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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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Kim W, Chang K, Lee SY, Ju YJ. Area-level deprivation and handwashing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multilevel analysis on a nationwide survey in Korea. Int J Environ Health Res 2024; 34:2088-2103. [PMID: 37204032 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2212600] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the association between area deprivation level and performance of handwashing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korean adults. This study used data from the 2015 Population and Housing Census data to measure area deprivation level. The 2020 Korea Community Health Survey was used for all other variables, including hand hygiene behavior (August through November 2020). The association between area deprivation level and practice of handwashing behavior was examined using multilevel logistic regression analysis. The study population comprised 215,676 adults aged 19 years or above. Compared to the least area deprived group, the most deprived group was more likely to not wash hands after using the restroom (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.13-1.82), after coming home (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.43-2.39), and using soap (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.29-1.84). The findings suggest the importance of considering area deprivation in implementing policies that promote handwashing, particularly during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woorim Kim
- Division of Cancer Control & Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyujin Chang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Young Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Jun Ju
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon-si, Republic of Korea
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Muchangi JM, Mturi J, Mukasa H, Kithuki K, Kosgei SJ, Kanyangi LM, Moraro R, Nankanja M. Enablers and barriers to vaccine uptake and handwashing practices to prevent and control COVID-19 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania: a systematic review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1352787. [PMID: 38601496 PMCID: PMC11004251 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1352787] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed unprecedented challenges, jeopardizing decades of progress in healthcare systems, education, and poverty eradication. While proven interventions such as handwashing and mass vaccination offer effective means of curbing COVID-19 spread, their uptake remains low, potentially undermining future pandemic control efforts. This systematic review synthesized available evidence of the factors influencing vaccine uptake and handwashing practices in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in the context of COVID-19 prevention and control. We conducted an extensive literature search across PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Out of 391 reviewed articles, 18 were eligible for inclusion. Some of the common barriers to handwashing in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania included lack of trust in the government's recommendations or messaging on the benefits of hand hygiene and lack of access to water, while some of the barriers to vaccine uptake included vaccine safety and efficacy concerns and inadequate awareness of vaccination sites and vaccine types. Enablers of handwashing practices encompassed hand hygiene programs and access to soap and water while those of COVID-19 vaccine uptake included improved access to vaccine knowledge and, socio-economic factors like a higher level of education. This review underscores the pivotal role of addressing these barriers while capitalizing on enablers to promote vaccination and handwashing practices. Stakeholders should employ awareness campaigns and community engagement, ensure vaccine and hygiene resources' accessibility, and leverage socio-economic incentives for effective COVID-19 prevention and control. Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42023396303].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Mturi
- Amref Health Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Stones C, Ai W, Rutter S, Madden A. Hand Hygiene Messaging Design in the Workplace: Views From the Workforce-Introduction. HERD 2024; 17:49-63. [PMID: 37728087 PMCID: PMC10704885 DOI: 10.1177/19375867231195646] [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] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The study aimed to (1) discover workers' attitudes toward the use of novel video screens to improve hand sanitization in the workplace and (2) discover what workers' preferences are for hand hygiene (HH) messaging style and tone and reasons for their preferences. BACKGROUND Practicing good HH in non-medical office settings is vital to curb the spread of a range of common and infectious diseases. Despite this, workers are rarely consulting in the construction of HH messages. The qualitative views of users can provide us with the "why" rather than the "what" and can highlight areas of cynicism, concern and overall attitudes to HH. METHODS A survey was completed by 520 UK workers concerning attitudes and views toward HH messaging and the use of a video-based hand sanitizer unit. Analysis consisted of both qualitative and quantitative methods. RESULTS Workers were skeptical toward the use of digital technologies within HH interventions, and there were misgivings about the role that video could play. Results demonstrated a strong preference for positive and supportive messages. Educational and trustworthy qualities were well rated. Messages that emphasized surveillance, previously successful in a clinical setting, or guilt, were not well received. Visual approaches that utilized serious illustration were valued. CONCLUSION This study highlights how consulting workers before the design of HH initiatives is important in guiding the design process. The resultant user-centered criteria promotes the use of positive, motivational, thought-provoking, surprising, and visual approaches to HH messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenbo Ai
- Royal College of Art, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Rutter
- Information School, Sheffield University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Madden
- Information School, Sheffield University, London, United Kingdom
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Sanchez T, Hall E, Siegler AJ, Prakash-Asrani R, Bradley H, Fahimi M, Lopman B, Luisi N, Nelson KN, Sailey C, Shioda K, Valentine-Graves M, Sullivan PS. Prevalence of COVID-19 Mitigation Behaviors in US Adults (August-December 2020): Nationwide Household Probability Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e37102. [PMID: 38055314 PMCID: PMC10702689 DOI: 10.2196/37102] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and practicing hand hygiene, have been and will remain vital to slowing the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the period prevalence of consistent mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene practices during the peak of COVID-19 incidence (August-December 2020) and just before COVID-19 vaccine availability, overall and in demographic subgroups. METHODS We used baseline survey data from a nationwide household probability sample to generate weighted estimates of mitigation behaviors: wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and practicing hand hygiene. Weighted logistic regression explored differences in mitigation behaviors by demographics. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified patterns in mitigation behaviors. RESULTS Among 4654 participants, most (n=2727, 58.6%) were female, were non-Hispanic White (n=3063, 65.8%), were aged 55 years or older (n=2099, 45.1%), lived in the South (n=2275, 48.9%), lived in metropolitan areas (n=4186, 89.9%), had at least a bachelor's degree (n=2547, 54.7%), had an income of US $50,000-$99,000 (n=1445, 31%), and were privately insured (n=2734, 58.7%). The period prevalence of consistent mask wearing was 71.1% (sample-weighted 95% CI 68.8-73.3); consistent social distancing, 42.9% (95% CI 40.5-45.3); frequent handwashing, 55.0% (95% CI 52.3-57.7); and frequent hand sanitizing, 21.5% (95% CI 19.4-23.8). Mitigation behaviors were more prevalent among women, older persons, Black or Hispanic persons, those who were not college graduates, and service-oriented workers. LCA identified an optimal-mitigation class that consistently practiced all behaviors (n=2656, 67% of US adults), a low-mitigation class that inconsistently practiced all behaviors (n=771, 20.6%), and a class that had optimal masking and social distancing but a high frequency of hand hygiene (n=463, 12.4%). CONCLUSIONS Despite a high prevalence of COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, there were likely millions who did not consistently practice these behaviors during the time of the highest COVID-19 incidence. In future infectious disease outbreak responses, public health authorities should also consider addressing disparities in mitigation practices through more targeted prevention messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Eric Hall
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Heather Bradley
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Benjamin Lopman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kristin N Nelson
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Kayoko Shioda
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Muchangi JM, Mturi J, Mukasa H, Kithuki K, Kosgei SJ, Kanyangi LM, Mararo R, Nankanja M. Levels of handwashing and vaccine uptake in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to prevent and control COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1256007. [PMID: 38026286 PMCID: PMC10666047 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1256007] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a massive challenge in Africa due to overwhelmed and underresourced health systems, as well as the existing burden of communicable and non- communicable diseases. Self-inoculation may occur when an individual touches their mucous membrane following direct contact between their hands and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-contaminated surfaces. Therefore, handwashing can be used along with COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the burden of COVID-19. We were interested in investigating the levels of handwashing and vaccine uptake to control and prevent COVID-19 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We searched PubMed, African Index Medicus and African Journals Online for studies published since inception to 31st January 2023. We included all studies that assessed: the levels of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitance as indicators of vaccine uptake; and studies on the levels of handwashing to prevent and control COVID-19 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Study findings were synthesized by meta-analysis to get the pooled effect measure. Three studies were synthesized qualitatively due to high level of heterogeneity in effect measure precluding a quantitative meta-analysis. Results Our search identified 128 articles of which 17 studies with 18,305 participants and 622 vaccination sites were reviewed with 14 of them being meta-analyzed. This systematic review and meta-analysis reports high levels of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and handwashing in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania at 67% (95% CI: 55, 78) and 88% (95% CI: 73, 97), respectively. Vaccine hesitance among the participants was low at 31% (95% CI: 15, 49). Discussion Despite their importance in the control and prevention of COVID-19, some countries do not implement handwashing and vaccination effectively. There is a need for public health strategies to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing and the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO ID CRD42023394698.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Mturi
- Amref Health Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Kohli E, Morris E, Humphries J, Gertz S, Mabisi K, Hershberger S, Butsch Kovacic M. Promoting Community Health and Understanding of Science Topics by Reading Graphic-Style Stories Aloud Together. Health Educ Behav 2023; 50:658-661. [PMID: 37021378 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231159681] [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] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Limited health literacy and access to engaging, relevant, understandable health promotion and disease prevention materials are barriers to achieving and maintaining health. The We-Engage-4-Health program co-created the graphic-style story "Foamy Soap Fun" with community members to reinforce the importance of the primary preventive strategy-handwashing-in limiting spread of COVID-19. Pre/postsurveys were administered, and a modified focus group was conducted to learn community participants' preferences for reading stories (aloud together and/or silently to themselves), versus reading typical health promotion information sheets. Three themes were identified related to reading the story aloud: increased enthusiasm, increased attentiveness, and improved interpretation skills, vocabulary, and information processing skills. Educational constructs included: empathy with the story's characters, engagement with previous health experiences, enthusiasm with sharing health information, and explanation of complex health topics. This study supports the value of graphic-style stories in helping communities to better understand the science behind health topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshika Kohli
