Good Hygiene Practices Research Articles

Impact of reproductive and sexual health education on late adolescent girls in an urban slum

Background: Menstruation, although, a natural process, may result in adverse health outcomes. Adolescents having a better knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene and safe menstrual practices are less vulnerable to reproductive tract infections and its consequences. Aim and Objectives were to study the socio-demographic profile of late adolescent girls in an urban slum. To determine the baseline knowledge of girls regarding reproductive and sexual health and menstrual hygiene. To estimate the impact of reproductive and sexual health education on the existing knowledge. Methods: This study was done among late adolescent girls to assess the impact of health education on their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstruation and puberty, conception, contraception, RTI, STI, HIV and AIDS. After collecting sociodemographic details and baseline knowledge, health education session was conducted, which was followed by checking their, post-test knowledge Follow up session was also conducted after a month. Results: Most of the girls were 16 years old, Hindus and from nuclear families. The baseline knowledge about puberty, menstruation, conception, contraception, RTI, STD, HIV, AIDS was not good. The knowledge increased immediately after the first session, but after the second session, the knowledge was not retained. The menstrual hygiene practices increased after the health education session. Conclusions: The study stresses the importance of imparting knowledge about menstruation, hygiene during the periods, to the adolescent girls and having a regular revision session so as to have good menstrual hygiene practices.

Evaluation of Meat Safety Practices and Hygiene among Different Butcheries and Supermarkets in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Good hygienic practices are required to reduce the risk of microbial contamination during meat processing. We evaluated good hygiene and meat safety practices among different village butcheries (6), commercial butcheries (8), and supermarkets (18) through direct personal observations. The supermarkets and commercial butcheries wore personal protective equipment (PPE) and used proper waste procedures. Moreover, there were pest control devices, a safe water supply, and staff handling money away from meat. At village butcheries, wearing hairnets and aprons, and the display of raw meat being separate from offal were identified as good practices. The irregular washing of hands (67%), less use of gloves (83%), wearing of open sandals (67%) and jewelry (33%), use of the same coat for different activities (100%), lack of paper towels (100%) and pest control devices (67%) and mismanagement of waste (33%) were practices that led to unsafe meat handling. Our study identified good meat safety practices at supermarkets. A combination of good and unhygienic meat handling practices were identified at commercial and village butcheries. These findings suggest a need for intervention through training on food safety in order to improve the hygienic practices of meat handling along the beef supply chain, more especially in commercial and village butcheries.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella and Escherichia coli from equids sampled in the NAHMS 2015–16 equine study and association of management factors with resistance

Several studies have investigated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli isolated from hospitalized horses, but studies conducted on community-based populations of equids are limited. The factors associated with AMR in these bacteria in the general horse population are not well understood. The primary objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella and describe antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella and E. coli from equids across the United States. The second objective was to identify associations between health management and biosecurity practices and AMR. Fecal samples submitted from 1357 equids on 199 operations were tested for Salmonella, identifying 27 positive samples with 29 isolates belonging to 18 serotypes. Fecal sample and operation-level prevalence of Salmonella was 2.0% (27/1357) and 7.0% (14/199), respectively. Most (25/29) isolates were pan-susceptible while four isolates exhibited resistance, three of which were multidrug resistant. Of the 721 samples cultured for E. coli, 85% (613/721) were positive. Eighty-six percent of the E. coli isolates recovered were pan-susceptible (529/612). Ten isolates were intermediate to one antimicrobial drug and susceptible to all others. Seventy-three E. coli isolates (11.9%, SE=1.3) were resistant to one or more antimicrobials, corresponding to a 33.0% (64/194) operation-level prevalence. Resistance to sulfonamide drugs was most common with 63 isolates (10.3%) resistant to sulfisoxazole, 57 of which (9.3%) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. MDR in E. coli was rare (1.8%, SE=0.5). Univariate and multivariable regression were used to evaluate associations between health management and biosecurity questionnaire items and AMR in E. coli. The outcome modeled was resistance to any of the 14 tested antimicrobials. Depending on the operation type, operations with greater than 20 resident equids were significantly associated with resistance. In addition, performance operations were significantly associated with resistance when compared to farm/ranch operations. Operations with feed containers that prevent fecal contamination and those that had treated any equids for illness or injury were associated with a lower AMR. The study results suggest that equids in the general population appear to pose low risk of shedding antimicrobial resistant strains of Salmonella and E. coli, and therefore low transmission potential to other equids, animals, humans, or the environment. However, it is prudent to practice good hand hygiene to prevent spread of Salmonella as well as AMR, and to protect both animal and human health. Despite study limitations, potential management factors that may influence prevalence and prevent spread of AMR shed by equids were identified.

