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Calderón-Villarreal A, Avelar Portillo LJ, Abramovitz D, Goldenberg S, Flanigan S, Quintana PJE, Harvey-Vera A, Vera CF, Rangel G, Strathdee SA, Kayser GL. Water, sanitation, and hygiene access among people who inject drugs in Tijuana and San Diego in 2020-2021: a cross-sectional study. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:79. [PMID: 38644494 PMCID: PMC11034064 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access is critical to public health and human dignity. People who inject drugs (PWID) experience stigma and structural violence that may limit WASH access. Few studies have assessed WASH access, insecurity, and inequities among PWID. We describe WASH access, social and geographic inequalities, and factors associated with WASH insecurity among PWID in the Tijuana-San Diego metropolitan area. METHODS In this cross-sectional binational study, we interviewed PWID (age 18+) in 2020-2021 about WASH access and insecurity. City of residence (Tijuana/San Diego) and housing status were considered as independent variables to describe key WASH access outcomes and to assess as factors associated with WASH insecurity outcomes. Measures of association between outcomes and independent variables were assessed using log modified-Poisson regression models adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Of 586 PWID (202 Tijuana; 384 San Diego), 89% reported basic access to drinking water, 38% had basic hand hygiene, 28% basic sanitation, and 46% access to bathing, and 38% reported recent open defecation. Participants residing in Tijuana reported significantly higher insecurity in accessing basic drinking water (aRR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.02-2.76), basic hygiene (aRR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.28-1.64), and bathing (aRR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.06-1.39) than those living in San Diego. Participants experiencing unsheltered homelessness experienced significantly higher insecurity in accessing basic drinking water (aRR: 2.03, 95%CI: 1.07-3.86), basic sanitation (aRR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.48, 1.92), bathing (aRR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.52-2.22), and improved water sources for cleaning wounds (aRR: 3.12, 95%CI: 1.55-6.29) and for preparing drugs (aRR: 2.58, 95%CI: 1.36-4.89) than participants living in permanent housing. CONCLUSION WASH access among PWID in the Tijuana-San Diego metropolitan area was low by international standards and lower than the national averages in both countries. Homelessness was significantly associated with WASH insecurity in this population. Concentrated efforts are needed to guarantee continuously available WASH services for PWID-especially those who are unsheltered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhelí Calderón-Villarreal
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, USA.
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, California, USA.
| | - Lourdes Johanna Avelar Portillo
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Global Health, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Shira Goldenberg
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Shawn Flanigan
- School of Public Affairs, SDSU, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Penelope J E Quintana
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Alicia Harvey-Vera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
- Universidad de Xochicalco, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Carlos F Vera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
- Border Health Commission, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Georgia L Kayser
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Crocker J, Ogutu EA, Snyder J, Freeman MC. The state of reporting context and implementation in peer-reviewed evaluations of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions: A scoping review. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 259:114363. [PMID: 38604106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To accurately assess evidence from environmental and public health field trials, context and implementation details of the intervention must be weighed with trial results; yet these details are under and inconsistently reported for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), limiting the external validity of the evidence. METHODS To quantify the level of reporting of context and implementation in WASH evaluations, we conducted a scoping review of the 40 most cited evaluations of WASH interventions published in the last 10 years (2012-2022). We applied criteria derived from a review of existing reporting guidance from other sectors including healthcare and implementation science. We subsequently reviewed main articles, supplements, protocols, and other associated resources to assess thoroughness of context and implementation reporting. RESULTS Of the final 25 reporting items we searched for, four-intervention name, approach, location, and temporality-were reported by all studies. Five items-theory, implementer qualifications, dose intensity, targeting, and measured fidelity-were not reported in over a third of reviewed articles. Only two studies (5%) reported all items in our checklist. Only 74% of items were found in the main article, while the rest were found in separate papers (7%) or not at all (19%). DISCUSSION Inconsistent reporting of WASH implementation illustrates a major challenge in the sector. It is difficult to know what interventions are actually being evaluated and how to compare evaluation results. This inconsistent and incomplete implementation reporting limits the ability of programmers and policy makers to apply the available evidence to their contexts. Standardized reporting guidelines would improve the application of the evidence for WASH field evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonny Crocker
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Emily A Ogutu
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jedidiah Snyder
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew C Freeman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Regassa R, Belachew T, Duguma M, Tamiru D. Factors associated with stunting in under-five children with environmental enteropathy in slum areas of Jimma town, Ethiopia. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1335961. [PMID: 38650636 PMCID: PMC11034484 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1335961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stunting is a major public health issue with a significant influence on the health and development of children in low-income countries, where it affects up to 32% of children. Nutritional intake is impacted by alterations in intestinal permeability and underlying chronic inflammation, which hinder children's normal linear growth. Environmental enteropathy is a poorly understood condition with chronic intestinal inflammation. The purpose of this study was to identify the magnitude of stunting, change in growth, and factors associated with stunting and change in height for the age Z-score of children with an elevated lactulose-to-mannitol ratio. Methods An observational follow-up study was conducted to follow children with an elevated lactulose-to-mannitol ratio for changes in their linear growth. A lactulose-mannitol test was performed to identify children with elevated lactulose-to-mannitol ratios, indicative of environmental enteropathy. After a 1-year follow-up, anthropometry was repeated to assess their linear growth. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors for stunting in children with elevated lactulose-to-mannitol ratios. All tests were two-sided, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results The prevalence of stunting in children with an elevated L:M at baseline and end line was found to be 72.4% (95% CI: 60.3, 84.5) and 78.4% (95% CI: 66.7, 90.2), respectively. In a multivariate analysis, a low dietary diversity score (<4 food groups), presence of flies and insects in the toilet area, poor handwashing practices during a critical time, and MUAC z < -2 were significantly associated with stunting. Flies and insects in the toilet area and unsafe disposal of feces were significantly associated with changes in HAZ in children with elevated lactulose-to-mannitol ratios, an indicator of environmental enteropathy. Conclusion Most of the children with an elevated lactulose-to-mannitol ratio in the study population were stunted, and no significant change in their linear growth was observed after 1-year follow-up. Therefore, further investigation and urgent intervention are needed to prevent environmental enteropathy and stunting among under-five children in this community who are exposed to very poor sanitary conditions and other risk factors for malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rediet Regassa
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Belachew
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Markos Duguma
- Jimma University Laboratory of Drug Quality (JuLaDQ) and School of Pharmacy, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Dessalegn Tamiru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Galli A, Ma'ani Abuzahra Y, Bänziger C, Ballo A, Friedrich MND, Gross K, Harter M, Hattendorf J, Peter M, Tamas A, Owen BN, Winkler MS. Assessing the Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Intervention on Hand Hygiene and Well-Being in Primary Health Care Centers and Schools Lacking Functional Water Supply in Protracted Conflict Settings: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52959. [PMID: 38569182 PMCID: PMC11024751 DOI: 10.2196/52959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand hygiene is crucial in health care centers and schools to avoid disease transmission. Currently, little is known about hand hygiene in such facilities in protracted conflict settings. OBJECTIVE This protocol aims to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent hand hygiene intervention on handwashing behavior, underlying behavioral factors, and the well-being of health care workers and students. Moreover, we report our methodology and statistical analysis plan transparently. METHODS This is a cluster randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel arms taking place in 4 countries for 1 year. In Burkina Faso and Mali, we worked in 24 primary health care centers per country, whereas in Nigeria and Palestine, we focused on 26 primary schools per country. Facilities were eligible if they were not connected to a functioning water source but were deemed accessible to the implementation partners. Moreover, health care centers were eligible if they had a maternity ward and ≥5 employees, and schools if they had ≤7000 students studying in grades 5 to 7. We used covariate-constrained randomization to assign intervention facilities that received a hardware, management and monitoring support, and behavior change. Control facilities will receive the same or improved intervention after endline data collection. To evaluate the intervention, at baseline and endline, we used a self-reported survey, structured handwashing observations, and hand-rinse samples. At follow-up, hand-rinse samples were dropped. Starting from the intervention implementation, we collected longitudinal data on hygiene-related health conditions and absenteeism. We also collected qualitative data with focus group discussions and interviews. Data were analyzed descriptively and with random effect regression models with the random effect at a cluster level. The primary outcome for health centers is the handwashing rate, defined as the number of times health care workers performed good handwashing practice with soap or alcohol-based handrub at one of the World Health Organization 5 moments for hand hygiene, divided by the number of moments for hand hygiene that presented themselves during the patient interaction within an hour of observation. For schools, the primary outcome is the number of students who washed their hands before eating. RESULTS The baseline data collection across all countries lasted from February to June 2023. We collected data from 135 and 174 health care workers in Burkina Faso and Mali, respectively. In Nigeria, we collected data from 1300 students and in Palestine from 1127 students. The endline data collection began in February 2024. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first studies investigating hand hygiene in primary health care centers and schools in protracted conflict settings. With our strong study design, we expect to support local policy makers and humanitarian organizations in developing sustainable agendas for hygiene promotion. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05946980 (Burkina Faso and Mali); https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05946980 and NCT05964478 (Nigeria and Palestine); https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05964478. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52959.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Galli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yaman Ma'ani Abuzahra
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Occupied Palestinian Territory
| | - Carola Bänziger
- Institute for Ecopreneurship, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Aboubacar Ballo
- WASH Regional Department Africa, Terre des hommes, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Karin Gross
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jan Hattendorf
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maryna Peter
- Institute for Ecopreneurship, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Muttenz, Switzerland
| | | | - Branwen N Owen
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mirko S Winkler
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Lewis R, Scott R, Bala B, Jahan H, Bartram J, Radu T. Household water use and greywater management in Khulna city, Bangladesh. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 259:114376. [PMID: 38569415 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
While substantial progress has been made in improving water and sanitation services in low- and middle-income countries, aligned basic services such as greywater, stormwater, and solid waste management have progressed little in recent decades. Data was collected in Khulna city, Bangladesh via a household survey (n = 192) of low-income areas exploring domestic water use and greywater volumes, characteristics, and disposal practices. Most households (71%) use a piped water supply for domestic purposes, supplemented by seasonal rainwater harvesting (26%) and greywater use (13%). Of the total water used by households (mean: 594 L/household/day and equivalent to 116 L/person/day), approximately 58% becomes greywater through bathing, dishwashing, religious practices, handwashing, laundry, and mopping. Greywater produced ranges from 61-1274 L/household/day, with a mean of 345 L/household/day and equivalent to 78.4 L/person/day. Greywater characteristics vary depending on the activity, individual behaviours and any products used during cooking, bathing, or cleaning. After generation, households dispose greywater to open drains (67%), nearby waterbodies (17%) directly to the ground (9%), or decentralised wastewater treatment system (7%). Without services for greywater management, greywater disposal may have considerable public and environmental health implications, necessitating careful attention and oversight from service-providers and stakeholders beyond the household-level.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lewis
- School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - R Scott
- School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - B Bala
- WaterAid Bangladesh, House 97B, Road 25, Block A, Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh.
| | - H Jahan
- WaterAid Bangladesh, House 97B, Road 25, Block A, Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh.
| | - J Bartram
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9D, UK.
| | - T Radu
- School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.