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Edith Morris
- University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jaqueline Humphries
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Susan Gertz
- Miami University Center for Science Education, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Keren Mabisi
- University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Melinda Butsch Kovacic
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Bamidele TA, Odumosu BT, Adenola PT, Ameh J, Kareem OK, Osoba B, Ezechi OC, Salako BL. Anthrax toxins-producing Bacillus spp. isolated from handwashing stations during COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria. J Infect Dev Ctries 2023; 17:1076-1080. [PMID: 37699094 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.18228] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The virulence binding factor, protective antigen (pag) and poly-D-γ-glutamate capsular (cap) genes, peculiar to Bacillus anthracis are located in the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids which are transferable horizontally to related species called "cereus group". The cereus group are usually isolated from the environmental/food samples and have been implicated in debilitating human and animal anthrax-like diseases. This study was designed to investigate the presence of the anthrax virulence genes in different Bacillus spp. isolated from handwashing facilities during COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY The Bacillus anthracis (OK316847), B. thuringiensis (OK316855), B. amyloliquefaciens (OK316857), B. cereus (OK316858) and B. thuringiensis (OK316859) previously isolated from rinsates and bowl water in two local government areas (LGAs) of Lagos state were further investigated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the pag and cap genes using specific primers. RESULTS Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus co-harboured the two 578 bp cap and 364 bp pag genes while B. thuringiensis only harboured the cap gene. Similarly, the non-cereus B. amyloliquefaciens was found to habour the pag gene. CONCLUSIONS The two anthrax toxin genes were amplified in the Bacillus spp isolated from rinsates and bowl water used in hand washing in the two study LGAs. Given that these virulence genes have a global consequence and are a potential threat to life, this study calls for an extensive surveillance, and reassessment of gene regulators and plasmid distribution among these strains in our environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James Ameh
- University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Brisbane, Australia
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Pooseesod K, Umezaki M, Phetrak A, Phuanukoonnon S. Corrigendum: Handwashing among caregivers of young children in a protracted and complex refugee and immigration context: a mixed methods study on the Thai-Myanmar border. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1279605. [PMID: 37711252 PMCID: PMC10497953 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1279605] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1099831.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasama Pooseesod
- Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Masahiro Umezaki
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Athit Phetrak
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Thailand
| | - Suparat Phuanukoonnon
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Thailand
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Pooseesod K, Umezaki M, Phetrak A, Phuanukoonnon S. Handwashing among caregivers of young children in a protracted and complex refugee and immigration context: a mixed methods study on the Thai-Myanmar border. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1099831. [PMID: 37583886 PMCID: PMC10423810 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1099831] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Protracted refugee situations create complex contexts that present significant health risks for young children. Effective hand hygiene practices by caregivers can reduce respiratory infections and diarrhoeal disease, the two largest contributors to mortality among children between 1 month and 5 years of age. This study documented handwashing patterns and access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure among caregivers of young children living along the Thai-Myanmar border, one of the world's most protracted and complex refugee and immigration contexts. It also examined the association between handwashing and socio-demographic variables and captured participants' explanations for when and how hands are washed. The study broadened the scope of previous research by also including the large number of caregivers living outside formal camps. Methods Caregivers of children attending 11 preschools in Tak province, Thailand participated in a mixed-methods cross-sectional study. Quantitative questionnaire data (n = 384) were supplemented by a thematic analysis of data from in-depth interviews (n = 9). Results Fewer than half the caregivers reported routinely washing their hands before preparing meals or after using the latrine/toilet. Fewer than one-in-five routinely used soap in these situations. Interviewees explained that handwashing was only necessary when a substance could be felt or seen, in which case wiping with a cloth or a rinsing with water were sufficient to clean hands. However, their explanations also suggested some potential avenues for culturally appropriate and feasible interventions to improve hand hygiene. Conclusion The results confirmed previous research on the multi-dimensional barriers to good hand hygiene in protracted refugee situations and other low-resource settings. Additional investment to overcome shortages in the infrastructure necessary to support good hand hygiene and creative means of drawing on and developing human capital will be necessary to realize the potential hand hygiene holds for reducing ill-health and mortality among young children living in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasama Pooseesod
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Thailand
| | - Masahiro Umezaki
- Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Athit Phetrak
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suparat Phuanukoonnon
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Gupta A, Sengar M, Manar M, Bansal U, Singh SK. Tracking Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices: Waste Management and Environmental Cleaning in the Slums of North India. Cureus 2023; 15:e42067. [PMID: 37602103 PMCID: PMC10434291 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42067] [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] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background One or more of the following five amenities is lacking in slum communities: durable housing, sufficient living area, access to clean water, access to improved sanitation facilities, and secure tenure. This study aimed to identify the gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in the urban slums of Lucknow. Methodology A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among families residing in the urban slums of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India for 18 months starting from April 2020. Results A total of 747 heads of families were interviewed and their families were surveyed. The proportion of kaccha slums was 37.25% and of pakka slums was 62.74%. About 98.3% of families residing in kaccha slums used indiscriminate throwing as a method of solid waste disposal. About 96.5% of families residing in kaccha slums practiced open-field defecation while those residing in pakka slums used a toilet within the premises. Kaccha slum dwellers were practicing open-field defecation 12.8 times more than pakka slum dwellers. This study showed that sanitary conditions in kaccha slums were mainly responsible for the overall burden of excreta disposal, solid waste disposal, and access to water supply for drinking and other household purposes. Conclusions Water supply and housing conditions such as dampness, floor, and the non-availability of electricity are the primary predictors of the preference for open-field defecation among slum dwellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Gupta
- Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Kannauj, Kannauj, IND
| | - Mili Sengar
- Community Medicine, T.S. Misra Medical College, Lucknow, IND
| | - Manish Manar
- Community Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, IND
| | - Utkarsh Bansal
- Pediatrics, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, IND
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Hunn A, Vavrinchik J. Observations in the Field Concerning Infection Control Practices in Dialysis. Nephrol Nurs J 2023; 50:305-332. [PMID: 37695516] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
This article describes observations and findings related to infection prevention and control in dialysis facilities. Ensuring infection control best practices is critical for patient safety. Survey findings related to hand hygiene, disinfection practices, medication preparation and administration, central venous catheter management, and hepatitis B surveillance are reviewed. Implications for nephrology nursing in each scenario are discussed, including survey guidance for COVID-19 post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Hunn
- Nurse Surveyor, National Dialysis Accreditation Commission (NDAC), Glen Ellyn, IL
- member of ANNA's Los Angeles Chapter
| | - Jennifer Vavrinchik
- Chief Operating Officer, National Dialysis Accreditation Commission (NDAC), Glen Ellyn, IL
- The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation® (AAMI) Liaison for ANNA
- member of ANNA's Health Policy Committee
- member of ANNA's South Florida Chapter
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13
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Moyer E, Cole G, Harding E, Jamieson-Popp M, Fuls JL. Comparative Recovery of Serratia marcescens Using Bags versus Gloves as Described in ASTM E1174-21 Health Care Personnel Handwash Method. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0128823. [PMID: 37199650 PMCID: PMC10269534 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01288-23] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The ASTM E1174-21 Health Care Personnel Handwash method is prescribed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate the efficacy of antiseptic handwashing products. The standardized method allows for marker bacteria to be collected from the hands by using either a bag or a glove. Two recent studies utilizing the different collection methods testing the same product showed substantial differences in results. We sponsored two independent studies to compare the bag and glove collection methods following contamination with Serratia marcescens. Overall, there was no difference between collection methods for bacteria recovered (P = 0.603). The distribution of recovery for the bag method was slightly less variable than for the glove method. Statistical differences were observed within each lab based on the collection day. The day-to-day variability is critical to consider for future multiple-day studies. Additionally, hand size appears to impact recovery, especially for the glove method, with both small and medium hand sizes resulting in higher recovery than large and extralarge hand sizes (P = 0.015), whereas hand size did not impact recovery with the bag method (P = 0.315). While it appears that both the bag and glove methods can be used, our findings suggest that gloves may not be the best option for subjects with large to extra-large hands. Additional work looking at bacterial recovery following product treatment is warranted to understand the impact of large hands in the bag versus glove recovery method. IMPORTANCE Antiseptic hand wash products are evaluated using the standard ASTM E1174-21 to demonstrate their antibacterial efficacy. Often products are tested at multiple labs, and the need to understand variables that may play a role in the outcome of the study is important. This work allows us to evaluate the impact that the two collection methods, bags and gloves, have on bacteria recovery. If differences are observed, standardization to one method may be critical to ensure similar test results when planning studies at multiple labs.
