Environmental Hygiene Research Articles

Penyuluhan Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat (PHBS) pada Anak Usia Sekolah Dasar di Desa Buket Medang Ara Kecamatan Langsa Timur

Elementary school children are an age group that is vulnerable to health problems related to personal and environmental hygiene such as personal hygiene, poor tooth brushing habits and rarely using soap for hand washing. This activity aims to increase knowledge about PHBS and teach children about the procedures for brushing teeth and washing hands properly. The method in this activity is counseling in the form of providing material using visual media as well as direct demonstrations and distribution of leaflets about PHBS to school children so that they can better understand the material that has been given. Participants participated in the socialization activities enthusiastically which resulted in increased understanding of PHBS and how to wash hands and brush teeth properly, so that this can be a good start in improving health rates in elementary school children.

Sensitivity of the Mosquito Culex pipiens Diptera: Culicidae towards Temephos in Southern Central Morocco

Mosquito species are responsible for the transmission of many parasitic diseases and their control leads to the phenomenon of resistance to insecticides including temephos, mostly used by hygienic services. This article reports the results of studies conducted using WHO sensitivity tests on larvae local populations of Culex pipiens collected in three lodging in the city of Marrakesh (Southern-Central, Morocco), towards temephos. Five concentrations of insecticide in addition to a control, were used to determine the DC50 and DC 90 of Culex pipiens species towards temephos. Sensitivity tests were carried out at the entomology unit and monitoring of insect sensitivity towards insecticides installed at the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory Epidemiological and Environmental Hygiene (LRDEHM), Marrakesh, under the Regional Directorate of Health of Marrakesh-Safi. The bioassay results affirmed the presence of resistance in Culex pipiens larvae towards temephos. This species has also developed similar and comparable resistance levels in the three lodgings studied, with resistance rates recorded varying between 15.2 and 128.5. This study results can be used as database for the control of mosquito resistance to insecticides at local and national level.

Clean and Healthy Living Behavior to Prevent Acute Respiratory Infection among Farmer's Families

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) cases in Indonesia and abroad are still a significant health problem. In Indonesia, ARI ranks first as a cause of death in infants and toddlers, with a mortality rate of around 20-30%. ARI can cause severe breathing difficulties, such as pneumonia, and ARI is also one of the leading causes of death in children under the age of five in developing countries. This study aims to analyze how to improve clean and healthy living behavior to prevent ARI in farmer families. The research method used was a literature review conducted through Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct in the 2019-2024 range. The keywords used in the search for articles were "ARI, Respiratory Disorders," "Unhealthy Living Behavior, Reduced Working Period, Well Ventilated House," and "Farmer, Family". Researchers found ten studies that met the inclusion criteria in the review. Prevention of respiratory tract infections (URI) in farming families involves practicing healthy behaviors, such as washing hands with soap, maintaining environmental hygiene, and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke. The articles highlight the importance of understanding knowledge and adherence to clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS) in reducing the risk of ARI. However, therapeutic communication is also essential, through providing clear information and emotional support to change unhealthy behaviors. The article still has obstacles, such as the underutilization of sanitation clinics, which calls for a more intensive and focused therapeutic communication approach to overcome these obstacles. Factors that increase the risk of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) include cooking with biogas inside the house, high housing density leading to a lack of sanitation around the house, poor ventilation, heavy workload for farmers, which increases exposure to dust, smoke and toxic gases, intense smoking, lack of access or awareness of the benefits of local sanitation clinics, and lack of awareness of the importance of maintaining environmental sanitation. Nurses are expected to conduct community counseling to improve understanding of clean and healthy behavior in ARI prevention practices among farmers.

The protagonist of contemporary and emerging nanotechnology-based theranostics and therapeutic approaches in reshaping intensive care unit.

