Sanitation Facilities Research Articles

Discursive analysis of rejection voices against brand social responsibility initiatives in Indonesia

A health soap product brand launched an advertising campaign about an initiative to improve sanitation facilities and educate people about clean living in one of the most underdeveloped villages in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Unfortunately, this campaign was rejected by various elements, from local non-government organizations, nomads, residents, and local media to the regional government. Rejection is based on advertising content that displays poverty in the village. Using a Foucauldian discursive formation approach, this study intertextually analyses advertising documents, news reports, petitions, microsites, social media, and online comments to understand media representation and voices of resistance and discover various conflicting interests, ethnic identity politics, regional sentiment, and political economy intertwined within the text as the power/knowledge. This study underscores the need for sensitivity to ethnic identity in brand social responsibility initiatives, as it is a crucial aspect of respect and consideration.

Assessment of the inclusiveness of health services and challenges in the context of scheduled tribes in Kerala

This study investigates the health challenges faced by scheduled tribes (S.T.s) in Kerala, a state renowned for its progressive health indicators. Despite significant advancements in healthcare, S.T.s remains marginalised, with a population of 484839 as per the 2011 census. The paper aims to assess the inclusiveness of health services, explore the stagnation of health outcomes in tribal areas, evaluate the effectiveness of health policies, and examine the adequacy of existing health infrastructure. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study reveals high illiteracy rates and limited access to employment as primary barriers to social and economic progress. Approximately 90 percent of the tribal population engages in seasonal, low-income labour, and around 80 percent live below the poverty line. Health issues prevalent among these communities include malnutrition, anaemia, and high rates of infectious diseases, exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and water facilities. The study highlights a concerning reliance on traditional practices, leading to underutilisation of available health services. Key findings indicate that maternal health and hygiene are critical areas needing intervention, particularly regarding menstrual health issues. The functioning of community health workers, such as ASHAs, requires enhancement to ensure timely access to healthcare information and services. Recommendations emphasise the need for targeted educational initiatives, improved employment opportunities, and better maintenance of health infrastructure to foster inclusivity and address the pressing health challenges faced by scheduled tribes in Kerala.

Spatial distribution and determinants of improved shared sanitation facilities among households in Ethiopia: Using 2019 mini-Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

Limited or shared sanitation services are considered improved sanitation facilities, but they are shared between two or more households. Globally, 600 million people use shared toilet facilities. Although shared facilities are not classified as improved sanitation due to potential infection risks, inaccessibility, and safety concerns, this is a significant issue in developing countries like Ethiopia. Evidence on the distribution of shared sanitation services and their determinants in Ethiopia is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the extent of shared toilet facilities and their determinants among households in Ethiopia. The 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) served as the basis for the cross-sectional secondary data analysis. The analysis included a total of 7,770 households from the weighted sample. STATA 14 software was used to clean, weigh, and analyze the data. To explore the distribution and determine the factors associated with shared toilet facilities in Ethiopia, both spatial and mixed-effect analyses were utilized. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to display the relationships between the dependent and independent variables, employing adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The magnitude of improved shared sanitation facilities among households in Ethiopia, according to the EDHS 2019, was 10.5% (95% CI: 9.88, 11.24). The prevalence was highest in Addis Ababa at 70.2% and lowest in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region at 2.4%. Individual-level variables significantly associated with the use of improved shared toilet facilities included being a household head aged 55 years or older [AOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.71], having secondary education or higher [AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.80, 3.28], and belonging to middle or rich wealth status [middle: AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.35, 3.96; rich: AOR = 6.23; 95% CI: 3.84, 10.11]. Community-level characteristics such as residing in urban areas [AOR = 7.60; 95% CI: 3.47, 16.67], the metropolitan region [AOR = 25.83; 95% CI: 10.1, 66.3], and periphery regions [AOR = 5.01; 95% CI: 2.40, 10.48] were also associated with the use of shared toilet facilities. The usage of improved shared toilet facilities among households in Ethiopia is relatively low. Significant factors related to the use of shared toilet facilities were being 55 years of age or older, possessing secondary or higher education, having a middle or rich wealth status, living in urban areas, and residing in metropolitan or peripheral regions. To improve access to and utilization of shared sanitation facilities, Ethiopian policy should emphasize user education and awareness.

