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Minda GH, Tola HH, Amhare AF, Kebie A, Endale T. Personal hygiene practice and associated factors among elementary school students in Fiche Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:781. [PMID: 39103754 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09665-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Students in school are more likely to be sick from communicable diseases like diarrheal illnesses, acute respiratory infections, and other illnesses linked to poor personal hygiene. Poor hygiene practices are common among school children and put their health at risk, which in turn has several consequences. These include significant school absences, transmission of infectious diseases to other students, and missed workdays for parents and guardians. However, there is limited evidence on the level of personal hygiene practice and its associated factors among school students. Thus, this study was aimed at determining personal hygiene practice level and its associated factors among elementary school grade (5-8) students in Fiche town, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2022. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was conducted from April 29 to May 29, 2022, in Fiche town, Oromia regional state, among 534 elementary school students. A multi-stage probability sampling technique was used to select the individual students. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered into epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS version 26.0. Variables that scored a p-value less than 0.2 during bivariate analysis were included in multilevel logistic regression models to determine factors associated with personal hygiene practice. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was estimated, and the level of significance was set at [Formula: see text] 0.05. RESULTS The magnitude of good personal hygiene (scored above the mean) was 59.2% (95% confidence interval (CI)) (55.1-63.0). A considerable proportion of students scored more than 50% in latrine use (62.5%), regular hand-washing (55.4%), and oral hygiene (55.20%) practices. Being female, having good personal hygiene knowledge, doing hygiene inspections at school, and having latrine accessibility was significantly associated with good personal hygiene among elementary school students. CONCLUSION Considerable proportion of elementary school students in Fiche town have score poor personal hygiene practice. Interventions aimed that target improving knowledge of personal hygiene and hygiene inspection at school are crucial to enhance the personal hygiene among elementary school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getaneh Haile Minda
- Department of Public health, College of Health Science, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia.
| | - Habiteyes Hailu Tola
- Department of Public health, College of Health Science, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia
| | | | - Asefa Kebie
- Department of Public health, College of Health Science, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Endale
- Department of Public health, College of Health Science, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia
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Dhakal B, Shrestha BL, Shah S, Rijal S, Karki BB, Pangeni PM, Bhatta N, Mehta R, Thapa N, Zeeshan B, Sah R, Luna C, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Knowledge, practice, and infection status of prisoners toward dermatomycosis: a study in Nepal. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1406346. [PMID: 39015386 PMCID: PMC11249745 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1406346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dermatophytosis, commonly known as tinea, poses a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in environments with poor hygiene and overcrowding, such as prisons. Despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life, there is a lack of research on the knowledge and hygiene practices regarding dermatophytosis among prisoners, particularly in Nepal. Objective The study aimed to assess prisoners' knowledge, hygiene practice and infection status regarding dermatophytosis in Central Prison, Nepal. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 184 respondents was designed to collect data using a validated pre-tested questionnaire from September 2023 to January 2024. The collected data was then analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Knowledge and hygiene practices were measured on an eight and 11-point scale and rated as poor (≤4) and sound (>4), bad (≤6), and good (>6), respectively. Summary data were presented by descriptive, while Chi-square and logistic regression were used for inferential statistics at p < 0.05. Results The findings revealed moderate knowledge among prisoners regarding dermatophytosis, with significant gaps in understanding its spread and prevention. While most prisoners recognized the importance of treatment, there were misconceptions about the inevitability of contracting dermatophytosis and the role of personal hygiene. Conclusion Despite good knowledge levels, adherence to recommended hygiene practices was suboptimal, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study underscores the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, changing attitudes, and promoting hygienic practices to mitigate the burden of dermatophytosis among prisoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikrant Dhakal
- Central Jail Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Nepal Skin & Aesthetic Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Sangam Shah
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shrija Rijal
- Institute of Medicine, Central Department of Public Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bibek Bahadur Karki
- Institute of Medicine, Central Department of Public Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Paras Modi Pangeni
- Institute of Medicine, Central Department of Public Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nikita Bhatta
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rachana Mehta
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, AL-Mustaqbal University, Hillah, Babil, Iraq
- Dr Lal PathLabs Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Neeraj Thapa
- Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Ranjit Sah
- Green City Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra, India
| | - Camila Luna
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas-Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
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Handwashing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Students in Eastern Province Schools, Saudi Arabia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 2021:6638443. [PMID: 34567132 PMCID: PMC8457965 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6638443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Lack of knowledge about appropriate handwashing practices has caused great concerns for human health, especially in the risk of many communicable diseases. The objective of the current study is to determine the level of handwashing knowledge, attitudes, and practices among school students in Eastern Province Schools, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was recruited from November 2019 to March 2020 to assess the level of the students' handwashing knowledge. A reliable questionnaire was prepared (Cronbach's alpha = 0.608) and conducted using a two-stage sampling technique. A total of 271 students participated in the study from primary, middle, and high schools; 80% were boys, most of whom displayed an acceptable level of knowledge on hand hygiene. Nearly 75% and 74% of boys and girls, respectively, gained knowledge about hand hygiene practices from their parents. Only 46% of the students thought that handwashing is a potential protective measure against diseases, whereas 34% thought it only removes dirt. Prevalence of handwashing with soap after using the toilet was recognized among 52% of the students. Additionally, 93% of the students used water and soap to wash their hands (p value < 0.001) and 97% suggested that soap and water are the best methods to wash their hands (p value < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the mother's education and hand hygiene practices (p value = 0.044). Results collectively indicated that handwashing knowledge and practices among school students in the Eastern Province are acceptable interventions in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Indeed, further improvement conducted through specific health education programs to emphasize the role of handwashing in health hygiene is highly recommended.
