Provision Of Sanitary Facilities Research Articles

Current Status of Urinary Schistosomiasis Among Communities in Kurmuk District, Western Ethiopia: Prevalence and Intensity of Infection.

Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent but neglected tropical disease, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, urogenital schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma haematobium has been known to be endemic in several lowland areas. This study was designed to determine the current prevalence and intensity of the urogenital schistosomiasis among communities in Kurmuk District, western Ethiopia. Urine filtration technique and urine dipstick test were used to screen for S. haematobium eggs and hematuria, respectively. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 23. Logistic regression and odds ratio were used to measure associations and strength between prevalence, intensity, and independent variables. P-values <.05 at 95% CI were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection as determined by urine filtration was 34.2% (138/403). In bivariate analysis, the most infected (45.4%) age groups were 5 to 12 years (odds ratio [OR] = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.36-12.67), followed by 13 to 20 years (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.01-10.35) with higher significant mean egg count (MEC). The mean egg intensity ranged from 2.39 in Ogendu (CI: 1.05-3.72) to 14.1 in Dulshatalo (CI: 4.98-23.12) villages. The main predictor of infection was swimming habits (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.43 [CI: 1.19-4.94]). The prevalence of hematuria was 39.2% (158/403), the odds being 2.64 times higher among participants who resided in Dulshatalo than those who resided in Kurmuk (AOR 2.64 [95% CI: 1.43-4.87], P = .004). To reduce the infection and interrupt transmission, the PC in place in the area using PZQ should be strengthened and continued, alongside with provision of sanitary facilities, safe alternative water supplies and health education. The Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia should also collaborate with the health authorities of the Sudan government for the control of trans-boundary transmission of the disease as the transmission foci are shared between the 2 countries.

Seasonal Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables Marketed in Bori Central Market, Khana Local Governemnt Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Seasonal parasitic contamination of vegetables marketed in Bori central market, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria was investigated. A total of 80 vegetable samples, (40 samples each during the rainy and dry season respectively) were purchased from the Bori central market. The vegetable samples were examined in the laboratory for the presence of intestinal parasites using sedimentation techniques and microcopy. The results revealed that out of 80 vegetable samples (20 samples of each vegetable type and 40 samples each for rainy and dry seasons) examined, an overall prevalence of 41(51.3%) was recorded. Out of the 40 samples of vegetable each examined during the rainy and dry seasons, 23(57.5%) and18(45.0%) samples were positive for intestinal parasites during the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Across the two seasons, intestinal parasites belonging to four genera were identified. The genera were Ascaris, Giardia, Ancylostoma and Trichuris. A total of 23 intestinal parasites were identified during the rainy season (Ascaris 13/23(56.3%), Giardia 3/23(13.1%), Ancylostoma 4/23(17.4%) and Trichuris 3/23(13.1%) while a total of 18 parasites were extracted from the vegetables during the dry season (Ascaris 9/18(50%), Giardia 1/18(5.5%), Ancylostoma 3/18(16.7%) and Trichuris 5/18(27.8%). Carrot and tomatoes were the most statistically (P&gt;0.05) contaminated vegetables in the rainy and dry seasons respectively. All species of parasites identified have a high relative abundance in the rainy season than in the dry season. Ascaris sp. (56.5%) was the most abundant species of parasite in the rainy season, followed by Ancylostoma sp. (10.0%), Giardia sp. (7.5%) and Trichuris sp. (7.5%). In the dry season, Ascaris sp. had the most relative abundance (50.0%), followed by Trichuris sp. (27.8%), Ancylostoma sp. (7.5%) and Giardia sp. (2.5%). There was a statistically significance difference (P&lt;0.05) in the relative abundance of parasite species in the rainy and dry seasons. The high level of parasitic contamination of vegetables recorded in the study area is a public health concern and demands serious intervention especially in areas of health education on personal hygiene, sanitation and the danger of consumption of improperly washed vegetables, provision of sanitary facilities, mass deworming, open defecation and use of waste water for fertilizer.