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Rice I, Opondo C, Nyesigomwe L, Ekude D, Magezi J, Kalanzi A, Kerac M, Hayes J, Robello M, Halfman S, DeLacey E. Children with disabilities lack access to nutrition, health and WASH services: A secondary data analysis. Matern Child Nutr 2024:e13642. [PMID: 38563355 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Malnutrition and disability are major global public health problems. Poor diets, inadequate access to nutrition/health services (NaHS), and poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) all increase the risk of malnutrition and infection. This leads to poor health outcomes, including disability. To better understand the relationship between these factors, we explored access to NaHS and household WASH and dietary adequacy among households with and without children with disabilities in Uganda. We used cross-sectional secondary data from 2021. Adjusted logistic regression was used to explore associations between disabilities, access to NaHS, WASH and dietary adequacy. Of the 6924 households, 4019 (57.9%) reported having access to necessary NaHS, with deworming and vaccination reported as both the most important and most difficult to access services. Access to services was lower for households with children with disabilities compared to those without, after adjusting for likely confounding factors (Odds ratio = 0.70; 95% CI 0.55-0.89, p = 0.003). There is evidence of an interaction between disability and WASH adequacy, with improved WASH adequacy associated with improved access to services, including for children with disabilities (interaction odds ratio = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.22, p = 0.012). The proportion of malnourished children was higher among households with children with disabilities than households without it (6.3% vs. 2.4% p < 0.001). There are concerning gaps in access to NaHS services in Uganda, with households with children with disabilities reporting worse access, particularly for those with low WASH adequacy. Improved and inclusive access to NaHS and WASH needs to be urgently prioritized, especially for children with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Rice
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of London, London, UK
| | - Charles Opondo
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Daniel Ekude
- Holt International-Uganda Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Marko Kerac
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of London, London, UK
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH), University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Emily DeLacey
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of London, London, UK
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive, & Child Health (MARCH), University of London, London, UK
- Holt International, Eugene, Oregon, USA
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Dyer CEF, Kalua K, Chisambi AB, Wand H, McManus H, Liu B, Kaldor JM, Vaz Nery S. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene ( WASH) Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Mass Drug Administration to Eliminate Trachoma as a Public Health Problem in Malawi. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2024; 31:127-133. [PMID: 36987395 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2194409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Following a national population-based trachoma survey in Malawi one round of azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA) was carried out, with a post-MDA impact survey showing TF prevalence below 5% and considered eliminated as a public health problem. However, active trachoma was still present in over 200 children. We assessed whether water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors were associated with ongoing presence of TF in children aged 1-9 years following MDA. METHODS A secondary analysis was performed on a sub-set of the post-MDA impact survey data for children aged 1-9 years. We used a logistic regression analysis, adjusted for clustering at the household and village level. RESULTS Among 16,142 children aged 1-9 years, 209 (1.3%) had TF after MDA. Factors associated with a significantly lower odds of TF after MDA were living in a household with a handwashing facility (aOR: 0.37) and living in a household where water for washing is located further away from the home (30 min away aOR: 0.39, p = .034, or more than 1 h away aOR: 0.31, p = .018) compared with water in the yard. CONCLUSION The inverse association between a domestic handwashing facility and TF is consistent with previous findings, but the association of increasing distance to collect water for washing with a reduced risk of TF was unexpected and may reflect the impact of drought and unmeasured behavioural factors related to water usage. A more comprehensive collection of sociodemographic and WASH factor information in population-based trachoma surveys will provide insight into achieving and maintaining low levels of trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E F Dyer
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Khumbo Kalua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Institute for Community Ophthalmology, Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alvin B Chisambi
- Blantyre Institute for Community Ophthalmology, Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hamish McManus
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bette Liu
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - John M Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susana Vaz Nery
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Poague KIHM, Blanford JI, Martínez JA, Anthonj C. Preparing schools for future pandemics: Insights on water, sanitation and hygiene solutions from the Brazilian school reopening policies. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 257:114325. [PMID: 38330729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Post-COVID-19, schools urgently need to enhance infection control and prevention (IPC) measures, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), to prepare for future outbreaks and pandemics. Particularly in Brazil, that is of particular concern, as students are still recovering from the 20th longest school closure in the world. Hence, the current study had two goals: (i) to describe WASH solutions outlined in policies released at the federal, state, and capital city levels in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic for the safe reopening of schools and (ii) to discuss their potential to enhance school's capacity to remain operational during a new pandemic or outbreak. With a qualitative exploratory approach, we performed content analysis to discuss the direction (what, where, how and for whom?) of 66 public policies by integrating four frameworks. Solutions were discussed in the light of the principles of human rights and the human rights to water and sanitation, international guidelines for WASH and IPC in schools and the Sphere minimum standards for humanitarian aid. One hundred and fifty-nine solutions, spanning five thematic areas and five population groups, including software and hardware interventions, were compiled for potential use in Brazil and beyond. While suggested solutions have the potential to provide a cleaner and safer learning environment, it is essential to exercise caution when implementing these measures and adapt them to the specific circumstances of each school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasandra I H M Poague
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation-ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Justine I Blanford
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation-ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Javier A Martínez
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation-ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen Anthonj
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation-ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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Sukwa N, Bosomprah S, Somwe P, Muyoyeta M, Mwape K, Chibesa K, Luchen CC, Silwamba S, Mulenga B, Munyinda M, Muzazu S, Chirwa M, Chibuye M, Simuyandi M, Chilengi R, Svennerholm AM. The Incidence and Risk Factors for Enterotoxigenic E. coli Diarrheal Disease in Children under Three Years Old in Lusaka, Zambia. Microorganisms 2024; 12:698. [PMID: 38674642 PMCID: PMC11051722 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) diarrhea. This was a prospective cohort study of children recruited in a household census. Children were enrolled if they were 36 months or below. A total of 6828 children were followed up passively for 12 months to detect episodes of ETEC diarrhea. Diarrheal stool samples were tested for ETEC using colony polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). Among the 6828 eligible children enrolled, a total of 1110 presented with at least one episode of diarrhea. The overall incidence of ETEC diarrhea was estimated as 2.47 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.10-2.92) episodes per 100 child years. Children who were HIV-positive (adjusted Hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.14 to 3.99; p = 0.017) and those whose source of drinking water was public tap/borehole/well (aHR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.48 to 4.06; p < 0.002) were at increased risk of ETEC diarrhea. This study found that children whose mothers have at least senior secondary school education (aHR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.83; p = 0.008) were at decreased risk of ETEC diarrhea. Our study emphasizes the need for integrated public health strategies focusing on water supply improvement, healthcare for persons living with HIV, and maternal education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nsofwa Sukwa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana
| | - Paul Somwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Monde Muyoyeta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Kapambwe Mwape
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Kennedy Chibesa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Charlie Chaluma Luchen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Suwilanji Silwamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Bavin Mulenga
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Masiliso Munyinda
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Seke Muzazu
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Masuzyo Chirwa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Mwelwa Chibuye
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Michelo Simuyandi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka P.O. Box 34681, Zambia; (N.S.); (P.S.); (M.M.); (K.M.); (K.C.); (C.C.L.); (S.S.); (B.M.); (M.M.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Ann-Mari Svennerholm
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden;
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Tadesse G, Wuletaw Y, Mekete K, Sime H, Yard E, Appleby L, Grimes J, Dejene N, Gardiner I, Kazienga A, Abbeddou S, French M, Levecke B, Drake L. Investigating the effect of a school-based WASH intervention on soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome infections and nutritional status of school children in Ethiopia: a quasi-experimental study. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:130. [PMID: 38486228 PMCID: PMC10938701 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06155-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health education on large-scale deworming programs aimed at controlling soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and schistosome (SCH) infections has not been well studied. We assessed the additional impact of improved WASH infrastructure and health education at schools on STH and SCH infections in Ethiopia. METHODS The study used a quasi-experimental design under which 30 schools were assigned to either an intervention (15 schools) or control (15 schools) arm. Both arms received a standard deworming treatment and lunch. In the intervention arm, improved WASH and health education were provided. At three consecutive time points (baseline in 2013, 2014 and 2015), the prevalence and intensity of STH and SCH infections and the nutritional status [hemoglobin concentrations and physical growth (height and weight)] were determined. To verify whether interventions were successfully implemented, the WASH status at school and the student knowledge, attitudes and practices related to WASH (WASH-KAP) were recorded. Differences in metrics between arms at baseline (2013) and follow-up (2015) were assessed both within and between the arms. RESULTS A significant increase in scores for both the school WASH and student KAP was found in the intervention arm, indicating successful implementation of the intervention. The prevalence of any STH infection was significantly reduced in the intervention arm but not in the control arm (F = 4.486, p = 0.034). There was a significantly greater reduction in the intensity of infection of hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides compared to baseline in both arms. The intervention did not affect school children's height-for-age z-score (intervention arm * time coef = 0.12, p = 0.400) and body mass index-for-age z-scores (intervention * time coef = - 0.06, p = 0.526). Hemoglobin concentrations increased significantly more in the control than the intervention arm (coef = - 0.16, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Although the intervention did increase school WASH and student WASH-KAP, our study found poor evidence of the additional benefit of improved WASH and health education to deworming and school food programs on parasite re-infection and the health outcomes of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemechu Tadesse
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Yonas Wuletaw
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Heven Sime
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Elodie Yard
- Partnership for Child Development, London, UK
| | | | - Jack Grimes
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Adama Kazienga
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Souheila Abbeddou
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Sule KC, Nakamura M, Parkhurst SM. Nuclear envelope budding: Getting large macromolecular complexes out of the nucleus. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300182. [PMID: 38044581 PMCID: PMC10843589 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Transport of macromolecules from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is essential for nearly all cellular and developmental events, and when mis-regulated, is associated with diseases, tumor formation/growth, and cancer progression. Nuclear Envelope (NE)-budding is a newly appreciated nuclear export pathway for large macromolecular machineries, including those assembled to allow co-regulation of functionally related components, that bypasses canonical nuclear export through nuclear pores. In this pathway, large macromolecular complexes are enveloped by the inner nuclear membrane, transverse the perinuclear space, and then exit through the outer nuclear membrane to release its contents into the cytoplasm. NE-budding is a conserved process and shares many features with nuclear egress mechanisms used by herpesviruses. Despite its biological importance and clinical relevance, little is yet known about the regulatory and structural machineries that allow NE-budding to occur in any system. Here we summarize what is currently known or proposed for this intriguing nuclear export process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C. Sule
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA 98109
| | - Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA 98109
| | - Susan M. Parkhurst
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA 98109
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12
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Kuempel CD, Thomas J, Wenger AS, Jupiter SD, Suárez-Castro AF, Nasim N, Klein CJ, Hoegh-Guldberg O. A spatial framework for improved sanitation to support coral reef conservation. Environ Pollut 2024; 342:123003. [PMID: 38040183 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are one of the most valuable yet threatened ecosystems in the world. Improving human wastewater treatment could reduce land-based impacts on coral reefs. However, information on the quantity and spatial distribution of human wastewater pollution is lacking. Here, we develop a spatial model linking residential human wastewater pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus/year) and conservation sectors [coral reefs] to better understand the relative differences in the distribution and efficacy of different sanitation services and their potential implications for conservation monitoring and management. We apply our model to Fiji, where ongoing initiatives and investments in wastewater treatment for human health could be leveraged to cost-effectively improve coral reef condition. We estimate that wastewater treatment plants account for nearly 80% of human wastewater nutrients released into surface waters. Wasterwater nutrient pollution is widespread, affecting 95% of reefs, but is concentrated across a few watersheds. Our spatially explicit approach can be used to better understand potential benefits and trade-offs between sanitation service improvements and coral reef health, helping to bridge the sanitation and conservation sectors as well as inform and prioritize on the ground action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin D Kuempel
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline Thomas
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Amelia S Wenger
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Program, Bronx, NY, USA; School of the Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Stacy D Jupiter
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Melanesia Program, 11 Ma'afu Street, Suva, Fiji
| | - Andrés F Suárez-Castro
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Nabeela Nasim
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Carissa J Klein
- School of the Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, QLD, Australia
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Nasr H, Al-Zumair M, Al-Mahbashi T, Dureab F. Factors associated with the cholera outbreak in Al-Mahweet-Yemen: Analytic Study. J Infect Dev Ctries 2024; 18:66-74. [PMID: 38377087 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.17571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of cholera in 2016 in Yemen, worsened the morbidity and mortality of diarrheal diseases, particularly among children under five. Multiple outbreaks in Yemen are triggered by years of conflict and the collapse of basic infrastructure including water supply and sanitation systems. This study aims to assess factors associated with the cholera outbreak, in a cholera-prone region, in Al-Mahweet, Yemen. METHODOLOGY We conducted a multivariate analysis of the data collected through a household survey of 384 households in Al-Mahweet, Yemen. RESULTS Families with children under five years, large households, and those living in Al Mahweet district were associated with a higher incidence of cholera. Water treatment by boiling, filtering, and chlorination as a protective practice against cholera showed a borderline significance, while other WASH practices including regular hand washing, open defection, safe water source, and improved sanitation facilities were statistically insignificant. Community awareness of cholera transmission and prevention measures showed no association with cholera incidence. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that living conditions, including large households and lack of access to treated water, increase the risk of cholera. Interventions to increase access to treated water and improve the hygienic conditions of large households are of central importance. Affected communities must receive effective educational campaigns that are adjusted to change hygienic practices and improve knowledge of cholera transmission and protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Nasr
- IRIA, Akkon-Hochschule für Humanwissenschaften, Berlin, 12099, Germany
| | - Marwah Al-Zumair
- IRIA, Akkon-Hochschule für Humanwissenschaften, Berlin, 12099, Germany
| | | | - Fekri Dureab
- IRIA, Akkon-Hochschule für Humanwissenschaften, Berlin, 12099, Germany
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Sahiledengle B, Mwanri L, Agho KE. Household environment associated with anaemia among children aged 6-59 months in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of Ethiopia demographic and health survey (2005-2016). BMC Public Health 2024; 24:315. [PMID: 38287295 PMCID: PMC10823679 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17780-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaemia continues to be a major public health challenge globally, including in Ethiopia. Previous studies have suggested that improved household environmental conditions may reduce anaemia prevalence; however, population-level evidence of this link is lacking in low-income countries. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between environmental factors and childhood anaemia in Ethiopia. METHODS In this study, we conducted an analysis of the data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), a nationally representative population-based survey conducted in Ethiopia between 2005 and 2016. The study included a total of 21,918 children aged 6-59 months. Children were considered anemic if their hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was less than 11.0 g/dl. To examine the association between environmental factors and anemia, we used multilevel mixed-effect models. These models allowed us to control for various confounding factors including: child, maternal, household and community-level variables. The study findings have been reported as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS The study found the overall prevalence of childhood anaemia to be 49.3% (95%CI: 48.7-49.9) between 2005 and 2016 in Ethiopia. The prevalence was 47.6% (95%CI: 46.1-49.1) in 2005, 42.8% (95%CI: 41.8-43.8) in 2011, and increased to 57.4% (95%CI: 56.3-58.4) in 2016. The pooled data showed that children from households practising open defecation were more likely to be anaemic (AOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.36). In our survey specify analysis, the odds of anaemia were higher among children from households practising open defecation (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.12-1.58) in the EDHS-2011 and EDHS-2016 (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13-1.90). In contrast, neither household water sources nor the time to obtain water was associated with anaemia after controlling for potential confounders. The other variables significantly associated with childhood anaemia include: the child's age (6-35 months), not fully vaccinated (AOR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.05-1.24), children not dewormed in the last 6 months (AOR: 1.11, 95%CI: 1.01-1.24), children born to mothers not working (AOR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.02-1.19), children from poor households (AOR: 1.18: 95%CI: 1.06-1.31), and rural residence (AOR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06-1.42). CONCLUSION In Ethiopia, about fifty percent of children suffer from childhood anemia, making it a serious public health issue. Open defecation is a major contributing factor to this scourge. To address this issue effectively, it is recommended to strengthen initiatives aimed at eliminating open defecation that involve various approaches, including sanitation infrastructure development, behavior change campaigns, and policy interventions. In addition, to reduce the burden of anemia in children, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, involving both prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biniyam Sahiledengle
- Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale-Goba, Ethiopia.
