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Background: Students in school are more likely to be sick from communicable diseases like diarrheal illnesses, acute respiratory infections, and other illnesses linked to poor personal hygiene. Poor hygiene practices are common among school children and put their health at risk, which in turn has several consequences. These include significant school absences, transmission of infectious diseases to other students, and missed workdays for parents and guardians. However, there is limited evidence on the level of personal hygiene practice and its associated factors among school students. Thus, this study was aimed at determining personal hygiene practice level and its associated factors among elementary school grade (5–8) students in Fiche town, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from April 29 to May 29, 2022, in Fiche town, Oromia regional state, among 534 elementary school students. A multi-stage probability sampling technique was used to select the individual students. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered into epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS version 26.0. Variables that scored a p-value less than 0.2 during bivariate analysis were included in multilevel logistic regression models to determine factors associated with personal hygiene practice. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was estimated, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: The magnitude of good personal hygiene (scored above the mean) was 59.2% (95% confidence interval (CI)) (55.1–63.0). A considerable proportion of students scored more than 50% in latrine use (62.5%), regular hand-washing (55.4%), and oral hygiene (55.20%) practices. Being female, having good personal hygiene knowledge, doing hygiene inspections at school, and having latrine accessibility was significantly associated with good personal hygiene among elementary school students. Conclusion: Considerable proportion of elementary school students in Fiche town have score poor personal hygiene practice. Interventions aimed that target improving knowledge of personal hygiene and hygiene inspection at school are crucial to enhance the personal hygiene among elementary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The vaginal microbiota offers valuable insights into women's sexual health and the risk of developing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis. Despite the public health implications of changes in the vaginal environment, existing data on this topic remain sparse. Methods: Following the PRISMA statement guidelines, we consulted five bibliographic databases, focusing on five main daily habits and behaviors. We included only studies published up to October 2023, investigating the influence of personal hygiene, sexual behaviors, hormonal contraception, smoking, alcohol consumption, and psychosocial stress on the vaginal microbiota using next-generation sequencing. Results: Based on our inclusion criteria, we incorporated 37 studies into this review. Hormonal contraception and personal hygiene were found to promote eubiosis of the vaginal microbiota. In contrast, sexual behaviors, smoking, alcohol consumption, and psychosocial stress were associated with an increased susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis, STIs, and severe pelvic inflammatory diseases due to a modified vaginal microbiota. Black ethnicity emerged as a confounding factor, with this population showing unstable vaginal microbiota. Oral contraception and a stable male sexual partner were found to favor Lactobacillus colonization, acting as a protective factor. Conversely, non-hormonal contraception and unprotected or non-penile/vaginal sexual activity increased the incidence of vaginal inflammation and bacterial vaginosis by disturbing the vaginal microbiota and reducing Lactobacillus abundance. Conclusion: Daily habits and lifestyle can influence the composition of the vaginal microbiota, thereby affecting vaginal health. Disturbances in the vaginal microbiota could be associated factors for STIs and vaginosis. Therefore, prioritizing more appropriate management of the vaginal microbiota is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a highly contagious skin infestation. Poor personal hygiene often contributes to its prevalence. This study aims to identify specific aspects of personal hygiene that influence the incidence of scabies among residents of the Institute Rehabilitation Center of The Vagrants, Scroungers, and Individuals with Mental Disabilities in the South Sumatra Region. Methods: This observational-analytic study employed a case-control design. Data collection involved clinical records, observations, and questionnaire-based interviews. A total of 160 occupants, comprising 80 cases and 80 controls, were selected through simple random sampling. Data analysis utilized chi-square test and multiple logistic regression tests. Results and Discussion: Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations (p-value = 0.000) between scabies incidence and bathing habits, cleanliness of mattresses and bed linen, cleanliness of clothing, and open defecation behavior. Multiple logistic regression indicated that open defecation behavior (OR = 56.336; 95% CI = 17.281 – 158.500) was the primary personal hygiene factor influencing scabies incidence. Thus, maintaining proper open defecation practices is crucial for residents' hygiene and health. Conclusion: Poor personal hygiene practices, including inadequate bathing habits, unclean bedding, dirty clothing, and open defecation behavior, contribute to the occurrence of scabies. Effective education and counseling by healthcare professionals are essential for promoting better hygiene practices among residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Nursing Effect / Etkili Hemşirelik Dergisi is the property of Dokuz Eylul Universitesi Hemsirelik Fakultesi Elektronik Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, across six correlational studies in four different countries (total N = 4937), we examined the link between citizens' anger with and admiration for the government's actions and decisions (i.e., system‐based anger and admiration) and engagement in preventive behaviour. The internal meta‐analyses showed that individuals who admired the government's actions were more likely to adopt personal hygiene and social distancing behaviour. Yet, the link between emotions and preventive behaviour differed concerning the target of emotions, especially for anger. Specifically, anger about restrictions imposed by the government was negatively related to preventive behaviours, but this relationship was not significant when the target of anger was the government's overall handling of the pandemic. Our findings emphasise the importance of citizens' emotions and the targets of those emotions during the crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School-age