Intestinal helminthiasis survey withemphasison schistosomiasis in Koga irrigation scheme environs, northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundDistribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the search for new transmission foci of schistosomiasis and its connection with malacologically receptive water bodies essential for effective control of its transmission. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren and Schistosoma mansoni transmission in Koga irrigation scheme surroundings, northwest Ethiopia.Materials and methodsCross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools and nearby water bodies, respectively around Koga irrigation scheme. Stool specimens were collected from 421 randomly selected schoolchildren and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Malacological surveys were carried out and the identified Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were screened for schistosome infection. Swiss albino mice were exposed to schistosome cercariae shed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi for definite identification of Schistosoma species.ResultsAmong the examined schoolchildren, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7%-26.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal helminths species. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent intestinal helminth detected among forty (9.5%) children. Schistosoma mansoni was detected among 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9%-7.2%) of children and its prevalence was significantly higher among male children (p = 0.038) and those attending in Mengesha Jemberie Primary School (p = 0.044). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were identified in water bodies in close proximity to Mengesha Jemberie and Wotete Abay Primay schools. Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were harvested after exposure of mice to cercariae shed from Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from water bodies nearby Mengesha Jemberie Primary School.ConclusionsSchistosoma mansoni infection of schoolchildren, findings of schistosome infected snails and establishment of mice infection confirm that transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, snail control and other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education are recommended.

Sanitation and work time: Evidence from the toilet revolution in rural China

In 2020, 46% of the global population lacked safely managed sanitation services. Poor sanitation may lead to health problems and restrict economic activities. This study is the first to focus on the government-subsided Toilet Revolution in rural China and empirically investigates the causal effects of sanitation coverage increase on labor supply in developing countries. Using the China Health and Nutrition Survey data, we exploit the temporal and regional variation during the revolution and employ a difference-in-differences methodology. Our study finds that rural households with access to clean flush toilets significantly increase their work time by 0.253–0.431 h/day, and the effects are more prominent among women than men. As for the mechanism, clean toilets significantly decrease housework related to cleaning the house and raising livestock and poultry, allowing people to reallocate their time and invest more into work, which is more salient for women. Our findings highlight the importance of sanitation coverage in improving the economic outcomes in the rural areas of China. For policymakers concerned with the provision of sanitary facilities and the supply of labor force in developing countries, this study indicates that improved sanitation facilities also unexpectedly increase labor supply, particularly for women.

Personal hygiene in schools: retrospective survey in the northern part of Côte d'Ivoire.

SummaryIntroductionStudents’ personal hygiene helps maintain health and promote good academic performance. When health facilities are insufficient, this hygiene can be difficult to achieve. We wanted to analyse the determinants of personal hygiene in schools in the northern region of Côte d’Ivoire.MethodsThe retrospective cross-sectional study brings together data on 2,035 schoolchildren recruited from thirty schools in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Indexes on personal hygiene were constructed and analysed in comparison to the socio-demographic characteristics of students, homes and schools. They were analysed with R Software version 1.1.463, the χ2 test and a logistic regression model.ResultsOverall, the majority of students had good personal hygiene (82.75%) with an average personal hygiene score of 4.74 ± 1.36. The predictors of good personal hygiene among schoolchildren were female gender (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 4.31-16.37), father’s primary education level (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.07-2.29), the father’s income level above 60,000 FCFA (90 Euros) and modern housing (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.05-2.03). However, the poor level of home sanitation resulted in poor personal hygiene among the students (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.23-0.5).ConclusionsMeasures to raise the standard of living of families and the provision of sanitary facilities in homes becomes necessary in order to improve students personal hygiene.

