Hygiene Behavior Research Articles

Determination of the Relationship Between the Coronavirus-2019 Phobia Level and Hygiene Behaviors of Nurses

Determination of the Relationship Between the Coronavirus-2019 Phobia Level and Hygiene Behaviors of Nurses

Assessment of Bacterial Contaminants Associated with Hygiene Behaviour in Thai Tea Sold on the Roadside Around Educational Area, Lampung, Indonesia

Introduction: Thai tea is one of the aromatic drinks widely sold around the Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), Lampung, Indonesia. Bacteria often contaminate this drink due to unhygienic handling. The number and types of contaminating bacteria have yet to be widely reported, especially in Lampung province. This study aimed to detect various bacterial contaminants in Thai tea beverages sold on the road in the ITERA region and their relationship with the hygiene behavior of Thai tea sellers. Methods: The sampling technique used in this study involved accidental sampling by detecting microbes using the most probable number method and the specific medium. The number and types of bacteria were analyzed for diversity and correlated with the behavior of Thai tea sellers. Results and Discussion: Of the 50 Thai tea samples, coliform bacteria, and Pseudomonas sp. in all samples (100%), Aeromonas sp. (36%), Shigella sp. (68%), Escherichia coli (76%), and Salmonella sp. (8%). The highest concentration of pollution occurred in Sukarame District (SK). SK10 had the highest number of contaminants, namely, Pseudomonas sp. (2.96x103±165 CFU ml-1), E. coli (7.2x103±190 CFU ml-1), Shigella sp. (3.35x103±350 CFU ml-1) and Salmonella sp. (9.65x103±50 CFU ml-1). The poor quality of Thai tea is caused by unhygienic tea raw materials and the habits of the seller, who does not perform hygienic tasks during the preparation and use of Thai tea. Conclusion: All samples did not meet the requirements for the presence of bacteria in drinking water, based on regulation No.492/MENKES/Per/IV/2010 and World Health Organization.

Promosi Kesehatan Stop Buang Air Besar Sembarangan (BABS) Melalui Pendekatan STBM Pilar Pertama

This literature study was conducted to find out the solution to the problem of poor sanitation through the first pillar of Community-Based Total Sanitation (STBM) related to open defecation free (ODF) by using triggering method that works to cause disgust, fear, anxiety, and the sin of open defecation as well as an overview of health promotion to ODF and steps to promote healthy latrines with communal septic tanks as an alternative to ODF. The approach used in this study is literature review analyzing scientific papers, books, and national journals. STBM is an approach to change the hygiene and sanitation behavior through community empowerment using triggering method. The SBS behavior was followed by the use of sanitary facilities in form of healthy latrines. Healthy latrines are an approach with a simple facilitation process that can change bad habits (open defecation) and expect healthy latrines ODF and sanitation obligations in building healthy latrines are part of the community's responsibility. Healthy latrines must be built, owned, and used by the family in a position (inside the house or outside the house) that is easily accessible to the occupants of the house.

Assessment of hand hygiene procedures during the pre- and post-pandemic period: a pre-post study

Background: hospital infections affect about 6% of hospitalised patients in Europe; the hands of healthcare workers, who are front-line staff and frequently exposed to infected patients and contaminated surfaces, are the primary source of microbial transmission. Thus, hand washing procedures are essential to lowering the risk of occupational exposure to infectious diseases, hospital-acquired infections, and micro-organism cross-transmission. The aim of this study was to see if the COVID-19 pandemic had any effect on hand-washing adherence rates by conducting a pre-post pandemic wave study from the pre-pandemic year 2019 to the post-pandemic years 2020/2022. Methods: an observational, retrospective, single-center study. The study considers hand hygiene observations of all personnel employed as healthcare staff from 2019, during the pre-pandemic period, and in the three years following the outbreak from 2020 to 2022, during the post-pandemic period and a specific study on hydroalcoholic gel consumption. The study will use the “Hand Hygiene Observation Form”, to evaluate adherence to best practices. Conclusions: a dedicated facility that promotes the application of the recommended hand hygiene behavior and ongoing improvement and training initiatives, is crucial to ensure and improve the compliance of all healthcare workers.

