Wear Protective Clothing Research Articles

First hospital outbreak of the globally emerging Candida auris in a European hospital.

Background Candida auris is a globally emerging multidrug resistant fungal pathogen causing nosocomial transmission. We report an ongoing outbreak of C. auris in a London cardio-thoracic center between April 2015 and July 2016. This is the first report of C. auris in Europe and the largest outbreak so far. We describe the identification, investigation and implementation of control measures.MethodsData on C. auris case demographics, environmental screening, implementation of infection prevention/control measures, and antifungal susceptibility of patient isolates were prospectively recorded then analysed retrospectively. Speciation of C. auris was performed by MALDI-TOF and typing of outbreak isolates performed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP).ResultsThis report describes an ongoing outbreak of 50 C. auris cases over the first 16 month (April 2015 to July 2016) within a single Hospital Trust in London. A total of 44 % (n = 22/50) patients developed possible or proven C. auris infection with a candidaemia rate of 18 % (n = 9/50). Environmental sampling showed persistent presence of the yeast around bed space areas. Implementation of strict infection and prevention control measures included: isolation of cases and their contacts, wearing of personal protective clothing by health care workers, screening of patients on affected wards, skin decontamination with chlorhexidine, environmental cleaning with chorine based reagents and hydrogen peroxide vapour. Genotyping with AFLP demonstrated that C. auris isolates from the same geographic region clustered.ConclusionThis ongoing outbreak with genotypically closely related C. auris highlights the importance of appropriate species identification and rapid detection of cases in order to contain hospital acquired transmission.

Rainfall and temperature changes and variability in the Upper East Region of Ghana

AbstractThe aim of the research was to assess the current trend and variation in rainfall and temperature in the Upper East Region, Ghana, using time series moving average analysis and decomposition methods. Meteorological data obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency in Accra, Ghana, from 1954 to 2014 were used in the models. The additive decomposition model was used to analyze the rainfall because the seasonal variation was relatively constant over time, while the multiplicative model was used for both the daytime and nighttime temperatures because their seasonal variations increase over time. The monthly maximum and the minimum values for the entire period were as follows: rainfall 455.50 and 0.00 mm, nighttime temperature 29.10°C and 13.25°C and daytime temperature 41.10°C and 26.10°C, respectively. Also, while rainfall was decreasing, nighttime and daytime temperatures were increasing in decadal times. Since both the daytime and nighttime temperatures were increasing and rainfall was decreasing, climate extreme events such as droughts could result and affect agriculture in the region, which is predominantly rain fed. Also, rivers, dams, and dugouts are likely to dry up in the region. It was also observed that there was much variation in rainfall making prediction difficult. Day temperatures were generally high with the months of March and April have been the highest. The months of December recorded the lowest night temperature. Inhabitants are therefore advised to sleep in well‐ventilated rooms during the warmest months and wear protective clothing during the cold months to avoid contracting climate‐related diseases.

Swedish Farmers' Opinions about Biosecurity and Their Intention to Make Professionals Use Clean Protective Clothing When Entering the Stable.

The study was part of a series of studies aiming to increase knowledge about spread and prevention of livestock diseases in Sweden. A specific biosecurity behavior, i.e., making professionals (e.g., veterinarian, repairman, livestock transporter) wear clean protective clothing when entering the stables was investigated through focus groups and a questionnaire survey. This behavior was seen as a proxy for other biosecurity behaviors. As part of questionnaire development, three focus group discussions with a total of 11 participating livestock farmers were held. The questionnaire was based on the model of Theory of Planned Behavior. Response was received from 2,081 farmers. In the focus groups, farmers expressed a willingness to provide visitors with clean protective clothing. However, some had experienced difficulties in making veterinarians use protective clothing, and mentioned a reluctance to correct their veterinarians. The participants mostly focused on diseases regulated by control programs, especially Salmonella. In parts, participants were well informed but some showed a lack of knowledge concerning routes of disease spread. They also mentioned external factors that made them deviate from biosecurity recommendations. Farmers called for biosecurity advice with focus on cost–benefit return. Among survey respondents, the intention to make visitors wear protective clothing was moderate. Analysis of underlying elements showed that a majority of farmers (88%) had a neutral attitude, i.e., they were neither in favor nor against this behavior. Measures of subjective norm indicated a varying degree of social pressure among respondents. However, the majority (63%) indicated a strong behavioral control, thus suggesting that they could make visitors use protective clothing if they wanted to. Although most farmers (84%) indicated a strong willingness to comply with the opinion of their veterinarians in biosecurity matters, 30% replied that their farm veterinarian is indifferent or negative toward making visitors use protective clothing. Demographic factors were significantly associated with the intention, and farmers with pigs, larger herds, and female farmers had a stronger intention. Regional differences were also found. The findings provide new insights into why farmers apply, or do not apply, biosecurity routines, and will be useful in the on-going work to improve farm biosecurity in Sweden.

