Water Hygiene Research Articles

Monitoring the quality of ground water in pipelines using deep neural network model

Monitoring the water quality in pipelines is crucial to guaranteeing that consumers receive safe and hygienic water. Conventional monitoring techniques rely on labor-intensive, time-consuming laboratory testing and physical sampling. This study aims to introduce an integrated LSTM-BP neural network model for real-time water quality monitoring in pipelines, showcasing improved predictions for parameters like dissolved oxygen and pH. This paper investigated the results of real-time Water Quality (WQ) monitoring in pipelines using several Deep Neural Network (DNN) models and pre-processing techniques for the information being provided. This paper proposes an integrated long-short-term memory (LSTM) and backpropagation (BP) neural network to offer an I-LSTM-BP model for Monitoring Water Quality in Pipelines (MWQP). The performance of predictions has been enhanced through the integration of LSTM and BP neural networks, particularly for time-series forecasting applications like MWQP. The model may use the LSTM network’s memory and adaptability while still keeping the BP network’s capacity to simulate non-linear interactions and enhance performance during generalization. Dissolved oxygen (DO; mg/L) and hydrogen (pH) potential are the parameters considered during the MWQP process. Information collected from China’s autonomous water quality monitoring units has been used to examine the water quality characteristics thoroughly. The forecasting model has been trained and evaluated using data collected from monitoring stations from June 2018 to December 2022. Statistical measures such as the correlation coefficient, root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and their normalized equivalents have been used to evaluate the DNN model’s performance throughout the training and testing stages. The results of this work demonstrate the viability and efficiency of using the proposed I-LSTM-BP-based DNN for MWQP applications. These results show the I-LSTM-BP model’s significant performance benefit, which makes it the model of choice for precise MWQP parameter prediction and WQ evaluation.

The Relationship Of Clean Water And Environmental Sanitation To The Incident Of Diarrhea: Systematic Review

Indonesia is one of the developing countries that experiences diarrhea problems. This is because of its high morbidity and mortality. Diarrhea is an endemic disease that has the potential to cause Extraordinary Events (KLB) which are often accompanied by death in Indonesia. Most diarrheal diseases can be prevented through safe drinking water and adequate sanitation and hygiene. This study aims to determine the relationship between environmental sanitation and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers. This research uses a systematic review method (Systematic Review) which is a research method for identifying, evaluating, and interpreting research results that are relevant to a particular research topic, or phenomenon that is the focus of the research. The results of this research show that there is a relationship between environmental sanitation such as the physical quality of water, ownership of a toilet, type of floor in the house, and the incidence of diarrhea. It is hoped that after this research is carried out, mothers and health policy stakeholders such as the health department and community health centers can improve residential environmental health programs to have physically clean water quality and good environmental sanitation. Keywords: Environmental Sanitation, Diarrhea, Toddlers, Systematic Review

Relationship between Teachers' Participation and Management Outcomes in Primary Schools in Pader District, Uganda

Management outcomes have, over the years, gained significant attention from scholars. This study examined the relationship between teachers' participation and management outcomes in primary schools in Pader District, Uganda. The investigation examined teachers' participation in Pader District primary schools, management outcomes and the relationship between participation and management outcomes. With 301 respondents, the research used questionnaire surveys, interview guides, and observation checklists. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25, descriptive statistics, Chi-Square test, Spearman's rank Correlation Coefficient, and linear regression analysis to determine the relationship between teachers' participation and management outcomes. The study found a moderate correlation between teachers' participation and management outcomes, with a 0.01% level of significance. This aligns with previous research indicating that teachers' involvement in water hygiene, sanitation, equipment procurement, guidance, inventory control, budget preparation, and classroom maintenance positively impacts management outcomes

Safe Drinking Water, Sanitation and Mother's Hygiene Practice as Stunting Risk Factors: A Case Control Study in a Rural Area of Ciawi Sub-district, Tasikmalaya District, West Java, Indonesia.

Stunting is associated with disorders of the small intestines caused by environmental factors and poor hygiene practices. Prevention of stunting should be conducted in the first 1,000 days of life; namely, from conception until the child is two years old. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between environmental risk factors and maternal personal hygiene with the incidence of stunting in children aged 6-23 months. This study was conducted using a case-control design, with a total sample of 212 (106 cases and 106 controls) enrolled purposively. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire. The analysis used chisquare tests and multiple logistic regression. The results of multivariate analysis showed the independent variables that have a significant association on the incidence of stunting are access to safe drinking water and maternal hygiene practices. The external variables that have a significant relationship is birth length and feeding practice. Having no access to safe drinking water, not proper sanitation, and poor maternal hygiene practices have a higher risk of stunting in children aged 6-23 months. The implications of this research include the need for increased access to a safe environment and improvement of mother's behavior as essential efforts to prevent stunting.