Mieszkańcy Ostrołęki w latach 1950-1960 i ich warunki mieszkaniowe

The purpose of the article is to characterize the residents of peripheral town in the initial stage of industrialization, i.e. in 1960 against the background of 1950. The characterization of the residents was made possible thanks to the statistical database derived from population censuses. Research results: between 1946 and 1960, Ostrołęka's population increased from 10409 to 15206. During this period, employment grew faster than the number of residents, particularly in industry, contributing to an increase in professional activity from 35.9% in 1950 to 37.7% in 1960. There was also a decrease in the burden on 100 working individuals by those they supported. During these 10 years, there was a change in the structure of employment. In 1950, only 9.8% of those professionally active worked in the “industry” sector, whereas in 1960 it was 33,4%. The living conditions of residents improved. While in 1950 only 56% of homes had electricity, in 1960 it was 91.9%. There was also an increase in the percentage of residents with access to water supply systems from 4.2% to 25%, and those with sanitary facilities from 2.8% to 20%. The development of housing construction contributed to a change in the structure of housing resources and a decrease of in their density from 1.85 in 1950 to 1.46 persons per room in 1960. Conclusions: 1.The initiated process of the industrialization of the city contributed to an increase in jobs, an increase in population, the development of infrastructure and housing, and a marked improvement in the living conditions of the population. 2. The society of Ostrołęka in 1960 was young, as a result of nationwide demographic processes. The high proportion of children in the total population contributed to relatively low professional activity among women and, at the same time, to a high burden on working individuals by their dependents, which in turn delayed the improvement of the population’s living conditions.

A comparative study of menstrual poverty among urban and rural female learners in government schools of Zambia

BackgroundMenstrual poverty remains a significant health problem among female learners in Zambia, particularly due to the lack of access to menstrual products, leading to the use of unsafe alternatives and potential health risks such as reproductive tract infections. To address this pressing issue, this study examined the disparities in knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning menstrual poverty among female learners in both urban and rural government schools within Zambia.MethodsThe study utilized a mixed-method sequential explanatory design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. A cross-sectional survey of 447 female learners was conducted in urban and rural areas using a multistage stratified sampling approach. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and bivariate techniques in Stata version 14.2. The qualitative arm consisted of focus group discussions and key informant interviews, with thematic analysis applied.ResultsThe findings revealed that urban female learners possessed a more comprehensive understanding of menstruation than their rural peers, with a significantly higher proportion accurately defining the process (74% vs. 50%). Notably, both urban and rural learners experienced a spectrum of emotional responses to menarche, with fear and discomfort common among learners in both urban and rural settings, while support-seeking behaviours and cultural beliefs varied geographically. Rural learners commonly turned to herbal remedies for menstrual management (30% vs. 21%, p = 0.007). Furthermore, over 50% of urban and rural leaners reported dissatisfaction with the sanitary facilities, citing concerns such as cleanliness, privacy, and inadequate handwashing amenities.ConclusionThis study reveals significant disparities in menstrual knowledge, practices, and attitudes between urban and rural female learners. Government funding is imperative to implement comprehensive menstrual health education in all public schools to create a supportive environment for menstruating learners. Collaboration with the Ministry of Health is crucial to ensure access to essential resources, including pain relief and gender-sensitive facilities.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene among transgender population living in urban informal settlements: a qualitative study in Odisha, India

