Sanitation Practices Research Articles

The Role of Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety Education in Enhancing Economic Efficiency in the Food Service Industry

The study aims to explore the crucial role of courses on Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety in enhancing the standards of the food and beverage industry in Soppeng Regency. The methodology involves conducting surveys among food business operators and analyzing emic data to evaluate their knowledge of hygiene, sanitation, and safety practices. Findings reveal that many operators have limited awareness of food spoilage caused by microorganisms, and they receive insufficient training on maintaining workplace safety standards. This knowledge gap potentially undermines product quality and poses significant health risks to consumers. Additionally, the study identifies a lack of standardized guidelines for sanitation and safety that are consistently adhered to across the industry. The conclusion highlights the importance of continuous education and comprehensive training programs aimed at improving operators' knowledge of hygiene and sanitation, thereby addressing these shortcomings. Strengthening this understanding is crucial for supporting sustainable tourism, enhancing consumer confidence, and elevating overall service standards within the food and beverage sector in Soppeng Regency, fostering a safer and more appealing industry environment.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Apple Scab Sanitation Practices for ULO-Stored Apple Fruit in Integrated and Organic Production Systems

ABSTRACT The economic viability of orchard sanitation practices, is crucial for sustainable apple production. However, our knowledge in this area is limited, particularly after the fruit is stored in the high-energy-consuming ultra-low oxygen (ULO) storage system. The objective of this 3-year study was to investigate the cost-benefit ratios of five sanitation treatments (lime sulfur-Lime-S, leaf collection-Collect-L, mulching-Mulch-C, lime sulfur + leaf collection, leaf collection + mulching) in integrated and organic apple orchards, considering the sale of apples after 6-month ULO storage. Cost-benefit analyses determined cost, total revenue, revenue for class 1 fruit (fruits without scab infection) and income surplus. Costs of ULO storage were twice higher in the integrated orchard (mean 3,064 EUR ha−1) than in the organic one (mean 1,512 EUR ha−1). Direct costs of the two combined sanitation treatments were significantly higher than the Lime-S and Collect-L treatments across all years and orchard systems. Analysis of variance for total revenue, revenue for class 1 fruit and income surplus revealed significant differences among years, sanitation treatments, and orchard systems. The total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit were significantly higher in the integrated orchard (10,787 and 10,557 EUR ha−1, respectively) than in the organic one (8,713 and 7,742 EUR ha−1, respectively). The lowest total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit were obtained in the non-sanitized control, while highest were recorded in the Collect-L or Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments. Collect-L and Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments provided the highest income surplus in all years and orchard systems. Kernel density estimations and frequency distributions indicated the widest variability for total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit in the integrated orchard system. Correlation and linear regression analyses revealed significant relationship between total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit in both orchard systems. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Collect-L and Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments offer the greatest economic benefit after 6-month ULO storage regardless of the orchard system employed.

Prevalence of diarrhea and its associated factors among children under five years in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundGlobally, diarrhea continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for children under five, with an annual rate of 149 million cases of illness and 760,000 deaths. This study aimed to assess prevalence and contributing factors of diarrhea among children under-five years in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1387 participants from February to June 2023. A multistage sampling method was conducted. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data were entered in to Epi data and exported to STATA for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with diarrhea with p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of diarrheal disease among children under five was 17.16%. Child’s age 12 to 23 months [AOR = 16.642; 95% CI: (3.119, 88.805)], protected drinking water [AOR: 0.629; 95% CI: (0.840, 0.928)], health insurance [AOR = 0.571;95% CI: (0.386, 0.844)], institutional delivery [AOR = 0.426, 95% CI: (0.256, 0.707)], water shortage [AOR = 1.570, 95% CI: (1.083, 2.277)], and vaccinated for measles [AOR = 0.124, 95% CI: (0.065, 0.236)] were associated with diarrhea.ConclusionAge of children, source of drinking water, health insurance, place of delivery, family size, water shortage, liquid waste disposal, and measles vaccination were significantly associated with diarrhea among under five children. Interventions targeting improvements in drinking water sources, health insurance coverage, sanitation practices, and vaccination rates are crucial for mitigating the impact of diarrheal disease among children under five years in Awi Zone.