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Wu TJ, Reynolds MM. Trachoma, the world's leading infectious cause of blindness: The remaining gap in care and access to basic handwashing facilities. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023:11206721231154295. [PMID: 36726295 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231154295] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trachoma, the world's leading infectious cause of blindness, has been targeted by the WHO for elimination through the SAFE strategy: surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. Although significant progress has been made, there remains a gap in care. This project studied the association of geographical distribution of the remaining need for trachoma intervention and its association with access to basic handwashing facilities at home, as an indicator of water/sanitation infrastructure. We hypothesized that poor water sanitation would correspond to areas where trachoma intervention is still required. DESIGN Retrospective analysis using the WHO Global Health Observatory. Spatial, correlation, and simple and multivariable regression analyses were used. METHODS Using data from the WHO Global Health Observatory, a total of 194 countries were analyzed. Two choropleth maps were created, with inset maps focused on the South Pacific region, where the top 5 countries with the greatest population proportion requiring trachoma intervention are located. RESULTS Correlations and the simple regression model of total population with access to handwashing facilities as the only risk factor were insignificant. However, the multivariable regression models with access to handwashing facilities (total, urban, and rural) and population density as risk factors for trachoma intervention were significant. CONCLUSION Poor water/sanitation infrastructure correlates with trachoma burden. Therefore, water/sanitation infrastructure improvement is a worthwhile target in the efforts toward trachoma elimination, but further research on the association between these important public health indicators is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany J Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Margaret M Reynolds
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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15
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Mavragani A, Brew-Sam N, Rossmann C. An Analysis of Power Dynamics Affecting Handwashing Interventions in Sierra Leone: Findings From a Qualitative Participatory Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e39226. [PMID: 36705952 PMCID: PMC9919519 DOI: 10.2196/39226] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Handwashing is an effective and cost-efficient health behavior for preventing infectious diseases; however, its practice is shaped by multiple contextual factors and inequalities between different social groups in Sierra Leone. To address these inequalities, participatory approaches that allow a more equitable distribution of resources and the development of locally tailored interventions are increasingly used. However, social power dynamics have not been well integrated into the concept of participation, despite their known impact. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the role of power dynamics in participatory approaches to handwashing in Sierra Leone. METHODS From a socio-ecological perspective, this qualitative, formative interview study aimed to identify relevant actors and their power relationships before designing a participatory handwashing project in rural Sierra Leone. A field experiment with focus groups and a research diary compared the development of power dynamics in a participatory, community-driven approach with that in a nonparticipatory top-down approach. RESULTS According to our formative study, in community-based projects, multiple groups and actors interact directly or indirectly with each other, located within a macro level (eg, political institutions), meso level (eg, community leaders and groups), and micro level (eg, families) of a socio-ecological model. Although distinct leadership structures were noticeable and affected intervention attendance and processes of change in nonparticipatory approaches, community-led activities and handwashing increased in the participatory approach, irrespective of the leadership structure. Despite their ambivalence, the strategic inclusion of different community leaders appeared essential to enhance the value of the project, mobilize creative action, and empower lower-ranking individuals to practice handwashing. A similar ambivalent role could be observed in relation to external researchers, especially if they come from a different cultural background than the research participants, for example, from a Western country in a non-Western project setting. Although external researchers can initiate a project or provide certain resources, distinct expectations regarding their roles and resources can impact participatory efforts and power relations. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the advantages of participatory approaches for health promotion. Power dynamics should be a core component of continuous reflection and analysis in participatory projects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Brew-Sam
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Constanze Rossmann
- Department of Media and Communication, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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16
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Ali K, Kabir F, Meyer E. Editorial: Biorisk management, laboratory acquired infections and clinical containment. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1127856. [PMID: 36733903 PMCID: PMC9887301 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1127856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Ali
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan,*Correspondence: Kashif Ali ✉
| | - Furqan Kabir
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory (IDRL), Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,Furqan Kabir ✉
| | - Esmeralda Meyer
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Research Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, Emory University, Atlanta, CO, United States
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17
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Jo S, Han SY, Howe N. Factors Associated with Handwashing Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the Community Health Survey in Korea. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231172364. [PMID: 37139169 PMCID: PMC10150421 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231172364] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Handwashing is the most effective preventive behavior for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection. However, research has shown the lower handwashing behaviors among Korean adults. Objectives This study aims to analyze factors associated with handwashing as a preventive behavior for COVID-19 infection based on the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) behavioral theories. Methods This secondary data analysis utilized the Community Health Survey developed by Disease Control and Prevention Agency conducted in 2020. Sampling method was stratified and targeted 900 people living in the territory of each community public health center. In total, 228,344 cases were used in the analysis. Handwashing behavior, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, subjective norm, and influenza vaccine uptake were used in the analysis. Regression analysis using weighing strategy by stratification and domain analysis was used. Results Less washing hand was associated with older age (B = 0.01, p < .001), males (B = 0.42, p < .001), not receiving an influenza vaccine (B = 0.09, p < .001), perceived susceptibility (B = 0.12, p < .001), subjective norm (B = 0.05, p < .001), and perceived severity (B = -0.04, p < .001). Conclusion While perceived susceptibility and social norm had positive association, perceived severity had a negative association with handwashing. Considering the Korean culture, creating a shared norm for frequent handwashing could be beneficial to promote handwashing rather than emphasizing the disease and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojung Jo
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Soo-Yeon Han
- Department of Nursing, Bucheon University, Bucheon, South Korea
- Soo-Yeon Han, Department of Nursing, Bucheon
University, Bucheon, South Korea.
| | - Nancy Howe
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation,
Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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18
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Zheng Z, Liang C, Li Z, Wu Y, Lin B, Fang J. Mask-Wearing and Handwashing Behaviors of Chinese Rural Residents during the Pandemic of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 20:779. [PMID: 36613099 PMCID: PMC9819408 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010779] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand mask-wearing and handwashing behaviors of Chinese rural residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze the associated factors. METHODS This study used a multi-stage random sampling method to conduct a cross-sectional questionnaire survey during the period of July to December of 2021, in six counties located in Shandong, Shanxi, and Yunnan provinces representing the eastern, central, and western regions of China, respectively. A total of 3864 villagers were surveyed with a questionnaire, and 3832 valid questionnaires were finally analyzed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Around ninety-four percent (93.6%) of rural residents reported mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, but only 44.5% of them could replace masks in time. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that those who were female, aged 15-59, had an education level of high school and above, were divorced/widowed, worked as farmers (workers), or were rural residents in Shandong Province were more likely to wear masks. Furthermore, those who were female, aged 15-59, had an education level of high school and above, were unmarried and married, were business and service workers, or were rural residents in Shandong and Shanxi Province replaced masks more timely. Around seventy percent (69.7%) of rural residents reported using soap when washing their hands, but only 38.0% of rural residents could wash their hands properly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that rural residents who were aged 35-59, had an education of high school and above, or lived in Shandong Province and Shanxi Province were more likely to wash their hands with soap. Those who were aged 15-59, had an education of high school and above, worked as farmers (workers), were employees of governmental departments and retirees, were business and service workers, or were students had higher proper handwashing rates. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of Chinese rural residents wearing masks reached 93.6%, but only 44.5% were able to replace masks in time, gender, age, education level, marital status, occupation, and living place had an impact on mask-wearing. The proportion of Chinese rural residents who could wash hands with soap reached 69.7%, but only 38.0% could wash their hands properly. Age and education level were influencing factors for both washing-hand with soap and proper handwashing.
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Schmitz M, Wollast R, Bigot A, Luminet O. Predicting health behaviors across Belgium and France during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. J Health Psychol 2022; 27:3097-3105. [PMID: 35297292 PMCID: PMC9720059 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221083819] [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: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the current research was to investigate how a series of psychological factors may underlie two COVID-19 health behaviors, and how a contextual factor (country of residence) could shape their influence. Cross-sectional results from the first pandemic wave (NBelgium = 4878, NFrance = 1071) showed that handwashing and social contacts limitation are predicted by a unique set of psychological variables that holds across Belgium and France, despite their distinct lockdown-policies strictness. In practice, policy-makers could leverage on these unique predictors and fine-tune their strategies accordingly to promote adherence to each measure while generalizing it across similar nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schmitz
- Mathias Schmitz, Institute for Research in
the Psychological Sciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Place Cardinal
Mercier 10 bte L3.05.01, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium. Emails:
,
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20
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Poczai P, Karvalics LZ. The little-known history of cleanliness and the forgotten pioneers of handwashing. Front Public Health 2022; 10:979464. [PMID: 36339162 PMCID: PMC9632745 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.979464] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Handwashing is a simple method for preventing the spread of pathogens. It is now common practice, but this was not always the case. Advocating for it often costed a doctor his career in the 1840s. Hospitals in the early 1800s had little idea of the significance of hygiene; thus, they were often mocked as disease-producing incubators or as "houses of death." Many of the ill and dying were kept on wards with no ventilation or access to clean water; hospitals were found to offer only the most basic care. The mortality rate for patients admitted to hospital was three to five times greater than that for individuals cared for at home. Doctors did not routinely wash their hands until the mid-1800s, and they would proceed straight from dissecting a corpse to delivering a baby, providing the basis for the spread of puerperal fever. Despite advances in modern medicine, healthcare providers still face the issue of infection outbreaks caused by patient care. While the body of scientific data supporting hand hygiene as the key strategy to prevent the spread of pathogens is substantial, we highlight that achieving this crucial, long-awaited breakthrough was a hard task through history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Poczai
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Museomics Research Group, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg, Kőszeg, Hungary
| | - László Z. Karvalics
- Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg, Kőszeg, Hungary
- Department of Cultural Heritage and Human Information Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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21
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Hosseinabadi R, Biranvand S, Anbari K. Adherence to preventive behaviours and risk of COVID-19 infection: a case-control study. Med Glas (Zenica) 2022; 19. [PMID: 35924799 DOI: 10.17392/1490-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Aim To investigate the relationship between adherence to preventive behaviors and risk of COVID-19 infection. Methods In this case-control study, 491 participants were selected through convenience sampling. First, the samples of the case group (COVID-19 patients) were selected, and then the control group was matched with the case group based on age, gender, and occupation. The criteria for diagnosing COVID-19 for the case group were self-reported positive PCR test or lung involvement on a chest CT scan. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results, and an odds ratio was calculated to quantify the magnitude of the association using a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p<0.05. Results The results showed that, compared to those who always wear a mask, the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 was 3.153 times higher in those who used no masks (95% CI: 0.953-10.434) and 3.779 times higher in those who used masks occasionally (95% CI:1.929-7.37). The participants who never observed physical distancing and handwashing were 2.25 times more likely to get COVID-19 than those who always observed (95% CI:1.719-4.954; OR=2.258). Conclusion Participants who fail in following the protective measures, especially wearing a mask regardless of its type, had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is recommended to use a mask consistently, especially during the peak of COVID-19 waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Hosseinabadi
- Assistant Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Shoorangiz Biranvand
- Assistant Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Khatereh Anbari
- Associate Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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22
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Gilroy LC, Minkoff HL. Rising above the mask wars: using nonpharmaceutical interventions to lessen the burden of influenza. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:802-804. [PMID: 34801442 PMCID: PMC8685305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic imparted important lessons, both through its direct impact on society and through the manner in which society’s response influenced the trajectory of other diseases. The decrements in the rates of infection and morbidity from influenza during 2020 were significant, which is particularly important for pregnant women. Despite past attempts by public health authorities to encourage nonpharmaceutical interventions for the prevention of influenza, preventive efforts have focused largely on the use of vaccines. The COVID-19 experience has demonstrated that basic nonpharmaceutical interventions can potentially make a difference in lowering the rates of influenza during future outbreaks. In this article, we discuss the prepandemic role of nonpharmaceutical interventions in disease prevention, the outcomes that were seen in the flu season of 2020, and the role obstetricians should play in using nonpharmaceutical interventions in future influenza disease prevention efforts.