Background Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is recognized as a fundamental human right. However, transgender people residing in low-resource settings such as urban slums encounter unique challenges in accessing WASH facilities. Aims To explore the WASH-related issues and health outcomes associated with these challenges among transgender people living in urban informal settlements in India. Materials and Methods A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 24 transgender people residing in urban informal slums in Odisha, India. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, translated and analyzed using the thematic analysis methods. Results The findings reveal that transgender people faced significant challenges in accessing adequate sanitation facilities. Many of them used inadequate toilet facilities due to sex segregation, which exposed them to harassment and discrimination. Moreover, transgender people who engaged in sex work faced heightened risks of infections due to risky sexual practices driven by economic necessity and the need for gender validation. Despite these obstacles, transgender people have mobilized nonprofit organizations to address these issues comprehensively, prioritizing health and overall well-being. Conclusion The study underscores the critical need for improving sanitation infrastructure, regular maintenance, and comprehensive hygiene education tailored to the specific needs of transgender people. Efforts should prioritize enhancing sanitation facilities and promoting hygiene practices to mitigate health risks effectively. Additionally, awareness and education programs focusing on various aspects of hygiene, including hand hygiene, oral hygiene, and peri-anal hygiene, are essential to promote better health outcomes within the transgender community.

Sanitation Facilities in Somali Households: Evidence From a Multilevel Analysis of the 2020 Health and Demographic Survey

ABSTRACTHousehold sanitation facilities are vital for national development, disease prevention, and health. Despite some progress, many countries, including Somalia, cannot meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This study aims to identify the potential factors of utilising sanitation facilities in Somalia using Somalia Health and Demographic Surveys (SHDS)‐2020 data. Chi‐square test and multilevel models were employed in this study to determine the risk factors of utilising sanitation facilities. Findings revealed that about 41.35% of the respondents lived in urban areas, 46.80% of households were classified as poor, and 87.02% had no education. Several factors significantly influenced access to appropriate sanitation services, including educational level, gender of the household head, family size, and wealth status. Affluent households were 1.11 times more likely to access sanitation than poor, while female‐headed households had 1.1 times higher odds than male‐headed ones. Findings depict disparities in sanitation access among Somali households, driven by factors such as wealth, gender, and education. Targeted interventions, including financial support for poor households and empowerment initiatives for female heads, are essential. A focus on community education and infrastructure investment is crucial for improving health outcomes in Somalia.

Wealth-based inequalities in tuberculosis prevalence among households having children and young adults in India: insights from Indian demographic and health surveys (2015–2021)

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health concern in India, especially among households with children and young adolescents aged 6–17 years. Despite ongoing research, there is a knowledge gap regarding specific risk factors for TB within this demographic. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the association between TB and various socio-demographic factors, including socioeconomic status, nutritional status, and environmental conditions.Data and methodsUtilizing data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4th and 5th round (2015-16 and 2019-21), this study conducted a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis. Unadjusted and Adjusted Logistic regression is utilized to identify key factors influencing TB. Furthermore, Wagstaff decomposition analysis is applied, to quantifying the factors that contributes to the inequalities in social determinants on the wealth-related inequality observed in the prevalence of TB.ResultsThe study observed a notable decline in TB prevalence from 1.7 to 1.2% among individuals from households having children and young adolescents aged 6–17 years. Additionally, factors like the use of unclean cooking fuel, lack of electricity, and unimproved toilet facilities were associated with increased TB prevalence. Wealth-based inequality in TB prevalence was also evident, with the burden falling disproportionately on poorer households. Unclean fuel is the most significant determinant of wealth-based inequality in TB, contributing to nearly 2/5th (18.5% in NFHS-4) of the observed inequality. Notably, gender did not significantly influence TB prevalence.ConclusionThe decline in TB prevalence in India correlates with improvements in socio-economic and living conditions, as evidenced by increased access to better housing, clean fuel, and sanitation facilities. The study underscores the need for integrated public health strategies that address both medical and socio-environmental determinants of TB. Improving socio-economic conditions, alongside targeted healthcare interventions, appears vital in reducing the TB burden in high-prevalence settings like India. This research emphasizes the importance of comprehensive approaches to combat pediatric TB, combining clinical care with enhancements in living standards and access to basic amenities.