Study on good hygiene practices to stay healthy and protect unborn child during pregnancy

Pregnant women are more vulnerable to infection by germs in the environment. Keeping the body clean helps prevent infection. Washing hands with soap is the most important hygiene action she can take, especially before preparing food and after going to the toilet. If possible, a pregnant woman should wash her body every day with clean water — especially her genital area. Dental hygiene is also important during pregnancy because increased estrogen levels can cause swelling and increased sensitivity in gum tissues. The aim of this study was to check knowledge of pregnant women on good hygiene practices to stay healthy and protect unborn child.The survey of 72 pregnant women was conducted with questionnaire through Google forms on the knowledge ofhygiene practices during pregnancy. Most respondents(76.39%)had knowledge of body hygiene during pregnancy. Almost all the respondents (73.61%)had knowledge of pregnancy striae treatments. All the respondents (100%) had knowledge on clothing hygiene (e.g. cleanliness & sterile). Around 69.44 %respondents had knowledge on addictioneffects and 63.88 % had knowledge on dental hygiene.

Physico-chemical and Microbiological Characterisation of Pheasant and Salted Fish (Lanhouin) Produced and Sold in Lomé

Aim: To assess the quality of Lanhouin produced and sold in Lomé, physico-chemical and microbiological characterisations were carried out on this commodity. Materials and Methods: 45 samples of pheasant and salted fish obtained from the species Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Balistes capriscus, Scomberomus tritor, Decacttylus galéides, Cheilopognon nigricans were collected at Katanga and at the Kodomé market. The standardised routine methods described by the Association Française de Normalisation were used to search for the suspected germs. Physico-chemical analyses were carried out on 10 of the 45 samples taken and concerned water content, fat and protein levels obtained by the AOAC methods. Results: The results showed that samples have water contents ranging from 51% to 65.85% and fat contents from 1.24% to 2.53%. Protein content varied from 33.41% to 53.69%. Microbiological analyses revealed the absence of salmonella. Hygienic quality of the samples analysed was unsatisfactory at 24.44% in relation to total mesophilic flora, at 88.89% in relation to total coliforms, at 33.33% in relation to Escherichia coli, at 62.22% and 8.89% respectively in relation to Sulphite Reducing Anaerobes and Staphylococcus aureus. Yeasts and moulds were found in all the samples collected, which indicates a potential risk of altering the hygienic and marketable qualities of the products. The presence of lactic acid bacteria found in the Lanhouin could result in the possible presence of biogenic amines. Conclusion: These results imply the need to rigorously apply good manufacturing and hygienic practices in order to improve the sanitary quality of pheasant and salted fish for the well-being of its consumers

Isolation, characterization and antibiogram studies of bacteria isolated from ready-to-eat foods sold at different places of Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are widely used at home, restaurants, and during festivals in Bangladesh. Foodborne illness is very common and mainly caused by the consumption of contaminated street foods. It is very important to investigate possible microbial contamination in RTE foods. The present study was conducted to isolate and characterize bacterial pathogens from RTE foods and to know the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolated bacteria. A total of 60 RTE food samples for instance, burger, fuchka, fried rice, and chicken grill (fifteen samples each) were collected aseptically from street food vendors of different locations at Dinajpur. Bacteria were isolated and identified based on cultural, staining, and biochemical properties following standard microbiological methods. Among four types of tested RTE foods, 100% comprised of bacterial contamination. The total viable count (TVC) in burger ranged from 4.2×103 to 1.6×104; in fuchka ranged from 4.5×103 to 2.5×104; in fried rice ranged from 4.7×103 to 1.5×104; and in chicken grill ranged from 4.9×103 to 1.6×104. Among the tested RTE food samples, Escherichia coli 6 (10%), Salmonella spp. 7 (11.66%), and Klebsiella spp. 2 (3.33%) were isolated. Antibiogram studies revealed that Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, and Neomycin were found sensitive for both of the isolated E. coli and Klebsiella spp. On the other hand, Streptomycin, Azithromycin, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, and Neomycin were found sensitive for Salmonella spp. Vancomycin, Penicillin, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin, and Ampicillin were found resistant for E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates, whereas Vancomycin, Azithromycin, Penicillin, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin, and Ampicillin were found resistant for Klebsiella spp. The results of this study suggested that RTE foods should be manufactured under good hygienic practices. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2023, 7 (1), 1-9