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23
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Le AB, Perez-Patron M, Ward LM, Comai A, Beam EL, Gibbs SG. Characteristics Associated With Consistent Handwashing and Satisfaction in the Workplace: A Pilot Survey of U.S. Workers. Workplace Health Saf 2022; 70:21650799221082305. [PMID: 35491860 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221082305] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study seeks to determine what handwashing facilities are available to workers, predominantly in the manufacturing and service industries, to find out if their workplace has the appropriate resources to conduct proper handwashing and how that affects handwashing satisfaction. METHODS This cross-sectional study surveyed U.S. adult workers (N = 241) on their workplace handwashing equipment and facilities. The associations between demographic characteristics, consistent handwashing, and handwashing satisfaction were evaluated using Fisher's exact test. FINDINGS Eighty-eight percent of respondents reported consistent handwashing. Pulling a handle to exit the restroom was negatively associated with handwashing satisfaction (p = .004) and having difficulty with an automatic faucet or dispenser was negatively marginally significant in its association with handwashing consistency (p = .10). CONCLUSION/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE Greater understanding of the available equipment in workplace restroom facilities and how to improve selection and use of that equipment may improve workers' handwashing experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora B Le
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
| | - Maria Perez-Patron
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University
| | - Lauren M Ward
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
| | - Andrew Comai
- College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center
| | - Elizabeth L Beam
- Health and Safety Department, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
| | - Shawn G Gibbs
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University
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24
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Tran HTT, Nguyen MH, Pham TTM, Kim GB, Nguyen HT, Nguyen NM, Dam HTB, Duong TH, Nguyen YH, Do TT, Nguyen TTP, Le TT, Do HTT, Nguyen TT, Pham KM, Duong TV. Predictors of eHealth Literacy and Its Associations with Preventive Behaviors, Fear of COVID-19, Anxiety, and Depression among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19073766. [PMID: 35409448 PMCID: PMC8997661 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: The infodemic has been co-existing with the COVID-19 pandemic with an influx of misinformation and conspiracy theories. These affect people’s psychological health and adherence to preventive measures. eHealth literacy (eHEALS) may help with alleviating the negative effects of the infodemic. As nursing students are future healthcare professionals, having adequate eHEALS skills is critically important in their clinical practice, safety, and health. This study aimed to (1) explore the eHEALS level and its associated factors, and (2) examine the associations of eHEALS with preventive behaviors, fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S), anxiety, and depression among nursing students. Methods: We surveyed 1851 nursing students from 7 April to 31 May 2020 from eight universities across Vietnam. Data were collected, including demographic characteristics, eHEALS, adherence to preventive behaviors (handwashing, mask-wearing, physical distancing), FCV-19S, anxiety, and depression. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed appropriately to examine associations. Results: The mean score of eHEALS was 31.4 ± 4.4. The eHEALS score was significantly higher in males (unstandardized regression coefficient, B, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.73; p = 0.019), and students with a better ability to pay for medication (B, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.19; p < 0.001), as compared to their counterparts. Nursing students with a higher eHEALS score had a higher likelihood of adhering to hand-washing (odds ratio, OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.22; p < 0.001), mask-wearing (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.19; p < 0.001), keeping a safe physical distance (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.25; p < 0.001), and had a lower anxiety likelihood (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.99; p = 0.011). Conclusions: Nursing students who were men and with better ability to pay for medication had higher eHEALS scores. Those with higher eHEALS scores had better adherence to preventive measures, and better psychological health. The development of strategies to improve eHEALS of nursing students may contribute to COVID-19 containment and improve their psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. T. Tran
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong 042-12, Vietnam; (H.T.T.T.); (T.T.M.P.); (T.T.N.); (K.M.P.)
| | - Minh H. Nguyen
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110-31, Taiwan;
| | - Thu T. M. Pham
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong 042-12, Vietnam; (H.T.T.T.); (T.T.M.P.); (T.T.N.); (K.M.P.)
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110-31, Taiwan
| | - Giang B. Kim
- Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 115-20, Vietnam;
- Center for Assessment and Quality Assurance, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 115-20, Vietnam
| | - Hiep T. Nguyen
- Faculty of Public Health, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh 725-10, Vietnam; (H.T.N.); (N.-M.N.)
- Pham Ngoc Thach Clinic, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh 725-10, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc-Minh Nguyen
- Faculty of Public Health, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh 725-10, Vietnam; (H.T.N.); (N.-M.N.)
| | - Hoa T. B. Dam
- Department of Psychiatry, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen 241-17, Vietnam;
| | - Thai H. Duong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen City 241-17, Vietnam;
- Training and Direction of Healthcare Activity Center, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen City 241-24, Vietnam
| | - Yen H. Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho 941-17, Vietnam;
- Department of Pharmacy, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Can Tho 941-17, Vietnam
| | - Thao T. Do
- Department of Oral Pathology and Periodontology, Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho 941-17, Vietnam;
| | - Thao T. P. Nguyen
- Health Personnel Training Institute, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thua Thien Hue 491-20, Vietnam;
| | - Thuy T. Le
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang 502-06, Vietnam;
| | - Hien T. T. Do
- Faculty of Nursing, Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Hai Duong 031-17, Vietnam;
| | - Tham T. Nguyen
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong 042-12, Vietnam; (H.T.T.T.); (T.T.M.P.); (T.T.N.); (K.M.P.)
| | - Khue M. Pham
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong 042-12, Vietnam; (H.T.T.T.); (T.T.M.P.); (T.T.N.); (K.M.P.)
| | - Tuyen Van Duong
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110-31, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 6545)
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25
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Mwapasa T, Chidziwisano K, Lally D, Morse T. Hygiene in early childhood development centres in low-income areas of Blantyre, Malawi. Int J Environ Health Res 2022:1-17. [PMID: 35272551 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2048802] [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: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of death in children in sub-Saharan Africa, attributed to environmental health factors such as inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food hygiene. This formative study in low-income areas of Blantyre focussed on the practices in Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDCs) environments where children spend a significant amount of time. A mixed-methods approach was applied to identify key hygiene behaviours in ECDCs through; checklist and structured observations (n = 849 children; n = 33 caregivers), focus group discussions (n = 25) and microbiological sampling (n = 261) of drinking water, food handler's hands, and eating utensils. ECDCs had inadequate WASH infrastructure; coupled with poor hygiene practices and unhygienic environments increased the risk of faecal-oral disease transmission. Presence of E. coli in drinking water confirmed observed poor water handling habits by staff and children. Addressing undesired hygiene practices in ECDCs has the potential to improve the health outcomes of children in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taonga Mwapasa
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kondwani Chidziwisano
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - David Lally
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Tracy Morse
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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26
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Poague KIHM, Blanford JI, Anthonj C. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Implications for the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:3124. [PMID: 35270814 PMCID: PMC8910349 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the extent to which schools are struggling with the provision of safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). To describe the WASH conditions in schools and discuss the implications for the safe reopening of schools during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on WASH in schools in low- and middle-income countries was performed. In April 2021, five databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, AJOL, and LILACS, were used to identify studies. Sixty-five papers met the inclusion criteria. We extracted and analyzed data considering the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) definitions and the normative contents of Human Rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. Publications included in this systematic review considered 18,465 schools, across 30 different countries. Results indicate a lack of adequate WASH conditions and menstrual hygiene management requirements in all countries. The largely insufficient and inadequate school infrastructure hampers students to practice healthy hygiene habits and handwashing in particular. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, being hindered to implement such a key strategy to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the school environment is of major concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasandra I. H. M. Poague
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation–ITC, University of Twente, Hengelosestraat 99, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; (J.I.B.); (C.A.)
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27
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Mghamba JM, Oriyo NM, Bita AAF, Shayo E, Kagaruki G, Katsande R, Hussein A, Kishimba RS, Urio LJ, Lema N, Camara N, Makundi V, Mengestu TK, Saguti GE, Habtu MM, Kwesi E, Bakari M, Mfaume R, Makubi A, Subi L. Compliance to infection prevention and control interventions for slowing down COVID-19 in early phase of disease transmission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 41:174. [PMID: 35573435 PMCID: PMC9074051 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.41.174.31481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction on 16th March 2020, Tanzania announced its first COVID-19 case. The country had already developed a 72-hour response plan and had enacted three compulsory infection prevention and control interventions. Here, we describe public compliance to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) public health measures in Dar es Salaam during the early COVID-19 response and testing of the feasibility of an observational method. Methods a cross sectional study was conducted between April and May 2020 in Dar es Salaam City. At that time, Dar es Salaam was the epi centre of the epidemic. Respondents were randomly selected from defined population strata (high, medium and low). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and through observations. Results a total of 390 subjects were interviewed, response rate was 388 (99.5%). Mean age of the respondents was 34.8 years and 168 (43.1%) had primary level education. Out of the 388 respondents, 384 (98.9%) reported to have heard about COVID-19 public health and social measures, 90.0% had heard from the television and 84.6% from the radio. Covering coughs and sneezes using a handkerchief was the most common behaviour observed among 320 (82.5%) respondents; followed by hand washing hygiene practice, 312 (80.4%) and wearing face masks, 240 (61.9%). Approximately 215 (55.4%) adhered to physical distancing guidance. Age and gender were associated with compliance to IPC measures (both, p<0.05). Conclusion compliance to public health measures during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in this urban setting was encouraging. As the pandemic continues, it is critical to ensure compliance is sustained and capitalize on risk communication via television and radio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneth Maridadi Mghamba
- Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania,,Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,,Corresponding author: Janneth Maridadi Mghamba, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania.
