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Gutema FD, Cumming O, Mumma J, Simiyu S, Attitwa E, Okoth B, Denge J, Sewell D, Baker KK. Enterococcus contamination of infant foods and implications for exposure to foodborne pathogens in peri-urban neighbourhoods of Kisumu, Kenya. Epidemiol Infect 2024; 152:e23. [PMID: 38264955 PMCID: PMC10894905 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268824000062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We collected infant food samples from 714 households in Kisumu, Kenya, and estimated the prevalence and concentration of Enterococcus, an indicator of food hygiene conditions. In a subset of 212 households, we quantified the change in concentration in stored food between a morning and afternoon feeding time. In addition, household socioeconomic characteristics and hygiene practices of the caregivers were documented. The prevalence of Enterococcus in infant foods was 50% (95% confidence interval: 46.1 - 53.4), and the mean log10 colony-forming units (CFUs) was 1.1 (SD + 1.4). No risk factors were significantly associated with the prevalence and concentration of Enterococcus in infant foods. The mean log10 CFU of Enterococcus concentration was 0.47 in the morning and 0.73 in the afternoon foods with a 0.64 log10 mean increase in matched samples during storage. Although no factors were statistically associated with the prevalence and the concentration of Enterococcus in infant foods, household flooring type was significantly associated with an increase in concentration during storage, with finished floors leading to 1.5 times higher odds of concentration increase compared to unfinished floors. Our study revealed high prevalence but low concentration of Enterococcus in infant food in low-income Kisumu households, although concentrations increased during storage implying potential increases in risk of exposure to foodborne pathogens over a day. Further studies aiming at investigating contamination of infant foods with pathogenic organisms and identifying effective mitigation measures are required to ensure infant food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanta D Gutema
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public health, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jane Mumma
- Center of Research, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Sheillah Simiyu
- Center of Research, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin Attitwa
- Center of Research, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bonphace Okoth
- Center of Research, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John Denge
- Center of Research, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Daniel Sewell
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Sobhan S, Müller-Hauser AA, Gon G, Nurul Huda TM, Waid JL, Wendt AS, Rahman M, Gabrysch S. Effect of a behaviour change intervention on household food hygiene practices in rural Bangladesh: A cluster-randomised controlled trial. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 255:114291. [PMID: 37983985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114291] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Behavioural interventions could improve caregivers' food hygiene practices in low-resource settings. So far, evidence is limited to small-scale and short-term studies, and few have evaluated the long-term maintenance of promoted behaviours. We evaluated the effect of a relatively large-scale behaviour change intervention on medium and long-term maintenance of household food hygiene practices in Bangladesh. METHODS We analyse a secondary outcome of the Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM) cluster-randomised trial and its sub-study Food Hygiene to reduce Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (FHEED), conducted in Habiganj district, Sylhet division, Bangladesh. The FAARM trial used a 1:1 parallel arm design and included 2705 women in 96 settlements: 48 intervention and 48 control. Women in the intervention settlements received training in homestead gardening, poultry rearing and nutrition over three years (2015-2018), complemented by an eight-month (mid-2017 to early-2018) behaviour change component on food hygiene using motivational drivers. Nested within the FAARM trial, the FHEED sub-study evaluated several outcomes along the hygiene pathway. For this article, we evaluated household food hygiene behaviours by analysing structured observation data collected in two cross-sectional surveys, four and 16 months after the food hygiene promotion ended, from two independent subsamples of FAARM women with children aged 6-18 months. We assessed intervention effects on food hygiene practices using mixed-effects logistic regression, accounting for clustering. In exploratory analyses, we further assessed behaviour patterns - how often critical food hygiene behaviours were performed individually, in combination and consistently across events. RESULTS Based on the analysis of 524 complementary feeding and 800 food preparation events in households from 571 participant women, we found that intervention households practised better food hygiene than controls four months post-intervention, with somewhat smaller differences after 16 months. Overall, the intervention positively affected food hygiene, particularly around child feeding: using soap for handwashing (odds ratio 5·8, 95% CI 2·2-15·2), cleaning feeding utensils (3·8, 1·9-7·7), and cooking fresh/reheating food (1·8, 1·1-2·8). However, the simultaneous practice of several behaviours was rare, occurring in only 10% of feeding events (intervention: 15%; control: 4%), and the practice of safe food hygiene behaviours was inconsistent between events. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that a motivational behaviour change intervention encouraged caregivers to maintain certain safe food hygiene practices in a rural setting. However, substantial physical changes in the household environment are likely needed to make these behaviours habitual. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02505711.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafinaz Sobhan
