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Baker KK, Simiyu S, Busienei P, Gutema FD, Okoth B, Agira J, Amondi CS, Ziraba A, Kapanka AG, Osinuga A, Ouma C, Sewell DK, Gaire S, Tumwebaze IK, Mberu B. Protocol for the PATHOME study: a cohort study on urban societal development and the ecology of enteric disease transmission among infants, domestic animals and the environment. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e076067. [PMID: 38000826 PMCID: PMC10680014 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Global morbidity from enteric infections and diarrhoea remains high in children in low-income and middle-income countries, despite significant investment over recent decades in health systems and water and sanitation infrastructure. Other types of societal development may be required to reduce disease burden. Ecological research on the influence of household and neighbourhood societal development on pathogen transmission dynamics between humans, animals and the environment could identify more effective strategies for preventing enteric infections. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The 'enteric pathome'-that is, the communities of viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens transmitted from human and animal faeces through the environment is taxonomically complex in high burden settings. This integrated cohort-exposure assessment study leverages natural socioeconomic spectrums of development to study how pathome complexity is influenced by household and neighbourhood infrastructure and hygiene conditions. We are enrolling under 12-month-old children in low-income and middle-income neighbourhoods of two Kenyan cities (Nairobi and Kisumu) into a 'short-cohort' study involving repeat testing of child faeces for enteric pathogens. A mid-study exposure assessment documenting infrastructural, behavioural, spatial, climate, environmental and zoonotic factors characterises pathogen exposure pathways in household and neighbourhood settings. These data will be used to inform and validate statistical and agent-based models (ABM) that identify individual or combined intervention strategies for reducing multipathogen transmission between humans, animals and environment in urban Kenya. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocols for human subjects' research were approved by Institutional Review Boards at the University of Iowa (ID-202004606) and AMREF Health Africa (ID-ESRC P887/2020), and a national permit was obtained from the Kenya National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (ID# P/21/8441). The study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05322655) and is in pre-results stage. Protocols for research on animals were approved by the University of Iowa Animal Care and Use Committee (ID 0042302).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sheillah Simiyu
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Phylis Busienei
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fanta D Gutema
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bonphace Okoth
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Agira
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christine S Amondi
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abdhalah Ziraba
- Division of Health and Wellbeing, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alexis G Kapanka
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Abisola Osinuga
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Daniel K Sewell
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sabin Gaire
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Innocent K Tumwebaze
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Blessing Mberu
- Division of Population Dynamics and Urbanization, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Okumu NO, Ngeranwa JJN, Muloi DM, Ochien’g L, Moodley A, Mutisya C, Kiarie A, Wasonga JO, Watson J, Amon-Tanoh MA, Cumming O, Cook EAJ. Risk factors for diarrheagenic Escherichia coli infection in children aged 6-24 months in peri-urban community, Nairobi, Kenya. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002594. [PMID: 37992040 PMCID: PMC10664883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli commonly inhabits the gut of humans and animals as part of their microbiota. Though mostly innocuous, some strains have virulence markers that make them pathogenic. This paper presents results of a cross-sectional epidemiological study examining prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) pathotypes in stool samples of asymptomatic healthy children (n = 540) in Dagoretti South subcounty, Nairobi, Kenya. E. coli was cultured and pathotyped using PCR to target specific virulence markers associated with Shiga-toxin, enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, enteroaggregative, entero-invasive and diffusely adherent E. coli. Overall prevalence of DEC pathotypes was 20.9% (113/540) with enteropathogenic E. coli being the most prevalent (34.1%), followed by enteroaggregative E. coli (23.5%) and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (22.0%) among positive samples. We found evidence of co-infection with multiple pathotypes in 15% of the positive samples. Our models indicated that at the household level, carriage of DEC pathotypes in children was associated with age group [12-18 months] (OR 1.78; 95%CI 1.03-3.07; p = 0.04), eating matoke (mashed bananas) (OR 2.32; 95%CI 1.44-3.73; p = 0.001) and pulses/legumes (OR 1.74; 95%CI 1.01-2.99; p = 0.046) while livestock ownership or contact showed no significant association with DEC carriage (p>0.05). Our findings revealed significant prevalence of pathogenic DEC circulating among presumptive healthy children in the community. Since there has been no previous evidence of an association between any food type and DEC carriage, unhygienic handling, and preparation of matoke and pulses/legumes could be the reason for significant association with DEC carriage. Children 12-18 months old are more prone to DEC infections due to exploration and hand-to-mouth behavior. A detailed understanding is required on what proportion of positive cases developed severe symptomatology as well as fatal outcomes. The co-infection of pathotypes in the rapidly urbanizing environment needs to be investigated for hybrid or hetero-pathotype circulation that have been implicated in previous infection outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah O. Okumu
