Latrine Use Research Articles

Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Perilaku BABS Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Siulak Gedang

Open Defecation Free (ODF) is an activity directed at changing the behavior of Open defecationtoward latrines. Based on the data obtained, there are 10 villages with a total of 457 households that have not been verified as open defecation free. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors related to open defecation behavior in the Siulak Gedang Health Center Work Area, Kerinci Regency in 2022. This research was a quantitative study with the approach cross sectional conducted in two villages in the Siulak Gedang Health Center Work Area. . The population in this study were all households in the village with high open defecation status, namely Siulak Gedang Village and Pelak Naneh Village as many as 515 families, with a sample of 100 families. Data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire. Data analysis with univariate and bivariate with statistical chi-square test. The results showed that there was a relationship between knowledge (p = 0.003), attitude (p = 0.000), socioeconomic (p = 0.002), and latrine ownership (p = 0.000) with open defecation behavior. There was no relationship between the support of health workers (p=1) with open defecation behavior. To reduce the number of open defecation (OD), it is hoped that the community always participates in implementing clean and healthy living behaviors, especially in the ownership and use of healthy family latrines.

Environmental Sanitation with Diarrhea in the Elderly

Abnormal bowel movements more than three times a day with concentrations of watery stools with or without blood or mucus due to inflammatory processes in the stomach or intestines. Purpose: Knowing environmental sanitation with the incidence of diarrhea in the elderly. Method: The research design used was an analytic survey using a cross sectional study, the population in this study was the elderly, a sample of 30 respondents. Results: The statistical test shows that the chi square test for clean water supply has a value of ? = 0.045, family latrines ? = 0.045, household waste management ?=0.045, and SPAL ?=0.049. Conclusion: That there is a relationship between clean water supply, use of family latrines, household waste management, and SPAL with the incidence of diarrhea in the elderly. Water is very important for human life. Efforts can be made to improve the provision of clean water, provision of latrines, management of solid waste, management of liquid waste, and efforts to improve environmental sanitation programs.

Low CD4 Counts and History of Sore Throat Predict High SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in Mwanza, Tanzania

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the fact that it affects all ages and profiles, some evidence shows that patients with comorbidities, including diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, are likely to be most affected. For chronic diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), information is scarce, with a few studies from high-income countries. This study reports predictors of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity (IgG + IgM) among unvaccinated people living with HIV attending Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methodology: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study involving 150 HIV-infected patients was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre between June and July 2022. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the participants’ information. Blood samples were collected and used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 (IgM/IgG) antibodies by immunochromatographic assay. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Results: The mean age of the enrolled participants was 46.4 ± 11.1 years. The overall seropositivity (IgG + IgM) of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 79/150 (52.7%) [95% CI: 44.4–60.9]. Seropositivity of IgM only was 8/150 (5.3) [95% CI: 1.7–8.8], while that of IgG only was 61/150 (40.6%) [95% CI: 32.7–48.4]. Seropositivity of both IgG and IgM was observed in 10/150 (6.7%) patients. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, history of sore throat (OR: 6.34, 95% CI: 2.305–18.351, p < 0.001), low CD4 count (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.995–0.999, p = 0.004), and use of pit latrines (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.122–4.738, p = 0.023) were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Conclusion: HIV-infected individuals with history of sore throat, low CD4 count, and use of pit latrines were more likely to be SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositive. There is a need to routinely screen for SARS-CoV-2 infection among HIV-infected individuals to obtain comprehensive data regarding the interactions of the pathogens.

Barriers for upgrading of latrines in rural Ethiopia: disentangling a sanitation socio-technical lock-in

ABSTRACT Ethiopia achieved the fastest reduction in open defaecation worldwide over the two past decades. However, it was through the use of predominantly non-durable, unhygienic latrines. It questions the presumed effects of latrine adoption on public health and heightens a risk of return to open defaecation. Resources invested into sanitation in Ethiopia may be wasted if upgrading to latrines is not facilitated. This paper aims to understand factors hindering the improvement of latrines in Southern Ethiopia based on the structured interviews and direct observations among 504 rural households supplemented by qualitative interviews with local representatives. We examine the quality and past improvements of latrines, revealed plans and attitudes regarding the improvements, willingness to pay for hygienic latrine components, costs perceptions and infrastructural barriers. We identified a socio-technical lock-in characterised by the sustained use of unhygienic latrines without recognisable shifts up the sanitation ladder. It has been cemented by the demand-oriented sanitation strategy, poverty and infrastructural constraints. People are generally satisfied with unhygienic latrines, being convinced that their use is good for health. The satisfaction curbs the demand for latrine upgrading. The demand for latrine upgrading is further reduced by poverty and material constraints, preventing local supply of hygienic sanitation components to develop. Our findings show that market approaches alone will not solve the problem. Provision of subsidised sanitation products is required together with a campaign that would disintegrate the widespread belief that the use of any latrine is good for human health.