The Relationship of Knowledge About Menstruation with Personal Hygiene Behavior in Young Women in Sutawinangun Village, Cirebon Regency

Objective: The research objective was to determine the relationship between knowledge about menstruation and personal hygiene behavior during menstruation in young women in Sutawinangun Village, Kedawung District, Cirebon Regency. Methods: This research is an analytic survey with a cross-sectional time approach. The population is 62 respondents, using total sampling with a total sample of 62 young women. The instrument was used to measure the knowledge and behavior of respondents using a questionnaire. Results: Description of young women's knowledge about menstruation in Sutawinangun Village, Kedawung District, Kab. Cirebon data were obtained from 62 respondents; 33 of them had enough knowledge (53.2%), while only 8 respondents (12.9%) had a good understanding, and 21 respondents (33.9%) had less knowledge. As for the behavior of young women regarding personal hygiene, the results showed that 41 people had positive personal hygiene behavior during menstruation (66.1%). In contrast, 21 respondents (33.9%) had negative personal hygiene behavior during menstruation. Based on the calculation results of Kendall tau, P-value = 0.000 < α = 0.05 (the P-value is more minor than α = 0.05). This means a significant relationship exists between young women's knowledge of personal hygiene behavior during menstruation. Conclusion: There is a Relationship between Knowledge about Menstruation and Personal Hygiene Behavior During Menstruation in Young Women in Sutawinangun Village, Kedawung District, Cirebon Regency.

Impact of migration on oral health outcomes of children in multi-beneficial kindergartens in Nanning, Southern China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of children’s migration on their oral health outcomes in multi-beneficial kindergartens in Jiangnan District, Nanning, China, and to provide a basis for improving the oral health of migrant children.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 470 children aged 5 years in Jiangnan District, Nanning, Guangxi. A questionnaire was used to collect information on their demographic and socioeconomic background, migration experience, eating habits, oral hygiene behaviours and utilization of dental care services. Dental caries of primary teeth was examined using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index recommended by the World Health Organization. Dental caries experience and oral health-related behaviours were compared between migrant and resident children. The impact of children’s migration attributes on their oral health outcomes was examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsAmong the examined children, 52.3% were migrant children. The prevalence of caries among the children in multi-beneficial kindergartens was 78.3%, and the mean number of dmft was 5.73 ± 5.00. The prevalence of caries was 81.7% for migrant children and 74.6% for resident children (p = 0.060). No significant difference was found in the mean numbers of DMFT between migrant children and resident children (5.96 ± 4.81 vs. 5.47 ± 5.20, p = 0.139). There were significant differences in the frequency of tooth brushing (p = 0.023) and parental help with tooth brushing (p = 0.008), typical use of fluoride (p = 0.012), regular dental check-ups (p = 0.003) and experience of dental fillings for caries (p < 0.001) between migrant and resident children. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that among the children with caries, the proportion of resident children who had regular dental check-ups was 1.720 times higher than that of migrant children (95% CI = 1.155 ~ 2.560), and resident children were more likely to have caries filled than migrant children (OR = 3.313, 95% CI = 1.585 ~ 6.927).ConclusionOral health status and oral health behaviours were poor among children in multi-beneficial kindergartens in Nanning, China, and migration might be a significant predictive indicator for the poor utilization of dental care services by children. The government departments should make special policy to promote the children’s oral health in multi-beneficial kindergartens, and invest more to cover the migrant children’s utilization of oral health services.

The association between menstrual hygiene, workplace sanitation practices and self-reported urogenital symptoms in a cross-sectional survey of women working in Mukono District, Uganda.