- Animal and Human Health Department, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Microbiology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph J. N. Ngeranwa
- Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Microbiology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dishon M. Muloi
- Animal and Human Health Department, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Linnet Ochien’g
- Animal and Human Health Department, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Arshnee Moodley
- Animal and Human Health Department, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Christine Mutisya
- Animal and Human Health Department, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alice Kiarie
- Animal and Human Health Department, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph O. Wasonga
- Animal and Human Health Department, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Julie Watson
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maud Akissi Amon-Tanoh
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A. J. Cook
- Animal and Human Health Department, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Kiarie A, Bebora L, Gitao G, Ochien'g L, Okumu N, Mutisya C, Wasonga J, Masudi SP, Moodley A, Amon-Tanoh MA, Watson J, Cumming O, Cook EAJ. Prevalence and risk factors associated with the occurrence of Campylobacter sp. in children aged 6-24 months in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1147180. [PMID: 37808985 PMCID: PMC10556691 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1147180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Campylobacter bacteria is a major cause of foodborne-related bacterial gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. It is known to cause diarrhea in young children which has been shown to directly affect their weight and height as a result of malnutrition. Severe cases of diarrhea can also lead to death. Most of the burden is experienced in resource-limited countries in Africa and Southeast Asia where the disease is linked to poor hygiene and sanitation. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter in children aged between 6 and 24 months in Nairobi, Kenya and identify potential risk factors associated with their occurrence. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out between May to December 2021. A total of 585 randomly selected households were visited in two wards (Uthiru/Ruthimitu and Riruta) in Dagoretti South sub-county, Nairobi. A questionnaire regarding how children's food is handled, the major foods consumed, sanitation and hygiene, and animal ownership was conducted among caregivers to identify associated risk factors. Stool samples were collected from 540/585 children and screened for the presence of Campylobacter using culture-based methods and confirmed through PCR. Results Of the 540 children's stool samples processed, Campylobacter isolates were detected in 4.8% (26/540). Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) was the most common species in 80.8% of positive samples compared to Campylobacter coli (C. coli) in 26.9% of samples. In six samples, both C. jejuni and C. coli were isolated, while in four samples, it was not possible to speciate the Campylobacter. Drinking cow's milk (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.4 - 12.6) and the presence of animal feces in the compound (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1 - 10.3) were found to be statistically associated with Campylobacter carriage in children. Discussion The carriage of Campylobacter in children in this community indicates a need for further investigation on source attribution to understand transmission dynamics and inform where to target interventions. Awareness creation among caregivers on good personal and food hygiene is needed, including boiling milk before consumption. Implementation of biosecurity measures at the household level is highly recommended to reduce contact between animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kiarie
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lilly Bebora
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George Gitao
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linnet Ochien'g
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Noah Okumu
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christine Mutisya
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Wasonga
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sherril Phyllis Masudi
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Arshnee Moodley
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maud A Amon-Tanoh
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Watson
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A J Cook
