Recommended Hygiene Practices Research Articles

Contact lens adoption and associated knowledge among the general population of South Gujarat, India

: Contact lenses have emerged as a popular alternative to spectacles, offering users enhanced vision correction, cosmetic appeal, and improved quality of life. However, awareness of contact lens care, hygiene, and complications remains a concern, particularly in regions with limited access to proper education on lens use. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, awareness, and practices related to contact lens use among the general population of South Gujarat, India.: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured online questionnaire administered to 1,500 participants. The questionnaire covered demographics, awareness of contact lens types, usage patterns, hygiene practices, and knowledge of potential complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, with chi-square tests used to determine statistical significance.: The study revealed that 60% of participants had some awareness of contact lenses, but only 30% demonstrated "extreme" awareness. Most participants used contact lenses for vision correction (65%), followed by cosmetics (30%). Adherence to recommended hygiene practices was variable, with only 56% consistently using contact lens solutions. Furthermore, 21% of users experienced discomfort while wearing lenses, and the dropout rate within the first six months was 28%.: There are significant gaps in knowledge and adherence to contact lens care, especially among younger users. Educational interventions focusing on hygiene practices, replacement schedules, and proper lens care are crucial to reducing complications and improving user experience.

High toxinogenic potential of Staphylococcus aureus from wild ungulates in Brandenburg, Germany with a low level of antibiotic resistance.

Data regarding the occurrence and virulence of Staphylococcus (S.) aureus in wild living animals is rare. However, S. aureus may carry a multitude of virulence factors and express resistance to several antimicrobial substances. Handling game meat may thus lead to serious infections or food poisoning. The aim of this study was to provide insights into the occurrence and characteristics of S. aureus in wild ungulates from Brandenburg, Germany. Nasal swabs of externally healthy-looking wild boars, roe, fallow and red deer were collected in hunts during season 2021/2022 and analyzed for S. aureus by selective enrichment. Species were determined using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry and tested for phenotypic antimicrobial resistance. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted for genotyping, determination of virulence associated genes and analysis of phylogenetic relationships. S. aureus were recovered from approximately 8% of nasal swabs. However, the strains were only obtained from the sampled wild ruminants. S. aureus isolates were associated with sequence types (ST) 1, ST30, ST133, ST425, ST582 and ST6238. Isolates of ST1 clustered closely together in the phylogenetic analysis. Genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) or SE-like (SEl) were found in 14/17 isolates. In particular, a seh gene was present in 12/17 isolates. Moreover, two isolates harbored a multiplicity of genes encoding SE or SEl. In addition, the toxic shock syndrome toxin encoding tst gene was detected in one isolate. This isolate was resistant to penicillin and cefoxitin and accordingly harbored the blaZ gene. Wild ungulates intended for human consumption may carry potentially virulent S. aureus. In one case, the close phylogenetic relationship of S. aureus isolates indicates a possible intraspecific spread within a common territory. However, for others, the origin or the spread pattern can only be inferred. Handling of animals or their carcasses might contribute to staphylococcal infections in humans. Moreover, food poisoning due to SE producing strains may occur, if recommended hygiene practices are not applied during processing of game meat.

Knowledge, practice, and infection status of prisoners toward dermatomycosis: a study in Nepal.

Dermatophytosis, commonly known as tinea, poses a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in environments with poor hygiene and overcrowding, such as prisons. Despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life, there is a lack of research on the knowledge and hygiene practices regarding dermatophytosis among prisoners, particularly in Nepal. The study aimed to assess prisoners' knowledge, hygiene practice and infection status regarding dermatophytosis in Central Prison, Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 184 respondents was designed to collect data using a validated pre-tested questionnaire from September 2023 to January 2024. The collected data was then analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Knowledge and hygiene practices were measured on an eight and 11-point scale and rated as poor (≤4) and sound (>4), bad (≤6), and good (>6), respectively. Summary data were presented by descriptive, while Chi-square and logistic regression were used for inferential statistics at p < 0.05. The findings revealed moderate knowledge among prisoners regarding dermatophytosis, with significant gaps in understanding its spread and prevention. While most prisoners recognized the importance of treatment, there were misconceptions about the inevitability of contracting dermatophytosis and the role of personal hygiene. Despite good knowledge levels, adherence to recommended hygiene practices was suboptimal, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study underscores the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, changing attitudes, and promoting hygienic practices to mitigate the burden of dermatophytosis among prisoners.