Menstrual hygiene practice and associated factors among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMenstrual hygiene has not received adequate attention in Sub-Saharan Africa, and there is a lack of regional representative data. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of good menstrual hygiene practices and associated factors among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsIn this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to develop the review manuscript. Online electronic databases, such as PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and CINAHL, were searched to retrieve available studies. The database search was conducted from January 1 to May 17, 2022. The selection, quality assessment, and data extraction of the studies were performed. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed based on country, study area, and sample size. Publication bias was examined by funnel plots and Egger’s test. The statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 14 software and RevMan software, and statistical significance was declared at a p value of less than 0.05.Protocol registration numberCRD42020165628.ResultsA total of 229 studies were retrieved, and 14 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of good menstrual hygiene practices was 45% (95% CI, (37, 53). Adolescents from urban residences (OR = 3.03, 95% CI (2.3, 3.97)), able to afford menstrual sanitary products (OR = 2.17, 95% CI (1.42, 3.3)), and from educated mothers (OR = 2.33, 95% CI (1.32, 4.12)) were associated with increased odds of good menstrual hygiene practice.ConclusionThe pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene practices was low compared to the SDG 6.2 target by 2030. “Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations”. Therefore, improving the accessibility of a safe water supply, hygiene, sanitation facilities and affordability of menstrual products and promoting maternal education are mandatory and should be part of government-level public health policy to prevent related health issues, loss of economic output and education opportunities.

Knowledge and Practice on Menstrual Hygiene among Urban Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh

Introduction: Menstruation-related poor knowledge and understanding among adolescent girls may lead to unsafe personal health care practice that ultimately increases the risk of genito-urinary tract infections, drop-out from school, poor academic performance, and overall poor quality of life. Being a developing country, it is an unrecognized problematic area in Bangladesh. Therefore, it is crucial to assess knowledge and practice on menstrual hygiene among urban adolescent girls in Bangladesh.
 Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Community Medicine of Rajshahi Medical College among 495 purposively selected urban adolescent girls. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire.
 Results: The majority (57.2%) of the respondents in the study were more than 15 years old, and most (93.3%) were Muslim. Most of the girls (82.5%) have experienced menarche within the age range of 12-15 years, and the majority of respondents, 259 (52.32%), were informed about menstruation before menarche. Their source of information about menarche was mothers in most cases. Out of 495 adolescent girls who participated in this study, 70.9% had good knowledge of menstruation. About 82% of girls used commercially made sanitary pads, and 35.2% changed pads or clothes more than three times a day during menstruation.
 Conclusion: The majority (70.9%) of adolescent girls had good knowledge of menstruation, and 73.3% had a good practice on menstrual hygiene. Therefore, there is a need to design and implement universal awareness creation and advocacy programs to improve their knowledge of safe and healthy menstruation management and promote good hygienic practices by creating an appropriate supportive home and social environment for all the adolescent girls.
 TAJ 2022; 35: No-2: 01-11

Menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in Western Ethiopia

BackgroundAdolescent girls should practice good menstrual hygiene to enhance their health and educational attainment. However, socio-cultural restrictions and limited water, sanitation, and hygiene in school environments continued to make it difficult for in school adolescent females to practice good menstrual hygiene management. So, the main aim of this study was to assess menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in the secondary schools of Gimbi town, western Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 adolescent girls in Gimbi town secondary schools. The study participants were selected by using stratified random sampling techniques. Pretested self-administered Afan Oromo questionnaire with sociodemographic characteristics, information and knowledge about menstruation, and practice of menstrual hygiene management, as well as observational checklist to assess school environment were used to collect the data. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi-info version 7.2.0.4 and exported to SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the practice of menstrual hygiene management and P-values less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultsOut of 378 respondents, 163 (43.1%) (38–48) of adolescent girls had good menstrual hygiene management practice. Being urban resident (AOR = 3.48, (95% C.I:1.99–6.08), having mother with secondary level of education (AOR = 2.71, 95%CI: 1.15,6.42), having mother with educational level of college and above (AOR = 3.30, 95%CI1.28,8.50), having discussion about menstruation with parents (AOR = 2.42,95%CI:1.45,4.04), and having knowledge about menstruation (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.69–5.13) were factors associated with good menstrual hygiene management practice.ConclusionIn this study, good menstrual hygiene management practice is low among in school adolescent girls. Place of residence, maternal educational level, discussion about menstrual issue with parent, and having knowledge about menstruation were factors associated with good menstrual management practice. Stakeholders should give appropriate awareness and health education related to menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls at all levels.

Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Provision of handwashing facilities and proper practices are essential for preventing fecal-oral and acute respiratory infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess availability of handwashing facilities and predictors to students' good hygiene practices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A mixed-methods study design was conducted in schools of Addis Ababa from January to March 2020 in 384 students, 98 school directors, 6 health clubs, and 6 school administrators. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires, interview guide, and observational checklists. The quantitative data were entered into EPI Info version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. A bivariable at P < .2 and multivariable logistic regression analysis at P < .05 for quantitative and thematic analysis for qualitative data were used. Handwashing stations were available in 85 (86.7%) of the schools. However, 16 (16.3%) schools had neither water nor soap near the handwashing facilities while 33 (38.8%) of schools had both. There was no high school that had both soap and water. Approximately one-third (135, 35.2%) of students practiced proper handwashing, among which 89 (65.9%) were from private schools. The handwashing practices were significantly associated with gender (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: (1.66-3.59)), having trained coordinator (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: (1.32-2.48)) and health education program (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: (1.73-3.59)), school ownership (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: (0.33-0.72)), and training (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: (1.82-3.69)). Water supply interruption, and lack of budget, adequate space, training, health education, maintenance, and coordination were the main barriers that prevent students from practicing proper handwashing. Handwashing facilities and materials provision and good handwashing practices of students were low. Moreover, providing soap and water for handwashing was insufficient to promote good hygiene practices. There should be regular hygiene education, training, maintenance, and better coordination among stakeholders to create a healthy school environment.

Occurrence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in chicken meat breeds from an organised farm in Thrissur district

Campylobacteriosis is one of the principal causes of gastroenteritis in the world. Poultry, being the natural reservoir, can harbour large number of Campylobacter in their caeca. The current study was carried out to assess the occurrence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in different meat type breeds in an organised farm. Out of the 120 cloacal swabs analysed, 31.67 per cent were found to be positive for Campylobacter spp. There was no significant difference in occurrence of Campylobacter spp. between different meat breeds. On molecular confirmation, majority of the isolates (71.05 per cent) were identified as Campylobacter jejuni and the rest as Campylobacter coli (28.95 per cent). The present study confirms a substantial degree of Campylobacter contamination in meat type chicken breeds in the farm. Good hygienic practices with better biosecurity measures and periodic screening of live poultry, poultry meat and its products are necessary to reduce the foodborne transmission of this pathogen to ensure safer food for consumers.

Antibiotic Profile and Molecular Characterization of Typhoidal Salmonellosis among Abattoir Workers in the Southern Region of Nigeria