Impact of trachoma elimination efforts in afar regional state, Ethiopia: survey findings from 26 evaluation units

BackgroundFollowing interventions to eliminate trachoma in the Afar region of Ethiopia, our goal was to reassess the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) at the woreda level, and to identify factors associated with the disease.MethodsCross-sectional community-based surveys were conducted in 26 trachoma-endemic woredas, employing a standardized approach. Households were selected as the secondary sampling unit. Surveys involved interviews with household heads, direct assessment of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access, and clinical examination of eligible household members for trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF).ResultOverall, 18 out of the 26 woredas (69%) achieved the World Health Organization-recommended threshold for active trachoma elimination, with a prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) below 5% in children aged 1–9 years. Additionally, 14 woredas (54%) met the threshold for trachomatous trichiasis (TT) elimination, with a prevalence of TT cases unknown to the health system below 0.2% in adults aged 15 years and older. However, access to improved drinking water sources within a 30-minute trip was limited to only 17% of households, and merely 9% had access to improved latrines. Addressing these WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) challenges remains critical for sustaining progress in trachoma control and achieving long-term public health improvements in the Afar region.ConclusionIn seven woredas, further rounds of antibiotic mass drug administration are required, complemented by initiatives to promote facial cleanliness and improve environmental conditions. Additionally, surgical campaigns for trachomatous trichiasis (TT) are needed in 12 woredas. There is a critical need to enhance access to improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities across all surveyed woredas to consolidate gains in trachoma control and achieve sustained public health improvements.

Achieving universal sanitation in Ghana: An analysis of key drivers of toilet ownership among property owners in Urban areas.

Access to safe sanitation facilities remains a critical public health concern, especially in rapidly urbanizing countries like Ghana. This study investigates the determinants of household toilet ownership among property owners in three urban districts in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 1,256 property owners selected through a multi-stage stratified sampling procedure. Logistic regression analysis revealed that toilet ownership is significantly associated with the age and education level of property owners, community classification, building characteristics, and household income. Older property owners were more likely to own toilets (OR = 1.014 per year increase), as were those with higher education levels (OR = 1.752 for secondary, OR = 4.489 for tertiary education). Medium-class communities (OR = 2.013) completed buildings (OR = 2.625), and those constructed with sandcrete (OR = 12.755) were more likely to have toilets. Higher household income (OR = 1.00) correlated positively with toilet ownership. We conclude that enforcing building regulations requiring toilet facilities in all properties is crucial for improving sanitation in urban Ghana. Additionally, innovative sanitation financing interventions that subsidize the costs of sanitation facilities can be effective in addressing financial barriers and increasing household toilet ownership.

Menstrual Cup Awareness and Future Usage Possibilities of Consumers: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that menstrual health be recognized, defined, and addressed as a health and human rights issue rather than hygiene. The UN has acknowledged menstrual health as a worldwide public health and human rights concern. Poor menstrual health, inadequate sanitation facilities and inadequate education are defining characteristics of period poverty. Objective: To assess and compare among different age groups of respondents regarding knowledge and awareness regarding menstrual cup and their future possibilities for usage among women of Delhi, India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted between 1st April and 30th May 2022 among the females of Delhi NCR region, India. Results: A total of 339 females participated in our study, which included 250 (73.7%) above the age of 20 years, whereas 89 (26.3%) were below that age. Most of the respondents were aware of menstrual health products such as menstrual pads -241 (96.40) above 20 years, 83 (93.26) below 20 years with [CI-1.03 (0.73, 1.46) p-value = 0.85], cotton pads-158 (63.20%), 50 (56.18%), [CI-1.12 (0.75, 1.67) p-value = 0.56], tampons-190 (76.00), 61 (68.54), CI- 1.10 (0.76, 1.61) pvalue = 0.59, and menstrual disc-34 (13.60%), 18 (20.22%), CI-0.67 (0.36, 1.25) p-value = 0.21. Among respondents above 20 years of age, 83.60% of respondents were aware of menstrual cups. When asked about the biodegradability of the menstrual health product, 158 (63.2%) respondents aged above 20 years and 54 (60.67%) respondents aged less than 20 years negated it [CI-1.04 (0.70, 1.54), p-value = 0.83]. Conclusion: Our research can help organization policymakers understand that a menstrual cup is an effective alternative to disposable sanitary products.