| | - Lillian Mwanri
- Research Centre for Public Health Research, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide Campus, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
- School of Medicine, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia
- African Vision Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa
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Thomson P, Stoler J, Byford M, Bradley DJ. The Impact of Rapid Handpump Repairs on Diarrhea Morbidity in Children: Cross-Sectional Study in Kwale County, Kenya. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e42462. [PMID: 38227359 PMCID: PMC10828938 DOI: 10.2196/42462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Handpumps are used by millions of people as their main source of water. Although handpumps represent only a basic form of water provision, there have been continuous efforts to improve the performance of these systems as they are likely to remain in use for many years to come. The introduction of a professional maintenance service in southern Kenya has shown an order of magnitude improvement in operational performance over community-based management, with 90% of handpump faults repaired within 3 days of being reported. One driver behind these efforts is the assumption that a more reliable water supply will lead to a reduction in water-related disease. However, it is not clear if operational improvements lead to health gains. Despite limited empirical evidence, some modeling studies suggest that even short periods of drinking contaminated water can lead to disproportionate negative health impacts. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess whether the improvements in operational performance from the rapid professional maintenance of rural handpumps lead to improved household health outcomes. METHODS From a sample of households using handpumps as their primary water source in Kwale County, Kenya, we measured the 2-week prevalence of World Health Organization-defined diarrhea in children, reported by the adult respondent for each household. We compared the rates before and after a period during which the households' handpumps were being professionally maintained. We then conducted a cross-sectional analysis, fitting logistic regression models with reported diarrhea as the dependent variable and speed of repair as the independent exposure of interest, adjusting for household socioeconomic characteristics; dwelling construction; and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)-related factors. We fitted an additional model to examine select interactions between covariates. RESULTS Reported diarrhea in children was lower in households whose pumps had been repaired within 24 hours (adjusted odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.24-0.51). This effect was robust to the inclusion of multiple categories of covariates. No reduction was seen in households whose pump repairs took more than 24 hours. Analysis of interaction terms showed that certain interventions associated with improved WASH outcomes were only associated with reductions in diarrhea in conjunction with socioeconomic improvements. CONCLUSIONS Only pump repairs consistently made within 24 hours of failure led to a reduction in diarrhea in the children of families using handpumps. While the efficacy of reduction in diarrhea is substantial, the operational challenges of guaranteeing same-day repairs limits the effectiveness of even best-in-class pump maintenance. Maintenance regimes that cannot bring handpump downtimes close to zero will struggle to generate health benefits. Other factors that reduce diarrhea prevalence have limited effect in isolation, suggesting that WASH interventions will be more effective when undertaken as part of more holistic poverty-reduction efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Thomson
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Stoler
- Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - David J Bradley
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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16
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McAlister MM, Namakula P, Annis J, Mihelcic JR, Zhang Q. Rural Sanitation Sustainability Dynamics: Gaining Insight through Participatory and Simulation Modeling. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:400-409. [PMID: 38113387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Improved sanitation provides many benefits to human health and well-being and is integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six. However, many nations, including most of sub-Saharan Africa, are not on track to meeting sanitation targets. Recognizing the inherent complexity of environmental health, we used systems thinking to study sanitation sustainability in Uganda. Our study participants, 37 sanitation actors in three rural districts, were engaged in interviews, group model building workshops, and a survey. The resulting model was parametrized and calibrated using publicly available data and data collected through the Uganda Sanitation for Health Activity. Our simulations revealed slippage from improved sanitation in all study districts, a behavior reflected in real interventions. This implies that systemic changes-changes to the rules and relationships in the system-may be required to improve sanitation outcomes in this context. Adding reinforcing feedback targeting households' perceived value of sanitation yielded promising simulation results. We conclude with the following general recommendations for those designing sanitation policies or interventions: (1) conceptualize sanitation systems in terms of reinforcing and balancing feedback, (2) consider using participatory and simulation modeling to build confidence in these conceptual models, and (3) design many experiments (e.g., simulation scenarios) to test and improve understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M McAlister
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Patricia Namakula
- Tetra Tech, USAID Uganda Sanitation for Health Activity, Plot 12A, Farady Road, Tetra Tech, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jonathan Annis
- Tetra Tech, USAID Uganda Sanitation for Health Activity, Plot 12A, Farady Road, Tetra Tech, Kampala, Uganda
| | - James R Mihelcic
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
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Mathew P, Chandy SJ, Sivaraman S, Ranjalkar J, Ali HM, Thomas SA. Formulating a Community-Centric Indicator Framework to Quantify One Health Drivers of Antibiotic Resistance: A Preliminary Step towards Fostering 'Antibiotic-Smart Communities'. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:63. [PMID: 38247622 PMCID: PMC10812418 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is increasing the mortality and morbidity associated with infectious diseases, besides increasing the cost of healthcare, saturating health system capacity, and adversely affecting food security. Framing an appropriate narrative and engaging local communities through the 'One Health' approach is essential to complement top-down measures. However, the absence of objective criteria to measure the performance of ABR interventions in community settings makes it difficult to mobilize interest and investment for such interventions. An exercise was therefore carried out to develop an indicator framework for this purpose. A comprehensive list of indicators was developed from experiences gathered through community engagement work in a local panchayat (small administrative area) in Kerala, India and a consultative process with health, veterinary, environment, and development experts. A prioritization exercise was carried out by global experts on ABR, looking at appropriateness, feasibility, and validity. A 15-point indicator framework was designed based on the prioritization process. The final set of indicators covers human health, animal health, environment management, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) domains. The indicator framework was piloted in the panchayat (located in Kerala), which attained a score of 34 (maximum 45). The score increased when interventions were implemented to mitigate the ABR drives, indicating that the framework is sensitive to change. The indicator framework was tested in four sites from three other Indian states with different socioeconomic and health profiles, yielding different scores. Those collecting the field data were able to use the framework with minimal training. It is hoped that, this indicator framework can help policymakers broadly understand the factors contributing to ABR and measure the performance of interventions they choose to implement in the community as part of National Action Plan on AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Mathew
- ReAct Asia Pacific, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India; (P.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Sujith J. Chandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Satya Sivaraman
- ReAct Asia Pacific, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India; (P.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Jaya Ranjalkar
- ReAct Asia Pacific, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India; (P.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Hyfa Mohammed Ali
- ReAct Asia Pacific, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India; (P.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.A.T.)
| | - Shruthi Anna Thomas
- ReAct Asia Pacific, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, Tamil Nadu, India; (P.M.); (S.S.); (H.M.A.); (S.A.T.)
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18
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Wang T, Zheng AX, Li P, Tang T, Zhang LP, Hong Y, Hong X, Deng ZH. FAM21 interacts with Ku to promote the localization of WASH to DNA double strand break sites. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 133:103603. [PMID: 38029687 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic FAM21 works as a guiding protein in Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein and SCAR Homolog (WASH) complex by linking WASH complex to endosomes through its interaction with retromer. Recently, we have reported that nuclear WASH localizes to DNA double strand break (DSB) sites to promote DNA repair through non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). However, whether FAM21, the close partner of WASH, is involved in the nuclear WASH localization and DNA repair remains to be clarified. Here, we show that FAM21 interacts with Ku and the interaction between C-terminal FAM21 and Ku is essential for its recruitment to DSB sites. Moreover, FAM21 depletion led to decreases in WASH recruitment to damaged DNA and repair capacity upon DNA damage. Taken together, these results reveal that FAM21 promotes DNA repair by orchestrating the recruitment of WASH to DSB sites, providing a mechanistic insight into WASH-dependent DNA DSB repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, China.
| | - Ai-Xue Zheng
- Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, China
| | - Ping Li
- Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, China
| | - Tuo Tang
- Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, China
| | - Lu-Ping Zhang
- Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, China
| | - Yu Hong
- Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, China
| | - Xian Hong
- Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Deng
- Laboratory of Protein Structure and Function, Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, China.