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Alharazi T, Bamaga OA, Al-Abd N, Alcantara JC. Intestinal parasitic infection: prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practices among schoolchildren in an urban area of Taiz city, Yemen. AIMS Public Health 2020; 7:769-777. [PMID: 33294480 PMCID: PMC7719565 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2020059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are regarded as one of the main public health problems and socio-economic issues adversely affecting the health of millions of people worldwide. Our study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practices of local urban schoolchildren in Taiz City towards intestinal parasitic infections. Methods and material This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Taiz, Yemen from March to May 2019. A total of 385 schoolchildren were selected using a random sampling technique from 7 primary schools. Wet-mount microscopic examination, formol-ether concentration techniques, and Lugols' iodine were employed in parasite detection and cyst identification. Results Of the 385 schoolchildren examined for IPIs, 107 (27.8%) were positive for the presence of enteric parasites, some having multiple infections. The prevalence was slightly higher in males 46 (28.6%) than in females 61 (27.2%) but have no statistical difference (P = 0.77). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most common infection with 16.4% of cases. A substantial percentage (40.5%) of the respondents displayed poor knowledge. The respondents also revealed inappropriate attitudes and practices that contribute to the prevalence of IPIs in the study. Conclusions The study revealed the prevalence of intestinal parasites among the schoolchildren in Taiz, Yemen, suggesting that IPIs remain a major public health problem. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent intestinal parasites identified among the schoolchildren. Age, poor knowledge of the mode of transmission, prevention, and acquisition of IPIs, and poor habitual hygiene practices increase the risk of acquiring intestinal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talal Alharazi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Omar Aa Bamaga
- Department of Fundamental Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Hadhramout University, Hadramout, Yemen
| | - Nazeh Al-Abd
- Department of Para-Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Aden University, Aden, Yemen
| | - Jerold C Alcantara
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Lema K, Abuhay N, Kindie W, Dagne H, Guadu T. Food Hygiene Practice and Its Determinants Among Food Handlers at University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Int J Gen Med 2020; 13:1129-1137. [PMID: 33235486 PMCID: PMC7679353 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s262767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Food hygiene is an essential matter of public health for protecting or preventing diseases caused by unsafe food due to lack of good quality from production to consumption. Objective The current study aimed at assessing the food hygiene practice and determinant factors among food handlers working at the University of Gondar. Methods Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to test the association of covariates with the food safety practice. Variables with p-value <0.2 were candidates for multivariable analysis. The adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-values less than 0.05 were used to report associations in the final model. Results A total of 184(46.7%) of the study subjects had good self-reported food hygiene practice. Being male [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.34, 4.19)], educational status (primary [AOR: 2.54, 95% CI (1.16, 5.58)] and secondary [AOR: 2.20, 95% CI (1.11, 4.37)]), workers with greater than 2 years work experience [AOR: 1.86, 95% CI (1.06, 3.25)], monthly income of 2044–4867ETB/month [AOR: 2.05, 95% CI (1.01, 4.16)] were independent predictors of food safety practice of food handlers. Conclusion and Recommendations Below half of the study subjects had good self-reported food hygiene practice. Sex, educational status, and income were factors associated with the food hygiene practice. There should be continuous supportive supervision to raise the skills of food handlers to comply to better food hygiene practice. Food hygiene training should be given especially to female food handlers. Frequent audits are also required to ensure the permanence of effective and continuous training. Regular medical check up and strict hygiene follow-up should be encouraged to prevent foodborne disease outbreaks at universities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketseladingle Lema
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Negasi Abuhay
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Walelign Kindie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Guadu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Willingness to Participate in Hypothetical HIV Vaccine Trial and Associated Factors among People Who Inject Drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8507981. [PMID: 32714988 PMCID: PMC7354640 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8507981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study is aimed at assessing the willingness to participate in the HIV vaccine trials and the associated factors among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Tanzania. Information about the willingness to participate and the associated factors was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires at the medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) clinic in Dar es Salaam. Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistic 20. The mean age of respondents was 36.7, and the standard deviation (SD) was ±7.2. The majority of respondents (68%) had primary education, and a high proportion of them were single (61.5%). More than one-third (37.9%) shared needles and syringes. Most (87.3%) had more than three sexual partners, and almost half (51.4%) did not use condoms during sexual intercourse with nonregular partners. About 63% had knowledge of HIV transmission while 27% had heard about HIV vaccine trials. Generally, 76% of the respondents expressed willingness to participate in future HIV vaccine trials regardless of prior knowledge of HIV vaccine trials. Willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials was not associated with education level, people living with, knowledge about HIV transmission, awareness of HIV vaccine trials, sharing of syringe/needles, and number of sexual partners. Only older age (OR = 1.6, 95%CI = 1.01, 2.6) and condom use (OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.26, 0.97) showed an association with willingness. However, after performing logistic regression with factors at p value ≤ 0.2 to ascertain the other factors on the effects of age, condom use, education level, and sharing of needles/syringes, the results were not statistically significant. Although participants reported a high willingness to participate in hypothetical HIV vaccine trials, no definitive conclusion can be drawn about the associated factors. Further studies with intensive educational programs are needed to investigate the factors on willingness to participate in actual HIV vaccine trials among PWIDs.
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