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Shayo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gibson Kagaruki
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Reggis Katsande
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Ally Hussein
- Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rogath Saika Kishimba
- Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania,,Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Loveness John Urio
- Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nsiande Lema
- Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Muhammad Bakari
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid Mfaume
- Office of the Regional Administrative Secretary, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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28
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Ofori SK, Hung YW, Schwind JS, Muniz-Rodriguez K, Kakou RJ, Alade SE, Diallo K, Sullivan KL, Cowling BJ, Fung ICH. The use of digital technology to improve and monitor handwashing among children 12 years or younger in educational settings: a scoping review. Int J Environ Health Res 2022; 32:547-564. [PMID: 32579032 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1784398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Our scoping review aimed to identify and describe the application of digital technology in hand hygiene research among children in educational settings. We searched for articles in PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science. Original hand hygiene research with a form of digital technology used among children ≤12 years in educational settings was eligible for inclusion. Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria and the data were extracted by two teams of independent co-authors for narrative synthesis. Ten studies used digital technology as an intervention tool and two for monitoring purposes. Three main digital technologies were identified including computer games (n = 2), videos (n = 8), and video cameras (n = 2). Digital technologies found in our scoping review were reported to be effective in hand hygiene studies over short temporal periods especially when used in combination with other measures. Future research may demonstrate the effectiveness of digital technology in helping children develop sustainable handwashing behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia K Ofori
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Yuen Wai Hung
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica S Schwind
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Kamalich Muniz-Rodriguez
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Reece J Kakou
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Sunmisola E Alade
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Kadiatou Diallo
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Kelly L Sullivan
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - I C H Fung
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
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29
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Ameme DK, Odikro MA, Baidoo A, Dsane-Aidoo P, Nuvey FS, Jackson DG, Mohammed AG, Alemna F, Tender EK, Ghartey GNK, Wullar OG, Maximore L, Asamoah YK, Kenu E. Hand hygiene and face mask wearing practices for COVID-19 prevention: a non-intrusive observation of patrons of community convenience shops in Accra, Ghana. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 40:195. [PMID: 35096222 PMCID: PMC8760294 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.195.26195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION in the absence of a vaccine and definitive treatment, non-pharmacological measures of physical distancing, regular hand hygiene and wearing of face covering remain the mainstays of mitigating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In Ghana, these measures are mandatory in public places and underpin COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC). We assessed adherence and appropriate performance of these measures among patrons of community convenience shops in selected hotspots. METHODS we conducted a non-intrusive observation of patrons of convenience shops in COVID-19 burden hotspots. We observed patrons as they entered and exited the shops and collected data on their gender, adherence and appropriate use of face covering and hand hygiene facilities. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially to determine factors associated with adherence to IPC guidelines. RESULTS of 800 patrons observed from eight community shops, 481 (60.1%) were males. Of these, 653 (81.6%) wore face covering and 98 (12.3%) performed hand hygiene; with 92 (11.5%) adhering to both measures. Patrons who wore face mask appropriately were 578; comprising 299 (92.3%) of patrons who wore face mask before entering the shops. Of 89 patrons who washed their hands, appropriate handwashing was recorded among nine (10.1%). Compared to inappropriate handwashing, appropriate handwashing was negatively associated with adherence to IPC guidelines [aOR=0.1 (95% CI=0.01-0.59)]. CONCLUSION adherence to and appropriate performance of IPC measures of handwashing and use of face covering in the selected shops was low. There is the need to complement availability of IPC measures with intensification of risk communication messaging targeted at ensuring their appropriate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donne Kofi Ameme
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Abraham Baidoo
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Paul Dsane-Aidoo
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francis Sena Nuvey
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dikena Garmonyou Jackson
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdul Gafaru Mohammed
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Felicia Alemna
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Georgia Naa Korkoi Ghartey
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Leroy Maximore
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Karikari Asamoah
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Kenu
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Accra, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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30
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Chang LY, Wang CJ, Chiang TL. Childhood Handwashing Habit Formation and Later COVID-19 Preventive Practices: A Cohort Study. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:1390-1398. [PMID: 35863735 PMCID: PMC9290330 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.05.014] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study identified developmental patterns of handwashing habit formation during childhood and examined their associations with later COVID-19 preventive practices. METHODS We used data from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study, which included 11,254 adolescents with complete data on childhood handwashing behavior and age-15 COVID-19 survey items. Bias-adjusted 3-step latent class analysis was used to test study hypotheses. RESULTS The rates of handwashing and mask-wearing during the pandemic were 63.8% and 93.8%, respectively. Five distinct patterns of handwashing habit formation were identified: early formation (14.89%), delayed formation (17.73%), gradual formation (42.98%), inconsistent formation (9.78%), and nonformation (14.62%). Compared with adolescents with an early formation pattern of handwashing habits, those with other patterns exhibited lower odds ratios (ORs) of handwashing during COVID-19; these ORs were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.85), 0.60 (95% CI, 0.44-0.77), 0.29 (95% CI, 0.08-0.49), and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.01-0.40) for those with delayed formation, gradual formation, inconsistent formation, and nonformation patterns, respectively. Moreover, relative to that of adolescents with the early formation pattern, mask-wearing was less common among adolescents with gradual formation, inconsistent formation, and nonformation patterns, with ORs of 0.54 (95% CI, 0.16-0.92), 0.50 (95% CI, 0.03-0.96), and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.00-0.65), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The early formation of hygienic habits is associated with higher adherence to pandemic preventive practices among adolescents. Our findings suggest that interventions to promote hygienic behaviors can start as early as age 3 through the introduction of healthy habits such as handwashing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yin Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health (LY Chang), National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C. Jason Wang
- Center for Policy, Outcomes, and Prevention (CJ Wang), Stanford University School of Medicine,Division of General Pediatrics (CJ Wang), Stanford University School of Medicine,Address correspondence to C. Jason Wang, MD, PhD, Stanford University School of Medicine, 117 Encina Commons, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Tung-liang Chiang
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health (TL Chiang), National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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31
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Alghalyini B, Albeyahi A, Abou Shaar B, Salah M. Perception of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Members of Saudi Society: Solidarity, Humility, and Connectivity. Cureus 2021; 13:e19427. [PMID: 34909335 PMCID: PMC8662375 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose The magnitude of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the healthcare system, economy, education, and social networking is dreadful, the least to say. Surprisingly, and unlike previous epidemics, the impact has been universal, and even top-ranking countries with solid economies were not immune. The purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of the Saudi community's response and reaction to the preventative measures implemented by the government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology A cross-sectional study using a self-administered online-based questionnaire was conducted among 920 participants from March 2020 to February 2021 among the Saudi community across the Kingdom. Results Among the studied participants, the majority (60%) are always committed to washing their hands according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) instructions, and 74% indicated that they were always compliant with the sneezing etiquette outlined by the MoH. Studied participants were affected through different influencers of life aspects. Moreover, 63% of them gained new skills and behaviors during the pandemic curfew. Additionally, many studied participants assumed that "life will not return to what it used to be" as a future perception. Conclusion In conclusion, the present findings proved the importance and power of the Saudi Vision (2030) represented by the National Transformation Program on enhancing the healthcare system, facilitating access to healthcare, and integrating technology among government parties addressed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baraa Alghalyini
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, SAU.,Emergency Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU.,Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, CAN
| | - Alaa Albeyahi
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, SAU.,Public Health, Saudi Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Bader Abou Shaar
- Public Health, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Mohamed Salah
- Public Health, Saudi Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
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32
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Malika NM, Barbagelatta G, Penny M, Reynolds KA, Sinclair R. Impact of Housing and Infrastructure on handwashing in Peru. Int Health 2021; 13:615-623. [PMID: 32239138 PMCID: PMC10553400 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa008] [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: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metropolitan area of Lima, Peru has a third of the nation's population living in slum dwellings that are hypothesized to contribute to inefficient household hygienic practices. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess which living conditions have the greatest impact on handwashing practices. METHODS A cross-sectional epidemiological design of participants ≥16 y of age from San Juan de Miraflores, a slum on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, was used. Poisson regression was applied to assess the impact of living conditions on handwashing practices. RESULTS We could not demonstrate a relationship between living conditions (home structure, overcrowding, water, grey water disposal) and reported handwashing. The reported lack of handwashing is associated with the number of children in the home (those with children <5 y of age were more likely not to report washing their hands) and length of stay in the slum in years. CONCLUSIONS Living conditions play an important role in one's health, therefore improved study designs are needed to determine which strategies are likely to be the most effective in improving outcomes for slum dwellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipher M Malika
