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Hygiene education is becoming increasingly popular and is now addressed in both formal and informal education systems. Examining hygiene education research and developing a vision for the future will lead to creating a roadmap for future research as well as an analysis of past research. Research on hygiene education encompasses a variety of subtopics. It is critical for future researchers and thematic studies in this area to determine if there is a pattern to these concerns that cover a wide range of topics. The purpose of this study is to examine the topic of hygiene education using bibliometric analysis. From the Scope Database, 503 records remain for bibliometric analysis. This results in an average number of 5.02 publications per year. 1973 people contributed to the study. Among the top 10, most influential sources in terms of the number of articles are four websites related to dental hygiene. The United States leads the world in both the number of publications and a total number of citations, followed by Canada and China. Most of the research was related to oral hygiene education.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the globe have been exposed to large amounts of statistical data. Previous studies have shown that individuals' mathematical understanding of health-related information affects their attitudes and behaviours. Here, we investigate the relation between: (1) basic numeracy; (2) COVID-19 health numeracy; and (3) COVID-19 health-related attitudes and behaviours. An online survey measuring these three variables was distributed in Canada, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) (n = 2032). In line with predictions, basic numeracy was positively related to COVID-19 health numeracy. However, predictions, neither basic numeracy nor COVID-19 health numeracy was related to COVID-19 health related attitudes and behaviours (e.g. follow experts' recommendations on social distancing, wearing masks etc.). Multi-group analysis was used to investigate mean differences and differences in the strength of the correlation across countries. Results indicate there were no between-country differences in the correlations between the main constructs but there were between-country differences in latent means. Overall, results suggest that while basic numeracy is related to one's understanding of data about COVID-19, better numeracy alone is not enough to influence a population's health-related attitudes about disease severity and to increase the likelihood of following public health advice.

Little is known about the extent to which evidence-based prevention topics are taught in medical school. All class of 2003 medical students (n = 2316) at 16 US schools were eligible to complete three questionnaires: at the beginning of first and third years and in their senior year, with 80.3% responding. We queried these students about 21 preventive medicine topics, concerning the extent of their training and their patient counseling frequency at some of these time points. At the beginning of the third year, self-reported extensive training was low for all preventive medicine topics (range 7-26%). USPSTF-recommended topics received more curricular time (median for topics: 36% if recommended versus 24.5% if not, P = 0.025), as did topics addressed through testing rather than through discussion (median for topics: 37% for testing and 25% for discussion, P = 0.005). Extensive training was always associated with higher counseling frequency, and intention to go into primary care, female gender, a positive attitude toward prevention and positive personal health habits were associated with higher counseling frequency. Although some bemoan the overall low levels of US medical students' prevention-related training and practice, we demonstrate that at least they are preferentially evidence-based, a novel and encouraging finding for preventionists.

Methicillin-resistant "Staphylococcus aureus" (MRSA) was once thought to be a bacterium causing infections in only hospitalized patients. However, a new strain of MRSA has emerged among healthy individuals who have not had any recent exposure to a hospital or to medical procedures. This new strain is known as "community-associated MRSA". Studies have shown the rates of MRSA infection are increasing throughout the United States and that some populations are at greater risk of acquiring these infections. One population at greater risk is athletes. Educating student athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators about the seriousness of this infection and how to prevent and manage it in the school setting is an important role of the school nurse. The goal of this education is to prevent the spread of MRSA organisms, thereby reducing student absenteeism and the related costs of treating MRSA infections. (Contains 2 tables.)

In this article, the author discusses the parallels between the dispositions assessments of today's aspiring teachers and the evaluations of teachers' mental hygiene and personality that began in the 1940s and continued for two decades. The author also talks about the history of teacher attitude adjustment. She states that the screening of prospective teachers for maladjustment 50 years ago and the dispositions assessments going on today have remarkable similarities, and the history of teacher screening reveals how deeply rooted such practices are in American teacher education. Whether the standard is mental hygiene or possessing the proper political and ideological disposition, the elimination of candidates who do not pass muster gives teacher educators the power to determine who gains access to a classroom based on the values the teacher educators prefer. She concludes that those who are committed to academic freedom within higher education should be concerned when professional socialization trumps freedom of conscience in teacher education programs. (Contains 1 figure.)

