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Engdaw GT, Alemu D, Alemayehu M, Tesfaye AH. Handwashing Practices among Public Primary School Students in East Dembiya District, Ethiopia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:826-834. [PMID: 38471179 PMCID: PMC10993824 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Poor water sanitation and hygiene is a public health problem in developing and underdeveloped countries, including Ethiopia, and remains an important public health issue among primary school students. Students have been repeatedly exposed to various communicable diseases associated with water sanitation and hygiene. The objective of this study was to assess predictors of handwashing practice among second-cycle public primary school students in East Dembiya District, northwestern Ethiopia, 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 752 second-cycle primary school students. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklists adopted and modified from different sources of literature. The data were checked further by visualizing and computing rates with the SPSS version 26 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors. The prevalence of washing practices among second-cycle primary school students was 57.6% (95% CI 53.90-61.10). Residency (urban) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.30-2.87), access to media (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.11-2.49), hygiene and sanitation club membership (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.26-2.80), good knowledge about handwashing (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 2.34-6.60), and a positive attitude toward handwashing (aOR = 3.63, 95% CI: 2.01-5.584) were predictors of handwashing practice among second-cycle primary school students. This study showed that handwashing practice among primary school students was low. Availing handwashing facilities, better media access, formation of a hygiene and sanitation club in the school, celebration of "Handwashing Day" with students, and leading behavior change communication are all important for improving students' handwashing practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garedew Tadege Engdaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Alemu
- East Belesa Woreda Health Department Offices, Northwest, Ethiopia
| | - Mekuriaw Alemayehu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Amensisa Hailu Tesfaye
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Ethiopia
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Ango TS, Teshome T, Getahun T. Hand hygiene status and its associated factors among housemaids working in communal living residences in Jimma city, southwest Ethiopia. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22651. [PMID: 38107271 PMCID: PMC10724665 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Hand hygiene is a milestone, cost-effective, and convenient strategy to prevent the transfer of pathogenic micro-organisms. However, housemaids operating inside a kitchen can be the source of infection. In addition, hand hygiene among housemaids working in dwellings was underexplored. This study aimed to assess the hand hygiene status and associated factors among housemaids working in communal living residences in Jimma City, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A total of 230 housemaids were included in this cross-sectional study. Total samples were proportionally allocated for each residence and a simple random sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. Hand hygiene status and relevant characteristics were collected through face-to-face interviews and observations. Hand swab samples were collected and tested for bacterial contaminants. Then, it was inoculated aseptically using streak-plating methods on mannitol salt agar (MSA), MacConkey agar (MCA), salmonella-shigella agar (SSA), and eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar and then incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Data was edited, cleaned, and double-entered into Epidata version 3.1 and then exported to the statistical package for social science statistics version 26 for further analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Statistically significant was declared at P value < 0.05. Results Two hundred twenty-five housemaids were interviewed with a response rate of 97.8 %. The results showed that the proportion of good hand hygiene status among the housemaids was only 28.0 %. Although the majority of participants reported washing their hands frequently, the prevalence of bacterial contaminants on their hands was high at 72 %. The study identified several factors associated with hand hygiene status, including the occupational status of heads of households (AOR = 0.030, 95 % CI: 0.003, 0.348; P = 0.0050), the effectiveness of the heads of household (AOR = 13.955, 95 % CI: 1.442, 13.500; P = 0.0230), and the removal of accessories during handwashing (AOR = 20.844, 95 % CI: 2.190, 9.842; P = 0.0080). Conclusion Overall, the hand hygiene status of housemaids was found to be poor and influenced by demographics and other relevant characteristics. The study emphasizes the need for a multimodal strategy involving household heads, local and national authorities, and other stakeholders to raise awareness and advocate for hand hygiene to prevent communicable diseases in the wider community, particularly in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Shiwito Ango
- Department of Public Health, Mizan Aman Health Science College, P. O. Box 240, Mizan-Aman, Sweprs, Ethiopia
| | - Tizita Teshome
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, P. O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfalem Getahun
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, P. O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Melaku A, Addis T. Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2023; 17:11786302231156299. [PMID: 36860580 PMCID: PMC9969475 DOI: 10.1177/11786302231156299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provision of handwashing facilities and proper practices are essential for preventing fecal-oral and acute respiratory infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess availability of handwashing facilities and predictors to students' good hygiene practices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS A mixed-methods study design was conducted in schools of Addis Ababa from January to March 2020 in 384 students, 98 school directors, 6 health clubs, and 6 school administrators. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires, interview guide, and observational checklists. The quantitative data were entered into EPI Info version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. A bivariable at P < .2 and multivariable logistic regression analysis at P < .05 for quantitative and thematic analysis for qualitative data were used. RESULTS Handwashing stations were available in 85 (86.7%) of the schools. However, 16 (16.3%) schools had neither water nor soap near the handwashing facilities while 33 (38.8%) of schools had both. There was no high school that had both soap and water. Approximately one-third (135, 35.2%) of students practiced proper handwashing, among which 89 (65.9%) were from private schools. The handwashing practices were significantly associated with gender (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: (1.66-3.59)), having trained coordinator (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: (1.32-2.48)) and health education program (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: (1.73-3.59)), school ownership (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: (0.33-0.72)), and training (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: (1.82-3.69)). Water supply interruption, and lack of budget, adequate space, training, health education, maintenance, and coordination were the main barriers that prevent students from practicing proper handwashing. CONCLUSIONS Handwashing facilities and materials provision and good handwashing practices of students were low. Moreover, providing soap and water for handwashing was insufficient to promote good hygiene practices. There should be regular hygiene education, training, maintenance, and better coordination among stakeholders to create a healthy school environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abayneh Melaku
- Abayneh Melaku, Ethiopian Institute of
Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box 1176, Addis Ababa 1176,
Ethiopia.
