Unsafe Practices Research Articles

Development and implementation of a firearm safety intervention by medical and physician assistant students in an adult primary care setting

Firearm ownership is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including violence, suicide, and accidental firearm injury. Numerous medical governing bodies have placed emphasis on firearm screening and counseling within the healthcare setting. However, few physicians discuss firearm ownership and safety with patients, likely due to limited physician familiarity with firearms or perceived risk to the doctor-patient relationship, among other barriers. Clinical trainees have the capability to confidentially screen for unsafe firearm practices and potentially prevent fatal injury. In this study, we provide one of the first reports of a universal firearm screening and safety intervention developed and implemented by medical and physician assistant students in an adult primary care clinic as part of a longitudinal clerkship experience. Students learned the basics of firearm ownership and storage, developed interview skills for sensitive topics, developed a screening tool for safe firearm storage, and gained a better understanding of firearm safety in the community. Through partnership with the Chicago Police Department, students offered firearm cable locks to all patients who screened positive for unsafe firearm storage practices. Overall, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of a universal firearm safety screening tool and intervention in a primary care clinic. We conclude that such a tool is feasible in a student-led primary care clinic, provides unique educational opportunities for students, and can be adopted in numerous healthcare teaching settings. Future steps may include evaluating other ways to promote firearm safety, such as screening for intimate partner violence and/or concomitant mental illness.

Unpacking the Relationship Between Empowerment Leadership and Electricity Worker’s Unsafe Behavior: A Multi-Moderated Mediation Approach

Ensuring workplace safety in high-risk sectors is critical to achieving sustainable productivity and occupational health, particularly in industries prone to unsafe practices. Drawing on social exchange theory (SET), this study examines the impact of empowerment leadership (EL) on electricity workers’ unsafe behaviors (EWUBs) in Jordan, focusing on the mediating roles of safety motivation (SM) and work engagement (WE), as well as the moderating role of the error management climate (EMC). A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data from 409 electricity workers across various regions of Jordan. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) employing SmartPLS 4 to assess the relationships of these variables and AMOS 24.0 to compute the study measurement model’s internal consistency and construct validity. The results demonstrate that empowerment leadership significantly reduces electricity workers’ unsafe behaviors through increased safety motivation and work engagement. Furthermore, the error management climate moderates the relationship between empowerment leadership and work engagement (Estimate = 0.238, t = 7.783, <0.001) is stronger when the error management climate is high and weaker but also insignificant when the error management climate is low (Estimate = 0.045, t = 1.015, >0.05). The research highlights the crucial role of empowerment leadership in promoting safety motivation and work engagement, which (Estimate = 0.238, t = 7.783, <0.001) is stronger and essential for minimizing unsafe behavior in high-risk industries like electricity. The findings highlight the pivotal role of shaping employees’ unsafe behavior and offers practical implications for policymakers and institutions aiming to promote employees’ safety behavior. Future studies also emphasize fostering an error management climate to reinforce these effects and organizations should focus on leadership development and creating a supportive error management climate to maximize safety outcomes.

Healthcare waste management knowledge, attitudes and practices of laboratory workers at a regional hospital, Lesotho

Background: Safe management of healthcare waste (HW) safeguards laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. Knowledge and attitudes influence HW practices, presenting a need for evidence of the current status.Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practice of laboratory workers towards waste management at a regional hospital laboratory in Lesotho.Methods: The study was conducted from March 2023 to June 2023 using a mixed-methods descriptive case study design. The entire population (n = 30) of technical and non-technical laboratory workers and generated waste were sampled. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data. Waste generation was assessed by weighing and measuring waste volumes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: All respondents (26/26; 100%) can define HW and (3/3) laboratory assistants (100%) gave correct responses for three questions, namely: risk associated with HW, waste container colour-coding, and disposal requirements. Knowledge on waste management responsibilities ranged between 0% (0/4) for cleaners and 54.5% (6/11) among laboratory technicians. Attitudes were mainly positive, and practices conformed in part to standard operating procedures. Infectious solid waste comprised 77% of solid HW, while 63% of chemical liquid waste emanated from the full blood count area.Conclusion: Knowledge exists among workers and attitudes are predominantly positive; however, some unsafe practices continue, thus knowledge is not fully translated to safe practices. Regular training and measuring and recording of HW were recommended.What this study adds: The study contributes understanding of the status of HW knowledge, attitudes and management practices, highlighting the need for compliance monitoring.