Microbial foodborne illnesses are a public health problem in the United States. Americans are patronizing restaurants three or more times a week and college students are frequently employed in food service; therefore, this study assessed compliance with and awareness of food safety recommendations among 460 college students. Compliance was suboptimal, with 72% following purchasing, 68% storage, and 75% preparation recommendations "often/always." The mean score on the food safety knowledge test was 39% (SD 16%, range 0 to 87%). A majority (60%) of students was interested in learning more about food safety, and classroom presentations were the preferred method for receiving this information. Findings suggest a need for food safety education focusing on personal sanitation when preparing food, and on following time and temperature recommendations when storing and preparing perishable foods. (Contains 4 tables.)

From the 1920s through the early 1940s, school-based programs in both health and physical education--mandated by government legislation and hailed by the public--increased in scope and complexity. By 1937, the assumption of the interconnectedness of the two fields was institutionalized in the merger of the American Physical Education Association with the Department of School Health and Physical Education of the National Education Association to form the American Association for Health and Physical Education. This paper focuses on the role of health education, physical education, and public health professionals in the emergence and critique of scholastic health and physical education programs in the first half of the 20th century. (Contains 4 notes.)

Two hours of tobacco instructions were incorporated into the baccalaureate dental hygiene curricula in a university in the Northwestern United States. Prior to graduation, all senior students were invited to complete anonymously a questionnaire surveying attitudes and clinical skills in providing tobacco services to their clinic patients. Twenty students (67%) responded but no data was collected on the non-respondents. Eighteen (90%) reported practicing some of the "5 A's," and a few reported sustained adherence to all "5 A's." Moderately successful clinical outcomes parallelled students' moderate self-rating of their knowledge/skills. When asked to identify barriers to sustained and ongoing full adherence, most students cited "patient resistance/disinterest," and their own "lack of knowledge or confidence in the skills." Our preliminary findings suggest that additional content and training time may be required for dental hygiene graduates to feel highly confident and knowledgeable, and for them to sustain comprehensive tobacco services once in practice. (Contains 3 tables.)

Appearances are deceptive, the saying goes. However, we devote much time to the presentation of ourselves, and ties and necklaces can take up more energy than other "substantial" matters. This article analyzes the history of the presentation of selves in schools through the study of school uniforms. It will be claimed that modernity configured a "regime of appearances" that had powerful effects on the ways that people relate to themselves and to others, and that schooling played a significant role in shaping it. The article will deal particularly with school uniforms as part of this regime of appearances, focusing on the development of vestimentary codes in Argentina and the United States of America. In Argentina, white smocks, which were adopted as the mandatory dress code around 1910 on the basis of an egalitarian rhetorics, were part of a politics of the body closely tied to Hygienism and linked to ideals of moral and racial purity. White smocks established a homogeneous and austere, monochromatic aesthetics of the school space that quickly identified transgression and indiscipline. In the US, uniforms were used for the schooling of minorities (Native Americans, women) as a way of rigorously training unruly bodies and of learning other aesthetic and bodily dispositions. Recently, urban public schools have adopted uniforms to counter-balance gangs' and rappers' dress codes. I believe that both cases show the fertility of analyzing school appearances for the history of school daily life and for understanding the effects that schooling produces in our societies.

Although dental caries in the pediatric and adolescent population has consistently declined in the United States, it is still the most common childhood disease. Dental problems are the number one reason for missing school next to the common cold. Dental caries are an infectious, communicable disease resulting in destruction of tooth structure by acid-forming bacteria found in dental plaque, an intraoral biofilm, in the presence of sugar. The etiology of rampant disease is very complex. It is multifactorial and has a close relationship to a number of risk factors. It is important that school nurses identify patients at risk for dental caries early to determine their risk and refer them for disease prevention and control. (Contains 7 figures.)