Women worldwide experience challenges managing their periods. Menstrual and genital hygiene behaviours have been linked to negative health outcomes, including urogenital symptoms and confirmed infections. However, evidence testing this association has been limited and mixed. This study aimed to (1) describe the menstrual care practices and prevalence of self-reported urogenital symptoms among working women in Mukono District, Uganda, and (2) test the associations between menstrual and genital care practices, and urogenital symptoms. We undertook a cross-sectional survey of women aged 18-45 working in markets, schools, and healthcare facilities in Mukono District, with 499 participants who had menstruated in the past two months included in this analysis. We developed an aggregated measure of menstrual material cleanliness, incorporating material type and laundering practices. Associations with urogenital symptoms were tested using the aggregated material cleanliness measure alongside the frequency of changing materials, handwashing before menstrual tasks, and sanitation practices. Among our sample, 41% experienced urogenital symptoms in the past month. Compared to women exclusively using disposable pads, using appropriately cleaned or non-reused improvised materials (PR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.04-1.71), or inadequately cleaned materials (improvised or commercially produced reusable pads) (PR = 1.84, 95%CI 1.46-3.42) was associated with an increased prevalence of self-reported urogenital symptoms in the last month. There was no difference between those using disposable pads and those using clean reusable pads (PR = 0.98; 95%CI 0.66-1.57). Infrequent handwashing before changing materials (PR 1.18, 95%CI: 0.96-1.47), and delaying urination at work (PR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.08-1.73) were associated with an increased prevalence of self-reported symptoms. Prevalence of self-reported urogenital symptoms was associated with the type and cleanliness of menstrual material used as well as infrequent handwashing and urinary restriction. There is a need for interventions to enable women to maintain cleanliness of their menstrual materials and meet their menstruation, urination and hand washing needs at home and work.

Climate Change, COVID-19, And Flood Disasters In Pakistan.

In the aftermath of recent floods, Pakistan has been confronting several challenges such as infrastructural damages and economic decline. Despite its efforts to prepare for potential pandemics like COVID-19, limited healthcare resources, insufficient funding for research and development, and inadequate public awareness are some of the obstacles that hinder its full preparedness.1 The recent floods have further aggravated Pakistan's struggle to contain COVID-19 by disrupting healthcare services and vaccine distribution.2 Additionally, climate change is affecting maternal and child health in the country, with extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, causing a decrease in access to essential resources like food and water, and an increase in disease exposure, which ultimately impacts the overall wellbeing of the population.3 Such as malnutrition and the spread of waterborne diseases have a direct impact on the health of pregnant women and children, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery and increasing the risk of illness and premature birth, low birth weight, and other health problems in new-borns or even death in early childhood.4,5 Addressing the impact of climate change, COVID-19, and floods on the affected areas in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach that involves multiple sectors, including the government, healthcare, and the private sector. Some of the key solutions include: Improving access to healthcare: Increasing the number of healthcare facilities and ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary resources, including personal protective equipment, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies. Improving access to clean water and sanitation: Providing clean water and sanitation facilities in affected areas to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly in the aftermath of floods. Strengthening disaster preparedness and response: Implementing effective disaster preparedness and response plans to ensure that communities are prepared for and can quickly respond to extreme weather events and other disasters. Increasing funding for research and development: Supporting research and development activities to find solutions to the challenges posed by climate change, COVID-19, and other health emergencies. Improving public awareness: Increasing public awareness about the importance of preventative measures, such as vaccination, hand hygiene, and healthy behaviours, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. Promoting sustainable development: Encouraging sustainable development practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources and conservation of natural resources, to reduce the impact of climate change on the environment and health.