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Oloo L, Elsey H, Abboah-Offei M, Kiyeng M, Amboka P, Okelo K, Kitsao-Wekulo P, Kimani-Murage E, Langa't N, Nampijja M. Developing an intervention to improve the quality of childcare centers in resource-poor urban settings: a mixed methods study in Nairobi, Kenya. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1195460. [PMID: 37529428 PMCID: PMC10387541 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1195460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, 350 million under-5s do not have adequate childcare. This may damage their health and development and undermine societal and economic development. Rapid urbanization is changing patterns of work, social structures, and gender norms. Parents, mainly mothers, work long hours for insecure daily wages. To respond to increasing demand, childcare centers have sprung up in informal settlements. However, there is currently little or no support to ensure they provide safe, nurturing care accessible to low-income families. Here, we present the process of co-designing an intervention, delivered by local government community health teams to improve the quality of childcare centers and ultimately the health and development of under-5 children in informal settlements in Kenya. Methods This mixed methods study started with a rapid mapping of the location and basic characteristics of all childcare centers in two informal settlements in Nairobi. Qualitative interviews were conducted with parents and grandparents (n = 44), childcare providers, and community health teams (n = 44). A series of 7 co-design workshops with representatives from government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community health teams, and childcare providers were held to design the intervention. Questionnaires to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community health volunteers (n = 22) and childcare center providers (n = 66) were conducted. Results In total, 129 childcare centers were identified -55 in Korogocho and 77 in Viwandani. School-based providers dominated in Korogocho (73%) while home-based centers were prevalent in Viwandani (53%). All centers reported minimal support from any organization (19% supported) and this was particularly low among home-based (9%) and center-based (14%) providers. Home-based center providers were the least likely to be trained in early childhood development (20%), hence the co-designed intervention focused on supporting these centers. All co-design stakeholders agreed that with further training, community health volunteers were well placed to support these informal centers. Findings showed that given the context of informal settlements, support for strengthening management within the centers in addition to the core domains of WHO's Nurturing Care Framework was required as a key component of the intervention. Conclusion Implementing a co-design process embedded within existing community health systems and drawing on the lived experiences of childcare providers and parents in informal settlements facilitated the development of an intervention with the potential for scalability and sustainability. Such interventions are urgently needed as the number of home-based and small center-based informal childcare centers is growing rapidly to meet the demand; yet, they receive little support to improve quality and are largely unregulated. Childcare providers, and government and community health teams were able to co-design an intervention delivered within current public community health structures to support centers in improving nurturing care. Further research on the effectiveness and sustainability of support to private and informal childcare centers in the context of low-income urban neighborhoods is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Oloo
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helen Elsey
- Hull and York Medical School and Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Abboah-Offei
- Hull and York Medical School and Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrick Amboka
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Okelo
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Nelson Langa't
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
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Simiyu S, Aseyo E, Anderson J, Cumming O, Baker KK, Dreibelbis R, Mumma JAO. A Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of a Food Hygiene Intervention in Low-Income Informal Neighbourhoods of Kisumu, Kenya. Matern Child Health J 2022; 27:824-836. [PMID: 36352283 PMCID: PMC10115704 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03548-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diarrhoea is a leading cause of infant mortality with the main transmission pathways being unsafe water and contaminated food, surfaces and hands. The 'Safe Start' trial evaluated a food hygiene intervention implemented in a peri-urban settlement of Kisumu, Kenya, with the aim of reducing diarrhoeagenic enteric infections among infants. Four food hygiene behaviours were targeted: handwashing with soap before preparation and feeding, boiling infant food before feeding, storing infant food in sealed containers, and exclusive use of designated utensils during feeding. METHODS A process evaluation of the intervention was guided by a theory of change describing the hypothesised implementation and receipt of the intervention, mechanisms of change, and the context. These were assessed by qualitative and quantitative data that included debriefing sessions with the delivery teams and Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), and structured observations during food preparation. RESULTS The intervention achieved high coverage and fidelity with over 90% of 814 