- Loma Linda University School of Public Health, 11188 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | | | - Mary Penny
- Instituto de Investigacion Nutricional, Av. La Molina 1885 Peru
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, 1295 N. Martin Avenue Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ryan Sinclair
- Loma Linda University School of Public Health, 11188 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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33
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Latkin CA, Dayton L, Kaufman MR, Schneider KE, Strickland JC, Konstantopoulos A. Social norms and prevention behaviors in the United States early in the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2021; 27:162-177. [PMID: 34794362 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.2004315] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The current study assessed how social norms were associated with the three effective Covid-19 prevention behaviors of social distancing, handwashing, and wearing protective face masks during the early stages of the pandemic in the US. Study participants were recruited online. Data from the present study was from a baseline quantitative survey administered from March 25th-27th, 2020. The 808 study participants were recruited for a longitudinal study online. Eligibility requirements included age 18 or older, living in the United States, English speaking and reading had heard of the Coronavirus or Covid-19, and provided informed consent. The three outcome variables were handwashing, mask wearing, and social distancing. Injunctive and descriptive norms were assessed. The injunctive norm of perceiving friends would find them rude if they did not affiliate with them because Covid-19 was associated with all three outcomes in both the bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratios ranging from (aOR) = .80 for handwashing to aOR = .63 for social distancing and aOR = .77 for mask wearing. The descriptive cognitive norm of friends worrying about becoming infected was associated with all three outcomes in the bivariate analysis but only mask wearing in the multivariate models (aOR = 1.74). The study findings suggest there are strong social factors that correlate with behaviors to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. These findings also suggest that public health communication campaigns should focus on more than heightening risk perceptions. They should include attention to social norms and perceptions of social risks to significant others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren Dayton
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle R Kaufman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristin E Schneider
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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34
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Shewale SP, Sane SS, Ujagare DD, Patel R, Roy S, Juvekar S, Kohli R, Bangar S, Jadhav A, Sahay S. Social Factors Associated With Adherence to Preventive Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Among Rural and Semi-urban Communities in Western Maharashtra, India. Front Public Health 2021; 9:722621. [PMID: 34568263 PMCID: PMC8457380 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.722621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To control the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, the Government of India (GoI) had taken stringent precautionary measures during the lockdown period. This study aimed to explore determinants affecting adherence to protective measures against COVID-19 infection among rural and semi-urban settings of Maharashtra, India. Methods: A cross-sectional telephonic survey among 1,016 adults from randomly selected households was conducted between June 5 and July 16, 2020. The data were explored for knowledge, awareness, practices related to protective measures, and self-risk perception. Socio-demographic and attitudinal correlates of failure to use protective measures against COVID-19 were measured. Results: In the survey, 72% of the participants were men. The mean age was 46 years (SD: 13.8). The main source of information was television (91%); however, information from healthcare providers (65%) and mass media announcements (49%) was trustworthy. Washing hands immediately with soap after returning from outdoors was reported by 95% of the respondents, always using a mask while outdoors by 94%, never attended social gatherings by 91%, always using hand sanitizer while outside by 77%, and 68% of the respondents followed all protective measures. The knowledge score [mean score 20.3 (SD: 2.4) out of 24] was independently associated with the risk of not using protective measures, with each unit increase in knowledge score, the risk of not using protective measures reduced by 16%. No source of income was independently associated with not using protective measures [AOR 1.5 95% CI (1.01–2.3)]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 public health interventions and behavior change communication strategies should be specifically directed towards the low socio-economic populations through trusted sources. The association between knowledge and practices demonstrates the importance of accurate public health communication to optimally follow preventive measures, such as structural interventions to address poverty and employment policies to address the unemployment crisis are required. Surveillance activity is needed to understand the actual behavior change among the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhas P Shewale
- Division of Social and Behavioral Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India.,Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed To Be University, Karad, India
| | - Suvarna Sanjay Sane
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indian Council of Medical Research, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Dhammasagar Dnyaneshwar Ujagare
- Division of Social and Behavioral Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Rais Patel
- Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed To Be University, Karad, India
| | | | | | - Rewa Kohli
- Division of Social and Behavioral Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Sampada Bangar
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indian Council of Medical Research, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Asha Jadhav
- Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed To Be University, Karad, India
| | - Seema Sahay
- Division of Social and Behavioral Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
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Montgomery MP, Carry MG, Garcia‐Williams AG, Marshall B, Besrat B, Bejarano F, Carlson J, Rutledge T, Mosites E. Hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic among people experiencing homelessness-Atlanta, Georgia, 2020. J Community Psychol 2021; 49:2441-2453. [PMID: 33899228 PMCID: PMC8242516 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness are at risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and may experience barriers to hand hygiene, a primary recommendation for COVID-19 prevention. We conducted in-depth interviews with 51 people experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness in Atlanta, Georgia during May 2020 to August 2020 to (1) describe challenges and opportunities related to hand hygiene and (2) assess hand hygiene communication preferences. The primary hand hygiene barrier reported was limited access to facilities and supplies, which has disproportionately impacted people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. This lack of access has reportedly been exacerbated during COVID-19 by the closure of public facilities and businesses. Increased access to housing and employment were identified as long-term solutions to improving hand hygiene. Overall, participants expressed a preference for access to facilities and supplies over hand hygiene communication materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha P. Montgomery
- COVID‐19 Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Monique G. Carry
- COVID‐19 Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - Brittany Marshall
- COVID‐19 Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Bethlehem Besrat
- COVID‐19 Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | | | | | - Ty Rutledge
- Intown Collaborative MinistriesAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Emily Mosites
- COVID‐19 Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Qazi U, Anwar S. Hand washing behavior change effect of community-based hygiene and sanitation intervention in low resource setting. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:381-384. [PMID: 31735966 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdz130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of hygiene and sanitation causes significant disease, disability and death. Majority of diarrheal diseases are related to hygiene and drinking water. Hand washing with soap after toilet use and before eating reduces these risks significantly. METHODS This report is based on a behavior change project in the rural community setting (union council Nahqi), Peshawar, Pakistan aimed to improve hygiene- and sanitation-related behavior. A pre-intervention survey was conducted at household level (n = 958), followed by a structured behavior change communication program with motivational and educational material and key health messages for three months. Lastly, an end-line survey was conducted measuring change in practice domains. RESULTS All the domains of hygiene and sanitation showed statistically significant improvement (11-59% P < 0.001), including handwashing before meals (28.2%), before cooking (54.1%), before child feeding (21.2%), after defecation (30.6%); tooth brushing twice daily (7.3%); nail clipping at least weekly (16.3%); bathing daily (11.3%); change of clothing twice weekly (24.7%); covering the water containers (59.3%) and house orderliness (30.6%). CONCLUSION The findings conclude that a behavior change communication program that is in accord with community needs, level of their understanding, beliefs and sociocultural norms is well received for positive behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Qazi
- Prime Institute of Public Health, Riphah International University, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Anwar
- Prime Institute of Public Health, Riphah International University, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan
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Bukchin-Peles S, Ronen T. The Role of Adolescents' Personal and Social Resources in Achieving Desired Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes during an Anxiety-Provoking Pandemic Outbreak. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:6280. [PMID: 34200652 PMCID: PMC8296054 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126280] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Considering adolescents' developmentally driven stressors and social needs, they may be particularly vulnerable to the anxiety associated with the public health and economic crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, they may have difficulty following the mandated contagion prevention directives. The current study focused on the role of adolescents' positive personal resources (self-control, hope) and environmental resources (peer support) in two desired outcomes during the COVID-19 outbreak: wellbeing (i.e., maintaining/increasing positivity ratio) and contagion prevention behaviors (i.e., increasing handwashing). Path analysis was conducted using online survey data collected from a representative sample of 651 Israeli adolescents (ages 13-17). Positive resources were found to be both positively intercorrelated and negatively correlated with pandemic-related anxiety and positively with increased handwashing. Self-control correlated positively with social support, which, in turn, correlated positively with the positivity ratio (i.e., more positive than negative affects) and pandemic-related anxiety. Self-control and pandemic-related anxiety both correlated positively with increased prevention behavior. This study highlights the vital role of positive resources in achieving desired psychological and behavioral outcomes for adolescents during the anxiety-provoking pandemic. Beyond its theoretical innovation, this study offers practical value by focusing on malleable variables that could be the focus of dedicated interventions.
