Prevent Disease Transmission Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Face Mask Mandates on COVID-19 Transmission in Utah.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of face mask mandates was intensely debated. The objective of this study was to describe how face mask mandates at the state, county, and local levels differed in their effectiveness in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases in the jurisdiction where the mandate was implemented and throughout Utah. We used publicly available data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. We calculated the effectiveness of face mask mandates (EFm) in each local health district after 3 key mandates: the enactment of face mask mandates in Salt Lake and Summit counties (SLSC) on June 28, 2020, and June 27, 2020, respectively; the enactment of a statewide face mask mandate on November 9, 2020; and the lifting of the statewide face mask mandate on April 10, 2021. Most counties in Utah had a reduction in the growth rate of COVID-19 cases after enactment of face mask mandates. We found an average 11.9% reduction in EFm after the introduction of the SLSC face mask mandates, with 8 of 13 local health districts experiencing a reduction, and an average 12.7% reduction after introduction of the statewide mandate, with 12 of 13 local health districts experiencing a reduction. After mandates were lifted, many counties had an increase in EFm. Face mask mandates were an effective way to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in local jurisdictions and in neighboring jurisdictions in Utah. Our evidence supports the use of face mask mandates as a way to prevent disease transmission and be better equipped to respond to future pandemics.

Sanitation Control of Ferry Ports in Tanjung Harapan Harbor

Environmental sanitation is an activity to create healthy environmental conditions in the port area. Good sanitation conditions can prevent disease transmission. Sanitary conditions in the Port of Tanjung Harapan Selat Panjang are not good enough, characterized by rat catching which increases every year, poor drainage conditions, and inadequate sanitation facilities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the management of sanitation at Tanjung Harapan Harbor in Selat Panjang to become input material to make it better in the future. This research uses a qualitative method with a system approach based on input, process and output where the data collected comes from interviews, observation and documentation and is analyzed using triangulation. Sanitary management of the Port of Tanjung Harapan Selat Panjang is managed by port management and supervised by the Port Health Office. Sanitary management at the Port of Tanjung Harapan Selat Panjang is already running but not optimal, there are still obstacles from the aspects of human resources, large financing and inadequate infrastructure such as the unavailability of TPS and WWTP for waste management. Port sanitation management must be maintained to prevent the development of disease vectors and transmission of various types of diseases. The need for good cooperation between the manager and the Port Health Office to create a healthy port.

Investigating Food Quality, Safety and Sanitation in Chinese Detention Centers: A Qualitative StudyEric Zihan Ling

This study investigates food quality and sanitation practices in Chinese detention centers. Due to their isolated nature, Detention Centers are vulnerable to contagious disease outbreaks. The traditional design of many of these facilities, inspired by design philosophy of the 80s and 90s, exacerbate these risks, especially with a recent overcrowding of some detention centers. It follows the importance of food hygiene and sanitation within detention centers to reduce these risks and protect the health of detainees and staff. The Covid-19 pandemic prompted stricter hygiene protocols and architectural changes to future construction to prevent disease transmission, which highlighted these issues. However, research on food quality and safety within detention centers remains scarce, with studies indicating inadequate management of cafeteria operations, resulting in unsanitary and nutritionally insufficient meals. This study employs a qualitative case study of a detention center in Guangxi, using questionnaires and document analysis to assess current practices and identify areas for improvement. The findings emphasize the need for modern, adaptable designs and enhanced management practices to ensure the well-being of detainees and staff in Chinese detention centers.

A global survey of telemedicine use in epilepsy care – practices before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeTelemedicine was widely adopted for epilepsy care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its role extends beyond preventing disease transmission, offering an efficient and high-quality care alternative. To understand the global scenario, an international group conducted a survey comparing telemedicine practices in epilepsy care before, during, and after the pandemic. MethodsThe survey included 26 questions on demographics, telemedicine use for epilepsy care, regulations, reimbursement mechanisms, and tools used. Responses were collected via an online survey platform from June to October 2023. ResultsTwo hundred eighty-five respondents from 60 countries participated. The average telemedicine use in daily practice was 0 %, 0–10 % (median, IQR) before the pandemic, 65 %, 30–90 % during the pandemic, and 20 %,10–50 % after the COVID pandemic. Female respondents reported higher telemedicine use than males after the pandemic (25 %, 10–50 % vs 15 %, 5 %-30 %, p = 0.002). According to respondents' perceptions, post-pandemic telemedicine regulations flexibilities were reported as expanded by 36.8 %, restricted by 17.2 %, and unchanged by 46 %. Reimbursement for telemedicine increased during the pandemic but decreased afterward (Cochran's Q test, p < 0.001). Voice calls were the most used telemedicine platform (46.6 %). Privacy issues were reported by 49 respondents (18.3 %). ConclusionTelemedicine use for epilepsy care increased during the pandemic and remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. However, improvements are needed in telemedicine applications, regulations, reimbursement, and patient privacy. International collaboration and experience sharing can enhance telemedicine's acceptance and practice globally.

