Individual Well-being Research Articles

Correlation among anxiety and depression, fear of disease progression, and social support in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND The mental well-being of individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD) during the intensive care unit (ICU) transition period is a multifaceted and significant concern. In this phase, the individuals might encounter psychological challenges like anxiety and depression, which can impede their recuperation and potentially have lasting effects on their health. AIM To investigate the correlation among psychological factors in CHD patients in the ICU transition period. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted with 119 patients admitted to the ICU after coronary artery bypass grafting between March and December 2023. Variations in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (Fop-Q-SF), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were collected and analyzed among diverse populations. We used Pearson’s correlation analysis to examine the correlation. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore whether these indicators influenced depression and anxiety in the patients. RESULTS The total scores for anxiety, depression, fear of disease progression, and social support were (7.50 ± 1.41) points, (8.38 ± 1.62) points, (35.19 ± 8.14) points, and (36.34 ± 7.08) points, respectively (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that both the level of disease progression and social support affected the level of postoperative depression and anxiety in patients. CONCLUSION The anxiety and depression levels were positively related to each dimension of phobia disease progression and negatively related to each dimension of social support among patients with CHD.

A Scoping Review of Existing Policy Instruments to Tackle Overweight and Obesity in India: Recommendations for a Social and Behaviour Change Communication Strategy

Background The Indian government is committed to addressing various manifestations of malnutrition, including overweight and obesity, inorder to improve individual health and well-being. The scoping review aims to map existing national policy instruments (programmes, schemes, regulations and guidelines) addressing overweight and obesity in India and analysing them for Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategies. Methods Systematic identification and selection of policy instruments using ‘Arksey and O’Malley’ framework was conducted from central government ministry websites, between March and June 2023. These instruments focused on nutrition and/or physical activity, targeting specific demographic groups like pregnant women, lactating mothers, children (0-5 years and 5-9 years), or adolescents (10-19 years); excluding those focusing on specific diseases like micronutrient deficiencies, wasting, and stunting. Based on search strategy six policy instruments were included and analysed for SBCC strategies. Results While many policy instruments incorporated SBCC plans; the ‘National Programme for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)’ stands out as a significant policy initiative specifically targeting the prevention of overweight and obesity within the broader context of Non-Communicable Diseases. It adopts a comprehensive approach addressing key drivers contributing to overweight/obesity across multiple levels of behavioural influence i.e., individual, interpersonal, community and organisation for health promotion. However, there’s need to strengthen SBCC strategies related to prevention and management of obesity, especially screening and counselling, to cover all age groups with a particular focus on adolescents and youth. SBCC strategies can also be incorporated into India’s Integrated Nutrition Support Programme (POSHAN 2.0) and/or Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) under the National Health Mission. Conclusion This paper underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address multifaceted origins of overweight and obesity. The NP-NCD stands out as a noteworthy initiative, and there is considerable potential for other programmes to emulate SBCC strategies to bolster their overall effectiveness. Note : *Policy instruments throughout the paper have been used to cover programmes, schemes, regulations and guidelines.

Childhood emotional maltreatment predicts social well-being beyond individual well-being: a daily diary study

ABSTRACT Childhood emotional maltreatment can have a profound impact on well-being. However, past research has largely focused on individual well-being, making it noteworthy to examine whether childhood emotional maltreatment predicts social well-being beyond individual well-being. To fill this gap, the current study employed a daily diary approach to investigate the independent effect of childhood emotional maltreatment on social well-being, and examined gratitude’s mediating role in the relationship. A total of 483 participants (Mage = 19.30, SDage = 2.12) completed daily surveys for 14 consecutive days. The results of the multilevel regression analysis indicated that childhood emotional maltreatment negatively and independently predicted social well-being, even after controlling for individual well- being, other forms of maltreatment (i.e. physical and sexual maltreatment), age and gender. Moreover, multilevel mediation analysis elucidated that gratitude served as a mediating factor in this association. In summary, these findings underscore the adverse effects of emotional maltreatment on social well-being and suggest gratitude as a possible intervention focus.

Perceptions of Participation for Wheelchair Rugby Team Members: A Qualitative Inquiry.