Typhoid fever remains endemic in most developing countries with large scale transmission through contaminated food and drinking water. Since 2000s, animal and their products have been found to be a common food source for Typhoidal infections. A total of 90 blood specimens, 45 samples each were collected from abattoir and non-abattoir workers in Akwa Ibom State and were screened for Salmonella species using standard cultural and serological techniques. The overall prevalence rate was 12 (13.3%). Salmonella species were distributed in all the three senatorial districts of the State. Percentage distribution of Salmonella isolates was 3 (3.3%) for Uyo, 4 (4.4%) for Eket and 5 (5.6%) were isolated from Ikot Ekpene districts. Out of 90 human subjects screened, 12 (13.3%) were positive and 5 (5.6%) were isolated from non-abattoir while 7 (7.7%) were isolated from abattoir workers. In this study, serological significant titre of ≥160 of Typhoid fever cases was confirmed by blood culture. According to sero-grouping and source of sample collection 4.4% S. typhi was isolated from abattoir workers followed by S. paratyphi A (3.3%) while S. typhimurium and S. gallinarum (2.2%) and S. enteritidis (1.1%). Increase prevalence of Salmonella serovars such as S. gallinarium, S. typhi, S. Typhimurium and S. enteritidis with regular consumption of slaughter meat and other product without proper disinfection and appropriate boiling, represent a serious public health risk in Akwa Ibom State. Demographic data obtained in this study showed that majority of the abattoir workers across the three districts were within the ages of 21 to 30 (33%), 39% were none graduate while 30.4% were secondary school leavers. Fever was recorded as the highest clinical signs and symptoms followed by headache, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Generally, all the isolates identified as Salmonella were tested for their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. The results showed that Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin and Cefuroxine were 100% sensitive to S. gallinarum, S. paratyphi A, 93% susceptible to S. typhi and 80% to S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis. Whereas all isolates were 100% resistant to Septrin, Tetracycline and Ampicillin antibacterial agents used. The emergence of multiple drugs resistant Salmonella from abattoir workers shows that the continuous use of drugs in animal husbandry as growth promoters should be re-examined. Other factors as sources of Salmonella contamination in slaughter markets can be minimized by good hygienic practices and biosecurity measures.

A study on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Practices among Fisherwomen in Udupi Taluk

Introduction: Clean water, basic toilets, and good hygiene practices are essential for all human beings. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene are essential in the fish market while handling fish to reduce as well as prevent fish contamination and microbial growth. Objective: To assess water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices among the fisherwomen in Udupi Taluk. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the fisherwomen using a validated questionnaire in Udupi Taluk. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: The study found that most fish markets use a reliable water source. The fish market had at least one functional toilet and (66.8%) of toilets were clean. It was found that (86.4%) of the waste are been collected daily by the municipality. The majority of the fisherwomen (98.6%) wash their hands before having food, before handling fish practice, and after using the toilet but (62.4%) wash their hands only with water. About (88.3%) but do not wash their hands after receiving currency notes from the customers. The practice of menstrual hygiene was found to be better. Work experience was found to be significantly significant with (p-value &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Training and awareness programs need to be conducted to increase the knowledge about hygienic conditions and fish in the fish market.

Food Safety Practice and Associated Factors of Food Handlers Working in Food Industries in Bahir Dar City, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Food safety has emerged as one of the 10 threats to global health. Ethiopia is among the developing countries with many food industries in recent times. Poor food handling procedures, a lack of basic infrastructure, lack of potable water, lack of financial resources to invest in safer equipment, and lack of training for food handlers have all been reported. To assess food safety practices and associated factors among food handlers working in food industries in Bahir Dar city administrations. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2021 among 422 food handlers working in food industries in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. A random sampling technique was used to select food industries and study participants. The sample size was proportionately allocated to the selected food industries. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and observation methods using interviewer-administered questionnaires and an observational checklist respectively. Data was entered into Epi-data v 3.1 and exported to SPSS v 23 for analysis. Bi-variable binary logistic regression was carried out to identify candidate variables at p-value <.2 and was entered into the final multivariable binary logistic regression model to control the effect of confounding. Variables with p-values of less than .05 were declared as statistically significant and an odds ratio of 95% CI was used to measure the strength of the association. Food safety practice among food handlers working in food industries was 47.6% (95% CI: 42.8, 52.5). Sex [AOR: 2.92 (CI: 1.77, 4.82)], monthly salary [AOR: 2.02 (CI: 1.18, 3.44)], health supervision [AOR: 3.43 (CI: 1.97, 5.97)], working unit [AOR: 2.44, (CI: 1.45, 4.13], food safety training [AOR: 6.16 (2.97, 12.77)], attitude [AOR: 3.55 (CI: 1.14, 11.05)] were factors significantly associated with food safety practice. Food safety practice among food handlers was low. Sex, working unit, monthly income, regulatory supervision, food safety training, and attitude toward food safety were factors associated with poor food safety practices. In-service training on good hygiene practices, good manufacturing practices, hazard analysis, critical control point, food safety management systems, and supportive supervision should be strengthened.