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19
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Tshuma M, Belle JA, Ncube A, Nyam YS, Orimoloye IR. Building resilience to hazards in the water, sanitation, and hygiene ( WASH) systems: a global review. Int J Environ Health Res 2024; 34:466-478. [PMID: 36519285 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2153809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Building the resilience of communities is essential in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Scientific research is crucial in identifying gaps in the development of WASH systems and the management of WASH-related hazards . The main purpose of this paper was to analyze the global research evolution on resilience and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) between the period 2003 and 2021. Bibliometric analysis was done through the analysis of research articles from the Web of Science and Scopus using R Package software A total of 110 articles were generated from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The study revealed that there was very little research on WASH from 2003 to 2010 and a steady increase from 2011 to 2018 and a sharp increase from 2019 to 2020 with a slight drop in 2021. This paper, therefore, recommends more focused scientific research on WASH issues in Africa and Southern Africa in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tshuma
- DiMTEC, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - J A Belle
- DiMTEC, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - A Ncube
- DiMTEC, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Y S Nyam
- DiMTEC, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - I R Orimoloye
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
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20
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Im J, Islam MT, Ahmmed F, Kim DR, Tadesse BT, Kang S, Khanam F, Chowdhury F, Ahmed T, Firoj MG, Aziz AB, Hoque M, Jeon HJ, Kanungo S, Dutta S, Zaman K, Khan AI, Marks F, Kim JH, Qadri F, Clemens JD. Do Oral Cholera Vaccine and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Combine to Provide Greater Protection Against Cholera? Results From a Cluster-Randomized Trial of Oral Cholera Vaccine in Kolkata, India. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad701. [PMID: 38274552 PMCID: PMC10810060 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Oral cholera vaccine (OCV) and incremental improvements in household water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) within cholera-endemic areas can reduce cholera risk. However, we lack empiric evaluation of their combined impact. Methods We evaluated a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled trial of OCV (Shanchol) in Kolkata, India. The study population included 108 777 individuals, and 106 879 nonpregnant individuals >1 year of age were eligible to receive 2 doses of OCV or placebo. We measured cholera risk in all household members assigned to OCV vs placebo and in all members of households with "Better" vs "Not Better" WASH, where WASH was classified according to validated criteria. Protection was measured by Cox proportional hazard models. Results Residence in an OCV household was associated with protective effectiveness (PE) of 54% (95% CI, 42%-64%; P < .001) and was similar regardless of Better (PE, 57%; 95% CI, 26%-75%; P = .002) or Not Better (PE, 53%; 95% CI, 40%-64%; P < .001) household WASH. Better WASH household residence was associated with PE of 30% (95% CI, 5%-48%; P = .023) and was similar in OCV (PE, 24%; 95% CI, -26% to 54%; P = .293) and placebo (PE, 29%; 95% CI, -3% to 51%; P = .069) households. When assessed conjointly, residence in OCV households with Better WASH was associated with the greatest PE against cholera at 69% (95% CI, 49%-81%; P < .001). Conclusions These findings suggest that the combination of a vaccine policy and improved WASH reduces cholera risk more than either would alone, although the magnitude of either intervention was not affected by the other. Future randomized trials investigating OCV and WASH interventions separately and together are recommended to further understand the interaction between OCV and WASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Im
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Taufiqul Islam
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Faisal Ahmmed
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Deok Ryun Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sophie Kang
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Farhana Khanam
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahima Chowdhury
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnuva Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Golam Firoj
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Masuma Hoque
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Hyon Jin Jeon
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Suman Kanungo
- ICMR–National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - Shanta Dutta
- ICMR–National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - Khalequ Zaman
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Florian Marks
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Madagascar Institute for Vaccine Research, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jerome H Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - John D Clemens
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Vaccine Innovation Center, School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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21
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Plesons M, Torondel B, Caruso BA, Hennegan J, Sommer M, Haver J, Keiser D, van Eijk AM, Zulaika G, Mason L, Phillips-Howard PA. Research priorities for improving menstrual health across the life-course in low- and middle-income countries. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2279396. [PMID: 38010372 PMCID: PMC10795652 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2279396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on menstrual health is required to understand menstrual needs and generate solutions to improve health, wellbeing, and productivity. The identification of research priorities will help inform where to invest efforts and resources. OBJECTIVES To identify research priorities for menstrual health across the life-course, in consultation with a range of stakeholder groups from a variety of geographic regions, and to identify if menstrual health research priorities varied by expertise. METHODS A modified version of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach was utilized to reach consensus on a set of research priorities. Multisector stakeholders with menstrual health expertise, identified through networks and the literature, were invited to submit research questions through an online survey. Responses were consolidated, and individuals were invited to rank these questions based on novelty, potential for intervention, and importance/impact. Research priority scores were calculated and evaluated by participants' characteristics. RESULTS Eighty-two participants proposed 1135 research questions, which were consolidated into 94 unique research questions. The mean number of questions did not differ between low- and middle-income country (LMIC) and high-income country (HIC) participants, but significantly more questions were raised by participants with expertise in mental health and WASH. Sixty-six participants then ranked these questions. The top ten-ranked research questions included four on 'understanding the problem', four on 'designing and implementing interventions', one on 'integrating and scaling up', and one on 'measurement'. Indicators for the measurement of adequate menstrual health over time was ranked the highest priority by all stakeholders. Top ten-ranked research questions differed between academics and non-academics, and between participants from HICs and LMICs, reflecting differences in needs and knowledge gaps. CONCLUSIONS A list of ranked research priorities was generated through a consultative process with stakeholders across LMICs and HICs which can inform where to invest efforts and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Plesons
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Belen Torondel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bethany A. Caruso
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julie Hennegan
- Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marni Sommer
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Haver
- School Health and Nutrition, Department of Education and Children Protection, Save the Children US, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Anna M. van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Garazi Zulaika
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Linda Mason
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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22
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Arowosegbe AO, Dedeke IO, Shittu OB, Ojo DA, Amusan JS, Iwaloye O, Ekpo UF. Can Clean Delivery Kits Prevent Infections? Lessons from Traditional Birth Attendants in Nigeria. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:85. [PMID: 38077261 PMCID: PMC10705026 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In resource-poor settings, perinatal infections contribute significantly to maternal and neonatal deaths, and the use of clean delivery kits (CDKs) has been proposed as a tool to reduce the risk of infection-related deaths. This study aims to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of CDKs in preventing infections in deliveries attended by traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Methods The study was a cluster-randomized trial with 67 birth centres/clusters, 453 births/mothers, and 457 babies randomized to intervention or control arms; intervention involved supplementation of delivery with JANMA CDKs. Interviews were conducted at the birth homes, and the primary outcomes were neonatal infection and puerperal fever. The association between infection and perinatal risk factors was tested using the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results CDKs were well accepted by TBAs. The incidence of puerperal fever and neonatal infection was 1.1% and 11.2%, respectively. Concurrent infection was found in 1 (0.22%) of the mother-neonate pair. There was no significant association between any of the sociodemographic factors and infection for both mothers and neonates. PROM and prolonged labour were significantly associated with puerperal infection. All mothers with puerperal fever were from the control group. Compared to the control group, the relative risk of puerperal infection and neonatal infection in the intervention group was 0.08 (0.004 -1.35, p = 0.079) and 0.64 (0.37 to 1.1, p = 0.10), respectively. Conclusion CDKs hold promising results in attenuating maternal infections in resource-poor settings. Larger studies with greater statistical power are required to establish statistically reliable information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olufunke Bolatito Shittu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - David Ajiboye Ojo
- Department of Microbiology, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Joy Stephen Amusan
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Opeoluwa Iwaloye
- Department of Microbiology, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Uwemedimo Friday Ekpo
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
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23
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Almansa X, Starostka R, Raskin L, Zeeman G, De Los Reyes F, Waechter J, Yeh D, Radu T. Anaerobic Digestion as a Core Technology in Addressing the Global Sanitation Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:19078-19087. [PMID: 37956995 PMCID: PMC10702437 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Successfully addressing the complex global sanitation problem is a massive undertaking. Anaerobic digestion (AD), coupled with post-treatment, has been identified as a promising technology to contribute to meeting this goal. It offers multiple benefits to the end users, such as the potential inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in waste and the recovery of resources, including renewable energy and nutrients. This feature article provides an overview of the most frequently applied AD systems for decentralized communities and low- and lower-middle-income countries with an emphasis on sanitation, including technologies for which pathogen inactivation was considered during the design. Challenges to AD use are then identified, such as experience, economics, knowledge/training of personnel and users, and stakeholder analysis. Finally, accelerators for AD implementation are noted, such as the inclusion of field studies in academic journals, analysis of emerging contaminants, the use of sanitation toolboxes and life cycle assessment in design, incorporation of artificial intelligence in monitoring, and expansion of undergraduate and graduate curricula focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renata Starostka
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lutgarde Raskin
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Grietje Zeeman
- Wageningen
University & Research, Wageningen, 6708PB, The Netherlands
| | - Francis De Los Reyes
- Department
of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7908, United
States
| | | | - Daniel Yeh
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Tanja Radu
- School
of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, United
Kingdom
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24
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Caplan N, Sanka BC, Mulat A, Brener DT, Baum S, Seifu A, Kesete NZ, Bruck M, Wohlgemuth LG, Debela MM, Weekes RB, Sabar G, Bentwich Z, Golan R. Motivating school communities towards behavior change and local ownership: a gamification intervention to prevent trachoma at primary schools in southern Ethiopia. Int Health 2023; 15:ii38-ii43. [PMID: 38048382 PMCID: PMC10695423 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethiopia alone carries 49% of the global burden of trachoma, associated with a lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and poor health practices. The aim of this study was to examine whether gamification among schoolchildren and promotion of local ownership of school WASH is associated with healthy behaviors and WASH infrastructure improvements. METHODS Application of the Accelerate gamification intervention for elimination of trachoma, with an emphasis on gamification among schoolchildren and community involvement in motivating face-washing, handwashing and functional use of latrines, was undertaken. RESULTS The study was conducted over 9 mo in 223 rural schools from six districts within the intervention area, reaching 93 518 schoolchildren. At baseline, students were observed washing their hands after using latrines in 23 (10.3%) schools. This increased to 132 (59%) schools (p≤0.001) at follow-up. The number of latrines increased from 585 at baseline to 594 at follow-up (p=0.031). The availability of handwashing stations in schools increased from 31 (13.9%) with water access (8%) and soap (5%) to 155 (69.5%) schools with handwashing stations with water access in 153 (98.7%) (p<0.001) and soap in 121 (78%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Motivational strategies such as gamification among schoolchildren and promotion of local ownership of school WASH may be associated with healthy behaviors and WASH infrastructure improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Caplan
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
| | - Bharat C Sanka
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10012, USA
| | - Asmro Mulat
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
| | | | - Sarit Baum
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
| | - Azeb Seifu
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
| | | | - Michal Bruck
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
| | - Leah G Wohlgemuth
- Sightsavers International address is 35 Perrymount Road Haywards Heath, RH16 3BW, UK
| | - Melaku M Debela
- Sightsavers International address is 35 Perrymount Road Haywards Heath, RH16 3BW, UK
| | - Reut Barak Weekes
- Glocal, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus 91905 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Galia Sabar
- Department of Middle Eastern and African History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo P.O. Box 39040, Israel
| | - Zvi Bentwich
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
- Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva P.O. Box 653, Israel
| | - Rachel Golan
- NALA, Carlebach 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6713224, Israel
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva P.O. Box 653, Israel
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25
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Olamiju F, Isiyaku S, Olobio N, Mogaji H, Achu I, Muhammad N, Boyd S, Bakhtiari A, Ebenezer A, Jimenez C, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Mpyet CD. Prevalence of Trachoma following Implementation of the SAFE Strategy in Three Local Government Areas of Taraba State, North Eastern Nigeria. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:619-627. [PMID: 35353025 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2045025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2019-2020, one round of antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) was implemented for trachoma elimination purposes in Donga, Gashaka, and Ussa local government areas (LGAs) of Taraba State, Nigeria, following baseline surveys in 2009 (Donga and Gashaka) and 2013-2014 (Ussa). Here, trachoma prevalence post-MDA in these three LGAs is reported. METHODS In 2019 (Gashaka and Ussa) and 2020 (Donga), population-based, cross-sectional surveys were conducted following World Health Organization (WHO) guidance. A two-stage cluster sampling strategy was used. All residents of selected households aged ≥1 year were examined by Tropical Data-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) using the WHO simplified trachoma grading scheme. Data on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access were also collected. RESULTS A total of 1,883 households participated. From these households, 4,885 children aged 1-9 years were enumerated, and 4,866 (99.6%) examined. There were 5,050 eligible adults (aged ≥15 years) enumerated in the same households, of whom 4,888 (96.8%) were examined. Age-adjusted TF prevalence in children aged 1-9 years was 0.22% (95% CI: 0.00-0.65) in Donga, 0.0% in Gashaka, and 0.19% (95% CI: 0.00-0.44) in Ussa. The age- and gender-adjusted TT prevalence unknown to the health system in adults aged ≥15 years was 0.08% (95% CI: 0.00-0.19) in Donga, 0.02% (95% CI: 0.00-0.06) in Gashaka, and 0.10% (95% CI: 0.01-0.18) in Ussa. In Donga, Gashaka, and Ussa, respectively, 66%, 49% and 63% of households had access to an improved drinking water source, and 68%, 56% and 29% had access to an improved latrine. CONCLUSION In all LGAs, the elimination thresholds for TF and TT unknown to the health system have been attained in the target age groups. These LGAs should be re-surveyed after 2 years to show that reductions in TF prevalence have been sustained in the absence of MDA. Health authorities should continue to improve WASH facilities to reduce the risk of later recrudescence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hammed Mogaji
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Ijeoma Achu
- Mission To Save The Helpless (MITOSATH), Jos, Nigeria
| | - Nasiru Muhammad
- Ophthalmology Department, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Sarah Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Caleb D Mpyet
- Sightsavers, Nigeria Country Office, Kaduna, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
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26
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Nunbogu AM, Elliott SJ, Walton-Roberts M. 'We are all women here in Canada': Intimate bargains in WASH spaces. Soc Sci Med 2023; 338:116343. [PMID: 37924774 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
In many parts of the world access to adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is entwined with gender relations. While there is emerging research on how gender relations intersect with socio-cultural practices and norms to produce gender-based violence in WASH, little is known about how these gender relations are intimately produced, reproduced and embodied in place. Drawing insights from feminist political ecology and gendered geographies of power, this paper uses retrospective narratives of Ghanaian migrants in Canada to advance this scholarship in three significant ways. First, the findings demonstrate how gender relations in WASH produce everyday vulnerabilities differently among women and men. Second, they highlight the complex ways women bargain with patriarchal structures to ensure their safety in WASH spaces. Finally, the findings show how gender relations and roles in WASH transform in transnational spaces in which gendered WASH roles and responsibilities are blurred. The findings draw policy attention to the interconnectedness of WASH and gender equality and the need for policy and practice change to advance gender equity in WASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Marshall Nunbogu
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada.