An Investigation of the Effects of Mask-Wearing on Confidence Levels of Young People to Middle Age in Bangkok Metropolitan Region

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated widespread mask-wearing to prevent disease transmission. Initial studies indicated that 89% of the Thai population wore masks, rising to 96% when mandated. Even after the pandemic, mask-wearing persisted due to factors beyond health concerns. This research examines the phenomenon of “Mask Fishing,” where individuals believe masks enhance their attractiveness, a trend popularized on TikTok. The study explores the psychological impacts of mask-wearing, including increased confidence and reduced self-esteem. Additionally, masks have been found to improve perceived facial attractiveness, particularly enhancing the appearance of eyes. This study investigates these hidden factors, focusing on how mask-wearing affects personal confidence, communication, and facial expressions.

Innovative Approaches to Mosquito Control: A Comprehensive Review on Beneficial Bacteria

Mosquito bites spread many deadly diseases like dengue, chikungunya, zika virus, malaria etc. The spread of these diseases can be controlled by checking the mosquito population. Bacterial control is an effective way to kill mosquitoes without harming non-target organisms. The review discusses the role of bacteria in mosquito control. Several useful bacteria involved in mosquito control such as E. coli, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Enterococcus that effectively kill the mosquitoes by producing insecticidal proteins such as endotoxins, Bin and Mtx proteins that specifically bind only with targeted mosquito species and kill them. Bacteria belongs to genus Bacillus found most effective against mosquito larvae such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus, which produces endotoxins, selectively target mosquito larvae. When these toxins are consumed by larvae, these endotoxins disrupt the cells of midgut of larvae, which kills them before they can develop into adult mosquitoes. This selective and ecologically benign strategy minimizes damage to creatures that are not its intended targets. The environmental safety and specificity of bacterial control methods make them more sustainable and effective as compared to chemical control of mosquitoes population. This approach is more selective and more sustainable since it minimizes the impact on the environment and reduces the likelihood that resistance would develop. In this review we are presenting about the bacterial world and their interactions with mosquitoes, parasites, nematodes etc. and how they prevent disease transmission.

Respiratory Isolation for Tuberculosis: A Historical Perspective.

Although tuberculosis is an ancient disease, recognition of its airborne route of transmission, with implications for respiratory isolation, is only relatively recent. Since the time of Hippocrates, the dogma among health practitioners was that the disease was hereditary or that it could be contracted by inhaling "miasma", or corrupted air. Consequently, isolation of patients was not routine practice, and, in fact, patients with scrofula (morbus regius, or "king's evil) sought to be cured by the "royal touch" throughout the middle ages. The sanatorium, which emerged in the mid-19th century, initially served as a place of healing, where patients could receive the appropriate diet, rest therapy, graduated exercise, and abundant fresh air. Major scientific breakthroughs, including Robert Koch's 1882 discovery of the tubercle bacillus as the disease's etiological agent and early 20th century experimental evidence that the organism could be transmitted via expectorated droplet nuclei, helped to reinforce the important public health role of sanatoria and tuberculosis hospitals in preventing disease transmission through isolation. The advent of highly efficacious and oral antitubercular regimens in the mid-20th century and the concurrent declining incidence of the disease contributed to the closure of tuberculosis sanatoria and hospitals in the US and western Europe. Over the past several decades, tuberculosis treatment in the US has been conducted in the outpatient setting under the supervision of local public health departments. Patients receiving treatment are required to remain in respiratory isolation in the home until they are deemed noninfectious based on multiple sputum samples. This historical review demonstrates that despite changing medical knowledge, drug therapies, and social conditions over time, the role of isolation remains an important topic of debate in the treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Integrating ethics in public health guideline development: a case-study of the NTCA guidelines on respiratory isolation for persons with TB in community settings.