To maintain a clean and hygienic environment in the intensive care unit (ICU) is crucial for ensuring patient safety, preventing infections, and reducing healthcare-associated complications. With the increasing prevalence of infections and the emergence of viral and bacterial resistance to standard antiseptics, there is a pressing need for innovative antiseptic solutions. Nanotechnology is increasingly being employed in medicine, particularly focusing on mitigating the activities of various pathogens, including those associated with hospital-acquired infections. This paper explores the current impact of nanotechnology, with a particular focus on bacterial infections and SARS-CoV-2, which significantly strain healthcare systems, and then discusses how nanotechnology can enhance existing treatment methodologies. We highlight the effectiveness of the nanotechnology-based bactericide Bio-Kil in reducing bacterial counts in an ICU. The aim is to educate healthcare professionals on the existing role and prospects of nanotechnology in addressing prevalent infectious diseases.

Personal Hygiene Practices To Reduce The Risk Of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection In Farmers

Backgrounds: Soil-transmitted Helminths infections have become a frequent phenomenon among farmers due to their lack of hygiene, making it easy for nematode worms to enter the body. Soil-transmitted helminths can affect nutritional status, resulting in anemia, loss of appetite, and damage to the intestines. To overcome this phenomenon, adequate personal hygiene in farmers is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze how personal hygiene can affect the incidence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths infection. Methods: The method used is a literature review using 10 kinds of literature from 3 sources, namely Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct with a publication range from 2020-2024. Result: The results showed that some articles showed an association between personal hygiene and the incidence of soil-transmitted helminths. Good personal hygiene can prevent the entry of nematode worms into the digestive tract of the body. Besides that, some articles also showed no association between personal hygiene and soil-transmitted helminth infection. Conclusion: Adequate personal hygiene such as always using gloves and complete personal protective equipment while working, always washing hands before eating, and maintaining environmental hygiene is needed by farmers to avoid the incidence of soil-transmitted helminth infection.

Emergency Care for High-Altitude Trekking and Climbing.

Introduction: High altitude regions are characterized by harsh conditions (environmental, rough terrain, natural hazards, and limited hygiene and health care), which all may contribute to the risk of accidents/emergencies when trekking or climbing. Exposure to hypoxia, cold, wind, and solar radiation are typical features of the high altitude environment. Emergencies in these remote areas place high demands on the diagnostic and treatment skills of doctors and first-aiders. The aim of this review is to give insights on providing the best possible care for victims of emergencies at high altitude. Methods: Authors provide clinical recommendations based on their real-world experience, complemented by appropriate recent studies and internationally reputable guidelines. Results and Discussion: This review covers most of the emergencies/health issues that can occur when trekking or during high altitude climbing, that is, high altitude illnesses and hypothermia, freezing cold injuries, accidents, for example, with severe injuries due to falling, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, abdominal, musculoskeletal, eye, dental, and skin issues. We give a summary of current recommendations for emergency care and pain relief in case of these various incidents.

Survey of Schistosoma haematobium and Environmental Factors in Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Schistosoma haematobium infection is known to be endemic especially among residents along Rivers, This study was conducted to establish the preval_ence of urinary schistosomiasis in relation to some epidemiological factors among elementary pupils in Donga Local Government Area. Urine filtration technique using polycarbonate membrane filters was employed to check the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine and questionnaires were administered. Overall preval_ence of 8.94% (21) was recorded out of the 235 urine examined. Chi square analysis showed insignificant association of the infection with the various schools (χ²= 6.192, P = 0.185). Similarly, ANOVA revealed no significant difference in the mean egg intensity (27.29 eggs/10ml of urine) among the schools (p = 0.293). Males were more infected 13.33%(16) than females 4.50%(5) with a significant difference (P=0.020). However, there was no statistical significant difference in their mean egg intensities (30.3 eggs/10ml of urine in male and 17.6 eggs/10ml of urine in female) (p = 0.27). The age-related preval_ence was higher 11.82% (13) in 10-15 years children while children aged 16-20 had the least preval_ence 0.01% (1). Chi square showed statistical significant association between infection and age (χ²=12.964, P=0.002). But there was a statistical insignificant difference between their mean egg intensities; 10-15, 4-9 and 16-20 (31.08, 23.4, 5 eggs/10ml of urine respectively) with p=0.462. Children who fish had the highest preval_ence 16.67% and children that do not partake in any of these activities had no case of infection 0%(64). Chi square revealed a statistical significant association between participant's water contact activities and infection (χ² =11.21; p = 0.024). However, ANOVA showed statistical insignificant difference in the mean egg intensity among these activities (p = 0.486). This findings indicates that urinary schistosomiasis has low endemicity in this area which could be due to the fact that It was concluded that the overall low preval_ence could be attributed to improved environmental hygiene among others.