Although physical activity has been shown to influence physical, social, and emotional well-being, individuals experiencing quadriparesis often lack knowledge of and access to adaptive sporting programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions about wheelchair rugby's impact on community participation and well-being for individuals with quadriparesis and to identify functional barriers to participation. Qualitative semistructured interviews were used to explore the perception of participation in wheelchair rugby on community participation and well-being for adults with quadriparesis. Participants perceived that their participation in sports had positive benefits on community participation and well-being. In addition, participants identified barriers to participation for individuals with quadriparesis. Practitioners working with individuals with quadriparesis should consider sports participation when designing interventions and education.

Effect of JM-20 on Age-Related Cognitive Impairment in Mice.

The decline in cognitive function associated with aging significantly impacts the well-being of elderly individuals and their families. This decline is a major recognized risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, notably Alzheimer's disease. Animal models of aging provide a platform for evaluating drugs concerning aspects like memory and oxidative stress. JM-20 has demonstrated protective effects on short-term memory acquisition and consolidation, along with antioxidant properties and modulation of Acetylcholinesterase activity. This study assesses the potential protective JM-20 against cognitive decline and age-related memory loss. For the study, aged mice exhibiting aging-associated damage were initially selected. Experimental groups were then formed, and the effect of 8mg/kg of JM-20 was evaluated for 40 days on aging-related behavior, such as spatial memory, novelty recognition memory, ambulatory activity, and anxiety. Subsequently, animals were sacrificed, and the hippocampal region was extracted for redox studies and to assess acetylcholinesterase activity. Results indicated that JM-20 at 8mg/kg reversed damage to spatial working and reference memory, exhibiting performance comparable to untreated young adult animals. Furthermore, JM-20 preserved the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total sulfhydryl levels in age-related cognitive impairment in mice, indicating a potent protective effect against oxidative events at the brain level. However, only young, healthy animals showed decreased acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity. These findings provide preclinical pharmacological evidence supporting the neuroprotective activity of JM-20, positioning it as a promising therapeutic candidate for treating memory disorders associated with aging.

Effects on personal and cultural wellbeing of attending free community outreach concerts given by a professional orchestra

Despite hundreds of investigations into the benefits of arts engagement for health and wellbeing, much of what we know comes from research in clinical settings, and little is understood about the positive effects of attending live musical performances. As many professional orchestras have begun re-examining their purpose and mission statements, they also seek ways to measure their impact beyond ticket sales and donations in hopes of highlighting positive effects on concertgoers and their community. The purpose of this study was to explore the impacts of a free community outreach concert series provided by a professional orchestra on individual and community wellbeing in a large city in the United States. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews, paired interviews, and a focus group with 18 participants between the ages of 18 and 77 years. Abductive analysis allowed us to consider emerging themes and pre-existing theories of wellbeing concurrently. The results showed three primary areas of impact on concert attendees’ wellbeing: emotional, social, and cultural. Concert attendance fostered positive emotional states and reduced negative emotions, led to personal feelings of connection with the orchestra and across the community, and contributed to personal- and local-cultural wellbeing. In addition to reinforcing much of the prior scholarship on the effects on wellbeing of arts participation, particularly in the emotional and social domains, the results highlight new possible connections between community outreach programs and increased cultural wellbeing.

"No doctor ever asked me…so I thought it wasn't a valid concern":endometriosis patients' perspectives of barriers and facilitators to sexual health communication in general practice.

Sexual health communication between general practitioners (GPs) and individuals with chronic diseases is well documented as an important component of sexual well-being. However, a notable gap exists in understanding factors that contribute to sexual health communication in the endometriosis context. Endometriosis-related research has focused on the assessment of sexual functioning and its role in influencing health-related quality of life, with a limited understanding of the management of sexual well-being in primary healthcare settings. To explore how individuals with endometriosis perceive their experiences of sexual health communication with GPs to understand the barriers and facilitators of this communication in general practice. This study formed part of a larger online quantitative survey measuring psychological and sexual well-being in individuals with endometriosis. In total 141 participants provided responses via open-ended unlimited free-text questions focused on their experiences of sexual health communication with GPs, including their perspectives on barriers and facilitators. Four overarching themes regarding barriers to sexual health communication were identified through thematic template analysis: (1) systemic factors; (2) practitioner factors; (3) patient factors; and (4) interpersonal factors. Facilitators mirrored strategies to address these barriers. Additionally, participants offered recommendations for developing resources to improve sexual health communication. Despite patients' interest, sexual health concerns in endometriosis are commonly overlooked in general practice due to various barriers, which individuals suggest could be addressed through comprehensive GP education and practical aids including communication tools. Although the sample is large for a qualitative study, the potential selection bias-stemming from participants' high levels of sexual dysfunction and motivation to discuss sexual health with a GP-may limit the diversity of perspectives. GP perspectives were not evaluated, precluding any assessment of the accuracy of individuals' perceptions of practitioner factors. Individuals with endometriosis encounter various systematic, practitioner, personal, and interpersonal factors that hinder or facilitate sexual health communication in general practice. Future research should prioritize strategies to improve sexual health communication for both GPs and patients.