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany; Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Anna A Müller-Hauser
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany; Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Giorgia Gon
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tarique Md Nurul Huda
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Qassim University, Al Bukairiyah, Saudi Arabia; Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jillian L Waid
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amanda S Wendt
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sabine Gabrysch
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany; Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Gichohi-Wainaina WN, Kee-Tui SH, Zoethout M, Talsma EF, Edel I, Hauser M. Determinants of dietary diversity and drivers of food choice among low-income consumers in urban Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe. J Hum Nutr Diet 2023; 36:2180-2200. [PMID: 37798958 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid urbanisation affects lifestyle and eating habits, predominantly causing a dietary shift that adds challenges to meet dietary recommendations within a complex food system. This research investigated dietary diversity and food choice drivers among low-income consumers in three urban settlements (Nairobi, Kenya; Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and Lilongwe, Malawi, representing rapid, moderate and slow urban growth patterns, respectively) as a first step towards improving diets across cultures and geographies. METHODS Mixed methods data collection was employed for this study. Qualitative methods such as rapid foodscape appraisal workshops and food stories in selected low-income settlements in Nairobi, Bulawayo and Lilongwe were utilised to collect information on the food environments (food balances, infrastructure, safety, policies and institutions). Quantitative data such as socio-demographic characteristics and dietary diversity were collected via structured questionnaires using Cognitive Edge's SenseMaker® (n = 890, 450 and 440 for Nairobi, Bulawayo and Lilongwe, respectively). The dietary intake of respondents was assessed using a 24-h recall, which was then converted to the food group diversity score (FGDS). RESULTS Different levels of compounded stress affected dietary diversity and quality, including high food prices, concerns about sanitation and hygiene and the role of food standards regulation bodies. The mean FGDS across all locations was lower than the recommended cut-off of 5 (4.5, 2.8 and 2.6 across Nairobi, Zimbabwe and Lilongwe, respectively). Additionally, in Nairobi, there were gender differences in diet diversity, with men having a higher dietary diversity score than women (4.6% vs. 4.3%; p = 0.004). The majority of respondents in Lilongwe (65%) reported price as the most important driver of food choice, compared to 38% in Nairobi and 42% in Bulawayo. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Our observation of poor-quality diets provides further evidence of the need for food policies that are cognisant of the nutrition and health of the growing population of the urban poor. Such policies would focus on lowering the costs of nutritious foods as well as ensuring food safety within the complex food system observed in the urban low-income environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjiku N Gichohi-Wainaina
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Lilongwe, Malawi
- Food, Policy and Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Sabine Homann Kee-Tui
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Manon Zoethout
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elise F Talsma
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Immaculate Edel
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michael Hauser
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Baker KK, Simiyu S, Busienei P, Gutema FD, Okoth B, Agira J, Amondi CS, Ziraba A, Kapanka AG, Osinuga A, Ouma C, Sewell DK, Gaire S, Tumwebaze IK, Mberu B. Protocol for the PATHOME study: a cohort study on urban societal development and the ecology of enteric disease transmission among infants, domestic animals and the environment. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076067. [PMID: 38000826 PMCID: PMC10680014 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Global morbidity from enteric infections and diarrhoea remains high in children in low-income and middle-income countries, despite significant investment over recent decades in health systems and water and sanitation infrastructure. Other types of societal development may be required to reduce disease burden. Ecological research on the influence of household and neighbourhood societal development on pathogen transmission dynamics between humans, animals and the environment could identify more effective strategies for preventing enteric infections. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The 'enteric pathome'-that is, the communities of viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens transmitted from human and animal faeces through the environment is taxonomically complex in high burden settings. This integrated cohort-exposure assessment study leverages natural socioeconomic spectrums of development to study how pathome complexity is influenced by household and neighbourhood infrastructure and hygiene conditions. We are enrolling under 12-month-old children in low-income and middle-income neighbourhoods of two Kenyan cities (Nairobi and Kisumu) into a 'short-cohort' study involving repeat testing of child faeces for enteric pathogens. A mid-study exposure assessment documenting infrastructural, behavioural, spatial, climate, environmental and zoonotic factors characterises pathogen exposure pathways in household and neighbourhood settings. These data will be used to inform and validate statistical and agent-based models (ABM) that identify individual or combined intervention strategies for reducing multipathogen transmission between humans, animals and environment in urban Kenya. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocols for human subjects' research were approved by Institutional Review Boards at the University of Iowa (ID-202004606) and AMREF Health Africa (ID-ESRC P887/2020), and a national permit was obtained from the Kenya National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (ID# P/21/8441). The study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05322655) and is in pre-results stage. Protocols for research on animals were approved by the University of Iowa Animal Care and Use Committee (ID 0042302).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sheillah Simiyu
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Phylis Busienei
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fanta D Gutema
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bonphace Okoth
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Agira
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christine S Amondi
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abdhalah Ziraba
- Division of Health and Wellbeing, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alexis G Kapanka
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Abisola Osinuga
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Daniel K Sewell
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sabin Gaire
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Innocent K Tumwebaze
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Blessing Mberu
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Costa MG, Rocha Júnior PR, Spadella MA, Pinho MVX, Chagas EFB, Pinheiro OL. Playful activity with robot for hand hygiene of elementary school students: quasi-experimental study. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2023; 44:e20220344. [PMID: 37909517 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2023.20220344.en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of the hand hygiene process after elementary school students participated in an educational activity using an automated digital technology called Tutor Robot. METHOD Quasi-experimental study developed in 2019 with elementary school students (n=203). Hand hygiene was performed with a fluorescent solution before and after participating in an educational activity with a tutor robot. The images were recorded in a dark chamber and the data related to area of residence, grade, gender, hand position and laterality were analyzed by Anova and Holm-Sidak Post-Hoc (p≤0,05). RESULTS All conditions studied improved the hand hygiene process after activity with the tutor robot. There was no association between grade, gender, and dominant hand and the performance in the hand hygiene process, however, students from urban areas performed better than those from rural areas. CONCLUSION The activity with the tutor robot represented an important resource for conducting health education actions on hand hygiene and can also be tested in other settings and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gabarron Costa
- Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (Famema), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino em Saúde, Mestrado Profissional. Marília, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Paulo Roberto Rocha Júnior
- Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (Famema), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino em Saúde, Mestrado Profissional. Marília, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maria Angélica Spadella
- Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (Famema), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Envelhecimento, Mestrado Acadêmico. Marília, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Eduardo Federighi Baisi Chagas
- Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (Famema), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Envelhecimento, Mestrado Acadêmico. Marília, São Paulo, Brasil
- Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Interações Estruturais e Funcionais em Reabilitação.Marília, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Osni Lázaro Pinheiro
- Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (Famema), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino em Saúde, Mestrado Profissional. Marília, São Paulo, Brasil
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Simiyu S, Aseyo E, Anderson J, Cumming O, Baker KK, Dreibelbis R, Mumma JAO. A Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Food Hygiene Intervention in Low-Income Informal Neighbourhoods of Kisumu, Kenya. Matern Child Health J 2022; 27:824-836. [PMID: 36352283 PMCID: PMC10115704 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03548-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diarrhoea is a leading cause of infant mortality with the main transmission pathways being unsafe water and contaminated food, surfaces and hands. The 'Safe Start' trial evaluated a food hygiene intervention implemented in a peri-urban settlement of Kisumu, Kenya, with the aim of reducing diarrhoeagenic enteric infections among infants. Four food hygiene behaviours were targeted: handwashing with soap before preparation and feeding, boiling infant food before