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Jefferson T, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, van Driel ML, Bawazeer GA, Jones MA, Hoffmann TC, Clark J, Beller EM, Glasziou PP, Conly JM. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD006207. [PMID: 36715243 PMCID: PMC9885521 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006207.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Antiviral drugs and vaccines may be insufficient to prevent their spread. This is an update of a Cochrane Review last published in 2020. We include results from studies from the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and two trials registers in October 2022, with backwards and forwards citation analysis on the new studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs investigating physical interventions (screening at entry ports, isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, personal protection, hand hygiene, face masks, glasses, and gargling) to prevent respiratory virus transmission. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 new RCTs and cluster-RCTs (610,872 participants) in this update, bringing the total number of RCTs to 78. Six of the new trials were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic; two from Mexico, and one each from Denmark, Bangladesh, England, and Norway. We identified four ongoing studies, of which one is completed, but unreported, evaluating masks concurrent with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies were conducted during non-epidemic influenza periods. Several were conducted during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Therefore, many studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID-19. The included studies were conducted in heterogeneous settings, ranging from suburban schools to hospital wards in high-income countries; crowded inner city settings in low-income countries; and an immigrant neighbourhood in a high-income country. Adherence with interventions was low in many studies. The risk of bias for the RCTs and cluster-RCTs was mostly high or unclear. Medical/surgical masks compared to no masks We included 12 trials (10 cluster-RCTs) comparing medical/surgical masks versus no masks to prevent the spread of viral respiratory illness (two trials with healthcare workers and 10 in the community). Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of influenza-like illness (ILI)/COVID-19 like illness compared to not wearing masks (risk ratio (RR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.09; 9 trials, 276,917 participants; moderate-certainty evidence. Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza/SARS-CoV-2 compared to not wearing masks (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.42; 6 trials, 13,919 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Harms were rarely measured and poorly reported (very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks We pooled trials comparing N95/P2 respirators with medical/surgical masks (four in healthcare settings and one in a household setting). We are very uncertain on the effects of N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks on the outcome of clinical respiratory illness (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.10; 3 trials, 7779 participants; very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks may be effective for ILI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; 5 trials, 8407 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence is limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The use of a N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34; 5 trials, 8407 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Restricting pooling to healthcare workers made no difference to the overall findings. Harms were poorly measured and reported, but discomfort wearing medical/surgical masks or N95/P2 respirators was mentioned in several studies (very low-certainty evidence). One previously reported ongoing RCT has now been published and observed that medical/surgical masks were non-inferior to N95 respirators in a large study of 1009 healthcare workers in four countries providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. Hand hygiene compared to control Nineteen trials compared hand hygiene interventions with controls with sufficient data to include in meta-analyses. Settings included schools, childcare centres and homes. Comparing hand hygiene interventions with controls (i.e. no intervention), there was a 14% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.90; 9 trials, 52,105 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), suggesting a probable benefit. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 380 events per 1000 people to 327 per 1000 people (95% CI 308 to 342). When considering the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza, the estimates of effect for ILI (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.09; 11 trials, 34,503 participants; low-certainty evidence), and laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.30; 8 trials, 8332 participants; low-certainty evidence), suggest the intervention made little or no difference. We pooled 19 trials (71, 210 participants) for the composite outcome of ARI or ILI or influenza, with each study only contributing once and the most comprehensive outcome reported. Pooled data showed that hand hygiene may be beneficial with an 11% relative reduction of respiratory illness (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94; low-certainty evidence), but with high heterogeneity. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 200 events per 1000 people to 178 per 1000 people (95% CI 166 to 188). Few trials measured and reported harms (very low-certainty evidence). We found no RCTs on gowns and gloves, face shields, or screening at entry ports. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low adherence with the interventions during the studies hampers drawing firm conclusions. There were additional RCTs during the pandemic related to physical interventions but a relative paucity given the importance of the question of masking and its relative effectiveness and the concomitant measures of mask adherence which would be highly relevant to the measurement of effectiveness, especially in the elderly and in young children. There is uncertainty about the effects of face masks. The low to moderate certainty of evidence means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited, and that the true effect may be different from the observed estimate of the effect. The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection. Hand hygiene is likely to modestly reduce the burden of respiratory illness, and although this effect was also present when ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza were analysed separately, it was not found to be a significant difference for the latter two outcomes. Harms associated with physical interventions were under-investigated. There is a need for large, well-designed RCTs addressing the effectiveness of many of these interventions in multiple settings and populations, as well as the impact of adherence on effectiveness, especially in those most at risk of ARIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Jefferson
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Regional Center for Epidemiology, Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Lubna A Al-Ansary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ghada A Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Elaine M Beller
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John M Conly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room AGW5, SSB, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
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Mattison CP, Calderwood LE, Marsh ZA, Wikswo ME, Balachandran N, Kambhampati AK, Gleason ME, Lawinger H, Mirza SA. Childcare and School Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreaks: 2009-2020. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2021056002. [PMID: 36278284 PMCID: PMC10061552 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-056002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks commonly occur in congregate settings, including schools and childcare facilities. These outbreaks disrupt institutions, causing absences and temporary facility closures. This study analyzed the epidemiology of school and childcare AGE outbreaks in the United States. METHODS We analyzed AGE outbreaks occurring in kindergarten to grade 12 schools and childcare facilities reported via the National Outbreak Reporting System in the United States from 2009 to 2019 and compared this information to 2020 data. Outbreak and case characteristics were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, χ2 goodness-of-fit test, and Fisher exact test. RESULTS From 2009 to 2019, there were 2623 school, 1972 childcare, and 38 school and childcare outbreaks. School outbreaks were larger (median, 29 cases) than childcare outbreaks (median, 10 cases). Childcare outbreaks were longer (median, 15 days) than school outbreaks (median, 9 days). Norovirus (2383 outbreaks; 110 190 illnesses) and Shigella spp. (756 outbreaks; 9123 illnesses) were the most reported etiologies. Norovirus was the leading etiology in schools; norovirus and Shigella spp. were dominant etiologies in childcare centers. Most (85.7%) outbreaks were spread via person-to-person contact. In 2020, 123 outbreaks were reported, 85% in the first quarter. CONCLUSIONS Schools and childcare centers are common AGE outbreak settings in the United States. Most outbreaks were caused by norovirus and Shigella spp. and spread via person-to-person transmission. Fewer outbreaks were reported in 2020 from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevention and control efforts should focus on interrupting transmission, including environmental disinfection, proper handwashing, safe diapering, and exclusion of ill persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire P. Mattison
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Laura E. Calderwood
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Zachary A. Marsh
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mary E. Wikswo
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
| | - Neha Balachandran
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
- Cherokee Nation Assurance, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Anita K. Kambhampati
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
| | - Michelle E. Gleason
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hannah Lawinger
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sara A. Mirza
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
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Shaughnessy R, Hernandez M, Haverinen-Shaughnessy U. Effects of classroom cleaning on student health: a longitudinal study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:767-773. [PMID: 35379911 PMCID: PMC8978505 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00427-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND School districts across the world have been grappling with how to keep their schools open, students healthy, and prevent the spread of viruses in their communities. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study included assessing both (1) the effectiveness of enhanced classroom cleaning and disinfecting protocol on surface biocontamination and (2) the associations between surface biocontamination and student absence due to illnesses. METHODS Cleaning effectiveness was assessed using quantitative adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements during a 10-week study period in a sample of 34 public schools (15,814 students), of a district located in the Western US. The schools were randomly assigned to 17 intervention schools implementing enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocol and 17 control schools cleaning as usual. General estimating equations (GEEs) were used for modeling associations between ATP levels and weekly aggregates of student absences due to respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, which were recorded by the schools according to district wide protocol. RESULTS The weekly average ATP levels on logarithmic scale were 5.02 (SD 0.53) and 5.26 (SD 0.48) in the intervention and control schools, respectively, where the difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001). The probability of weekly absence due to gastrointestinal illness was significantly associated with ATP levels (parameter estimate 1.16, 95% CI 1.01-1.34, per unit (log) increase of weekly average ATP), where the model accounts for student level, gender, ethnic group, and socioeconomic status as well as for school level attendance, total absence ratio, and ventilation adequacy in classrooms. Associations were not found between ATP levels and weekly probability of any absence, or absence due to respiratory illness. SIGNIFICANCE Enhanced cleaning resulted in a significantly lower level of biocontamination on desktops in the intervention group. In addition, a statistically significant association was established between ATP levels on classroom desks and probability of absence due to gastrointestinal illness. IMPACT We found that enhanced cleaning protocol, including bi-weekly cleaning of classroom desks, as well as training of custodians and teachers, monitoring of effectiveness, and feedback, yielded a moderate but statistically significantly lower level of biocontamination on desktops, indicated by quantitative ATP monitoring. Within the range of weekly average desktop ATP levels observed, the probability of reported absence due to gastrointestinal illness is estimated to increase from 0.021 to 0.026. Based on the results, enhanced surface cleaning and monitoring its effectiveness is a possible district, state, or even national level policy to support healthy school environments.