PERSONAL HIGIENE UNTUK MENCEGAH KECACINGAN DI SD INPRES BUKIT KEL. TAMARUNANG KEC. SOMBA OPU GOWA

Efforts to prevent worms include maintaining good body hygiene, good environmental hygiene, good and clean food and drink, wearing footwear, defecating in the toilet, maintaining good personal hygiene such as cutting nails and washing hands before eating. The skin is the place where germs enter the body, loose soil (sand, humus) is good soil for the growth of worm larvae. Cleaning long and dirty fingernails causes accumulation of dirt and disease germs. Clean snacks are part of the daily life of almost all age groups and social classes, including elementary school-age children. The purpose of personal hygiene is to improve one's health status and maintain one's personal hygiene. Service activities regarding helminthiasis need to be carried out repeatedly because students can find out how someone can be infected with worms and with infection with worms various health problems can appear and one of them is related to growth in children. Hygiene behavior and maintaining great health need to be given since the child is small, so that it becomes a good habit in the future.

Genetic methods in honey bee breeding.

The honey bee Apis mellifera is a rather difficult object for selection due to the peculiarities of its biology. Breeding activities in beekeeping are aimed at obtaining bee colonies with high rates of economically useful traits, such as productivity, resistance to low temperatures and diseases, hygienic behavior, oviposition of the queen, etc. With two apiaries specializing in the breeding of A. m. mellifera and A. m. carnica as examples, the application of genetic methods in the selection of honey bees is considered. The first stage of the work was subspecies identification based on the analysis of the polymorphism of the intergenic mtDNA locus tRNAleu-COII (or COI-COII) and microsatellite nuclear DNA loci Ap243, 4a110, A24, A8, A43, A113, A88, Ap049, A28. This analysis confirmed that the studied colonies correspond to the declared subspecies. In the apiary with A. m. mellifera, hybrid colonies have been identified. A method based on the analysis of polymorphisms of the tRNAleu-COII locus and microsatellite nuclear DNA loci has been developed to identify the dark forest bee A. m. mellifera and does not allow one to differentiate subspecies from C (A. m. carnica and A. m. ligustica) and O (A. m. caucasica) evolutionary lineages from each other. The second stage was the assessment of the allelic diversity of the csd gene. In the apiary containing colonies of A. m. mellifera (N = 15), 20 csd alleles were identified. In the apiary containing colonies of A. m. carnica (N = 44), 41 alleles were identified. Six alleles are shared by both apiaries. DNA diagnostics of bee diseases showed that the studied colonies are healthy. Based on the data obtained, a scheme was developed for obtaining primary material for honey bee breeding, which can subsequently be subjected to selection according to economically useful traits. In addition, the annual assessment of the allelic diversity of the csd gene will shed light on the frequency of formation of new allelic variants and other issues related to the evolution of this gene.

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP DENGAN PERILAKU PERSONAL HYGIENE MENSTRUASI PADA REMAJA PUTRI DI DENPASAR

Background: Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is the management of hygiene and health in women during menstruation. Based on IDHS data, there are still many young women who behave poorly in maintaining cleanliness during menstruation.&#x0D; Objective: Seeing the relationship between knowledge and attitudes with personal menstrual hygiene behaviors in young women in Denpasar.&#x0D; Method: This observational analytic study used a cross-sectional approach and was conducted at public and private high schools in Denpasar from March to June 2022. A total of 140 female adolescents were selected using a two-stage cluster random sampling technique. Data was collected using an online questionnaire via Google Form and analyzed using logistic regression analysis.&#x0D; Result: There is a significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes and personal menstrual hygiene behaviors in young women in Denpasar. Compared to those who have good knowledge, young women with less knowledge are 2.72 times more likely to behave badly in relation to menstrual personal hygiene (OR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.33-5.56). Compared to those with a positive attitude, young women who have a negative attitude are 2.63 times more likely to behave badly in relation to menstrual personal hygiene (OR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.30–5.34).&#x0D; Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes have a significant relationship with personal menstrual hygiene behaviors in young women in Denpasar. It is hoped that this can become informational material to increase knowledge about personal hygiene during menstruation so that they can apply it in their daily lives and distribute information to those closest to them.

Portrayal of oral hygiene and risk behaviours in animated movies.