Public health interventions often involve explicit tradeoffs in which the health of the many must be weighed against burdens imposed on individuals. We describe development of public health guidelines for respiratory isolation in community settings for persons with tuberculosis. While stopping the spread of disease is a core moral imperative in public health, the duty to prevent disease transmission does not supersede all other considerations. Community wellbeing must be balanced with individual wellbeing, liberty, and social justice. In response to these challenges, the National TB Coalition of America's (NTCA) 2024 Guidelines for persons with tuberculosis in community settings were developed using a modified GRADE approach supported by a complementary, comprehensive, and context-specific ethical framework. By addressing the distinct roles that evidence (subject to uncertainty), values, justificatory conditions, and procedural legitimacy all play in ethical guideline development, we promote rigor and transparency in the integration of ethics in public health guidelines.

Status of infection prevention and control in Cameroon healthcare facilities: lessons learned from the WHO COVID-19 scorecard tool under the hierarchy of control model

BackgroundInfection prevention and control (IPC) helps prevent disease transmission in healthcare facilities. There is a dearth of information on the implementation of IPC during the COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon using the recommended WHO COVID-19 IPC scorecard tool. The present study assessed healthcare facilities’ compliance to IPC by continuous assessments, with an evaluation of the tool using the hierarchy of control theory. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the 10 administrative regions of Cameroon by evaluating healthcare facilities prioritized by the Ministry of Public Health as high-risk facilities between March 2020 and November 2023. Comparisons were made regarding the facilities’ ownership, level and status. Results2,188 assessments from 1,358 healthcare facilities were collected. The median IPC scores at each evaluation were between the intermediate and advanced level, with a bias linked with decreasing selection of facilities. However, only 172 (13%) healthcare facilities achieved advanced IPC score (≥75%). Higher IPC scores were found in hospitals (p<0.001) and in private facilities (p=0.02). Predictors of good IPC compliance were hospital (OR=3.7, CI: 1.4-9.8) and private facility (OR=2.3, CI: 1.6-3.3). The tool met the five domains of the hierarchy of control model. ConclusionRepeated IPC assessments using recommended tools contribute to a better compliance of IPC by healthcare facilities in resources constrained settings.

Primary Pre-Extensively Drug-Resistant (Pre-XDR) Tuberculosis with Meningoencephalitis in Nineteen Years Old Young Woman : A Case Report

Introduction. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is continually evolving in order to resist treatment. This has resulted in drug-resistant tuberculosis, which has a greater rate of therapy failure and mortality, as well as the necessity for other ways of disease transmission prevention. Pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (Pre-XDR TB) is caused by MTB strains that are resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin, and any fluoroquinolone medicines. Case Report. A 19-year-old HIV-negative immunocompetent female presented to our emergency department with dyspnea and severe headache. She also complained of a cough, a low-grade temperature, and weight loss. She has no relevant medical history and has never been exposed to tuberculosis. A chest X-ray revealed infiltrates with cavities and fibrosis in both lungs, while a brain CT suggested meningoencephalitis. We performed a sputum drug sensitivity test and discovered that this patient was resistant to rifampin, isoniazid, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin. She was later diagnosed with Pre-XDR TB and was given a tailored lengthier regimen that included Bedaquiline, Cycloserin, Linezolide, Clofazimine, and Etambutol. Her symptoms improved significantly as a result of this program. Discussion. Primary pre-XDR TB in an immunocompetent patient is uncommon, and our case is even more unusual due to meningoencephalitis involvement. The treatment of pre-XDR TB requires a personalized regimen that is tailored to the patient's clinical status and comorbidities. The possibility of transmission via a positive contact was raised in this patient, prompting us to conduct a more thorough contact inquiry to prevent future spread. Conclusion. In our region, there is a risk of'silent' drug resistant tuberculosis. Early detection and treatment of such patients are critical to preventing uncontrollable pan-resistant TB. Successful management with cautious contact investigation will minimize the mortality rate and spread rate of drug-resistant TB. Keywords. Drug-Resistant Lung Tuberculosis, Drug-Resistant Meningoencephalitis Tuberculosis

Molecular analysis of feces reveals gastrointestinal nematodes in reintroduced wild asses of the Negev desert

