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Physicochemical, Bacteriological and Parasitological Quality of Water Used to Wash Vegetables in Dschang, West Cameroon: Health Risk Assessment
Honorine Ntangmo Tsafack,
Joseline Azeufack,
Simeon Kenfack,
Steve Joko Tamouf,
Auberlin Meli Tchoffo,
Frigerald Foming Tonssie,
Franck Wamba,
Emile Temgoua
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
1-8
Received:
29 October 2021
Accepted:
4 January 2022
Published:
12 January 2022
Abstract: The quality of water used for the cleaning fresh vegetables sold in Cameroonian cities is of little concern. The objective of this study was to determine the health risk associated with the water use for washing fruits and vegetables in the city of Dschang, in order to help develop strategies for the control waterborne diseases in Cameroon in general and in Dschang in particular. After a survey of 75 vegetable vendors in the Dschang market, 40 samples of washing water, 20 per season, were collected randomly throughout the main market in the city of Dschang. Physicochemical, bacteriological and parasitological analyses were carried out according to standard methods. Regardless of the season, bacteria indicative of faecal contamination were detected in the water used for washing fresh vegetables, with levels ranging from 0 to 8×104 CFU/100ml for Escherichia. coli, from 1.8×104 to 1.8×108 CFU/100ml for faecal coliforms, from 3×104 to 7.2×108 CFU/100ml for Salmonella spp., from 30 to 1.3×107 CFU/100ml for Shigella spp. and 20 to 7.5×105 CFU/100ml for faecal streptococci. Ascaris spp. eggs, Entamoeba spp. cysts and nematode larvae were detected in vegetable washing water, with a prevalence of 40%. Consumers of fresh vegetables washing by these waters, if raw and poorly washed, are at risk of bloody diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, typhoid and paratyphoid fever or inflammation of the colon tissue and severe necrosis. The authorities should introduce food hygiene in the markets as part of the strategies to combat waterborne diseases in this city. This solution is also valid for other cities in Cameroun.
Abstract: The quality of water used for the cleaning fresh vegetables sold in Cameroonian cities is of little concern. The objective of this study was to determine the health risk associated with the water use for washing fruits and vegetables in the city of Dschang, in order to help develop strategies for the control waterborne diseases in Cameroon in gener...
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Distribution Characteristics of Six Criteria Air Pollutants Under Different Air Quality Levels in Cangzhou City, China
Jian Wang,
Yanan Zhao,
Mei Xu
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
9-15
Received:
18 December 2021
Accepted:
6 January 2022
Published:
12 January 2022
Abstract: The problem of urban air pollution has caused widespread concern and solving the problem of air pollution has become a primary research focus. Cangzhou is one of the "2+26" cities in the air pollution transmission channel in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, and its regional advantage is obvious. To study the distribution characteristics of major air pollutants, the air quality index (AQI) and mass concentrations of six criteria air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3, from 2014 to 2018 were used. Furthermore, by employing the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, the air pollutant concentration level, temporal variations and air mass trajectory characteristics under different air quality levels in Cangzhou city were analysed. The results showed that the mass concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and CO and PM2.5/PM10 increased successively with increasing pollution level, while the mass concentration of O3 was at a level of slight pollution, which first increased and then decreased. In the case of serious pollution, PM2.5 and PM10 were 3.3 and 2.4 times the Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standard (CAAQS) Grade II standard, respectively, and PM2.5/PM10 was 0.71 times the standard, indicating that as pollution increased, the air pollution gradually became composed of mainly fine particles. The air quality was dominantly good and light, accounting for 73.4% to 84.7% of the total air quality from 2014 to 2018, respectively. The ambient air quality improved annually; the proportion of excellent and good days increased from 42.9% to 63.8%, and the proportion of severe and serious pollution days decreased from 12.2% to 3.7%. The diurnal variations in air pollutants were different under different air quality levels. The air mass trajectory analysis showed that as the pollution level increased, the proportion of eastern and easterly air masses decreased, and the proportion of western and westerly air masses increased gradually. Compared with the CAAQS Grade II standard, the excessive levels of particulate matter increased, and PM2.5 was the most serious.
Abstract: The problem of urban air pollution has caused widespread concern and solving the problem of air pollution has become a primary research focus. Cangzhou is one of the "2+26" cities in the air pollution transmission channel in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, and its regional advantage is obvious. To study the distribution characteristics of m...