| | - Susan J Elliott
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret Walton-Roberts
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and Balsillie School of International Affairs, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada
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Adamu MD, Mohammed Jabo A, Orji P, Zhang Y, Isiyaku S, Olobio N, Muhammad N, Mshelia Auta L, Willis R, Bakhtiari A, Jimenez C, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Mpyet CD. Baseline Prevalence of Trachoma in 13 Local Government Areas of Borno State, Nigeria. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:628-636. [PMID: 36469560 PMCID: PMC10581670 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2053550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We set out to determine the baseline prevalence of trachoma in 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, Nigeria. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each of 13 LGAs from 2017 to 2019, with the support of Tropical Data (TD). World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended protocols were used. With a probability-proportional-to-size systematic sampling method, 25 villages were selected per LGA in 2017 and 30 villages per LGA in 2019; in each village, 25 households were enrolled for 2017 surveys, while 30 were enrolled for 2019 surveys. All present, consenting residents aged ≥1 year were examined by TD-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) using the WHO simplified grading scheme. Additionally, we collected data on household-level access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. RESULTS One LGA (Magumeri) had TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds ≥10%; two other LGAs (Monguno and Kaga) had TF prevalence between 5.0% and 9.9%. The prevalence of TT unknown to the health system was ≥0.2% in six LGAs. The proportion of households with access to improved water sources ranged from 30% (Kwaya Kusar) to 95% (Monguno); household-level access to improved latrines was lowest in Shani (7%) and highest in Maiduguri (95%). CONCLUSION Active TT case finding and strengthening of TT surgical services are needed in six LGAs. Mass drug administration (MDA) of antibiotics is needed in three LGAs to reduce the prevalence of active trachoma to below elimination thresholds. The trachoma elimination programme should engage WASH agencies to augment access to improved WASH facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Philomena Orji
- Helen Keller International, Nigeria Country office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Yaobi Zhang
- Helen Keller International, Regional Office for Africa, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Nasiru Muhammad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | | | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK
| | - Caleb D. Mpyet
- Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, Kaduna, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
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Hennegan J, Caruso BA, Zulaika G, Torondel B, Haver J, Phillips-Howard PA, Valdez J, Gruer C, Okwaro N, Mahon T, Sommer M. Indicators for National and Global Monitoring of Girls' Menstrual Health and Hygiene: Development of a Priority Shortlist. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:992-1001. [PMID: 37737755 PMCID: PMC10654045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the importance of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) for adolescent girls' health, education, and gender equality, few countries monitor MHH. MHH needs remain underprioritized, and progress achieved through policies, programs, or investments go unmeasured. This article reports the systematic development of an indicator shortlist to monitor adolescent girls' MHH at the national and global levels across low- and middle-income countries. METHODS A core group of MHH researchers and practitioners collaborated with stakeholders from three countries with demonstrated commitment to monitoring MHH (Bangladesh, Kenya, and the Philippines), measures experts, and a global advisory group. The approach included the following: (1) define domains for monitoring MHH; (2) review and map existing indicators and measures; (3) iteratively shortlist indicators through appraising quality, feasibility, and stakeholder input; and (4) refine the shortlist and develop guidance for use. RESULTS The shortlist comprises 21 indicators across seven domains covering menstrual materials, water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, knowledge, discomforts and disorders, supportive social environments, menstrual health impacts, and policies. Indicators are accompanied by measures that have been tested or are expected to provide reliable data, alongside justification for their selection and guidance for use. DISCUSSION The shortlisted indicators reflect the multisectoral collaboration necessary for ensuring girls' MHH. Uptake requires integration into monitoring systems at national and global levels. Future work remains to evaluate the performance of the indicators over time and to support their widespread use. Governments and stakeholders can use these indicators to track the progress of programs and policies, monitor unmet MHH needs, identify disparities, and set targets for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hennegan
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bethany A Caruso
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Garazi Zulaika
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Belen Torondel
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacquelyn Haver
- Department of Education and Child Protection, School Health and Nutrition Program, Save the Children US, Washington, D.C
| | | | - Jonathan Valdez
- Department of Education and Child Protection, School Health and Nutrition Program, Save the Children US, Washington, D.C
| | - Caitlin Gruer
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Therese Mahon
- International Programmes Department, WaterAid, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marni Sommer
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.
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Szwarcwald CL, Lopes MDFC, Borges de Souza Junior PR, Vaz Ferreira Gómez D, Luna EJDA, da Silva de Almeida W, Damacena GN, Ribeiro Favacho JDF, Germano de Frias P, Butcher R, Boyd S, Bakhtiari A, Willis R, Jimenez C, Harding-Esch E, Saboyá-Díaz MI, Solomon AW. Population Prevalence of Trachoma in Nine Rural Non-Indigenous Evaluation Units of Brazil. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:561-570. [PMID: 34711133 PMCID: PMC10581672 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.1941127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the contemporary prevalence of trachoma in Brazil's non-indigenous population, surveys of those thought to be at greatest risk of disease were conducted. METHODS Rural census tracts of non-indigenous population from nine mesoregions were selected to compose the survey evaluation units (EUs) by considering previously endemic municipalities at greatest risk of trachoma. In each of the nine EUs, we conducted a population-based prevalence survey. Every resident of selected households aged ≥ 1 year was examined for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Additionally, data were collected on household-level access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and education. RESULTS A total of 27,962 individuals were examined across nine EUs. The age-adjusted TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds was <5% in each EU. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of TT unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds was <0.2% in eight EUs; in one EU, it was 0.22%. The median number of households surveyed per EU with access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-minute roundtrip of the house was 66%. School attendance was >99% of surveyed children. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of TF was well below the target for elimination as a public health problem in all EUs. Because EUs surveyed were selected to represent the highest-risk non-indigenous areas of the country, TF prevalence is unlikely to be ≥5% in non-indigenous populations elsewhere. In one EU, the prevalence of TT was above the target threshold for elimination. Further investigation and possibly improvement in TT surgical provision are required in that EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Landmann Szwarcwald
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria de Fátima Costa Lopes
- Coordination of Surveillance of Zoonoses and Vector Transmission Diseases, Department of Immunization and Communicable Diseases, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Vaz Ferreira Gómez
- Coordination of Surveillance of Zoonoses and Vector Transmission Diseases, Department of Immunization and Communicable Diseases, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Wanessa da Silva de Almeida
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giseli Nogueira Damacena
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Germano de Frias
- Board of Education and Research, Study Group on Health Assessment and Management, Professor Fernando Figueira Integral Medicine Institute (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Emma Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martha Idalí Saboyá-Díaz
- Neglected, Tropical, and Vector-Borne Diseases Unit, Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health Department, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Tadesse BT, Khanam F, Ahmmed F, Liu X, Islam MT, Kim DR, Kang SS, Im J, Chowdhury F, Ahmed T, Aziz AB, Hoque M, Park J, Pak G, Jeon HJ, Zaman K, Khan AI, Kim JH, Marks F, Qadri F, Clemens JD. Association Among Household Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene ( WASH) Status and Typhoid Risk in Urban Slums: Prospective Cohort Study in Bangladesh. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e41207. [PMID: 37983081 PMCID: PMC10696503 DOI: 10.2196/41207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Typhoid fever, or enteric fever, is a highly fatal infectious disease that affects over 9 million people worldwide each year, resulting in more than 110,000 deaths. Reduction in the burden of typhoid in low-income countries is crucial for public health and requires the implementation of feasible water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, especially in densely populated urban slums. OBJECTIVE In this study, conducted in Mirpur, Bangladesh, we aimed to assess the association between household WASH status and typhoid risk in a training subpopulation of a large prospective cohort (n=98,087), and to evaluate the performance of a machine learning algorithm in creating a composite WASH variable. Further, we investigated the protection associated with living in households with improved WASH facilities and in clusters with increasing prevalence of such facilities during a 2-year follow-up period. METHODS We used a machine learning algorithm to create a dichotomous composite variable ("Better" and "Not Better") based on 3 WASH variables: private toilet facility, safe drinking water source, and presence of water filter. The algorithm was trained using data from the training subpopulation and then validated in a distinct subpopulation (n=65,286) to assess its sensitivity and specificity. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the protective effect of living in "Better" WASH households and in clusters with increasing levels of "Better" WASH prevalence. RESULTS We found that residence in households with improved WASH facilities was associated with a 38% reduction in typhoid risk (adjusted hazard ratio=0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.78; P<.001). This reduction was particularly pronounced in individuals younger than 10 years at the first census participation, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.49 (95% CI 0.36-0.66; P<.001). Furthermore, we observed an inverse relationship between the prevalence of "Better" WASH facilities in clusters and the incidence of typhoid, although this association was not statistically significant in the multivariable model. Specifically, the adjusted hazard of typhoid decreased by 0.996 (95% CI 0.986-1.006) for each percent increase in the prevalence of "Better" WASH in the cluster (P=.39). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that existing variations in household WASH are associated with differences in the risk of typhoid in densely populated urban slums. This suggests that attainable improvements in WASH facilities can contribute to enhanced typhoid control, especially in settings where major infrastructural improvements are challenging. These findings underscore the importance of implementing and promoting comprehensive WASH interventions in low-income countries as a means to reduce the burden of typhoid and improve public health outcomes in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birkneh Tilahun Tadesse
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Farhana Khanam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Faisal Ahmmed
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Xinxue Liu
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Md Taufiqul Islam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Deok Ryun Kim
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sophie Sy Kang
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Justin Im
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Fahima Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnuva Ahmed
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Asma Binte Aziz
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Masuma Hoque
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Juyeon Park
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gideok Pak
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyon Jin Jeon
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Khalequ Zaman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ashraful Islam Khan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jerome H Kim
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Florian Marks
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Madagascar Institute for Vaccine Research, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - John D Clemens
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Jolly SP, Roy Chowdhury T, Sarker TT, Afsana K. Water, sanitation and hygiene ( WASH) practices and deworming improve nutritional status and anemia of unmarried adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh. J Health Popul Nutr 2023; 42:127. [PMID: 37957706 PMCID: PMC10644610 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Bangladesh, undernutrition and anemia are more occurrent among adolescent girls. BRAC, the largest non-governmental organization (NGO), has been implementing a community-based nutrition education service package targeting adolescent girls for reducing their undernutrition and anemia. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the underlying factors associated with nutritional status and anemia among adolescent girls under the BRAC nutrition program areas to improve their existing intervention package. METHODOLOGY We conducted a cross-sectional and comparative study in 2016, in 24 upazilas of Bogra, Barguna, Comilla, Dinajpur, Feni, Jessore, and Meherpur districts where the BRAC nutrition program was implemented while the remaining 27 upazilas of those districts were selected as comparison area. We followed a multistage cluster random sampling for selecting 1620 unmarried adolescent girls aged 10-19 years for interviewing in the intervention and comparison areas. Data were collected on socio-demographic information, dietary intake, morbidity, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practice, anthropometry, and serum hemoglobin (Hb) level by using a pre-structured questionnaire. The nutritional status of the adolescent girls was expressed as height-for-age Z (HAZ) and body mass index-for-age Z (BMIZ) score, while anemia referred to the serum Hb at the level of below 12 g/dl for adolescent girls. All statistical analyses were done in STATA version 17 (Chicago Inc.). FINDINGS The prevalence of stunting (22.9% vs. 22.5%), thinness (12% vs. 14%), and anemia (34.5% vs. 37.3%) exhibited similarities between the intervention and comparison regions. Stunting and thinness were predictors for each other for this population group. Our findings indicated that adolescent girls who were not washing hands with soap after defecation were likely to be stunted [AOR 1.51 (95% CI 1.12-2.04)], and who did not utilize sanitary latrines had an increased likelihood of being thin [AOR 2.38 (95% CI 1.11-5.08)]. Conversely, those who did not watch television [AOR 1.69 (95% CI 1.12-2.56)] and did not have deworming tablets [AOR 1.33 (95% CI 1.07-1.64)] in the 6 months leading up to the interview had a 69% and 33% higher probability of being anemic, respectively. CONCLUSION For sustainable improvement in the undernutrition and anemia of adolescent girls, integration of WASH, consistent administration of deworming tablets and broadcasting awareness programs through television are urgent to scale up the nutrition intervention programs in similar settings like Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira Parveen Jolly
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, 6th Floor, Medona Tower, 28 Mohakhali Commercial Area, Bir Uttom A K Khandakar Road, Dhaka, 1213, Bangladesh.