NEEDLE STICK INJURIES AMONG NURSES IN LAHORE

Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are a significant occupational hazard for healthcare workers, particularly nurses, as they increase the risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and contributing practices associated with NSIs among nurses at Lahore General Hospital, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from June to September 2024. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 257 nurses selected through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, employing descriptive and logistic regression analyses to identify associated factors. Results: The annual prevalence of NSIs among participants was 37.4%, with 12.1% reporting an NSI in the past month. Younger nurses (<30 years) and those with less than five years of experience were at higher risk. High-risk departments, such as ICU/OR (48.2%) and maternal units (44.4%), reported the highest incidence of NSIs. Unsafe practices, including needle recapping (73.2%) and inadequate infection control training (60.3%), were significant contributors. Nurses who received infection control training had a lower prevalence of NSIs (28.8%) compared to untrained staff (43.4%). Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced infection control training, implementation of universal safety protocols, and the use of safety-engineered devices to reduce NSI prevalence among nurses in Pakistan. Targeted interventions in high-risk departments and systemic improvements in workplace safety are critical to mitigating occupational risks for healthcare workers.

Sleep-Related Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Among Infants Prenatally Substance Exposed.

Maternal substance use during pregnancy heightens risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), including through unsafe sleep practices. Families impacted by substance use frequently experience disproportionate social drivers of poor health and family vulnerability likely contributory to fatality risk. Characteristics of sleep-related SUID among infants born prenatally substance exposed versus nonexposed were compared to identify targeted prevention opportunities. Using the Sudden Death in the Young Registry, we examined SUID with sleep-related death between 2015 and 2020 across infants prenatally exposed versus nonexposed. Distribution of sleep environment characteristics, social drivers of poor health, and family vulnerability factors were examined using descriptive statistics and χ2. Of 2010 infants who experienced sleep-related deaths, 283 (14%) were prenatally exposed. More than half of deaths involved an adult bed (52%, n = 1045) or surface sharing with an adult (53%, n = 1074). Supervisors of prenatally exposed infants were disproportionately impaired at infant death versus nonexposed (34%, n = 97 vs 16%, n = 279). Statistically significant associations between prenatal exposure history and vulnerability factors (insurance, child welfare involvement, intimate partner violence, health care barriers) were identified (P < .05). Sleep-related SUID across infants prenatally exposed versus nonexposed differ in sleep environment characteristics and contributory social vulnerability. Disproportionate sleep environment hazards (surface sharing, supervisor impairment) are identified among prenatally exposed infants that should compel targeted prevention efforts, including safe sleep messaging, discouraging surface sharing, and engaging support persons during impairment periods. Addressing social needs and family vulnerability are also paramount to increase access to health care, safe sleep education, and material resource provision.

Detected substance abuse among injecting drug users through analysis of used syringes in Tunisia

Background and aimsInjecting drug use poses significant public health risks due to unsafe practices such as syringe sharing, reuse, and risky sexual behaviors, which increase the transmission of bloodborne viruses. In Tunisia, limited data on injecting drug use hinders the development of informed health and harm reduction policies. MethodsA syringe collection campaign was conducted in Tunis in November 2022. The used syringes were provided by the Tunisian Association for Information and Orientation on AIDS and Addiction (ATIOST), a harm-reduction service. These syringes had been distributed to people who inject drugs (PWID) as part of a mobile syringe exchange program. The objective of the study was to analyze the contents of the used syringes to gain further insights into drug use patterns among PWID. The residual substances in the syringes were examined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), in accordance with the standardized protocol of the European Syringe Collection and Analysis Project Enterprise (ESCAPE). ResultsA total of 261 syringes from five collection sites were analyzed. Among these, 87 % contained at least one psychoactive substance, while 32 % contained more than two psychoactive substances. The most frequently identified psychoactive substances were buprenorphine (50.28 %), amphetamine (11.65 %) and tramadol (9.66 %). No substances were detected in 34 syringes. ConclusionThis method provides rapid data on drug use trends in specific regions and timeframes, revealing differences that can inform tailored prevention and harm reduction strategies. Such analyses are valuable for comparative studies across countries in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP-South) region.