Soil-transmitted helminth infection among school-age children in Ogoja, Nigeria: implication for control.

The study aimedat assessing the prevalence and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminthiases among school-aged children in Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State. Fecal samples were collected from 504 participants and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique and modified Baermann technique for identifying larvae of Strongyloides. A total of 232 (46.0%) samples were positive for soil-transmitted helminths. The overall prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis were 14.1%, 16.5%, 2.6%, and 12.9% respectively. The prevalence of infections were higher among males (46.6%) than females (45.4%). Overall, parasitic infection was higher in the 5-7-year age group (65.6%) than in the other age groups (p = 0.000). Infection intensities of A. lumbricoides (84.00 EPG) (p = 0.044) and T. trichiura (96.00 EPG) (p = 0.041) were higher in school-age children aged 14-16years. A. lumbricoides and hookworm co-infection (8.7%) was the most common mixed infection and was significantly higher in males than females. School-aged children who did not have prior knowledge about soil-transmitted helminth infections, the habit of drinking water without boiling, open defecation, use of pit latrine, and children who did not have toilet facilities in school were significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminthiases. There was a significant relationship between washing hands after using the toilet, the habit of putting on footwear outside the house, and soil-transmitted helminth infection. In addition to preventive chemotherapy, control measures should focus on health education, providing clean drinking water, proper disposal of human excreta and sewage, and environmental hygiene.

The relationship between clean and healthy lifestyle behavior (phbs) with diarrhea incidence in Toddlers at Mekar Baru Health Center year 2022

Background.According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012, there are more than one billion cases of gastroenteritis every year. The morbidity rate for diarrhea in 2011 was 411 sufferers per 1000 population. It is estimated that 82% of deaths from rotavirus gastroenteritis occur in developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa, where access to health and nutritional status is still a problem.Research purposes.The general objective is to find out the relationship between clean and healthy living behavior (PHBS) and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers at the Mekar Baru Health Center in 2022.Method.This study uses two variables, namely the independent variable and the dependent variable. The independent (independent) variable is a variable that influences or becomes the cause of the change or the emergence of the dependent variable, while the dependent (bound) variable is a variable that is affected or due, because of the independent variableResults.There is a significant correlation between the incidence of diarrhea and clean water, healthy latrines, and weighing the baby (marked with ), with a p-value of less than 0.05. This shows that there is a significant relationship between these variables. However, the relationship between the incidence of diarrhea and exclusiveness is not significant (p-value > 0.05), so it cannot be said that there is a strong relationship between the two variables.Conclusion.Overall, it is important to increase public knowledge, awareness and understanding of the implementation of PHBS which includes hand washing, use of clean water, healthy latrines and exclusive breastfeeding. Education programs, campaigns and support from health workers can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and improve overall community health at the UPTD Puskesmas Mekar.

Exploring water, sanitation, and hygiene coverage targets for reaching and sustaining trachoma elimination: G-computation analysis.

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness. To reduce transmission, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) improvements are promoted through a comprehensive public health strategy. Evidence supporting the role of WaSH in trachoma elimination is mixed and it remains unknown what WaSH coverages are needed to effectively reduce transmission. We used g-computation to estimate the impact on the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular among children aged 1-9 years (TF1-9) when hypothetical WaSH interventions raised the minimum coverages from 5% to 100% for "nearby" face-washing water (<30 minutes roundtrip collection time) and adult latrine use in an evaluation unit (EU). For each scenario, we estimated the generalized prevalence difference as the TF1-9 prevalence under the intervention scenarios minus the observed prevalence. Data from 574 cross-sectional surveys conducted in 16 African and Eastern Mediterranean countries were included. Surveys were conducted from 2015-2019 with support from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project and Tropical Data. When modeling interventions among EUs that had not yet met the TF1-9 elimination target, increasing nearby face-washing water and latrine use coverages above 30% was generally associated with consistent decreases in TF1-9. For nearby face-washing water, we estimated a ≥25% decrease in TF1-9 at 65% coverage, with a plateau upon reaching 85% coverage. For latrine use, the estimated decrease in TF1-9 accelerated from 80% coverage upward, with a ≥25% decrease in TF1-9 by 85% coverage. Among EUs that had previously met the elimination target, results were inconclusive. Our results support Sustainable Development Goal 6 and provide insight into potential WaSH-related coverage targets for trachoma elimination. Targets can be tested in future trials to improve evidence-based WaSH guidance for trachoma.