Faktor Penentu Kejadian Stunting pada Anak Balita di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Natarandang Kabupaten Ngada

Stunting is a condition of growth failure in children under five where the length or height of the child is too short for their age due to chronic malnutrition. Malnutrition can occur since the baby is in the womb and only appears after two years of age. This study aims to analyze what factors influence the incidence of stunting in children under five years of age in the working area of Puskesmas Natarandang, Ngada Regency. This type of research is an analytic survey with a Case-Control Study research design. The sample size was 98 toddlers selected by proportional stratified reandom sampling. Data analysis used was univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis with chi square test and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that the factors that influenced the incidence of stunting were the mother's education level (p=0.001), mother's occupation (p=0.000), family size (p=0.000), level of maternal nutritional knowledge (p=0.000), history of illness (p=0.002), feeding practices (p=0.000), health care practices (p=0.008) and environmental hygiene and santation practices (p=0.000), while the factor that did not affect the incidence of stunting was the family income level (p=1.000). The determinants of stunting were environmental hygiene and sanitation practices (OR=16.658) feeding practices (OR=9.217) and the level of maternal nutritional knowledge (OR=7.191). Stunting is a condition of growth failure in children under five where the length or height of the child is too short for their age due to chronic malnutrition. Malnutrition can occur since the baby is in the womb and only appears after two years of age. This study aims to analyze what factors influence the incidence of stunting in children under five years of age in the working area of Puskesmas Natarandang, Ngada Regency. This type of research is an analytic survey with a Case-Control Study research design. The sample size was 98 toddlers selected by proportional stratified reandom sampling. Data analysis used was univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis with chi square test and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that the factors that influenced the incidence of stunting were the mother's education level (p=0.001), mother's occupation (p=0.000), family size (p=0.000), level of maternal nutritional knowledge (p=0.000), history of illness (p=0.002), feeding practices (p=0.000), health care practices (p=0.008) and environmental hygiene and santation practices (p=0.000), while the factor that did not affect the incidence of stunting was the family income level (p=1.000). The determinants of stunting were environmental hygiene and sanitation practices (OR=16.658) feeding practices (OR=9.217) and the level of maternal nutritional knowledge (OR=7.191).

Epidemiological Characteristics and Drug Resistance Analysis of 187 Strains of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a General Hospital

Background: Carbapenem antibiotics are currently the most broad-spectrum and potent β-lactam antibiotics. Without effective intervention measures, Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) may become widespread in all healthcare institutions within ten years, potentially developing into an endemic issue. Objectives: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of CRE infections in hospitals, and to explore critical strategies for preventing and controlling CRE hospital infections. Methods: The study focused on hospitalized patients with CRE strains isolated by the Laboratory Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2020 to 2022. Patient data, bacterial isolation, culture, and drug sensitivity results were collected and analyzed to determine the epidemiological characteristics of CRE infections. Preserved Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains were reviewed, and the CRKP sequence type (ST) was obtained through MLST typing. Results: Over the past three years, 187 CRE strains were isolated in the hospital, with infections predominantly occurring in males and individuals over 60 years old. The departments with the highest detection rates were the ICU (35.29%), geriatric department (11.23%), and rehabilitation department (8.02%). The top three specimen sources were sputum (43.85%), clean midstream urine (32.09%), and secretions (13.90%). carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae accounted for the majority of CRE isolates (80.21%), followed by carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (14.44%). Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains exhibited a high resistance rate to most commonly used antibiotics but were sensitive to tigecycline. Multilocus sequence typing results from 11 CRKP strains showed that 90.91% were of the ST11 type, while 9.09% were of the ST15 type. Conclusions: From 2020 to 2022, CRE infections at the hospital primarily affected elderly male patients over 60, with CRKP as the predominant pathogen and ST11 as the main sequence type. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains were highly resistant to most commonly used antimicrobial drugs. Hospitals should prioritize the prevention and control of CRE infections, emphasizing the management of antimicrobial drugs, patient identification, environmental hygiene, and infection control measures to prevent outbreaks caused by CRE.