Rapid Assessment Amid an Injection Drug Use-Driven HIV Outbreak in Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley: Highlights from a Case Study.

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl within the drug supply has substantially increased opioid-related overdose deaths and driven infectious disease outbreaks among people who use drugs (PWUD). Local jurisdictions often lack the data and tools necessary to detect and translate such moments into actionable and effective responses. Informed by a risk environment framework, this case study adopted a mixed-methods design spanning two rapid assessment studies with PWUD in Lowell (n = 90) and Lawrence (n = 40), Massachusetts, during an HIV outbreak (2017, Study 1) and following the outbreak (2019, Study 2). Survey responses (n = 130) were summarized by computing descriptive statistics, ethnographic field notes were reviewed, and qualitative interviews (n = 34) were thematically analyzed to contextualize quantitative findings. Study 1 participants reported constrained syringe access, high injecting frequency, syringe reuse, and unsafe syringe disposal practices, and uncovered entrenched social and structural factors exacerbating existing substance use and HIV risks: housing instability, limited harm reduction supplies and services (e.g., MOUD access), and tensions between law enforcement and PWUD. Following the outbreak and substantial local investments in harm reduction and treatment infrastructures, Study 2 participants indicated lower injection risk reporting fewer syringe reuse episodes, improved syringe disposal practices, high frequency of naloxone administration at recent overdoses, frequent testing for HIV and HCV, and greater engagement with syringe services programs. A rapid assessment approach to fentanyl's emergence and a concomitant HIV outbreak provided time-sensitive, critical insights and identified needed and local response strategies. However, unless social and structural risk factors are also addressed, community vulnerability to future HIV outbreaks remains.

Food handling practices and sanitary conditions of charitable food assistance programs in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Unsafe food handling practices by food handlers have dire health and financial implications worldwide. Each year, approximately 600 million people, or about 1 in 10 people, are said to become ill from eating contaminated food, and 420,000 people inadvertently die. According to the 2019 World Bank report on the economic burden of foodborne diseases, the annual cost of treating foodborne illnesses is estimated to be US$ 15 billion, and the total productivity loss caused by foodborne diseases in low- and middle-income countries is estimated to be US$ 95.2 billion annually. The purpose of this study was to assess the food handling practices and sanitary conditions of the charitable food assistance programs (CFAPs) in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 CFAPs in eight study settings across five municipal planning regions (MPRs) of the eThekwini District between January 2021 and May 2021. Data were collected using a standardized 37-item observational checklist and analysed through Stata Statistical Software (TX: StataCorp. 2021 LLC.: Release 17. College Station). Compliance levels were calculated using the compliance score (C-score), whereby 0.0–0.20 (0–20%), 0.21–0.40 (21–40%), 0.41–0.60 (41–60%), 0.61–0.80 (61–80%), and 0.81–1.00 (81–100%) were determined as very poor, poor, average, good, and very good, respectively. Statistically significant associations were declared at p < 0.05. Compliance with food hygiene, storage, and packaging was very poor (C-score = 0.003), as were personal hygiene and staff facilities (C-score = 0.147), as well as product information/labelling (C-score = 0.003). Similarly, waste management and pest control systems (C-score = 0.203), compliance with health and hygiene education/training (C-score = 0.335), as well as use and maintenance of transport (C-score = 0.333), all scored ‘poor’. Only the design of premises and facilities had an average compliance score (C-score = 0.43). Given CFAPs’ role in mitigating the impact of poverty, their strict compliance with hygiene protocols is of utmost importance. Systems for identifying and correcting common noncompliance in CFAPs are required.