Public perception of the use of television in promoting healthy water consumption

The Mass Media plays a crucial role in advocacy and publicity, influencing people's mindset and perceptions, thereby affecting their behavior. This study focuses on understanding the public perception of television's role in promoting healthy water consumption in Kaduna state, with the aim of managing solid incidents. Using the magic bullet theory of the press and a survey research design, 60 respondents were sampled through stratified sampling. The study revealed that television programs enlighten people about the importance of using hygienic water and increase their knowledge about water usage. It concludes that television is instrumental in achieving SDG goals by propagating the significance of healthy water consumption among Kaduna state residents. The study recommends that all media organizations in Kaduna state should implement similar programs to raise awareness about the importance of clean drinking water. Additionally, television programs should educate the public about water contamination and its effects on human health.

Analysis of Physical Enviromental Factors on the Risk of Stunting in Pregnant Women in the Working Area of the Curugbitung Health Center, Lebak Regency, Banten

Background: Stunting according to the WHO (World Health Organization) in 2019 that the region in sothest Asia is still considered the highest with the incidence of stunting (31.9%), Indonesia is included in the sixth country. Risk factors for stunting that begin at conception, namely from maternal factors. Lack of health and nutrition knowledge from the start of pregnancy to childbirth can result in stunting in children, during pregnancy ANC, PNC, EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING, and MPASI. Objective: this study aims to determine the relationship between drinking water sources, latrine ownership, waste management, hygiene and exposure to pollutants with the risk of stunting in pregnant women in the working area of the Curugbitung Health Center, Lebak Regency, Banten. Methodology: Cross Seectional method research. The study sample amounted to 107 pregnant women. Purposive sampling technique. The research instrument using the questionnaire consisted of clean water use, latrine ownership, hygiene behavior, waste management and exposure to pollutants.this questionnaire has been tested for validity and reliability with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient value of 0.836. Research Results: there was a significant relationship between household water use (p = 0.000), latrine ownership (p = 0.30), waste management (p = 0.000), hygiene behavior (p = 0.001) and exposure to pollutants (p = 0.003) with stunting risk. Conclusions and suggestions: physical environment analysis factors have a significant relationship with the risk of stunting in pregnant women, so it is expected to increase the role of health workers to educate the public regarding the risk of stunting. Keywords: Physical Environment, Risk of Stunting

Hubungan Kandungan Fluorida Pada Air Sumur Gali Dan Kebiasaan Menggosok Gigi Terhadap Karies Gigi Pada Siswa MIN 2 Muara Enim


 
 
 
 Dental caries is a type of disease that can be found in individuals of various age groups, especially in children throughout the world. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between fluoride content in dug well water and personal hygiene on dental caries in MIN 2 students in Muara Enim. The research design used is a cross-sectional research design. The population in this study included 195 students in grades 2 and 3 who attended MIN 2 Muara Enim. From the results of the analysis, it was found that out of 130 respondents, 61 (46.9%) had fewer dental caries compared to 69 (53.1%) who had no dental caries. From the results of the analysis, it is known that the proportion of 130 respondents who found that the fluoride content in dug well water did not meet the requirements was 80 (61.5%) more than the 50 (38.5%) whose fluoride content in dug well water met the requirements. There were 81 (62.3%) respondents with bad tooth brushing habits compared to 49 (37.7%) respondents with good tooth brushing habits. The Chi square test results obtained a value of 0.011 < (0.05). This means that there is a significant relationship between the fluoride content in dug well water and dental caries in MIN 2 students in Muara Enim. Likewise, the results obtained for the tooth brushing variable with dental caries in MIN 2 students in Muara Enim had a ρ value of 0.000 < (0.05).
 
 
 

A comparative study of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Bangladeshi city corporation areas

A comparative study of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Bangladeshi city corporation areas

Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Status of Ekosodin Community Residents, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Healthy living has been known to be linked to availability of portable water supply, clean sanitation, access to good hygienic and attainment of nice healthy status. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the assess level of water supply sanitation, hygiene and health status of residents of Ekosodin community, Edo State using a structured questionnaire from 300 respondents analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22. Findings showed that residents of the community primarily relied on boreholes as their main water source, with 72.7 % of respondents indicating its usage. The sanitation facilities, such as toilets, were predominantly available, but there was a need for additional facilities, as indicated by 24.7 % of respondents. In terms of hand hygiene, 67.3 % of participants reported the availability of soap and water in their premises. Moreover, 82.7 % of respondents stated that they had separate containers for bathing and storing drinking water, contributing to improved hygiene practices. Health status’ findings revealed the prevalence of vomiting (66.7 %) among participants. Hospital/clinic facilities were the primary choice for medical treatment (74.7%), followed by herbal preparations (25.3%). In conclusion, a community-based intervention program needs to be carried out to educate the populace of Ekosodin residence on maintenance of hand washing practices, toilets and sanitary facilities.