DETERMINASI SEROVAR BAKTERI LEPTOSPIRA PADA RESERVOIR DI KABUPATEN BANYUMAS

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira. Leptospirosis transmitted to human through direct contact with body fluids of infected animals or indirectly through contaminated puddles . The prevalence of leptospirosis in Banyumas tends to increase for 3 years. The purpose of this study was to determine the leptospira serovar in reservoir to prove of a current infection. Survey s was conducted using single live traps for three consecutive days, determination of leptospira serovar was conducted using Microscopic Aglutination Test (MAT). Data analysis was performed by univariate and presented in tables and graphs. The results showed that the trapped animals consisted of Rattus tanezumi (70.6%) and Suncus murinus (29.4%) with 6.5% succsess trap. Rattus tanezumi were dominantly caught inside the house (51%) than outside the house (49%). Female rats were dominantly caught (66.7%) than male rats (33.3%). Suncus murinus and Rattus tanezumi shown a titer of 1/100 to be infected with L.icterohaemorrhagiae , L.javanica and L.cynopteri which are pathogenic Leptospira in humans. Efforts are needed to improve community participation in preventing tranmission of leptospirosis by avoiding contact with contaminated water and soil. For people who are risk of exposure to infected animal should wear protective clothes or footwear.

The prevalence of crash risk factors in a population-based study of motorcycle riders

IntroductionMotorcyclists represent an increasing proportion of road traffic casualties but, while factors associated with crashes are readily identifiable, little is known about the prevalence of those risk factors in the motorcycling population. MethodA stratified random-sampling frame was used to survey the population of registered motorcycles owners in New South Wales (NSW) when they attended motor registry offices. The postal codes in the State database of registered motorcycle were used to stratify the population into quartiles based on socioeconomic characteristics and to determine sample weights. ResultsParticipants (n=506) represented 47% of eligible riders approached. On average participants were aged 43, rode 7h/week and had 17 years of riding experience. Estimates based on multiple ownership rates suggest motorcycle registration numbers exceed the active riding population by approximately 15%. Less than half rode under 101km/week, 25% rode over 300km/week and just 42% rode every day. More rode frequently for leisure (70%) than for commuting (53%) and over half rarely rode in dark (52%) or wet (67%) conditions. Most wore protective clothing – helmets (100%), jackets (82%), pants (56%), boots (57%) and gloves (73%). Those with traffic infringements (32%) were mostly for driving (25%), not riding (10%) offences. In the past year, 13% had one or more motorcycle crashes including minor spills and 76% one or more near-crash experiences. The youngest riders (15–19) reported the highest rates of exposure in kilometres, hours, frequency of riding and commuting. They also reported lower crash involvement (3%) but more near-crashes (80%). ConclusionsThis study provides an account of the prevalence of key risk factors across age groups in a population of active motorcycle riders in NSW. Novice riders were represented in all age groups although most novices were under 40 years. These data can be used to guide the development of targeted countermeasures aimed at improving motorcycling safety for riders of different age groups.