Experiment and simulation of heat treatment for disinfection in the chicken farm using IR irradiation

Chicken meat is widely consumed worldwide and in order to supply the growing demand, chickens are raised in large factory farms. To prevent contaminated chicken meat being released into the market, a good hygiene practice must be strictly followed. Materials utilized in chicken farming must be completely sanitized including the rice husks that are normally being used as a floor covering material. Aiming to improve rice husk disinfection protocol, infrared radiation (IR) was utilized as an effective, time-saving, and environmental friendly method. A proof-of-concept prototype of rice husk disinfection apparatus equipped with IR source and a rotating conveyor belt was developed. Finite element analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate heat transfer of IR irradiation to rice husk was performed. The effectiveness of IR irradiation method was analysed using the rice husks that were spiked with Salmonella typhimurium. The total aerobic bacteria plate count showed that the most effective IR rice husk treatment was at 120 ºC for 3 min of exposure time.

Hygiene Behavior and COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities of COVID-19-Imposed Changes in Hygiene Behavior.

In Ethiopia, the WHO strategies to stop coronavirus transmission were implemented rapidly. As a result, there was a rapid change in hygiene behavior, which are basic for preventing COVID-19 and other contagious diseases. This research was designed to examine the sustainability of the COVID-19 imposed hygiene behaviors for future challenges. The study was conducted in 2 major nexus areas in Addis Ababa. The data were collected using a questionnaire and spot-check from 622 respondents selected by systematic random sampling. The questionnaire was given at every 15th interval in several spots of the site. Observational hygiene-check was done through observing key personal hygiene conditions. Proportion, χ2 test, and Poisson's regression were applied for the analysis. The χ2-test analyses showed that the hand washing frequency before, during, and post-COVID-19 was statistically significant (P < .005). Findings from the spot-check also show that the hands of 76.8%, the nails of 68.7%, and the hairs of 70.7% of the respondents were clean. The major driving factors for the rapid changes in hygiene behavior were the awareness developed (95%), the fear and panic (90%), and increased access to water and soap (63%). Nevertheless, the major reasons for failing to continue the COVID-19-imposed good hygiene practice in the post-COVID-19 times include the decline in infection and death rates (26%) and the decline in facility access (20%). Hand washing frequency significantly changed during the COVID-19 pandemic indicating that the practice as part of the preventive strategy was successful. However, as this was mainly due to the fear and panic in the community, the COVID-19 imposed hand washing practice did not bring real and sustainable behavioral changes. This indicates that for long-lasting changes in hygiene behavior, continuous and better approach need to be introduced.

Rural child health: Morbidity patterns in under-five children in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh – A cross-sectional study

Background: Under-five is the most vulnerable age group for morbidity, and this section of the population is a pillar of a healthy developed nation. In developing countries, infectious diseases, such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, malaria, and whooping cough, are found to be the leading causes of morbidity and premature death. Aim and Objective: The present study aims to describe the morbidity pattern among children under 5 years of age and analyzing the variables which affect the pattern of morbidity. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural field area in Guntur district for 2 months from May to September 2021. Data were collected from 150 under-five children by means of interviews with a pretested questionnaire after prior institutional ethics committee approval and informed consent. Results: Out of 150 children, 67.3% of the study population lived below the poverty line. Based on the anthropometric measurements, about 22.6% were mildly undernourished. The most common morbidity was anemia with 42.7% of children being affected and 22.7% had worm infestations. The prevalence of morbidity was higher in children living in kaccha houses (69.7%), municipal water users (73.8%), houses with inadequate ventilation and overcrowding (68.6%), and also in breastfed children for &lt;1 year. Conclusion: Most of the causes of under-five morbidity can be easily prevented if mothers are made well aware of proper nutrition, early and exclusive breastfeeding, good hygienic practices, and sanitation. They should be encouraged to utilize maternal and child health-care services and primary health care for better growth of the children.