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Development of Repellent Products Based on Plant Extracts as a Preventive Measure to Diseases Transmitted by the Aedes aegypti Mosquito
Hernández Domínguez María del Rosario,
Puebla Albiter Sergio,
Astivia Arellano Félix,
Aniceto Nava Adrian
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
16-21
Received:
13 December 2021
Accepted:
8 January 2022
Published:
26 January 2022
Abstract: The aim of this research is to develop a variety of repellent products for personal use, made from extracts of natural plants from the southern region of the State of Mexico as a strategy to reduce the figures of diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito (dengue, chikungunia and zica). The research is the result of the collaborative work of the Academic Group UTSEM-CA-1. The plants used were Ricinnus comunis, Artemisia ludoviciana, Cymbopogum citratus, Cucurbita maxima, Coffea arabica and Syzygium aromaticum. After conditioning these plants, extracts were obtained using organic solvents, different mixtures with extracts were formulated and their efficacy was tested by in vitro laboratory tests and skin tolerance tests, measuring the repellency in a period of time from one hour to five hours. Five repellent products for personal use were obtained: a patch, two products for spray skin application, liquid hand soap and an environmental incense. These five products, proved to repel mosquitoes in a similar way to commercial repellants classified as synthetic. In this way, the exploitation and use of the physicochemical properties of plants through the elaboration of products represents a strategy to reduce the infectious incidence of diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti, as a solution to current health problems in the region.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to develop a variety of repellent products for personal use, made from extracts of natural plants from the southern region of the State of Mexico as a strategy to reduce the figures of diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito (dengue, chikungunia and zica). The research is the result of the collaborative work o...
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A Study on Factors Associated with Caesarean Section Delivery at Tangail District of Bangladesh
Khan Md. Murtaja Reza Linkon,
Marjina Akter,
Amina Akther Urmi,
Md. Jahidul Islam,
Md. Faridul Islam,
Mahfujul Alam,
Rehnova Mostafa Nitu,
Md. Abdul Alim
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
22-28
Received:
29 December 2021
Accepted:
19 January 2022
Published:
5 February 2022
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Caesarean section or C-section is a major obstetric life-saving intervention that has a substantial effect on maternal and neonatal health. This study sought to explore factors associated with increasing C-section rate at Tangail district in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire at different hospitals and clinics in Tangail among 200 women who underwent cesarean. For analyzing the factors of C-section, the explanatory variables were demographic and anthropometric data, pre-pregnancy history, pregnancy period and delivery information. Results: The common medical indicators for C-section were prolonged labor (21%), fetal distress (19%), previous C-section (13%), amniotic rupture (12.5%), abnormal presentation of the baby (12%), uterine rupture (8.5%), failed labor induction (7.5%) and eclampsia/hypertension (3%). The majority (49.5%) of C-section was performed because of maternal request, 34% were emergency and 16.5% were elective. Majority of the respondents showed neutral (46%) to negative (51%) mindset towards C-section. C-section decision making influences included family pressure (25%), afraid of labor pain (11.5%), mother’s health risk (15%), baby’s health risk (38.5%), both mother and baby’s health risk (19.5%), presence of medical complications (62%), respondent’s choice (23%), doctor’s preference (5%), other related reasons (10%). Conclusions: It is concluded that a combination of both medical and non-medical factors is associated with C-section delivery.
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Caesarean section or C-section is a major obstetric life-saving intervention that has a substantial effect on maternal and neonatal health. This study sought to explore factors associated with increasing C-section rate at Tangail district in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a...
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Factors Associated with Household Iodised Salt Use and Iodine Deficiency Among Nepalese School Children Aged 6-9 Years
Sanjay Rijal,
Karan Courtney Haag,
Naveen Paudyal,
Anju Adhikari
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
29-36
Received:
1 July 2021
Accepted:
7 February 2022
Published:
16 February 2022
Abstract: Iodine deficiency is one of the world’s leading causes of delay in cognitive growth of children, and remains a public health problem, particularly in low-income countries including Nepal. This current study used cross-sectional data to examine factors associated with iodine deficiency and household iodised salt among Nepalese children. The source of data was the 2016 Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey (NNMSS). Household iodised salt and urinary iodine were examined (by using and multivariate statistical models that adjust for clustering and sampling weights) against a set of non-biological and eating habits factors of 1153 Nepalese children aged 6-9 years. The mean household salt iodine concentrations (in ppm) in the Eastern, Central, Western, Mid-Western and Far-Western were 1.15 ± 1.6, 9.6 ± 2.6, 43.5 ± 12.9, 69.1 ± 3.7 and 85.6 ± 3.9 respectively. The corresponding median iron status of the children (and interquartile range IQR) in μg/l were 299 (177.6-569.2), 387.8 (197-604.8), 357.7 (203.8-566.7), 239.2 (140.3-493.1) and 238.5 (114.1-397.5) respectively. The likelihood of iodine deficiency was significantly higher among children from the Mountain ecological zone compared with those from the Terai zone [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.03, 1.49)]. Children who consumed dark green leafy vegetables were significantly less predisposed to iodine deficiency compared with those who did not [AOR: 0.87; 95% CI: (0.77, 0.99)]. The likelihood of household iodised salt use was significantly lower among children from the Far-Western region compared with those from the Eastern region [AOR: 0.81; 95% CI: (0.68, 0.97)]. The use of iodised salt was significantly more likely among children from rich households compared with those from poor households [AOR: 1.19; 95% CI: (1.06, 1.33)]. The likelihood of iodised salt use was significantly higher among households where children consumed meat compared with those in which children did not consume meat [AOR: 1.07; 95% CI: (1.01, 1.15)]. Among the development regions, it is only the Mid-Western region where household iodine concentration among the children was less than 75%. Appropriate interventions should be put in place to improve this situation. Interventions to improve household iodised salt use should target should also target children from poor households and those from households where children did not consume meat.