Comments on the health of migrant farmworkers in the U.S. and the Border Industrialization ("twin plants") Program with a brief description of the unique U.S.-Mexico border region, emphasizing the status of air pollution, housing, nutrition, and health care. Available from Southwest Economy & Society, Box 4482, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 ($12). (SB)

A survey of domestic and foreign schools of veterinary medicine is analyzed, revealing a general trend toward deemphasis and/or loss of identity in teaching food safety and regulated veterinary public health subjects. It is suggested that minimal standards need to be set for curricula of U.S. schools. (Author/MLW)

Tooth decay in children is on the rise in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay rose 4 percent in the two-to five-year-old age group in the last four years. These statistics are disturbing to dental professionals because of the ability to prevent approximately 85 percent of tooth decay. Early childhood decay (ECD) is a phenomenon that is seen in children under the age of five. ECD is caused by the continuous use of the bottle filled with anything but water past the age of 12 months. Milk, formula, juices, sodas, and breast milk in a youngster's bottle put a child at risk for ECD. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. Yet, in the United States, tea is consumed less than fruit drinks and sodas. Fruit drinks and sodas are loaded with sugar and provide little to no nutritional value. However, when so many families are leading hectic, activity-filled lifestyles, the "quick fix" beverage in a juice box, bottle, or can is much easier than stopping to brew a cup of tea. Camomile teas are about as close to a neutral pH as tea can get. Some studies have indicated they are less than 0.001 from neutral. This beverage would be the least likely to contribute to tooth decay in children. Rooibos teas, which are naturally caffeine free, have a pH around 5.0. Black and green teas are slightly more acidic with a pH ranging from 3.0-7.0. The latter three teas mentioned have a higher chance of causing tooth decay if based on pH alone. With the exception of herbal tisanes, all tea contains an ingredient that actually strengthens the enamel and makes the teeth more resistant to decay. That ingredient is naturally occurring fluoride, and all real teas have trace elements of this mineral. As teeth naturally repair themselves, the hydroxyapetite crystals that make up the teeth are reinforced with the fluoride ion from the tea, creating a stronger more resistant structure. Green, black, and rooibos teas are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a much better beverage choice for children. To avoid excess caffeine, rooibos and decaffeinated teas are recommended. Tea is a beverage that children should be encouraged to consume. The health benefits for body and teeth are numerous and make this beverage a much better choice than more sugary acidic beverages.

Background: Pubic hair removal (PHR) is common among women in the United States, and understanding current practices is important for public health efforts. The most recent national study focusing on U.S. women's PHR habits and their correlates was conducted over a decade ago. Objectives: The current study aims to provide an updated understanding of PHR practices among U.S. women, examining prevalence, methods, frequency, and motivations. We also examine characteristics of women who choose to remove their pubic hair. Design: A cross-sectional, nationally representative survey administered in Spring 2023 via Ipsos KnowledgePanel. Methods: Women (N = 522, ages 18–85 years) responded to items inquiring about their demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and social media use, as well as methods, prevalence, and motivations associated with PHR. We examine various demographic and behavioral correlates of lifetime and recent PHR among women. Results: Findings reveal that the majority of U.S. women have removed their pubic hair at some point in their lifetime, and almost half have done so within the past month. Frequency and preferred styles of PHR varied among women, indicating a wide range of individual preferences. Among top motivating factors for PHR were perceived cleanliness, comfort, and wanting to look good in a bikini. Race, age, and history of sexual activity were all statistically significant predictors of lifetime and recent PHR. Conclusions: Findings from the current study may assist skincare professionals in better addressing patient/client PHR needs and concerns while promoting health. Studies should continue examining trends in PHR over time, its relation to societal perceptions of beauty, and its implications for health and well-being. Plain language summary: Pubic hair removal practices among U.S. women Pubic hair removal (PHR) is a common practice among women in the United States, and it's important for public health experts to understand current habits. Since the last national study on this topic was conducted a decade ago, the goal of this research was to update our knowledge of how and why U.S. women remove their pubic hair, along with examining which personal characteristics are related to a higher likelihood of women's PHR. We surveyed 522 women aged 18 to 85 across the U.S. in Spring 2023 using Ipsos KnowledgePanel. We asked about their backgrounds, sexual behaviors, social media use, and their methods, frequency, and reasons for PHR. Our findings show that a majority of U.S. women have removed their pubic hair at some point, and nearly half have done so within the past month. Frequency and preferred styles vary, reflecting individual preferences. Most common reasons for PHR included feeling cleaner, more comfortable, and wanting to look good in swimsuit. We found that race, age, and sexual history significantly influenced women's likelihood of PHR in their lifetime and in the past month. Understanding these practices can help skincare professionals better meet the needs of their patients and clients, promoting