Behaviours depicted in movies and TV shows can significantly affect one's behaviour. Children are particularly susceptible to these effects as their habits are still forming. Oral hygiene behaviours play a crucial role in preventing or slowing down the progression of dental diseases, which are among the most common yet preventable diseases in the world. Therefore, it is important to understand if popular movies include oral hygiene behaviours or risk-related behaviours, which can in effect influence children's behaviour. The aim of this study is to review the top grossing animated movies of all time to record and collect on screen portrayals of oral hygiene practices and risk behaviours related to oral health. Top 30 highest grossing animated feature films (over 40 min duration) were coded using a structured coding instrument to capture oral hygiene and risk-related behaviours related to oral health. Two coders performed coding using the standardised instrument. Overall, 93% of behaviours were coded as a risk behaviour, with 7% coded as positive oral hygiene behaviour. Within the risk behaviour category, the majority (74%) were based around the consumption of sugar with risk behaviour occurring in 23 out of 30 movies (76%), while oral hygiene practices occurred in 6 out of 30 movies (20%); one movie depicted neither oral hygiene nor oral health risk behaviours. About 53% of behaviours were purely visual, 10% verbal, and 37% a combination of verbal and visual. Anthropomorphic characters and movie settings resulted in more behaviours related to oral health, either hygiene or mainly risk behaviours, depicted. Despite their importance in shaping habits and attitudes, animated movies portrayed a significant number of risk behaviours related to oral health with depiction of beneficial behaviours remaining limited. Consideration should be given on how to best portray behaviours that promote and enhance optimal oral hygiene behaviours to achieve and sustain better oral health for children.

Current oral hygiene and recreational behavioral trends in HIV disease.

HIV disease is evolving with more HIV+ persons experiencing a high quality of life with well-controlled viremia. We recently enrolled a large cohort of HIV+ and clinically relevant HIV- persons for oral microbiome analyses that included a questionnaire related to oral hygiene and recreational behaviors. Here, the questionnaire responses were analyzed for behavioral trends within the cohort, together with trends over time by comparison to a previous geographically centered HIV+ cohort. Data were collected by questionnaire at baseline visits as cross-sectional assessments. Multivariable analyses were conducted for associations of HIV status as well as age, race, and sex, on oral hygiene/recreational behaviors. HIV+ subjects had reduced brushing frequency, but increased incidence of past cleanings and frequency of dry mouth, compared to the HIV- subjects. Within the entire cohort, positive associations were identified between age and several oral hygiene practices, and between age, race, and sex for several recreational behaviors. In comparison to the historical cohort, the contemporary HIV+ cohort participated in fewer high-risk behaviors, but with similar trends for smoking and oral hygiene practices. HIV status had little association with oral hygiene and recreational behaviors despite several differences in age, race, and sex. Behavioral trends over time support a higher quality of life in people currently living with HIV.

Conservation of Local Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) in Southeastern Turkey: A Preliminary Study for Morphological Characterization and Determination of Colony Performance

The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological traits and colony performance parameters of local honeybees of the Adıyaman province for future breeding programs. The study was carried out in 2019–2020; a total of 39 colonies were obtained from 13 apiaries in 5 districts, which represented local honeybees, and they were placed in an isolated area. At the same time, 835 worker bees representing local honeybees were assessed for 21 morphological features. There was a difference between the district groups according to the morphological traits (p &lt; 0.05). In terms of the morphological characteristics of honeybees, the correct classification rate to their original groups was determined to be 65.1%. The difference between the district groups was statistically significant regarding the number of frames covered with bees, brood area, and hygienic behavior (p &lt; 0.05). The average weight at the emergence of queens according to district groups and flight activity was found to be significant according to the periods (p &lt; 0.01). As a result, homogeneous honeybees can be found in provinces when considering morphological characteristics. Although colony performance values are low, it is essential to protect the bees’ genetic material given their ability to adapt to arid climates and insufficient flora.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on insomnia and sleep efficiency in parents and caregivers of young children