eligible caregivers participating in the intervention. Caregivers in the intervention arm demonstrated an understanding of the intervention messages, and had 1.38 (95% CI: 1.02-1.87) times the odds of washing hands before food preparation and 3.5 (95% CI: 1.91-6.56) times the odds of using a feeding utensil compared to caregivers in the control group. Contextual factors, especially the movement of caregivers within and outside the study area and time constraints faced by caregivers influenced uptake of some intervention behaviours. CONCLUSION Future interventions should seek to explicitly target contextual factors such as secondary caregivers and promote food hygiene interventions as independent of each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheillah Simiyu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Manga Close, Off Kirawa Road, P.O Box 10787- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Evalyne Aseyo
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu, P.O Box 2224-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John Anderson
- Independent Research Consultant, 78702, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 52333, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert Dreibelbis
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
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Baker KK, Mumma JAO, Simiyu S, Sewell D, Tsai K, Anderson JD, MacDougall A, Dreibelbis R, Cumming O. Environmental and behavioural exposure pathways associated with diarrhoea and enteric pathogen detection in 5-month-old, periurban Kenyan infants: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059878. [PMID: 36316067 PMCID: PMC9628658 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to test whether household environmental hygiene and behavioural conditions moderated associations between diarrhoea and enteric pathogen detection in infants 5 months of age in Kenya and pathogen sources, including latrine access, domestic animal co-habitation and public food sources. DESIGN Cross-sectional study utilising enrolment survey data of households participating in the Safe Start cluster-randomised controlled trial . SETTING Kisumu, Kenya. PARTICIPANTS A total of 898 caregivers with 5-month (22 week ± 1 week) aged infants were enrolled in the study and completed the enrolment survey. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes were (1) caregiver-reported 7-day diarrhoea prevalence and (2) count of types of enteric viruses, bacteria and parasites in infant stool. Exposures and effect modifiers included water access and treatment, cohabitation with domestic animals, sanitation access, handwashing practices, supplemental feeding, access to refrigeration and flooring. RESULTS Reported handwashing after handling animals (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.20; 95% CI=0.06 to 0.50) and before eating (aOR=0.44; 95% CI=0.26 to 0.73) were strongly associated with lower risk of caregiver-reported diarrhoea, while cohabitation with animals (aOR=1.54; 95% CI=1.01 to 2.34) living in a household with vinyl-covered dirt floors (aOR=0.60; 95% CI=0.45 to 0.87) were strongly associated with pathogen codetection in infants. Caregiver handwashing after child (p=0.02) or self-defecation (p=0.03) moderated the relationship between shared sanitation access and infant exposure to pathogens, specifically private latrine access was protective against pathogen exposure of infants in households, where caregivers washed hands after defecation. In the absence of handwashing, access to private sanitation posed no benefits over shared latrines for protecting infants from exposure. CONCLUSION Our evidence highlights eliminating animal cohabitation and improving flooring, postdefecation and food-related handwashing, and safety and use of cow milk sources as interventions to prevent enteric pathogen exposure of young infants in Kenya. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03468114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Sheillah Simiyu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Sewell
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kevin Tsai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Amy MacDougall
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robert Dreibelbis
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Ogutu EA, Ellis A, Rodriguez KC, Caruso BA, McClintic EE, Ventura SG, Arriola KRJ, Kowalski AJ, Linabarger M, Wodnik BK, Webb-Girard A, Muga R, Freeman MC. Determinants of food preparation and hygiene practices among caregivers of children under two in Western Kenya: a formative research study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1865. [PMID: 36203140 PMCID: PMC9535979 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diarrhea is a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality worldwide and is linked to early childhood stunting. Food contamination from improper preparation and hygiene practices is an important transmission pathway for exposure to enteric pathogens. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to hygienic food preparation can inform interventions to improve food hygiene. We explored food preparation and hygiene determinants including food-related handwashing habits, meal preparation, cooking practices, and food storage among caregivers of children under age two in Western Kenya. METHODS We used the Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivations model for Behavior Change (COM-B) framework in tool development and analysis. We conducted 24 focus group discussions with mothers (N = 12), fathers (N = 6), and grandmothers (N = 6); 29 key informant interviews with community stakeholders including implementing partners and religious and community leaders; and 24 household observations. We mapped the qualitative and observational data onto the COM-B framework to understand caregivers' facilitators and barriers to food preparation and hygiene practices. RESULTS Facilitators and barriers to food hygiene and preparation practices were found across the COM-B domains. Caregivers had the capability to wash their hands at critical times; wash, cook, and cover food; and clean and dry utensils. Barriers to food hygiene and preparation practices included lack of psychological capability, for instance, caregivers' lack of knowledge of critical times for handwashing, lack of perceived importance of washing some foods before eating, and not knowing the risks of storing food for more than four hours without refrigerating and reheating. Other barriers were opportunity-related, including lack of resources (soap, water, firewood) and an enabling environment (monetary decision-making power, social support). Competing priorities, socio-cultural norms, religion, and time constraints due to work hindered the practice of optimal food hygiene and preparation behaviors. CONCLUSION Food hygiene is an underexplored, but potentially critical, behavior to mitigate fecal pathogen exposure for young children. Our study revealed several knowledge and opportunity barriers that could be integrated into interventions to enhance food hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Ogutu
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Anna Ellis
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Katie C. Rodriguez
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Bethany A. Caruso
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Emilie E. McClintic
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Sandra Gómez Ventura
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kimberly R. J. Arriola
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Alysse J. Kowalski
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Molly Linabarger
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Breanna K. Wodnik
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Amy Webb-Girard
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Richard Muga
- grid.472446.7Uzima University College, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Matthew C. Freeman
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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Abboah-Offei M, Amboka P, Nampijja M, Owino GE, Okelo K, Kitsao-Wekulo P, Chumo I, Muendo R, Oloo L, Wanjau M, Mwaniki E, Mutisya M, Haycraft E, Hughes R, Griffiths P, Elsey H. Improving early childhood development in the context of the nurturing care framework in Kenya: A policy review and qualitative exploration of emerging issues with policy makers. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1016156. [PMID: 36238244 PMCID: PMC9551223 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1016156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Nurturing Care Framework (NCF) describes "nurturing care" as the ability of nations and communities to support caregivers and provide an environment that ensures children's good health and nutrition, protects them from threats, and provides opportunities for early learning through responsive and emotionally supportive interaction. We assessed the extent to which Kenyan government policies address the components of the NCF and explored policy/decision makers' views on policy gaps and emerging issues. Methods A search strategy was formulated to identify policy documents focusing on early childhood development (ECD), health and nutrition, responsive caregiving, opportunities for early learning and security and safety, which are key components of the NCF. We limited the search to policy documents published since 2010 when the Kenya constitution was promulgated and ECD functions devolved to county governments. Policy/decision-maker interviews were also conducted to clarify emerging gaps from policy data. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed based on the components of the NCF. Framework analysis was used for interview data with NCF being the main framework of analysis. The Jaccard's similarity coefficient was used to assess similarities between the themes being compared to further understand the challenges, successes and future plans of policy and implementation under each of the NCF domains. Results 127 policy documents were retrieved from government e-repository and county websites. Of these, n = 91 were assessed against the inclusion criteria, and n = 66 were included in final analysis. The 66 documents included 47 County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) and 19 national policy documents. Twenty policy/decision-maker interviews were conducted. Analysis of both policy and interview data reveal that, while areas of health and nutrition have been considered in policies and county level plans (coefficients >0.5), the domains of early learning, responsive caregiving and safety and security face significant policy and implementation gaps (coefficients ≤ 0.5), particularly for the 0-3 year age group. Inconsistencies were noted between county level implementation plans and national policies in areas such as support for children with disabilities and allocation of budget to early learning and nutrition domains. Conclusion Findings indicate a strong focus on nutrition and health with limited coverage of responsive caregiving and opportunities for early learning domains. Therefore, if nurturing care goals are to be achieved in Kenya, policies are needed to support current gaps identified with urgent need for policies of minimum standards that provide support for improvements across all Nurturing Care Framework domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Abboah-Offei