- BRAC Research and Evaluation Division, BRAC, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Tridib Roy Chowdhury
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, 6th Floor, Medona Tower, 28 Mohakhali Commercial Area, Bir Uttom A K Khandakar Road, Dhaka, 1213, Bangladesh
- BRAC Research and Evaluation Division, BRAC, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Tanbi Tanaya Sarker
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, 6th Floor, Medona Tower, 28 Mohakhali Commercial Area, Bir Uttom A K Khandakar Road, Dhaka, 1213, Bangladesh
| | - Kaosar Afsana
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, 6th Floor, Medona Tower, 28 Mohakhali Commercial Area, Bir Uttom A K Khandakar Road, Dhaka, 1213, Bangladesh
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Girmay AM, Mengesha SD, Dinssa DA, Alemu ZA, Wagari B, Weldegebriel MG, Serte MG, Alemayehu TA, Kenea MA, Weldetinsae A, Teklu KT, Adugna EA, Awoke KS, Bedada TL, Gobena W, Fikreslassie G, Wube W, Hoffmann V, Tessema M, Tollera G. Access to water, sanitation and hygiene ( WASH) services and drinking water contamination risk levels in households of Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1662. [PMID: 37920657 PMCID: PMC10618431 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right and essential to control infectious diseases. However, many countries, including Ethiopia, do not have adequate data to report on basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Although contaminated drinking water spreads diseases like cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, and dysentery, studies on drinking water contamination risk levels in households are limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, closing this gap needs investigation. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 5350 households were included. A systematic, simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants. The information was gathered through in-person interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Furthermore, 1070 drinking water samples were collected from household water storage. Results This investigation revealed that 9.8%, 83.9%, and 4.9% of households used limited, basic, and safely managed drinking water services, respectively. Besides, 10.2%, 15.7% and 59.3% of households used safely managed, basic and limited sanitation services, respectively. Yet, 10.6% and 4.2% of households used unimproved sanitation facilities and open defecation practices. Also, 40.5% and 19.4% of households used limited and basic hygiene services. On the other hand, 40.1% of households lacked functional handwashing facilities. In this study, 12.1%, 26.3%, and 42% of households' drinking water samples were positive for Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms, and total coliforms, respectively. Also, 5.1% and 4.5% of households' drinking water samples had very high and high contamination risk levels for E. coli, respectively. We found that 2.5% and 11.5% of households and water distributors had unacceptable fluoride concentrations, respectively. Conclusion The majority of households in Bishoftu town lack access to safely managed sanitation, drinking water, and basic hygiene services. Many households' water samples had very high and high health risk levels. Hence, the government and partner organizations should implement water and sanitation safety plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderajew Mekonnen Girmay
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Sisay Derso Mengesha
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Daniel A. Dinssa
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Zinabu Assefa Alemu
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Bedasa Wagari
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Mesaye G. Weldegebriel
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Melaku G. Serte
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Tsigereda A. Alemayehu
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Moa Abate Kenea
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Abel Weldetinsae
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Kirubel T. Teklu
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Ermias Alemayehu Adugna
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Kaleab S. Awoke
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Tesfaye L. Bedada
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Waktole Gobena
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Getnet Fikreslassie
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | | | - Vivian Hoffmann
- International Food Policy Research InstituteWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
- Department of Economics and School of Public Policy and AdministrationCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Masresha Tessema
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Getachew Tollera
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health Research DirectorateEthiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
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Islam MT, Im J, Ahmmed F, Kim DR, Tadesse BT, Kang S, Khanam F, Chowdhury F, Ahmed T, Firoj MG, Aziz AB, Hoque M, Park J, Jeon HJ, Kanungo S, Dutta S, Zaman K, Khan AI, Marks F, Kim JH, Qadri F, Clemens JD. Better Existing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Can Reduce the Risk of Cholera in an Endemic Setting: Results From a Prospective Cohort Study From Kolkata, India. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad535. [PMID: 38023545 PMCID: PMC10662546 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Global cholera control efforts rely heavily on effective water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions in cholera-endemic settings. Methods Using data from a large, randomized controlled trial of oral cholera vaccine conducted in Kolkata, India, we evaluated whether natural variations in WASH in an urban slum setting were predictive of cholera risk. From the control population (n = 55 086), baseline WASH data from a randomly selected "training subpopulation" (n = 27 634) were analyzed with recursive partitioning to develop a dichotomous ("better" vs "not better") composite household WASH variable from several WASH features collected at baseline, and this composite variable was then evaluated in a mutually exclusive "validation population" (n = 27 452). We then evaluated whether residents of better WASH households in the entire population (n = 55 086) experienced lower cholera risk using Cox regression models. Better WASH was defined by a combination of 4 dichotomized WASH characteristics including safe source of water for daily use, safe source of drinking water, private or shared flush toilet use, and always handwashing with soap after defecation. Results Residence in better WASH households was associated with a 30% reduction in risk of cholera over a 5-year period (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.70 [95% confidence interval, .49-.99]; P = .048). We also found that the impact of better WASH households on reducing cholera risk was greatest in young children (0-4 years) and this effect progressively declined with age. Conclusions The evidence suggests that modest improvements in WASH facilities and behaviors significantly modify cholera risk and may be an important component of cholera prevention and elimination strategies in endemic settings. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00289224.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Taufiqul Islam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Justin Im
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Faisal Ahmmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Deok Ryun Kim
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Birkneh Tilahun Tadesse
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sophie Kang
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Farhana Khanam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahima Chowdhury
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnuva Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Golam Firoj
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Asma Binte Aziz
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Masuma Hoque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Juyeon Park
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyon Jin Jeon
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Suman Kanungo
- National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shanta Dutta
- National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Khalequ Zaman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ashraful Islam Khan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Florian Marks
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Madagascar Institute for Vaccine Research, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jerome H Kim
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - John D Clemens
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Epidemiology, Public Health, Impact Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Pessoa Colombo V, Chenal J, Koné B, Koffi JD, Utzinger J. Spatial Distributions of Diarrheal Cases in Relation to Housing Conditions in Informal Settlements: A Cross-Sectional Study in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. J Urban Health 2023; 100:1074-1086. [PMID: 37801186 PMCID: PMC10618124 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00786-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
In addition to individual practices and access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, housing conditions may also be associated with the risk of diarrhea. Our study embraced a broad approach to health determinants by looking at housing deprivation characteristics as exposures of interest and confronting the latter's spatial distribution to that of diarrheal cases. We tested the hypothesis that the risk of diarrhea in informal settlements is not only associated with WASH services, but also with inadequate dwelling characteristics, and that their spatial distributions follow similar patterns. We designed a cross-sectional study and collected primary data through georeferenced household surveys in two informal settlements in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. We used local join count statistics to assess the spatial distribution of events and multiple logistic regressions to calculate adjusted odds ratios between diarrhea and exposures. A total of 567 households were enrolled. We found that constant access to basic WASH services, non-durable building materials, cooking outdoors, and water service discontinuity were associated with higher risks of diarrhea in the general population. The spatial distribution of diarrheal cases coincided with that of dwelling deprivation characteristics. We observed significant heterogeneity within the study sites regarding the spatial distribution of diarrheal cases and deprived dwellings. Along with WASH infrastructure, communities also need dignified housing to effectively prevent diarrhea. We recommend that decision-makers acknowledge a "spectrum" of deprivation within the heterogeneous universe of informal settlements, adopting a site-specific approach based on high-resolution data to address diarrhea and improve people's well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jérôme Chenal
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - Brama Koné
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Université Péléforo Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jeanne d'Arc Koffi
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Lin J, Feng XL. Exploring the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene ( WASH), early adequate feeding and access to health care on urban-rural disparities of child malnutrition in China. Matern Child Nutr 2023; 19:e13542. [PMID: 37376961 PMCID: PMC10483939 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
To explore the effects of UNICEF-suggested modifiable factors, that is, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), early adequate feeding and health care on child malnutrition, and to examine the extent to which each factor contributes to urban-rural disparities of child malnutrition in China. Pooling two waves of regionally representative survey data from Jilin, China, in 2013 and 2018, we report on urban-rural relative risks (RRs) in the prevalence of child stunting, wasting and overweight. We employ Poisson regression to examine the effects of urban-rural setting and the three modifiable factors on the prevalence of each malnutrition outcome, that is, stunting, wasting and overweight. We perform mediation analyses to estimate the extent to which each modifiable factor could explain the urban-rural disparities in each malnutrition outcome. The prevalence of stunting, wasting and overweight were 10.9%, 6.3% and 24.7% in urban, and 27.9%, 8.2% and 35.9% in rural Jilin, respectively. The rural to urban crude RR was 2.55 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.92-3.39) for stunting, while the corresponding RRs for wasting and overweight were 1.31 (95% CI: 0.84-2.03) and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.20-1.76), respectively. The rural to urban RR for stunting reduced to 2.01 (95% CI: 1.44-2.79) after adjusting for WASH. The mediation analyses show that WASH could mediate 23.96% (95% CI: 4.34-43.58%) of the urban-rural disparities for stunting, while early adequate feeding and health care had no effects. To close the persistent urban-rural gap in child malnutrition, the specific context of rural China suggests that a multi-sectoral approach is warranted that focuses on the sanitation environment and other wider social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Lin
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public HealthPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xing Lin Feng
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public HealthPeking UniversityBeijingChina
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Hmaideh A, Tarnas MC, Zakaria W, Rifai AO, Ibrahem M, Hashoom Y, Ghazal N, Abbara A. Geographical Origin, WASH Access, and Clinical Descriptions for Patients Admitted to a Cholera Treatment Center in Northwest Syria between October and December 2022. Avicenna J Med 2023; 13:223-229. [PMID: 38144910 PMCID: PMC10736181 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background On September 10, 2022, a cholera outbreak was declared in Syria for the first time in over a decade of protracted conflict. As of May 20, 2023, 132,782 suspected cases had been reported, primarily in northwest and northeast Syria. We aim to provide a detailed description of water sources and clinical status of a patient cohort seen at a cholera treatment center (CTC) in northwest Syria. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with confirmed cholera who presented to the CTC in Idlib governorate between October 8 and December 18, 2022. Data were obtained from clinical case records and analyzed in R v4.0.4. Results Ninety-four patients (55.3% men) were treated at the CTC. Thirty-five patients were severely dehydrated (Plan C treatment), 54 had some dehydration (Plan B), and 5 had no dehydration (Plan A). Most patients were between 11 and 20 years old ( n = 25, 26.6%) or 31 and 40 years old ( n = 19, 20.2%). Note that 70.2% ( n = 66) of patients were seen in November 2022 and most were from Harim district ( n = 44, 46.8%). Public wells ( n = 46, 48.9%) and water trucking ( n = 41, 43.6%) were the most commonly used water sources. Note that 76.6% ( n = 72) did not have access to chlorine-treated water. Forty-seven patients (50%) had more than five water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related cholera risk factors. Following treatment, six patients were transferred to another treatment center, three died (case fatality rate: 3.2%), and the remainder were discharged. Conclusion Most patients reported WASH-related risk factors for cholera, reflecting the poor state of WASH in northwest Syria after over a decade of conflict. This relates to the direct and indirect impacts of urban and periurban violence as well as the underfunded humanitarian response. Strengthening WASH and health promotion are important components to control the outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hmaideh
- Syrian Board of Medical Specialties, Syria
- Syria Public Health Network, United Kingdom
| | - Maia C. Tarnas
- Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
| | | | - Ahmad Oussama Rifai
- Syrian Board of Medical Specialties, Syria
- The Virtual Nephrologist, Florida, United States
| | | | | | | | - Aula Abbara
- Syrian Board of Medical Specialties, Syria
- Syria Public Health Network, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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Neto AFR, Di Christine Oliveira YL, de Oliveira LM, La Corte R, Jain S, de Lyra Junior DP, Fujiwara RT, Dolabella SS. Why Are We Still a Worm World in the 2020s? An Overview of Risk Factors and Endemicity for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:481-495. [PMID: 37531011 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is one of the most common chronic infections in developing countries associated with poor socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. The main objective of this overview was to evaluate the influence of environmental factors, risk factors related to the host, and control strategies on the prevalence of STH in different regions of the world. METHODS LILACS, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials (gray literature) databases were used to obtain the systematic reviews published until December 2020. The methodological quality of systematic reviews was assessed using the standard criteria recommended by AMSTAR. RESULTS The initial results of the bibliographic search identified 1448 articles, of which 66 studies were read in full and 16 met the inclusion criteria. All the reviews included in this overview associated variations in the global prevalence of STH with at least one of the factors related to the environment, host, and/or control strategies. Climate, temperature, soil moisture, precipitation, mass drug administration, lack of access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and non-use of footwear were considered the main factors associated with the prevalence of STH. Socioeconomic factors, low educational level, and wearing shoes were universal factors related to prevalence, regardless of the location studied. CONCLUSION The combination of environmental factors, with factors associated with hosts that predispose infection and reinfection of helminths, as well as the adoption of control strategies based on the treatment of target populations instead of the entire population, influenced the prevalence of STH in all the continents evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelson Ferreira Ramos Neto
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Maria de Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Center of Biology and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Roseli La Corte
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Sona Jain
- Postgraduate Program in Industrial Biotechnology, Tiradentes University, Aracaju, SE, 49010-390, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
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Nunbogu AM, Elliott SJ. COVID-19 brought the water struggles in Ghana into our homes in Canada: Collective emotions and WASH struggles in distant locations during health emergencies. Health Place 2023; 83:103099. [PMID: 37634303 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened and made visible the embodied consequences of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) inequalities and the relationalities of health in place. This paper combines insights from relational geographies and embodied epidemiology to explore psychosocial concerns among Ghanaian migrants in Canada due to their multiple and simultaneous roles in the WASH space in Ghana, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored this using narratives from in-depth interviews with 27 participants (16 women and 11 men) residing in Ontario, Canada. The case of Ghana offers insight into how social ties with home communities could provide a safety net during emergencies but could also affect the psychosocial wellbeing of migrants. Results revealed four interrelated psychosocial stressors, including social stressors, financial stressors, stressors related to perceived inequality and stressors related to the fear of infection during WASH access. The paper underscores the urgent need for research to move beyond local health implications of WASH inequalities and begin to prioritize how these social inequalities are embodied at distant locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Marshall Nunbogu
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Susan J Elliott
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Sentamu DN, Kungu J, Dione M, Thomas LF. Prevention of human exposure to livestock faecal waste in the household: a scoping study of interventions conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1613. [PMID: 37612675 PMCID: PMC10463677 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poorly managed animal faecal waste can result in detrimental environmental and public health implications. Limiting human exposure to animal waste through Animal inclusive Water Sanitation and Hygiene (A-WASH) strategies is imperative to improve public health in livestock keeping households but has received little attention to date. A small number of A-WASH interventions have previously been identified through a systematic review by another research team, and published in 2017. To inform intervention design with the most up-to-date information, a scoping study was conducted to map the existing evidence for A-WASH in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) emerging since the previous review. METHODS This review followed PRISMA guidelines to identify interventions in SSA published between January 2016 to October 2022. Databases searched included PubMed, PMC Europe, CabDirect and Web of Science. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were written in English and documented interventions limiting human contact with animal faecal material in the SSA context. Key data extracted included: the intervention itself, its target population, cost, measure of effectiveness, quantification of effect, assessment of success, acceptability and limitations. These data were synthesized into a narrative, structured around the intervention type. FINDINGS Eight eligible articles were identified. Interventions to reduce human exposure to animal faecal matter were conducted in combination with 'standard' human-centric WASH practices. Identified interventions included the management of human-animal co-habitation, educational programs and the creation of child-safe spaces. No novel A-WASH interventions were identified in this review, beyond those identified by the review in 2017. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) were used to evaluate six of the eight identified interventions, but as effect was evaluated through various measures, the ability to formally compare efficacy of interventions is lacking. CONCLUSION This study indicates that the number of A-WASH studies in SSA is increasing and the use of RCTs suggests a strong desire to create high-quality evidence within this field. There is a need for standardisation of effect measures to enable meta-analyses to be conducted to better understand intervention effectiveness. Evaluation of scalability and sustainability of interventions is still lacking in A - WASH research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick N Sentamu
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Joseph Kungu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michel Dione
- International Livestock Research Institute, c/o AfricaRice, Rue 18 CitéMamelles, BP 24265, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Lian F Thomas
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, UK.