Assessment by neo-CIAF formula predicts contrast occurrence of overweight and undernourishment in preschool children of Jangalmahal districts, India

Objective: Overweight/obesity among preschool children has become an alarming phenomenon in low to middle-income countries, including India. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and underweight among children aged 2-6 years in Paschim Medinipur and Bankura districts, West Bengal, India. Methods: We selected 497 children using systematic random sampling. The weight and height of each child was measured. BMI and Z-scores (WAZ, HAZ, WHZ) were calculated following standard techniques. Stunting, wasting, underweight, and composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) were evaluated. Data analysis included Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA. Bibliometric analysis was conducted to evaluate the trends of research in this field. Results: Height and weight increased with age, indicating growth, but BMI declined slightly in older age groups. WAZ scores indicated prevalent underweight across all ages, with significant stunting observed in children aged 48-59 months. WHZ scores showed consistent negative values, suggesting ongoing wasting. The CIAF revealed that 50.91% of children experienced anthropometric failure, predominantly stunting and underweight. The study also revealed that 4.63% of the child suffer from overweight. Girls showed slightly higher rates of anthropometric failure than boys. Conclusion: This study underscores the significant prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition among young children in Paschim Medinipur and Bankura. Effective interventions are urgently needed to address these challenges, including improving food security, enhancing healthcare services, promoting nutritional education, and ensuring sanitation facilities. Tailored strategies considering local socio-economic contexts are crucial for improving child health outcomes and mitigating the long-term effects of malnutrition in these districts.

Evaluating the Environmental & Socioeconomic Effects of Insufficient Water & Sanitation in Afghanistan

This study explores the current access to drinking water and sanitation in Afghanistan and identifies considerable differences in the coverage between urban and rural settings. About 30-33% of the population has access to safely managed drinking water sources and 68% has access to improved sanitation facilities. The study used the most recent and relevant literature, reports, and online data portals to explore the current water and sanitation situation and depict the importance of country-specific intervention strategies to address these critical challenges. The study notes the harmful social and environmental results of inadequate water and sanitation, including a threat to sensitive ecosystems, the prevalence of waterborne disease, and hunger. The Afghan government and development partners continue to work towards improving these conditions, but deficiencies in finance, institutional capacity, stakeholder coordination, and policy implementation remain. Local ownership and participation have been identified as key factors in ensuring the sustainability of the interventions in this research. The results underscore that community empowerment can potentially yield better results if its inclusion is ensured. The study highlights the need for greater community engagement in developing water and sanitation projects and gender-specific strategies, given that inadequate facilities often adversely affect women and girls. The study concludes with its recommendations to improve water and sanitation services through community-driven technologies, blended financing models, and need-based capacity-building initiatives. Through strengthened stakeholder collaboration and high priority on gender inclusion, Afghanistan can greatly improve access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation facilities and services, helping the country advance sustainable development progress in this vital sector.

Comprehensive social protection programming: what is the potential for improving sanitation outcomes?

ABSTRACT We estimate and assess the impact of a comprehensive social protection intervention on sanitation access and behaviour in rural Haiti. Evaluations of such interventions point to positive effects on lives and livelihoods, yet their impact on sanitation remains relatively unexplored. Despite rapid acceleration of efforts in the past decade, progress towards adequate and equitable sanitation has been limited. Using a mixed methods approach, we find that bundled interventions can be effective in improving access to sanitation facilities and promoting sanitation behaviour. Findings also point to the importance of contextual factors and the role of women in facilitating positive outcomes.