Malaria Control Strategy Among Members of American University of Nigeria Yola

Malaria is well known public health menace in Nigeria with huge economic and social cost especially in institutions or university community, where it accounts for more outpatients’ visits than any other cause, yet the incidence of malaria is on the rise. This study examined the individual control strategy for malaria infestation among members of American University of Nigeria Community. The study utilized a descriptive survey approach. An internet base self-structured questionnaire randomly sent to both staff and students was used to elicit relevant information for the study. A total of 260 individuals responded to the questionnaire. Data from the clinic medical data base (Care plus) was used to ascertain the incidence of Malaria from January 2014 to June, 2016. Using line graph, percentage distribution table, mean and standard deviation for data analysis, findings from the study indicated an overall rise in the incidence of malaria. The mean and SD value of 56.7 ± 35.2 showed that individuals varied in their choice of preventive/control method for malaria infection. Most respondents 47.3% and 40 % would prevent malaria attacks by using insecticide spray and screening of doors and windows respectively. 23.1% of the respondents drain stagnant water (breeding site for mosquitoes) or use prophylactic malaria drug (22.7%). Less than 15% would use either of various other methods such as treated mosquito nets, clearing of surrounding bushes and grass, repellent creams, wear protective clothing or use mosquito coil/bat (5.8%). Based on the perceived factors which influence individual choice of adopting variety of methods to prevent malaria attack, 45% of the respondent reported lack of awareness as a major factor influencing malaria controls strategy and Location/Environment (36.9%), inefficient/incorrect use of preventive measures (30.4%). 20% considered cost, safety level of repellent, nets, insecticides and chemical/drug resistance as a factor with educational level perceived as been the least influential (16.9%). The study identified a lax in attitude and inefficient utilization of available resources. Therefore, it is imperative for every individual to be more proactive and conscientious in their approach towards the prevention and control of malaria infection. Heightened malaria awareness program as a way of public enlightenment synergized by enabling policies and strategic planning at specific periods of the year will go a long way in mitigating the incidence of malaria and the ripple effect it has on the nation.

Falling behind a jet ski: A sad end to a pleasure ride

We report three cases of serious combined rectovaginal injuries, from a forceful waterjet after falling backwards with legs abducted from the back of a jet ski. In all cases, the passengers were unaware of this risk and did not wear protective clothing. In one case, massive fecal spillage to the lower and upper retropritoneum led to death within 33 h, despite laparotomy, colostomy and retroperitoneal lavage. We recommend increasing the awareness of jet ski drivers and passengers to this particular danger, using protective suits and enforcement of adequate boating regulation by the local authorities. Hospitals located near recreational boating amenities must maintain higher alertness and capability of dealing with such particular serious and complicated injuries.

Can motorcycle riding in Australia really be that thermally stressful?

Personal protective clothing and equipment, when used during moderate to heavy workloads, can push individuals to the limits of physiological regulation. What is less certain is the physiological strain imposed by appropriately protective ensembles when riding a motorcycle, and whether or not one need even consider the impact of that strain. Nevertheless, evidence indicates that thermal discomfort is a key disincentive to the wearing of motorcycle protective clothing in hot weather. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to quantify thermal and cardiovascular strain during a simulated urban, motorcycle ride, conducted under laboratory conditions.

A coupling system to predict the core and skin temperatures of human wearing protective clothing in hot environments

The aim of this study is to predict the core and skin temperatures of human wearing protective clothing in hot environments using the coupling system. The coupling system consisted of a sweating manikin Newton controlled by a multi-node human thermal model, and responded dynamically to the thermal environment as human body. Validation of the coupling system results was conducted by comparison with the subject tests. Five healthy men wearing protective clothing were exposed to the thermal neutral and high temperature environments. The skin temperatures of seven body segments and the rectal temperatures were recorded continuously. The predictions of core temperatures made by the coupling system showed good agreement with the experimental data, with maximum difference of 0.19 °C and RMSD of 0.12 °C. The predicted mean skin temperatures fell outside of the 95% CI for most points, whereas the difference between the simulated results and measured data was no more than 1 °C which is acceptable. The coupling system predicted the local skin temperatures reasonably with the maximum local skin temperature of 1.30 °C. The coupling system has been validated and exhibited reasonable accuracy compared with the experimental results.

Surveillance for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in live-bird markets in Oyo and Ogun States, Nigeria

ObjectiveTo conduct sero-epidemiological and virological surveillance for lowly pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) in apparently healthy birds slaughtered at live-bird markets (LBMs) in Southwestern Nigeria. MethodsA competitive ELISA was used for detecting avian influenza virus-specific antibodies in 491 chicken sera obtained from five LBMs in Oyo and Ogun States, Nigeria while haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies against LPAIVs were detected using H5N2, H7N1 and H9N2 subtype-specific antigens. Suspensions prepared from 400 cloacal swabs were inoculated into 9-day-old embryonated chicken eggs and harvested allantoic fluids were tested for the presence of haemagglutinating agents. ResultsAn overall avian influenza virus antibody prevalence of 10.4% (51/491) was obtained with mean percentage inhibition of 61.0 (95% confidence interval: 58.2-63.8) and geometric mean of 60.3 (95% confidence interval: 57.7-62.9). Whereas no LPAIV H7N1 antibodies were detected, 47.1% and 52.9% seroprevalence were obtained for H5N2 and H9N2 viruses respectively. Virus isolation in embryonated eggs was unsuccessful. ConclusionsConsidering the propensity of LPAIVs for mutation into high pathogenicity strains, detection of LPAIV H5N2 and H9N2 antibodies in these chickens is of public health significance and warrants continuous surveillance. Interventions to reduce market-based disease transmission including routine cleaning and disinfection, wearing of protective clothing and gloves, and periodic market rest days are advocated in Nigerian LBMs.