History of toxicology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

Toxicology at the TUM is mainly associated with the Faculty of Medicine at the Klinikum rechts der Isar (MRI). The Department of Clinical Toxicology has been founded in 1963. Max von Clarmann, the head, focused his activities on the treatment of intoxications and the development of analytical methods and established a poison information center. His successors, Thomas Zielker and Florian Eyer, further developed this department to an internationally renown institution.In 1967, the MRI became the TUM faculty of medicine with its Institute of Pharmacology andToxicology. The director Melchior Reiter, formerly Institute of Pharmacology of the Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), in 1970 initiated the foundation of the Department of Toxicology at the Gesellschaft für Strahlen- und Umweltforschung (GSF) with the director Gerhard Lange. The research focused on the neurotoxic effects of heavy metals and the metabolism and hepatoxicity of persistent chemicals. After Lange's unexpected death in 1973, he was succeeded in 1975 by Helmut Greim from the University of Tübingen. The now Institute of Toxicology rapidly expanded developing and standardizing in vitro test methods, investigating the mechanism of carcinogens and mutagens and heavy metal toxicity. Training courses in the 15 major areas of toxicology have been organized at the GSF and competent centers in Germany. In 1987, Greim became the director of the newly founded Institute of Toxicology and Environmental Hygiene of the TUM, with expanded research and teaching activities, especially in toxicology at the faculties of Chemistry of the TUM and LMU, which thereafter became mandatory for students of chemistry at German universities.

Environmental Sanitation – A Therapy for Healthy Living for Sustainable Development. A Case Study of Argungu Township Kebbi State, North Western Nigeria

Environmental sanitation is the principle and practice of creating healthful and hygienic conditions in the environment to promote public health and welfare, improve quality of life and ensure a sustainable environment. However, environmental sanitation which remains a catalyst for achieving healthy living has been neglected in most developing countries. In Nigeria, it is common to see people defecating in the open. The ugly side of this is that street gutters are left untidy and filled with dirt, and marketplaces are covered with waste and discarded items. Worrisomely, the story remains the same in rural places where there is hardly any proper waste management technology. All types of waste are dumped into nearby bushes and forests while human faeces are discharged into streams and rivers from which people obtain their water. This is what motivated the researchers to investigate the level of sanitation in Argungu Township in Kebbi State. Data for this study was collected through a structured al interviewing method. The total number of households in five (5) metropolitan wards as contained in the national immunization house listing schedule is 16, 594. However, a systematic sampling method was applied to arrive at the sample. After every count of fifty households, one household was selected making a total of 313 households for the research. The study revealed that people have neglected the sanitation of their environment. In Conclusion, the study recommends the use of a community participation model of sanitation which outlines the role expected by each individual toward ensuring a free and hygienic environment.