High Detection Rate of Rotavirus Infection Among Children Admitted with Acute Gastroenteritis to Six Public Hospitals in Luanda Province After the Introduction of Rotarix® Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Rotavirus group A (RVA) is a major cause of pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Vaccination is an effective public health strategy and Angola implemented it in 2014. This hospital-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of RVA infection and the severity of AGE in children under five years of age treated at six hospitals in Luanda Province. Between April 2021 and May 2022, 1251 fecal samples were screened by an immunochromatographic rapid test (SD Bioline). Data on socio-demographic profile, nutritional status, and clinical assessment were obtained. The association of RVA infection and AGE severity with possible risk factors was evaluated with a binary logistic regression model. Overall, the detection rate was 57.8% and girls tend to be more often infected than boys (55.2%). Infection was more common in the youngest group (1 to 6 months, 60.3%). Important sources of RVA infection were drinking water kept in tanks (57.9%) and private sanitary facilities with piped water (61%). Surprisingly, according to the Vesikari Scale score, the most severe symptoms were observed in children vaccinated with two doses (80.7%). RVA prevalence remains high despite vaccination, and further studies should address the association between infection sources and disease severity, as well as the causes underlying vaccine (un)effectiveness.

Challenges in Toileting Evaluation and Interventions for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Delphi Study.

Toileting difficulties have a significant impact on the daily lives of children with cerebral palsy (CP), yet research on this issue remains inadequate. There is a critical need to better understand the challenges health care professionals face in addressing toileting difficulties. To explore challenges faced by health care professionals in toileting evaluation and interventions for children with CP ages 6-18 yr. A mixed-methods study with a two-phase exploratory sequential design and using a global Delphi consensus technique. Email communication. Fifty-two national and international allied health professionals and 16 mothers of children with CP were involved in the preparation of the Delphi questionnaire. Additionally, 162 professionals participated in the Delphi study. Challenges were identified and refined iteratively through the Delphi questionnaire. Consensus was measured using a Likert scale, considering agreement percentages and median scores. The study revealed strong consensus (94.4%), emphasizing the need for comprehensive training, particularly in working with pediatric populations. Concerns about limited research on and training in toileting function (88.9%) and challenges such as inadequate assessment environments and sanitation facilities (96.9%) underscore the need for practical and innovative educational methods to illustrate toileting procedures. Additionally, the findings highlight concerns about toileting issues and diverse commitment levels among professionals. This study pinpointed critical challenges in toileting management for children with CP. These high-consensus findings stress the urgent need for holistic strategies, comprehensive education, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve the quality of life and independence of these children. Plain-Language Summary: Toileting difficulties have a significant impact on the daily lives of children with cerebral palsy (CP), yet research on this issue remains inadequate. This study highlights significant gaps faced by health care professionals in understanding and addressing challenges in toileting evaluation and intervention for children with CP. Insights from professionals stress the critical need for global collaboration, standardized assessments, and improved education to effectively tackle CP-related toileting issues for children.

Evaluation of Bacterial Population in Drinking Water Along with Hygiene and Sanitation Facilities of Different Schools in Port City, Bangladesh

In our daily life, drinking water is one of the most essential elements. However, safe and good-quality drinking water is a major concern for human health. Therefore, our study assessed the sanitation, hygiene conditions, and evaluation of bacterial population of drinking water in 40 schools in the port city, of Bangladesh. Total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), and survey questionnaire were used to complete our study. About 65% of water samples exceeded the acceptable limit (>500 cfu/ml) detected by TVC. The most probable number (MPN) method was used to see the presence of coliform bacteria where about 65% of samples were found contaminated with coliform, among them 12.5% of samples were at very high risk according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. A total of 10 bacterial isolates like Enterobacter sp., E. coli, Klebsiella sp., Salmonella sp., Proteus sp., Serratia sp., Citrobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., Alcaligenes sp., and Micrococcus sp. were detected in water samples by using four selective media and then identified by using cultural, morphological and biochemical tests. The disc diffusion method was used to detect antibiotic sensitivity with 10 commercially available antibiotics. About 80% of isolates were found completely resistant to erythromycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, and rifampin and 90% were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, azithromycin, and tetracycline. Antibiotic resistance isolates might pose a serious threat to human health. In most schools, reservoirs of drinking water were found contaminated by various bacteria. Only 48.3% of schools used separate toilets for girls but of poor-quality hygiene and sanitation facilities. Due to poor hygiene, sanitation, and contaminated drinking water, students may suffer from various diseases. Therefore, this study emphasizes the need to raise awareness about hygiene and sanitation facilities by regularly monitoring school drinking water quality to ensure children are out of waterborne diseases. Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci. Vol. 12 (1 & 2): 130-142, 2024