Construction of a garment for an integrated liquid cooling system

The problem of a hot microclimate in the workplace, leading to an almost constant thermal strain, concerns people employed worldwide in such sectors as the metallurgical, mining, and glass industries. Additional strain is caused by the protective clothing worn, which is usually made of aluminized fabrics impermeable to water vapor. Publications reporting hazards resulting from the prolonged exposure of workers to a hot microclimate emphasize that it is necessary to eliminate or decrease heat accumulation in the human body. This paper presents the steps involved in the design of a liquid cooling garment (LCG) reducing the thermal discomfort experienced by workers exposed to hot environments, in which impermeable aluminized protective clothing, preventing sweat evaporation, must be worn. The construction of the new LCG is based on a specially developed knitted spacer fabric with a channel structure in which a tube system distributing cooling liquid is placed.

방사선과 대학생이 방사선피폭관리에 대한 지식, 태도, 행위에 관한 연구

본 연구의 조사대상은 대구, 경북지역에 소재한 대학교에 재학 중인 방사선과를 전공하는 대학생을 조사대상으로 2014년 2월 3일부터 2월21일까지 설문조사를 실시하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. 방사선피폭관리에 대한 지식에 대해서는 'X선의 차폐는 납이나 콘크리트로 된 물질이 가능 하다', '인체에서 생식선은 방사선에 매우 민감한 부분이다' 문항에서 가장 높은 점수를 보였고, '직업상 피폭선량은 규정된 5년간에 대해 평균하여 연간 20 mSv를 넘을 수 없다'는 방사선피폭관리에 대한 지식이 가장 낮은 점수를 보였다. 2. 방사선피폭관리에 대한 태도에 대해서는 '방사선피폭과 관련하여 정기적인 건강진단을 받아야한다'. '방사선 조사지역에서 작업 시 방호복을 착용해야한다'는 문항에서 가장 높은 태도 수준을 보였고, '방사선장치의 선량보정 (Calibration)을 위한 선량측정을 정기적으로 해야 한다'는 방사선피폭관리에 대한 태도에서 가장 낮은 태도수준을 보였다. 3. 방사선피폭관리에 대한 행위에 대해서는 '방사선 조사 시 방어벽(판) 뒤에서 작업을 한 다'. '방사선피폭관리에 관한 교육을 정기적으로 받는 다'는 문항에서 가장 높은 행위 수준을 보였고, '근무지의 방사선 관련 장비가 순조로운 작업 상태로 되어 있는가를 사용 전 점점(Check)한다'는 가장 낮은 행위 수준을 보였다. Participants of this study were students of radiology who were attending colleges or universities located in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. This researcher conducted a questionnaire survey of those students from Feb. 3rd to 21st, 2014. The findings of the study can be summarized as follows. 1. Concerning the knowledge of radiation exposure management, the respondents' scores were highest in two items, or 'Materials based on lead or concrete may shield X-rays' and 'The sexual gland is very sensitive to radiation' and lowest in the item which says' 'Occupational radiation exposure dose should not exceed 20mSv a year in average on a 5-year period basis'. 2. The participants' scores for the attitudes of radiation exposure management were higher in two items, or 'Health examination should be made regularly in relation to radiation exposure' and 'Those who work within the area of irradiation should wear protective clothes' and lowest in the item which says 'Radiation exposure dose should be regularly measured for the calibration of the radiation system'. 3. For the behaviors of radiation exposure management, the surveyed students showed highest scores in two items, or 'When irradiating the patient, the radiator should be behind the protective barrier(plate)' and 'It is needed to receive the education of radiation exposure management regularly' While, their score for a behavior described in the item saying 'Before using the radiation system, it is needed to check whether the machine works normally.

How compliant are technicians with universal safety measures in medical laboratories in Croatia?--A pilot study.