Comparative Analysis of Self-Medication Practices with Antibiotics Among Non-Medical and Medical College Students in India

Background: Self-medication is prevalent globally, making the processes easier but raising potential hazards like antibiotic resistance. College students, influenced by social media, exhibit alarming self-medication behaviours. This cross-sectional study surveyed undergraduate students across medical, nursing, and non-health science institutions to assess the self-medication habits, knowledge and attitude of students. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across various educational institutions from August 2023 to February 2024, targeting undergraduate students aged 18 and over. Using a pre-validated questionnaire, data on socio-demography, self-medication with antibiotics, and related knowledge were collected via Google Forms. The sample size was doubled to 1175 for better statistical power. Data analysis was performed using standard statistical tools. Results: Analysis of data demonstrated that a substantive proportion of students self-medicate with antibiotics. For medical students, convenience was the biggest issue and for non-medical students, it was cost-saving coupled with distrust in doctors. The most common complaint received for self-medication was throat pain. Medical students used textbooks for necessary information whereas non-medical students went to local shops for advice. Patterns differed somewhat in comparison with international studies, indicating regional differences. Strikingly, medical students predominantly relied on academic knowledge and previous experiences while using antibiotics, whereas non-medical students often obtained antibiotics from shops or the internet, making them vulnerable to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Conclusion: This highlights the importance of implementing specific interventions to reduce unsafe self-medication practices in students.

An Exploratory Study: Controversial Beliefs and Practices of Hijama Practitioners of Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Cultural and spiritual beliefs have preserved the use of traditional practices, including al hijama (wet cupping), which is widely recognized for its purported therapeutic value and historical significance. Despite its popularity, the practice often lacks formal training and is frequently administered by unqualified practitioners, leading to false beliefs and potentially unsafe practices. Objective: To investigate the scientific knowledge and beliefs of hijama practitioners of Karachi, Pakistan, with a focus on identifying misconceptions, variations in practice, and the influence of cultural and religious beliefs on the practice of hijama therapy. Methodology: A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted involving 114 hijama practitioners from Karachi, who were recruited through various WhatsApp groups and enrolled in a seminar held in January 2023. The participants were required to complete a 37-item questionnaire covering their qualifications, practice methods, hygiene standards, and beliefs about the hijama therapy. Data were analyzed using spss version 20, employing mean, standard deviation, chi-square tests, and frequency distribution. Results: Most participants (97.4%) were female, with only 39.5% possessing a license to practice. Many practitioners (89.5%) were motivated by the religious significance of hijama. The knowledge regarding the scientific theories and mechanism of action of hijama therapy was known by 56.4%. Practices varied widely regarding hygiene, blade type, and cup placement. 38.1% did not consistently check for infectious diseases. Additionally, the practice of reciting Qur’anic verses was widespread, believed to enhance the therapy's effectiveness which shows strong religious connotation. Conclusion: The study reveals a substantial gap in formal training among hijama practitioners, leading to variations in practice and potential safety concerns. There is a pressing need for standardized training and regulations to ensure the safe and effective practice of hijama therapy. Further research is essential to establish evidence-based guidelines which improve the public and physician awareness towards this therapy’s risks and benefits.

Type, Complications and Treatment of Abortion in a Tertiary Hospital

Background: Abortion remains a critical public health issue, particularly in low-resource settings like Bangladesh, where access to safe abortion services is often restricted. This study aimed to analyze the types of abortions, treatment methods, and post-abortion complications in a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2017, including 100 cases of abortion at a 250-bed district hospital in Joypurhat, Bangladesh. Data were collected from patient records, focusing on demographic characteristics, type and nature of abortion, treatment methods, and complications. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: The majority of patients (42%) were aged 26–30 years, and 58% were primigravida. Most abortions (75%) occurred before 13 weeks of gestation, with incomplete abortions accounting for 86% of cases. Spontaneous abortions constituted 86%, and D&amp;C was the primary treatment method in 83% of cases. Post-abortion complications were infrequent, with incomplete D&amp;C (8%), shock (6%), and septicemia (3%) being the most common. Conclusion: Incomplete abortions and spontaneous abortions are the most common types observed, with D&amp;C being the predominant treatment method. Although complications were low, the findings underscore the need for better access to safe abortion methods, including medical abortion, and the reduction of unsafe practices through improved healthcare education and policy reform.