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, sleep problems were highly prevalent. However, few studies assess sleep quality among parents and caregivers with young children. This study aimed to describe the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep patterns among parents and caregivers with young children (&amp;lt;6 years) and identify the factors associated with insomnia and sleep efficiency.MethodsAn internet sample of 136 caregivers (age: 35 ± 9.7 y, 70.6% female) were recruited internationally from May 21, 2020 to July 1, 2020. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale-10 (CES-D-10), Sleep Hygiene and Practices Scale (SHPS), Coronavirus Impact Scale (CIS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and sleep patterns prior to and during the pandemic. Hierarchical regressions were conducted to examine the factors associated with insomnia and sleep efficiency.ResultsNearly 40% of the caregivers reported household incomes &amp;lt;$10,000. More than half reported clinical levels of depressive symptoms (59.2%) and low sleep efficiency (65.8%). Approximately 90% reported that their sleep-wake routine was altered with delayed bedtime and midpoint, and more naps and nightmares. Almost half (51.5%) were experiencing clinically meaningful insomnia symptoms. Greater insomnia symptom severity was independently associated with lower income, greater depressive symptoms, poor sleep hygiene behaviors, altered sleep-wake routine, and greater COVID-related disruptions in daily life. The predictors associated with poor sleep efficiency during the pandemic were lower income and poor sleep efficiency before the pandemic.DiscussionThe study highlighted the factors associated with insomnia and poor sleep efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are needed to support caregivers' sleep during global crises.

Correlations of demographic factors and hygiene factors with face mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggestion for future research: A cross-sectional study of adults in Malaysia.

Despite the many touted benefits of community-wide face mask wearing, numerous communication campaigns and mandates, some people still refuse or fail to wear face masks in public settings. Hence, exposing themselves and others to the risk of infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and raise the potential for public healthcare systems to become overwhelmed once again. This study investigates demographic and hygiene factors related to propensity of face mask wearing in public settings. The self-administered online questionnaire contained the independent variables (demographic and hygiene factors) and the outcome variable (frequency of face mask wearing). Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Seven hundred and eight responses were collected from Malaysian adults between May and June 2020. The demographic characteristics of participants, differences in the frequency of face mask wearing across demographic factors and hierarchical multiple regression were analyzed. The propensity of face mask wearing differs by gender. The hierarchical multiple regression revealed that being female, having personal protective equipment available and frequently washing hands were positively correlated with the frequency of face mask wearing. Moreover, the availability of personal protective equipment and the frequency of hand washing accounted for greater variation of the frequency of face mask wearing than gender. Future studies should adopt established psychosocial models in conjunction with normative and cultural factors for a better understanding of underlying motivations to engage in preventive health behaviors to shape improved hygienic and societal precautionary protective behaviors in different contexts.

The effect of education based on health belief model on hand hygiene behavior in the staff of Tehran dentistry centers: A quasi‐experimental intervention study

AbstractBackground and AimsConsidering the increasing prevalence of dental services in the community and the impossibility of identifying each infected patient, hand sanitation is the most critical factor in controlling infection in these centers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention on the hand health behavior of the staff of Tehran dentistry clinics based on the health belief model (HBM).MethodsIn this quasi‐experimental study in 2017, 128 employees of the health centers were selected through a multistage sampling method and they were placed in two groups of intervention and control (each 64 people). The data was collected using a questionnaire devised by the researcher. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined. The questionnaire consisted of demographics, knowledge, structures of the HBM, and behavior variables. Then, the intervention was administered based on HBM‐based education. Data were analyzed by SPSS16 and independent t test, χ2, and repeated measurement analysis of variance.ResultsBefore the intervention, the two intervention and control groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographic variables, mean scores of knowledge, constructs of HBM, and hand hygiene behavior (p &gt; 0.05), while the intervention group was scored higher significantly compared to the control one after the intervention (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionAccording to the findings, the HBM can be used as a framework for designing educational interventions to improve hand hygiene behavior to control infection in health centers.