Reintroduced animals face disease risks, potentially impacting both the reintroduced and the local wildlife/domestic populations. This study focuses on the Asiatic wild asses (Equus hemionus) reintroduced to the Negev desert in southern Israel. Despite potential threats of disease spill-over to and from domesticated donkeys and horses in the area, there are no records of the gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of the wild ass population. We used DNA metabarcoding on fecal samples of wild asses collected across seasons and habitats, near water sources that they frequently use. Ten GIN species were detected in the feces, nine belonging to the family Strongylidae, which commonly infects and causes disease in equids worldwide, such as horses, zebras, and donkeys. Some of these Strongylidae species are also found in domesticated equids in Israel, thus raising concerns regarding potential parasite transmission between wild and domestic animals. The high prevalence of certain GIN species suggests frequent transmission, likely due to the congregation of the wild asses around water sources. While we observed statistically significant variations in some GIN species across seasons and habitats, we did not find clear overall differences between GIN communities. DNA metabarcoding proves to be a valuable tool for identifying GIN species in wild animals, with potential applications in monitoring their health and preventing disease transmission to and from domestic animals.

Communicating sexual health to the incarcerated population: information dissemination in a US sample of inmate handbooks

Incarcerated individuals frequently enter prison with a history of high-risk lifestyle behaviours likely to contribute to the transmission of infectious disease. Prisons offer a unique setting in which to advance health equity to an underserved population by disseminating information and education. Sexual health education has the potential to mitigate negative health consequences in the incarcerated population and improve sexual health practices upon community re-entry, benefiting both incarcerated individuals and communities. Limited empirical research examines sexual health information and education in US correctional facilities. Handbooks, given to all people upon incarceration, have the potential to provide vital information and education to promote safe sexual practice and prevent disease transmission. This work, guided by 22 critical sexual health education recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, examines the presence (or absence) of recommended sexual health information and guidance in prison handbooks. Handbooks (n = 74) from 49 of 50 US states were qualitatively analysed with results revealing limited information, education or guidance about sexual health/safe sexual practice during incarceration or afterwards. Utilising handbooks for comprehensive sexual education could be a critical step towards reaching members of an already at-risk underserved population.

Occurrence and source identification of the disinfectant didecyldimethylammonium chloride in a Japanese watershed receiving effluent from swine farms

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), a toxic quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) linked to multidrug resistance, is used widely in households and hospitals and on swine farms to prevent disease transmission. However, little is known about its occurrence in watersheds receiving livestock wastewaters or manure. We monitored DDAC and tracers (veterinary and human drugs) once a season over a year at 14 sites in a Japanese watershed where swine outnumbered humans 1.2 to 1 and where both swine and human wastewaters were largely treated on site. DDAC concentrations in sewage-treatment-plant effluent (33–52 ng/L) were close to, whereas those in river waters (3.6–16,672 ng/L) far exceeded, those reported worldwide. DDAC mass flows at the catchment outlet (1692–3816 μg/s) were higher than those of any of the drugs. DDAC concentrations were significantly correlated with total concentrations of veterinary drugs (Spearman's correlation coefficient, 0.95, P < 0.01), indicating that the major pathway of DDAC entry to surface waters was via effluent discharge from swine farms. Comparison of observed and predicted mass flows implied that a substantial percentage of DDAC was washed from the barn floor into swine excrement. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate QAC hotspots attributable to animal husbandry.

Regulatory Aspects of Regenerative Medicine in the United States and Abroad

ABSTRACTBackgroundWith the rising demand for natural‐looking aesthetic improvements, regenerative aesthetic medicine (RAM) has become essential for addressing aging, damage, and imperfections. The regulatory landscape overseeing RAM is dynamic, evolving with new technologies to ensure safety and efficacy.ObjectiveThis study reviews and compares regulatory frameworks for RAM across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America.MethodsRegulations in the United States, European Union (EU), Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico were reviewed, focusing on risk‐based approaches, the extent of manipulation, and intended use of biological components.ResultsFrameworks in the United States, EU, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea share a risk‐based approach, adjusting regulations based on risks associated with biological components like stem cells and extracellular vesicles. Minimal alteration is categorized as low risk, emphasizing disease transmission prevention and material quality. Regulatory landscapes vary in Latin America. Brazil's comprehensive framework, managed by ANVISA, categorizes products by manipulation levels. Argentina's ANMAT has made progress, while Mexico lacks a unified framework, leading to unregulated operations and patient risks.ConclusionThe diverse regulatory frameworks underscore the need for continuous collaboration between regulatory bodies, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to promote innovation and ensure safety in regenerative medicine.