children are vulnerable to health problems due to biological, behavioral and environmental factors. Currently, there are still many school-age children who have personal hygiene problems. This problem will result in physical disorders, fulfiment of psychosocial needs and personal comfort. School-age children are an ideal time to train motor skills including practicing personal hygiene. This study purpose to improve healthy living behaviour regarding personal hygiene habits in school-age children through educational worksheet media. Method: This study used a descriptive analysis method with a Quasi Experiment approach with a pretestpostest one group control design. The statistical test used was Paired t-test to determine healthy living behaviour using worksheet media on personal hygiene habits patterns in schoolage children in Tanjung Rejo Village. Results: The results of the Paired t-test showed that there was an effect of the using worksheet educational media on the habit patterns and knowledge of school-age children on personal hygiene (P=0.000). Conclusion: Personal hygiene is one of the basic human needs that is carried out every day, including hygiene of hair, teeth and mouth, skin, hands and feet, genitalia and clothing. One way to improve personal hygiene in children is to provide health education. Educational media helps health education to make it easier to convey information. The use of worksheet media is one of the educational media that has an influence on the personal hygiene of school-age children because children prefer attractive pictures rather than writing so as to increase children's enthusiasm for participating in the learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexually transmitted diseases are a significant public health concern in developing countries. Many people are reluctant to seek treatment due to a lack of awareness and shame. To address this, we must prioritize sexual education, health counseling, and access to sexual hygiene and personal hygiene resources. Ignoring symptoms can lead to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which remains a lifelong challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Foodborne illnesses have shaken mothers' defense worldwide because poor knowledge and unsafe food handling practices can jeopardize their children. In Jordan, there are no reliable data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of mothers regarding food safety when the COVID-19 pandemic occurs. Therefore, this study evaluated Jordanian mothers' understanding, beliefs, and behaviors by examining their KAPs during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on food safety KAPs of mothers living in Jordan following the COVID-19 pandemic. A reliable and accurate survey with 55 questions was distributed among mothers through social media. A total of 376 mothers completed the questionnaire. Results: The results showed a remarkable awareness among the participants of how to keep food safe. However, there is still a significant gap in the implementation of this information in everyday life. This research emphasizes the need for focused interventions in the context of COVID-19 to bridge the gap between Jordanian mothers' KAPs on food safety and personal cleanliness. Conclusion: Efforts should be made, such as public health campaigns and educational programs, to empower mothers, guaranteeing a consistent and comprehensive approach to food safety and personal hygiene in families. These results provide important insights for policymakers and health professionals who want to improve public health initiatives and community resilience during public health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: COVID is a life-threatening pandemic disease that can lead to panic-attack disorder, anxiety, mourning, loss and depression. However, it is thought that it may negatively affect their lifestyle, personal hygiene and perception of anxiety. In this direction, the aim of the study is to examine the lifestyle, personal hygiene and anxiety perceptions of individuals after the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: In the study, a 12-item questionnaire was applied to determine the perceptions of individuals about their lifestyle, personal hygiene and concerns after the epidemic. The questionnaire was applied via the internet and the data collected is limited to the responses of participants. Data was collected from a total of 2003 social media users from different provinces using convenience sampling. Results: In the study, it was thought that the participants would significantly change their lifestyles after COVID-19. Accordingly, while online shopping has increased relatively, behavioral changes regarding active living spaces have also developed. Conclusion: According to the data in the study, significant changes are expected in the lifestyles of societies after the COVID-19 pandemic. New lifestyles, marked by moving away from crowds, will transform consumer styles. In this direction, it seems inevitable to create new policies for various social areas such as entertainment world, tourism, food and beverage sector, transportation, architecture and shopping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Community Service & Empowerment is the property of Journal of Community Service & Empowerment and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Special Education & Rehabilitation (2314-8608) is the property of Association of Arab Universities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Jurnal Sosial dan Sains (SOSAINS) is the property of Green Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Backgrounds: Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem in Indonesia. The increase in the incidence of stunting in Indonesia is influenced by various factors such as maternal, nutritional, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Personal hygiene of mothers and children, access to basic sanitation, and clean water are associated with high stunting rates in the Singgorojo 1 Public Health Center. Objectives: Determined the relationship between personal hygiene, water availability, and environmental sanitation with the incidence of stunting in toddlers aged 6--59 months. Methods: Observational analysis used a case-control design. Data were collected through interviews using questionnaires and observation of children. The affordable population of this study was toddlers aged 6-59 months in the working area of the Singgorojo Health Center 1. The sample used was 50 toddlers aged 6-59 months. The sampling technique was carried out by consecutive sampling. Data analysis used Chi- Square, Fisher Exact, and Logistic Regression tests. Results: The relationship between personal hygiene (OR=5.762; p=0.012; 95% CI=1.363-- 24.362), water availability (OR=4.571; p=0.349; 95% CI=0.473--44.170), and environmental sanitation with stunting incidence ( OR=9.333; p=0.001; 95% CI=2.431-- 