Identification of critical control points using water quality as an indicator of hygiene for artisanal fisheries on Lake Malawi

AbstractFish are a highly perishable commodity, and unhygienic fresh fish supply chains have been documented over the past two decades in sub‐Saharan Africa. Fishers spend long hours on boats with no provision of sanitary facilities, and even after landing, they are often in environments without sanitary facilities. The purpose of the present study was to explore the impacts of water, sanitation and hygiene practices in an artisanal fishery on food safety by analysing water samples in close contact with fresh fish at various checkpoints from capture to sale at the local market along the shores of Lake Malawi (Malawi). The four checkpoints included (a) fishing boats at the fishing ground before fishing commenced (n = 85); (b) in the same boats at the landing site before offloading fresh fish (n = 85); (c) with fresh fish transporters at the landing site (n = 71); and (d) among vendors at the market (n = 63). Escherichia coli was found in a high percentage of samples at each of the four checkpoints during the dry, wet and cold seasons. The highest risk for contamination (represented by E. coli concentrations) was the transition from transport to vendor, regardless of the season during which the samples were taken. The product value chain demands food safety. The results of the present study have potential applications in informing future interventions to develop behavioural change strategies regarding handwashing and toileting practices, norms unique for highly mobile fishing communities through the integration of hardware and software solutions and using better‐quality water to store fish on the boat, in transport and at the market.

Occupational Health and Safety Status in the Management of Faecal Sludge in Ghana: A Case Study of the Lavender Hill Faecal Treatment Plant

Faecal sludge management in Ghana has been undertaken in different scales using different methods for years. Each of these methods involves human intervention in one form or the other. Direct human-to-faecal matter contact cannot be avoided completely in faecal sludge treatment. However, the degree of contact depends on the finesse of technology employed. Also, emission of gaseous substances along the treatment value chain both as a direct result of the sludge or of chemicals being employed in the treatment process is another challenge. In whichever way the situation is looked at, all these processes will present occupational safety and health issues to workers and other stakeholders if not proactively regulated. Data was collected at five different levels using different instruments at Lavender Hill Faecal Treatment Plant operated by Sewerage Systems Ghana Ltd. was analyzed for this study. This was done to ascertain the status of Health and Safety Practices and worker risk and or hazard exposures in a typical faecal management in Ghana. It was realised that a very comprehensive safety management systems have been instituted to ensure protection for all. Activities at the plant are regulated by an approved written health and safety policy, environmental management policy and standard operating procedures documents. Physical structures have safety warning signs fixed on them where appropriate and the plant’s operations are supported with state-of-the-art technology – gas detectors, buoyancy devices around open tanks, supply of appropriate personal protective equipment, provision of sanitary facilities among others. Management of the plant considers health and safety of every person admitted to the site an utmost priority. This is demonstrated by management’s commitment to releasing funds and direct participation in safety programs. Awareness creation in the form of orientations and trainings is effectively communicated to all site patrons. Mental wellbeing of workers is ensured through a welfare system and a physical activity program. It is not surprising therefore that despite the extent of hazards associated with the faecal matter handling yet no serious incident, accident and or health related issues had yet been identified after more than a year of operation.

Prevalence of intestinal helminth infection among school children in Maksegnit and Enfranz Towns, northwestern Ethiopia, with emphasis on Schistosoma mansoni infection.

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is endemic in Ethiopia and previously unknown transmission foci have been reported from time to time in different parts of the country. Further surveys are required in areas where endemicity of the disease is not known to cover them with control program if transmission is taking place. This study, therefore, aims to assess the magnitude of schistosomiasis mansoni and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Maksegnit and Enfranz Towns, northwestern Ethiopia.MethodsCross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools found in Maksegnit and Enfranz Towns. Stool specimens were collected from 550 randomly selected school children (age range 5 to 17 years) and processed for microscopic examination using Kato-Katz method (single smear per stool sample). Malacological survey was conducted in Gumara and Garno Rivers found in the study areas. Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from the two rivers were individually exposed to artificial light in order to induce cercarial shedding. Laboratory-bred Swiss albino mice were exposed to the cercariae and definite identification of the schistosome species was made based on morphology.ResultsThe overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was found to be 49 %; however, it varied by schools, with Selam having 60.7 %, and Maksegnit Number 1 and 2 having 45.8 and 39.6 %, respectively. The respective mean intensity of S. mansoni infection among school children in Selam, Maksegnit Number 1 and Maksegnit Number 2 Schools were 243, 194 and 183 eggs per gram of stool (epg). In all the study areas there was no difference in prevalence of S. mansoni infection in relation to age, however, the prevalence varied by sex, with males having highest prevalence (54.5 % vs 44.1 %) (p = 0.012). Adult S. mansoni worms were harvested from mice exposed to cercariae shed from B. pfeifferi on the 6th week post-exposure. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides single infection was 16.5 % while its co-infection with S. mansoni was 18.2 %.ConclusionInfections of young children, findings of schistosome infected snails, establishment of mice infection and harvesting adult worms from the lab-bred mice confirm that autochthonous transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel should be put in place, complemented with other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education, to control morbidity and transmission of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in the study areas.

