The spores' ability to survive standard cooking procedures and on abiotic surfaces, the formation of biofilms, and their survival within biofilms of other bacteria render even a low number of spores capable of food contamination and spread. Adequate enumeration methods for detecting a low number of spores in food have not been developed. Primary care physicians should take CA-CDI into consideration in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea, as there is a thin line between colonization and infection. In patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and other comorbidities, C. difficile can be the cause of recurrent disease and should be included in the estimation of diarrhea and worsening colitis symptoms. In the community setting, it is difficult to distinguish asymptomatic carriage from true infection. For asymptomatic carriage, antibiotic therapy is not suggested but contact isolation and hand-washing practices are required. Primary healthcare providers should be vigilant and implement infection control policies for the prevention of C. difficile spread.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TYPHOID IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION IN PAKISTAN

Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is caused by bacterium S.typhi. It is now becoming an emerging health concern especially for pediatric population due to the emergence of multidrug resistant strains which is preventable by taking preventive measures like use of boiled water, hygienic practices and vaccination. Adherence to preventive measures by public is highly associated with knowledge, attitude and practice towards MDR typhoid cases in child. This study is based on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Pakistani population towards MDR typhoid in child. The differences in mean scores and factors associated with typhoid conjugate vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and practices were investigated. 154 responses were received. Majority of the participants (82.5%) are young, fall in the category of 18-35 years out of which 63.6% were females and 61.7% of participants are at undergraduate level. The majority of the participants (85.7%) have the previous knowledge about MDR typhoid, its causative agents (85.7%), routes of transmission and symptoms. This gives moderate knowledge levels with mean scores of 4.6. Participants shows positive attitude level having mean attitude scores of 8.3 % since majority of the participants considers it a serious issue in children and believes that is is prevented by adopting good hygiene practices. This can be correlated with assessment of practice which shows that participants have good practice level with mean practice scores of 8.65. Use of boiled/filtered water (74.2%), hand washing practice of child before eating (76.8%), vaccination (65.8%), and appropriate use of antibiotic and consulting healthcare provider in cases of early symptoms (79.4%) shows good practice levels.

Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Common Diarrheagenic Bacteria Isolated from Food Handler Populations in Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Diarrheal disease is estimated to cause 29% of illness among adults and is also the major cause of illness and hospitalization for children under 5 years of age. Despite the high cases of food borne illness, there is still low reporting, diagnosis and recording of infection rates. Food handlers play a significant role in food borne pathogens transmission due to their direct contact with food and drinks. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, associated risk factors and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of common diarrheagenic bacterial pathogens among food handler populations in Nairobi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by systematically enrolling consenting food handlers working in the hospitality industry in Nairobi into the study. Self-reported data focusing on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-related behaviors of the participants was collected through a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. Stool samples were obtained and bacteriological analysis performed using conventional stool culture methods. The recovered bacterial isolates thereafter underwent Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) using the disk diffusion method to determine their resistance profiles. To assess the factors associated with antimicrobial resistance, Poisson regression modeling (univariate and multivariate) was used on the count outcome (number of antimicrobials to which a sample was resistant). Results: A total of 231 isolates were confirmed as the pathogens of interest after biochemical testing: Escherichia coli (178/885), Klebsiella pneumoniae (47/885), Salmonella spp (5/885) and Shigella (1/885). Almost all the recovered isolates showed resistance to erythromycin (97%) while about 81% exhibited resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. There was intermediate resistance seen against cefotaxime (40%), cefepime (33%), cefuroxime (53.75%) and gentamicin (27%). Low level of resistance was found against meropenem (1%), ciprofloxacin (10%) and chloramphenicol (9%). Of the E. coli isolates obtained, 41 (23%) were multi drug resistant and 2 (1.12%) were both Multi Drug Resistant and Pan Drug Resistant (PDR). Only 1 Klebsiella spp isolate was MDR. None of the Salmonella spp and Shigella spp was found to be Multi-Drug Resistant. Regular handwashing was found to be the most significant risk factor for infection with a pathogenic bacteria (p&lt;0.05: 95% CI: [-0.339-0.127]). Food handlers who practiced regular handwashing had significantly lower antimicrobial resistance counts based on their incident rate ratios (IRRs) (IRR = 0.85, p = 0.029). Conversely, wearing hairnets (IRR = 2.55, p &lt; 0.001) and working in informal eateries (IRR = 1.51, p = 0.005) or middle-level restaurants (IRR = 1.43, p = 0.008) were associated with higher resistance counts. Conclusion: A fairly high prevalence of diarrheagenic bacterial pathogens (26%) was found among the food handler population. There was also notably high levels of antibiotic resistance to commonly used drugs for diarrhea management, with medium and high levels of drug resistance to common first line drugs like erythromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid being observed. Efforts should be made to improve access to clean water for both personal and hotel use for the sake of proper food hygiene practices such as handwashing. Sensitization for increased awareness on the importance of proper handwashing practices should also be done more regularly at the workplaces. All workers should also be medically examined appropriately and regularly before certification and advised to seek proper treatment in case of gastrointestinal illness to ensure proper administration of antibiotics for treatment to reduce potential cases of drug resistance.

Bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility patterns and associated factors among neonates suspected of omphalitis in Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia

Neonatal omphalitis is a true medical emergency that can rapidly progress to sepsis and even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated appropriately. Empirical therapy is widely practised in this case, too, in low-income countries like Ethiopia, paving the way for severe drug resistance and posing serious challenges. To determine the magnitude, bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of omphalitis among clinically suspected neonates attending four government health institutions in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia, during the second half of 2023. A facility-based multi-centred cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 clinically suspected neonates who attended the inpatient/outpatient departments and intensive care units of four government health institutes of Arba Minch from June 1 to December 28, 2023. Study participants were consecutively recruited, and their demographic and clinical data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Samples were aseptically collected and inoculated onto a series of bacterial culture media, namely MacConkey agar, mannitol salt agar, chocolate, and blood agar, and different species were identified by means of several biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed through the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion technique. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models (SPSS version 25) were utilized to analyze the association between dependent and independent variables; P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall number of clinically suspected and culture-confirmed cases of omphalitis, respectively, were 379 and 130 per 1000 live births. Gram-positive (GPB) and Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) were detected in 50.4% (n = 71) and 49.6% (n = 70) of cases, respectively. The often isolated bacteria were S. aureus, 53.5% (n = 38), and E. coli, 47.1% (n = 33); GNB were highly resistant (> 60%) to tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and ampicillin. The overall multi-drug resistance was 34.7% (n = 49); methicillin-resistant S. aureus was 34.1% (n = 14). The GNB isolates comprised extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, 15.7% (n = 11), and carbapenemase, 10% (n = 7) producers. The lack of hand washing practices [AOR = 2.08, (95% CI 1.26–3.41), P value = 0.004] and lower gestation period (< 37 weeks) [AOR = 2.3, (95% CI 1.33–3.93), P value = 0.003] were statistically associated. The overall prevalence of omphalitis was higher; WHO-prioritised drug-resistant bacterial pathogens were also detected. This study underscores the importance of factors such as maternal/caregiver hand hygiene and antenatal care. Thus, a more comprehensive approach towards the management of omphalitis employing precise diagnostic tools and an antimicrobial stewardship program is essential in all the four study settings.

Mobile phone bacterial contaminations, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolates from health professionals’ working in public health facilities of West Guji zone, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundMobile device use in healthcare facilities is a concern because they can act as vehicles to transmit pathogenic bacteria that can cause infections. Thus, nosocomial infections are a significant health...

Effectiveness of Plan-Do-Check-Act approach in improving the safe injection practice among healthcare workers in a secondary-level healthcare facility - A pre- and post-study design.

The strengthening of the health system ensured a significant increase in the number of different healthcare facilities in India. The number of injection procedures and the risk of potential needle stick injuries also increased. The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach is an accepted approach to improving healthcare facilities, which must be explored in the context of safe injection practices. This study aimed to assess the change in injection practices among healthcare workers using the PDCA approach in a rural community health center. We conducted a pre- and poststudy using the PDCA approach in the community health center, Tangi, the rural health training center of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar. The PDCA cycle was planned and implemented to assess the changes in the injection practices of healthcare workers posted in the center. We collected the basic demographic information related to the study participants using a self-developed questionnaire. The practices related to safe injection were observed using the checklist developed based on recommendations given by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and the National Center for Disease Control, along with Kayakalp and Laqashya initiatives. At the baseline, unsafe injection practice was found in most of the activities, varying from zero to as high as 93%. There was a statistically significant improvement in avoiding flushing syringes or needles before injections, that is, from 85.37% to 88.11% (P = 0.03), after receiving the training. However, there was no significant change in the habit of disposing of biomedical waste properly after use (P = 0.03). This study at a secondary care rural hospital setting highlights factors like usage of proper cannula size, proper handwashing practices, proper waste disposal, and prevention of leaving the needles in the multidose vial that need to be improved when immunization practice is concerned.

Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice for Prevention of Infection in Burn Patients at Karachi, Pakistan

Burns “damage the skin or any organic tissue that is mainly caused by fire, electricity, radioactive, radiations, and chemical substances”. Every year, approximately 200,000 people around the world die of burn injuries. Though, nurses are crucial for ensuring safety and leads to healthier recoveries for patients. Objective: The Objective of this study is to assess nurses’ knowledge and evaluate their practice for the prevention of infection among burn patients. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 100 nurses, and an adopted questionnaire was used from July 2024 to January 2025, in burn units of 03 selected public and private hospitals of Karachi. Results: The majority of respondents were aged between 31-39 years (37.5%). Females constituted the majority of respondents (58.3%), who had completed mainly their Diploma (55.0%) and had 1-5 years of work experience (41.3%), Knowledge of infection control measures (82.5%), and (57.5%) consistently followed PPE protocols during emergencies. As a consequence, they have unsatisfactory information regarding the prevention of infection in burn patients. Whereas, chi square test was used in the inferential statistics where the diploma holder were unaware regarding the knowledge as compared to BSN as P value =0.025, while related to gender; Females were not adhering to the practice of hand washing as compared to male as (P value= 0.05), significantly contractual nurses were unaware about decontaminating hydrotherapy rooms 25(75.8%) as compared to permanent nurses 25(53.2%)as (P value= 0.001), and as well as contractual nurses were 17(51.5%) reported not performing the required hand hygiene, compared to permanent employees 11(23.4%) (P value=0.009) significantly. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is concluded that nurses working in burn units have limited knowledge and practices regarding prevention of infections among burn patients. Therefore, hospitals are required to organize adequate training, hands-on practice, and frequent exposure in burns ward to develop unit-specific clinical infection control guidelines and protocols.

Assessment of Sanitary Status and Practices in the Selected Abattoirs and Slaughter Houses in Anambra State, Nigeria

The sanitary conditions and workers practices within abattoirs and slaughterhouses are critical factors affecting public health and the quality of meat available in the markets. The problem is from lack of quality environmental health practice among abattoir workers. This study aims to assess the sanitary status and practices in selected abattoirs and slaughterhouses in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional study to determine the studied other objectives which include assessment of internal facilities, waste management practices, and overallsanitary conditions within these establishments. The sampling technique for the study was stratified random technique. Structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to 140 participants while observational checklist was used to collect data on sanitary conditions within the premises. The collected data was entered into computer software called Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0) and was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. The results were displayed in frequency tables while the relationship between variables were determined with chi square statistical test and the findings revealed that majority (82.9%) of respondents were male; 46.4% of the respondents were butchers, this implies that they were in constant contact with meat. Unfortunately, majority (87.1%) did not have any medical certificate of fitness, and workers were either wearing inadequate PPEs or no PPE. Also, findings showed that no hand washing station (0%) was availability for the workers, which discouraged their hand washing practices. A personal observation of the abattoir facilities indicated that Lairage was without roof and was flooded, slaughtering process was done on bare floor, without evisceration or bleeding area (0%). The hypothesis test conducted at P-value &gt;0.05 indicated that there was a significant relationship between the level of education of abattoir worker and how often they wash their hands, in favor of the alternate hypothesis. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between the years of experience of abattoir worker and how often they wash their hands. In conclusion, the findings highlight critical deficiencies in sanitary practices, posing risks to both workers and consumers. Therefore, there is need to ensure food safety practices among abattoir and slaughter workers for the purpose of sustainable meat production.

Counseling on Clean and Healthy Living Behavior in Improving Public Health Levels

This activity aims to enhance public awareness and participation in implementing Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat or PHBS) through interactive counseling methods, education in elementary schools, and community service initiatives. Counseling is conducted through question-and-answer sessions to ensure participants' understanding, while education in elementary schools teaches proper handwashing practices as a preventive measure. Additionally, community service involves the public in maintaining environmental cleanliness. The evaluation results indicate improved public understanding of PHBS based on pretest and posttest scores. The average score of housewives increased by 11.61%, while elementary school students showed an improvement of 19.71%. This increase demonstrates that interaction-based counseling methods are more effective than one-way lectures in enhancing comprehension and behavioral change. With growing public awareness of PHBS, it is expected that healthy behaviors can be consistently practiced in daily life, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. This study recommends an interactive approach and hands-on practice in health education programs to enhance the effectiveness of long-term behavioral change.