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Trivedi P, Bhavsar P, Kalpana P, Patel K, Das T, Yasobant S, Saxena D. Dissecting WASH Assessment Tools and Recommending a Comprehensive Tool for Indian Healthcare Facilities. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:1593-1610. [PMID: 37614962 PMCID: PMC10443678 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s376866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Providing adequate Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Health Care Facilities (HCFs) has many benefits, including achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). However, there is a significant shortage of statistics on the status of WASH in Healthcare Facilities (WinHCF), resulting in roadblocks in developing improvement strategies. Further, there is a lack of detailed comparison of WASH components covered in available tools against the standards. The present study aims to dissect the national and international tools for WASH assessment in HCFs to suggest comprehensive WASH indicators. The databases like PubMed, Scopus, ScopeMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar were used to extract the available tools. The assessment process, methodology, and components of national and various international tools were compared and synthesized. A total of seven tools, namely WASH FIT 2, Facet, SARA, SPA, TOOL BOX-II, CDC and Kayakalp, were compared on eight components: water, sanitation, hand hygiene, healthcare waste, environmental cleaning and hygiene, infrastructure, workforce management, policy and protocols. Although most tools have covered the same indicators, the methodology and definitions differ. Few of the tools fail to capture the basic indicators defined by Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP). The critical indicators of policy and protocols are only covered in WASH FIT 2, Kayakalp, and TOOL BOX-II. Likewise, most tools fail to capture the indicator of cleaning, IPC practices and climate resilience. The present review also highlighted the limitations of selected tools regarding definitions, methodology and implementation. Hence, based on the review findings, a comprehensive short tool has been developed to monitor WASH in HCF of India. It comprises all the essential fundamental indicators identified from various tools, and recommended by the JMP service ladder with proper definitions. This tool can be helpful for hospital staff and managers for the routine monitoring of WASH in HCFs and improve the quality of care and IPC practices in HCFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Trivedi
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Priya Bhavsar
- Centre for One Health Education, Research & Development (COHERD), Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Pachillu Kalpana
- Centre for One Health Education, Research & Development (COHERD), Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- Centre for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Krupali Patel
- Parul Institute of Public Health, Parul University, Waghodia, Gujarat, India
| | - Tanmoy Das
- Terre des hommes Foundation, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sandul Yasobant
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- Centre for One Health Education, Research & Development (COHERD), Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- School of Epidemiology & Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DMIMS), Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Saxena
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- Centre for One Health Education, Research & Development (COHERD), Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- School of Epidemiology & Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DMIMS), Wardha, Maharashtra, India
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Gaffan N, Kpozehouen A, Degbey C, Ahanhanzo YG, Paraïso MN. Effects of the level of household access to water, sanitation and hygiene on the nutritional status of children under five, Benin. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:95. [PMID: 37528455 PMCID: PMC10391820 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00751-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether or not the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) conditions in which children under five live determine their nutritional status is still under discussion. The work aimed to study the effects of household WASH conditions to which children under five are exposed on their nutritional status in Benin. METHODS The study utilized a cross-sectional design and consisted of secondary analyses using datasets from the fifth Demographic and Health Survey (DHS-V) conducted in Benin. Stunting, wasting and underweight were the dependent variables. The WASH conditions in which children live were evaluated in the immediate environment, i.e., at the level of their households. After describing the study variables, the relationships between the dependent variables and the exposures were checked using multivariate logistic regression. Data analysis was performed with Stata 15 and took into account the survey's sampling design. RESULTS The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight was 31.15% (95% CI = 29.90-32.42), 4.79% (95% CI = 4.33-5.31) and 15.82% (95% CI = 14.92-16.76), respectively. The stunting odds were 1.35 (95% CI = 1.15-1.59) and 1.27 (95% CI = 1.01-1.59) times higher for children from households with no water and sanitation services, respectively, compared to children living in households with basic water and sanitation services. Children under five from households with no hygiene facilities and using limited hygiene services had 1.31 (95% CI = 1.05-1.63) and 1.35 (95% CI = 1.10-1.67) times the odds of being stunted, respectively, compared to children covered by basic hygiene facilities. There is no evidence of a significant relationship between household access to WASH and wasting in children under five. The odds of being underweight were 1.33 (95% CI = 1.02-1.72) times higher among children under five from households with limited hygiene facilities than among children from households with basic hygiene facilities. CONCLUSION Interventions to fight malnutrition in children under five should include a WASH dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gaffan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin.
| | - Alphonse Kpozehouen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin
| | - Cyriaque Degbey
- Department of Environmental Health, Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin
- University Hospital Hygiene Clinic, National Hospital and University Centre Hubert Koutoukou Maga, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Yolaine Glele Ahanhanzo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin
| | - Moussiliou Noël Paraïso
- Department of Health Promotion, Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Benin
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Al Wazni AB, Chapman MV, Ansong D, Tawfik L. Climate Change, Fragility, and Child Mortality; Understanding the Role of Water Access and Diarrheal Disease Amongst Children Under Five During the MDG Era. J Prev (2022) 2023; 44:409-419. [PMID: 37036450 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-023-00732-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the influence of improvements to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure on rates of under-five mortality specifically from diarrheal disease amongst children in fragile states. The World Bank's Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals both include a specific target of reduction in preventable disease amongst children, as well as goal to improve WASH. Although gains have been made, children under the age of five remain particularly vulnerable to diarrheal mortality in states identified as fragile. Increasingly, climate change is placing undue pressure on states labeled fragile due to their inability to properly prepare for, or respond to, natural disasters that further compromise WASH development and water safety. The impact of climate change upon child health outcomes is neither direct nor linear and necessitates a linkage framework that can account for complex pathways between environmental pressures and public health outcomes. The World Health Organization's Drive Force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action conceptual framework was used to draw the connections between seemingly disparate, and highly nuanced, environmental, and social measures. Using a multilevel hierarchical model, this analysis used a publicly available UNICEF data set that reported rates of mortality specifically from diarrheal disease amongst children age five and younger. All 171 formally recognized countries were included, which showed a decline in diarrheal disease over time when investments in WASH infrastructure are compared. As states experience increased pressure because of climate change, this area of intervention is key for immediate health and safety of children under-five, as well as assisting fragile states long-term as the move toward stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson B Al Wazni
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tate-Turner-Kuralt Building, 325 Pittsboro St. CB#3550, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3550, USA.
| | - Mimi V Chapman
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tate-Turner-Kuralt Building, 325 Pittsboro St. CB#3550, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3550, USA
| | - David Ansong
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tate-Turner-Kuralt Building, 325 Pittsboro St. CB#3550, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3550, USA
| | - Linda Tawfik
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Research Evidence for Sexual and Reproductive Health, 407 Rosenau Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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Margao S, Fofanah BD, Thekkur P, Kallon C, Ngauja RE, Kamara IF, Kamara RZ, Tengbe SM, Moiwo M, Musoke R, Fullah M, Kanu JS, Lakoh S, Kpagoi SSTK, Kamara KN, Thomas F, Mannah MT, Katawera V, Zachariah R. Improvement in Infection Prevention and Control Performance Following Operational Research in Sierra Leone: A Before (2021) and After (2023) Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:376. [PMID: 37505672 PMCID: PMC10383112 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial to limit health care-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. An operational research study conducted in Sierra Leone in 2021 reported sub-optimal IPC performance and provided actionable recommendations for improvement. METHODS This was a before-and-after study involving the national IPC unit and all twelve district-level secondary public hospitals. IPC performance in 2021 (before) and in 2023 (after) was assessed using standardized World Health Organization checklists. IPC performance was graded as: inadequate (0-25%), basic (25.1-50%), intermediate (50.1-75%), and advanced (75.1-100%). RESULTS The overall IPC performance in the national IPC unit moved from intermediate (58%) to advanced (78%), with improvements in all six core components. Four out of six components achieved advanced levels when compared to the 2021 levels. The median score for hospitals moved from basic (50%) to intermediate (59%), with improvements in six of eight components. Three of four gaps identified in 2021 at the national IPC unit and four of seven at hospitals had been addressed by 2023. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the role of operational research in informing actions that improved IPC performance. There is a need to embed operational research as part of the routine monitoring of IPC programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senesie Margao
- National Infection Prevention and Control Coordinating Unit, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (C.K.); (R.E.N.)
| | - Bobson Derrick Fofanah
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (R.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Pruthu Thekkur
- Centre for Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 75001 Paris, France;
| | - Christiana Kallon
- National Infection Prevention and Control Coordinating Unit, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (C.K.); (R.E.N.)
| | - Ramatu Elizabeth Ngauja
- National Infection Prevention and Control Coordinating Unit, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (C.K.); (R.E.N.)
| | - Ibrahim Franklyn Kamara
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (R.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Rugiatu Zainab Kamara
- US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Country Office, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Sia Morenike Tengbe
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (S.M.T.); (M.F.); (J.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (K.N.K.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Matilda Moiwo
- Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, HIV/AIDS/TB Control Program Coordinator, 34th Military Hospital, Wilberforce, Western Area Urban 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Robert Musoke
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (R.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Mary Fullah
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (S.M.T.); (M.F.); (J.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (K.N.K.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Joseph Sam Kanu
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (S.M.T.); (M.F.); (J.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (K.N.K.); (M.T.M.)
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (S.M.T.); (M.F.); (J.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (K.N.K.); (M.T.M.)