Improving Access to Safe Water in Rural Schools of Kenya: Qualitative Multisectoral Insights.

Comprehensive strategies in water, sanitation, and appropriate hygiene behaviors can improve school enrolment and improve gender parity disparities. Lack of safe drinking water negatively impacts the social capital of people, especially school-going children in rural areas. In this study, we systematically evaluated and documented evidence on the barriers and facilitators in the access and adoption of safe water practices in rural schools in Laikipia County, Kenya. An ethnographic formative, collaborative implementation research design was used in an iterative and participatory process to evaluate community, socio-economic, and health system-related factors affecting water, hygiene, and sanitation strategies. Qualitative data was collected using key informant interviews (n=5) and focus groups (n=3) from various multisectoral participants. Directed content analysis was used to develop codes, categories, and themes from textual data. Data was organized according to the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework. The findings were classified and described under three key elements: context, evidence, and facilitation. Contextual elements showed an association of diarrhea outbreaks with unsafe hygiene practices compounded by water scarcity. The evidence elements were indicative of the applicability of water backpacks in strengthening handwashing, storage, and transport of water. Facilitation elements indicated evidence of gaps in synergy between the school health and public health systems, necessitating multisectoral collaboration and social capital capacity building. The national and county governments play an imperative role in ensuring access and continuous supply of safe drinking water in schools. This is fundamental in efforts towards reducing social inequalities of health among school-going children and building their social capital. Participatory, collaborative, multisectoral interventions and decision-making are crucial, leveraging on creating local ownership, in meeting the water consumption needs of children and communities in water-scarce regions.

Evaluation of Water Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities and Practices of Present Status in the Vulnerable Domestic Area: A Study on some selected Areas Mymensingh City of Bangladesh

Evaluation of Water Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities and Practices of Present Status in the Vulnerable Domestic Area: A Study on some selected Areas Mymensingh City of Bangladesh

Assessment of Hygiene Practices, Awareness, and Water Consumption Regarding Covid-19 Among Children in a Refugee Camp.

At the outbreak of infectious diseases, the response of different communities to the disease varies, and children are most affected by the collective anxiety and grief that consequently arises. In this research, the behavior of children and their parents in terms of hygiene and precautions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated. The focus of the present research was on sanitation facilities, particularly access to end-use of water for hand washing. The research was conducted in Barika Camp, Kurdistan, Iraq and 311 parents and children were interviewed. A data collection team consisting of two females and one male was responsible for gathering data, primarily from women who served as the main respondents. Questionnaires consisted of three main parts: demography, COVID-19 pandemic effects, and sanitary shelter specifications. The results demonstrated that the behavior of refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the priority of child protection, type of disinfectants, and water consumption has significantly altered. These changes mainly depended on the women's age and education level. Overall results showed that in 61.09% of the participants, the number of hand washes and in 58.58%, the washing time increased, leading to water shortage in the refugee camp.

Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services and drinking water contamination risk levels in households of Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right and essential to control infectious diseases. However, many countries, including Ethiopia, do not have adequate data to report on basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Although contaminated drinking water spreads diseases like cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, and dysentery, studies on drinking water contamination risk levels in households are limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, closing this gap needs investigation. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 5350 households were included. A systematic, simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants. The information was gathered through in-person interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Furthermore, 1070 drinking water samples were collected from household water storage. This investigation revealed that 9.8%, 83.9%, and 4.9% of households used limited, basic, and safely managed drinking water services, respectively. Besides, 10.2%, 15.7% and 59.3% of households used safely managed, basic and limited sanitation services, respectively. Yet, 10.6% and 4.2% of households used unimproved sanitation facilities and open defecation practices. Also, 40.5% and 19.4% of households used limited and basic hygiene services. On the other hand, 40.1% of households lacked functional handwashing facilities. In this study, 12.1%, 26.3%, and 42% of households' drinking water samples were positive for Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms, and total coliforms, respectively. Also, 5.1% and 4.5% of households' drinking water samples had very high and high contamination risk levels for E. coli, respectively. We found that 2.5% and 11.5% of households and water distributors had unacceptable fluoride concentrations, respectively. The majority of households in Bishoftu town lack access to safely managed sanitation, drinking water, and basic hygiene services. Many households' water samples had very high and high health risk levels. Hence, the government and partner organizations should implement water and sanitation safety plans.