women's overall health. Moving forward, it is important for studies to continue monitoring PHR trends among women, exploring its connection to evolving societal beauty norms and examining its impacts on health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders on the breastfeeding experiences of U.S. people a identify facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding during this period, and to assess the effects of maternal stress and misinformation on breastfeeding practices. Methods: U.S. women with infants were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. An online survey, distributed during summer 2020, measured changes in infant feeding practices, maternal stress levels, use of lactation support resources, and the influence of misinformation on feeding decisions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Our sample (n = 1,861) revealed that 34% of U.S. women realized the pandemic affected their feeding practices, 544 women provided qualitative data. Major themes from qualitative analysis included ease of breastfeeding at home, bonding, increased breastfeeding duration, and challenges like limited access to lactation support. Logistic regressions highlighted demographic influences on breastfeeding practices, with no significant effects found related to the child's age or women's income on changes in feeding practices. Conclusions for Practice: The COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted breastfeeding experiences of U.S. women, yielding insights for future policy and healthcare practices. The findings underscore the potential benefits of telehealth lactation support services and flexible remote work environments for breastfeeding people. Clear and scientifically-grounded communication regarding breastfeeding, mental health support, and policy development, are essential to promote equitable and flexible work and maternity leave options for breastfeeding people especially during global health crises. Significance: This study provides new insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic's stay-at-home orders uniquely impacted breastfeeding practices among a large and diverse sample of U.S. women across various regions, income levels, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. By capturing a wide range of experiences, we address a critical gap in understanding the effects of sudden societal changes on breastfeeding across different demographics. Our findings highlight both facilitators—such as increased time at home leading to easier breastfeeding, stronger mother-infant bonding, and extended breastfeeding duration—and barriers—including limited access to lactation support and heightened maternal stress. The diversity of our sample enhances the applicability of our results to inform maternal and child health policies and practices. We underscore the potential benefits of telehealth lactation services and flexible remote work policies in enhancing breastfeeding outcomes and reducing health inequities, emphasizing the need for supportive measures that promote breastfeeding, especially during global health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past decades have seen growing interest and application of interventions targeting the change of multiple behaviors at once. We advance this work by using the diffusion of innovations theory (DOI) to consider constellations of behaviors as innovation packages: multiple innovations that are logically related, interdependent in their use or effects, and often promoted as a set (Rogers, 2003). In addition, we embraced DOI's focus on behavioral decisions as a continual process that can include adoption and discontinuance over time, especially as new innovations (e.g., COVID-19 vaccine) appear. To that end, we conducted a latent transition analysis of COVID-19 mitigation behaviors (N = 697; 97% received a COVID-19 vaccine) across three time points in the pandemic: initial outbreak; a secondary, record-breaking rise in cases; and after the CDC recommended that fully vaccinated adults could discontinue wearing masks. This analysis allowed us to identify latent classes based on shared behavioral patterns and transitions between classes over time. The results showed evidence of three possible packages: (a) a package of traditional, symptom-management behaviors (covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if ill, and seeking medical care), (b) a package of just-novel COVID-19 behaviors (wearing masks, keeping six feet apart, and avoiding mass gatherings), and (c) a package of all COVID-19 mitigation behaviors. Movement between classes exemplified adoption and discontinuance of different packages, as well as widespread discontinuance with the replacement innovation: COVID-19 vaccines. Additional analyses showed that increases in hope were associated with sustained and delayed adoption; decreases in social approval were associated with discontinuance. Future directions in theorizing around innovation packages are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of behavior-analytic procedures in increasing face mask-wearing in autistic individuals. This comes following recommended guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review and meta-analysis were completed of peer-reviewed and grey literature. Six databases were searched and seven studies using single-case experimental designs met the eligibility criteria which were then quality appraised. Data were extracted on participant characteristics, study design, independent and dependent variables, fidelity, generalization, maintenance, and social validity outcomes. Both the non-overlap of all pairs and Baseline Corrected TAU were used to estimate effect size. Two studies were rated strong and borderline strong quality and five were rated as adequate or below. All studies showed positive outcomes for mask-wearing, with an average of 0.92 for non-overlap of all pairs and 0.47 for Baseline Corrected Tau effect sizes. The most common and effective procedures for increasing mask-wearing were graded exposure