Cleanliness and Health Of Pa.So.La Kitchen, The Ritz Carlton Jakarta Pacific Place

By implementing good hygiene and sanitation practices, employees can carry out their duties efficiently and produce high-quality food in Pa.So.La Kitchen, The Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place Hotel, which aligns with the hotel's motto, "We Are Ladies And Gentlemen Serving Ladies And Gentlemen". Data were collected through observation, interviews, and information from The Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place Hotel. This study shows that The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta Pacific Place Hotel's procedures have mostly met the company's standards regarding hygiene and sanitation. The benefits of this implementation include cleanliness of the kitchen area, adequate kitchen facilities, employee health, and the use of quality cleaning materials.

Health related quality of life and associated factors among children living in previous leprosarium and nonleprosarium areas of Eastern Ethiopia

Children and their families living in leprosarium areas may have a lower quality of life than the general population. However, there is limited evidence on health-related quality of life and its associated factors among children living in previous leprosarium settlement areas. Hence, this study aimed to compare the health-related quality of life among children living in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium settlement areas in eastern Ethiopia. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 515 randomly selected children aged 8 to 18 years living in the Amir Nur and Babile districts from January to February 30, 2024. Data were collected through interviews with children and parents using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Simple and multiple linear regression was employed to identify associations between independent and outcome variables. The overall mean health-related quality of life scores were 73.98 ± 18.47 and 77.67 ± 14.72 in the child self-reports (P = 0.01) and 55.78 ± 12.03 and 55.61 ± 8.50 (P = 0.85) in the parent proxy reports in the previous leprosarium and nonleprosarium settlement areas, respectively. In multiple linear regression, child education (β = 14.69; 95% CI: 8.69, 20.69), the absence of neglected and tropical diseases (β = 4.02; 95% CI: 0.66, 7.37), and child face washing habits (β = 5.54, 95% CI: 2.14, 8.95) increase health-related quality of life. However, a previous history of neglected and tropical diseases (β = -8.54; 95% CI: -12.93, -4.15) and the absence of hand washing facilities (β = -8.57; 95% CI, -15.22, -1.92) decrease the mean health-related quality of life. Based on child self-reports, one in four children from previous leprosarium areas had poor health-related quality of life compared to children living in none leprosarium areas. Children’s educational status, their daily habits of washing their face, not having neglected, and tropical diseases had improved health-related quality of life. To improve health-related quality of life, stakeholders should pay attention to and work on the early detection and treatment of neglected and tropical diseases, child education, and proper sanitation practices in the leprosarium community.

Epidemiological Investigation of a Cholera Outbreak in Nepal-India Border Communities: Public Health Implications

ObjectivesOn October 4, 2021, a cholera outbreak was reported in Kapilvastu district, one of the 26 districts in Nepal bordering India. This study examined the outbreak's characteristics, response efforts, and the challenges faced. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was applied for the outbreak investigation. Data was gathered through a review of cases registered in three local health facilities and community-based active case searching. Descriptive analysis was conducted for data analysis. ResultsBetween 4 October and 2 December 2021, 1,570 cases were reported across 10 municipalities in Kapilvastu, with 84% of cases occurring in communities bordering India. Most affected were females (55%) and children aged 5-14 years (32%). A total of 39% cases were confirmed to have Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa serotype, which showed resistance to cotrimoxazole. Additionally, 453 cases of acute watery diarrhea were identified in the community, with 23% showing the signs of dehydration. Of 29 water samples, 17 (59%) were contaminated with fecal coliform. ConclusionCommunities along the Nepal-India border are highly vulnerable to cholera outbreaks, highlighting the urgent need for improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices. A coordinated approach to cholera surveillance and preparedness is crucial to prevent future outbreaks.

Spread of infectious diseases by microorganisms present in fomites

Fomites, inanimate objects that can carry infectious agents, play a critical role in the spread of infectious diseases. Despite advances in sanitation and hygiene practices, fomites remain a significant vector for the transmission of various pathogens, particularly in healthcare settings and densely populated environments. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which microorganisms are transmitted through fomites, the types of diseases commonly spread in this way and the factors that influence fomite-based transmission. Strategies for mitigating the risk of fomite-based disease spread are also discussed, highlighting the importance of targeted hygiene interventions, material design and environmental decontamination.

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.