Comparison of GMP for Drugs in EU, US, Canada, WHO and Australia

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are essential for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. GMP covers all aspects of production, including personnel training, equipment maintenance, and facility sanitation. It is designed to minimize the risks involved in any pharmaceutical production that cannot be eliminated through testing the final product. This article provides a comparative analysis of GMP regulations across five key regions: the European Union (EU), United States (US), World Health Organization (WHO), Canada, and Australia. The regulations and guidelines followed by EU, US, WHO, Canada, and Australia are mentioned in this article. By identifying both the convergences and divergences in these guidelines, the study highlights how regional practices address the challenges of drug safety and efficacy in a globalized market, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Impact of a Health Education Intervention Program on Personal Hygiene Knowledge and Attitude Among Female Adolescents from Selected Secondary Schools in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: Personal hygiene is a practice that preserves health and prevents diseases particularly through personal cleanliness of the individual and good personal hygiene practices are critical to preventing infectious diseases and improving health outcomes. However, this study examined the impact of health education intervention programs on personal hygiene knowledge and attitude among female adolescents from selected secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methodology: The quasi-experimental research approach was employed for the study. The population was 1,500 students. A sample size of 30 students for each group was derived using Cochran’s formula. A systematic sampling technique was used to group the participants into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) by selecting every 2nd student on class register. EG was assigned to health education modules on personal hygiene for 1 hour once weekly and CG had a training on prevention of HPV for 1 hour once a week, both for six weeks. Two research assistants were trained for 1 hour over a period of two days to serve as health educators. A structured validated questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha reliability index ranging from 0.75 to 0.80 was used to collect data. Data was collected at baseline, immediate post-intervention and six weeks follow-up. Data was analysed using descriptive, and inferential statistics at 5% level of significance. Results: Findings showed that at baseline, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the mean scores of personal hygiene knowledge for the experimental group (17.06± 0.65) and the control group (18.82± 0.40). Also, at baseline, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the mean scores of personal hygiene attitude for the experimental group (5.03 ± 0.54) and the control group (6.67 ± 0.31). Furthermore, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean scores of personal hygiene knowledge between baseline for EG (17.06 ± 0.65) and 12th week follow-up (23.40 ± 0.17), and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean scores of personal hygiene attitude between baseline for EG (5.03 ± 0.54) and 12th week follow-up (11.47 ± 0.14). There was also a significant difference (p >0.05) in the knowledge and perception of personal hygiene among female adolescents in the control group and artisans in the experimental group at 12th follow-up. Conclusion: The post intervention evaluation of personal hygiene knowledge and attitude among female adolescents in selected secondary schools in Lagos State has proven that the level of knowledge of participants on personal hygiene is very high. It was recommended that personal hygiene be closely tied to the availability of water and sanitation facilities. Therefore, every school should collaborate with local government authorities through advocacy for the water and sanitation facilities.

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG SCHOOL ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN RURAL COMMUNITY, LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is critical for the health and well-being of adolescent girls, yet cultural taboos, inadequate education, and limited access to sanitary facilities pose significant challenges, particularly in rural Pakistan. Objective: To assess the knowledge, practices, and hygiene habits of adolescent schoolgirls regarding menstrual hygiene in a rural community in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 adolescent schoolgirls aged 10–18 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing knowledge, practices, and hygiene habits related to menstruation. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Most participants (84.3%) were aware of menstruation, but only 31.48% received information before menarche. Mothers were the primary source of information (98.15%), while only 64.81% used sanitary pads. Privacy issues in washing absorbents were reported by 68.49%, and only 38.15% used soap for cleaning. School absenteeism due to menstruation was reported by 72.22% of participants, largely due to pain and lack of toilet facilities. Conclusion: Significant gaps in menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices exist among adolescent girls in rural Pakistan. Interventions focusing on school-based education, community awareness, and improved access to hygiene products and facilities are urgently needed to address these gaps and promote better health and educational outcomes.