HUBUNGAN PERILAKU HIDUP BERSIH DAN SEHAT (PHBS) DENGAN KEJADIAN DIARE PADA ANAK USIA BALITA DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS PUTRI AYU KOTA JAMBI

Diarrhea disease often affects infants and toddlers one of the most commonly studied risk factors are environmental factors that include clean water (SAB), environmental sanitation, jamban, and home conditions. This research aims to know the relationship of the behavior of clean and healthy life (PHBS) with the incidence of diarrhea in children of toddlers in the working area of Putri Ayu City Jambi in 2020. This research is a quantitative study with a cross centional approach. The population in this research is all mothers who have children in the workplace of the health center of Putri Ayu Jambi with a population of 655 people. The samples in this study were as many as 40 people with simple random sampling techniques. Univariate and bivariate data analysis. The results showed that from 40 respondents, as many as 24 respondents (60%) Diarrhea, giving the ASI exclusively as many as 23 respondents (57.5%), use of clean water is not eligible as much as 24 respondents (60%), do not wash with soap with 21 respondents (52.5%) and qualified for 22 respondents (55%). There is an exclusive breast-feeding relationship (P = 0,002) and soap-wearing handwash (P = 0,002) with the incidence of diarrhea with P value of &lt; 0.05. There is no net use of water (P = 0,056) and the use of healthy latrines (P = 0,080) with the incidence of diarrhea with P value &gt; 0.05.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Food Handlers of Food and Drinking Establishments in Woldia Town, North-East Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Food handlers should be screened periodically for intestinal parasitic infections, and they should be treated to reduce intestinal parasite transmission to consumers through contaminated foods and drinks. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia. A community-basedcross-sectional study was conducted among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and intestinal parasite-associated risk factors. Microscopic examination of a stool sample was performed using wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software packages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors. In all comparisons, P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town was 14.3%. Six different intestinal parasites were detected. The majority of the parasites identified were helminthic infections 37/52 (71%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most dominant parasite (7.7%), followed by E. histolytica/dispar (2.7%) and G. lamblia (1.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intestinal parasitic infection had a statistically significant association with food handlers' habits of hand washing without soap after latrine use (P < 0.01), swimming habit (P=0.03), and using a common knife (P < 0.01). This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Woldia town. Strict and standard hygienic and sanitary practices should be implemented by food handlers. Moreover, food handlers should be screened for intestinal parasitic infection, and health education should be given periodically.

Identifikasi Penggunaan Sumber Air Bersih dan Jamban Rumah Tangga Terhadap Riwayat Sakit pada Anak Usia 6-59 Bulan di Pesisir Pantai Kabupaten Karawang

Previous studies have shown that illness, especially infectious diseases, is a risk factor for malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months. Environmental sanitation is an important factor that influences the occurrence of infection. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the use of clean water sources and the use of household latrines with a history of diseases in children aged 6-59 months. This study used a cross-sectional design with 108 research subjects. Research subjects were selected using accidental sampling. Collecting data using interview and observation techniques. The results showed that there was no significant relationship between the type of source of drinking water, type of source of washing water, type of latrines, and ownership of latrines with a history of diseases in the research subjects. The history of diseases in the research subjects was significantly related to the distance between the water source and the waste disposal site (p-value &lt;0.05). Based on these results, further efforts are needed to improve environmental sanitation in coastal areas to prevent an increase in morbidity in children under five.