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Mary Abboah-Offei
| | - Patrick Amboka
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Margaret Nampijja
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Kenneth Okelo
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ivy Chumo
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ruth Muendo
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linda Oloo
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maryann Wanjau
- Community Engagement Associate, UNICEF, Greater Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth Mwaniki
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maurice Mutisya
- African Population and Health Research Center, APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emma Haycraft
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Hughes
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Griffiths
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Elsey
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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Hoffmann V, Simiyu S, Sewell DK, Tsai K, Cumming O, Mumma J, Baker KK. Milk Product Safety and Household Food Hygiene Influence Bacterial Contamination of Infant Food in Peri-Urban Kenya. Front Public Health 2022; 9:772892. [PMID: 35211451 PMCID: PMC8861079 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.772892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Milk is a common infant food in peri-urban Kenya that can transmit diarrhea-causing enteric pathogens. Little is known about how contamination of milk at point of purchase and household handling of milk-based infant foods contribute to infant exposure to enteric pathogens. Objective To compare the prevalence and concentrations of bacterial indicator organisms and enteric pathogens in unpackaged, fresh pasteurized, and ultra-high temperature (UHT) treated milk at purchase and assess the influence of the type of milk used to prepare infant food on contamination of this food. Methods Paired samples of purchased milk and infant food prepared with this milk were obtained from 188 households in low-income neighborhoods in Kisumu, Kenya. Samples were cultured on selective media to isolate Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp., Klebsiella aerogenes, Proteus spp., and Escherichia coli, with pathogens validated by PCR. Probability of detection of these bacteria was compared by milk product treatment and packaging method, and between milk at point of purchase vs. food at point of infant consumption. Results Unpackaged milk was most contaminated at point of purchase, but bacterial contamination was also present in pasteurized and UHT milk at purchase. Presence of bacteria in UHT and fresh pasteurized milk at purchase predicted presence of the same bacteria type in infant food. Prevalence of bacterial contamination and concentration level for bacterial indicators generally increased between point of purchase and consumption in UHT and fresh pasteurized milk-based food but decreased in unpackaged milk-based food. Prevalence of the four fecal bacteria were similar in infant foods prepared with each type of milk. Conclusion Both pre-market contamination and post-purchase handling influence the likelihood of infants ingesting foods contaminated by diarrheal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Hoffmann
- Markets Trade and Institutions Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Daniel K Sewell
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kevin Tsai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Mumma
- Department of Community Nutrition, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Freeman MC, Ellis AS, Ogutu EA, Caruso BA, Linabarger M, Micek K, Muga R, Girard AW, Wodnik BK, Jacob Arriola K. Impact of a demand-side integrated WASH and nutrition community-based care group intervention on behavioural change: a randomised controlled trial in western Kenya. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002806. [PMID: 33234528 PMCID: PMC7689101 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growth shortfalls and diarrhoeal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low-income settings. Due to the multifaceted causes of undernutrition and the identified limitations of siloed nutrition programmes, improving the delivery of integrated water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and nutrition programming could improve child health. METHODS We conducted a cluster randomised trial in western Kenya to assess the impact on household behaviours of a novel, theory-informed and integrated WASH and nutrition intervention delivered through care groups as compared with the standard care group approach. We developed an intervention targeting practices relating to food hygiene, mealtime and feeding, and compound cleanliness, each using various behavioural change techniques to influence the uptake of targeted behaviours. Prespecified behavioural outcomes were verified through direct observation, 24 hours recall, and self-reported picture-based methods. RESULTS Compared with control households, a greater proportion of intervention households had a hygienic food preparation area (Risk double difference (RDD) 0.81, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.96), had stored food hygienically (RDD 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.00), had a functional handwashing station (RDD 0.64, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.74), provided