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Shahar S, Shahar HK, Muthiah SG, Mani KKC. Evaluating Health Education Module on Hand, Food, and Mouth Diseases Among Preschoolers in Malacca, Malaysia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:811782. [PMID: 35433565 PMCID: PMC9008192 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.811782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to improve parents' perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers to children's handwashing practice by utilizing the Health Belief Model. In Alor Gajah, Melaka, a parallel cluster-randomized controlled study was conducted over 26 months. Parents who agreed to participate completed pre-test (t0) questionnaires. Data analysis used IBM SPSS version 25. The descriptive analysis described the baseline data pre-intervention. Chi-square and T-test or Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric analysis assessed baseline data comparability between intervention and control groups. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analyzed between and within-group comparison of the outcomes, and multivariate analysis determined the effectiveness of the intervention with clustered data. The individual participation rate was 86%. Parents who followed up immediately had higher perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and perceived barriers (p < 0.001). Each unit increment in parents' practice score was 0.02-unit higher preschool children's hand hygiene practice score (p = 0.045). The intervention effectively improved parents' perceived susceptibility and benefits at immediate follow-up compared to baseline. However, there were no significant intervention effects on parents' perceived severity and barriers and preschool children's handwashing practices. The follow-up time significantly affected each outcome. There were significant covariates as the outcome predictors in this study, besides intervention groups and follow-up time. Parents' knowledge and age of the youngest child were significant predictors of parents' perceived susceptibility, besides parents' knowledge and perceived susceptibility being the predictors of parents' practice score. As a result, parents, teachers, and communities can implement this intervention in other schools with susceptible children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syazwani Shahar
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Hayati Kadir Shahar
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Malaysian Research Institute of Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Hayati Kadir Shahar
| | - Sri Ganesh Muthiah
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Kulanthayan K. C. Mani
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Schechter-Perkins EM, van den Berg P, Branch-Elliman W. The Science Behind Safe School Re-opening: Leveraging the Pillars of Infection Control to Support Safe Elementary and Secondary Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofab134. [PMID: 35141343 PMCID: PMC7989186 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited tools for adapting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection control plans to school settings. We present an infection prevention model for optimizing safe re-opening for elementary and secondary schools during the global COVID-19 pandemic and review the current evidence behind various infection prevention interventions in school settings. The model is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fundamental pillars for infection prevention and includes 4 categories of intervention: epidemiologic controls (town prevalence metrics, diagnostic testing, quarantine strategies), administrative controls (state vaccination policies, alternative school models, symptom screens, quarantine breaks), engineering/environmental controls (distancing, outdoor space, ventilation), and personal protective equipment (PPE)/hand hygiene (face coverings, hand sanitizing). The adapted infection control pillars model utilizes implementation science–informed considerations to maximize pragmatism and adherence by leveraging evidence-based strategies. It highlights the necessity of redundant infection prevention interventions, acknowledges the importance of community buy-in to achieve real-world effectiveness, and addresses tactics to overcome implementation barriers. Recommendations are grounded in the Dynamic Sustainability Framework and include suggestions to maintain infection prevention effectiveness over time to ensure ongoing safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa M Schechter-Perkins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Polly van den Berg
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Westyn Branch-Elliman
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,VA Boston Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Donaldson AL, Hardstaff JL, Harris JP, Vivancos R, O'Brien SJ. School-based surveillance of acute infectious disease in children: a systematic review. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:744. [PMID: 34344304 PMCID: PMC8330200 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06444-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syndromic surveillance systems are an essential component of public health surveillance and can provide timely detection of infectious disease cases and outbreaks. Whilst surveillance systems are generally embedded within healthcare, there is increasing interest in novel data sources for monitoring trends in illness, such as over-the-counter purchases, internet-based health searches and worker absenteeism. This systematic review considers the utility of school attendance registers in the surveillance of infectious disease outbreaks and occurrences amongst children. METHODS We searched eight databases using key words related to school absence, infectious disease and syndromic surveillance. Studies were limited to those published after 1st January 1995. Studies based in nursery schools or higher education settings were excluded. Article screening was undertaken by two independent reviewers using agreed eligibility criteria. Data extraction was performed using a standardised data extraction form. Outcomes included estimates of absenteeism, correlation with existing surveillance systems and associated lead or lag times. RESULTS Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, all of which were concerned with the surveillance of influenza. The specificity of absence data varied between all-cause absence, illness absence and syndrome-specific absence. Systems differed in terms of the frequency of data submissions from schools and the level of aggregation of the data. Baseline rates of illness absence varied between 2.3-3.7%, with peak absences ranging between 4.1-9.8%. Syndrome-specific absenteeism had the strongest correlation with other surveillance systems (r = 0.92), with illness absenteeism generating mixed results and all-cause absenteeism performing the least well. A similar pattern of results emerged in terms of lead and lag times, with influenza-like illness (ILI)-specific absence providing a 1-2 week lead time, compared to lag times reported for all-cause absence data and inconsistent results for illness absence data. CONCLUSION Syndrome-specific school absences have potential utility in the syndromic surveillance of influenza, demonstrating good correlation with healthcare surveillance data and a lead time of 1-2 weeks ahead of existing surveillance measures. Further research should consider the utility of school attendance registers for conditions other than influenza, to broaden our understanding of the potential application of this data for infectious disease surveillance in children. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019119737.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Donaldson
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Field Epidemiology Service, Public Health England, Liverpool, UK.
| | - J L Hardstaff
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J P Harris
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R Vivancos
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Field Epidemiology Service, Public Health England, Liverpool, UK
| | - S J O'Brien
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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SACKOU KOUAKOU JULIEGHISLAINE, DESQUITH ANGELEAKA, BARRO-KIKI PULCHERIECHRISTIANEMARIE, KOUAME JEROME, TIADE MARIELAURE, GOKPEYA MARIETTEBEDIAKON, KOUADIO LUCKOUAKOU. Personal hygiene in schools: retrospective survey in the northern part of Côte d'Ivoire. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2021; 62:E75-E81. [PMID: 34322620 PMCID: PMC8283648 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.1.1655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Students' personal hygiene helps maintain health and promote good academic performance. When health facilities are insufficient, this hygiene can be difficult to achieve. We wanted to analyse the determinants of personal hygiene in schools in the northern region of Côte d'Ivoire. Methods The retrospective cross-sectional study brings together data on 2,035 schoolchildren recruited from thirty schools in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Indexes on personal hygiene were constructed and analysed in comparison to the socio-demographic characteristics of students, homes and schools. They were analysed with R Software version 1.1.463, the χ2 test and a logistic regression model. Results Overall, the majority of students had good personal hygiene (82.75%) with an average personal hygiene score of 4.74 ± 1.36. The predictors of good personal hygiene among schoolchildren were female gender (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 4.31-16.37), father's primary education level (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.07-2.29), the father's income level above 60,000 FCFA (90 Euros) and modern housing (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.05-2.03). However, the poor level of home sanitation resulted in poor personal hygiene among the students (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.23-0.5). Conclusions Measures to raise the standard of living of families and the provision of sanitary facilities in homes becomes necessary in order to improve students personal hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - ANGELE AKA DESQUITH
- Correspondence: Angele Aka Desquith, Logistics Department, Expanded Programme on Immunization, 18 BP 976 Abidjan 18, Côte d’Ivoire - Tel.: +2250707812934 - E-mail:
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Yuen E, Fried J, Salvador C, Gudis DA, Schlosser RJ, Nguyen SA, Brennan EA, Rowan NR. Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce respiratory viral transmission: an evidence-based review with recommendations. Rhinology 2021; 59:114-132. [PMID: 33760909 DOI: 10.4193/rhin20.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral respiratory infections are a leading cause of worldwide mortality and exert the potential to cause global socioeconomic crises. However, inexpensive, efficacious, and rapidly deployable strategies to reduce viral transmission are increasingly important in the setting of an ongoing pandemic, though not entirely understood. This article provides a comprehensive review of commonly employed nonpharmacological interventions to interrupt viral spread and provides evidence-based recommendations for their use. METHODOLOGY A systematic review of three databases was performed. Studies with defined endpoints of subjects receiving one of five interventions (nasal washing, gargling, personal protective equipment (PPE), social distancing, and hand hygiene) were included. An evidence-based review of the highest level of evidence, with recommendations, was created in accordance with a previously described, rigorous, iterative process. RESULTS Fifty-four primary studies were included. The most commonly studied intervention was hand hygiene, followed by PPE, gargling, saline nasal washing, and social distancing. CONCLUSIONS Mask use and hand hygiene are strong recommendations for prevention of viral transmission. Donning gloves, gowns, and eye protection are a recommendation in healthcare settings. Saline nasal washing and gargling are options in selected populations. Although an aggregate level of evidence is not provided, the authors recommend social distancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Yuen
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - J Fried
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - C Salvador
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - D A Gudis
- Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - R J Schlosser
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - S A Nguyen
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - E A Brennan
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - N R Rowan
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Rutter S, Macduff C, Stones C, Gomez-Escalada M. Evaluating children's handwashing in schools: an integrative review of indicative measures and measurement tools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:1-19. [PMID: 31204496 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2019.1625032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Children are a key target of handwashing interventions as washing hands reduces the spread of disease and reliance on antibiotics. While there is guidance for evaluating handwashing with adults in other settings, this is lacking for children in schools. An integrative review of 65 studies where handwashing was measured in schools was conducted to establish which indicative measures (what is measured to evaluate the processes and/or impacts of, handwashing) and measurement tools (data collection instruments) have been applied to evaluate handwashing in schools, and under what circumstances. Further analysis highlighted different challenges when seeking to apply such measures and tools in schools, as opposed to other settings. It was concluded that indicative measures, and measurement tools need to be appropriate to the organizational setting, the study participants, and research objectives. A summative analysis of relevant considerations is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Rutter
- School of Design, University of Leeds , Leeds, UK
- Information School, University of Sheffield , Sheffield, UK
| | - Colin Macduff
- School of Design, Glasgow School of Art , Glasgow, UK
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Murray AF, Emanuels A, Wolf C, Franko N, Starita L, Englund JA, Chu HY. School-Based Surveillance of Respiratory Pathogens on "High-Touch" Surfaces. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:686386. [PMID: 34239849 PMCID: PMC8257953 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.686386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to assess the presence of respiratory pathogens on "high-touch" surfaces and inform sanitation practices at schools, pre-selected surfaces in elementary schools in Seattle, WA, USA were sampled weekly and tested by RT-PCR for 25 viral respiratory pathogens (including SARS-CoV-2 retrospectively) and S. pneumoniae during 2019-2020 winter respiratory illness season. Viral pathogens (rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza) known to cause respiratory illness were detected on commonly touched surfaces, especially wooden surfaces, and matched the patterns of circulating virus in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair F Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Anne Emanuels
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Caitlin Wolf
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicholas Franko
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lea Starita
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Janet A Englund
- Infectious Disease and Virology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Helen Y Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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11