Influence of latrine coverage and usage on diarrhoea incidence among children under 5 living in slum areas of Douala 5th sub-division, Cameroon.

lack of adequate sanitation facilities remain a major concern in developing countries. While around 41% of Cameroonians lack access to improved sanitation facilities, the 2011 National Survey revealed a diarrhoea incidence rate of 21% in children under five years, two weeks before interview. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of latrine coverage and usage on diarrhoeic disease outcomes among children under 5. a cross-sectional study was carried out in March 2016 in pre-selected slums areas of Douala 5th district. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from one consenting adult per household. Data analysis was carried out using Epi Info version 7.1.4.0. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher exact test were used to estimate the influence of latrine coverage on the incidence of diarrhoea. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. of the 384 households enrolled, 69.01% had latrine facilities, while 30.99% shared latrines with neighbouring households. Sixty point sixteen percent (60.16%) (231/384) of all households used pit latrines. Although consistent use of latrines by all adults was reported, 20.05% of children under 5 practiced open-air defecation. The incidence of diarrhoea among children under 5 years 2 weeks before interview was 29.25%, of which 26.35% were bloody stools. Diarrhoea outcome was significantly associated with use of pit latrines (p < 0.01); lack of cover on latrines hole (p < 0.0001) and proximity of latrines to household (p=0.01). poor faecal waste management and lack of improved sanitation facilities contribute significantly to diarrhoeal episodes among children under 5. A structured strategy to improve community-based sanitation considering urban planning and sanitation campaigns would promote safer environment and reduce outcome of water-borne and diarrhoeic diseases.

Prevalence of Diarrhea, Intestinal Parasites, and Associated Factors Among Under-Five Children in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study.

Despite global interventions to prevent and control diarrhea, it remains a public health problem leading to childhood morbidity and mortality majorly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, data from 2021 indicated that diarrheal disease is responsible for 8% of deaths in children under the age of 5. In the world, more than 1 billion under-five children live in poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination affected by intestinal parasitic infections and diarrhea disease. In sub-Saharan African countries like Ethiopia, diarrheal diseases and parasite infections continue to cause significant and persistent morbidity and mortality in under-five children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasites and diarrheal diseases in children under the age of 5 years in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia in 2022. A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out from September 16 to August 18th 2022. Four hundred households with at least one child under the age of 5 years were recruited by simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors were also collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diarrhea and intestinal parasitic infections. The level of significance was computed at a P-value ⩽ .05. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and other summary statistics were used for describing sociodemographic variables and determining the prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasites. Tables, figures, and texts were used to present the findings. The variables having a P-value of less than .2 in the bivariable analysis were entered into the multivariable analysis at a P-value of ⩽.5. According to this study, the prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasites among under-five children was 20.8% (95% CI: [16.8-37.8] and 32.5% (95% CI: [28.6, 37.8], respectively. In multivariable logistic analysis at a P-value of ⩽.5, the educational level of mothers (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.7, 95% CI: [1.52, 8.95], residence (AOR: 4.7, 95% CI: [1.52, 8.09]), undernutrition (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: [1.09, 11.3]), latrine availability (AOR:3.9, 95% CI: [1.23, 9.56]), types of the latrine (AOR: 5.9, 95% CI: [3.42, 11.66]), water treatment (AOR = 7.6; 95% CI: [6.4, 12.7]), eating uncooked vegetable or fruits (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: [1.025, 15.2]), and source of water (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: [2.32,8.92]) were significantly associated with diarrheal disease. Intestinal parasitic infection was also significantly associated with undernutrition (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: [1.09, 9.67]), latrine availability (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI:[1.32, 9.32]), types of the latrine (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: [1.92, 8.12]) residence (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: [1.52, 8.09]), water treatment, source of water for drinking (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: [2.32, 8.92]), eating uncooked vegetables or fruits (AOR = 6.7:95% CI: [3.9, 9.8]), and deworming children with anti-parasitic medication (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: [1.34, 5.62]), washing hands after latrine used (AOR = 2.2: 95% CI: [1.06, 3.86]). The prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasite among under-five children was 20.8% and 32.5%, respectively. Undernutrition, latrine availability, types of latrines, residence, eating uncooked vegetables or fruits, and source of water for drinking and water treatment were associated with intestinal parasitic infection and diarrheal disease. Deworming children with antiparasitic medications and washing hands after latrine use was also significantly associated with parasitic infection. Hence, awareness creation activities on latrine utilization and building, keeping personal hygiene, safe water supply, feeding cooked vegetables or fruits, taking anti-parasitic medications, practice hand washing habit after toilet use are strongly recommended.

Seroprevalence of Taenia saginata Cysts in Cattle, Human Hospital Cases, and Risk Factors for Human Taeniasis in Kajiado County, Kenya.