feeding, storing infant food in sealed containers, and exclusive use of designated utensils during feeding. METHODS A process evaluation of the intervention was guided by a theory of change describing the hypothesised implementation and receipt of the intervention, mechanisms of change, and the context. These were assessed by qualitative and quantitative data that included debriefing sessions with the delivery teams and Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), and structured observations during food preparation. RESULTS The intervention achieved high coverage and fidelity with over 90% of 814 eligible caregivers participating in the intervention. Caregivers in the intervention arm demonstrated an understanding of the intervention messages, and had 1.38 (95% CI: 1.02-1.87) times the odds of washing hands before food preparation and 3.5 (95% CI: 1.91-6.56) times the odds of using a feeding utensil compared to caregivers in the control group. Contextual factors, especially the movement of caregivers within and outside the study area and time constraints faced by caregivers influenced uptake of some intervention behaviours. CONCLUSION Future interventions should seek to explicitly target contextual factors such as secondary caregivers and promote food hygiene interventions as independent of each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheillah Simiyu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O Box 10787- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Evalyne Aseyo
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu, P.O Box 2224-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John Anderson
- Independent Research Consultant, 78702, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 52333, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert Dreibelbis
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
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Baker KK, Mumma JAO, Simiyu S, Sewell D, Tsai K, Anderson JD, MacDougall A, Dreibelbis R, Cumming O. Environmental and behavioural exposure pathways associated with diarrhoea and enteric pathogen detection in 5-month-old, periurban Kenyan infants: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059878. [PMID: 36316067 PMCID: PMC9628658 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to test whether household environmental hygiene and behavioural conditions moderated associations between diarrhoea and enteric pathogen detection in infants 5 months of age in Kenya and pathogen sources, including latrine access, domestic animal co-habitation and public food sources. DESIGN Cross-sectional study utilising enrolment survey data of households participating in the Safe Start cluster-randomised controlled trial . SETTING Kisumu, Kenya. PARTICIPANTS A total of 898 caregivers with 5-month (22 week ± 1 week) aged infants were enrolled in the study and completed the enrolment survey. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes were (1) caregiver-reported 7-day diarrhoea prevalence and (2) count of types of enteric viruses, bacteria and parasites in infant stool. Exposures and effect modifiers included water access and treatment, cohabitation with domestic animals, sanitation access, handwashing practices, supplemental feeding, access to refrigeration and flooring. RESULTS Reported handwashing after handling animals (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.20; 95% CI=0.06 to 0.50) and before eating (aOR=0.44; 95% CI=0.26 to 0.73) were strongly associated with lower risk of caregiver-reported diarrhoea, while cohabitation with animals (aOR=1.54; 95% CI=1.01 to 2.34) living in a household with vinyl-covered dirt floors (aOR=0.60; 95% CI=0.45 to 0.87) were strongly associated with pathogen codetection in infants. Caregiver handwashing after child (p=0.02) or self-defecation (p=0.03) moderated the relationship between shared sanitation access and infant exposure to pathogens, specifically private latrine access was protective against pathogen exposure of infants in households, where caregivers washed hands after defecation. In the absence of handwashing, access to private sanitation posed no benefits over shared latrines for protecting infants from exposure. CONCLUSION Our evidence highlights eliminating animal cohabitation and improving flooring, postdefecation and food-related handwashing, and safety and use of cow milk sources as interventions to prevent enteric pathogen exposure of young infants in Kenya. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03468114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Sheillah Simiyu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Sewell
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kevin Tsai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Amy MacDougall
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robert Dreibelbis
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Ogutu EA, Ellis A, Rodriguez KC, Caruso BA, McClintic EE, Ventura SG, Arriola KRJ, Kowalski AJ, Linabarger M, Wodnik BK, Webb-Girard A, Muga R, Freeman MC. Determinants of food preparation and hygiene practices among caregivers of children under two in Western Kenya: a formative research study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1865. [PMID: 36203140 PMCID: PMC9535979 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diarrhea is a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality worldwide and is linked to early childhood stunting. Food contamination from improper preparation and hygiene practices is an important transmission pathway for exposure to enteric pathogens. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to hygienic food preparation can inform interventions to improve food hygiene. We explored food preparation and hygiene determinants including food-related handwashing habits, meal preparation, cooking practices, and food storage among caregivers of children under age two in Western Kenya. METHODS We used the Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivations model for Behavior Change (COM-B) framework in tool development and analysis. We conducted 24 focus group discussions with mothers (N = 12), fathers (N = 6), and grandmothers (N = 6); 29 key informant interviews with community stakeholders including implementing partners and religious and community leaders; and 24 household observations. We mapped the qualitative and observational data onto the COM-B framework to understand caregivers' facilitators and barriers to food preparation and hygiene practices. RESULTS Facilitators and barriers to food hygiene and preparation practices were found across the COM-B domains. Caregivers had the capability to wash their hands at critical times; wash, cook, and cover food; and clean and dry utensils. Barriers to food hygiene and preparation practices included lack of psychological capability, for instance, caregivers' lack of knowledge of critical times for handwashing, lack of perceived importance of washing some foods before eating, and not knowing the risks of storing food for more than four hours without refrigerating and reheating. Other barriers were opportunity-related, including lack of resources (soap, water, firewood) and an enabling environment (monetary decision-making power, social support). Competing priorities, socio-cultural norms, religion, and time constraints due to work hindered the practice of optimal food hygiene and preparation behaviors. CONCLUSION Food hygiene is an underexplored, but potentially critical, behavior to mitigate fecal pathogen exposure for young children. Our study revealed several knowledge and opportunity barriers that could be integrated into interventions to enhance food hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Ogutu
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Anna Ellis
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Katie C. Rodriguez
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Bethany A. Caruso
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Emilie E. McClintic
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Sandra Gómez Ventura
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kimberly R. J. Arriola
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Alysse J. Kowalski
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Molly Linabarger
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Breanna K. Wodnik
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Amy Webb-Girard
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Richard Muga
- grid.472446.7Uzima University College, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Matthew C. Freeman
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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Hoffmann V, Simiyu S, Sewell DK, Tsai K, Cumming O, Mumma J, Baker KK. Milk Product Safety and Household Food Hygiene Influence Bacterial Contamination of Infant Food in Peri-Urban Kenya. Front Public Health 2022; 9:772892. [PMID: 35211451 PMCID: PMC8861079 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.772892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Milk is a common infant food in peri-urban Kenya that can transmit diarrhea-causing enteric pathogens. Little is known about how contamination of milk at point of purchase and household handling of milk-based infant foods contribute to infant exposure to enteric pathogens. Objective To compare the prevalence and concentrations of bacterial indicator organisms and enteric pathogens in unpackaged, fresh pasteurized, and ultra-high temperature (UHT) treated milk at purchase and assess the influence of the type of milk used to prepare infant food on contamination of this food. Methods Paired samples of purchased milk and infant food prepared with this milk were obtained from 188 households in low-income neighborhoods in Kisumu, Kenya. Samples were cultured on selective media to isolate Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp., Klebsiella aerogenes, Proteus spp., and Escherichia coli, with pathogens validated by PCR. Probability of detection of these bacteria was compared by milk product treatment and packaging method, and between milk at point of purchase vs. food at point of infant consumption. Results Unpackaged milk was most contaminated at point of purchase, but bacterial contamination was also present in pasteurized and UHT milk at purchase. Presence of bacteria in UHT and fresh pasteurized milk at purchase predicted presence of the same bacteria type in infant food. Prevalence of bacterial contamination and concentration level for bacterial indicators generally increased between point of purchase and consumption in UHT and fresh pasteurized milk-based food but decreased in unpackaged milk-based food. Prevalence of the four fecal bacteria were similar in infant foods prepared with each type of milk. Conclusion Both pre-market contamination and post-purchase handling influence the likelihood of infants ingesting foods contaminated by diarrheal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Hoffmann
- Markets Trade and Institutions Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Daniel K Sewell
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kevin Tsai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Mumma