Abstract: Iodine deficiency is one of the world’s leading causes of delay in cognitive growth of children, and remains a public health problem, particularly in low-income countries including Nepal. This current study used cross-sectional data to examine factors associated with iodine deficiency and household iodised salt among Nepalese children. The source o...
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Assessment of Pesticide Use by Farmers in Assosa District, Benishagul Gumuz National Regional State of Ethiopia
Dessalegn Ayana Deressa,
Kumilachew Alemu
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
37-42
Received:
18 January 2022
Accepted:
16 February 2022
Published:
28 February 2022
Abstract: Pesticide use is a common practice to control pests and diseases in agriculture fields, but often at the expense of the environment and human health. Pesticides use for Ethiopian farmers, to be obligatory tools in combating damage from weeds and insects. The surveying study was conducted to assess pesticide use and their risk in selected kebeles of Assosa Districts of Beneshnagul Gumuz National Region state of Ethiopia in 2021 cropping season. Therefore, assessing pesticide use of farmers must be aware of pesticide managements and consequences in misuse of pesticides. In this study, Districts of Assosa Zone in the Beneshnagul Gumuz Regionall state of Ethiopia was considered to most pesticide users. Through sample Kebele based study was conducted using semi-structured interview administered questioners were used to collect primary data. Based on this survey result, more than 95% of the respondents claimed that use of pesticide in absence of protective devices that can induce effect on environment and/or their health. This holds true for developing countries, including Ethiopia where good agricultural practices are often poorly implemented. Farmers should adopt pesticide caution and awareness regarding safe use of pesticides and provide protective device. As well as the concern body should support the local farmers those devices.
Abstract: Pesticide use is a common practice to control pests and diseases in agriculture fields, but often at the expense of the environment and human health. Pesticides use for Ethiopian farmers, to be obligatory tools in combating damage from weeds and insects. The surveying study was conducted to assess pesticide use and their risk in selected kebeles of...
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Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Different Groups of Peoples in South Asia: Evidence from Bangladesh
M. Mizanur Rahman Sarker,
Maruf Khan,
Mosammod Mahamuda Parvin,
Shaila Islam
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
43-46
Received:
1 February 2022
Accepted:
21 February 2022
Published:
28 February 2022
Abstract: Within a couple of months, COVID-19 has evolved as an economic catastrophe beyond health cataclysm that was initially thought. It is already forewarned as to the deepest global recession since World War II. Bangladesh that represents the emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) has suddenly fallen into a deep economic hole although unprecedented challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic related to health, macroeconomic and social effects are on equal focus. World Bank, in its June 2020 estimation, has revised Bangladesh’s growth downward to 1.6 percent in FY2020 whilst Bangladesh achieved average GDP growth of 6.5% since 2004 and generally, the labor-oriented service sector contributes about 50% to this growth. It is estimated that the national (upper) poverty rate from 24.3 percent in 2016 already increased to 35 percent in 2020. Declining demands, as well as supply disruptions, have weighed significantly on exports, especially exports of textiles and clothing products. Banking sectors are in potential risk due to the increase of Non-Performing Loan (NPL) which are mostly associated with the RMG industry and its backward linkage industries. On the other hand, the RMG sector has started to suffer from both cancellations of order and supply chain interruption alongside hamper in production due to lockdown. Slower loan recovery rate is also a cause of greater headache of the banking sector in this pandemic period. 85% of the total employment of the country belongs to informal sectors. A sharp fall in overall consumption led to decline in overall trade as well decline in production except for foods and medical items. SMEs have seen revenue drop by at least 50%, while 52% of SMEs have locks hung over their businesses generating no revenue at all. These all will create a large spillover effect on the state economy. To build quick resilience, some fiscal measures have been taken by the government of Bangladesh. IMF, ADB, and World Bank promised to support US$730 million, US$ 600 million, and US$100 million respectively to increase social safety net. To build more and sustainable resilience, a number of interventions to be considered such as immediate access to capital and technology by small, medium, and regional clustered enterprises; proper guideline and financial support to forced migrant laborers, utmost attempt to collect the demographic dividend and more. The study stands for composition analyses of secondary data proceedings and literature on the previous pandemic.