Taenia saginata is a zoonotic tapeworm that causes diseases in cattle and humans. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and July 2021 in Kajiado County, Kenya, to estimate the seroprevalence of Taenia saginata cysts in cattle presented for slaughter in Kitengela, Kiserian, and Keekonyokie slaughterhouses; determine the annual hospital reported cases of T. saginata in humans that visited all level 4 hospitals in Kajiado County between 2015 and 2021; and assess the risk factors for Taenia saginata in humans. Analyzed data in this study revealed that the seroprevalence of Taenia saginata cysts in cattle in the selected slaughterhouses was 2.67% (4/150). The meat inspectors recorded no cysts during the study period, confirming that antibody ELISA is three times as sensitive as meat inspection. Data from hospital records showed that a total of 1,487,687 patients visited different facilities in Kajiado County between 2015 and 2021. During the same period, 29 patients were diagnosed with human taeniasis. From the risk factors assessed, uninspected home slaughter (75%), consumption of raw/improperly cooked beef (100%), and open defecation by herders (11%) still pose a risk to humans getting infected by Taenia saginata, while the presence and use of latrines (89%) and availability, accessibility, and use of taenicides (89%) seem to have significantly contributed to the reduction of Taenia saginata prevalence in this region. It is recommended that control of the infection should be centered towards continuous focused education coupled with regular deworming of the herders and school going children. This will gradually result in behavior and culture change that will ultimately reduce the prevalence and lead to the elimination of the disease.

Improved latrines minimally impact Schistosoma mekongi transmission in Mekong islands

Schistosoma mekongi and other intestinal helminth infections remain public health concerns in Lao People's Democratic Republic, especially in remote areas where access to sanitation is limited.We performed an experimental study in four villages where latrine construction was coupled with two rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel and albendazole, and compared with two control villages that only received two rounds of MDA. The prevalence of helminth infections before (baseline) and after (follow-up) intervention were compared. Additionally, the prevalence in intervention and control villages were compared 12 months post-intervention. Kato–Katz, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and Baermann techniques were employed to assess helminth infections.We found infection prevalence of S. mekongi in the intervention and control villages was 28.6% and 1.8%, respectively. The prevalences of other helminth infections were as follows: Opisthorchis viverrini, 79.5% and 71.8%; hookworm, 48.8% and 65.6%; and Strongyloides stercoralis, 43.1% and 38.3%. Other helminth species were detected in less than 5% of the study participants. Latrine intervention coupled with two rounds of MDA in the intervention villages reduced the prevalence of S. mekongi infection by 6.0% (from 28.6% to 22.6%; P < 0.001), O. viverrini infection by 11.3% (from 79.5% to 68.2%; P < 0.001), hookworm infection by 22.6% (from 48.8% to 26.2%; P < 0.001), and S. stercoralis infection by 12.0% (from 43.1% to 31.1%; P < 0.001). The observed reductions were not significantly different when compared to the control villages, where only two rounds of MDA were implemented (P > 0.05). Study participants in both groups commonly engaged in behaviours such as open defecation, bathing in the Mekong River, consuming raw or undercooked fish dishes and walking barefoot. These practices and behaviours are associated with helminth infections. Concluding, this study showed only a marginal impact associated with latrine use in intervention communities. There is a need for longer term studies with integrated interventions, such as effective health education to foster behavioural changes related to open defecation, raw or undercooked food consumption, wearing protected footwear outdoors, and personal hygiene.

Latrine Utilization and its Associated Factors in Urban Slums Dwellers of Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Sanitation facilities are critical for interrupting the transmission of feco-oral disease through proper use, not simply their physical presence. Latrine utilization is the actual behavior in a practice of regularly using existing latrines for the safe disposal of excreta. In slum regions of developing nations, such as Ethiopia, poor latrine use is a prevalent concern. As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine the state of latrine utilization and its determinant factors in the urban slums of Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was done in slum regions of Gondar City from March 1 to April 30, 2021, with a total of 422 systematically chosen households. A structured pre-tested questionnaire and on-the-spot observational checklists were used to collect the data from each household. Latrine utilization was observed among 31.5% of households. Latrine utilization was also significantly associated with the age of the latrine (age ⩽10 years) (AOR: 2.31; 95% CI (1.15, 4.63)), cleanliness of the latrine (AOR: 3.70; 95% CI (1.16, 11.78)), pit being lined (AOR: 6.33; 95% CI (2.09, 19.15)), depth of latrine (⩽3 m) (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI (0.24, 0.77)), and cleaning materials for handwashing (AOR: 0.33; 95% CI (0.15, 0.75)). Based on the present finding, most households didn't have proper latrine utilization practices. The age of the latrine, cleanliness of the latrine, pit being lined, depth of the pit, and cleaning materials for handwashing were associated factors of latrine utilization. As a result, sanitation interventions such as health education about improving the cleanliness and sanitary condition of existing latrine facilities and constructing lined and deep new latrines as the goal's standard should be implemented.