a safe space for their child to play (RDD 0.73, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.96), and who fed their children thickened porridge (RDD 0.56, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.63) at endline. The proportion of children 6-24 months in intervention households consuming a sufficient diversity of foods (RDD 0.81, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.04) was higher than in control households; however, there was a non-significant increase in the percentage of pregnant and lactating women receiving an adequate diversity of foods in their diets (RDD 0.86, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.05) among intervention compared with control households at endline. CONCLUSION Our integrated WASH and nutrition intervention resulted in important changes in behaviours. This theory-informed intervention could be added to existing care group programmes to considerable advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Freeman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA .,Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna S Ellis
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily Awino Ogutu
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bethany A Caruso
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Molly Linabarger
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katie Micek
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard Muga
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Uzima University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amy Webb Girard
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Breanna K Wodnik
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kimberly Jacob Arriola
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Mumma J, Simiyu S, Aseyo E, Anderson J, Czerniewska A, Allen E, Dreibelbis R, Baker KK, Cumming O. The Safe Start trial to assess the effect of an infant hygiene intervention on enteric infections and diarrhoea in low-income informal neighbourhoods of Kisumu, Kenya: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:1066. [PMID: 31856747 PMCID: PMC6923833 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4657-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptomatic and asymptomatic enteric infections in early childhood are associated with negative effects on childhood growth and development, especially in low and middle-income countries, and food may be an important transmission route. Although basic food hygiene practices might reduce exposure to faecal pathogens and resulting infections, there have been few rigorous interventions studies to assess this, and no studies in low income urban settings where risks are plausibly very high. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a novel infant food hygiene intervention on infant enteric infections and diarrhoea in peri-urban settlements of Kisumu, Kenya. METHODS This is a cluster randomized control trial with 50 clusters, representing the catchment areas of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), randomly assigned to intervention or control, and a total of 750 infants recruited on a rolling basis at 22 weeks of age and then followed for 15 weeks. The intervention targeted four key caregiver behaviours related to food hygiene: 1) hand washing with soap before infant food preparation and feeding; 2) bringing all infant food to the boil before feeding, including when reheating or reserving; 3) storing all infant food in sealed containers; and, 4) using only specific utensils for infant feeding which are kept separate and clean. RESULTS The primary outcome of interest is the prevalence of one or more of 23 pre-specified enteric infections, determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for enteric pathogen gene targets. In addition, infant food samples were collected at 33 weeks, and faecal indicator bacteria (Enterococcus) isolated and enumerated to assess the impact of the intervention on infant food contamination. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of an infant food hygiene intervention on enteric infections in a high burden, low income urban setting. Our trial responds to growing evidence that food may be a key pathway for early childhood enteric infection and disease and that basic food hygiene behaviours may be able to mitigate these risks. The Safe Start trial seeks to provide new evidence as to whether a locally appropriate infant food hygiene intervention delivered through the local health extension system can improve the health of young children. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered at clinicaltrial.gov on March 16th 2018 before enrolment of any participants (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03468114).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Mumma
- Center of Research, Great Lakes University Kisumu, P.O. Box 2224-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Sheillah Simiyu
- Urbanisation and Well Being Unit, African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Evalyne Aseyo
- Center of Research, Great Lakes University Kisumu, P.O. Box 2224-40100, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John Anderson
- Independent Research Consultant, TX78702, Austin, USA
| | - Alexandra Czerniewska
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Allen
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Robert Dreibelbis
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Kelly K. Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52333 USA
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
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