35.839). The results of the multivariate analysis of the relationship between personal hygiene (OR=3.867; p=0.111; =1.353; 95% CI=0.732--20.423), water availability (OR=10.305; p=0.066; =2.333; 95 % CI =0.858--123.732), and environmental sanitation with stunting incidence (OR=10.535; p=0.002; =2.355; 95% CI=2.419--45.887). Conclusions: Personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are associated with stunting in toddlers aged 6--59 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet wipes are good examples of common textile materials used in daily life. Although they can serve for different purposes, wet wipes for personal hygiene are especially popular, in particular, those with antimicrobial properties. Considering their demand, especially during epidemics, it is expected that the wet wipe market has the potential to expand further. In order to achieve antibacterial properties, wet wipes contain various chemicals, some of which can have a negative impact on human health. By using natural substances, it is aimed to minimize the use of harmful substances in wet wipes and offer innovative products on the market. For this, in the present study, leaf extract and fruit juice from gilaburu plants (Viburnum opulus L.) were used. The solutions obtained were used directly, without the addition of any further chemicals, in the impregnation of nonwoven webs/fabrics. Then, the impregnated nonwoven webs (wet wipes) were analyzed in terms of antibacterial properties and storage stability. The obtained results showed that the wipes (nonwoven webs) impregnated with gilaburu fruit juice could decrease Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria populations even after 5 weeks of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of E-International Journal of Educational Research is the property of E-International Journal of Educational Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Thai tea is one of the aromatic drinks widely sold around the Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), Lampung, Indonesia. Bacteria often contaminate this drink due to unhygienic handling. The number and types of contaminating bacteria have yet to be widely reported, especially in Lampung province. This study aimed to detect various bacterial contaminants in Thai tea beverages sold on the road in the ITERA region and their relationship with the hygiene behavior of Thai tea sellers. Methods: The sampling technique used in this study involved accidental sampling by detecting microbes using the most probable number method and the specific medium. The number and types of bacteria were analyzed for diversity and correlated with the behavior of Thai tea sellers. Results and Discussion: Of the 50 Thai tea samples, coliform bacteria, and Pseudomonas sp. in all samples (100%), Aeromonas sp. (36%), Shigella sp. (68%), Escherichia coli (76%), and Salmonella sp. (8%). The highest concentration of pollution occurred in Sukarame District (SK). SK10 had the highest number of contaminants, namely, Pseudomonas sp. (2.96x103±165 CFU ml-1), E. coli (7.2x103±190 CFU ml-1), Shigella sp. (3.35x103±350 CFU ml-1) and Salmonella sp. (9.65x103±50 CFU ml-1). The poor quality of Thai tea is caused by unhygienic tea raw materials and the habits of the seller, who does not perform hygienic tasks during the preparation and use of Thai tea. Conclusion: All samples did not meet the requirements for the presence of bacteria in drinking water, based on regulation No.492/MENKES/Per/ IV/2010 and World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globally, the population is ageing, and more people live in residential care. Best practice in personal hygiene care may reduce distressing and debilitating skin and oral problems and improve resident outcomes. Although there is guidance on personal hygiene care, implementation may be a challenge. Aim: To identify barriers and facilitators to delivering personal hygiene care for older persons in residential care settings. Methods: Systematic review reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidance. Databases MEDLINE, CIHAHL and PsychINFO were systematically searched using terms and synonyms 'barriers', 'facilitators', 'hygiene', 'older adults' and 'residential care'. Only empirical studies, reporting everyday skin and oral care, in English, peer reviewed and published from 2000 to 2021 were included. Due to methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Sixteen papers yielded nine categories of barrier or facilitator. Five related to skin and oral care: (i) knowledge, (ii) skills relating to hygiene care, (iii) skills relating to supporting 'uncooperative' behaviours, (iv) lack of resources and (v) time, workload and staffing levels. The remainder related only to oral care: (vi) resident, family or carer motivation, (vii) dislike of hygiene care, (viii) carer attitudes and beliefs and (ix) social influences and communication. Six papers reported interventions to optimise care. Conclusion: This review highlights the persistent dearth of research into everyday personal hygiene practices, in particular skin hygiene in residential care. Existing literature identifies a range of barriers; however, there is a mismatch between these and reported interventions to improve practice. Relevance to clinical practice: Advances in implementation science to support optimal care have yet to be applied to interventions to support hygiene practices in care homes and it is imperative this is addressed. Future interventions should involve: (i) systematically and theoretically assessing barriers, (ii) application of tailored behaviour change techniques (iii) using these co‐design pragmatic, locally acceptable strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Matica Srpska Journal for Natural Sciences is the property of Matica Srpska, Department of Natural Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the community's lifestyle, including adolescents’ behavior. One aspect majorly affected was physical growth, which encompasses several areas, including nutritional status and personal hygiene. Maintaining the quality of physical growth is very important, even beyond the pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents' nutritional status and personal hygiene. A literature review method was used through a bibliometric and content analysis of publications obtained from databases such as Google Scholar. The articles obtained were classified by publication year, study location, keywords, and journal titles. Based on the literature search, 11 articles were found on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional status of adolescents, and 10 articles discussed the effect on personal hygiene. After reviewing the articles, it was concluded that the pandemic influenced adolescents' nutritional status and personal hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The continuous rise in the incidence of food borne illness has led