Prevalence and risk factors of diarrhea among children less than five years of age in the rural suburbs of Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia; Robust Poisson Regression Analysis.

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Information on the prevalence and the impacting factors of diarrhea in the rural suburbs of Dire Dawa is inadequate. This study was aimed at determining risk factors of diarrhea among children less than five years of age in the rural suburbs of Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 02 May 2018, to 31 May 2018. The required 1146 children for this study were selected from the rural suburbs of Dire Dawa using multi-stage sampling. Both bi-variable and multivariable Robust Poisson regressions were used for identifying the risk factors. Explanatory variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered as independently associated with diarrhea. The prevalence of diarrhea among the children was 23% (95% CI: 20.7 - 25.4). The type of house floor (aPR [adjusted prevalence ratio] = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84 - 0.95) and sharing latrine with neighbours (aPR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.26) were the significant factors associated with childhood diarrhea. Earthen house floor and shared use of latrine were the risk factors associated with childhood diarrhea. Hence, improving the house floor condition and construction of private latrine together with health education are recommended.

The Use of Sanitary Latrines and the Practice of Open-Air Defecation in a Rural Setup in Perambalur District: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Public health initiatives aim to decrease infectious diseases by enhancing sanitation, which is their primary goal. The practice of sporadically contaminating the environment with human feces has been around for generations and is embedded in the cultural behavior of villagers in India. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of people with access to latrine facilities and the proportion of people who practice open defecation in the villages of Perambalur, Tamil Nadu. Methodology This community-based, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in two rural villages in the Perambalur district for six months. After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee, we informed participants about the study's purpose. We conducted the study in selected rural areas and included every single residence in the hamlet, irrespective of whether the residents were permanent or temporary. We did not include families that were not reachable at any point during the survey. A convenient sampling procedure was used to select 330 houses for the study. The lead investigator interviewed one individual from each household, preferably the head of the family. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the pertinent information.All collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA), and SPSS software version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used to analyze the results. Results Only around 3.6% of the study participants lived in kutcha households, and about 99.1% of participants identified as Hindu. The proportion of household latrines used was 64.1% among the study participants. Of them, 52.3% engaged in open defecation. Only 4.7% of participants had access to an underground drainage system. Most participants gained knowledge from medical professionals (84.8%). Social media was the second most used source, accounting for about 60.7% of the total. The most frequent reason given for practicing open-air defecation was the perception that constructing restrooms would be expensive (76.3%), while the second most frequent reason was a lack of land (53.4%). An independent t-test found no statistically significant relationship between the availability of household latrines and the number of girls or boys, age, or family income. Compared to those living in semi-pucca and kutcha households, most participants (77.3%) who lived in pucca houses had household latrines. The chi-square test revealed that this proportional difference was statistically significant (p =0.0001). Conclusions The study participants used household latrines 64.1% of the time. Of the participants, 52.3% engaged in open defecation. The government's initiative to build toilets has only helped a quarter of the population, which needs to be improved. Only 5% of people living in rural areas have access to an underground drainage system. The results of our study provide a justification for the government program's mandate that healthcare practitioners must deliver health education. Therefore, a personalized approach is required to overcome the behavioral barrier among rural people and achieve behavior change.