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Bloomfield SF. The role of targeted hygiene in the home and everyday life setting in tackling antibiotic resistance. Perspect Public Health 2020; 140:303-304. [PMID: 33222625 DOI: 10.1177/1757913920955207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Jefferson T, Del Mar CB, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, Bawazeer GA, van Driel ML, Jones MA, Thorning S, Beller EM, Clark J, Hoffmann TC, Glasziou PP, Conly JM. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 11:CD006207. [PMID: 33215698 PMCID: PMC8094623 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006207.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Antiviral drugs and vaccines may be insufficient to prevent their spread. This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The evidence summarised in this review does not include results from studies from the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL on 1 April 2020. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP on 16 March 2020. We conducted a backwards and forwards citation analysis on the newly included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs of trials investigating physical interventions (screening at entry ports, isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, personal protection, hand hygiene, face masks, and gargling) to prevent respiratory virus transmission. In previous versions of this review we also included observational studies. However, for this update, there were sufficient RCTs to address our study aims. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. Three pairs of review authors independently extracted data using a standard template applied in previous versions of this review, but which was revised to reflect our focus on RCTs and cluster-RCTs for this update. We did not contact trialists for missing data due to the urgency in completing the review. We extracted data on adverse events (harms) associated with the interventions. MAIN RESULTS We included 44 new RCTs and cluster-RCTs in this update, bringing the total number of randomised trials to 67. There were no included studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six ongoing studies were identified, of which three evaluating masks are being conducted concurrent with the COVID pandemic, and one is completed. Many studies were conducted during non-epidemic influenza periods, but several studies were conducted during the global H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Thus, studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID-19. The included studies were conducted in heterogeneous settings, ranging from suburban schools to hospital wards in high-income countries; crowded inner city settings in low-income countries; and an immigrant neighbourhood in a high-income country. Compliance with interventions was low in many studies. The risk of bias for the RCTs and cluster-RCTs was mostly high or unclear. Medical/surgical masks compared to no masks We included nine trials (of which eight were cluster-RCTs) comparing medical/surgical masks versus no masks to prevent the spread of viral respiratory illness (two trials with healthcare workers and seven in the community). There is low certainty evidence from nine trials (3507 participants) that wearing a mask may make little or no difference to the outcome of influenza-like illness (ILI) compared to not wearing a mask (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 1.18. There is moderate certainty evidence that wearing a mask probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza compared to not wearing a mask (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.26; 6 trials; 3005 participants). Harms were rarely measured and poorly reported. Two studies during COVID-19 plan to recruit a total of 72,000 people. One evaluates medical/surgical masks (N = 6000) (published Annals of Internal Medicine, 18 Nov 2020), and one evaluates cloth masks (N = 66,000). N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks We pooled trials comparing N95/P2 respirators with medical/surgical masks (four in healthcare settings and one in a household setting). There is uncertainty over the effects of N95/P2 respirators when compared with medical/surgical masks on the outcomes of clinical respiratory illness (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.10; very low-certainty evidence; 3 trials; 7779 participants) and ILI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; low-certainty evidence; 5 trials; 8407 participants). The evidence is limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The use of a N95/P2 respirator compared to a medical/surgical mask probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34; moderate-certainty evidence; 5 trials; 8407 participants). Restricting the pooling to healthcare workers made no difference to the overall findings. Harms were poorly measured and reported, but discomfort wearing medical/surgical masks or N95/P2 respirators was mentioned in several studies. One ongoing study recruiting 576 people compares N95/P2 respirators with medical surgical masks for healthcare workers during COVID-19. Hand hygiene compared to control Settings included schools, childcare centres, homes, and offices. In a comparison of hand hygiene interventions with control (no intervention), there was a 16% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.86; 7 trials; 44,129 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), suggesting a probable benefit. When considering the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza, the estimates of effect for ILI (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.13; 10 trials; 32,641 participants; low-certainty evidence) and laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.30; 8 trials; 8332 participants; low-certainty evidence) suggest the intervention made little or no difference. We pooled all 16 trials (61,372 participants) for the composite outcome of ARI or ILI or influenza, with each study only contributing once and the most comprehensive outcome reported. The pooled data showed that hand hygiene may offer a benefit with an 11% relative reduction of respiratory illness (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.95; low-certainty evidence), but with high heterogeneity. Few trials measured and reported harms. There are two ongoing studies of handwashing interventions in 395 children outside of COVID-19. We identified one RCT on quarantine/physical distancing. Company employees in Japan were asked to stay at home if household members had ILI symptoms. Overall fewer people in the intervention group contracted influenza compared with workers in the control group (2.75% versus 3.18%; hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.97). However, those who stayed at home with their infected family members were 2.17 times more likely to be infected. We found no RCTs on eye protection, gowns and gloves, or screening at entry ports. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low compliance with the interventions during the studies hamper drawing firm conclusions and generalising the findings to the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is uncertainty about the effects of face masks. The low-moderate certainty of the evidence means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited, and that the true effect may be different from the observed estimate of the effect. The pooled results of randomised trials did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks during seasonal influenza. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection. Hand hygiene is likely to modestly reduce the burden of respiratory illness. Harms associated with physical interventions were under-investigated. There is a need for large, well-designed RCTs addressing the effectiveness of many of these interventions in multiple settings and populations, especially in those most at risk of ARIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Jefferson
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris B Del Mar
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Regional Center for Epidemiology, Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Lubna A Al-Ansary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada A Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sarah Thorning
- GCUH Library, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, Australia
| | - Elaine M Beller
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John M Conly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room AGW5, SSB, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
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Azor-Martinez E, Garcia-Fernandez L, Strizzi JM, Cantarero-Vallejo MD, Jimenez-Lorente CP, Balaguer-Martinez JV, Torres-Alegre P, Yui-Hifume R, Sanchez-Forte M, Gimenez-Sanchez F. Effectiveness of a hand hygiene program to reduce acute gastroenteritis at child care centers: A cluster randomized trial. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:1315-1321. [PMID: 32303373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational and hand hygiene program in daycare centers (DCCs) and homes on acute gastroenteritis (AGE) incidence in children attending DCCs. METHODS A randomized, controlled, and open study of 911 children aged 0-3 years attending 24 DCCs in Almería (Spain) with an 8-month follow-up was employed. Two intervention groups of DCCs families performed educational and hand hygiene measures, 1 with soap and water (soap and water group; n = 274), another with hand sanitizer (hand sanitizer group [HSG]; n = 339), and the control group (CG; n = 298) followed usual handwashing procedures. We compared AGE episode rates with Poisson regression model. RESULTS seven hundred fourteen AGE episodes were registered, significant differences between HSG and CG children were found during December and January. A multivariate model was applied and the adjusted incidence rate ratios by rotavirus vaccination found significant differences when children were previously vaccinated, the children in the soap and water group had a higher risk of AGE episodes (incidence rate ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval:1.0-1.64), compared with those in the HSG. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that hand hygiene programs that included hand sanitizer were most effective in the winter months. Further, the largest reduction of AGE episodes occurred in the children that followed hand hygiene programs including hand sanitizer and educational measures for DCC staff, parents, and children, and were vaccinated for rotavirus.
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Maeda A. Can not touching the nose or eyes help cold prevention? Possibility of application using a smartwatch and self-checking. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2020:5722-5728. [PMID: 33019274 DOI: 10.1109/embc44109.2020.9176589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
More than 200 virus strains have been implicated in common colds, thereby thwarting vaccination efforts. However, the most common causes of colds are human rhinoviruses, which infect the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx. Moreover, after decades of research, the best documented method of preventing infection remains to be handwashing. However, stopping people from inadvertently touching or rubbing one's nose and eyes is difficult, and the effectiveness of preventing such habits has not been validated. Here, we reported the results of a randomized controlled trial (n = 120) performed over 50 days. We examined the effectiveness of using smartwatches equipped with a sensor and a vibration alert, as well as the self-checking of behavior, in preventing subjects from touching their nose or eyes. Participants were randomly assigned to either the smartwatch group or the handwashing group (control). Subjects in the handwashing group were requested to wash their hands after going out, whereas subjects in the smartwatch group were requested to wash their hands and in addition wear a smartwatch that vibrates to remind them not to excessively touch their nose or eyes. The daily frequency of nose and eye touching was also recorded by the smartwatches. The first incidence of an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was the primary endpoint. In the smartwatch group, compared with the control group, the incidence of URTIs was significantly lower by 53% (p < 0.05) and was associated with a decrease in the mean frequency of nose or eye touching (p < 0.05).
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Maillard JY, Bloomfield SF, Courvalin P, Essack SY, Gandra S, Gerba CP, Rubino JR, Scott EA. Reducing antibiotic prescribing and addressing the global problem of antibiotic resistance by targeted hygiene in the home and everyday life settings: A position paper. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:1090-1099. [PMID: 32311380 PMCID: PMC7165117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten global health. Although global and national AMR action plans are in place, infection prevention and control is primarily discussed in the context of health care facilities with home and everyday life settings barely addressed. As seen with the recent global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, everyday hygiene measures can play an important role in containing the threat from infectious microorganisms. This position paper has been developed following a meeting of global experts in London, 2019. It presents evidence that home and community settings are important for infection transmission and also the acquisition and spread of AMR. It also demonstrates that the targeted hygiene approach offers a framework for maximizing protection against colonization and infections, thereby reducing antibiotic prescribing and minimizing selection pressure for the development of antibiotic resistance. If combined with the provision of clean water and sanitation, targeted hygiene can reduce the circulation of resistant bacteria in homes and communities, regardless of a country's Human Development Index (overall social and economic development). Achieving a reduction of AMR strains in health care settings requires a mirrored reduction in the community. The authors call upon national and international policy makers, health agencies, and health care professionals to further recognize the importance of targeted hygiene in the home and everyday life settings for preventing and controlling infection, in a unified quest to tackle AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Yves Maillard
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, Somerset, UK.
| | | | | | - Sabiha Y Essack
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sumanth Gandra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles P Gerba
- Departments of Soil, Water and Environmental Science and Environmental Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joseph R Rubino
- Research & Development, Home Hygiene, Lysol/Harpic, Reckitt Benckiser LLC., One Philips Parkway, Montvale, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Scott
- College of Natural, Behavioral and Health Sciences, Simmons University, Boston, MA, USA
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Xiao J, Shiu EYC, Gao H, Wong JY, Fong MW, Ryu S, Cowling BJ. Nonpharmaceutical Measures for Pandemic Influenza in Nonhealthcare Settings-Personal Protective and Environmental Measures. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:967-975. [PMID: 32027586 PMCID: PMC7181938 DOI: 10.3201/eid2605.190994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There were 3 influenza pandemics in the 20th century, and there has been 1 so far in the 21st century. Local, national, and international health authorities regularly update their plans for mitigating the next influenza pandemic in light of the latest available evidence on the effectiveness of various control measures in reducing transmission. Here, we review the evidence base on the effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical personal protective measures and environmental hygiene measures in nonhealthcare settings and discuss their potential inclusion in pandemic plans. Although mechanistic studies support the potential effect of hand hygiene or face masks, evidence from 14 randomized controlled trials of these measures did not support a substantial effect on transmission of laboratory-confirmed influenza. We similarly found limited evidence on the effectiveness of improved hygiene and environmental cleaning. We identified several major knowledge gaps requiring further research, most fundamentally an improved characterization of the modes of person-to-person transmission.