to an increase in global concern about food hygiene practices among food handlers and vendors. Objective: To assess the food hygiene practices among food vendors in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design involving 150 food vendors. Semistructured questionnaire including an observational section modified by Society for Family Health (SFH) Water, Hygiene and Sanitation checklist were used to elicit relevant information. Data were analyzed and presented using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation and Chi square used to test for association between relevant variables at 0.05 level of significance. Results: Food vending business was dominated by women (90%), almost 49% were aged 30-40yrs and 66.7% had food handler certificate. The food vendors demonstrated good food hygiene practices as 99.3% wash hands before cooking and after handling raw foods. Observation of environmental and personal hygiene revealed that 54% cooked in clean environment while 80% had no food debris observed on their hands. The food vendors environmental hygiene was influenced by age (p = 0.044), level of education (p = 0.002), monthly income (p = 0.006), and refuse disposal method (p = 0.034). Conclusion: The food vendors displayed good food hygiene practices with suboptimal environmental practices. Regular environmental inspections by appropriate authorities to enforce and promote adequate environmental measure among food vendors is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisational culture is a system that continues to process in an organizational environment. The culture inherent in the organizational environment requires a long stage to become a thing that binds all elements in the organization. In nursing, organizational culture plays a vital role as a device that regulates the behaviors of nurses in carrying out their responsibilities. One of the most fundamental responsibilities is fulfilling the personal hygiene needs of inpatient clients. The c pandemic to post-pandemic conditions emphasized the need for personal hygiene as one of the essential items for the entire community and inpatient clients in hospitals. Implementing a right on target, effective and efficient personal hygiene is indispensable for a hospital to maintain service quality and increase client satisfaction. The extent to which organisational culture contributes to improving the quality of nursing services in carrying out actions to fulfil personal hygiene needs for clients needs to be investigated further. The results of this study can be a positive input for elements of hospital management to determine the direction of policies related to the implementation of nursing actions to meet the personal hygiene needs of clients. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Determination of participants using purposive sampling, the number of participants is seven people, and data collection using in-depth interviews. Three themes were identified in this research, namely (1) Support System; (2) Teamwork; (3) Motivation. The effectiveness of the implementation of PH for clients must be distinct from the individual elements of the nurses themselves and the most excellent support from hospital management, both in appealing to and providing the facilities needed to improve service quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burden of food-borne diseases is becoming a global problem. The aim of this study was to assess and compare personal hygiene knowledge among street food vendors and canteen food handlers in the Kano metropolis. Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study was carried out using a structured intervieweradministered questionnaire, focus group discussion guide and observation checklist, to assess and compare personal hygiene knowledge among street food vendors and canteen food handlers in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Quantitative data was analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using SPSS version 20.0 at a 5% a level of significance. Thematic analysis was used to analyze verbatim transcripts from qualitative interviews. Results: The response rates were 305/310 (98.4%) and 288/310 (92.9%) among street food vendors and canteen food handlers, respectively. The proportions of street food vendors and canteen food handlers with poor, fair and good knowledge of personal hygiene were (29.5% versus 19.8%), (51.8% versus 54.2%) and (18.7% versus 26.0%), respectively (p=0.009). There was a statistically significant association between education and knowledge of personal hygiene among street food vendors (p=0.03) and canteen food handlers (p=0.04). Though slightly better among canteen food handlers, narratives by the two groups of food handlers pointed to the general lack of awareness of basic personal hygiene which was supported by the findings from observation. Conclusion: Personal hygiene knowledge was poor among the two groups of food handlers; therefore, the Government should ensure legislation and enforcement involving training of food vendors, periodic medical examination, and issuance of fitness certificate to all food vendors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective comparative analysis of prospective cohort. Objective: To determine whether sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation ipsilateral to hand dominance compared to bilateral fixation impacts personal hygiene (wiping) after toileting. Methods: Inclusion criteria were adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with long arthrodesis (≥T12-pelvis) who had undergone primary unilateral or bilateral SI fixation with a minimum of 2-years-follow-up. Results: 117 consecutive patients were included and separated into 2 groups: bilateral SI fixation (BL, n = 61) and unilateral SI fixation (UNI, n = 56), with no difference in age. Of UNI patients, 10.7% (6) performed personal hygiene with a different hand after surgery, compared to 6.6% (4) of patients who received BL fixation (P = 0.422). All UNI patients who switched hands were right-hand dominant, and 5/6 received right-sided fixation. There was no statistical difference found between number of levels fused (<8, 9-11, or >11 levels) and changes in personal hygiene habits. Over a third of patients from both groups had difficulty performing personal hygiene after fusion (UNI = 39.3% BL = 36.1%, P = 0.719). Conclusion: SI screws increase the difficulty of performing personal hygiene; yet, the side of unilateral screws does not significantly change personal hygiene habits when compared to bilateral screw placement. Moreover, the length of the construct does not have a significant impact on ability to perform personal hygiene, cause changes in habits, or require the assistance of another individual. However, among our sample of individuals, bilateral fixation did result in a higher rate of revision instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The level of