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Ait-Ou-Amar S, Berrazzouk S, Ennibi O. Handwashing revisited in dental practice during the COVID-19 outbreak. Dent Med Probl 2021; 58:243-252. [PMID: 34101392 DOI: 10.17219/dmp/132901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections are well-studied in the literature, but remain a significant challenge for healthcare workers (HCWs) in dental practice. This type of infection is strongly correlated with the hand route of transmission of infectious agents. Thus, hand hygiene can be considered a crucial element in the prevention and control of infections.The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is an experience of a new human coronavirus infection that has been difficult for HCWs, such as dentists and dental assistants, to control. Handwashing (HW) is a keystone method for the prevention and control of spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).In healthcare settings, contrary to the general consideration of HW as a simple practice, HW is regarded as a specific procedure that should be clearly instructed to HCWs. Handwashing is based on using a correct method and the necessary equipment, and its role should be continually emphasized to reinforce compliance. Proper HW might contribute to avoiding possible cross-infection during healthcare activities, particularly in the pandemic situation.The aim of this article was to report on different HW techniques in medical and dental practice, and appropriate HW equipment to perform this simple but important procedure to prevent cross-infection, particularly during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumia Ait-Ou-Amar
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Soumaya Berrazzouk
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral and Facial Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Oumkeltoum Ennibi
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
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Potter BA. Implementation of a Service-Learning Project Focused on Handwashing and Vaccinations Within an Undergraduate Microbiology Laboratory Course. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:587094. [PMID: 34093452 PMCID: PMC8170022 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.587094] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two relevant topics in keeping populations healthy are handwashing and vaccinations. Thus, the service-learning project titled "We Are Healthy" campaign was introduced within a microbiology laboratory course with two objectives; our biologists would better understand the importance of these actions by designing activities that engage the student community and to obtain an understanding of the campus community's behaviors and beliefs concerning these topics. Students designed the campaign to include handwashing stations, pictures of bacterial cultures from swabbing common surfaces, and trivia questions testing their peers' knowledge of various vaccines, as well as handwashing and vaccination surveys. To assess the impact of the campaign on microbiology students (n = 34), they were provided 10 questions that were scored on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). Student gains (score > 3) were reported for depth in knowledge, development of better public speaking skills, and greater respect for volunteers suggesting that the campaign was beneficial. This study subsequently led to the receiving of grants that allowed the continuation of the campaign within the course, the securing of funding for handwashing and hand sanitizing stations and the initiation of new undergraduate research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Potter
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Penn State Behrend, Erie, PA, United States
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Kim EJ, Lee HJ. Relationship between the Toothbrushing Behavior and Hand Hygiene Practices of Korean Adolescents: A Study Focused on the 15th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey Conducted in 2019. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18115913. [PMID: 34072944 PMCID: PMC8198789 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115913] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures available to prevent infectious diseases such as COVID-19, and it is recommended that individuals wash their hands periodically before and after meals, after using toilets, before preparing food at home, at schools, and in public places. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral hygiene and hand hygiene in Korean adolescents. Data from 57,303 adolescents who participated in the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior web-based survey were analyzed to determine the relationship between oral hygiene and hand hygiene. A complex sample logistic regression analysis was performed to determine association between toothbrushing behavior and handwashing practices. According to the results of this study, adolescents who brushed their teeth after lunch were 1.48 times more likely to practice handwashing before lunch than were those who did not brush their teeth after lunch (p < 0.001). In addition, the odds ratios adjusted for gender, grade, school type, and residence were found to be 1.87 (p < 0.001). Moreover, these adjusted odds ratios were higher in students who received personal hygiene education (OR: 1.98, p < 0.001). Oral hygiene practices were found to be related to personal hygiene, as assessed by handwashing, in Korean adolescents. Additional studies are needed to develop ways of improving the hygiene and health of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jeong Kim
- Department of Dental hygiene, Gangdong University, Eumseong-gun 27600, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea;
- Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Gwanak-gu, Korea
| | - Hye-Ju Lee
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science, Sun Moon University, Asan-si 31460, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-41-530-2761
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Handwashing has been widely accepted as the simplest protection against communicable diseases. However, despite proven effectiveness and cost-efficiency, adoption of regular handwashing is still poor in developing countries. As children in school-going age are vulnerable and continue to suffer from preventable illnesses, this study aims to spot barriers to handwashing among children while simultaneously recognizing the influencing factors to aid the solutions narrative for effective water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) strategies. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional, mixed-method study was conducted in Ballabhgarh block, Faridabad district, India. A predesigned, pretested, structured questionnaire was administered to 106 class V students in five randomly selected rural government primary schools. Due permissions, consent and ethical clearances were taken. RESULTS The majority (>91%) of children were found to have low illness threat perception. The inability to visually see germs came out as one of the biggest barriers (46%) that were preventing children from practicing regular handwashing. Family, teachers and peers were found to be the most important sources of information for children and not any particular media channel. In fact, role of peers was found to be critical as 72% children said that they would wash hands if their friends were also washing hands. CONCLUSION This study suggests children's need for visible proof of germs and associated casual attitude toward illness threat as a hitherto unexplored potential barrier to practicing regular handwashing. In addition, the human channel of communication seems to be the most relevant regarding public health messaging in rural heartlands. Despite 100% penetration of mobile phones and commonplace presence of television, it is the community ecosystem that is still the most trusted sources of information and influence. The unique role of peers found in this study could have strategic implications for future behaviour change interventions making a case for peer-to-peer behaviour modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Gupta
- Research Scholar, Department of Development Communication & Extension, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, Sikandra Road, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - S Anand
- Department of Development Communication & Extension, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Matkovic J, Clemens KS, Faasse K, Geers AL. Handwashing Message Type Predicts Behavioral Intentions in the United States at the Beginning of the Global COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2021; 9:583491. [PMID: 34026698 PMCID: PMC8131518 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.583491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Handwashing has been widely recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Despite this, handwashing behavior remains low in the general public. Social marketing has been employed as a successful health promotion strategy for changing many health behaviors in the past. The present study examines if message framing influences the effectiveness of a handwashing health promotion messages at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a between-subjects cross-sectional experiment, participants (N = 344) in the United States were randomly assigned to view one of four handwashing messages or a control message before completing self-report measures of attitudes, emotions, readiness to change, and behavioral intentions around handwashing. Simple handwashing messages were presented with different framings, including a simple exchange message, a gain message, a social norm appeal, and a guilt appeal. Results revealed that message type influenced handwashing behavioral intentions and emotions. Post-hoc comparisons revealed that the simple exchange message produced significantly higher intentions than other messages and that only the simple exchange message significantly differed from the control message on emotions regarding handwashing. Mediational analyses showed handwashing emotions fully mediated the relationship between messaging and handwashing intentions. This mediation effect was moderated by age, such that it occurred for the younger and middle age participants, but not older participants. These results suggest that even simple, brief, and easily conveyable messages can positively impact behavioral intentions around handwashing during the early stages of a health crisis. Consistent with recent research comparing affective and cognitive pathways for health behavior, the mediational analysis suggests that effect of the simple exchange message on intentions was due to increased positive emotions around handwashing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Matkovic
- School of Population Health, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Kelly S Clemens
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Kate Faasse
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L Geers
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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Erdem Y, Inal S, Sivaz O, Copur S, Boluk KN, Ugurer E, Kaya HE, Gulsunay IE, Sekerlisoy G, Vural O, Altunay IK, Aksu Çerman A, Özkaya E. How does working in pandemic units affect the risk of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: A comparative analysis with nonpandemic units. Contact Dermatitis 2021; 85:215-224. [PMID: 33797109 PMCID: PMC8251387 DOI: 10.1111/cod.13853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand eczema (HE) has increased among healthcare workers (HCWs) working in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) units, and was associated with increased hand hygiene practices. OBJECTIVES To compare the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HE, and hand hygiene practices in HCWs working in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 units. METHODS A total of 244 HCWs working in COVID-19 (n = 118) and non-COVID-19 patient care units (n = 126) were examined by dermatologists with regard to demographic parameters and hand hygiene practices. The COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups were matched at a 1:1 ratio according to age, atopy, and generalized dry skin. RESULTS HE was more frequent in the COVID-19 group (48.3% vs 12.7%, P < .001), whereas working years (P < .05) and additional housework at home (P < .001) were longer in the non-COVID-19 group. After the development of HE, moisturizing creams were reported to be more frequently used in the COVID group (P < .001). Topical corticosteroids were used in a minority (40% in the COVID group and 26.7% in the non-COVID group). CONCLUSIONS HCWs in COVID-19 units developed HE more frequently. A majority increased the frequency of moisturizer use, instead of using topical corticosteroids, after the development of HE for the purpose of treating eczema. New approaches are needed for the prevention and management of HE in HCWs, especially by facilitating access to dermatologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Erdem
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Sena Inal
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Onur Sivaz
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Sevkiye Copur
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and VenereologyIstanbul UniversityIstanbulTurkey
| | - Kubra N. Boluk
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and VenereologyIstanbul UniversityIstanbulTurkey
| | - Ece Ugurer
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Hazel E. Kaya
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Ilayda E. Gulsunay
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Gul Sekerlisoy
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Osman Vural
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Ilknur K. Altunay
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Aslı Aksu Çerman
- Department of DermatologyHealth Science University, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research HospitalIstanbulTurkey
| | - Esen Özkaya
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and VenereologyIstanbul UniversityIstanbulTurkey
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Al-Ansari F, Mirzaei M, Al-Ansari B, Al-Ansari MB, Abdulzahra MS, Rashid H, Hill-Cawthorne GA, Al Ansari M, Negin J, Conigrave K. Health Risks, Preventive Behaviours and Respiratory Illnesses at the 2019 Arbaeen: Implications for COVID-19 and Other Pandemics. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18063287. [PMID: 33810092 PMCID: PMC8005097 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 poses grave challenges for mass gatherings. One of the world’s largest annual gatherings, Arbaeen, occurs in Iraq. We studied respiratory symptoms and risk and protective factors using representative sampling of Arbaeen pilgrims in 2019 to inform prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Structured sampling was used to recruit walking pilgrims. A questionnaire asked about respiratory symptoms, risk, and preventive factors, including hygiene-related resources of toilet facilities. The commonest symptom reported by the 1842 participants (63.3% male, 36.7% female) was cough (25.6%). Eating in mawkibs (rest areas) with indoor kitchens and drinking only packaged water were associated with lower risk of cough (AOR = 0.72, CI = 0.56–0.94; AOR = 0.60; CI = 0.45–0.78, p < 0.05). Facemask use was associated with increased risk of cough (AOR = 2.71, CI = 2.08–3.53, p < 0.05). Handwashing was not protective against cough, or against (one or more of) cough, fever, or breathlessness in multivariate analysis. Toilet facilities often lacked running water (32.1%) and soap (26.1%), and had shared hand towels (17%). To reduce risk of respiratory infections including COVID-19 during Arbaeen or other mass gatherings, needs include running water, soap, and hygienic hand drying options or hand sanitiser. Education on proper handwashing and facemask approaches and monitoring around food preparation and eating spaces are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Al-Ansari
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Medicine (Central Clinical School), University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.A.-A.); (M.A.A.); (K.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Masoud Mirzaei
- Yazd Cardiovascular Research Centre, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 89151-73160, Iran;
| | - Basma Al-Ansari
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Medicine (Central Clinical School), University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.A.-A.); (M.A.A.); (K.C.)
| | | | | | - Harunor Rashid
- The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Grant A. Hill-Cawthorne
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (G.A.H.-C.); (J.N.)
| | - Mustafa Al Ansari
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Medicine (Central Clinical School), University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.A.-A.); (M.A.A.); (K.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (G.A.H.-C.); (J.N.)
| | - Joel Negin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (G.A.H.-C.); (J.N.)
| | - Katherine Conigrave
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Medicine (Central Clinical School), University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.A.-A.); (M.A.A.); (K.C.)
- Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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Abstract
Objective To assess adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ghana. Methods This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in the Nabdam district, Ghana. Data were collected from 527 pregnant women randomly selected from antenatal care clinics from 16 healthcare facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with COVID‐19 preventive measures, whilst adjusting for potential confounders. Results The prevalence of wearing a face mask 18.0% (95% CI: 14.73%, 21.32%); of handwashing/hand sanitising 31.7% (95% CI: 27.70%, 35.67%), and of social distancing, 22.0% (95% CI: 18.46%, 25.56%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that knowledge of COVID‐19 symptoms [Adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 2.86, 95% CI: 1.03, 7.89] and knowledge of COVID‐19 transmission via contaminated surfaces/objects (aOR: 4.60, 95% CI: 1.23, 17.18) were associated with wearing a face mask. Pregnant women who knew that avoiding the touching of eyes, nose and mouth can prevent COVID‐19 (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.01, 7.28), and knowledge of the virus being transmitted via contaminated objects/surfaces (aOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.42, 11.76), were associated with handwashing/hand sanitising. Knowledge of COVID‐19 transmission via contaminated surfaces/objects (aOR: 15.27, 95% CI: 1.87, 124.43) was also associated with social distancing. Conclusion The findings of our study suggest that knowledge of COVID‐19 symptoms, transmission and preventive measures may play an important role in the practice of preventive measures against COVID‐19 among pregnant women.
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Hsing JC, Ma J, Barrero-Castillero A, Jani SG, Pulendran UP, Lin BJ, Thomas-Uribe M, Wang CJ. Influence of Health Beliefs on Adherence to COVID-19 Preventative Practices: International, Social Media-Based Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23720. [PMID: 33571103 PMCID: PMC7919844 DOI: 10.2196/23720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health behavior is influenced by culture and social context. However, there are limited data evaluating the scope of these influences on COVID-19 response. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare handwashing and social distancing practices in different countries and evaluate practice predictors using the health belief model (HBM). METHODS From April 11 to May 1, 2020, we conducted an online, cross-sectional survey disseminated internationally via social media. Participants were adults aged 18 years or older from four different countries: the United States, Mexico, Hong Kong (China), and Taiwan. Primary outcomes were self-reported handwashing and social distancing practices during COVID-19. Predictors included constructs of the HBM: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. Associations of these constructs with behavioral outcomes were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS We analyzed a total of 71,851 participants, with 3070 from the United States, 3946 from Mexico, 1201 from Hong Kong (China), and 63,634 from Taiwan. Of these countries, respondents from the United States adhered to the most social distancing practices (χ23=2169.7, P<.001), while respondents from Taiwan performed the most handwashing (χ23=309.8, P<.001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that self-efficacy was a positive predictor for handwashing (odds ratio [OR]United States 1.58, 95% CI 1.21-2.07; ORMexico 1.5, 95% CI 1.21-1.96; ORHong Kong 2.48, 95% CI 1.80-3.44; ORTaiwan 2.30, 95% CI 2.21-2.39) and social distancing practices (ORUnited States 1.77, 95% CI 1.24-2.49; ORMexico 1.77, 95% CI 1.40-2.25; ORHong Kong 3.25, 95% CI 2.32-4.62; ORTaiwan 2.58, 95% CI 2.47-2.68) in all countries. Handwashing was positively associated with perceived susceptibility in Mexico, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, while social distancing was positively associated with perceived severity in the United States, Mexico, and Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS Social media recruitment strategies can be used to reach a large audience during a pandemic. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for handwashing and social distancing. Policies that address relevant health beliefs can facilitate adoption of necessary actions for preventing COVID-19. Our findings may be explained by the timing of government policies, the number of cases reported in each country, individual beliefs, and cultural context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna C Hsing
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Center for Policy, Outcomes, and Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jasmin Ma
- Center for Policy, Outcomes, and Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alejandra Barrero-Castillero
- Division of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shilpa G Jani
- Center for Policy, Outcomes, and Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Uma Palam Pulendran
- Center for Policy, Outcomes, and Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Bea-Jane Lin
- Center for Policy, Outcomes, and Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Monika Thomas-Uribe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco - Fresno, Fresno, CA, United States
| | - C Jason Wang
- Center for Policy, Outcomes, and Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Center for Health Policy, Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Center for Primary Care Outcomes Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Xie W, Chen Z, Wang Q, Song M, Cao Y, Wang L, Pan CQ. Infection and disease spectrum in individuals with household exposure to SARS-CoV-2: A family cluster cohort study. J Med Virol 2021; 93:3033-3046. [PMID: 33538342 PMCID: PMC8014049 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We primarily quantified exposure patterns, transmission characteristics, and the clinical spectrum of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among household contacts of individuals with severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 20 index patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 and 79 of their household contacts. We determined the transmission frequency, range of manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and factors associated with infection in household settings. Of the 79 household contacts, 53 (67%) developed SARS-CoV-2 infection (49 [62%] symptomatic, 4 [5%] asymptomatic). Eight patients (10%) developed severe COVID-19, and one died of COVID-19 pneumonia (case-fatality rate: 1.9%). The probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection was similar in children and adults (55% vs. 72%, p = .14), with children being less likely to develop the symptomatic disease (46% vs. 68%, p = .06). Handwashing ≥ 5 times/day was associated with reduced infection risk (52.8% vs. 76.9%, p = .04). SARS-CoV-2 has a high frequency of transmission among household contacts. Nonhospitalized individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection should be quarantined in patient care facilities rather than at home to minimize spread, if possible, and frequent handwashing should be practiced to prevent transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xie
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihai Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Meihua Song
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Cao
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Calvin Q Pan
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Niedfeldt HJ, Beckstead E, Chahalis E, Jensen M, Reher B, Torres S, Rachmi CN, Jusril H, Hall C, West JH, Crookston BT. Use of Technology to Access Health Information/Services and Subsequent Association With WASH (Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Knowledge and Behaviors Among Women With Children Under 2 Years of Age in Indonesia: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e19349. [PMID: 33443485 PMCID: PMC7843201 DOI: 10.2196/19349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remain a public health concern in Indonesia. Proper WASH practices can decrease risk of stunting, wasting, and disease in children under the age of 2. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study is to examine if using technology to access health information and services among Indonesian women affects knowledge and behaviors regarding handwashing and defecation practices. METHODS Our study is an interview-based cross-sectional survey. Participants included 1734 mothers of children under 2 years of age. These women were randomly selected and interviewed as part of a 3-stage cluster sampling technique. Our study uses data regarding WASH knowledge which includes benefits of handwashing with soap, 5 critical times of handwashing, risks of open defecation, media of disease transmission, defecation locations, and risks of open defecation. Data regarding WASH behaviors were also included: handwashing with soap, type of latrine used at home, and where defecation took place. This investigation used adjusted and unadjusted logistic and linear regression models to determine differences in WASH outcomes between those who use technology to access health information and services and those who did not. RESULTS One result is that Indonesian women with children under 2 years of age who use technology to access health information and services are more likely to know the advantages of proper handwashing (odds ratio [OR] 2.603, 95% CI 1.666-4.067) and know the 5 critical times of handwashing (OR 1.217, 95% CI 0.969-1.528). Women who use technology to access health information are also more likely to know the risks of open defecation (OR 1.627, 95% CI 1.170-2.264) and use a type of toilet (such as a gooseneck or squat toilet) that limits risk (OR 3.858, 95% CI 2.628-5.665) compared to women who did not use technology to access health information. CONCLUSIONS Using technology to access health information and services was associated with an increase in handwashing and defecation knowledge. In the future, promoting mothers of children under 2 years of age to access health information through technology might be used to increase handwashing and defecation knowledge as well as safe defecation practices. However, further research should be done to determine how technology may increase the frequency of recommended handwashing behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmalene Beckstead
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Emily Chahalis
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Mindy Jensen
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Britton Reher
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Scott Torres
- RTI International, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | | | - Cougar Hall
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Joshua H West
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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Clemens KS, Matkovic J, Faasse K, Geers AL. The Role of Attitudes, Affect, and Income in Predicting COVID-19 Behavioral Intentions. Front Psychol 2021; 11:567397. [PMID: 33488444 PMCID: PMC7815757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.567397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Handwashing is important in preventing infectious diseases like COVID-19. The current public health emergency has required rapid implementation of increased handwashing in the general public; however, rapidly changing health behavior, especially on this scale, is difficult. This study considers attitudes and affective responses to handwashing as possible factors predicting COVID-19 related changes to handwashing behavior, future intentions, and readiness to change during the early stages of the pandemic in the United States. Income was explored as a potential moderator to these relationships. To explore these issues, data from 344 community participants were analyzed. Results indicate that stronger affective responses toward handwashing relate to increases in handwashing since the outbreak of COVID-19, and both attitudes and affect uniquely predict handwashing intentions. Income significantly moderated the relationship between affect and readiness to change. Those with low income were more influenced by both affective responses and attitudes. These results suggest messages targeting both cognitions and affective responses are needed to increase the handwashing behavior during a global pandemic and these variables are critical in increasing readiness to change in low-income individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly S. Clemens
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - John Matkovic
- School of Population Health, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Kate Faasse
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L. Geers
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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Sharma M, Batra K, Davis RE, Wilkerson AH. Explaining Handwashing Behavior in a Sample of College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change: A Single Institutional Cross-Sectional Survey. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:55. [PMID: 33419211 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, handwashing offers a simple and effective hygienic measure for disease prevention. Reportedly, a significant proportion of college students did not follow handwashing recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the pre-COVID era. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore and explain the handwashing behavior among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic using a contemporary fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Data were collected from 713 college students at a large public university in the Southern U.S. in October 2020 using a validated 36-item survey. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression modeling. Among students not following handwashing recommendations, the constructs of participatory dialogue (β = 0.152; p < 0.05) and behavioral confidence (β = 0.474; p < 0.0001) were statistically significant and accounted for 27.2% of the variance in the likelihood of initiation of the behavior. Additionally, the constructs of emotional transformation (β = 0.330; p < 0.0001), practice for change (β = 0.296; p < 0.0001), and changes in the social environment (β = 0.180; p < 0.05) were statistically significant and accounted for 45.1% of the variance in the likelihood of sustaining handwashing behavior. This study highlights the applicability and usability of the MTM in designing and testing behavior change interventions and media messaging in campaigns targeting college students.
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