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Munn Z, Tufanaru C, Lockwood C, Stern C, McAneney H, Barker TH. Rinse-free hand wash for reducing absenteeism among preschool and school children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 4:CD012566. [PMID: 32270476 PMCID: PMC7141998 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012566.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illness-related absenteeism is an important problem among preschool and school children for low-, middle- and high- income countries. Appropriate hand hygiene is one commonly investigated and implemented strategy to reduce the spread of illness and subsequently the number of days spent absent. Most hand hygiene strategies involve washing hands with soap and water, however this is associated with a number of factors that act as a barrier to its use, such as requiring running water, and the need to dry hands after cleaning. An alternative method involves washing hands using rinse-free hand wash. This technique has a number of benefits over traditional hand hygiene strategies and may prove to be beneficial in reducing illness-related absenteeism in preschool and school children. OBJECTIVES 1. To assess the effectiveness of rinse-free hand washing for reducing absenteeism due to illness in preschool and school children compared to no hand washing, conventional hand washing with soap and water or other hand hygiene strategies. 2. To determine which rinse-free hand washing products are the most effective (if head-to-head comparisons exist), and what effect additional strategies in combination with rinse-free hand washing have on the outcomes of interest. SEARCH METHODS In February 2020 we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, 12 other databases and three clinical trial registries. We also reviewed the reference lists of included studies and made direct contact with lead authors of studies to collect additional information as required. No date or language restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), irrespective of publication status, comparing rinse-free hand wash in any form (hand rub, hand sanitizer, gel, foam etc.) with conventional hand washing using soap and water, other hand hygiene programs (such as education alone), or no intervention. The population of interest was children aged between two and 18 years attending preschool (childcare, day care, kindergarten, etc.) or school (primary, secondary, elementary, etc.). Primary outcomes included child or student absenteeism for any reason, absenteeism due to any illness and adverse skin reactions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Following standard Cochrane methods, two review authors (out of ZM, CT, CL, CS, TB), independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted relevant data. Absences were extracted as the number of student days absent out of total days. This was sometimes reported with the raw numbers and other times as an incidence rate ratio (IRR), which we also extracted. For adverse event data, we calculated effect sizes as risk ratios (RRs) and present these with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane for data analysis and followed the GRADE approach to establish certainty in the findings. MAIN RESULTS This review includes 19 studies with 30,747 participants. Most studies were conducted in the USA (eight studies), two were conducted in Spain, and one each in China, Colombia, Finland, France, Kenya, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sweden, and Thailand. Six studies were conducted in preschools or day-care centres (children aged from birth to < five years), with the remaining 13 conducted in elementary or primary schools (children aged five to 14 years). The included studies were judged to be at high risk of bias in several domains, most-notably across the domains of performance and detection bias due to the difficulty to blind those delivering the intervention or those assessing the outcome. Additionally, every outcome of interest was graded as low or very low certainty of evidence, primarily due to high risk of bias, as well as imprecision of the effect estimates and inconsistency between pooled data. For the outcome of absenteeism for any reason, the pooled estimate for rinse-free hand washing was an IRR of 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.01; 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence), which indicates there may be little to no difference between groups. For absenteeism for any illness, the pooled IRR was 0.82 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.97; 6 studies; very low-certainty evidence), which indicates that rinse-free hand washing may reduce absenteeism (13 days absent per 1000) compared to those in the 'no rinse-free' group (16 days absent per 1000). For the outcome of absenteeism for acute respiratory illness, the pooled IRR was 0.79 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.92; 6 studies; very low-certainty evidence), which indicates that rinse-free hand washing may reduce absenteeism (33 days absent per 1000) compared to those in the 'no rinse-free' group (42 days absent per 1000). When evaluating absenteeism for acute gastrointestinal illness, the pooled estimate found an IRR of 0.79 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.85; 4 studies; low-certainty evidence), which indicates rinse-free hand washing may reduce absenteeism (six days absent per 1000) compared to those in the 'no rinse-free' group (eight days absent per 1000). There may be little to no difference between rinse-free hand washing and 'no rinse-free' group regarding adverse skin reactions with a RR of 1.03 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.32; 3 studies, 4365 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Broadly, compliance with the intervention appeared to range from moderate to high compliance (9 studies, 10,749 participants; very-low certainty evidence); narrativley, no authors reported substantial issues with compliance. Overall, most studies that included data on perception reported that teachers and students perceived rinse-free hand wash positively and were willing to continue its use (3 studies, 1229 participants; very-low certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review may have identified a small yet potentially beneficial effect of rinse-free hand washing regimes on illness-related absenteeism. However, the certainty of the evidence that contributed to this conclusion was low or very low according to the GRADE approach and is therefore uncertain. Further research is required at all levels of schooling to evaluate rinse-free hand washing regimens in order to provide more conclusive, higher-certainty evidence regarding its impact. When considering the use of a rinse-free hand washing program in a local setting, there needs to be consideration of the current rates of illness-related absenteeism and whether the small beneficial effects seen here will translate into a meaningful reduction across their settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Munn
- The University of AdelaideJoanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences55 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Catalin Tufanaru
- Macquarie UniversityAustralian Institute of Health Innovation75 Talavera RdSydneyNew South Wales (NSW)Australia2113
| | - Craig Lockwood
- The University of AdelaideJoanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences55 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Cindy Stern
- The University of AdelaideJoanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences55 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Helen McAneney
- Queen's University BelfastMedicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences97 Lisburn RoadHealth Sciences BuildingBelfastUKBT9 7BL
| | - Timothy H Barker
- The University of AdelaideJoanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences55 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
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Staniford LJ, Schmidtke KA. A systematic review of hand-hygiene and environmental-disinfection interventions in settings with children. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:195. [PMID: 32028932 PMCID: PMC7006391 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8301-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helping adults and children develop better hygiene habits is an important public health focus. As infection causing bacteria can live on one’s body and in the surrounding environment, more effective interventions should simultaneously encourage personal-hygiene (e.g. hand-hygiene) and environmental-disinfecting (e.g. cleaning surfaces). To inform the development of a future multi-faceted intervention to improve public health, a systematic literature review was conducted on behavior change interventions designed to increase hand-hygiene and environmental-disinfecting in settings likely to include children. Methods The search was conducted over two comprehensive data-bases, Ebsco Medline and Web of Science, to locate intervention studies that aimed to increase hand-hygiene or environmental-disinfecting behavior in settings likely to include children. Located article titles and abstracts were independently assessed, and the full-texts of agreed articles were collaboratively assessed for inclusion. Of the 2893 titles assessed, 29 met the eligibility criteria. The extracted data describe the Behavior Change Techniques (version 1) that the interventions employed and the interventions’ effectiveness. The techniques were then linked to their associated theoretical domains and to their capability-opportunity-motivation (i.e., COM-B model) components, as described in the Behavior Change Wheel. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies’ methods and measures, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Results A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of interventions were designed to increase hand-hygiene alone (N = 27), and the remaining two interventions were designed to increase both hand-hygiene and environmental-disinfecting. The most used techniques involved shaping knowledge (N = 22) and antecedents (N = 21). Interventions that included techniques targeting four or more theoretical domains and all the capability-opportunity-motivation components were descriptively more effective. Conclusions In alignment with previous findings, the current review encourages future interventions to target multiple theoretical domains, across all capability-opportunity-motivation components. The discussion urges interventionists to consider the appropriateness of interventions in their development, feasibility/pilot, evaluation, and implementation stages. Registration Prospero ID - CRD42019133735.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne J Staniford
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX, England
| | - Kelly A Schmidtke
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX, England.
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Dingman D, Wu J, Murphy HM. School-based, blacklight handwashing program can improve handwashing quality and knowledge among pre-school aged children. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2020; 78:101731. [PMID: 31756601 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, lack of proper handwashing is associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Interventions to improve handwashing practices have led to an increase in handwashing knowledge and behavior, and decreases in gastrointestinal illnesses. Most studies have evaluated their interventions in the context of reported handwashing rates by observation, reduction of illnesses, as well as reduced absences, however none of these studies examined handwashing quality or knowledge as outcome measures. The objective of this paper is to present the results from a handwashing program with a special focus on the evaluation methods. A pre-post design was used to evaluate a handwashing program that took place in two pre-schools the northeast of the United States. The program utilized a black light technology to demonstrate to children the importance of good quality. The evaluation consisted of assessing knowledge and quality of handwashing using a linear puzzle and individual handwashing observation, respectively. Students from both schools improved on both knowledge and quality over time (p-values 0.071 and <0.001, respectively). The present study demonstrates that the use of black light technology as an educational tool may help to improve handwashing quality among pre-school aged children, even after only one instructional session.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre Dingman
- Department of Social Behavioral Science, College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B. Moore, 9th Floor, Ritter Annex, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - Jingwei Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B. Moore, 9th Floor, Ritter Annex, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - Heather M Murphy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B. Moore, 9th Floor, Ritter Annex, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
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Cardemil CV, O’Leary ST, Beaty BL, Ivey K, Lindley MC, Kempe A, Crane LA, Hurley LP, Brtnikova M, Hall AJ. Primary care physician knowledge, attitudes, and diagnostic testing practices for norovirus and acute gastroenteritis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227890. [PMID: 31935271 PMCID: PMC6959576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) across the age spectrum; candidate vaccines are in clinical trials. While norovirus diagnostic testing is increasingly available, stool testing may not be performed routinely, which can hamper surveillance and burden of disease estimates. Additionally, lack of knowledge of the burden of disease may inhibit provider vaccine recommendations, which could affect coverage rates and ultimately the impact of the vaccine. Our objectives were to understand physicians' stool testing practices in outpatients with AGE, and physician knowledge of norovirus, in order to improve surveillance and prepare for vaccine introduction. METHODS Internet and mail survey on AGE, norovirus, and future norovirus vaccines conducted January to March 2018 among national networks of primary care pediatricians, family practice and general internal medicine physicians. RESULTS The response rate was 59% (820/1383). During peak AGE season, physicians estimated they ordered stool tests for a median of 15% (interquartile range: 5-33%) of their outpatients with AGE. Stool tests were reported as more often available for ova and parasites, Clostridioides difficile, and bacterial culture (>95% for all specialties) than for norovirus (6-33% across specialties); even when available, norovirus-specific tests were infrequently ordered. Most providers were unaware that norovirus is a leading cause of AGE across all age groups (Pediatricians 80%, Family Practice 86%, General Internal Medicine 89%) or that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus (Pediatricians 51%, Family Practice 66%, General Internal Medicine 62%). Concerns cited as major barriers to implementing a future norovirus vaccine included if the vaccine is not covered by insurance (General Internal Medicine 64%, Pediatricians 67%, Family Practice 74%) and lack of adequate reimbursement for vaccination (Pediatricians 43%, General Internal Medicine 46%, Family Practice 50%). Factors that providers believed were 'not at all a barrier' or 'minor barrier' to new vaccine introduction included the belief that "my patients won't need this vaccine" (General Internal Medicine 78%, Family Practice 86%, Pediatricians 90%) and "my patients already get too many vaccines" (Family Practice 89%, General Internal Medicine 92%, Pediatricians 95%). CONCLUSIONS Primary care physicians had few concerns regarding future norovirus vaccine introduction, but have knowledge gaps on norovirus prevalence and hand hygiene for prevention. Also, physicians infrequently order stool tests for outpatients with AGE, which limits surveillance estimates that rely on physician-ordered stool diagnostics. Closing physician knowledge gaps on norovirus burden and transmission can help support norovirus vaccine introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina V. Cardemil
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sean T. O’Leary
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Brenda L. Beaty