Access to Latrine Facilities and Associated Factors in India: An Empirical and Spatial Analysis

Access to adequate sanitation facilities is a basic human right and fundamental to good health. Inadequate and unhygienic sanitation practices have severe consequences for public health and socio-economic development. This study examines the levels and trends in access to latrine facilities, spatial variations and the associated socio-economic factors in India. Data drawn from the National Sample Survey Organization’s (NSSO) 69th (2012) and 76th rounds (2018) were used in this study. Moran’s ‘I’ statistic and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) were applied to assess the spatial variations in access to latrine facilities. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to examine the factors associated with latrine use. The findings revealed that access to sanitation facilities is unsatisfactory, and there is a huge rural–urban gap in latrine use. Unequal access among socio-economic groups is also very prominent. The study found substantial geographical variations in latrine use across the country; open defecation is highly prevalent in eastern and central regions of the country, while the north and north-eastern regions have better access to latrine facilities. Factors like education, occupation, socio-religious affiliation, water availability, and economic status are significant determinants of accessibility to latrine. It is recommended that targeted interventions for the socio-economically disadvantaged groups, spreading awareness about the importance of latrine use and hygienic practices, and proper assistance for construction and maintenance of toilets could be helpful to combat the harmful practice of open defecation and ensure adequate and equitable sanitation for all.

Application of GIS technique in suitability assessment of groundwater in the Assin North and South municipalities, Ghana

The application of the GIS technique in the groundwater quality assessment of the Assin North and South Municipalities has been carried out to assess its suitability for drinking, domestic and irrigational uses. Data for this study was taken from the Community Water and Sanitation Agency office in Cape Coast. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines were used for the assessment of groundwater quality. The assessment of the irrigational water quality was based on Sodium Percentage, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Residual Sodium Carbonate, permeability index, Magnesium hazard and Kelly index. The types of groundwater in the area include CaMgHCO3, mixed groundwater, NaCl, and CaMgSO4 based on the Piper diagram. The major factors controlling groundwater chemistry include rock weathering, ion exchange, and impacts of human activities. The groundwater is generally suitable for drinking and domestic purposes. However, some of the samples showed high concentrations of certain parameters including turbidity, NO3−, Mn, PO4, Fe, F−, EC, Cl−, and colour which make them unsafe for drinking without prior treatment in selected communities. The water quality index tool revealed that 29% of the groundwater samples are of excellent quality, 54% are of good quality, 10% are of poor quality, 2% are of very poor quality and 5% are unsuitable for drinking. It was observed that the communities within the middle zone of the study area have groundwater of poor quality compared to that of the extreme ends. The poor groundwater quality may be attributed to the impacts of anthropogenic activities including, galamsey, lack of hygienic conditions around boreholes, the use of pit latrine, and application of agrochemicals. Considering the irrigational use, the groundwater is generally suitable. However, about 20% show unsuitable quality based on magnesium hazard (MH), 5% show unsuitable quality based on Na%, 20% show suitable quality based on Kelly Index (KI) and 34% show corrosive groundwater type. Application of the Wilcox and the USSL classifications of irrigation water revealed that the groundwater is suitable for irrigational use. The study has revealed the effectiveness of integrating the GIS technique and hydrochemistry in the assessment of groundwater quality, spatial variation of the groundwater quality and processes affecting the groundwater chemistry and overall quality.

Prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths infection among individuals in model and non-model households, South West Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional community based study.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) is a term used to refer to infections caused by intestinal worms mainly due to A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworm species which are transmitted through contaminated soil. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and intensity of STHs infection among individual members living within the selected household heads (HHs) certified either as a model HHs or non-model HHs based on the implementation level of a training program known as the Health Extension Program (HEP). A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2018 at Seka Chekorsa Woreda, Jimma zone. Model and non-model HHs were selected systematically from each of the randomly selected district villages employing a multistage sampling technique. Sociodemographic and risk factors data associated with STHs infections were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Parasitological stool sample microscopic examination was done using saline wet mount and Kato Katz thick smear technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20 for descriptive statistics, comparison, and logistic regression at a p-value < 0.05 for statistical significance. Overall, 612 individuals were recruited in the study from 120 randomly selected HHs. The prevalence of STHs infections was found to be 32.4%. A total of 45 (14.7%) model and 153 (50.0%) non-model individual participants were positive for at least one species of STHs showing a significant difference between individuals in model and non-model HHs (AOR: 6.543, 95% CI; 4.36-9.82, P<0.001). The dominant STHs were T. trichiura (21.6%) followed by A. lumbricoides (6.4%) and hookworms (2.3%). The intensity of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides infection have shown a significant difference (p<0.05) while hookworm species infection was not significantly different (p>0.05) for the individuals in the HHs groups. On the other hand, the households training status, age of participants, and latrine use pattern were found significant predictors of STHs infection prevalence in the multivariate analysis (P<0.05). Therefore, the prevalence and intensity of STHs infection was higher among individuals living in a non-model HHs than model HHs.