and differential and positive reinforcement. Factors such as mode of delivery, implementer, and setting did not appear to influence study outcomes. Procedures were found to be rated as acceptable by parents and professionals in five of the studies. The existing literature on increasing face mask-wearing in autistic individuals provides promising findings to add to existing literature around increasing tolerance to medical equipment and hygiene practices in autistic populations. However, these findings are based on a small sample size, with six of the studies taking place in the United States with varying study quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre 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 United States, adolescents suffer from inadequate menstrual health, meaning that adolescents are unprepared for menarche, lack the practical resources they need to comfortably and confidently manage menstruation, and receive inadequate health education and care for menstrual pain and disorders. In this article, we provide a historical analysis of the role of school nurses in addressing menstruation from the early 20th century up to the present day. We contextualize the current realities of school nursing and menstrual health education and clinical support. We argue that the decentralized US school system, a cultural aversion to open discussion about menstruation, and the outsized influence of commercial menstrual product manufacturers have hampered the ability of school nurses to deliver menstrual health education along with menstrual health support. Finally, we discuss implications for today's schooling experiences as well as recommendations for how to support school nurses in aligning our national approach to menstrual health toward the public health perspective of menstrual equity. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(9):903–908. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307705) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The United States is increasingly recognizing period product insecurity, insufficient access to menstrual products and limited private spaces for managing menstruation due to financial constraints, as an issue impacting the well-being and dignity of Americans. One strategy to address period product insecurity has been distributing free period products via period supply banks. The outcomes of period product distribution outside the school setting are absent from the literature. Objectives: This study, a formative evaluation of the free period product distribution efforts of the Alliance for Period Supplies, aims to identify (1) characteristics of individuals receiving products from period supply banks and their experiences of period product insecurity and (2) health and social outcomes experienced by recipients of free period products. Design: Survey data collection occurred at two points: baseline and one-year follow-up. All study participants provided verbal consent. Methods: Between Fall 2018 and Spring 2020, 1863 baseline and 80 follow-up surveys were administered. Participants received free period products for themselves and/or a household member from one of 20 participating Alliance for Period Supplies period supply banks directly or from one of their 64 partner agencies. Results: At baseline, 72.4% of participants had to choose between buying period products and another basic need. One year after accessing a period supply bank, 36.3% of participants reported this experience (p = 0.018). Participants reported at baseline, on average, 7.8 days in the past year of avoiding seeing others, canceling appointments, or skipping work or school because they did not have access to period products. At follow-up, this was reduced to 1.2 days, on average, t (68) = 2.214, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Period supply banks play an essential role in facilitating access to period products and the resulting benefits. Our study highlights the need for sustainable, well-funded policies and interventions to address period product insecurity effectively in society. Plain Language Summary: How people in the United States benefit when they get free period products from a period supply bank Why we did this study: In the United States, many individuals cannot afford to buy period supplies and the other stuff they need to live. Period supply banks want to help by giving them free period products. Researchers do not know if getting free period products is helpful for individuals. What we wanted to learn: The Alliance for Period Supplies is a membership program for period supply banks. We wanted to learn about the individuals who get free period products and whether getting them was helpful. What we did: For a year, starting in Fall 2018, we asked 1863 individuals to fill out paper surveys. A year later, we asked 80 of those same individuals to fill out a second survey. We asked participants to take the survey if they got free period products from a period supply bank for themselves or someone they live with. Individuals only participated in the study if they told us they wanted to. What we learned: Individuals who cannot afford period products must navigate difficult decisions between purchasing products or choosing other basic needs. Providing free products through a period supply bank has lessened the burden on these individuals, reducing the number who had to choose. Individuals unable to afford period products may sometimes opt out of going places they want to go for pleasure or miss important events, like work or school, because they do not have period products. Getting free period products has eased these challenges, letting individuals participate more fully in activities and engagements without worry about period products. Why is this important: Period supply banks are essential places where individuals receive free period products. The period supply banks need more individuals, including our government, to donate period supplies or money to buy them so they can help more individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menarche