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Katy Ivey
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Megan C. Lindley
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Allison Kempe
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Lori A. Crane
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Laura P. Hurley
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Denver Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Michaela Brtnikova
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Aron J. Hall
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Dagne H, Bogale L, Borcha M, Tesfaye A, Dagnew B. Hand washing practice at critical times and its associated factors among mothers of under five children in Debark town, northwest Ethiopia, 2018. Ital J Pediatr 2019; 45:120. [PMID: 31519187 PMCID: PMC6743165 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-019-0713-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of communicable diseases within developing countries is mainly influenced by poor personal hygiene practices. Hand washing is considered as most cost effective intervention for reducing health problems such as diarrhoea and acute respiratory tract infections. This study aimed to assess hand washing practice at critical times and identify associated factors among mothers of under five children in Debark town. METHOD A community based cross-sectional study design was carried out from May 1-20, 2018 in Debark town. After selection of participants using simple random sampling, face to face interview was performed by using semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI Info 7 and exported into SPSS 21 for further analysis. Results were presented by simple frequency, percentage and mean for descriptive variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to test the association of dependent and independent factors. Variables with 95% confidence interval and p ≤ 0.2 during the univariable binary logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. At the final model variables with p ≤ 0.05 were treated as significantly associated factors of hand washing practice at critical times. RESULTS Good hand washing practice at critical times was reported in 52.2% (95% CI: 47.5, 57.2%) of study participants. Desirable attitude [AOR = 3.37, 95% CI (2.03, 5.58)], presence of water for washing hands [AOR = 4.86, 95% CI (1.26, 18.69)] and a good knowledge [AOR = 2.98, 95% CI (1.92, 4.60)] were significantly associated factors with hand washing practice at critical times. CONCLUSION The hand washing practice at critical times of study participants was found to be low. A significant proportion of mothers of under five children have a poor hand washing practice at critical times. It is necessary to increase the access to water and to improve knowledge and attitude of mothers to improve their hand washing practice at critical times.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Laekemariam Bogale
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Muluneh Borcha
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Anley Tesfaye
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Baye Dagnew
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Popovici ED, Negru DG, Olariu T, Nagy M, Dinu S, Oprisan G, Zota L, Baditoiu LM. Application of the susceptible-infected-recovered deterministic model in a GII.P17 emergent norovirus strain outbreak in Romania in 2015. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:2543-2551. [PMID: 31496766 PMCID: PMC6701636 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s204175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study shows the epidemiological profile of the first gastroenteritis outbreak of GII.P17 in the Romanian territory. An outbreak with such large amplitude in a European territory was previously undocumented. Patients and methods Using a cross-sectional design, with the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) deterministic compartmental model for a fixed population, and the cluster method for establishing the high-incidence zones, we carried out our investigation by means of questionnaires containing personal data, affected collectivities, disease onset and duration, symptoms displayed, medical assistance provided, previous antibiotic intake where applicable, food consumption and water sources, and sanitation conditions. The confirmation of cases was done based on the typical norovirus gastroenteritis symptomatology and using three laboratory confirmations (by molecular diagnosis) for GII.P17-GII.17 genotype noroviruses from three patients. Results A gastroenteritis outbreak occurred in October-November 2015, affecting 328 people in Arad, a county in Western Romania, covering 44 neighbouring localities with a total population of 35,440 people. The study detected an inter-human transmission of the infection, with an intrafamilial risk of disease of 2.26 (95% CI 1.76 to 2.90) compared with the community transmission (in school collectivity). The basic reproduction number Ro dropped from 1.26 to 0.18 during weeks 43:44, after controlling the transmission by decontamination and isolation. Conclusion SIR made it possible to highlight the expansion of the emerging norovirus strain infection from community to family collectivities. This study provides practical solutions to limit disease cases, even in the absence of etiology, and shows the importance of sometimes underestimated traditional control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilian Damian Popovici
- Epidemiology Department, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania.,National Institute of Public Health, Regional Public Health Centre, Timişoara, Romania
| | | | | | - Mariana Nagy
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, "Aurel Vlaicu" University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Sorin Dinu
- Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Medical - Military Institute of Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Oprisan
- Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Cantacuzino National Medical - Military Institute of Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Pharmacy, "Titu Maiorescu" University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lavinia Zota
- National Institute of Public Health, National Centre for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
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Roth R, Lynch K, Hyöty H, Lönnrot M, Driscoll KA, Johnson SB. The association between stressful life events and respiratory infections during the first 4 years of life: The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young study. Stress Health 2019; 35:289-303. [PMID: 30768831 PMCID: PMC6697245 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective analysis of the association between negative life events (NLEs) and respiratory infections in children genetically at risk for islet autoimmunity (IA) and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Long- and short-term temporal associations between NLEs and rate of respiratory infection episodes (RIEs) in 5,618 children in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young study for at least 1 up to 4 years were analysed. All models were adjusted for demographic, day care, season of infection, and psychosocial factors associated with the rate of child RIEs between study visits. The rate of child RIEs was 26% higher in Europe (Sweden, Finland, Germany) than in the United States (rate ratio [RR] = 1.26, p < 0.001). However, the percentage of child NLEs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, p < 0.001) and mother NLEs (OR = 1.83, p < 0.001) was higher in the United States compared with Europe. In both continents (Europe, RR = 1.12, p < 0.001; United States, RR = 1.07, p = 0.006), high child cumulative NLEs (>1 NLE per year since study inception) was significantly associated with an increased rate of child RIEs. This large-scale prospective study confirms observations that stress may increase the susceptibility for infections in paediatric populations and suggests at least one mechanism by which stress could increase risk for IA and T1D in genetically at risk children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roswith Roth
- Roswith Roth, Ph.D., Forschergruppe Diabetes e.V Helmholtz Zentrum München Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- University of Graz, Institute of Psychology Graz, Universitätsplatz 2/III, Austria, Tel: +43-316-380-5119, Fax: +43-316-380-9808,
| | - Kristian Lynch
- Kristian Lynch, Ph.D., Data Coordinating Center, University of South Florida, FL, USA
| | - Heikki Hyöty
- Heikki Hyöty, M.D., Ph.D., School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maria Lönnrot
- Maria Lönnrot, M.D., Ph.D., University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kimberly A. Driscoll
- Kimberly A. Driscoll, Ph.D., University of Colorado Denver Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, CO, USA
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Falk NA. Surfactants as Antimicrobials: A Brief Overview of Microbial Interfacial Chemistry and Surfactant Antimicrobial Activity. J SURFACTANTS DETERG 2019; 22:1119-1127. [PMID: 32336911 PMCID: PMC7166552 DOI: 10.1002/jsde.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this brief overview of a large and complex subject, as presented at the 2018 Surfactants in Solution conference, the need for, and impact of, hard surface antimicrobial products is demonstrated. The composition of the interfaces of three common classes of pathological microbes, bacteria, viruses, and fungi, is discussed so that surfactant and cleaning product development scientists better understand their interfacial characteristics. Studies of antimicrobial efficacy from the four major classes of surfactants (cationic, anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic) are shown. The need for preservatives in surfactants is elucidated. The regulatory aspects of antimicrobials in cleaning products to make antimicrobial claims are stressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Falk
- Clorox Services Company 4900 Johnson Drive, Pleasanton CA 94588 USA
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Biezen R, Grando D, Mazza D, Brijnath B. Visibility and transmission: complexities around promoting hand hygiene in young children - a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:398. [PMID: 30975108 PMCID: PMC6460784 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6729-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective hand hygiene practice can reduce transmission of diseases such as respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and gastrointestinal infections, especially in young children. While hand hygiene has been widely promoted within Australia, primary care providers’ (PCPs) and parents’ understanding of hand hygiene importance, and their views on hand hygiene in reducing transmission of diseases in the community are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the views of PCPs and parents of young children on their knowledge and practice of hand hygiene in disease transmission. Methods Using a cross-sectional qualitative research design, we conducted 30 in-depth interviews with PCPs and five focus groups with parents (n = 50) between June 2014 and July 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. Data were thematically analysed. Results Participants agreed that hand hygiene practice was important in reducing disease transmissions. However, barriers such as variations of hand hygiene habits, relating visibility to transmission; concerns around young children being obsessed with washing hands; children already being ‘too clean’ and the need to build their immunity through exposure to dirt; and scepticism that hand hygiene practice was achievable in young children, all hindered participants’ motivation to develop good hand hygiene behaviour in young children. Conclusion Despite the established benefits of hand hygiene, sustained efforts are needed to ensure its uptake in routine care. To overcome the barriers identified in this study a multifaceted intervention is needed that includes teaching young children good hand hygiene habits, PCPs prompting parents and young children to practice hand hygiene when coming for an RTI consultation, reassuring parents that effective hand hygiene practice will not lead to abnormal psychological behaviour in their children, and community health promotion education campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC, 3168, Australia.
| | - Danilla Grando
- School of Science, RMIT University, Building 223, Level 1, Bundoora Campus, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Bianca Brijnath
- National Ageing Research Institute LTD, 34-54 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Alzaher AA, Almudarra SS, Mustafa MH, Gosadi IM. The importance of hand hygiene education on primary schoolgirls' absence due to upper respiratory infections in Saudi Arabia. A cluster randomized controlled trial. Saudi Med J 2019; 39:1044-1049. [PMID: 30284589 PMCID: PMC6201029 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2018.10.23344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To quantify the reduction in absence due to upper respiratory infections (URIs) among primary schoolgirls attending Riyadh’s schools after delivering a hand hygiene workshop intervention over a period of 5 weeks. Methods: A cluster randomized trial was conducted among girls attending 4 primary schools between January and March 2018. The participants attended a hand hygiene workshop. The schoolgirls’ absences were followed up for 5 weeks. Incidence rate, percentage of absence days, and absence rate were calculated for total and URIs absences. Result: Total number of participating schoolgirls was 496. Upper respiratory infections accounted for 15.3% of absence episodes. Schoolgirls lost 521 days of school and 19.4% of them were URIs-related. Absence rate due to URIs were 12.4 and 23.4 as well as 5.62 and 11.72 per 100 schoolgirls in the control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups, respectively. Percentage of absence days were lower in the experimental group (CG: 0.86% and 1.39% versus EG: 0.39% and 0.72%). Incidence rates of absence due to URIs were 0.54 and 1.02 in CG versus 0.24 and 0.51 in EG per 100 schoolgirls per day. Conclusion: There could be further reduction in school absences if education was accompanied by hand soap dissemination. The study could serve as a pilot for major studies in the future. Sustainability of the intervention can be tested in studies with longer durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar A Alzaher
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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Holm SM, Leonard V, Durrani T, Miller MD. Do we know how best to disinfect child care sites in the United States? A review of available disinfectant efficacy data and health risks of the major disinfectant classes. Am J Infect Control 2019; 47:82-91. [PMID: 30172610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in child care settings have a high infectious burden. They are frequently exposed to sanitizing and disinfecting agents, whose toxicities have not been studied in these settings. Current guidance on the preferred disinfection agents for child care is vague. METHODS This article combines 2 different sources of information: the Environmental Protection Agency registration data on the efficacy of hospital-grade disinfectants and a review of the research on the toxicities of the most common of these disinfectants to summarize information that could be used for more evidence-based early care and education disinfection regulations and guidelines. RESULTS Coverage of these organisms varied both between disinfectant classes (defined by active ingredient), as well as within classes. The 3 most common active ingredients in the database-quaternary ammonias, bleaches, and hydrogen peroxides-had 251, 63, and 31 products, respectively. Quaternary ammonias and bleaches are both known asthmagens, with the potential for toxic gas release when mixed. Quaternary ammonias may also cause reproductive toxicity. Disinfectant-grade peroxides have relatively low inhalational toxicity. CONCLUSIONS A clear rationale is needed to establish policies for determining preferable disinfection products for use in child care settings, based on efficacy against relevant pathogens, toxicity, ease of use, and cost. When other factors are equal, the use of peroxide-based disinfectant products is recommended to minimize inhalational toxicity.