personal hygiene bears a strong influence on the preventive capacity for many diseases and hence the assessment of its level assumes great significance . The school being a strong base for hygienic practices, the present study aimed to assess the level of personal hygiene and its associated factors as well as its effect on morbidity. INTRODUCTION: Schools play an essential role in supporting the development of children, providing a platform to help children grow in a healthy environment. School age children form a substantial proportion of the world's population and hence schools serve as a base for inculcation of hygienic practices at a young age. The present study aims at assessing the level of personal hygiene, and its impact on school going children in Bangalore. OBJECTIVES: * To assess the status of personal hygiene practices of school going children * To study the impact of poor personal hygiene practices on the health status of children * To study the prevalence of health related morbidities and its impact on scholastic performance and school absenteeism. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study of school going children in the age group of 8-14 years. The study sample included 187 students attending schools in and around Bangalore. A pre-structured questionnaire was administered amongst the study population which included various aspects about personal hygiene awareness and practices, commonly faced morbidities, number of days of absenteeism due to medical reasons and scholastic performance in the last conducted examination. RESULTS: A total of 187 students participated in the study. There were 108(57.8%) girls and 79(42.2%) boys in the study. Of the students,180(96.3%) were aware about the importance of personal hygiene. Most common morbidity faced by the children was common cold 81(34.3%),followed by stomach pain 51(27.3%).However in the present study,in the students with awareness about importance of personal hygiene the proportion of absenteeism or academic performance was no different when compared to those who did not. . CONCLUSION: Majority of the health problems affecting school children are preventable by promotion of hygienic practices through proper health education at an early age by teachers who are the first contacts. Intervention programmes and periodic reminders would be effective in reducing poor hygiene associated morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The organic content of tempeh liquid waste and "Raja" banana peel can be utilized to make organic liquid fertilizer as an alternative for waste control. This study aims to analyze the effect of "Raja" banana peel bio-activator on tempeh liquid waste during the production of organic liquid fertilizer. Methods: The research design is a pure experiment with a posttest only and a control group design. The object of the study was tempeh liquid waste treated with Raja banana peel bio-activator in three replicates of 30 mL 40 mL and 50 mL. Data analysis used the Kruskal Wallis test. Results and Discussion: The highest average in C content was found in liquid fertilizer with bio-activator 30 mL (1.84%), N content in liquid fertilizer with bio-activator 50 mL (0.17%), P content in liquid fertilizer with bio-activator 50 mL (0.11%), K content in liquid fertilizer with bio-activator 30 mL (0.13%) and total macro nutrients (N, P, K) in liquid fertilizer with bioactivator 50 mL (0.36%). The average volume of "Raja" banana peel bio-activator did differ significantly between 30 mL, 40 mL and 50 mL, indicating that it did not significantly affect the content of C, N, P and K in organic liquid fertilizer. Conclusion: The contents of macro nutrient in this organic liquid fertilizer do not meet the government standard on Minister of Agriculture Regulation; therefore' further research is needed to determine the appropriate levels of bio-activators in producing organic liquid fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As a drinking water provider, refill drinking water station must comply with hygiene and sanitation standards for water quality, including the microbiological value standard for clean water. This study was conducted to determine the microbial levels in refill drinking water station and analyze the drinking water quality based on sanitation hygiene observations. Methods: The study included laboratory test methods, cross-sectional analysis tests, and a descriptive analysis. Drinking water sampling and sanitation observations were performed using the total sampling technique on 17 water station. As much as 100 ml of drinking water samples were taken directly from the faucet to refill water with a sterile bottle container. Sanitary hygiene was studied through interviews using an observation sheet. Results and Discussion: The most bacteria were found at 108 per 100ml in Escherichia coli parameters and 866 per 100ml in coliform parameters in the station water samples with the Station 8 (SK) code. The interviews showed that seven station did not meet the criteria for good sanitation hygiene. Conclusion: Sanitary hygiene is carried out to reduce or eliminate bacterial contamination in drinking water. Observations and laboratory tests show that good sanitation is related to drinking water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indonesia has the third-highest leprosy prevalence, and the transmission continues. Objectives: the present study aimed to describe some of the characteristics of leprosy contacts, such as the profile of the serological antibody IgM anti-PGL-1, socioeconomic factors, environmental factors, and behavioral factors. Materials and Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 77 leprosy contacts from an endemic area in Winongan, Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia. The households or neighbors of the leprosy case recorded at Winongan Health Center, voluntarily participated in this study. Informed consent was obtained before starting the study. Three of them were excluded because they showed skin lesions as leprosy symptoms. Serum samples were assayed for IgM antibodies PGL-1 titers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The questionnaire was used to collect information about demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral aspects of contact. The data were analyzed descriptively using Fisher's Exact Test. Results. Of 74 contacts, all of them were contacts of MB cases, and 6 (8.11%) were seropositive, with a cut-off point = 605 ug/ml. Although none of the contact characteristics were significantly associated with IgM anti-PGL-1 seropositivity, potential risk markers and indirect transmission of leprosy were identified, including 56.76% manual labor, 90.54% living in poverty, 83.78% drinking from unprotected springs, only 20.27% boiling water to drink, and 48.65% bathing in open water bodies. Conclusions. The seropositivity among contacts, especially perimeter contacts, may identify potential active