Assessment of Water Access, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Ghana: A Case Study of Ketu South Municipality

Assessment of Water Access, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Ghana: A Case Study of Ketu South Municipality

The epidemiology of fecal carriage of nontyphoidal Salmonella among healthy children and adults in three sites in Kenya.

Despite the importance of non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) disease in Africa, epidemiologic data on carriage and transmission are few. These data are important to understand the transmission of NTS in Africa and to design control strategies. To estimate the prevalence of stool carriage of NTS in Kenya, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Kilifi, Nairobi, and Siaya, sites with a low, moderate and high incidence of invasive NTS disease, respectively. At each site, we randomly selected 100 participants in each age-group of 0-11 months, 12-59 months, 5-14 years, 15-54 years and ≥55 years. We collected stool, venous blood (for hemoglobin and malaria rapid tests), anthropometric measurements, and administered a questionnaire on Water Access Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices. Stool samples were cultured on selective agar for Salmonella; suspect isolates underwent serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Overall, 53 (3.5%) isolates of NTS were cultured from 1497 samples. Age-adjusted prevalence was 13.1% (95%CI 8.8-17.4) in Kilifi, 0.4% (95%CI 0-1.3) in Nairobi, and 0.9% (95%CI 0-2.0) in Siaya. Prevalence was highest among those aged 15-54 years (6.2%). Of 53 isolates; 5 were S. Enteritidis, 1 was S. Typhimurium. No S. Typhi was isolated. None of the risk factors were associated with carriage of NTS. All isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested, including ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole. Prevalence of fecal carriage was high in Kilifi, an area of low incidence of invasive NTS disease and was low in areas of higher incidence in Nairobi and Siaya. The age-prevalence, risk factors, geographical and serotype distribution of NTS in carriage differs from invasive disease.

Low-cost domestic rainwater harvesting in rural southeast Madagascar: A process and outcome evaluation

In settings where communities rely on unimproved water sources, household rainwater harvesting (HRWH) may improve the quality and quantity of water available. This research presents results from a two-year controlled before-and-after study that evaluated the impact of low-cost HRWH on household water collection habits, hygiene practices and prevalence of childhood diarrhoea in rural Madagascar. The study assessed system functionality, water quality and the acceptability of requesting household financial investment (16–20 USD). Surveys were administered to enrolled intervention households (n = 138) and control households (n = 276) at baseline and endline. Water quality tests at endline compared microbial contamination in a sub-sample of HRWH systems (n = 22) and public water sources (n = 8). Difference-in-difference analyses were used to compare changes in outcomes between study arms at baseline and endline. At endline 111 (75%) of systems were functional with an average age of 1.25 years. Microbial contamination was 39.3 TTC/100ml in community water sources compared with 23.3 TTC/100ml in the HRWH systems (coef: -16.0, 95CI: -37.3 to 5.2, p = 0.133). 85 (57%) of households completed their repayment plans while remaining households owed on average 3.7 USD. There was weak evidence to suggest that intervention households collected more water per capita day than controls (adj coefficient: 3.45; 95CI: -2.51 to 9.41, p = 0.257). Intervention households had 11% higher absolute risk of owning a handwashing station compared against controls (95CI: 0.00 to 0.23; p = 0.06). There was no evidence of differences in ownership of soap or prevalence of childhood diarrhoea between study arms. Overall, operation and maintenance of the systems remained high, users demonstrated willingness to pay, and there was weak evidence that water provision at the household increased domestic consumption. However, the systems did not provide contaminant-free water. We conclude that HRWH using low-cost, locally available materials can increase household access to water in areas reliant on limited communal water sources.

Correlation between Escherichia coli resistant gene isolated from stool samples of children under five years and that from consumed water