Physicochemical and toxicological characteristics of leachates and water quality around dumpsites in Lagos Nigeria

Improper waste management leading to contamination of groundwater resources is a global environmental issue. This study examined the physicochemical and toxicological characteristics of leachates and their effect on water quality around the dumpsite in Alimosho Lagos, Nigeria. Samples of water and leachates were collected from boreholes around the dumpsite. Physiochemical and toxicological characterization of water around the dumpsite was based on American Public Health Association standards. Seventeen physiochemical and heavy metals of leachate and borehole water samples were analysed. The result of the study shows that the temperature, odour, appearance and turbidity of the water in the study area were within the limits set by WHO. However, the pH was below the WHO limits indicative of the acidity of the groundwater. The presence of Pb, Cr, and Cd confirmed leachate pollution. The contemporary effects confirmed the insignificant effect of the dumpsite operations at the groundwater source. Without a properly designed leachate series system, uncontrolled accumulation of leachates at the bottom of the dumpsite poses capacity infection dangers to groundwater resources. It is recommended that proper disposal of waste, in addition to implementing a higher sustainable environmental sanitation practice, is needed to ensure the safety of groundwater within the locality.

Analysis of Eco-Theology Understanding of Islamic Boarding Schools in North Sumatra

This study aims to analyze the understanding and application of eco-theology in Islamic Boarding Schools in North Sumatra. Eco-theology connects religious teachings with human responsibility towards environmental stewardship, and in the Islamic context, it is based on the teachings of the Qur'an and hadith. The research used a qualitative method involving direct observation and in-depth interviews with Islamic Boarding Schools in the South Tapanuli region. The findings indicate that although Islamic Boarding Schools serve as pillars of religious education, the implementation of eco-theology concepts remains limited, particularly in terms of environmental management, such as river cleanliness and sanitation practices. The study concludes that there is a need to enhance environmental awareness in Islamic Boarding Schools through structured greening and waste management programs.

Menstrual Hygiene and Sanitation Practices Among Female College Students in Surkhet

Menstrual Hygiene and Sanitation Practices Among Female College Students in Surkhet

M-SAKHI - Mobile health solutions to help community providers promote maternal and infant nutrition and health: a description of development of the Program Impact Pathway using Theory of Change.

Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) intervention programmes often lack documentation of successful processes. This manuscript aims to describe the development of Program Impact Pathway (PIP) using Theory of Change (ToC) approach for a mHealth BCC intervention titled 'Mobile Solutions Aiding Knowledge for Health Improvement (M-SAKHI)' aimed at reducing stunting in infants at 18 months of age. The PIP was developed using ToC to design the intervention and plan its implementation. Literature review and data from previous pilots helped to identify health service gaps that needed to be addressed by the PIP of this intervention. M-SAKHI was implemented in 244 villages under governance of forty primary health centres of Nagpur and Bhandara districts of eastern Maharashtra in central India. The study investigators and the public health stakeholders participated in developing the PIP. M-SAKHI evaluation study recruited 2501 pregnant women who were followed up through delivery until their infants were 18 months old. The PIP was developed, and it identified the following pathways for the final impact: (1) improving maternal and infant nutrition, (2) early recognition of maternal and infant danger signs, (3) improving access and utilisation to healthcare services, (4) improving hygiene, sanitation and immunisation practices, and (5) improving implementation and service delivery of community health workers through their training, monitoring and supervision in real time. This paper will illustrate the significance of development of PIP for M-SAKHI. It can aid other community-based programmes to design their PIP for nutrition-based BCC interventions.

Water scarcity and public health concerns in rural India: a case study of Nongpok Sekmai and surrounding villages

This study examines the critical issue of water scarcity and its impact on public health in Nongpok Sekmai and surrounding villages in India. Despite government initiatives to provide universal tap water access by 2024, these villages lack safe drinking water. Traditional sources like open wells are contaminated, and the primary river is drying up due to illegal sand mining and gravel extraction activities upstream. This situation results in a significant public health burden, with villagers facing financial strain due to waterborne diseases and the need to purchase water for basic needs. The study also examines the negative link between on-premise access to safe water and mothers' time spent on water collection. The study highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach. Renewed government efforts to implement the tap water initiative or provide alternative clean water sources like filtration plants or community wells are crucial. Additionally, stricter enforcement is needed to curb illegal mining activities and ensure river sustainability. Furthermore, exploring community-based solutions like rainwater harvesting and raising awareness about waterborne diseases and sanitation practices can empower the population. Addressing this water crisis demands a collaborative effort from the government, local communities, and environmental agencies. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing visual photographic analysis and community engagement to investigate water contamination in Nongpok Sekmai river, Manipur. The findings highlight key contamination indicators such as turbidity, algae blooms, and floating debris, while also addressing the health and social impacts perceived by the local population.