The efficacy of a range of hygiene measures for boot cleaning to protect natural vegetation from Phytophthora cinnamomi

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an oomycete found in the soil and capable of invading the roots of a wide range of host plants globally, potentially killing them and affecting the ecosystems they inhabit. This pathogen is often inadvertently dispersed in natural vegetation on the footwear of humans. A range of equipment is often provided or recommended to be carried for cleaning footwear in places where P. cinnamomi poses a threat to biodiversity. These are typically a brush for mechanically removing soil and/or a disinfectant for killing the pathogen. Despite their widespread use, to our knowledge, the majority of hygiene measures have not been experimentally tested for their efficacy. In the current study, we tested whether two types of brush and the two most widely used disinfectants (70% methylated spirits and benzalkonium chloride) were effective in removing the pathogen from boots. We tested the brushes and disinfectants in two soil types and two moisture levels. All hygiene measures were found to be better than doing nothing, although some were only effective with sandy or dry soils. Benzalkonium chloride was largely ineffective as a spray but highly effective when used in a footbath. Brushing did not improve cleaning when used with 70% methylated spirits. None of the hygiene measures was completely effective for cleaning boots that had been in wet loamy soil. Our findings have important implications for management of this threat because some recommended hygiene practices are not doing what they claim.

MP21-18 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WOMEN WITH RECURRENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN YOUTUBE EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS; INCONGRUENCE WITH AUA GUIDELINES - HEALTH EQUITY FINDINGS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP21-18 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WOMEN WITH RECURRENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN YOUTUBE EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS; INCONGRUENCE WITH AUA GUIDELINES - HEALTH EQUITY FINDINGS Mostafa Bondok, Lynn stothers, Andrew Macnab, Vancouver, Canada, Mohamed Bandok, Calgary, Canada, A. Lenore Ackerman, Emma Dixon, Marcia Trochez, Kelsey Petersen, and Rishika Selvakumar Mostafa BondokMostafa Bondok More articles by this author , Lynn stothers Lynn stothers More articles by this author , Andrew MacnabAndrew Macnab More articles by this author , Vancouver Vancouver More articles by this author , Canada Canada More articles by this author , Mohamed BandokMohamed Bandok More articles by this author , Calgary Calgary More articles by this author , Canada Canada More articles by this author , A. Lenore AckermanA. Lenore Ackerman More articles by this author , Emma DixonEmma Dixon More articles by this author , Marcia TrochezMarcia Trochez More articles by this author , Kelsey PetersenKelsey Petersen More articles by this author , and Rishika SelvakumarRishika Selvakumar More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003246.18AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Stigmatization of health illness is a threat to health equity. Although case control studies demonstrate that commonly suggested hygiene practices do not decrease the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women, many patient-education sources promote this misconception, & in doing so risk stigmatizing women with UTIs as ‘dirty’ or ‘unclean’. Objective: To document the quality, veracity, & comprehensiveness of recurrent UTI (rUTI) information on YouTube to increase health care workers’ (HCWs) awareness of UTI-related content online, & to identify deficits in understanding, clarify misconceptions & reduce stigmatization risk. METHODS: High-traffic topic search terms were curated by Google Trends to extract 200, of which 45 met inclusion criteria. 5 independent reviewers used a standardized questionnaire based on the AUA rUTI guidelines to assess definition of UTI, marketing content, prophylaxis/prevention strategies, & antibiotic use/stewardship. Statistics: Fleiss kappa (K) assessed Inter-rater reliability (IRR). RESULTS: High variability and incongruency from guideline definitions of UTI (Table 1); the most common prophylactic strategy discussed Cranberry; only 55% discussed increasing fluid intake. Table 2 illustrates commonly recommended hygiene practices: including front to back wiping (25%) K=0.71. 33% promoted other non-evidence-based hygiene practices including expression of uncleanliness of women. CONCLUSIONS: Misleading information for women seeking education on UTI through YouTube is high. Misinformation on hygiene practices is unproductive, & several videos captured HCWs claiming that rUTI results from poor female hygiene practices, creating a health equity concern for women experiencing UTIs. These findings alert HCWs on the need to provide evidence-based recommendations by consulting practice guidelines, such as those provided by the AUA. Source of Funding: n/a © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e293 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Mostafa Bondok More articles by this author Lynn stothers More articles by this author Andrew Macnab More articles by this author Vancouver More articles by this author Canada More articles by this author Mohamed Bandok More articles by this author Calgary More articles by this author Canada More articles by this author A. Lenore Ackerman More articles by this author Emma Dixon More articles by this author Marcia Trochez More articles by this author Kelsey Petersen More articles by this author Rishika Selvakumar More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Combating Lassa fever for sustainable development: Interplay of perceived behavioural control and current preventive practices in most endemic States in Nigeria.