Risk Perception and Prevalence of Risky Behaviours Among In-School Adolescents in Ijesa-Land, South Western Nigeria

Background Risky behaviours contribute to adolescents’ morbidity and mortality and constitute a leading public health concern. Therefore, this study sets out to determine the prevalence of risky behaviours and the perceived susceptibility to these behaviours. Methods A total of 465 in-school adolescents were sampled for a descriptive cross-sectional study using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected via a facilitated self-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Youth Risk Behaviour Survey and analysed using IBM SPSS v23.0 Results Of the 465 recruited for this study, 63% were females and 37% were males and the larger percentage was in the age group 14-16 years. Over a fifth of the respondents perceived they were at moderate to great risk regarding partaking in risky sexual behaviour (23.7%), violence and unsafe practices (23%), suicidal ideation, plans or attempts (21.5). The most prevalent risky behaviour was however risky dietary behaviours (69.2%), followed by unsafe practices and violence (25.2%) and risky sexual behaviour (18.9%).. Respondents who did not have friends and family members involved in at least one risky behaviour are about one and a half times less likely to be at moderate/great risk of getting involved in risky behaviours. Conclusions Risky behaviours are prevalent among in-school adolescents with those having friends and family members involved in at least one risky behaviour at greater risk of involvement. The pattern of risky behaviour shows that there is a need to pay attention to hitherto unfancied risky behaviours. A double-edged educational intervention for adolescents and parents/family members is needed to curb risky behaviours among adolescents.

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.

КОНВЕРГЕНЦІЯ МАРКЕТИНГУ ТА ФІНАНСОВО-ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ В УМОВАХ ЦИФРОВОЇ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ

The article examines the relationship between marketing and financial and economic security in the context of the development of information technologies, as their convergence is an integral part of modern business. Digital transformations significantly change the landscape of marketing and financial and economic security, in order to work successfully in new conditions, enterprises must invest in digital technologies, protect customer data and systems from cyber attacks and fraudulent actions, constantly adapt to new technologies and market conditions. In today's conditions, economy, rationality and maximum efficiency based on the use of modern information and multimedia technologies are a guarantee not only of quality management, but also of the company's overall competitiveness in the markets. Marketing plays a key role in ensuring the financial and economic security of the enterprise, i.e. constant monitoring of the market, analysis of competitors and study of customer needs allow timely detection of potential threats and development of effective strategies to neutralize them. Thanks to a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics, marketing contributes to the development of effective strategies that allow the enterprise to adapt to changes and maintain its competitiveness, optimize its costs, improve product quality and strengthen its position in the market. In the conditions of growing global competition, companies must understand the development trends of international markets, cultural characteristics and take into account legislative norms in their activities. In this case, marketing helps to adapt business to new conditions, and economic security provides protection from external threats. The rapid development of digital technologies is changing the rules of the game in the market, while marketing allows effective use of digital channels to interact with customers, and economic security provides protection against cyber threats and other risks related to digital technologies. Consumers increasingly expect a personalized approach and high quality products and services, so marketing helps to understand the needs of customers and develop appropriate offers, and financial and economic security ensures that these offers will be fulfilled with quality and time. New players are constantly entering the market, which complicates competition, so there is a need to stand out among competitors, determine the company's competitive advantages, build a positive image and effectively manage crisis situations. In this case, economic security protects against unfair competition, ensures business stability in conditions of uncertainty, helps protect company data from cyber attacks and fraudulent actions, and prevents financial losses. Therefore, ensuring financial and economic security during marketing operations is a complex task that requires a complex approach. The convergence of marketing and financial and economic security allows you to minimize risks, ensure sustainable business development and effective promotion of goods and services, and protect the reputation of the company and its assets. The interaction of marketing and economic security helps prevent crisis situations related to security breaches that can negatively affect the company's image, as well as avoid ineffective spending on marketing campaigns related to unsafe or unethical practices

Depiction of Homemade Infant Formula and Formula Hacks on Pinterest: An Unsafe and Unhealthy Pin for Infants?