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Azor-Martinez E, Yui-Hifume R, Muñoz-Vico FJ, Jimenez-Noguera E, Strizzi JM, Martinez-Martinez I, Garcia-Fernandez L, Seijas-Vazquez ML, Torres-Alegre P, Fernández-Campos MA, Gimenez-Sanchez F. Effectiveness of a Hand Hygiene Program at Child Care Centers: A Cluster Randomized Trial. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-1245. [PMID: 30297500 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-1245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Respiratory infections (RIs) are an important cause of morbidity and excessive antibiotic prescriptions in children attending day care centers (DCCs). We aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational and hand hygiene program in DCCs and homes in reducing RI incidence and antibiotic prescriptions in children. METHODS A cluster, randomized, controlled, and open study of 911 children aged 0 to 3 years attending 24 DCCs in Almería (Spain) with an 8-month follow-up. Two intervention groups of DCC families performed educational and hand hygiene measures, 1 with soap and water (SWG; n = 274), another with hand sanitizer (HSG; n = 339), and the control group (CG; n = 298) followed usual hand-washing procedures. RI episode rates were compared through multilevel Poisson regression models. The percentage of days missed were compared with Poisson exact tests. RESULTS There were 5211 RI episodes registered. Children in the HSG had less risk of RI episodes (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.88) and antibiotic prescriptions (IRR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.57-0.84) compared with the those in the CG. Children in the SWG had a higher risk of RI episodes (IRR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.06-1.39) and antibiotic prescriptions (IRR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08-1.56) than those in the HSG. Pupils missed 5186 DCC days because of RIs, and the percentage of days absent was significantly lower in the HSG compared with the CG (P < .001) and the SWG (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Hand hygiene programs that include hand sanitizer and educational measures for DCC staff, children, and parents, reduce absent days, RIs, and antibiotic prescriptions for these infections in children at DCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Llenalia Garcia-Fernandez
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Seplin Soluciones Estadísticas, Granada, Spain; and
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Martin ET, Kuypers J, Chu HY, Foote S, Hashikawa A, Fairchok MP, Englund JA. Heterotypic Infection and Spread of Rhinovirus A, B, and C among Childcare Attendees. J Infect Dis 2018; 218:848-855. [PMID: 29684211 PMCID: PMC7107396 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the frequency of human rhinovirus (HRV), data describing the molecular epidemiology of HRV in the community are limited. Childcare centers are optimal settings to characterize heterotypic HRV cocirculation. Methods HRV specimens were prospectively obtained from a cohort of childcare attendees at enrollment and weekly during respiratory illness. The 5' noncoding region sequences were used to determine HRV species (A, B, C) and genotypes. Results Among 225 children followed, sequence data were available for 92 HRV infections: HRV-A (n = 80; 59%) was most common, followed by HRV-C (n = 52, 39%), and HRV-B (n = 3, 2%). Forty-one genotypes were identified and cocirculation was common. Frequent spread between classrooms occurred with 2 HRV-A genotypes. Repeated detections within single illnesses were a combination of persistent (n = 7) and distinct (n = 7) genotypes. Prevalence of HRV among asymptomatic children was 41%. HRV-C was clinically similar to HRV-A and HRV-B. Conclusions HRV epidemiology in childcare consists of heterotypic cocirculation of genotypes with periodic spread within and among classrooms. Based on our finding of multiple genotypes evident during the course of single illnesses, the use of sequence-based HRV type determination is critical in longitudinal studies of HRV epidemiology and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily T Martin
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | - Jane Kuypers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Helen Y Chu
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Sydney Foote
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | - Andrew Hashikawa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Mary P Fairchok
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
- Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington
| | - Janet A Englund
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Washington
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Öncel S. Soğuk Algınlığı Ve Klinik Yaklaşımlar. KOCAELI ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2018. [DOI: 10.30934/kusbed.348505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Effect Evaluation of a Randomized Trial to Reduce Infectious Illness and Illness-related Absenteeism Among Schoolchildren: The Hi Five Study. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2018; 37:16-21. [PMID: 28746262 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000001686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous school-based hand hygiene interventions have reported to successfully reduce infectious illness among schoolchildren. But few studies have tested the effect in large populations with adequate statistical power and analyses. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a school-based multicomponent intervention to improve handwashing among schoolchildren, the Hi Five study, succeeded in reducing infectious illness and illness-related absenteeism in schools. METHODS The Hi Five study was a three-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 43 randomly selected Danish schools; two intervention arms involving 14 schools each, and 15 control schools. Infectious illness days, infectious illness episodes and illness-related absenteeism were estimated in multilevel regressions, based on available cases of text messages answered by parents and based on questionnaire data reported by schoolchildren, respectively. RESULTS At follow-up, children in the intervention schools did not differ from the control schools in number of illness days [odds ratio (OR)I-arm I: 0.91 (0.77-1.07) and ORI-arm II: 0.94 (0.79-1.12)] and illness episodes [ORI-arm I: 0.95 (0.81-1.11) and ORI-arm II: 0.98 (0.84-1.16)] or in reporting illness-related absenteeism [ORI-arm I: 1.09 (0.83-1.43) & ORI-arm II: 1.06 (0.81-1.40)]. CONCLUSIONS The multicomponent Hi Five intervention achieved no difference in the number of illness days, illness episodes or illness-related absenteeism among children in intervention schools compared with control schools. It is noteworthy that one of the main components in the intervention, a mandatory daily handwashing before lunch, was only implemented by 1 of 3 of teachers in intervention schools.
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Succo T, De Laval F, Sicard S, Belleoud D, Marimoutou C, Mayet A, Sagaon-Teyssier L, Michel R. Do alcohol-based hand rubs reduce the incidence of acute diarrhea during military deployments? A prospective randomized trial. Travel Med Infect Dis 2017; 15:48-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Azor-Martinez E, Cobos-Carrascosa E, Seijas-Vazquez ML, Fernández-Sánchez C, Strizzi JM, Torres-Alegre P, Santisteban-Martínez J, Gimenez-Sanchez F. Hand Hygiene Program Decreases School Absenteeism Due to Upper Respiratory Infections. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2016; 86:873-881. [PMID: 27866386 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the effectiveness of a handwashing program using hand sanitizer to prevent school absenteeism due to upper respiratory infections (URIs). METHODS This was a randomized, controlled, and open study on a sample of 1341 children 4-12 years old, attending 5 state schools in Almería (Spain), with an 8-month follow-up. The experimental group (EG) washed their hands with soap and water, together with using hand sanitizer, and the control group followed their usual handwashing procedures. Absenteeism rates due to URIs were compared between the 2 groups through a multivariate Poisson regression analysis. The percent of days missed in both groups were compared with a z test. RESULTS Overall, 1271 cases of school absenteeism due to URIs were registered. Schoolchildren from the EG had a 38% lower risk of absenteeism due to URIs, incidence rate ratio: 0.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.70, and a decrease in absenteeism of 0.45 episodes/child/academic year, p < .001. Pupils missed 2734 school days due to URIs and the percentage of days absent was significantly lower in the EG, p < .001. CONCLUSIONS Use of hand sanitizer plus handwashing with soap accompanied by educational support is an effective measure to reduce absenteeism due to URIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernestina Azor-Martinez
- Distrito Sanitario, Atención Primaria Almería, España, C) Haza de Acosta S/N 04009, Almería, Spain
| | - Elena Cobos-Carrascosa
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Torrecárdenas, Almería, España, C) Ramon y Cajal N° 11 Villanueva Mesia 18369, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Fernández-Sánchez
- Servicio de Farmacia Hospital Torrecardenas, C) Hermandad de Donantes de Sangre S/N, CP 04009, Almería, Spain
| | - Jenna M Strizzi
- Roger Williams University, 1 Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809
| | - Pilar Torres-Alegre
- Unidad de Formación, e Investigación Distrito Almería España, C) Pablo Neruda 2, portal 12, 6° 1, 04009, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Gimenez-Sanchez
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Torrecárdenas, Almería, España, C) Pepe Isbert 55, 04007, Almería. Spain
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A School Health Project Can Uplift the Health Status of School Children in Nepal. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166001. [PMID: 27812190 PMCID: PMC5094771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background School health is effective in helping students achieve health literacy, enhance their health-related behaviors, and thereby improve their health status. However, in resource-limited countries, evidence is limited to show the impact of school health. We determined the association of the school health and nutrition (SHN) project activities on students’ a) health knowledge, b) hygiene practices, and c) health outcomes, one year after the project completion. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the schools with the SHN project and without the project in four districts of Nepal. We recruited 604 students from six schools in the project group and 648 students from other six schools in the comparison group. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect the data, and analyzed them using regression models and a structural equation model (SEM). Results Students from the SHN project group reported the decreased odds of worm infestation (AOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.75) and diarrhea/ dysentery infection (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.97) compared to those in the comparison group. Furthermore, the SEM analysis also showed that the students in the project group were more likely to have better health outcomes (β = 0.03, p< 0.05). Conclusion Students in the SHN project group were more likely to have better health outcomes compared to those in the comparison group, even after one year of the project completion. As it can bring about sustainable changes for students, it should be scaled up in other parts of the country.