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Kebede SA, Tusa BS, Weldesenbet AB. Spatial Distribution and Determinant Factors of Handwashing Practice With Essential Agents Among Households in Ethiopia. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604040. [PMID: 35496943 PMCID: PMC9039007 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604040] [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: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and determinant factors of handwashing practice using essential handwashing agents (soap and water) among households in Ethiopia. Methods: A two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique was used. Mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was also used to identify determinants of handwashing practice with essential agents. Results: In Ethiopia, household handwashing practices with essential agents had spatial variation (Moran’s Index 0.62, p < 0.001). The Amhara and Somali regions were identified as significant hotspots with low handwashing practice using essential agents. Conclusion: In Ethiopia, handwashing practice with essential agents showed spatial variation across the country with a very low rate. Areas with low handwashing practice with essential agents need high priority in the allocation of resources to ensure communities’ access to fixed and portable handwashing facilities, soap, and reliable water supplies. Households with low access to improved sanitation facilities, low wealth status, and low educational status should be targeted for the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sewnet Adem Kebede
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- *Correspondence: Sewnet Adem Kebede,
| | - Biruk Shalmeno Tusa
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
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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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Mekonnen B, Solomon N, Yosef T. Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Food Poisoning Associated Factors Among Parents in Bench-Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:1673-1681. [PMID: 33976567 PMCID: PMC8104973 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s294294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food poisoning is a food borne disease, mainly resulting from ingestion of food that contains a toxin, chemical or infectious microorganisms like bacteria, virus, parasite, or prion. On the other hand, avoiding food contamination during preparing and feeding is a key factor for reducing the prevalence of food poisoning. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, self-reported practice and food poisoning associated factors among parents in the selected health centers of Bench-Sheko Zone in Ethiopia. METHODS An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 systematically selected parents in Bench-Sheko zone, Ethiopia. The data were collected through face to face interview using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS The median knowledge score was 8.0 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 8.0-10.0. The median attitude score was 9.0 with an IQR of 6.0-9.0. The median practice score was 12.0 with an IQR of 10.0-13.0. A positive correlation was seen between knowledge and attitudes of parents with food poisoning (r= 0.321, P < 0.026), between knowledge and practices of parents towards food poisoning (r= 0.312, P < 0.001) and between attitude and practices result towards food poisoning (r= 0.224, p < 0.031). The parents with a higher education level, employed and who live in a city were the factors significantly associated with higher knowledge scores (p < 0.05). The improved attitude was seen as educational level increased (p <0.05). The parents with female gender, employed and who live in a city were significantly associated with higher hygienic practices towards the prevention of food poisoning (p <0.05). CONCLUSION The knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practices of parents regarding food poisoning prevention are associated with each other and are affected by socio-demographic variables. Therefore, adequate emphasis should be given by health sectors to designing strong strategies which address the specific contributing factors for the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Besufekad Mekonnen
- Department of Public Health, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Southern Nation Nationality and People Region, Ethiopia
| | - Nahom Solomon
- Department of Public Health, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Southern Nation Nationality and People Region, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Yosef
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Southern Nation Nationality and People Region, Ethiopia
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Shehmolo M, Gari T, Jember Tesfaye D, Boti N, Oumer B. Magnitude and Factors Associated with Hygiene Practice Among Primary School Children in Mareko District, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:311-320. [PMID: 33603390 PMCID: PMC7881792 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s285954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor school hygiene practice is a major health problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia, and is a leading factor for children’s school absenteeism due to hygiene-related illnesses. To our knowledge, little is known about hygiene practice conducted in southern Ethiopia including our study area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess magnitude and associated factors of hygiene practice among primary school children in Mareko District. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study design with multi-stage sampling was conducted from January 15–30, 2018 in Mareko district. Out of 25 second cycle primary schools in the district, eight schools (30%) were recruited with a simple random method. Then, a sample size of 829 students was selected by a simple random method. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi Info V. 7 and then analyzed in SPSS V. 20. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors of hygiene practice. Results The magnitude of overall good hygiene practice was 252 (30.4%) with 95% CI (27.3–33.5%). Practices of hand washing, latrine utilization, and water handling were found to be 191 (23%), 387 (46.7%), and 238 (28.7%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with hygiene practice were found to be knowledge on hand washing (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI 2.86–9.1) and latrine use (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.06– 3.75); ever visited model school (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.28–4.64); being 14–18 years old (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.3–1.88); and cleanliness of toilets (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI 1.77–6.55). Conclusion Overall, good hygiene practice among primary school children in Mareko District was low. Therefore, there should be continuous awareness of good hygiene practice and its impact on health through health education, strengthening and motivation of water, sanitation, and hygiene clubs, and also visits to model primary schools in the district.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muze Shehmolo
- Department of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Core Process, Kibet Health Office, Kibet Town, Ethiopia
| | - Taye Gari
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Jember Tesfaye
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Boti
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Bilcha Oumer
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
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