To examine Pinterest pins to discern the content, messaging and claims, and engagement with pins regarding formula hacking and homemade formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discourage formula hacking (ie, preparing formula not according to directions to extend its use) and making homemade infant formula due to its associated health risks. Yet, caregivers are using social media platforms to find information on these topics. This study conducted a content analysis of Pinterest pins related to formula hacking and homemade infant formula identified from the platform in January 2023 by using 14 search terms. A total of 63 pins were included in the sample. The topic of all (100.0%) pins was homemade formula. More than one-half (56.0%) of the 25 pins that provided a recipe included an unsafe ingredient, such as raw milk. The most frequently provided reasons to use homemade infant formula were in an emergency (38.2%) and when breastfeeding was not possible (38.2%). The most common claim was that homemade infant formula was healthy (59.6%). The total number of followers for the 63 pins was 861636. Pinterest is widely used by caregivers to find feeding information for their infants. Credible organizations should utilize Pinterest to disseminate safe infant feeding practices supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The results will help nurses advocate for safe infant feeding and help them guide caregivers away from unsafe formula practices found on social media.

Multilevel factors drive child exposure to enteric pathogens in animal feces: A qualitative study in northwestern coastal Ecuador.

Exposure to animal feces and associated enteric pathogens poses significant risks to child health. However, public health strategies to mitigate enteric infections among children largely aim to reduce exposure to human feces, overlooking transmission pathways related to animal feces. In this study we examine if and how children are exposed to enteric pathogens in animal feces in northwestern coastal Ecuador. We conducted qualitative interviews with mothers of children aged 10-18 months that owned (n = 32) and did not own (n = 26) animals in urban and rural communities. Using thematic analysis, we identified community, household, and child behavioral factors that influence exposure. We also compared child exposure by household animal ownership. Our findings revealed myriad opportunities for young children to be exposed to enteric pathogens in many locations and from multiple animal sources, regardless of household animal ownership. Animal feces management practices (AFM) used by mothers, such as rinsing feces into ditches and throwing feces into surrounding areas, may increase environmental contamination outside their homes and in their communities. Unsafe AFM practices were similar to unsafe child feces management practices reported in other studies, including practices related to defecation location, feces removal and disposal, environmental contamination cleaning, and handwashing. Findings suggest that animal feces may contaminate the environment along similar pathways as human feces. Identification and incorporation of safe AFM practices, similar to those developed for child feces management, would 1) mitigate child exposure to enteric pathogens by reducing animal feces contamination in domestic and public spaces; and 2) enable an integrated approach to address enteric pathogen exposure pathways related to animal and child feces.

All You Need is Data: A Multimodal Approach in Understanding Driver Behavior

Despite advancements in vehicle safety and driving aids, road traffic accidents remain a major issue globally, largely due to human error. A comprehensive understanding of driver behavior, particularly in recognizing unsafe practices, is essential for reducing accidents and enhancing road safety. However, the complexity of human behavior and the variability of driving conditions complicate this task. Traditional methods of driver behavior analysis often rely on limited sources such as video feeds or vehicle telemetry. In contrast, the adoption of multimodal data analysis, which incorporates diverse data types like images, text, audio, depth, thermal, and IMU data, offers a richer perspective on the driving environment. This study employs multimodal embedded learning to analyze these data sources, resulting in a deeper, more holistic insight into driver behavior. The findings suggest that this comprehensive approach can significantly improve the prediction and prevention of unsafe driving practices by integrating various indicators of potential hazards.