Geospatial analysis of diarrhoea determinants among children under five in Pakistan using Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR)

Diarrhoea is the second most common cause of death among children under five worldwide. About 90 percent of diarrhoeal diseases occur in South Asia and sub-Saharan countries. In Pakistan, it causes almost 53,000 children to die every year. Against this background, this study aimed to analyze the geographical variations in the socio-economic and climatic determinants of under-five diarrhoea cases in districts of Pakistan. We used Generalized Linear Regression (GLR) and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) to explore the spatial variation of diarrhoea and its associated determinants. The MGWR model with 10 independent variables outperforms the GLR model (R2 = 0.72) with an adjusted R2 of 0.86. The local accuracy of the MGWR model increases from southwest to northeast. Furthermore among ten selected regressors, significant geographic diversity was found in the determinants of diarrhoea, including altitude, temperature, fever, ARI, and sanitation practices. These insights demand the need for targeted public health interventions, such as immunization campaigns, improved sanitation, and access to clean water and nutritional supplements, poverty eradication, especially in rural and high-risk regions. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and advanced spatial modeling to evaluate the impact of strategies and inform evidence-based policies to reduce the burden of childhood diarrhoea in Pakistan.

Leptospirosis seroprevalence and associated risk factors in dairy goats in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Leptospira spp. infection is a worldwide zoonosis that causes economic losses to goat rearing, mainly due to reproductive disorders. Hence, the objective of this research was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of leptospirosis in a goat milk-producing region in the states of Paraiba and Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. The microscopic agglutination test was used as serological method and risk factor analysis was carried out using univariable and multivariable analyses. Out of the 937 animals sampled, 102 (10.9 %; 95 % CI = 8.9–12.9 %) were seropositive for Leptospira spp. and the most frequent serogroups were Ballum (41.2 %; 95 % CI = 31.6–50.7 %), Icterohaemorrhagiae (25.5 %, 95 % CI = 17–33.9 %) and Semaranga (23.5 %, 95 % CI = 15.3–31.8 %), with antibody titres ranging from 1:50 to 1:200. Thirty-four of 51 herds (66.7 %; 95 % CI = 53.7–79.6 %) had at least one seropositive animal. The risk factor identified in the multivariable two-level random effect binary logistic regression was the animal being an adult (odds ratio = 4.2; 95 % CI = 1.93–9.13; P < 0.001). Our results provide important information on the epidemiology and risk factors associated with goat leptospirosis seroprevalence in one of the main Brazilian goat milk-producing regions. Furthermore, the need for adopting sanitary control measures, especially those involving sanitary management practices, is highlighted.

Prevalence and determinants of stunting and anaemia in children aged 6-23 months: A multilevel analysis from rural Ethiopia.

Low- and middle-income countries shoulder the greatest burden of stunting and anaemia in children. This calls for prompt and effective intervention measures, while the contributing factors are not fully understood. This study evaluates determinants spanning from individual-, household- and community levels including agroecology and antinutrients as unique sets of predictors. Primary data were collected from 660 rural households representing the midland (ML), highland, and upper highland (UHL) agroecological zones from northern Ethiopia. The study relates several predictors to stunting and anaemia in children aged 6-23 months. We found 49.1% and 49.7% of children were stunted and anaemic, respectively. Children living in the ML are approximately twice more likely to be stunted adjusted odds ratio (AOR: 1.869; 95% CI: 1.147-3.043) than in the UHL. The risk of stunting increases by 16.3% and 41.9% for every unit increase in phytate-to-zinc and phytate-to-iron molar ratios, respectively. A 10% increase in mean aggregated crop yield was observed to reduce the likelihood of stunting occurrence by 13.6%. Households lacking non-farm income-generating opportunities, travel longer time to access the marketplace and poor health service utilisation were associated with increased risk of stunting. Low diversity of child's diet, age of the child (18-23 months) and mothers at a younger age are significantly associated with stunting. Risk of anaemia in children is high amongst households with unimproved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, younger age (6-11 months) and mostly occurs amongst boys. Children in the ML had a 55% reduced risk of being anaemic (AOR: 0.446; 95% CI: 0.273-0.728) as compared to the UHL. Therefore, the influence of these factors should be considered to tailor strategies for reducing undernutrition in children of 6-23 months in rural Ethiopia. Interventions should go beyond the administrative boundaries into targeting agroecological variation.