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxocara canis and its associated risk factors in socio-economically deprived nomadic communities of Pakistan.

Toxocariasis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara (T.) canis with considerably higher prevalence in developing countries. The data on its epidemiology, especially in socioeconomically deprived nomadic communities, are scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anti-T. canis antibodies and its associated risk factors in nomadic communities located in and around Multan, Pakistan. A total of 184 sera samples were collected from nomadic communities by simple random sampling technique. The descriptive epidemiological data of participants were collected on well-designed questionnaires. Prior consent was also obtained from the participants to use the data generated from their samples without showing their identity. All the samples were analysed for the detection of anti-T. canis antibodies using commercially available Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA) kits having 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity (Bordier Affinity Products, Switzerland). The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis among nomadic communities was 27.7% (51/184). Various factors, including age, known disease history, nutritional status, contact with dogs, practice of hand washing after contact with dogs, use of unwashed vegetables, body mass index, and drug abuse, showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) with toxocariasis in nomadic communities. Conversely, other factors, including gender, marital status, educational status, awareness about zoonotic diseases, source of drinking water, occupation, location, hand washing before taking food, exposure to soil, and hygienic eating behaviour, showed non-significant correlation (p > 0.05) with seroprevalence of toxocariasis. Results also showed that >50% of seropositive cases were asymptomatic, whereas cough and abdominal pain were recorded in 19.6% and 11.76% of seropositive cases, respectively. Keeping in view, it is suggested to conduct surveys at mass level to rule out the exact disease status at national level and to include nomadic communities in local, national, and regional disease control programs through provision of better healthcare facilities and awareness about the disease.

Implementation of a Curriculum to Optimize Hygiene Behaviors Among Refugees and Migrants Being Resettled

Health knowledge and behaviors can impact well-being and promote community integration post-arrival for refugees and migrants being resettled. Health and hygiene curricula are efficient and accessible mechanisms to mitigate the risk of chronic and infectious diseases in populations being resettled. This report summarizes a successful interagency/interdisciplinary Uganda-based collaboration between the International Organization for Migration, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the University of Minnesota. The project's objective was to co-create and align a health curriculum and education messages across the resettlement continuum. Due to timing, the curriculum expanded to include COVID-19 prevention education, thus broadening the initiative's impact. Since the initial implementation, thousands of US-bound applicants have had exposure to the curriculum modules. The curriculum is now the primary tool for health education during pre-departure procedures in Kampala, Uganda, with implementations planned in other countries. The modular format and standardized non-technical language facilitated uptake by medical and non-medical personnel. Incorporating end users in curriculum development supports the early adoption and sustainability of the project. The interagency/interdisciplinary partnership strengthens systems and supports resource sharing to optimize the health and well-being of persons resettling in the United States.

Quality and safety of pork sold in the informal urban street markets of the Cape Metropole, South Africa

Pork in the informal market significantly contributes to food, nutrition and income security in low-income countries' urban areas but is a safety concern to value chain actors and public authorities due to potential contamination by pathogens. To evaluate the physicochemical quality, microbial and oxidative profiles of pork sold from the informal urban street market, 50 samples were collected from 40 street vendors and 10 supermarkets in five different low-income, high-density suburbs in the Cape Metropole District, South Africa. Results showed no differences (P > 0.05) in pH, colour, proximate attributes (except for lipid content), antioxidant activity, lipid oxidation, and Escherichia coli counts in pork collected from the formal and informal markets, and open-air and enclosed market stalls. Lipid content, Enterobacteriaceae, and total bacterial counts of pork collected from the informal market were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those from the formal market. Positive cases of Listeria monocytogenes (6–8%) and Salmonella spp. (4%) were reported for pork sampled in the informal market, especially in open-air stalls. It was concluded that higher levels of microbial contamination in the informal market, particularly in open-air stalls compared to the formal market require constant monitoring, provision of appropriate market infrastructure, and hygiene behaviour change of vendors to ensure pork safety.