Prolonged premature rupture of membranes with increased risk of infection is associated with gut accumulation of Pseudomonas from the environment

BackgroundPreterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) contributes to over one-third of preterm births, and PPROM infants are more susceptible to infections. However, the risk factors remain poorly understood. We here aim to investigate the association of duration of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and environmental microbiota with the gut microbiota and infection in PPROM infants. MethodsForty-six premature infants were recruited from two hospitals, and infant fecal and environmental samples were collected. 16 s rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the fecal and environmental microbiome. Human inflammatory cytokines in cord vein plasma were measured. ResultsThe gut microbiota composition of PPROM infants was different from that of non-PPROM infants, and the microbiome phenotypes were predicted to be associated with a higher risk of infection, further evidenced by the significantly increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in cord vein plasma of PPROM infants. The diversity of the gut microbiota in PPROM infants increased significantly as the duration of PROM excessed 12 h, and Pseudomonas contributed significantly to the dynamic changes. The Pseudomonas species in the gut of PPROM infants were highly homologous to those detected in the ward environment, suggesting that prolonged PROM is associated with horizontal transmission of environmental pathogens, leading to a higher risk of infection. ConclusionsThis study highlights that the duration of PROM is associated with the accumulation of environmental pathogens in the gut of PPROM infants, which is a risk factor for nosocomial infections. Improving environmental hygiene could be effective in optimizing the clinical care of PPROM infants.

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli infection, determinants and antimicrobial resistance patterns among under-five children with diarrhea in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia.

Children with under-five year age disproportionally affected with foodborne illness. Campylobacteriosis is the most common foodborne disease next to Norovirus infection. Macrolides are commonly prescribed as the first line of treatment for Campylobacter gastroenteritis, with fluoroquinolone and tetracycline as secondary options. However, resistance to these alternatives has been reported in various regions worldwide. To determine the prevalence, associated risk-factors and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli among under-five children with diarrhea. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2022 to April 2023. The study sites were selected using a random sampling technique, while the study subjects were included using a convenient sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were inoculated onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar and incubated for 48 hours. The suspected colonies were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry to confirm the species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a disc diffusion technique. All potential covariates (independent variables) were analyzed one by one using bivariate logistic regression model to identify candidate variables with P value < 0.25. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to identify potential associated factors using the candidate variables. A p value ≤ 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was statistically significant. Among the 428 samples, 7.0% (CI: 4.5-9.3) were confirmed Campylobacter species. The prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli among under-five children was 5.1% (CI: 3.0-7.0) and 1.9% (CI: 0.7-3.3), respectively. C. jejuni (73.3%) was dominant over C. coli (26.7%). The resident, contact with domestic animals, and parents/guardians education level were significantly associated with campylobacteriosis among under-five children. One-third of the Campylobacter isolates (33.3%, 10/30) were resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline whereas 10.0% (3/30) were resistant to erythromycin. Furthermore, 3.3% (1/30) of the Campylobacter were found to be multidrug-resistant. The prevalence of Campylobacter species was 7.0%. The resistance rate of Campylobacter species of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline-resistance strains was 33.3%. Peri-urban residence, contact with domestic animals, and low parental educational statuses were significantly associated factors with increased risk of Campylobacter infection. Continuous surveillance on antimicrobial resistance and health education of personal and environmental hygiene should be implemented in the community.

The Public Health Leader Who Brought Antisepsis to William Halsted.

William Halsted wrote to aging surgeon, Stephen Smith, in 1919, that he remembered the lessons Smith had taught him, "when I walked with you through the wards of Bellevue Hospital." Smith was an early advocate of Joseph Lister's antiseptic method, and because of his public health work, he was also an early advocate of environmental hygiene and microbial control based on the unproved germ theory. While Lister's work at the time emphasized germ-killing around the operative site with carbolic acid (antisepsis), Smith adopted and encouraged surgical practices at Bellevue that would be hallmarks of the germ-preventing (asepsis) surgical approach that fully developed after German bacteriologic discoveries in the mid-1880s, and with which Halsted is historically identified. Some physicians and historians have emphasized temporal and conceptual differences between Lister's antisepsis and German asepsis, but Smith and Halsted's experiences argue that surgical asepsis was the evolutionary outcome of germ theory-based surgical changes that began well before scientific proof arrived.