Healthcare Diseases Classification Based on Machine Leaning Algorithms: A Review

Researchers have increasingly focused on applying machine learning algorithms to enhance healthcare operations in the past few years. Machine learning has become increasingly popular and has shown to be a viable strategy for raising the standard of healthcare, preventing disease transmission and early disease detection, reducing hospital operational expenses, aiding government healthcare programs, and enhancing healthcare efficiency. This review offers a succinct and well-structured summary of machine learning research that has been done in the field of healthcare. Specifically, the emphasis is placed on the examination of non-communicable illnesses, which pose a significant risk to public health and rank among the primary contributors to global mortality. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic, which is among the world's deadliest illnesses and has recently been formally declared a public health emergency, is included. This study aims to assist health sector researchers in choosing appropriate algorithms. After conducting a comprehensive investigation, it was shown that the Decision Tree (DT), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), and Random Forest (RF), algorithms had the highest performance in healthcare classification, achieving a remarkable accuracy rate of 100%. In most tests, the Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) demonstrated consistently better performance

Development and use of Biocheck.UGent™ scoring system to quantify biosecurity in conventional indoor (turkey, duck, breeder) and free-range (layer and broiler) poultry farms

To assess and enhance the application of biosecurity measures in poultry farming, an objective measurement tool (Biocheck.UGent™) was already available for broiler and layer. This study describes the development, validation and application of a risk-based weighted scoring tool for breeder, turkey, duck, free-range layer and free-range broiler production. In collaboration with an expert panel (n= 38), five different questionnaires were developed, following the format of the existing Biocheck.UGent scoring tools. Weights were attributed to external (7–9 subcategories) and internal (3–4 subcategories) biosecurity categories, as well as to the corresponding individual questions within each subcategory. The biosecurity measures were prioritized and weighed based on their relative importance in preventing disease transmission. Upon completion of the questionnaire, and upload of all answers to the Biocheck.UGent website, the algorithm generates a biosecurity score varying between ‘’0’’ which equals the total absence of any biosecurity measure up to ‘’100’’ which refers to full application of all biosecurity measures. The final scoring systems are available online (https://biocheckgent.com/en) for free and have been used to assess biosecurity in 70 breeders, 100 turkeys, 23 ducks, 16 free-range broilers, and 15 free-range layer farms originating from 12 countries so far. On average, the overall biosecurity score (mean ± std. dev) was 78 ± 7 % for breeders, 73 ± 11 % for turkeys, 71 ± 8 % for ducks, 73 ± 8 % for free-range layers and 70 ± 13 % for free-range broilers. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in biosecurity (both at the overall and subcategory levels) across different poultry types. The overall farm biosecurity score for breeders was significantly higher than that for turkey (p <.001) and duck production (p = 0.001). External biosecurity levels were highest in breeders in comparison to turkeys (p < 0.001), ducks (p = 0.008) and broiler free-range (p = 0.005). There was a notable difference in internal biosecurity levels between duck and turkey (p = 0.041) production as well. The study contributed to the poultry biosecurity database which allows benchmarking of the biosecurity levels of the users’ farm results to national or international averages, indicating room for improvement and aiding to motivate stakeholders to enhance their biosecurity levels.

The Conservation Implications of the Gut Microbiome for Protecting the Critically Endangered Gray Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi).

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism, facilitating nutrient absorption, and supporting immune function, thereby assisting the host in adapting to seasonal dietary changes. Here, we compare the gut microbiome composition of wild gray snub-nosed monkeys during winter (from October to December) and spring (from January to March) to understand differences in seasonal nutrient intake patterns. Snub-nosed monkeys are foregut fermenters and consume difficult-to-digest carbohydrates and lichen. To examine the digestive adaptations of gray snub-nosed monkeys, we collected 14 fresh fecal samples for DNA analysis during the winter and spring. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and functional metagenomic analyses, we identified that Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Bacteroidetes constitute a keystone bacterial group in the gut microbiota during winter and spring and are responsible for degrading cellulose. Moreover, the transition in dietary composition from winter to spring was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition, demonstrating adaptive responses to varying food sources and availability. In winter, the bacterial species of the genera Streptococcus were found in higher abundance. At the functional level, these bacteria are involved in fructose and mannose metabolism and galactose metabolism c-related pathways, which facilitate the breakdown of glycogen, starch, and fiber found in fruits, seeds, and mature leaves. During spring, there was an increased abundance of bacteria species from the Prevotella and Lactobacillus genera, which aid the digestion of protein-rich buds. Combined, these findings reveal how the gut microbiota adjusts to fluctuations in energy balance and nutrient intake across different seasons in this critically endangered species. Moreover, we also identified Pseudomonas in two samples; the presence of potential pathogens within the gut could pose a risk to other troop members. Our findings highlight the necessity of a conservation plan that focuses on protecting vegetation and implementing measures to prevent disease transmission for this critically endangered species.