Water scarcity and its implications on sanitation: A perspective study in an emerging city in Northern Ghana

Water scarcity is a critical global challenge affecting billions of people, particularly in developing regions like sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, this issue has become increasingly pronounced, with limited access to clean and safe water posing serious threats to the health and livelihoods of many communities. This study investigated the intricate relationship between water scarcity and accessibility, and the associated implications on sanitation practices in Damongo, a newly created regional capital and an emerging city. The study showed that the area faced evident water scarcity, with a daily per capita water consumption as low as 0.128 m3. Mechanized boreholes emerged as potential solutions, particularly for the 61.2% of respondents experiencing waiting times exceeding 15 min. The economic repercussions were noteworthy, as high water costs impacted livelihoods, emphasizing the need for policy interventions, especially for low-income households. Sanitation challenges are widespread, with 62.8% relying on pit latrines, and 56.1% lacking proper infrastructure. Water and sanitation-related diseases like typhoid and diarrhoea highlight the need for urgent interventions to enhance water quality and sanitation practices. Household water infrastructure analysis revealed diverse, primarily privately owned sources. Gender imbalances persist in water-fetching responsibilities, with 58.2% relying solely on females. Domestic water sources predominantly involved traditional options, potentially exposing residents to unsafe practices. Sanitation maintenance practices and intervals varied, signaling the necessity for comprehensive solutions. Households without toilets resorted to open spaces (43.6%), gutters (29.1%), and public toilets (12.7%), indicating challenges in waste disposal and sanitation facility access. Insights on the health dimension considered uncovering the prevalence of the top five water and sanitation-related diseases for 2022. These included typhoid (24.3%), diarrhoea (30.0%), Cholera (11.7%), Dysentery (14.6%), and Hepatitis (19.3%). These findings suggest the pressing need for improved sanitation and clean water access, as inadequate infrastructure and water scarcity contribute significantly to these health challenges.

Building a sustainable sanitation culture in indigenous people of Malaysia: A systematic literature study

The sanitation challenges faced by indigenous Malaysian communities are driving an urgent paradigm shift in sanitation approaches. This article highlights the journey toward the formation of a sustainable sanitation culture among indigenous Malaysians. Against the background of poor sanitation conditions in these communities, the main problems raised were a lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities and low awareness of hygiene practices. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze normative and empirical approaches that can be used to improve sanitation conditions. The research method uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and qualitative analysis to understand the traditional sanitation paradigm of indigenous societies. The process follows the PRISMA circuit, involving the identification, selection, and in-depth analysis of articles from a number of databases, such as Scopus and Google Scholar, focusing on the cultural values and sanitation practices that shape their sanitation paradigm. The results show that strong partnerships between governments, NGOs, and civil society are key to achieving significant changes in the sanitation culture. The recommendations of this article include the need for investment in better sanitation infrastructure, development of inclusive education and public awareness programs, and strengthening of public participation in the planning and implementation of sanitation programs. Thus, this article provides in-depth insights into concrete efforts to create a positive transformation in sanitation culture among Malaysian natives.

Influence of Sanitation and Hygiene Practices on Pregnancy Outcomes among Postnatal Women with Preterm Babies at New Born Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Influence of Sanitation and Hygiene Practices on Pregnancy Outcomes among Postnatal Women with Preterm Babies at New Born Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Application of Calcium Hypochlorite for Sanitizing 3/16-Inch Tubing Used in Maple Sap Collection.

Despite the widespread empirical adoption of calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2) for sanitizing 3/16-inch tubing after the maple sap collection season, there remains a dearth of scientific data on its best practice and effectiveness. To address this gap, we cultivated microbial mass in tubing through continuous maple sap flow at 7 °C for 5 weeks in the lab. The tubing was sanitized with 200, 400, or 600 ppm Ca(ClO)2 and retained Ca(ClO)2 for either 10 min, 1 h, 7 days, or 6 weeks. Half of the tubing segments underwent microbial analysis, while the other half were stored for 6 weeks post-flushing of the Ca(ClO)2 to determine microbial survival/growth. The level and presence of the microbial load were determined, and the inner tubing surfaces were visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The initial microbial load in the tubing was approximately 4-5 log CFU/cm2. A 10-min and 1 h contact time with 200 ppm Ca(ClO)2, and a 10-min exposure to 400 ppm Ca(ClO)2, achieved reductions of 2.4-2.8 log for Pseudomonas spp., 1.6-2.5 log for mold and yeast, and 2.3-3.3 log for psychrotrophic microorganisms. Microorganisms were recovered from the enrichment process after retaining 200 ppm Ca(ClO)2 for 6 weeks, indicating insufficient inactivation. Consequently, the data suggests the use of at least 400 ppm Ca(ClO)2 for 1 day. The SEM images supported the microbial count results, offering valuable insights for educating maple syrup producers on optimal tubing sanitation practices.