Resetting the environmental reservoir; evaluating the impact of a new hospital building on Clostridioides difficile infection

Background: Prior research has implicated contaminated surfaces in the transmission of Clostridioides difficile within the hospital. To reduce the risk of transmission, enhanced environmental hygiene is performed in rooms of patients with known C.difficile infection (CDI). We wished to evaluate the residual impact of environmental surfaces on hospital-onset CDI (HO-CDI) by comparing HO-CDI rates before and after the opening of a new 504-bed hospital building, HUP Pavilion (PAV). We hypothesized that we would observe a reduction in HO-CDI after opening of PAV due to a reduced burden of C.difficile spores in the environment. Methods: We included NHSN reported HO-CDI rates for 28 months prior and 24 months after opening of PAV. Upon opening, patients were divided between the old building (HUP) and PAV. We included all patient units before and after opening. We created hierarchical models of HO-CDI rates using Stan Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) version 2.30.1, via the “cmdstanr” and “brms” packages with a GAM smooth function by month and intervention period with default, weakly-informative priors. Results: At baseline, there was an average of approximately 20,100 patient days per month, subsequently divided between HUP and PAV (mean 10,100 and 12,100 patient days per month). After opening of PAV, we observed a reduced HO-CDI rate (mean 0.21 vs 0.31 per 1000 patient days, P=0.01). When comparing the two specific buildings after opening of PAV, there was a greater reduction noticed in the old building (HUP) as compared to the new building (PAV) (0.12 vs 0.29 per 1000 patient days) (Figure 1). The predicted contrast in HO-CDI rate (Figure 2), shows no immediate change in HO-CDI after opening, however a sustained reduction estimated at 0.1 HO-CDI events per 1000 patient days for the duration of follow-up. Conclusions: We observed a reduction in HO-CDI rates after the opening of a new hospital building. The difference in HO-CDI rates between hospital buildings after the move is likely due to the concentration of high-risk patient cohorts within this building. Our findings suggests that there remains an opportunity to reduce HO-CDI through environmental hygiene. However, it is possible that other factors beyond surface environment contributed to an observed reduction in HO-CDI, including other concurrent infection control interventions that focused on smaller populations within the hospital. In future work we will investigate the durability of this observed effect with additional analyses including patient-level risk for HO-CDI.

SOSIALISASI MENJAGA KEBERSIHAN DIRI (PERSONAL HYGIENE) PADA PANTI ASUHAN ANAK LIORA TERANG

For kids, maintaining personal hygiene is crucial because they often get sick due to not paying attention to it. Personal hygiene is the practice of preserving the health and sanitation of children for their physical and mental well-being. Personal hygiene knowledge must be acquired at an early age. The aim is that the child's knowledge about personal hygiene will become more mature, so that the child will get used to practicing personal hygiene. Apart from that, to increase knowledge about maintaining cleanliness in everyday life. In the process of internalizing personal hygiene behavior, there are several behaviors such as washing hands, bathing, shampooing (washing hair), brushing teeth, cutting nails, and cleaning ears. Presentations were utilized to conduct this activity, group discussions with orphanage children, and continued by providing education about the value of good personal hygiene and methods for practicing it in everyday life. This activity took place with a total of 21 participants. The personal hygiene material presented, includes: the benefits of maintaining personal hygiene, how to practice proper personal hygiene, including hand cleansing, tooth flossing, bathing, shampooing, cutting nails, changing clothes and not sharing personal items with other people. Apart from that, environmental hygiene material was also presented including: keeping the house clean, such as cleaning the floor of the house, not piling up dirty clothes and always changing bed linen regularly.