Open relationships – challenges and dilemmas

Introduction and objective: Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) refers to various relationship types in which at least one partner, with the other’s consent, forms sexual and/or emotional connections with other people. In open relationships, partners are allowed to engage sexually with others, but emotional intimacy is reserved for the primary relationship, which takes precedence. The aim of this article is to gather the most up-to-date information on open relationships.Material and methods: A review of studies available on the PubMed platform (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) was conducted, including articles with free full-text access that used the keywords: “open relationship”, “CNM” and "Consensual non-monogamy."Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: CNM includes open relationships, polyamory, polyfidelity, and swinging. Interest in open relationships has increased in recent years, with more people expressing curiosity about them than those actively participating. Men, individuals with high cognitive empathy, those less prone to jealousy, and those capable of experiencing compersion—the joy from a partner’s involvement with others—are particularly interested in open relationships. Summary: Research suggests potential benefits of CNM, including greater relationship and sexual satisfaction compared to monogamous arrangements. However, open relationships can also pose challenges such as social stigma, the potential breakdown of the primary relationship, or complications in parenting for those involved. Despite growing interest, CNM and phenomena like compersion remain under-researched, providing an open field for further investigation into their dynamics and impact on individual and relational well-being.

Human-computer interactions with farm animals—enhancing welfare through precision livestock farming and artificial intelligence

While user-centered design approaches stemming from the human-computer interaction (HCI) field have notably improved the welfare of companion, service, and zoo animals, their application in farm animal settings remains limited. This shortfall has catalyzed the emergence of animal-computer interaction (ACI), a discipline extending technology’s reach to a multispecies user base involving both animals and humans. Despite significant strides in other sectors, the adaptation of HCI and ACI (collectively HACI) to farm animal welfare—particularly for dairy cows, swine, and poultry—lags behind. Our paper explores the potential of HACI within precision livestock farming (PLF) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance individual animal welfare and address the unique challenges within these settings. It underscores the necessity of transitioning from productivity-focused to animal-centered farming methods, advocating for a paradigm shift that emphasizes welfare as integral to sustainable farming practices. Emphasizing the ‘One Welfare’ approach, this discussion highlights how integrating animal-centered technologies not only benefits farm animal health, productivity, and overall well-being but also aligns with broader societal, environmental, and economic benefits, considering the pressures farmers face. This perspective is based on insights from a one-day workshop held on June 24, 2024, which focused on advancing HACI technologies for farm animal welfare.

Social network structure modulates neural activities underlying group norm processing: evidence from event-related potentials

IntroductionSocial ties play a crucial role in determining the health and wellbeing of individuals. However, it remains unclear whether the capacity to process social information distinguishes well-connected individuals from their less-connected peers. This study explored how an individual’s social network structure influences the dynamic processing of group norms, utilizing event-related potentials (ERPs).MethodsThe study involved 43 university students from the same class who participated in a social network study measuring metrics such as real-life social network size, in-degree, out-degree, and betweenness centrality. Subsequently, 27 students participated in an EEG study assessing their willingness to engage in various exercises after being exposed to peer feedback or in its absence.ResultsThe results indicate that an individual’s social network structure is significantly associated with the dynamic processing of group norms. Notably, well-connected individuals exhibited larger ERP amplitudes linked to feedback (e.g., N200, P300, and LPP), greater functional segregation within the brain network (e.g., local efficiency and clustering coefficient), and enhanced synchronization within frontal area and across different brain areas.DiscussionThese findings highlight that well-connected individuals possess enhanced sensitivity and efficiency in processing social information, pointing to potential areas for further research on the factors influencing social network evolution.