IntroductionThis pilot study aimed to investigate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance to the code of conduct (rules defined in institutional, governmental and professional guidelines) among laboratory technicians in Croatian medical laboratories. In addition, we explored the differences in compliance between participants of different age groups, laboratory ownership and accreditation status.Materials and methodsAn anonymous and voluntary survey with 15 questions was conducted among Croatian medical laboratory technicians (N = 217). The questions were divided into two groups: demographic characteristics and the use of PPE. The questions of the second part were graded according to the Likert scale (1-4) and an overall score, shown as median and range (min-max), was calculated for each participant. Differences between the overall scores were tested for each group of participants.ResultsThe majority of participants always wear protective clothes at work, 38.7% of them always wear gloves in daily routine, more than 30.0% consume food and almost half of them drink beverages at workplace. A significantly lower overall score was found for participants working in public compared to private laboratories (36 (16-40) vs. 40 (31-40), P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in overall scores for participants of different age groups (P = 0.456) and laboratory accreditation status (P = 0.081).ConclusionA considerable percentage of laboratory technicians in Croatian medical laboratories do not comply with safety measures. Lack of compliance is observed in all personnel regardless laboratory accreditation and participants’ age. However, those working in private laboratories adhere more to the code of conduct.

Farmer Perceptions and Demand for Pesticide Use: A Case Study of Rice Production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Rice farmers’ perceptions and demand for pesticide use were analyzed using survey data in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The study showed although the majority of farmers could recognize the harmful effects of pesticides, they did not wear protective clothing suggested by WHO for pesticide safety use because they did not feel comfortable to use under local climatic conditions. Most of farmers declared that they asked for information or instructions related to pesticide use and pest prevention from retailers (72.5 percent) and over half of them (52.5 percent) sold their pesticide empty packages. The study also investigated that an increase in output price or farmers who thought an increasing tendency of insects and diseases had positive impacts on pesticides, while farmers who had knowledge on natural enemies or took part in short trainings or workshops applied less pesticides than others.

Physiological Tolerance Times while Wearing Explosive Ordnance Disposal Protective Clothing in Simulated Environmental Extremes

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians are required to wear protective clothing to protect themselves from the threat of overpressure, fragmentation, impact and heat. The engineering requirements to minimise these threats results in an extremely heavy and cumbersome clothing ensemble that increases the internal heat generation of the wearer, while the clothing’s thermal properties reduce heat dissipation. This study aimed to evaluate the heat strain encountered wearing EOD protective clothing in simulated environmental extremes across a range of differing work intensities. Eight healthy males [age 25±6 years (mean ± sd), height 180±7 cm, body mass 79±9 kg, V˙O2max 57±6 ml.kg−1.min−1] undertook nine trials while wearing an EOD9 suit (weighing 33.4 kg). The trials involved walking on a treadmill at 2.5, 4 and 5.5 km⋅h−1 at each of the following environmental conditions, 21, 30 and 37°C wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) in a randomised controlled crossover design. The trials were ceased if the participants’ core temperature reached 39°C, if heart rate exceeded 90% of maximum, if walking time reached 60 minutes or due to fatigue/nausea. Tolerance times ranged from 10–60 minutes and were significantly reduced in the higher walking speeds and environmental conditions. In a total of 15 trials (21%) participants completed 60 minutes of walking; however, this was predominantly at the slower walking speeds in the 21°C WBGT environment. Of the remaining 57 trials, 50 were ceased, due to attainment of 90% maximal heart rate. These near maximal heart rates resulted in moderate-high levels of physiological strain in all trials, despite core temperature only reaching 39°C in one of the 72 trials.

Malaria Preventive Practices among Semi-Urban Dwellers as a Score Card towards Achieving Mdg 6

Background: Malaria control has attracted local and international attention, an on-going effort to curtail its associated health menace. In this on-going quest to curtail its spread, different forms of preventive measures are being instituted such as health education, environmental sanitation, Intermittent Presumptive Treatment (IPT), conventional use of effective antimalarias, distribution and consistent use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) etc; which collectively ought to positively affect the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 6. Objectives: The study determined the knowledge and practice of malaria prevention among semi-urban dwellers as a measure of progress in malaria control. Methodology: This was a community based cross sectional study conducted among adult females selected in each household through a multistage sampling technique. Data was obtained using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using statistical software SPSS version 17.0. Results: Forty eight percent (48.2%) had good knowledge of malaria while (28.4%) had good practices of malaria prevention such as sleeping under ITNs (12.3%); wearing of protective clothing (1.6%); clearing of surrounding bushes (2.1%); use of insecticidal sprays (7.1%); use of mosquito repellent coils (2.2%) and combination of more than one method of prevention (3.1%). Conclusion: Malaria preventive practices should be emphasized in order to facilitate the realization of MDG 6.