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) causes enteric infections and diarrhea, especially in young children. Kenya reports around 2.6 million cases and 7,000 deaths annually due to diarrhea. Antibiotic-resistant DEC strains are a significant public health concern, complicating treatment. The objective of this research was to correlate children's water consumption and antimicrobial-resistant DEC development. The study sampled 1124 children under five with diarrhea in Nakuru, Kenya, using a case-control design. Among 384 eligible children, 192 cases showed Amoxicillin-resistant DEC. Water samples from households were collected and analyzed for DEC presence. The samples were filtered, plated onto MacConkey agar, and subcultured onto Eosin Methylene Blue agar for further analysis. The DEC pathotypes were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics, and antibiotic resistance was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The study revealed a strong correlation of 11.613 (95 % Confidence Interval [CI]: 6.495–20.765, p-value: 0.000) between microbial burden in vended water (water sold by vendors) used by different households consumption and antimicrobial resistance in DEC. Water sources showed a high prevalence of DEC, primarily Enteroaggregative, enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, and enteroinvasive E. coli. DEC isolates also exhibited varying antibiotic resistance, and genes like blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV were identified using PCR. The Spearman correlation coefficient was one, showing that resistance genes in water and stool were perfectly correlated. The study emphasizes the significance of improving water quality, hygiene, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria control to prevent and manage DEC and infectious diseases in Kenya. To combat outbreaks, effective surveillance and rapid reaction procedures are essential. The findings help to shape public health policies and initiatives.

Extreme exposure of fluoride and arsenic contamination in shallow coastal aquifers of the Ganges delta, transboundary of the Indo-Bangladesh region

Globally, shallow aquifer groundwater (GW) has been severely affected in recent decades for both geogenic and anthropogenic reasons. The hydro-geochemical characteristics of the GW change inconsistently with the addition of unwanted inorganic trace elements into the GW aquifer of the Indo-Bangladesh delta region (IBDR), such as arsenic (As) along with fluoride (F−) contamination. Contaminated GW can have a negative impact on drinking water supplies and agricultural output. GW pollution can have serious adverse effects on the environment and human health. Thus, the GW quality of this region is deteriorating progressively, and human health threatening by various life-threatening disorders. Hence, the current study concentrated on the GW quality evaluation and prediction of possible health issues in the IBDR due to elevated contamination of As along with F− within GW aquifers by considering sixteen causative. Field survey-based statistical methods such as entropy quality index (EWQI) combined with health risk index (HRI) was implemented for evaluating the As and F− sensitivity with the help of correlation testing and principal component analysis. The study's outcome explains that a substantial portion of the IBDR has been vastly experiencing inferior GW quality, environmental issues, and health-related problems in dry and wet seasons, correspondingly for As and F− exposure. Piper diagram verified the suitability of water that almost 55% of GW across the study area’s aquifers are unfit for drinking as well as cultivation of crops. Sensitivity analysis and the Monte Carlo simulation method were also applied to assess the contaminant's concentration level and probable health risk appraisal. The present study concludes that the elevated exposure of As and F− pollution has to be monitored regularly and prevent unwanted GW contamination through implementing sustainable approaches and policies to fulfil the sustainable development goal 6 (SDG-6) till 2030, ensuring the most basic human right of clean, safe, and hygienic water.

Access to and Use of Hand Hygiene Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Two Districts in Uganda, January-April 2021.

To understand access to and use of hand hygiene in healthcare facilities (HCFs) and community locations during the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated factors associated with hand hygiene in 60 priority HCFs and community locations in two border districts in Uganda. We assessed water and hand hygiene resource availability and observed hand hygiene practice by staff or patrons. Regression modeling estimated factors associated with the availability or use of hand hygiene. In HCFs, most inpatient (61%), outpatient (71%), and laboratory or staff (90%) rooms contained hand hygiene materials. Only 38% of community locations had hand hygiene materials at all entrances and exits, 35% of congregation areas had hand hygiene materials. Overall, 38% of healthcare staff, 48% of patrons post-latrine use, and 21% of patrons entering or exiting community locations practiced hand hygiene. HCF hand hygiene access was lower in inpatient rooms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.45) and outpatient rooms (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.70) compared with laboratory/staff rooms. HCF hand hygiene practice was higher for doctors than nurses (OR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.15-11.14) and with new versus existing patient encounters (OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.20-4.27); it was lower before versus after patient contact for both invasive (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00-0.20) and noninvasive (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45-0.95) procedures. In community settings, hand hygiene practice after using the latrine was higher than at an entrances/exits (OR = 3.39, 95% CI: 2.08-5.52). Hand hygiene rates were relatively low in healthcare and community settings. Greater emphasis on hand hygiene before patient interactions (at HCFs) and at community entrances/exits for patrons is also needed.

Prescribing typhoid vaccines in the UK

Typhoid is a potentially life-threatening infection that is usually spread through contaminated food and water. Most typhoid cases reported in the UK are linked to overseas travel. UK health professionals prescribing travel vaccines, including typhoid vaccine, should ensure they are familiar with appropriate vaccine guidance and use current UK typhoid vaccine recommendations for international travel as part of their risk assessment. The importance of food and water hygiene should be emphasised to all UK travellers visiting typhoid endemic regions.