SOSIALISASI MENJAGA KEBERSIHAN DIRI (PERSONAL HYGIENE) PADA PANTI ASUHAN ANAK LIORA TERANG Socialization Of Maintaining Personal Hygiene For Panti Asuhan Anak Liora Terang

For kids, maintaining personal hygiene is crucial because they often get sick due to not paying attention to it. Personal hygiene is the practice of preserving the health and sanitation of children for their physical and mental well-being. Personal hygiene knowledge must be acquired at an early age. The aim is that the child's knowledge about personal hygiene will become more mature, so that the child will get used to practicing personal hygiene. Apart from that, to increase knowledge about maintaining cleanliness in everyday life. In the process of internalizing personal hygiene behavior, there are several behaviors such as washing hands, bathing, shampooing (washing hair), brushing teeth, cutting nails, and cleaning ears. Presentations were utilized to conduct this activity, group discussions with orphanage children, and continued by providing education about the value of good personal hygiene and methods for practicing it in everyday life. This activity took place with a total of 21 participants. The personal hygiene material presented, includes: the benefits of maintaining personal hygiene, how to practice proper personal hygiene, including hand cleansing, tooth flossing, bathing, shampooing, cutting nails, changing clothes and not sharing personal items with other people. Apart from that, environmental hygiene material was also presented including: keeping the house clean, such as cleaning the floor of the house, not piling up dirty clothes and always changing bed linen regularly.

Demographic factors and open defecation practices: A cross-sectional study in Gunungtua Jae Village, Padang Lawas Utara

Open defecation (OD) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas of developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the association between demographic factors and OD practices in Gunungtua Jae Village, Padang Lawas Utara, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 82 households. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Chi-square test and logistic regression. The findings revealed a significant association between several demographic factors and OD practices. These factors included household head knowledge (p = 0.000), occupation (p = 0.002), attitude (p = 0.000), education level (p = 0.000), and income level (p = 0.000). The study highlights the importance of considering demographic factors when addressing OD practices in public health interventions. Comprehensive efforts are needed to enhance community knowledge, particularly among household heads, regarding the significance of adequate sanitation and the detrimental impacts of OD practices. Collaboration between community health centers (puskesmas) and various stakeholders is essential for the sustainable implementation of the Total Sanitation Based on Community Approach (STBM) program. This program can effectively raise awareness and promote positive behavioral changes towards environmental hygiene and personal health, with a primary focus on encouraging proper sanitation practices and preventing environmental pollution.

Preliminary investigation of food safety practices and environmental hygiene in Uyo Central abattoir, Uyo, Nigeria

Hygienic processing of meat and sanitary conditions of abattoirs play a vital role in preventing food contamination and subsequent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. The lack of strict hygienic measures in Nigerian abattoirs poses a great risk to food safety, serving as an excellent source of microbial contamination of meat. This study aimed to assess the sanitary condition and meat hygiene practices at the central abattoir, Uyo, to describe and highlight the inadequacies and provide recommendations. The assessment was carried out through direct personal observations documented pictorially and use of textual notes over repeated abattoir visitations for a period of one week. Result from this assessment showed poor hygienic practices and nonadherence to food safety measures by the abattoir workers, poorly dressed personnels, poor waste disposal system, dilapidating facilities, and poor environmental hygiene. The unhygienic and poor sanitary conditions at the central abattoir, Uyo does not meet the ideal standard for food safety practices thus, there is a need to address this critical public health problem. The findings of unhygienic practices and handling of meat in the central abattoir suggest the need for interventions through training and education of abattoir personnels on food safety with the overall aim of protecting public health.

A Study on the Effect of Housing on Parasitic Load of Nellore Lambs

A study was carried out to find out the effect of housing on Parasitic load of Nellore Jodipi lambs under tropical environmental conditions. Thirty weaned Nellore ram lambs of 3-4 months age were selected based on body weight and randomly divided into three groups of ten animals each. The parasitic load i.e., Egg per gram (EPG) was determined regularly at every month during entire study period. The faecal egg count was performed by a Mc Master technique. With regard to parasitic load, the prevalence of parasites and eggs per gram (EPG) count were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in slatted floor housing system (11.3±3.14) than that of morum floor housing systems (25.6±3.98 and 25.5±3.80). It was concluded that the housing system of elevated slatted flooring with galvalume roofing proved to be effective in controlling reinfestation of parasites and maintain hygiene environment for better performance of Nellore ram lambs.