A room of one’s own? The consequences of living density on individual well-being and social anomie

Abstract The global housing affordability crisis and COVID shutdowns have put living space inequality back on the political agenda. Drawing on Durkheim’s theory of anomie and density, this paper argues that on how many square meters a society lives matters for how stable or anomic it develops. Using data from the Swiss Household Panel, we examine the selection, short-term, and dynamic effects associated with transitions to overcrowded and under-occupied dwellings. We conceptualize these transitions as disruptive events that require a reconfiguration of personal and social equilibria in individuals’ lives. While overcrowded housing leads to a heightening of emotional states and more tense internal household dynamics, people respond by adjusting their leisure activities and restructuring their support networks from strong to weak ties. Conversely, moving to an under-occupied dwelling is associated with melancholic emotional stabilization, but improves household balance and leads to consolidation of the core network of relatives at the expense of outer social circles. We conclude that the classical characterization of anomie as a mismatch between personal means and societal ends should be understood as a multifaceted phenomenon in which meso-level social networks can be a crucial means to cope with disruptions that arise at other levels.

Predictive Analytics for Mental Health: Machine Learning Approaches in the Tech Industry

Mental health concerns in the technology sector have become increasingly prominent, drawing attention due to the industry's high-pressure environment and intense workloads. This study investigates the application of machine learning techniques to predict mental health conditions among technology industry professionals. The research utilizes a comprehensive dataset, analyzing factors such as work-life balance, job satisfaction, workplace environment, and individual well-being. The study implements and evaluates several Machine Learning approaches, including Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Decision Tree Classifier, KNN, Gradient Boosting Classifier, XGB Classifier, to determine the most effective method for predicting mental health outcomes. The results highlight the potential of predictive analytics in early identification, enabling organizations to implement proactive strategies to enhance mental wellness and improve employee productivity. Additionally, this investigation emphasizes the necessity of incorporating mental health support mechanisms in technology-driven workplaces to foster a more positive work environment. The paper concludes with a discussion of the study's limitations and potential avenues for improving mental health prediction models in the future.

Fitness and psychological effects of tele-exercise in healthy populations. Preliminary study

BackgroundThe study investigates the impact of tele-exercise on physical fitness and psychological well-being in healthy individuals. Tele-exercise, facilitated by technology, offers a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional exercise, particularly beneficial during restricted in-person interactions.MethodsIn this study, 52 participants were divided into three groups: athletes, women, and young adults. They took part in an eight-week tele-exercise program, either synchronously or asynchronously. Physical fitness was evaluated using tests such as the 2-Minute Step and Curl Up Test, while psychological well-being was assessed using the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).ResultsSignificant improvements in physical fitness and psychological well-being were observed in post-intervention across all groups, regardless of training mode. In the fitness tests, a significant improvement was obtained in the 2-Minute-Step (p = 0.004), in the curls up (p = 0.017), and in squats test (p = 0.004). In the forward bending test, the increment was very close to the significance (p = 0.051). In the psychological well-being tests, both PGWBI and WHO-5 scores increased after the training (p = 0.024 and p = 0.001 respectively) with no significant change in the PSS-10 score. The study found that tele-exercise can effectively introduce physical activity to previously inactive individuals and motivate them to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors.ConclusionsThe TELEexe4ALL project demonstrates the potential of tele-exercise to improve physical fitness and psychological well-being. The study suggests that tele-exercise is a feasible and well-accepted approach for enhancing overall wellness in healthy populations.

The Role of Arts in Health Program Evaluation

Arts-based interventions are gaining recognition for their potential to enhance health outcomes, reduce stigma, and improve the well-being of individuals and communities. As such programs proliferate across healthcare settings, from hospitals to senior centers, the need for rigorous evaluation frameworks becomes essential to assess their effectiveness. This paper examines the intersection of arts and health programs, examining their contribution to physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It emphasizes the importance of evaluation in validating these interventions, outlines key components of arts program evaluation, and highlights methods for assessing impact, including mixed-method approaches. The aim is to provide a comprehensive guide for evaluating arts in health programs, ensuring their sustained integration into healthcare practices. Keywords: Arts in health, Health program evaluation, Mental health, Community well-being, Mixed-methods evaluation, Arts-based interventions.