석고 모형으로부터 분리 배양된 미생물에 관한 연구

Purpose: This study was examined the characteristics of bacteria isolated from the dental stone that is made ??in the dental laboratory. Methods: 104 dental stones samples were collected from the 4 dental laboratory. Characteristics of bacteria were investigated by microorganism isolation culture method using a Blood Tryptic Soy Agar(TSA) medium. Results: The detected various bacteria was confirmed as pathogenic bacteria, non-pathogenic bacteria and natural bacteria. The isolated bacterial number was confirmed <TEX>$2.9{\times}10^3CFU$</TEX> and maxium bacterial number of <TEX>$3.0{\times}10^4CFU$</TEX>. Conclusion: Therefore, infection prevention education is required, it must be to live up the hand-washing and wear protective clothing to protect themselves when working in a dental laboratory.

Prospective study of injury severity scores during a season of British Superbike racing

Background: Motorbike racing is considered by many to be a dangerous sport, but there are little data within the literature to support this view. The purpose of this study was to determine the injury severity scores of injured riders in order to assess injury severity in elite level motorbike racing. Methods: Injury data were prospectively collected from all riders who attended the circuit medical centres at all rounds of the 2011 British Superbike Season. Abbreviated injury score and injury severity score were calculated for each rider and recorded along with other rider demographics. Results: A total of 259 riders presented to the circuit medical centres with injuries during the 2011 season. They suffered 382 injuries between them, with one fatality. The median injury severity score was 1 (mean 3.28, range 1–48, SD 5.08). Of the 1010 fallers during the season, only 33 (3.3%) required acute hospital admission. Conclusion: Greater than 93% of injured riders had injuries with an injury severity score ≤ 8 which is likely related to the high degree of protective clothing worn and safety measures at circuits including air fencing. The injury severity scores presented here for motorbike racing are less than or comparable to those seen in other physical sports such as elite level horse riding.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices study of dengue viral infection and its association with environmental factors and health issues, Lahore Pakistan

This study was designed to assess and compare the awareness, approach, and practices of dengue positive and dengue negative patients regarding dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital of Lahore district, Pakistan from April to May 2012. A total of 250 samples (125 dengue positive and 125 dengue negative) were collected and tested for Dengue IgM and IgG antibodies test by ELISA technique. Pretested questionnaire was used for data collection after the informed consent of the patients. Out of 250 study participants, 78% stated fever as major symptom of dengue virus, 70% had knowledge about the vector, 76% had idea about mosquitoes breeding sites and 80% considered dengue a treatable disease. For 50%, the main source of information about dengue was their TV/Radio. Regarding preventive practices, out of 80% who stored water at home, 52% used to cover their water containers, 64% used to wear protective clothing and 22% used mosquito repellents. Overall, 32% were satisfied from Governmental efforts against the spread of dengue fever. The study indicated that the community was quite familiar with Dengue, but there were some confusion about vaccination and water storage for domestic use. Key words : Dengue fever, knowledge, attitudes, environment, IgM, IgG.

Capacity Building Needs of Farmers for Safe Agro-chemical Use/Application in Niger State, Nigeria

In order to determine the capacity building needs of farmers for safe agro-chemical use in Niger State, the study examined awareness of safety measures for agro-chemical usage, sources of awareness, practice of safety measures and training needs of farmers. One hundred and twenty farmers were randomly selected from three local government areas in the state. Validated interview schedule with reliability coefficient of 0.89 was used to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. All the respondents were aware of wearing of protective clothing and avoiding drinking/eating during spraying, safety measure such as avoiding off label use (7.50%) had low awareness level. The major sources of awareness were friend/relatives (55.00%). The most widely practised safety measure was avoiding ingesting or inhaling chemicals (91.67%), while the least practised safety measure was avoiding off label use (2.50%).Reasons given for not practicing some safety measures include heaviness of protective clothing (17.50%) and unreadable nature of instruction labels (14.17%). Major areas of training needs of the respondents were application (61.67%) and handling (52.50%) of agro-chemicals. A positive significant correlation existed between education (r = 0.461), farming experience (r = 0.337), farm income (r = 0.307) and practice of safety measures. It was therefore recommended that enlightenment campaign should be carried out in the State to raise awareness level for safe use of agro-chemicals in the agricultural transformation programme, while the characters of the instruction labels should be boldly written to facilitate reading and practice of safety measures.