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Shafique S, Sellen DW, Lou W, Jalal CS, Jolly SP, Zlotkin SH. Mineral- and vitamin-enhanced micronutrient powder reduces stunting in full-term low-birth-weight infants receiving nutrition, health, and hygiene education: a 2 × 2 factorial, cluster-randomized trial in Bangladesh. Am J Clin Nutr 2016; 103:1357-69. [PMID: 27053383 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.115.117770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causes of stunting are complex but likely include prenatal effects, inadequate postnatal nutrient intake, and recurrent infections. Low-birth-weight (LBW) infants are at high risk of stunting. More than 25% of live births in low- and middle-income countries are at full term with low birth weight (FT-LBW). Evidence on the efficacy of specific interventions to enhance growth in this vulnerable group remains scant. OBJECTIVE We investigated the independent and combined effects of a directed use of a water-based hand sanitizer (HS) and a mineral- and vitamin-enhanced micronutrient powder (MNP) (22 minerals and vitamins) to prevent infections and improve nutrient intake to reduce stunting in FT-LBW infants. DESIGN The study was a prospective 2 × 2 factorial, cluster-randomized trial in 467 FT-LBW infants during 2 periods: from 0 to 5 mo postpartum (0-180 d postpartum) and from 6 to 12 mo postpartum (181-360 d postpartum) with the use of 48 clusters. All groups received the same general nutrition, health, and hygiene education (NHHE) at enrollment and throughout the 12 mo. Group assignments initially included the following 2 groups: no HS (control) group or HS from 0 to 5 mo postpartum. These assignments were followed by further divisions into the following 4 groups from 6 to 12 mo postpartum: 1) no HS and no MNP (control), 2) HS only, 3) MNP only, and 4) HS and MNP. RESULTS When delivered in combination with NHHE, the use of an HS showed no additional benefit in reducing indicators of infection in the first or second half of infancy or the likelihood of stunting at 12 mo postpartum. FT-LBW infants who received the MNP (with or without the HS) were significantly less likely to be stunted at 12 mo than were controls (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.84; P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS The use of a mineral- and vitamin-enhanced MNP significantly reduced stunting in FT-LBW infants in this high-risk setting. The use of a water-based HS did not have an additive effect. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01455636.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohana Shafique
- Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; and
| | - Daniel W Sellen
- Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Anthropology, and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada; Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; and
| | - Wendy Lou
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
| | | | - Saira P Jolly
- Research and Evaluation Division, BRAC, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Stanley H Zlotkin
- Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto Canada; Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; and
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Willmott M, Nicholson A, Busse H, MacArthur GJ, Brookes S, Campbell R. Effectiveness of hand hygiene interventions in reducing illness absence among children in educational settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Dis Child 2016; 101:42-50. [PMID: 26471110 PMCID: PMC4717429 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish the effectiveness of handwashing in reducing absence and/or the spread of respiratory tract (RT) and/or gastrointestinal (GI) infection among school-aged children and/or staff in educational settings. DESIGN Randomised-controlled trials (RCTs). SETTING Schools and other settings with a formal educational component in any country. PATIENTS Children aged 3-11 years, and/or staff working with them. INTERVENTION Interventions with a hand hygiene component. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of RT or GI infections or symptoms related to such infections; absenteeism; laboratory results of RT and/or GI infections. RESULTS Eighteen cluster RCTs were identified; 13 school-based, 5 in child day care facilities or preschools. Studies were heterogeneous and had significant quality issues including small numbers of clusters and participants and inadequate randomisation. Individual study results suggest interventions may reduce children's absence, RT infection incidence and symptoms, and laboratory confirmed influenza-like illness. Evidence of impact on GI infection or symptoms was equivocal. CONCLUSIONS Studies are generally not well executed or reported. Despite updating existing systematic reviews and identifying new studies, evidence of the effect of hand hygiene interventions on infection incidence in educational settings is mostly equivocal but they may decrease RT infection among children. These results update and add to knowledge about this crucial public health issue in key settings with a vulnerable population. More robust, well reported cluster RCTs which learn from existing studies, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micky Willmott
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Heide Busse
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Sara Brookes
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rona Campbell
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Hernandez-Trujillo VP, Scalchunes C, Hernandez-Trujillo HS, Boyle J, Williams P, Boyle M, Orange JS. Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: An Opportunity in Pediatrics for Improving Patient Outcomes. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2015; 54:1265-75. [PMID: 25780256 DOI: 10.1177/0009922815574079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) are caused by inherent deficits in immune defenses that result in abnormal susceptibility to infection. In most cases, early and appropriate diagnosis can improve patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate understanding, recognition, and diagnosis of PIDD among pediatricians. METHODS A mail survey sent to a sample of pediatricians obtained from the American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association. Results were compared with a similar survey of specialists who are members of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology. RESULTS More than a third (35%) of pediatricians were uncomfortable with the recognition and diagnosis of PIDD despite 95% having ordered screening tests or referring patients to specialists to be evaluated for PIDD, and 77% having followed at leastone patient with PIDD. In all, 84% of pediatricians were unaware that professional guidelines for PIDD exist. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PIDD would benefit from improved recognition of the diseases by pediatricians in order to facilitate earlier diagnosis and optimize ongoing therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hillary S Hernandez-Trujillo
- Connecticut Asthma and Allergy Center, West Hartford, CT, USA University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Boyle
- Immune Deficiency Foundation, Towson, MD, USA Abt SRBI Inc, Government Services Division, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Paul Williams
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Jordan S Orange
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Bonnesen CT, Plauborg R, Denbæk AM, Due P, Johansen A. Process evaluation of a multi-component intervention to reduce infectious diseases and improve hygiene and well-being among school children: the Hi Five study. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2015; 30:497-512. [PMID: 25964369 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyv019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Hi Five study was a three-armed cluster randomized controlled trial designed to reduce infections and improve hygiene and well-being among pupils. Participating schools (n = 43) were randomized into either control (n = 15) or one of two intervention groups (n = 28). The intervention consisted of three components: (i) a curriculum (ii) mandatory daily hand washing before lunch (iii) extra cleaning of school toilets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation and to identify challenges to program implementation. Several data sources were used, including observations of school toilets, semi-structured interviews with school coordinators (n = 4), focus groups with pupils (n = 6) and teachers (n = 5), and questionnaires among pupils (n = 5440), teachers (n = 387) and school coordinators (n = 28). This study indicates that the curriculum was successfully implemented at most schools, and that teachers and pupils reacted positively to this part of the intervention. However, daily hand washing before lunch seems to be difficult to implement. Overall, the implementation process was affected by several factors such as poor sanitary facilities, lack of time and prioritization and objections against the increasing tendency to place the responsibility for child-rearing tasks on schools. This study reveals the strong and weak parts of the Hi Five study and can guide program improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T Bonnesen
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark and The National Board of Social Services, Office of Children and Families, DK-1119 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - R Plauborg
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark and The National Board of Social Services, Office of Children and Families, DK-1119 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - A M Denbæk
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark and The National Board of Social Services, Office of Children and Families, DK-1119 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - P Due
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark and The National Board of Social Services, Office of Children and Families, DK-1119 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - A Johansen
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark and The National Board of Social Services, Office of Children and Families, DK-1119 Copenhagen K, Denmark
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Carroll FE, Rooshenas L, Owen-Smith A, Al-Janabi H, Hollinghurst S, Hay AD. Factors influencing parents' decision-making when sending children with respiratory tract infections to nursery. J Public Health (Oxf) 2015; 38:281-8. [PMID: 25904815 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdv037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many families rely on formal day care provision, which can be problematic when children are unwell. Attendance in these circumstances may impact on the transmission of infections in both day care and the wider community. METHODS Thirty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate how parents make decisions about nursery care when children are unwell. Topics for discussion included: illness attitudes, current practice during childhood illness and potential nursery policy changes that could affect decision-making. RESULTS A combination of illness perceptions and external factors affected decision-making. Parents: (i) considered the severity of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms differently, and stated that while most other contagious illnesses required nursery exclusion, coughs/colds did not; (ii) said decisions were not solely based on nursery policy, but on practical challenges such as work absences, financial penalties and alternative care availability; (iii) identified modifiable nursery policy factors that could potentially help parents keep unwell children at home, potentially reducing transmission of infectious illness. CONCLUSIONS Decision-making is a complex interaction between the child's illness, personal circumstance and nursery policy. Improving our understanding of the modifiable aspects of nursery policies and the extent to which these factors affect decision-making could inform the design and implementation of interventions to reduce the transmission of infectious illness and the associated burden on NHS services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran E Carroll
- Centre for Academic Primary Health Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Leila Rooshenas
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amanda Owen-Smith
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hareth Al-Janabi
- Health Economics Unit, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sandra Hollinghurst
- Centre for Academic Primary Health Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Health Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
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Educational effectiveness, target, and content for prudent antibiotic use. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:214021. [PMID: 25945327 PMCID: PMC4402196 DOI: 10.1155/2015/214021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Widespread antimicrobial use and concomitant resistance have led to a significant threat to public health. Because inappropriate use and overuse of antibiotics based on insufficient knowledge are one of the major drivers of antibiotic resistance, education about prudent antibiotic use aimed at both the prescribers and the public is important. This review investigates recent studies on the effect of interventions for promoting prudent antibiotics prescribing. Up to now, most educational efforts have been targeted to medical professionals, and many studies showed that these educational efforts are significantly effective in reducing antibiotic prescribing. Recently, the development of educational programs to reduce antibiotic use is expanding into other groups, such as the adult public and children. The investigation of the contents of educational programs for prescribers and the public demonstrates that it is important to develop effective educational programs suitable for each group. In particular, it seems now to be crucial to develop appropriate curricula for teaching medical and nonmedical (pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, and midwifery) undergraduate students about general medicine, microbial virulence, mechanism of antibiotic resistance, and judicious antibiotic prescribing.
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Johansen A, Denbæk AM, Bonnesen CT, Due P. The Hi Five study: design of a school-based randomized trial to reduce infections and improve hygiene and well-being among 6-15 year olds in Denmark. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:207. [PMID: 25886286 PMCID: PMC4351932 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1556-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious illnesses such as influenza and diarrhea are leading causes of absenteeism among Danish school children. Interventions in school settings addressing hand hygiene have shown to reduce the number of infectious illnesses. However, most of these studies include small populations and almost none of them are conducted as randomized controlled trials. The overall aim of the Hi Five study was to develop, implement and evaluate a multi-component school-based intervention to improve hand hygiene and well-being and to reduce the prevalence of infections among school children in intervention schools by 20% compared to control schools. This paper describes the development and the evaluation design of Hi Five. METHODS/DESIGN The Hi Five study was designed as a tree-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial. A national random sample of schools (n = 44) was randomized to one of two intervention groups (n = 29) or to a control group with no intervention (n = 15). A total of 8,438 six to fifteen-year-old school children were enrolled in the study. The Hi Five intervention consisted of three components: 1) a curriculum component 2) mandatory daily hand washing before lunch 3) extra cleaning of school toilets during the school day. Baseline data was collected from December 2011 to April 2012. The intervention period was August 2012 to June 2013. The follow-up data was collected from December 2012 to April 2013. DISCUSSION The Hi Five study fills a gap in international research. This large randomized multi-component school-based hand hygiene intervention is the first to include education on healthy and appropriate toilet behavior as part of the curriculum. No previous studies have involved supplementary cleaning at the school toilets as an intervention component. The study will have the added value of providing new knowledge about usability of short message service (SMS, text message) for collecting data on infectious illness and absenteeism in large study populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN19287682 , 21 December 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Johansen
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2., København K, DK-1353, Denmark.
| | - Anne Maj Denbæk
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2., København K, DK-1353, Denmark.
| | - Camilla Thørring Bonnesen
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2., København K, DK-1353, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Due
- Centre for Intervention Research in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A 2., København K, DK-1353, Denmark.