Pojavnost mikotoksina u hrani i piću

This paper describes the mycotoxins produced by fungi from the genera Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Claviceps and other types of molds, their characteristics and importance. Mycotoxins are secondary fungi metabolites that serve as a defense mechanism in stressful conditions. Several hundred mycotoxins have been identified so far, and the most significant in terms of danger to human health and animals are aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisin, zearalenone and nivalenol/deoxynivalenol produced by toxigenic fungi from the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, Claviceps, Stachybotris and Fusarium. Moisture and temperature are two factors that have a crucial influence on the development of the fungus and the synthesis of toxins. It is estimated that approximately 25% of agricultural crops are infected with fungi. Consequently, foods can also be contaminated with mycotoxins. By treating the stored grain with various chemicals, and in recent years, using environmentally friendly fungicides, the synthesis of mycotoxins is being prevented and the development of mycotoxicogenic fungi is being controlled. The mycotoxicosis can occur directly through the consumption of infected food, inhalation and skin contact, or indirectly through animals that eat contaminated feed. Mycotoxins have a pathological effect primarily on liver. Some mycotoxins also interfere with cellular protein synthesis, causing hypersensitivity and extreme immunodeficiency. Despite mycotoxins being resilient and remaining stable while undergoing chemical and thermal food processing, methods such as applying good hygiene and production practices from field to table can reduce their occurence.

Young infant nurturing practices among mothers of rural areas in Agra district, Uttar Pradesh

Introduction: Healthy initiation of life is essential in establishing the foundations of a healthy nation. Traditional care practices at home and in the community inevitably affect maternal and young infant health. The objective is to study young infant nurturing practices and factors influencing these practices in rural Agra. Material and Methods: This is a community-based cross-sectional study that was conducted in rural Agra, using a multi-stage random sampling method. A total of 240 mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results: The study results showed that 65.0% of the mothers were following either satisfactory (58.3%) or good (6.7%) nurturing practices. Of the three components of nurturing, the majority (61.6%) of mothers had satisfactory (46.6%) or good (15%) breastfeeding practices, most (86.6%) were giving satisfactory (56.6%) or good (30%) thermal care and only 53.33% were following satisfactory (42.2%) or good (10.8%) hygiene practice. The practice regarding newborn care was found to have a significant association with the place of birth, type of delivery and educational status of the mothers and fathers. Conclusion: This study outcome shows the need for a better awareness and educational outreach program coupled with an effective health-care delivery system to improve young infant nurturing practices in achieving better health.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus in the Sultanate of Oman

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with an increasing global prevalence. The condition has several oral health implications, with oral health in turn affecting diabetes control. People with diabetes are at higher risk of oral health problems, including periodontal disease, dental caries, and candidiasis; in particular, there appears to be a two-way relationship between periodontitis and blood glucose control. While previous research has indicated that diabetics have poor awareness of oral health, there is a gap in the literature from the Sultanate of Oman. This study aimed to determine oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Omani diabetics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 400 adult Omani diabetics who attended the outpatient clinic of the National Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Oman, in the period between May 2019 and May 2020. A self-administered, Arabic language questionnaire to assess oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices was developed and validated. Mean scores were calculated to determine overall levels of oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Ethical approval was obtained from the Center of Studies and Research of the national Ministry of Health. Results: A total of 136 (34.0%) male and 264 (66.0%) female Omani adult diabetics participated in the study. The majority of participants (76.8%) demonstrated poor knowledge of oral health, especially with regards to complications like gingivitis (32.4%), dental caries (27.3%), halitosis (27.1%), and gingival abscesses (21.5%). Moreover, most (76.6%) were unaware that oral diseases affected glycated hemoglobin levels. In terms of practices, more than half (54.74.8%) routinely brushed their teeth twice a day. However, only 14.6% and 12.6% regularly flossed and used mouthwash, respectively. With regards to attitudes, 0.5%, 23.8%, and 75.8% of the participants demonstrated poor, moderate, and good attitudes toward oral health, respectively. Smokers more frequently demonstrated poor attitudes compared to nonsmokers (6.3% vs. 1.6%). Conclusion: Omani adults with diabetes mellitus demonstrated poor to moderate levels of oral health knowledge. Various studies conducted elsewhere around the world have similarly shown that diabetics have limited knowledge and awareness of oral health. Oral self-care behaviors are imperative to minimize the risk of oral health complications associated with diabetes. Previous researchers have shown that education is an effective method of reducing the incidence and burden of diabetes-related oral health complications. Thus, additional multidisciplinary initiatives are needed to raise awareness of good oral hygiene practices among diabetics in Oman.