“The 21st century professionalization?”: online education as an instrument for bolstering individual welfare and societal equality

Abstract Since the start of the last decade of the 20th century, the application of digital technologies with the potential of making substantial contributions to a community’s welfare have led to the creation of the literature of Public Interest Technologies and reinvigorated many areas of focus in the social sciences. A relevant subfield of this literature has been the application of new technologies to education to increase social public benefits. The traditional literature on higher education seems to agree that the expansion of this good throughout a society is desirable because it generates direct and indirect individual gains, as well as aggregate level social benefits in the form of positive externalities. However, some authors have argued that the acquisition of postsecondary education has its own drawbacks: unwanted intellectual influence of instructors on students, barriers to access for students of historically vulnerable sociodemographic groups, as well as students’ perception of a reduced pay-off from going to college. While there have been some indices that online higher education could abate many of these issues, there has been relatively little formal research to test this tool’s impact. Using a quantitative approach, via cross-section and time-series data analysis, the text finds some evidence that online higher education could solve many of higher education’s drawbacks, while also being a feasible approach given the current technological environment of the United States. The text concludes outlining future research using a mixed-methods approach that could be highly valuable to acquire a more comprehensive view and robust evidence of online higher education’s potential of expanding social public benefits.

EXTH-07. UNRAVELING THE ROLE OF SHH SIGNALING PATHWAY IN RETINOBLASTOMA

Abstract Retinoblastoma (RB) is a pediatric cancer affecting the retina, often requiring surgical removal of one or both eyes due to the limited effectiveness of current treatments. There is an urgent need for advanced therapeutic strategies capable of effectively eliminating tumors, thereby obviating the need for surgical removal of eyes in affected children. Achieving this goal requires a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing RB initiation and progression. Using a transgenic mouse model, we identified the crucial role of the Shh signaling pathway in Rb1 mutation-induced tumorigenesis, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for RB treatment. We have observed frequent overexpression of Shh signaling proteins (SHH, GLI1, and GLI2) in human RB, correlating with aggressive clinicopathological features. GLI2 overexpression is necessary for Rb1 deletion-induced RB tumor initiation in mouse retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). These mouse intraocular tumors accurately replicate human RB at both cellular and molecular levels. Additionally, Shh pathway activation extends to normal retinal cells adjacent to human RB tumors, suggesting the involvement of Shh signaling in RB-microenvironment interactions. Importantly, our studies have identified a novel small molecular inhibitor targeting the Shh pathway, effectively inhibiting RB growth in vitro and in vivo by targeting both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The proposed research aims to provide unprecedented insights into the role of SHH signaling pathway in RB initiation and progression and the supporting communication network between RB tumors and TME. These outcomes have the potential to treat RB effectively while improving the well-being of young individuals with RB and those at risk of RB.

Call to Action: Integrating Anti-racist Philosophies in Dismantling Racism and Anti-Black Racism in Nursing Education in Canada.

Despite nursing's stated mandate of health equity and social justice, concrete steps to address racism and anti-Black racism in the profession and nursing education remain mainly non-significant and are often seen as performative. It is crucial to implement tangible measures to dismantle racism and anti-Black racism in nursing education to address racial health disparities. Throughout history, nursing education has been shaped by colonial and Eurocentric ideologies, leading to the silencing and erasure of the knowledge, culture, perspectives, and ways of knowing of Black and other racialized communities. Consequently, urgent action is required to dismantle embedded racism and anti-Black racism in the nursing profession. Drawing on anti-racist philosophies, we argue that dismantling racism in nursing education goes beyond superficial discussions of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Instead, it demands a proactive approach to tackle the underlying causes of racial inequities. In this article, we propose several recommendations and implications for nursing educators, researchers, policymakers, and educational institutions to eliminate racism and anti-Black racism in both nursing education and practice. These recommendations include acknowledging the historical and contemporary impacts of racism and anti-Black racism on the health and well-being of Black individuals, engaging in critical self-reflexivity, integrating and prioritizing Black knowledge and perspectives in nursing education, practice, and research, and intentionally adopting anti-racist pedagogy.

A comprehensive nurse-led aftercare programme addressing post-burn sexual well-being of adult burn survivors: a randomised controlled trial.