can be a difficult transition for young people. With appropriate education, youth can feel more positively about the menstrual experience. Since many elementary teachers are not equipped with menstrual health knowledge, the education falls to the school nurse. However, it is unknown if school nurses feel comfortable communicating about menstruation with young people. The purpose of this study was to explore school nurses' perceptions regarding menstrual health education in elementary schools (grades K-5). An online mixed-methods survey was established using Qualtrics. Through snowball sampling, 30 elementary school nurses responded. Using the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) as a framework, a deductive semantic thematic analysis was used to identify themes for each question. Data suggested that elementary school nurses would participate in professional development regarding menstrual health and hygiene. School health nurses are receiving limited knowledge/skills surrounding pedagogy and are not familiar with cultural differences when it comes to menstrual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytoses are fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails that affect approximately 25% of the global population. Occlusive clothing, living in a hot humid environment, poor hygiene, proximity to animals, and crowded living conditions are important risk factors. Dermatophyte infections are named for the anatomic area they infect, and include tinea corporis, cruris, capitis, barbae, faciei, pedis, and manuum. Tinea incognito describes steroid-modified tinea. In some patients, especially those who are immunosuppressed or who have a history of corticosteroid use, dermatophyte infections may spread to involve extensive skin areas, and, in rare cases, may extend to the dermis and hair follicle. Over the past decade, dermatophytoses cases not responding to standard of care therapy have been increasingly reported. These cases are especially prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, and Trichophyton indotineae has been identified as the causative species, generating concern regarding resistance to available antifungal therapies. Antifungal-resistant dermatophyte infections have been recently recognized in the United States. Antifungal resistance is now a global health concern. When feasible, mycological confirmation before starting treatment is considered best practice. To curb antifungal-resistant infections, it is necessary for physicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for resistant dermatophyte infections coupled with antifungal stewardship efforts. Furthermore, by forging partnerships with federal agencies, state and local public health agencies, professional societies, and academic institutions, dermatologists can lead efforts to prevent the spread of antifungal-resistant dermatophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graduates of industrial hygiene training (IH) programs must be able to meet continuously evolving health and safety needs in a wide variety of occupational settings. Therefore, academic IH graduate programs must regularly evaluate their curricula and solicit input from industry professionals to make curricular changes that will better prepare their students for professional roles in industry. The purpose of this study was to identify the training gaps that existed between industry needs and the current curriculum for a United States-accredited IH graduate training program. The research team facilitated two group interviews with the IH program advisory board, collected alumni survey data, and performed a qualitative analysis to identify skills gaps/needs for the IH Program graduates. The research team identified 3 themes from participant interviews and alumni surveys (technical, applied, and essential skills) and selected several skills within each theme that interview participants thought were necessary proficiencies for junior IH professionals. The skills identified in the qualitative interview and survey data can be incorporated into the curriculum to improve the training of IH graduate students. Additionally, by using qualitative analysis, the researchers uncovered essential skills previously unidentified in IH needs assessments, providing valuable information for all IH graduate programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a K-12 setting, a student's ability to process spoken language can be hindered by vocal dysfunction in their teacher's voice; however, voice training and vocal hygiene are rarely components of K-12 teacher training in the United States, despite a high rate of dysphonia among teachers. A teacher's ability to connect emotionally with students may have a direct impact on student learning. One way for teachers to connect emotionally with students is through their voice, yet educating teachers in vocal emotional communication is broadly absent from pre-service teacher training. This study explores the potential value of using the Linklater Voice Method to increase K-12 teachers' awareness of their voice. This study's participants were all trained in the Linklater Voice Method prior to this study. They self-reported increased awareness of their voices and recognized that this awareness allowed them to use their voice as a teaching tool, giving them the ability to improve classroom management and create a greater emotional connection with students. This increased vocal awareness as a teaching tool was also observed in a classroom setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of patient hygiene in preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). It highlights the lack of standardized approaches to patient bathing and emphasizes the value of high-quality hygiene practices. It presents several consensus statements that underscore the significance of patient hygiene, the role of pathogens on the skin in HAIs, the importance of skin integrity, and the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing for surgical procedures,.