Evaluation of Sanitation Practices in Ibadan South East LGAs of Oyo State, Nigeria

Sanitation is paramount to human life because it contributes to safety from communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as playing important roles in human socio- economic development and sustenance of cultural values. The aim of this paper is to highlight unwholesome practices that are inimical to good sanitation in Nigeria with particular focus on Ibadan South East LGAs of the Metropolis. Survey method was largely used in this study with questionnaire administered on 233 respondents selected from 40 households spatially spread across the LGAs. The analysis shows that domestic liquid and solid wastes constitute environmental hazard in the area. About 69 per cent of the respondents are females which indicate that issue of household sanitation is gender biased, 64 per cent of respondents are married depicting large household size with multiplier effect on quantity of waste generated. Also 28.3 per cent of households pack solid waste in sacks while 24 per cent use waste bins. Also, 17.2 per cent dump and burn solid waste in front of houses while nine per cent dispose of refuse on vacant plots. The astonishing revelation is that 6.9 per cent of them throw waste into flowing streams while 12.9 per cent dump waste into drainage. Adding to these problems is lack of awareness of building code which made sanitary facilities wrongly located. Education through public enlightenment, provision of sanitary facilities and involvement of PPP among other things are advocated to remedying the present sanitation problems in Ibadan city and cities in Nigeria. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n5p79

Practices, knowledge and risk factors of street food vendors in Uganda

Street food vendors in Kampala, Jinja and Masaka districts in Uganda were surveyed to assess risk factors, practices and knowledge of street food vendors with respect to food safety and hygiene. A total of 225 street food vendors were investigated from August 2008 and May 2009. A structured questionnaire and checklist were used in the interviews and focus group discussions. Street vendors (87.6%) were women and with low education level. Vendors had access to tap water within 5 min walk. Non-disposable plates/cups were the commonly used for vending food. Use of soap and cold water for washing utensils was common practice. Wash water recycled several times and only changed when very cloudy and soapy. Street vendors had some knowledge about diarrhoea and its associated risk factors. Toilet facilities were dominated by pour/flash toilet and pit latrine. Masaka (64.3%) and Jinja (38.9%) vendors disposed off the garbage at the vending sites whereas in Kampala (92.8%) used gunny bags.Cooked food was handled at ground level and exposed to flies. Masaka vendors (68.6%) had no hygiene regulations governing the street food vending business whereas Kampala (75.9%) and Jinja (65.3%) indicated hygiene regulations were enforced onsite management by local government. Vendors operated in a variety of vending structures and hygiene of premises was poor. Vendors suggested structural improvement of the vending sites and provision of more sanitary facilities. Street food vendors were aware hygienic practices, but do not put them in practice. Focus group discussants indicated a need to re-emphasize the personal hygiene and education. There is a need to reduce food contamination through education and provision of sanitary facilities at vending sites.

Behavior in Water Supply and Sanitation

Health planners often conceptualize improved public health infrastructures, such as the provision of sanitary facilities, as keys to improved public health results. These improvements alone, however, rarely result in the anticipated health improvements. Changes in hygiene behavior, that is, in the way in which people utilize their existing resources along with improved infrastructure. are critical to achieving sustained improvements in public health conditions. This behavioral/human component tends to either be considered last in the planning process or, at best, is thought to happen once infrastructure improvements are in place. This article argues that such components need to be planned for and utilized in the overall planning of infrastructure improvements intended to change public health conditions of the peri-urban and rural poor.