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Xue C, Fu Y, Zhu W, Fei Y, Zhu L, Zhang H, Pan L, Xu H, Wang Y, Wang W, Sun Q. An outbreak of acute norovirus gastroenteritis in a boarding school in Shanghai: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:1092. [PMID: 25335780 PMCID: PMC4221699 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background More than 200 students and teachers at a boarding school in Shanghai developed acute gastroenteritis in December, 2012. The transmission mode remained largely unknown. An immediate epidemiological investigation was conducted to identify it. Methods Using a retrospective cohort design, we investigated demographic characteristics, school environment, and previous contacts with people who had diarrhea and/or vomiting, drinking water conditions, recalls of food consumption in the school cafeteria, hand-washing habits and eating habits. Rectal swabs of the new cases and food handlers as well as water and food samples were collected to test potential bacteria and viruses. Norovirus was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results A total of 278 cases developed gastrointestinal symptoms in this outbreak, and the overall attack rate was 13.9%. The main symptoms included vomiting (50.0%), abdominal cramps (40.3%), nausea (27.0%), diarrhea (6.8%) and fever (6.8%). Twenty rectal swab samples were detected as Norovirus–positive, including 11 from student cases and 9 from asymptomatic food handlers (non-cases). Among environmental surface samples from the kitchen, 8 samples were also detected as Norovirus-positive. The genotypes of viral strains were the same (GII) in patients, asymptomatic food handlers and environmental surfaces. Other samples, including rectal swabs, water samples and food samples were negative for any bacteria and other tested viruses. Asymptomatic food handlers may have contaminated the cooked food during the food preparation. Conclusion The study detected that the outbreak was caused by Norovirus and should be controlled by thorough disinfection and excluding asymptomatic food handlers from food preparation. Early identification of the predominant mode of transmission in this outbreak was necessary to prevent new cases. Furthermore, good hygiene practices such as regular hand washing and efficient daily disinfection should be promoted to prevent such infection and outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qiao Sun
- Research Base of Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early warning on Infectious Disease in China CDC, Shanghai Pudong District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3039 Zhangyang Road, Shanghai 200136, China.
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Joseph MM, Zeretzke C, Reader S, Sollee DR. Acute ethanol poisoning in a 6-year-old girl following ingestion of alcohol-based hand sanitizer at school. World J Emerg Med 2014; 2:232-3. [PMID: 25215016 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2011.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) have been widely used in homes, workplaces and schools to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We report a young child unintentionally ingested ABHS at a school, resulting in intoxication. METHODS The child was a 6-year-old girl who had been brought to the emergency department (ED) for hypothermia, altered mental status (AMS), periods of hypoventilation, hypothermia and vomiting. Computed tomography of her head revealed nothing abnormal in intracranial pathology. Urine drug screening was negative. Alcohol level was 205 mg/dL on admission. Other abnormal values included potassium of 2.8 mEq/L, osmolality of 340 mOsm/kg and no hypoglycemia. Further investigation revealed that the patient had gone frequently to the class restroom for ingestion of unknown quantities of ABHSs during the day. The patient was admitted for one day for intravenous fluid hydration and close observation of her mental status. RESULTS The patient was discharged from the hospital the next day without any complications. CONCLUSION Despite the large safety margin of ABHSs, emergency physicians need to be aware of the potential risk of ingestion of a large amount of such products in children and consider it in the assessment and management of school-age children with acute AMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Matar Joseph
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, USA (Joseph MM, Reader S)Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Pediatric Residency Program, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (Zeretzke C) University of Florida College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville, USA (Sollee DR)
| | - Cristina Zeretzke
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, USA (Joseph MM, Reader S)Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Pediatric Residency Program, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (Zeretzke C) University of Florida College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville, USA (Sollee DR)
| | - Sara Reader
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, USA (Joseph MM, Reader S)Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Pediatric Residency Program, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (Zeretzke C) University of Florida College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville, USA (Sollee DR)
| | - Dawn R Sollee
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Department of Emergency Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, USA (Joseph MM, Reader S)Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Pediatric Residency Program, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (Zeretzke C) University of Florida College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville, USA (Sollee DR)
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Abstract
Norovirus infections are notoriously difficult to prevent and control, owing to their low infectious dose, high shedding titre, and environmental stability. The virus can spread through multiple transmission routes, of which person-to-person and foodborne are the most important. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics have helped to establish norovirus as the most common cause of sporadic gastroenteritis and the most common cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis across all ages. In this article, we review the epidemiology and virology of noroviruses, and prevention and control guidelines, with a focus on the principles of disinfection and decontamination. Outbreak management relies on sound infection control principles, including hand hygiene, limiting exposure to infectious individuals, and thorough environmental decontamination. Ideally, all infection control recommendations would rely on empirical evidence, but a number of challenges, including the inability to culture noroviruses in the laboratory and the challenges of outbreak management in complex environments, has made it difficult to garner clear evidence of efficacy in certain areas of infection control. New experimental data on cultivable surrogates for human norovirus and on environmental survivability and relative resistance to commonly used disinfectants are providing new insights for further refinining disinfection practices. Finally, clinical trials are underway to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines, which may shift the current infection control principles to more targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Barclay
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Priest P, McKenzie JE, Audas R, Poore M, Brunton C, Reeves L. Hand sanitiser provision for reducing illness absences in primary school children: a cluster randomised trial. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001700. [PMID: 25117155 PMCID: PMC4130492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential for transmission of infectious diseases offered by the school environment are likely to be an important contributor to the rates of infectious disease experienced by children. This study aimed to test whether the addition of hand sanitiser in primary school classrooms compared with usual hand hygiene would reduce illness absences in primary school children in New Zealand. METHODS AND FINDINGS This parallel-group cluster randomised trial took place in 68 primary schools, where schools were allocated using restricted randomisation (1:1 ratio) to the intervention or control group. All children (aged 5 to 11 y) in attendance at participating schools received an in-class hand hygiene education session. Schools in the intervention group were provided with alcohol-based hand sanitiser dispensers in classrooms for the winter school terms (27 April to 25 September 2009). Control schools received only the hand hygiene education session. The primary outcome was the number of absence episodes due to any illness among 2,443 follow-up children whose caregivers were telephoned after each absence from school. Secondary outcomes measured among follow-up children were the number of absence episodes due to specific illness (respiratory or gastrointestinal), length of illness and illness absence episodes, and number of episodes where at least one other member of the household became ill subsequently (child or adult). We also examined whether provision of sanitiser was associated with experience of a skin reaction. The number of absences for any reason and the length of the absence episode were measured in all primary school children enrolled at the schools. Children, school administrative staff, and the school liaison research assistants were not blind to group allocation. Outcome assessors of follow-up children were blind to group allocation. Of the 1,301 and 1,142 follow-up children in the hand sanitiser and control groups, respectively, the rate of absence episodes due to illness per 100 child-days was similar (1.21 and 1.16, respectively, incidence rate ratio 1.06, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.18). The provision of an alcohol-based hand sanitiser dispenser in classrooms was not effective in reducing rates of absence episodes due to respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, the length of illness or illness absence episodes, or the rate of subsequent infection for other members of the household in these children. The percentage of children experiencing a skin reaction was similar (10.4% hand sanitiser versus 10.3% control, risk ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.30). The rate or length of absence episodes for any reason measured for all children also did not differ between groups. Limitations of the study include that the study was conducted during an influenza pandemic, with associated public health messaging about hand hygiene, which may have increased hand hygiene among all children and thereby reduced any additional effectiveness of sanitiser provision. We did not quite achieve the planned sample size of 1,350 follow-up children per group, although we still obtained precise estimates of the intervention effects. Also, it is possible that follow-up children were healthier than non-participating eligible children, with therefore less to gain from improved hand hygiene. However, lack of effectiveness of hand sanitiser provision on the rate of absences among all children suggests that this may not be the explanation. CONCLUSIONS The provision of hand sanitiser in addition to usual hand hygiene in primary schools in New Zealand did not prevent disease of severity sufficient to cause school absence. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000478213. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Priest
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Joanne E. McKenzie
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Rick Audas
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Marion Poore
- Public Health South, Southern District Health Board, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Cheryl Brunton
- Community and Public Health, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Lesley Reeves
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Azor-Martínez E, Gonzalez-Jimenez Y, Seijas-Vazquez ML, Cobos-Carrascosa E, Santisteban-Martínez J, Martínez-López JM, Jimenez-Noguera E, Galan-Requena MDM, Garrido-Fernández P, Strizzi JM, Gimenez-Sanchez F. The impact of common infections on school absenteeism during an academic year. Am J Infect Control 2014; 42:632-7. [PMID: 24837113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND School absenteeism because of infections is one of the most important problems facing both public and private primary schools. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of infections on school absenteeism and their reduction with a handwashing program using hand sanitizer. METHODS The study was an 8-month-long, randomized, controlled open study (N = 1,609 children, aged 4-12 years old) at 5 state schools in Almeria (Spain). The experimental group (EG) washed their hands with soap and water, complemented with the use of hand sanitizer, and the control group (CG) followed the usual handwashing procedure. The total number of episodes and days missed as well as those because of upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections were compared in both groups with a Z-test. RESULTS The students were absent 12,386 days in 7,945 episodes. The incidence of total absent episodes and percent of missed days, including those because of upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections, were significantly lower in the EG than the CG (P < .001), and this was maintained through the flu pandemic period. CONCLUSION School absenteeism because of infections in schools is reduced when a hand hygiene program utilizing sanitizing gels is properly carried out, especially during the flu season.
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Lee L, Ison M. Diarrhea caused by viruses in transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2014; 16:347-58. [DOI: 10.1111/tid.12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L.Y. Lee
- Department of Medicine; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago Illinois USA
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago Illinois USA
| | - M.G. Ison
- Department of Medicine; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago Illinois USA
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago Illinois USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago Illinois USA
- Division of Organ Transplantation; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago Illinois USA
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Andradóttir S, Chiu W, Goldsman D, Lee ML. Simulation of influenza propagation: Model development, parameter estimation, and mitigation strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/19488300.2014.880093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Effectiveness of a multifactorial handwashing program to reduce school absenteeism due to acute gastroenteritis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2014; 33:e34-9. [PMID: 24096730 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the most common diseases among children and an important cause of school absenteeism. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a handwashing program using hand sanitizers for the prevention of school absenteeism due to AGE. METHODS A randomized, controlled and open study of a sample of 1341 children between 4 and 12 years of age, attending 5 state schools in Almería (Spain), with an 8-month follow up (academic year). The experimental group (EG) washed their hands with soap and water, complementing this with the use of a hand sanitizer, and the control group (CG) followed the usual handwashing procedure. Absenteeism rates due GI were compared between the 2 groups through the multivariate Poisson regression analysis. Percent days absent in both groups were compared with a Z-test. RESULTS 446 cases of school absenteeism due to AGE were registered. The school children from the EG had a 36% lower risk of absenteeism due to AGE (IRR: 0.64, 95% confidence interval: 0.52-0.78) and a decrease in absenteeism of 0.13 episodes/child/academic year (0.27 of EG vs 0.40 CG/episodes/child/academic year, P < 0.001). Pupils missed 725 school days due to AGE and absent days was significantly lower in the EG (EG: 0.31%, 95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.35 vs. CG: 0.44%, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.48, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The use of hand sanitizer as a complement to handwashing with soap is an efficient measure to reduce absent days and the number of school absenteeism cases due to AGE.
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