Lassa fever has become a recurring incidence in Nigeria with high case fatality rates recorded in recent times. Given that total compliance with standard hygiene is recommended as a fundamental ingredient for the prevention of Lassa fever, this study investigated the influence of perceived behavioural control and current household and environmental hygiene practices for Lassa fever prevention among residents of selected Lassa fever endemic states in Nigeria. Data collected from primary sources through a mixed-methods approach, using self-administered structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was used for analysis and drawing of inferences. The sample size consisted of 663 survey respondents and 72 FGD participants. The quantitative data was analysed with the aid of SPSS version 23 using descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was employed in analysing the qualitative data. The findings indicate that the residents perceived certain recommended hygiene practices as 'easy-to-perform' while some are perceived as 'difficult-to-perform'. Compliance with standard hygiene practices is still partial due to the significant influence of Perceived Behavioural Control on current practices towards Lassa fever prevention in all the selected states at (R2= .023, .040 and .111 for Ebonyi, Edo and Ondo states respectively, at p˂0.05). The study recommends the establishment of community-based mechanized food/crops drying facilities at subsidized rates to remove the risk of food contamination by rodents during sun-drying and extensive use of interpersonal communication channels for door-to-door campaign for the total compliance with the preferred hygiene practices for Lassa fever.

Establishing Healthy Personal Hygiene Habits with Young Children in Australia: A Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Study

AbstractEffective and consistent engagement in personal hygiene practices is important for preventing the acquisition and transmission of communicable diseases in childhood. This study aimed to investigate trends in adherence to recommended hygiene practices and identify factors contributing to difficulties in establishing good hygiene habits with young children (0–4 years) in Australia. A self-selected community sample of parents (N = 426) completed an online survey assessing children's adherence to recommended hygiene practices and barriers and enablers of establishing good personal hygiene habits. Parents reported interest in receiving information/tips on children's personal hygiene (yes/no) and nominated topics of interest. Less than half of children in any age group consistently (always/almost always) covered coughs and sneezes, washed hands after toileting, or washed hands before meals or when dirty. Children's non-compliance (i.e. resistance, refusal) was the most commonly reported barrier to establishing good personal hygiene habits, while children's compliance (i.e. cooperative behaviour, following or complying with caregivers’ instructions) was the most commonly cited enabler. Despite low levels of adherence, less than half (41.2%) of parents wanted information/tips on children's hygiene. Results suggest a disconnect between parents’ knowledge about recommended hygiene practices and actual behaviour. Development and testing of approaches to behaviour change that incorporate evidence-based strategies to manage children's resistance and support parents to encourage the development of healthy hygiene habits is warranted.