Abstract: Within a couple of months, COVID-19 has evolved as an economic catastrophe beyond health cataclysm that was initially thought. It is already forewarned as to the deepest global recession since World War II. Bangladesh that represents the emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) has suddenly fallen into a deep economic hole although unpreced...
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Patterns and Determinants of Child Faecal Handling Among Mothers of Under-5 Children in Osun State, South-West Nigeria
Onyemaechi Simeon Beluonwu,
Akinyemi Patrick Ayodeji,
Aribodor Dennis Nnanna,
Okoro Nnamdi Emmanuel
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
47-54
Received:
9 February 2022
Accepted:
1 March 2022
Published:
11 March 2022
Abstract: Diseases with faeco-oral route of transmission remain a problem of public health importance, majority of which can be attributed to unsanitary handling of child faeces. This study aimed to assess the patterns and determinants of sanitary handling of child faecal matter among mothers of under-5 children in Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed to study 598 mothers in Osun State. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for the recruitment. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a checklist was used to assess the sanitation of the houses. Determinants of sanitary disposal of child faeces were assessed using binary logistic regression. Sanitary handling of child faeces was practiced by 337 (56.4%) mothers. Knowledge of the harmful effects of improper child faecal handling, sanitation index, and religion were observed to be significant determinants of sanitary disposal of child faeces. Increase in the knowledge score increased probability of sanitary child faecal handling (B=0.403, 95% CI=1.088-2.060, p=0.013). Poor sanitation index had a negative relationship with the practice of sanitary child faecal handling (B=-0.180, 95% CI=0.789–0.885, p<0.001). The Muslims were 1.7 times more likely to practice sanitary disposal of child faeces than Christians (Odds ratio=0.6, 95% CI=0.352–0.872, p=0.011). A significant number of mothers still practice unsanitary handling of their children's faeces which predisposes the duo to diseases. Strengthening health promotion programmes in this regard is imperative.
Abstract: Diseases with faeco-oral route of transmission remain a problem of public health importance, majority of which can be attributed to unsanitary handling of child faeces. This study aimed to assess the patterns and determinants of sanitary handling of child faecal matter among mothers of under-5 children in Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-se...
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Patient Safety in Emergency Departments: Improvement Is Possible
Julián Alcaraz-Martinez,
Jesús Maria Aranaz-Andrés,
Juana Maria Marín-Martínez,
Cristina Esteban-Lloret,
Isabel Maria Reina-Nicolás,
Sara Ramos-López,
Belén Soto-Castellón,
Clara Gómez García,
Manuel Belda-Palazón,
Carmen Escudero-Sánchez,
Pascual Piñera-Salmerón,
Dolores Beteta Fernández
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2022
Pages:
55-60
Received:
25 February 2022
Accepted:
12 March 2022
Published:
23 March 2022
Abstract: Emergency services have a high potential risk for adverse events. The working conditions are sometimes conducive to making mistakes. There are few studies that have shown improvements in specific aspects of patient safety in the emergency department, but none in the overall incidence. The general objective is to improve patient safety in our emergency services by implementing improvement actions. This is a quasi-experimental study carried out in 8 hospital emergency services. The methodology is mainly based on the EVADUR and ENEAS studies. We collect data through a face-to-face interview during their stay in the Emergency Department and carry out a telephone review 1 week later. We then inform the departments of the results and initiate improvement activities. 14 improvement measures were implemented in the different emergency services. Two years later, a reassessment was carried out using the same methodology. An initial sample of 382 cases was collected. After the improvement actions, data from 267 patients were collected. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, triage level, hospital, care shift, average length of stay and discharge destination. In the initial evaluation, at least 1 incidence was detected in 46 patients (12.04%), and in the reevaluation, 16 patients with an incident (5.99%) were detected. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.01). The emergency services studied were able to reduce the number of patient safety incidents.
Abstract: Emergency services have a high potential risk for adverse events. The working conditions are sometimes conducive to making mistakes. There are few studies that have shown improvements in specific aspects of patient safety in the emergency department, but none in the overall incidence. The general objective is to improve patient safety in our emerge...
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