Evaluasi Peran Kepemilikan Jamban dalam Kejadian Stunting: Temuan dari Kabupaten Jeneponto, Sulawesi Selatan

Latar Belakang: Stunting merupakan masalah kesehatan yang signifikan di Indonesia, terutama di Kabupaten Jeneponto, Sulawesi Selatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi peran kepemilikan jamban dan factor sanitasi lainnya terhadap kejadian stunting pada balita.Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain studi cross-sectional dengan sampel 348 balita usia 6-59 bulan. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara langsung dan pengukuran fisik, dianalisis menggunakan uji chi-square.Hasil: Sebagian besar balita (81,6%) mengalami stunting, dan mayoritas rumah tangga memiliki jamban sehat (94,5%). Namun, hanya 33,3% responden memiliki kebiasaan cuci tangan yang baik, dan 78,7% rumah tangga melaporkan praktik pengolahan makanan yang buruk. Tidak ditemukan hubungan signifikan antara kepemilikan jamban dengan kejadian stunting (p=0,545). Sebaliknya, terdapat hubungan signifikan antara sumber air minum (p=0,002), kebiasaan cuci tangan (p=0,003), dan pengolahan makanan (p=0,000) dengan kejadian stunting.Simpulan: Sumber air minum, kebiasaan cuci tangan, dan pengolahan makanan adalah faktor sensitif yang berhubungan dengan kejadian stunting, sedangkan kepemilikan jamban tidak berpengaruh signifikan. ABSTRACT Title: Evaluation of the Role of Toilet Ownership in Stunting Events: Findings from Jeneponto Regency, South SulawesiBackground: Stunting is a significant health issue in Indonesia, particularly in Jeneponto Regency, South Sulawesi. This study aims to evaluate the role of latrine ownership and other sanitation factors in the prevalence of stunting among children under five.Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design with a sample of 348 toddlers aged 6-59 months. Data were collected through direct interviews and physical measurements and analyzed using the chi-square test.Results: The majority of children (81.6%) were found to be stunted, and most households had access to healthy latrines (94.5%). However, only 33.3% of respondents reported having good handwashing practices, and 78.7% of households reported poor food handling practices. There was no significant association between latrine ownership and stunting (p=0.545). Conversely, there were significant associations between drinking water sources (p=0.002), handwashing practices (p=0.003), and food handling practices (p=0.000) and stunting.Conclusion: Drinking water sources, handwashing habits, and food handling practices are sensitive factors associated with the incidence of stunting, whereas latrine ownership does not have a significant effect.

Peningkatan Gaya Hidup Bersih dan Sehat Melalui Bakti Sosial dan Sosialisasi di Panti Asuhan Dharma Jati Klungkung

Social service and outreach activities carried out by the Hospital Administration Student Association (HIMARS) of Bali International University are one part of the work program. In this activity, HIMARS distributed packages of necessities to children in orphanages as a form of concern for the welfare of others. To ensure continuity, HIMARS has designated this activity as a routine part of the work program carried out every year. Social service and outreach activities at the Dharma Jati Klungkung Orphanage are carried out with the aim of increasing the knowledge and understanding of orphanage children regarding PHBS and increasing caring attitudes towards fellow citizens, as well as a routine program from HIMARS. The social service and outreach method used is by coming directly to the orphanage to hand over packages of needs and providing outreach material about PHBS, hand washing practices and cough and sneeze etiquette. Based on the results of surveys and evaluations using pretest and posttest methods, there was a significant increase in children's knowledge about PHBS, from an average score of 70 in the pretest to 90 in the posttest. This shows that health education programs carried out intensively and participatively can bring positive changes in the healthy living habits of children in orphanages.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Poor Hand and Oral Hygiene Practices Among Adolescent Students in Eastern China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate the current status and associated factors of hand and oral hygiene behaviors among adolescent students in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey conducted in Zhejiang Province between April and June 2022. Data were collected through a self-administered, structured questionnaire that assessed tooth brushing frequency, hand washing practices before meals, after toilet use, and hand washing with soap. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify associations between hygiene practices and socio-demographic factors. The study included 26,101 adolescent students. Of these, 29.25% had poor oral hygiene practices, and the majority brushed their teeth twice per day (51.43%). Regarding hand hygiene, 78.06% exhibited poor hand hygiene before meals, 24.67% after toilet use, and 82.56% when using soap. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher parental education and greater family income were linked to a reduced likelihood of poor oral and hand hygiene practices. Conversely, older age and parental marital status (divorced, widowed, or separated) were linked to an increased risk of both poor oral and hand hygiene practices. Additionally, girls and only children were less likely to exhibit poor oral hygiene but more likely to have poor hand hygiene. The prevalence of poor hand and oral hygiene practices among adolescent students in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China was very high. Several socio-demographic factors were identified to guide future targeted interventions aimed at improving hygiene practices among this population.