Development and Assessment of a Prenatal Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Educational Survey: Implementation and Impact in a Metropolitan University-Based Clinic.

PurposeCongenital CMV infection can result in serious sequelae in the newborn. The goal of this study was to assess pregnant women’s knowledge and understanding of CMV infection during pregnancy and develop an educational tool about CMV infection to be utilized during prenatal care.Materials and MethodsThis is a prospective intervention study that assessed pregnant women’s knowledge before and after receiving an educational handout about CMV infection in pregnancy and the perceived value of this education. Pre- and post-education questionnaires were utilized to assess knowledge. The pre-education questionnaire and CMV educational handout were given at the same clinic visit. The educational handout was given after the pre-education questionnaire had been completed. The post-education questionnaire was given at the next scheduled prenatal clinic appointment and included questions regarding the level of satisfaction with the education and the perceived value of the information. Pregnant women less than 34 weeks of gestation were eligible.ResultsA total of 263 women were enrolled, 263 completed the pre-CMV educational questionnaire and 215 women completed both questionnaires. Some women only partially completed the questionnaires and those partial responses have been included. Prior to education, 33% (85/261) of participants had heard of CMV. This increased to 75% (160/214) after education. Participants scored each of the recommended hygiene practices between 1 and 5 (5 is the most acceptable) and each recommended hygiene practice received an average score between 3.8 and 5. 74% (134/180) of participants reported increasing their hygienic practices after education. 96% (180/188) of participants indicated they were satisifed to have received the education. 98% (187/190) thought more women should receive this education during prenatal care.ConclusionPregnant women viewed education about CMV favorably and increased the frequency of recommended hygiene practices. Introducing an educational handout to routine prenatal care may be beneficial in increasing awareness of CMV infection in pregnancy.

Isolating residents including wandering residents in care and group homes: Medical ethics and English law in the context of Covid-19

This article investigates the lawfulness of isolating residents of care and group homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many residents are mobile, and their freedom to move is a central ethical tenet and human right. It is not however an absolute right and trade-offs between autonomy, liberty and health need to be made since COVID-19 is highly infectious and poses serious risks of critical illness and death. People living in care and group homes may be particularly vulnerable because recommended hygiene practices are difficult for them and many residents are elderly, and/or have co-morbidities. In some circumstances, the trade-offs can be made easily with the agreement of the resident and for short periods of time. However challenging cases arise, in particular for residents and occupants with dementia who ‘wander’, meaning they have a strong need to walk, sometimes due to agitation, as may also be the case for some people with developmental disability (e.g. autism), or as a consequence of mental illness.This article addresses three central questions: (1) in what circumstances is it lawful to isolate residents of social care homes to prevent transmission of COVID-19, in particular where the resident has a strong compulsion to walk and will not, or cannot, remain still and isolated? (2) what types of strategies are lawful to curtail walking and achieve isolation and social distancing? (3) is law reform required to ensure any action to restrict freedoms is lawful and not excessive? These questions emerged during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and are still relevant. Although focussed on COVID-19, the results are also relevant to other future outbreaks of infectious diseases in care and group homes. Likewise, while we concentrate on the law in England and Wales, the analysis and implications have international significance.