Infection Control Attitude, Knowledge and Awareness Level Among Dental Students and Interns in the Removable Prosthodontic Department at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Libya

Background: Dental students have increased patient contact during their education and clinical practice, putting them, their patient population and Dental Health Care Workers (DHCW) at high risk of cross-infection. Awareness of infection control principles may help in preventing disease transmission; therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of infection control knowledge, attitude, and practice among dental students and interns in a removable prosthodontic department at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Libya. Materials and Methods: In May 2023, we distributed questionnaires containing 33 items to interns, 3rd-year, and 4th-year dental students at the faculty. The questions covered topics such as hepatitis B vaccination, use of personal protective barriers, knowledge of infection control protocols, and practice in the removable prosthodontic department of the faculty. Descriptive statistics were recorded using frequency and percentages. Differences in proportions were assessed using the Chi-square and Fisher exact test. All statistical analyses were performed at a p-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of four hundred and ten (410) participants responded to the questionnaire. Around 21.5% of the students had completed their hepatitis B vaccination, while 41.2% had never been vaccinated. Regarding the self-reported use of protective barriers, intern students showed a significantly higher score than did other study groups (P &lt;0.001). Moreover, the vast majority of 3rd year students reported never wearing eyewear, a face shield, or the head cap (73.2%), (81.1%), or (70.1%), respectively. About two-thirds of intern students (69.4%) showed positive attitudes toward the treatment of patients with infectious diseases. Conclusion: This study showed moderate compliance to infection control procedures among the participants, they have limited orientation and knowledge of the infection control guidelines and policies. Despite a positive attitude toward infection control measures, proper infection control practices were not consistently followed. Consequently, it is essential to take action to ensure that students understand the critical importance of practicing cross-infection control. Higher education institutions should implement effective solutions to address this issue.

Effectiveness of Intervention Program on Primary School Pupils’ about Hand-washing Practices

This quasi-experimental study aimed to develop an intervention program to enhance hand hygiene practices among school children in Najaf Governorate. Data were collected via a questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and hand washing behaviors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Results revealed suboptimal hand hygiene practices, with only 58.2% of children washing their hands after using the bathroom and 63.4% after playing. Gender and age disparities were evident, with females and older children exhibiting better hand washing habits. Family dynamics also played a significant role, with children learning hand washing predominantly from their mothers, particularly when fathers were present and employed as earners. Recommendations include integrating hygiene education into school curricula and conducting targeted educational sessions to promote effective hand washing practices. These findings underscore the importance of addressing socio-demographic factors in designing interventions to improve hand hygiene among school children, thereby mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. Highlights : Importance of Hand Hygiene: The study highlights the significance of hand washing in preventing disease transmission, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining public health. Gender and Age Disparities: Findings reveal differences in hand washing practices based on gender and age, underlining the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities. Influence of Family and Profession: The influence of family members, particularly parents, and the profession of the father on hand washing habits underscores the importance of familial and societal support in promoting good hygiene practices. Keywords : Hand hygiene, Intervention program, Quasi-experimental study, School curriculum, Educational session

Efficiacy test of insectiside with pirimiphos-methyl and alpha-cypermethrin on Musa domestica using surface spraying method

Abstract The bacteria are in human food through insects that act as disease vectors, such as flies. The housefly (Musa domestica) is one of the insects around human habitation that can affect human health. Therefore, controlling the M. domestica population must be done to prevent disease transmission, such as using insecticide. This research used the pirimiphos-methyl and alpha-cypermethrin active ingredients with different doses applied using the surface spraying method of the paper. Then, it was smeared with honey as an attractant. Methods used in this research include test insect preparation, active ingredient application, and data analysis. The data were analyzed statistically using the one-way ANOVA test. Innovation of the research that comperation about active ingredients of the pirimiphos-methyl and alpha-cypermethrin. Result of the research, insecticides with the pirimiphos-methyl proved effective to controlling M. domestica with doses of MP2 and MP3 to 100% mortality in less than 8 hours. In comparison, for the alpha-cypermethrin active ingredient, the mortality of M. domestica is less than 90%. These results indicate that M. domestica in that area is resistant to the alpha-cypermethrin. This research can be used for pest control to control pests effectively and efficiently.