The School Health Program Development Model to Realize Healthy School Movement

The School Health Program (UKS) aims to improve the health status of students through the Trias UKS, which includes health education, health services, and fostering a healthy school environment. However, the implementation of UKS has not been optimal in many schools, including Muhammadiyah 1 Elementary School in Malang, which faces challenges such as students' lack of knowledge about balanced nutrition, Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS), and mental health. This community service activity included planning, implementation, and evaluation phases. The program was conducted with 19 fourth-grade students at Muhammadiyah 1 Elementary School in Malang through lectures, demonstrations, and training methods. Interventions included education on balanced nutrition, PHBS, handling bullying, first aid training, and developing a healthy environment through TOGA (medicinal plants) cultivation. Evaluations were conducted to assess changes in students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. There was a significant increase in students' knowledge, with the percentage of students demonstrating good knowledge rising from 76% to 95% after the intervention. A total of 85% of students were able to independently practice handwashing and toothbrushing, and 60% could demonstrate first aid. High participation rates were observed in physical exercise and TOGA cultivation activities. The use of lecture methods supported by PowerPoint presentations and demonstrations contributed to positive changes in students' healthy living behaviors. The development program of UKS based on the Healthy School Movement (GSS) effectively improved students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to health. This model can be adopted to optimize UKS in schools through structured, interactive, and integrated health education methods to create a sustainable healthy school environment that supports the optimization of students' health and education quality.

Perceptions and Mindset toward Infection Control and Prevention among Medical Microbiology Students

Health care-associated infections HCAIs are significant public health problems. They can lead to high rate of morbidity and mortality, and raise the cost of health care services, in developed and developing countries. Simple and routine education for health care personnel, including students of medical colleges or departments about the main preventive measures and infection control can help them to enhance their hand-washing practices and adhere to necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection and reduce incidence of HCAIs. The period of first stages of medical education is the suitable phase and proper time for getting the necessary information and skills about infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of students of Medical Microbiology Department in Cihan University-Erbil towards the guidelines and main practices of infection prevention and control. The study revealed variable levels of knowledge and awareness about infection control precautions among students, and also showed inadequate practical adherence to some important precautions among a significant percentage of students. To enhance the safety of students and patients, we believe that it is necessary to begin teaching the basic knowledge about infections and the principles of infection prevention and control precautions during the first period of study in the college.

Intestinal parasitic infection and its contributing factors in children of the primary schools in Karbala Governorate

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections are still common in developing countries including Iraq, particularly in children. They are mostly associated with unsafe, low-quality drinking water and poor personal and environmental sanitation. Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 primary school students selected randomly using a stratified sampling technique. The list of all students from grades 1–6 was arranged alphabetically and served as a sampling frame. In this study, undertaken between September 2021 and March 2022 A structured questionnaire was used together with data on environmental, socio-demographic and behavioural factors. Stool specimens were collected from all study subjects and were examined for intestinal parasites using direct smear (mount examination) and Formal-ether concentration techniques. Results: Among 450 primary school children 60% (268) had intestinal parasites. Male: Female ratio is 1:1. Most infected children were from rural areas (63.1%), students whose mothers were housewives (72.4%), and about half of the parents had primary or intermediate educational levels. Enterobiusvermicularis was the most common intestinal helminth infection (27.6%), whereas Entamoebahistolytica was the most common protozoa infection (16.4%). On applying binary logistic regression analysis, rural residence of the students, not enough family income, Conclusion: low educational level of the mothers, Poor hand washing practice before eating, after playing outside and hand washing without soap and similar material, poor hygienic facilities like faulty sewage carriage system at school, sharing the same bed, mixed sources of drinking water were the sole factors significantly associated with increased odds of high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children.