infection and transmission of leprosy in this population. Identified potential risk markers of leprosy should be noticed for prevention programs supporting leprosy elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elementary school students is a group of people which has a big share in the continuity of this country so it is very necessary improved ability to live healthy, one of them by increasing knowledge and attitudes of children about health especially about personal hygiene. The purpose of this research is know the effectiveness Peer Group Health Education behavior personal hygiene for elementary school students. Special target in this study, namely examine behavior personal hygiene of students before and after given health education with the peer group method in the experimental group and the lecture method in the control group. Types of research used is pre-experimental research, by using Non-Equivalent Control Group design. Sampling in this research performed with purposive sampling technique, with the number of samples as many as 50 students with details of 25 students as an experimental group and 25 students as a control group. The Data analysis using Paired sample t test and Independent sample t test. Statistical test results p = 0.000 show statistically there is a difference meaningful between personal hygiene behavior before and after peer group health education. The result of statistical test also p = 0.000 show statistically there is a difference meaningful between personal hygiene behavior before and after health education with the lecture method. But it can be concluded that there is no significant difference between Group behavior Peer Group Health Education and Group Behavior Health Eduvation With the Lecture Method (p = 0.565). With the results of this study expected to open the knowledge and the mindset of health workers to be more active and creative in empowering the community in an effort to improve public health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Food-borne diseases can be prevented with the knowledge of food safety. Food-related infirmity, especially in developing economy perspective such as Iraq can be addressed effectively with adequate food safety knowledge. So, this study aims to analyse the food safety knowledge of Iraqi students studying in food science programs. Design/methodology/approach: Four aspects of food safety, namely, the food poisoning, personal hygiene, temperature control and cross contamination and cleaning were considered to understand the food safety knowledge of Iraqi students. A survey of 105 Iraqi food technology students was conducted to know their food safety knowledge. A structured questionnaire was made involving multiple choice scales. Among the alternatives, one alternative was right and all other alternatives were wrong. Respondents were asked to pick the correct answer amongst the given alternatives. Correct answer given by the respondent was considered a measure of food safety knowledge. Findings: Findings of the study revealed that students had insufficient knowledge about various dimensions of food safety. Students had knowledge about the food poisoning (p < 0.001) Students had partial understanding about personal hygiene wherein they had knowledge about handwashing practices (p < 0.001) and food-handling practices (p < 0.001). Respondents had knowledge about role of freezing in bacterial growth (p < 0.001). Students only had knowledge about separation of cooked and uncooked food (p < 0.001), indicating partial understanding about cross contamination and cleanliness. Both age and gender of the student did not have relationship with their food safety knowledge. The results implied that instructors and tutors should stress upon the socio-cultural facets to facilitate the food safety knowledge. Educators should also emphasize upon the application and laboratory demonstration of food safety knowledge rather than over-emphasizing the theoretical part. Research limitations/implications: The present study suffers from multiple limitations demanding specific mention. The study undertook a quantitative methodology and made use of a close-ended questionnaire. As generally the quantitative studies include the self-reported actions or behaviours of the selected respondents, the present study also offers its results on the basis of self-reported behaviour of the students. It might be possible to observe the difference between the stated and actual behaviour of the food technology students. Other researchers might use an observational study to obtain more genuine results. Originality/value: It is important to study food technology students regarding their food safety knowledge due to their projected future roles, as students are stipulated to perform the role of managers, food handlers, trainers, experts and caterers in the future in food industry. These students are more likely to influence the food safety orientations of society at large than the those belonging to other educational programs. Hence, this study offered a review of food safety knowledge of food technology students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and modified natural polymer hydrogels are widely and increasingly used in agriculture, health care textiles, effluent treatment, drug delivery, tissue engineering, civil concrete structure, etc. However, not many comprehensive reviews are available on this class of novel polymers. A review covering all the viable applications of SAP will be highly useful for researchers, industry persons, and medical, healthcare, and agricultural purposes. Hence, an attempt has been made to review SAPs with reference to their classifications, synthesis, modification by crosslinking, and physicochemical characterization such as morphology, swellability, thermal and mechanical properties, lifetime prediction, thermodynamics of swelling, absorption, release and transport kinetics, quantification of hydrophilic groups, etc. Besides, the possible methods of fine-tuning their structures for improving their absorption capacity, fast absorption kinetics, mechanical strength, controlled release features, etc. were also addressed to widen their uses. This review has also highlighted the biodegradability, commercial viability and market potential of SAPs, SAP composites, the feasibility of using biomass as raw materials for SAP production, etc. The challenges and future prospects of SAP, their safety, and environmental issues are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciência & Trópico (03042685) is the property of Fundacao Joaquim Nabuco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) is considered the most prevalent food borne pathogen that has gained increasing attention worldwide in recent years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Bedele Municipal abattoir on cattle that were reported healthy from detailed ante-mortem inspections and having various body conditions scores. A total of 516 samples were collected and examined after enriched in modified peptone water. Following an enrichment, the samples were plated onto MacConkey agar and then onto Eosin methylene blue agar. Finally after a few similar procedures, 14 E. coli O157:H7 (STEC) isolates were confirmed through latex agglutination test. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results: This study finding revealed that the overall prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 out of 516 samples was found to be 2.7%. However, on sample type basis, the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 from feacal samples, carcass swabs, butcher hand swabs and knife swabs were 4.7%, 3.3%, 1.1% and 1.1%, respectively. It was also found that that the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was significantly affected by age groups of slaughtered cattle (p< 0.05). Moreover, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test result on average showed that almost all of E. coli O157:H7 isolates were highly susceptible to kanamycin and no resistance was shown to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Finally, the conventional PCR detection of stx1, st2 and hylA genes revealed that only 21.4% and 14.3% were found to contain stx1 and hylA genes respectively. Conclusion: To wrap up, this study showed that Shiga toxin producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC) isolates were found with almost low overall prevalence rate from all sample sources in this study site. Therefore, improving abattoir facilities and slaughter house workers' personal hygiene are recommended to curtail E. coli O157:H7 meat contamination in this abattoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global battle against the spread of COVID-19 requires serious public cooperation and compliance with public health policies to be effective. Health authorities and the administration of government in the Philippines have explained to the citizens the urgency to comply with the practical requirements to slow the spread of the virus. Social distancing is one common approach globally to ensure physical distance among people. The rationale behind social distancing is that the virus spread will slow down by measures such as staying home, avoiding crowds, and refraining from touching one another to diminish the transmission of the virus. This study intended to determine the compliance of students of the Cagayan State University-Piat Campus to the inter-agency task force protocols. A descriptive research design was used in the study which attempts to outline systematically a situation, problem, phenomenon, service, or program, provides information about the living conditions of a community, or describes attitudes towards an issue (Kumar, 2011). The respondents of this study were the students of the Bachelor of Science in Criminology of Piat Campus where a convenience sampling technique was employed using the online google form questionnaire which is a checklist that has been modified by the researcher based on the standard of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19 when it comes to the precautionary measures needed to avoid the spread of the virus. The data needed for the study was interpreted, treated, and analyzed by means of frequency counts, percentages, weighted mean, using a Likert Scale. The University may occasionally disseminate accurate and reliable information and continuously adapt and enhance the precautionary measures that are required to prevent infection from illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The available evidence suggests that women were more likely to wear face masks as a precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have explicated this gender disparity in wearing face masks. This study investigates associations of demographic factors with wearing face masks in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic, then explicates gender disparity in wearing face masks from the lens of the Protection Motivation Theory.Methods: The first part of this study employed a structured online survey of 708 Malaysian adult participants. Data collected were quantitatively analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression. The second part of this study was conducted among 28 women to better understand gender disparity in protection motivations from the perspectives of women.Results: Gender has the strongest positive association with wearing face masks (p-value < .001), followed by age (p-value = .028). The Protection Motivation Theory adequately explicated the gender disparity in wearing face masks. Additionally, women were motivated to wear face masks beyond protection from the SARS-CoV-2.Conclusion: Understanding the underlying motivations for wearing face masks informs design of gender-based public health messages to increase compliance with public health regulations and reduce morbidity and mortality for present and future public health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Amerta Nutrition is the property of Universitas Airlangga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The COVID-19 has been observed as the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) which has naturally advanced education five/ten years ahead of digitalisation. The COVID-19 revolution has obliged everyone to be a student needing to be educated about national lockdowns, personal hygiene practices, digital technologies, and vaccines. This study intended to explore lessons learned by higher education institution (HEI) students in Eswatini, Lesotho, the Republic of South Africa, and Zimbabwe during the COVID-19/5IR which helped them to complete their PhD studies. Using purposive with convenience sampling, this study selected twenty most accessible PhD students. The pragmatic paradigm, participatory action research (PAR), and natural identity were used to frame this study in order to guide reflective activities, Zoom focus-group discussions, and semi-structured interview data-generation methods. Findings indicated that students achieved good education on personal hygiene practices and digital technologies that assisted them to effectively deal/continue with their studies. However, education on vaccines remained a major concern because participants believed that the world was treating symptoms of COVID-19 by vaccinating humans more than dealing with the source/s of the virus before it affected humans. Consequently, this study recommends a good education that balances personal, societal, and professional needs in order to understand natural identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is the most frequently used method to determine the nutritional status in adolescents. School-going population in developing countries like India are susceptible to undernutrition due to several socioeconomic, demographic, and nutritional factors. Poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles and improper hygiene can have a deleterious effect on their BMI. Methods: The aim of the study was to determine any association of BMI with physical health, nutrition, and personal hygiene among the school-going adolescents near Patna, Bihar. Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 school-going adolescents, chosen by stratified random sampling. They were given Indian Adolescent Health Questionnaire which had close-ended questions about physical activity, nutritional, and hygienic practices. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Pearson's correlation, independent t test, ANOVA, and Chi-Square test of proportions were done. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Only 39.4% adolescents had normal BMI, and almost half were underweight. Pearson's correlation of BMI with age showed a weak positive correlation (r = 0.124, P = 0.118). Participants perceiving themselves overweight, did physical exercise to lose weight (P < 0.001), whereas who stated that they rarely consumed cooked vegetables, had the self-perception of being underweight (P = 0.009). This self-perception of their weight, physical activity, handwashing after using toilet/latrine and weekly frequency of brushing teeth significantly predicted the BMI in these adolescents (F = 10.895, df (4,155), P < 0.001, R2 = 21.9%, Adj. R2 = 19.9%). Conclusion: Malnutrition can lead to infection, impaired reproductive health, anaemia and other long-term morbidities into adulthood. Hence there is need of more objective nutritional assessment in adolescence for prevention of disease burden in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of personal hygiene behavior in the Riau community in 2018 remains below 39.9%. Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants of personal hygiene in preventing Covid19 among the residents of Bengkalis Regency, Riau. Methods: Data was collected online in March 2021 from 214 respondents regarding their age, gender, educational history, personal hygiene, infrastructure, accessibility, information exposure, family support, social support, and level of knowledge. The descriptive quantitative study was used with a crosssectional design and the Chi-square test. Results and Discussion: The results showed that from 214 respondents, those with good and poor personal hygiene are 139 (65%) and 75 (35%) individuals, respectively. The factors that have a statistical relationship with personal hygiene (p<0.05) are age, gender, infrastructure, accessibility, information exposure, family support, and social support, with p-values of 0.000, 0.005, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, and 0.000, respectively. Meanwhile, variables of knowledge and educational history with p values of 0.664 and 0.810, respectively, were not statistically related. Conclusion: Efforts to promote personal hygiene for the prevention of the pandemic include health worker education on Covid19 information, especially the risk factors and how to correctly use masks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used raw data obtained from the Adolescents' Health Behavior Survey by government-affiliated agency open data. A total of 109,796 students were sampled. A comparative analysis was performed based on the year 2020 and when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, in which we analyzed changes in adolescents' depression and panic anxiety perception and dietary habits, physical factors, physical activity, and handwashing habits. There was no weight control in the second year compared to the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and obesity also increased. The continuation of the non-contact situation caused by COVID-19 led to a worsening of subjective health awareness, and the experience of generalized anxiety disorder, depression, sadness and hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and attempts increased. The frequency of washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet at school or at home was reduced. As a result of this analysis, we believe that there needs to be a system of support in place to address the academic gaps and deficiencies in learning caused by COVID-19, and that psychological and emotional support needs to be strengthened at this time, as well as the issues to be supported after the end of the non-contact situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dharmakarya: Jurnal Aplikasi Ipteks Untuk Masyarakat is the property of Dharmakarya Jurnal Aplikasi Ipteks Untuk Masyarakat and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing and hand washing have been used as effective means to reduce virus transmission in the Netherlands. However, these measures pose a societal challenge as they require people to change their customary behaviours in various contexts. The science of habit formation is potentially useful for informing policy-making in public health, but the current literature largely overlooked the role of habit in predicting and explaining these preventive behaviours. Our research aimed to describe habit formation processes of physical distancing and hand washing and to estimate the influences of habit strength and intention on behavioural adherence. Methods: A longitudinal survey was conducted between July and November 2020 on a representative Dutch sample (n = 800). Respondents reported their intentions, habit strengths, and adherence regarding six context-specific preventive behaviours on a weekly basis. Temporal developments of the measured variables were visualized, quantified, and mapped onto five distinct phases of the pandemic. Regression models were used to test the effects of intention, habit strength, and their interaction on behavioural adherence. Results: Dutch respondents generally had strong intentions to adhere to all preventive measures and their adherence rates were between 70% and 90%. They also self-reported to experience their behaviours as more automatic over time, and this increasing trend in habit strength was more evident for physical-distancing than for hand washing behaviours. For all six behaviours, both intention and habit strength predicted subsequent adherence (all ps < 2e-16). In addition, the predictive power of intention decreased over time and was weaker for respondents with strong habits for physical distancing when visiting supermarkets (B = -0.63, p <.0001) and having guests at home (B = -0.54, p <.0001) in the later phases of the study, but not for hand washing. Conclusions: People's adaptations to physical-distancing and hand washing measures involve both intentional and habitual processes. For public health management, our findings highlight the importance of using contextual cues to promote habit formation, especially for maintaining physical-distancing practices. For habit theories, our study provides a unique dataset that covers multiple health behaviours in a critical real-world setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]