548: Development and assessment of prenatal CMV infection education in a diverse metropolitan area

Congenital CMV infection can result in serious sequelae in the newborn. The goal of this study was to assess pregnant women's baseline knowledge and understanding of CMV infection during pregnancy and develop an educational tool on CMV infection to be utilized during prenatal care. This is a prospective intervention study that assessed pregnant women’s knowledge before and after receiving an educational handout on CMV infection in pregnancy. Pre- and post- education questionnaires were utilized to assess knowledge. Pregnant women less than 34 weeks gestation were eligible. 263 women were enrolled and 215 women completed both questionnaires. Prior to education, 33% of pregnant women surveyed had heard of CMV. This increased to 75% after the educational handout was administered. Each of the recommended hygiene practices was assigned a favorability score between 1-5 (5 is the most favorable) and each recommended hygiene practice had an average favorability score between 4-5. 74% of participants reported increasing hygiene practices after education. 96% of participants indicated they were happy to have received the education. 98% thought more women should receive this education during prenatal care. Pregnant women viewed education about CMV infection favorably and subsequently increased the frequency of the recommended hygiene practices. Introducing and educational handout to routine prenatal care may be beneficial in increasing awareness of CMV infection in pregnancy.

Targeting caregivers with context specific behavior change training increased uptake of recommended hygiene practices during food preparation and complementary feeding in Dedza district of Central Malawi

ABSTRACTThe effect of a targeted training intervention on uptake of recommended hygiene practices by caregivers of children 6–23 months was assessed. A sub-sample of 40 mothers from 303 households was used for a detailed study of hygiene practices during preparation of complementary foods after training. Mothers and caregivers were observed for 6 months and evaluated using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Chi-square test was used to determine the differences in proportions of mothers and caregivers who adopted recommended practices. Results showed significant increase in the proportions of mothers and caregivers who followed recommended hygiene practices after training. There was significant decrease in prevalence of diarrhea among the children (45% to 8.6%). It can be concluded that targeted training on practical hands-on activities such as hand washing, cleaning of cooking and serving utensils, covering of food and water increase adoption of recommended hygiene and sanitation practices.

An Assessment of Diarrhea Among Long-Distance Backpackers in the Sierra Nevada

Diarrhea is a common problem among long-distance backpackers, ranging in overall incidence from 11-56% as reported by previous studies on the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. Differences in age, sex, and regularity of standard backcountry hygiene recommendations and practices have been shown to significantly affect the incidence of diarrhea. No study to date has investigated these trends among long-distance backpackers on the John Muir Trail (JMT) in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. Retrospective analysis of online survey data gathered from long-distance backpackers who attempted a JMT trek in 2014. Data were assessed for the significance of variables that might contribute to the incidence and severity of on-trail diarrhea. Of 737 valid responders, 16.4% reported experiencing diarrhea (82% with minimal/mild severity; 18% with significant severity). Regular hand sanitizer use was significantly correlated with more severe diarrhea (P < .05), but had no effect on incidence. Regular hand sanitizer users followed all other recommended hygiene practices as frequently as or better than those not using hand sanitizer regularly. Of all backpackers, 88% filtered or treated their drinking water regularly, with 18% of those reporting diarrhea of any severity. JMT backpackers have a comparatively lower incidence of diarrhea than backpackers on other major long-distance backpacking routes in the United States. Most JMT backpackers follow standard backcountry hygiene recommendations, including regular filtration or treatment of drinking water. No statistical significance was found between the incidence of diarrhea and compliance with standard hygiene recommendations. Regular hand sanitizer use was significantly correlated with more severe diarrhea but was not associated with incidence. There was no significant difference in compliance with standard backcountry hygiene practices between regular and infrequent hand sanitizer users.

Creating a culture of health: hygiene behaviour change in community health clubs through knowledge and positive peer pressure