Sexual well-being is a key part of being human yet often remains shrouded in secrecy and poorly addressed in the clinical setting. The impact of burns and its long-term sequelae often lead to concerns regarding body image disturbance, self-esteem issues, and interpersonal challenges which can impact on an individual's sexual well-being. However, existing post-burn rehabilitation programmes usually lack components addressing concerns regarding sexual well-being. As a part of a larger project, we developed a nurse-led aftercare programme, and this study sought to examine the effects of the programme in addressing the post-burn sexual well-being of adult burn survivors. A randomised controlled trial approach was used. Sixty burn survivors aged ≥ 18 years with burn size ≥ 10% total burn surface area were assigned to intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group underwent the nurse-led aftercare programme which involved pre-discharge support and proactive follow-up support over 8 weeks. The sexuality subscale of the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief was used to evaluate the outcome of interest. Data were collected at three timepoints: baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and follow-up (T2). Using a corrected p value of 0.017, the study observed only statistically significant time effect at both T1 and T2. Both group and interaction effects were statistically insignificant for this outcome. Issues regarding sexual well-being are often considered sacred and may be challenging to discuss. Thus, a longer duration of the intervention may be considered with ongoing training of practitioners to identify and resolve emerging challenges. Despite the non-significant interaction and group effects, including sexual well-being support in post-burns rehabilitation programmes will facilitate access to and utilisation of the service among burn survivors who may need it. Prospectively registered on 14th August 2020. govNCT04517721.

Evaluating cancer patients' experiences with doctor-patient communication in Taiwan: development and validation of a new assessment instrument.

Effective communication between doctors and patients is crucial for the well-being of individuals diagnosed with cancer. This study aimed to develop and validate a cancer-specific Doctor-Patient Communication Satisfaction Scale (DPCSS-Cancer) from the patients' perspective. Initial items were generated through literature review. Content validity was assessed via feedback from five experts, while face validity was determined through cognitive interviews with 13 patients. The revised DPCSS-Cancer was subsequently tested in a sample of 200 cancer patients to assess test-retest stability, internal consistency, factor structure, and criterion-related validity. The development process resulted in a 15-item DPCSS-Cancer across two dimensions, using a 4-point rating scale (1 = strongly disagree to 4 = strongly agree). The item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.8 to 1.0, with a scale-level CVI of 0.96. Following expert and patient feedback, no items were eliminated, but modifications were made to item wording. In formal testing, the overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.96, with 0.89 for the first dimension and 0.95 for the second. Test-retest reliability was established at 0.82. The two-dimensional structure was partially confirmed. Criterion-related validity was supported through a significant positive correlation with a measure of trust in the physician (r = 0.86). Factors contributing to higher DPCSS-Cancer scores were identified. The DPCSS-Cancer shows satisfactory reliability and validity, making it a viable patient-reported outcome measure for assessing cancer patients' satisfaction with doctor-patient communication.

Water Quality Assessment and Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases within Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State-Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt Water quality and the prevalence of waterborne diseases in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, were assessed. Microbiological analyses revealed microbial, helminth and protozoan contamination in water sources while Physicochemical analyses revealed heavy metal contamination. There is a need for enhanced water treatment and community awareness for improving water safety and public health in the region. Full Abstract The health and well-being of individuals in a nation are intrinsically tied to the quality of water available for consumption. Access to high-quality water plays a vital role in supporting proper nutrition, ensuring food security, and preventing waterborne diseases. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess water quality and prevalence of waterborne diseases within Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2024. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires (400 respondents) and laboratory water analysis. Water samples were analyzed from various sources involving boreholes, rivers and wells through composite sampling and physicochemical and microbiological analyses. Results showed samples from Unguwan Maigero and Tricania possessed varying physicochemical properties, while water from Goningora and Nasarawa revealed high turbidity and heavy metal contamination. Chloride levels were below 500 ppm, and sulphate concentrations ranged from 10.76 to 378.3 ppm. Sodium levels ranged from 19.5 to 110 mg/l, and potassium levels exceeded the permissible limit in some samples. Total coliform counts exceeded national limits (zero coliform per 100ml of water), indicating significant microbial contamination. Parasitological analysis indicated helminths and protozoan contamination in non-borehole sources. Findings showed 41% prevalence of waterborne diseases with diarrhea and typhoid. The study indicates that community awareness, appropriate water treatment, surveillance, and monitoring are essentials for assuring the availability and utilisation of safe and high-quality drinking water in Chikun LGA, Kaduna State.