- Department of Community Nutrition, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Tsai K, Hoffmann V, Simiyu S, Cumming O, Borsay G, Baker KK. Bacteroides Microbial Source Tracking Markers Perform Poorly in Predicting Enterobacteriaceae and Enteric Pathogen Contamination of Cow Milk Products and Milk-Containing Infant Food. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:778921. [PMID: 35058897 PMCID: PMC8764403 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.778921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Consumption of microbiologically contaminated food is one of the leading causes of diarrheal diseases. Understanding the source of enteric pathogens in food is important to guide effective interventions. Enterobacteriaceae bacterial assays typically used to assess food safety do not shed light on the source. Source-specific Bacteroides microbial source tracking (MST) markers have been proposed as alternative indicators for water fecal contamination assessment but have not been evaluated as an alternative fecal indicator in animal-derived foods. This study tested various milk products collected from vendors in urban Kenyan communities and infant foods made with the milk (n = 394 pairs) using conventional culture methods and TaqMan qPCR for enteric pathogens and human and bovine-sourced MST markers. Detection profiles of various enteric pathogens and Bacteroides MST markers in milk products differed from that of milk-containing infant foods. MST markers were more frequently detected in infant food prepared by caregivers, indicating recent contamination events were more likely to occur during food preparation at home. However, Bacteroides MST markers had lower sensitivity in detecting enteric pathogens in food than traditional Enterobacteriaceae indicators. Bacteroides MST markers tested in this study were not associated with the detection of culturable Salmonella enterica and Shigella sonnei in milk products or milk-containing infant food. The findings show that while Bacteroides MST markers could provide valuable information about how foods become contaminated, they may not be suitable for predicting the origin of the enteric pathogen contamination sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tsai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Vivian Hoffmann
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sheillah Simiyu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Glorie Borsay
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kelly K. Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Freeman MC, Ellis AS, Ogutu EA, Caruso BA, Linabarger M, Micek K, Muga R, Girard AW, Wodnik BK, Jacob Arriola K. Impact of a demand-side integrated WASH and nutrition community-based care group intervention on behavioural change: a randomised controlled trial in western Kenya. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002806. [PMID: 33234528 PMCID: PMC7689101 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growth shortfalls and diarrhoeal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low-income settings. Due to the multifaceted causes of undernutrition and the identified limitations of siloed nutrition programmes, improving the delivery of integrated water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and nutrition programming could improve child health. METHODS We conducted a cluster randomised trial in western Kenya to assess the impact on household behaviours of a novel, theory-informed and integrated WASH and nutrition intervention delivered through care groups as compared with the standard care group approach. We developed an intervention targeting practices relating to food hygiene, mealtime and feeding, and compound cleanliness, each using various behavioural change techniques to influence the uptake of targeted behaviours. Prespecified behavioural outcomes were verified through direct observation, 24 hours recall, and self-reported picture-based methods. RESULTS Compared with control households, a greater proportion of intervention households had a hygienic food preparation area (Risk double difference (RDD) 0.81, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.96), had stored food hygienically (RDD 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.00), had a functional handwashing station (RDD 0.64, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.74), provided a safe space for their child to play (RDD 0.73, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.96), and who fed their children thickened porridge (RDD 0.56, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.63) at endline. The proportion of children 6-24 months in intervention households consuming a sufficient diversity of foods (RDD 0.81, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.04) was higher than in control households; however, there was a non-significant increase in the percentage of pregnant and lactating women receiving an adequate diversity of foods in their diets (RDD 0.86, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.05) among intervention compared with control households at endline. CONCLUSION Our integrated WASH and nutrition intervention resulted in important changes in behaviours. This theory-informed intervention could be added to existing care group programmes to considerable advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Freeman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA .,Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna S Ellis
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily Awino Ogutu
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bethany A Caruso
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Molly Linabarger
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katie Micek
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard Muga
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Uzima University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amy Webb Girard
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Breanna K Wodnik
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kimberly Jacob Arriola
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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