Understanding the mechanisms that trigger behaviour change to overcome risky hygiene is critical to improving family health. Research in an integrated health promotion programme in 382 Community Health Clubs (CHCs) in three districts of Zimbabwe showed clearly the value members attached to gaining ‘knowledge’, which was their strongest motivation for joining CHCs. In these rural areas, where only 38% had completed primary school, randomly sampled CHCs ranked the ‘Need for Knowledge’ second highest after ‘Safety’. A survey of 880 CHC members showed that an average of 80% of CHC members who had ‘full knowledge of diarrhoea’, also practised ten recommended hygiene practices (P &amp;gt; 0.001), compared to 17% who had ‘some knowledge’, and 6% who had safe hygiene, but ‘no knowledge’. In the control group only 50% with ‘full knowledge’ of diarrhoea, also practised safe hygiene, 30% fewer than the CHCs. Therefore, thorough training is needed to ensure a critical mass have ‘full knowledge’. This justifies the CHC Model with 24 weekly sessions reinforcing key messages over a six month period. Positive peer pressure through shared knowledge, understanding and experience, combines to change group values ensuring that even uninformed individuals adopt safe hygiene practices through the adoption of a ‘Culture of Health’.

Best practice contact lens care: A review of the Asia Pacific Contact Lens Care Summit

Contact lens hygiene has long been recognised as key to the prevention of contact‐lens associated infection and inflammation. Microbial keratitis (MK) is the only serious and potentially sight‐threatening contact lens adverse event. International studies including recent research in Asia Pacific show that MK is rare but, as the consequences can be severe, it is important to minimise the risk factors. Studies continue to show that one of the key risk factors is lens and lens case hygiene. Therefore, it is also useful to review the behaviour of our patients, to see how closely they follow the recommended hygiene practices. Recent studies in various regions have shown that patients’ lens care habits do not meet a required standard.Patients can become complacent and thus non‐compliant with lens care instructions. Furthermore, they do not understand the high risk of some behaviour and they are not hearing the practitioner when instructions and reminders are given. Further education is important to improve patient compliance and safety. The Asia Pacific Contact Lens Care Summit held in Singapore urged the industry and practitioners to restore the emphasis of proper lens care, including the ‘rub and rinse’ technique, and developed a new set of guidelines to help eye‐care professionals educate their patients on the importance of proper contact lens care to avoid eye infections. The summit also presented the latest research on how to avoid corneal staining, another important element of contact lens care. This review provides a summary of the summit presentations and the science behind these guidelines.

THE EFFECT OF ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN RECOMMENDED HYGIENE PRACTICES ON RATES OF BACTERIAL CROSS-INFECTION AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESS IN AUSTRALIAN CHILD CARE CENTRES

Recommended hygiene practices are believed to reduce this risk. We investigated the impact of additional training and support on transmission of respiratory bacteria, hygiene practices, and rates of respiratory illness. Methods A cluster randomised, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted in 20 Australian child care centres. 10 centres (219 children) received a 2 hour evening training session followed by regular visits and support for 20 second hand washing, barrier nose-wiping, removal of contaminated toys, and non-touch sunscreen application. 10 centres (235 children) acted as controls. Nasal swabs, ear examinations, and telephone interviews occurred every 2 weeks for 6 months. Hygiene practices were observed on 4 separate occasions. New infection with S. pneumoniae (Spn) and H. influenzae (Hi) was defined as carriage of a serotype (Spn) or ribotype (Hi) that was not detected at the previous assessment. Childhood illness was reported by parent(s) for each day of the intervention period. The laboratory staff, the parents, and the observers of hygiene practice were not informed which centres had received the intervention. Findings Additional training and support for recommended hygiene practices resulted in modest changes in the proportion of hygiene practices consistent with the current guidelines (weighted mean difference 14%, 95% CI 9, 19). These changes are not associated with substantial reductions in the transmission of bacterial respiratory pathogens (adjusted incidence rate ratio, IRR 0.97 95% CI 0.88, 1.08) or respiratory illness (adjusted IRR 1.00, 95% CI 0.93, 1.08). Interpretation The transmission of respiratory bacteria in child care centres is frequent and not greatly affected by changes in modest changes in hygiene practices. When these results are combined with other similar studies, it is still feasible that these types of interventions will reduce rates of respiratory illness by a small amount (pooled adjusted IRR 0.94, 95%CI 0.88, 1.01).