Negligible Building Failures in Rivers State — A Literature Review

Through an in-depth literature review, this study explores the factors influencing the minimal building failures in Rivers State, Nigeria. Unlike many other regions, Rivers State is renowned for its exceptionally low rate of structural failures, highlighting a stark contrast to widespread construction safety issues elsewhere. The study identifies several critical factors behind this achievement: strict legal frameworks, premium building materials, skilled labor, successful community collaboration, favorable environmental conditions, and technological integration. The findings emphasize the importance of upholding strict building regulations and norms to maintain high construction standards. Regular inspections and compliance checks ensure adherence to defined safety protocols, significantly reducing the likelihood of structural problems. The study also underscores the significance of superior building materials and advanced technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and smart construction tools, in enhancing project planning and execution. A proficient labor force, continuously trained and certified, is essential for achieving construction excellence. Ongoing professional development programs keep workers updated on the latest methods and safety precautions. Additionally, positive community engagement is crucial for monitoring construction activities, with residents actively reporting deviations from approved plans and unsafe practices, fostering a culture of accountability and vigilance. Favorable environmental conditions, including stable geographical and climatic factors, contribute to the rarity of building failures. Mandatory environmental impact assessments for new projects ensure potential risks are identified and mitigated early in the planning process. Rivers State’s economic stability supports sustained investment in infrastructure and maintenance, facilitated by government initiatives that encourage the use of high-quality building materials. Technological integration, particularly through real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, further enhances construction safety by enabling continuous oversight and timely interventions, thus reducing the risk of failures. Rivers State’s approach to construction safety offers valuable lessons for other regions aiming to improve building standards and reduce structural failure rates. This comprehensive analysis highlights the necessity of a multifaceted strategy to enhance and maintain building integrity, resulting in safer and more resilient built environments.

Public perceptions of reportable safety events and risks in United States primary care

Introduction: Patients may not feel responsible for reporting safety events, and social norms may prevent patients from questioning health care providers’ judgment. There is a paucity of research regarding public awareness of reportable safety events/risks. Educating the public about reporting is paramount in error prevention. Because more than 70% of errors (e.g., errors in diagnosis, communication errors, unsafe medication practices, and care fragmentation) occur in primary care settings, the purpose of this study was to explore public perceptions of when to report safety events/risks in these settings. Method: System-level primary and outpatient facility safety incident scenarios conducive to safety events/risk reporting were developed and administered via online survey methodology. Following completion of the scenario questions, participants were asked a single open-text item: “As you were reading the scenarios above, what did you think makes an event/risk ‘reportable’?” Results: At least one-third of participants responded incorrectly in 70% of the scenarios. The percentage of incorrect responses ranged from 5.2% to 62.3% with “unwitnessed falls” and “nursing scope of practice” queries incorrectly reported at 44.5% and 53.9%, respectively. Rationales for inappropriate events/risk reporting included “risk prediction at the management/system level,” “legal repercussions/protection (e.g., negligence, legal responsibility to patient),” “violations of scope of practice/professional expectations,” “degree of potential/actual lethality,” and “personnel errors.” Conclusion: This study revealed a gap between understanding why to report an event/risk and when to correctly report (or not report) an actual healthcare issue. Practical applications: Awareness of reasons for correctly reporting incidents and how correct reporting builds a culture of safety needs to be strengthened.

BYOD security behaviour and preferences among hospital clinicians – A qualitative study

Background/ObjectiveThe use of personal devices for work purposes (Bring-your-own-device) has increased in hospitals, as it facilitates productivity and mobility for clinicians. However, owing to increased risk of leaking patient information, and heavy reliance of patient data privacy on user actions, BYOD is a major challenge for hospitals. There has been a dearth of empirical research studying clinicians’ BYOD security behaviour. Therefore, the study’s aim was to attain subjective understanding of clinicians’ attitudes and preferences towards protecting patient data on their devices through a qualitative study. Methods14 semi-structured interviews were conducted among Australian hospital-based clinicians. A hybrid thematic analysis was conducted using the framework method to explore socio-technical themes pertaining to the clinicians’ BYOD security behavioural practices. ResultsLimited use of secure tools like antivirus and passcodes, and inadequate separation of patient and personal data on BYOD devices was found. Key technology concerns included malware introduction into hospital network, inadvertent patient data sharing, and slow remote access. Hospitals lacked dedicated BYOD policies and training, resulting in unsafe practices. Participants also cited misalignment of BYOD policies with workflow needs, privacy maintenance challenges and fears of personal data breaches, while calling for improved communication between technical and clinical staff and a strong cybersecurity culture. ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive understanding of BYOD related user behaviour and the usefulness of security controls used in time-sensitive and complex hospital environments. It can inform future policies or processes by advocating for secure and productive BYOD use.