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Satta Sylvia T. K. Kpagoi
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (S.M.T.); (M.F.); (J.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (K.N.K.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Kadijatu Nabie Kamara
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (S.M.T.); (M.F.); (J.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (K.N.K.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Fawzi Thomas
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
- National Pharmacovigilance Center, Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, Freetown 047235, Sierra Leone
| | - Margaret Titty Mannah
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (S.M.T.); (M.F.); (J.S.K.); (S.L.); (S.S.T.K.K.); (K.N.K.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Victoria Katawera
- World Health Organization Country Office, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone; (I.F.K.); (R.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Rony Zachariah
- UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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Bwire G, Kisakye A, Amulen E, Bwanika JB, Badebye J, Aanyu C, Nakirya BD, Okello A, Okello SA, Bukenya JN, Orach CG. Cholera and COVID-19 pandemic prevention in multiple hotspot districts of Uganda: vaccine coverage, adverse events following immunization and WASH conditions survey. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:487. [PMID: 37479986 PMCID: PMC10362646 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08462-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between March, 2020 and December, 2021 due to cholera and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemics, there were 1,534 cholera cases with 14 deaths and 136,065 COVID-19 cases with 3,285 deaths reported respectively in Uganda. This study investigated mass vaccination campaigns for the prevention of the two pandemics namely: oral cholera vaccine (OCV) and COVID-19 vaccine coverage; adverse events following immunization (AEFI); barriers and enablers for the vaccine uptake and assessed water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions in the six cholera and COVID-19 hotspot districts of Uganda. METHODS A household survey was conducted between January and February, 2022 in the six cholera hotspot districts of Uganda which had recently conducted OCV mass vaccination campaigns and had ongoing COVID-19 mass vaccination campaigns. The survey randomly enrolled 900 households with 4,315 persons of whom 2,085 were above 18 years. Data were collected using a data entry application designed in KoBoToolbox and analysed using STATA version 14. Frequencies, percentages, odds ratios, means, confidence intervals and maps were generated and interpreted. RESULTS The OCV coverage for dose one and two were 85% (95% CI: 84.2-86.4) and 67% (95% CI: 65.6-68.4) respectively. Among the 4,315 OCV recipients, 2% reported mild AEFI, 0.16% reported moderate AEFI and none reported severe AEFI. The COVID-19 vaccination coverage for dose one and two were 69.8% (95% CI: 67.8-71.8) and 18.8% (95% CI: 17.1-20.5) respectively. Approximately, 23% (478/2,085) of COVID-19 vaccine recipient reported AEFI; most 94% were mild, 0.6% were moderate and 2 cases were severe. The commonest reason for missing COVID-19 vaccine was fear of the side effects. For most districts (5/6), sanitation (latrine/toilet) coverage were low at 7.4%-37.4%. CONCLUSION There is high OCV coverage but low COVID-19 vaccine and sanitation coverage with high number of moderate cases of AEFI recorded due to COVID-19 vaccines. The low COVID-19 vaccine coverage could indicate vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccines. Furthermore, incorporation of WASH conditions assessment in the OCV coverage surveys is recommended for similar settings to generate data for better planning. However, more studies are required on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Bwire
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Division of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Esther Amulen
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Joan Badebye
- School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christine Aanyu
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Alfred Okello
- Department of Public Health, St Mary's Hospital Lacor, Gulu, Uganda
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Piper JD, Mazhanga C, Mwapaura M, Mapako G, Mapurisa I, Mashedze T, Munyama E, Kuona M, Mashiri T, Sibanda K, Matemavi D, Tichagwa M, Nyoni S, Saidi A, Mangwende M, Chidhanguro D, Mpofu E, Tome J, Mutasa B, Chasekwa B, Smuk M, Smith LE, Njovo H, Nyachowe C, Muchekeza M, Mutasa K, Sauramba V, Langhaug LF, Tavengwa NV, Gladstone MJ, Wells JC, Allen E, Humphrey JH, Ntozini R, Prendergast AJ. The Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) Trial: Protocol for school-age follow-up. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:306. [PMID: 38031545 PMCID: PMC10685067 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19463.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a need for follow-up of early-life stunting intervention trials into childhood to determine their long-term impact. A holistic school-age assessment of health, growth, physical and cognitive function will help to comprehensively characterise the sustained effects of early-life interventions. Methods: The Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial in rural Zimbabwe assessed the effects of improved infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and/or improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on stunting and anaemia at 18 months. Among children enrolled to SHINE, 1,275 have been followed up at 7-8 years of age (1,000 children who have not been exposed to HIV, 268 exposed to HIV antenatally who remain HIV negative and 7 HIV positive children). Children were assessed using the School-Age Health, Activity, Resilience, Anthropometry and Neurocognitive (SAHARAN) toolbox, to measure their growth, body composition, cognitive and physical function. In parallel, a caregiver questionnaire assessed household demographics, socioeconomic status, adversity, nurturing, caregiver support, food and water insecurity. A monthly morbidity questionnaire is currently being administered by community health workers to evaluate school-age rates of infection and healthcare-seeking. The impact of the SHINE IYCF and WASH interventions, the early-life 'exposome', maternal HIV, and contemporary exposures on each school-age outcome will be assessed. We will also undertake an exploratory factor analysis to generate new, simpler metrics for assessment of cognition (COG-SAHARAN), growth (GROW-SAHARAN) and combined growth, cognitive and physical function (SUB-SAHARAN). The SUB-SAHARAN toolbox will be used to conduct annual assessments within the SHINE cohort from ages 8-12 years. Ethics and dissemination: Approval was obtained from Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (08/02/21) and registered with Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202201828512110, 24/01/22). Primary caregivers provided written informed consent and children written assent. Findings will be disseminated through community sensitisation, peer-reviewed journals and stakeholders including the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Piper
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Clever Mazhanga
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Marian Mwapaura
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Gloria Mapako
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Idah Mapurisa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Mashedze
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Eunice Munyama
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Maria Kuona
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Thombizodwa Mashiri
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Kundai Sibanda
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Dzidzai Matemavi
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Monica Tichagwa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Soneni Nyoni
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Asinje Saidi
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Manasa Mangwende
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Dzivaidzo Chidhanguro
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Eddington Mpofu
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Joice Tome
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Batsirai Mutasa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Bernard Chasekwa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Melanie Smuk
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK
| | - Laura E. Smith
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kuda Mutasa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Virginia Sauramba
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Lisa F. Langhaug
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Naume V. Tavengwa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - Melissa J. Gladstone
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, UK
| | - Jonathan C. Wells
- Population Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Allen
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Jean H. Humphrey
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert Ntozini
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
| | - SHINE Follow-up team
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, UK
- Population Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew J. Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Bucumi V, Muhimpundu E, Bio Issifou AA, Akweyu S, Burn N, Willems J, Niyongabo J, Elvis A, Koizan G, Harte A, Boyd S, Willis R, Bakhtiari A, Jimenez C, Burgert-Brucker C, Kollmann KHMM, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Gashikanyi RM. Baseline, Impact and Surveillance Trachoma Prevalence Surveys in Burundi, 2018-2021. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37401094 PMCID: PMC10581665 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2213776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trachoma is an eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). It can lead to permanent vision loss. Since 2007, Burundi has included trachoma elimination as part of its fight against neglected tropical diseases and blindness. This study presents the results of trachoma baseline, impact and surveillance surveys conducted in Burundi between 2018 and 2021. METHODS Areas were grouped into evaluation units (EU) with resident populations of between 100,000 and 250,000 people. Baseline surveys were conducted in 15 EUs, impact surveys in 2 EUs and surveillance surveys in 5 EUs; in each survey, 23 clusters of about 30 households were included. Consenting residents of those households were screened for clinical signs of trachoma. Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) was recorded. RESULTS A total of 63,800 individuals were examined. The prevalence of TF in 1-9-year-olds was above the elimination threshold of 5% in a single EU at baseline, but fell below the threshold in subsequent impact and surveillance surveys. The prevalence of TT was below the 0.2% elimination threshold in ≥15-year-olds in all EUs surveyed. A high proportion (83%) of households had access to safe drinking water, while only a minority (~8%) had access to improved latrines. CONCLUSION Burundi has demonstrated the prevalence levels necessary for trachoma elimination status. With continued effort and the maintenance of existing management plans, trachoma elimination in Burundi is within reach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Bucumi
- Département En Charge des Maladies Tropicales, National Integrated Programme for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and Blindness (PNIMTNC), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Elvis Muhimpundu
- Département En Charge des Maladies Tropicales, National Integrated Programme for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and Blindness (PNIMTNC), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | | | - Stephanie Akweyu
- Inclusive Eye Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases Initiative, CBM international
| | - Nick Burn
- Inclusive Eye Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases Initiative, CBM international
| | - Johan Willems
- Inclusive Eye Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases Initiative, CBM international
| | - Junénal Niyongabo
- Département En Charge des Maladies Tropicales, National Integrated Programme for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and Blindness (PNIMTNC), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Aba Elvis
- Programme National de la Santé Oculaire et de la lutte contre l’Onchocercose, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Gamael Koizan
- Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, Cote d’Ivoire
| | - Anna Harte
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - KHM Martin Kollmann
- Inclusive Eye Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases Initiative, CBM international
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rose Marie Gashikanyi
- Département En Charge des Maladies Tropicales, National Integrated Programme for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and Blindness (PNIMTNC), Bujumbura, Burundi
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Jung JU, Cobb MH. WNK1 controls endosomal trafficking through TRIM27-dependent regulation of actin assembly. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300310120. [PMID: 37307465 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300310120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase WNK1 (with-no-lysine 1) influences trafficking of ion and small-molecule transporters and other membrane proteins as well as actin polymerization state. We investigated the possibility that actions of WNK1 on both processes are related. Strikingly, we identified the E3 ligase tripartite motif-containing 27 (TRIM27) as a binding partner for WNK1. TRIM27 is involved in fine tuning the WASH (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR homologue) regulatory complex which regulates endosomal actin polymerization. Knockdown of WNK1 reduced the formation of the complex between TRIM27 and its deubiquitinating enzyme USP7 (ubiquitin-specific protease 7), resulting in significantly diminished TRIM27 protein. Loss of WNK1 disrupted WASH ubiquitination and endosomal actin polymerization, which are necessary for endosomal trafficking. Sustained receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) expression has long been recognized as a key oncogenic signal for the development and growth of human malignancies. Depletion of either WNK1 or TRIM27 significantly increased degradation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) following ligand stimulation in breast and lung cancer cells. Like the EGFR, the RTK AXL was also affected similarly by WNK1 depletion but not by inhibition of WNK1 kinase activity. This study uncovers a mechanistic connection between WNK1 and the TRIM27-USP7 axis and extends our fundamental knowledge about the endocytic pathway regulating cell surface receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Ung Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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Onohuean H, Nwodo UU. Demographic dynamics of waterborne disease and perceived associated WASH factors in Bushenyi and Sheema districts of South-Western Uganda. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:864. [PMID: 37338629 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Water remains a significant player in spreading pathogens, including those associated with neglected tropical diseases. The implications of socio-demographic delineations of water quality, sanitation, and hygiene ("WASH") interventions are on the downswing. This study assessed waterborne diseases and perceived associated WASH factors in the Bushenyi and Sheema districts of South-Western Uganda. This study examines the linear relationship between WASH and identifies the association of specific demographic factors as well as their contributions/correlations to waterborne disease in the study area. A structured qualitative and quantitative data collection approach was adopted in face-to-face questionnaire-guided interviews of 200 respondents on eight surface water usage. Most participants, 65.5%, were females and had a higher score of knowledge of WASH (71%), 68% score on the improper practice of WASH, and 64% score on unsafe water quality. Low score for basic economic status was (57%), report of common diarrhoea was (47%), and a low incidence of waterborne disease outbreaks (27%). The principal component analysis (PCA) depicts the knowledge and practice of WASH to have a strong positive correlation (r = 0.84, p < 0.001; r = 0.82, p < 0.001); also economic status positively correlated with grade of water source, knowledge, and practice of WASH (correlation coefficient = 0.72; 0.99; 0.76 and p-values = 0.001; < 0.001; < 0.001 respectively). Occupation (p = 0.0001, OR = 6.798) was significantly associated with knowledge and practice of WASH, while age (r = -0.21, p < 0.001) was negatively associated with knowledge and practice of WASH. The basic economic status explains why "low economic population groups" in the remote villages may not effectively implement WASH, and diarrhoea was common among the population. Diarrhoea associated with unsafe water quality and improper practice of WASH is common among the study population, and there is a low incidence of waterborne disease outbreaks. Therefore, government, stakeholders, and non-governmental organisations should work together to promote proper practice of WASH conditions to limit the occurrence of diarrhoea and prevent potential waterborne disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Onohuean
- Biopharmaceutics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda.
- Patho-Biocatalysis Group (PBG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag 1314, Alice, 5700 Eastern Cape, South Africa.
| | - Uchechukwu U Nwodo
- Patho-Biocatalysis Group (PBG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag 1314, Alice, 5700 Eastern Cape, South Africa
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Dickson-Gomez J, Nyabigambo A, Rudd A, Ssentongo J, Kiconco A, Mayega RW. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Challenges in Informal Settlements in Kampala, Uganda: A Qualitative Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6181. [PMID: 37372767 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Diarrhea causes 1.6 million deaths annually, including 525,000 children. Further, chronic diarrhea puts children at risk for mineral deficiencies, malnutrition, and stunting which, in turn, can result in cognitive deficits, poor performance in school, and decreased disease immunity in adulthood. Most diarrhea is caused by water contaminated by fecal matter. Interventions to improve clean water and sanitation can save lives; however, challenges persist in informal settlements. In this study, we explored the views of residents of informal settlements regarding water and sanitation in their communities. Focus group interviews were conducted with residents of 6 informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda (n = 165 people), and 6 key informant interviews were conducted with governmental and nongovernmental organizations that work to improve informal settlements or provide services to them. The results from this study demonstrate that, although these informal settlements had many infrastructure "upgrades" such as latrines and toilets, water taps, wells, and garbage collection and drainage systems, the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) system and its components largely failed due to point-of-use charges of water taps and toilets and the difficulty of emptying cesspits. Our results suggest that WASH must be considered a system and that multiple upgrading efforts are needed for WASH systems to work, including road construction and better oversight of fecal sludge disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dickson-Gomez
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Abigail Rudd
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Arthur Kiconco
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Falcone M, Salvinelli C, Bah M, Thomas E. Effectiveness of a water-vending kiosk intervention toward household water quality and surveyed water security in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Sci Total Environ 2023; 875:162447. [PMID: 36898533 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Low-income urban residents of Freetown, Sierra Leone, have limited access to safely managed piped drinking water services. The Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation, implemented a demonstration project of ten water kiosks providing distributed, stored, treated water among two neighborhoods in Freetown. This study quantifies the impact of the water kiosk intervention by utilizing a quasi-experimental propensity score matched difference-in-differences study design. Results indicate a 0.6 % improvement in household microbial water quality and an 8.2 % improvement in surveyed water security within the treatment group. Furthermore, low functionality and adoption of the water kiosks were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Falcone
- Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Carlo Salvinelli
- Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Mohamed Bah
- Ministry of Water Resources, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Evan Thomas
- Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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