In this brief review, the focus on university infrastructure and environmental sustainability is apparent, coupled with a review of the tools for success after interventions in children's schools. Given the great overall interest in fluid intake guidelines for public health, higher education campuses should implement policy and infrastructure changes to increase the number of drinking fountains on campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in pediatric dental practices is a relatively new approach for behavior management, with few studies gauging interest in its use from the provider's perspective. The purpose of this study was to assess pediatric dentists' interest in and concerns with the use of AAT and identify its challenges and limitations. A survey was sent to the membership of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, comprising questions about providers' practices and their views on the benefits of and concerns about implementing AAT. Ninety-two percent of the respondents felt that pet therapy would improve a patient's comfort; 67 percent indicated they expected a moderate or strong improvement, but only eight percent expected no improvement. Hygiene (26 percent) and liability (26 percent) were the main reservations about its use. This paper illustrates that the profession is open to AAT for behavior guidance and offers ways to incorporate it into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses resources for food safety as of September 2024. Topics covered include such Food Safety Credentials as the Certified Professional-Food Safety (CP-FS) usually employed as a quality assurance or control manager in a retail food setting, and the Certified in Comprehensive Food Safety (CCFS) credential for expertise in manufacturing and processing areas. Also noted is the Food Code Adoption Toolkit from the Retail Food Safety Regulatory Association Collaborative.

Personality traits play a role in prosocial behavior in relation to containment measures intended to tackle the COVID‐19 pandemic. Empirical findings indicated that individuals high in socially aversive traits such as callousness are less compliant with containment measures. This study aimed to add cross‐cultural data on the relationship between antisocial traits and adherence to COVID‐19 containment measures. The sample consisted of 4,538 adults recruited by convenience in nine countries (Australia, Brazil, England, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States). Statistical analyses indicated two latent profiles from our sample, empathic and antisocial, and six COVID‐19 containment‐measure‐related factors using measures covering antisocial traits (PID‐5), empathy (ACME), global personality pathology (LPFS‐BF), and COVID‐19 behaviors and beliefs. Through MANCOVA, the antisocial profile consistently showed less compliance and concern about the COVID‐19 containment measures, even when controlling for demographics and local pandemic covariables. The network analysis indicated a lack of empathy and callousness as crucial traits of the predisposition to non‐compliant behavior. In elaborating on prosocial campaigns in community emergencies, our cross‐cultural findings would need to consider personality traits that focus on antisociality, anticipating similar associations and potential impacts in future disease outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to investigate the characteristics and satisfaction at work among faculty of Asian descent in the United States. Asian faculty's satisfaction was low regarding workload and salary compensation compared with other racial groups, controlling for other background characteristics. Multiple regression models revealed that the negative effect of being Asian diminished when the faculty opinion or campus climate indicators on fairness were controlled, suggesting the connection between Asian faculty's (dis)satisfaction and faculty's opinion on fair treatment for women and for racial minorities. This study also discussed low satisfaction issues for Asian faculty and other faculty groups (female, foreign-born, and tenured professors). Herzberg's job satisfaction model (motivation and hygiene factors) was applied to discuss some implications of faculty (dis)satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading reason of fatalities for young drivers in the age group of 16-19 years. This paper used naturalistic driving study (NDS) data to examine the safety of young drivers. The NDS data consist of comprehensive information related to driving behavior. The statistical modeling method (logistic regression) was used to investigate the relationship between factors of driver attention such as secondary tasks, impairments, hands on wheel, and crash risk to aid in the formulation of teen driving policy. The results indicated that nondriving tasks engagement such as cell phone use, external distraction, food and drink intake, personal hygiene, and reaching and handling objects in the vehicle increase the possibility of involvement in a safety critical event [odds ratio (OR) = 1.67-1.93]. Risk estimation for the observable impairments indicated that emotional state of the driver (OR = 6.01) and impairments (drugs/alcohol, OR = 5.02) exerted greater influence on crash likelihood compared to involvement in secondary tasks. The study revealed that not all secondary tasks pose the same risk. Transportation agencies can design behavioral countermeasures targeted at young drivers to help increase driver attention. Countermeasures such as increased enforcement, treatment and monitoring of the offender, and education and outreach programs for teenagers may help alleviate impaired driving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, many countries have adopted policies addressing menstrual needs. Our research explores the opportunities and challenges that have shaped these initiatives and critically examines their scope and substantive focus. Our study analyses developments in four countries: India, Kenya, Senegal, and the United States. It is based on an analysis of 34 policy documents and interviews with 85 participants active in policy-making or advocacy. Across countries, we found a predominant policy focus on tangible and material outcomes, such as menstrual products and facilities, that is informed by a narrow perception of menstrual needs as the management of bleeding. A number of drivers influenced policy-makers to keep this focus, especially the key narrative around menstrual pads as a perceived solution to school absenteeism combined with sensationalisation in the media and the quest for quantifiable results. Menstrual stigma is so ingrained that it continues to constrain policy-makers and advocates themselves by perceiving and presenting menstruation as a problem to be fixed, managed, and hidden. When considering new policy directions, we need to create capacity for a holistic menstrual policy landscape that overcomes systemic barriers to addressing the needs of menstruators that are largely rooted in menstrual stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menstrual health in adolescents has been understudied in the United States. We aimed to assess patient and provider perspectives surrounding menstrual health management and screening. Our mixed-methods approach consisted of provider surveys, patient surveys, and patient interviews. Participants were recruited from a pediatric gynecology practice or an adolescent medicine clinic at an urban tertiary academic center. Providers were pediatrics faculty or residents. Patients aged 13-24 years were eligible. Participants completed an anonymous survey or semi-structured interview about their experiences with menstrual health. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were used for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Convergent parallel analysis elucidated key findings in both data sets. The provider survey response rate was 65% (69/106); 15% (9/69) of providers consistently asked patients about menstrual products, whereas 44% (27/68) were concerned patients could not afford products. The patient survey response rate was 85% (101/119); 19% (19/101) of respondents reported menstrual hygiene insecurity, 55% (55/101) missed commitments during menses, and 45% (45/101) discussed menstrual products with providers. Fifteen patients were invited for qualitative interviews; 10 were conducted, and thematic saturation occurred. Interviews highlighted the importance of comprehensive early menstrual health education and providers' role in menstrual management. Adolescence is a crucial point of entry into health care. Because taboos surrounding menstruation could limit access to health care, menstrual health education must be emphasized. Menstrual health education is provided piecemeal by parents, schools, and providers. Current practice should be reevaluated to consider comprehensive educational approaches in which health care leads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breast/chestfeeding body is a site of intense politics and power relations in the United States. Hardly a week passes without an incident in the news of a person being publically shamed, or unlawfully asked to change their behavior while using their body to feed their infant in public. Lactating bodies are deemed out-of-place. Simultaneously, birth-parents are judged on their infant feeding practices, with those who do not nurse cast outside of the biologically deterministic 'good mother' role. This framing causes the nursing or not-nursing body to become a site of debate. These takes, which point to governance, surveillance, and sexualization of bodies are limiting and have brought these debates to an impasse. What I suggest here is that a re-reading is needed, which situates the body as a site of care, here I focus on the lactating body in particular considering food production, co-production, and consumption. Re-reading the body in this way illuminates how food production and care work are undervalued as related to infant feeding and re-casts the act of nursing as not about 'women's bodies' but about food + care. Ultimately, such work allows for bodies to be considered multiple and as transformational sites of knowledge production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk of developing injection-related infections, including abscesses. Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are key human rights and services; yet these services have been underexplored as predictors of abscesses among PWID. Longitudinal analysis was employed among a cohort of PWID to determine if WASH insecurity (lack of access) was associated with abscess incidence in the Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, United States metropolitan area during 24-months of follow-up survey data from 2020 to 2023. We calculated abscess prevalence at baseline and tracked the incidence of new abscesses among individuals without an abscess during the previous visit. Time dependent Cox regression modeling was employed with variance clustered by participant to characterize the relationship between WASH insecurity and abscess incidence. At baseline, hand hygiene insecurity, bathing insecurity in the previous six months and open defecation in the last week, were reported by 60 %, 54 % and 38 % of participants, respectively; 21 % reported an abscess in the last six months. The incidence of abscesses was 24.4 (95 %CI: 21.1–27.6) per 100 person-years. After adjusting for covariates, the hazard of developing an abscess remained significantly elevated among individuals using non-improved (with risk of contamination) water sources (e.g., surface water) for preparing drugs (adjusted HR [adjHR]: 1.49 [95 %CI: 1.01–2.21], experiencing bathing insecurity (adjHR: 1.59 [95 %CI: 1.12–2.24]) and open defecation (adjHR: 1.65 [95 %CI: 1.16–2.35]). PWID in the Tijuana-San Diego metropolitan area reported facing high rates of insecurity accessing WASH services. Abscess incidence was higher (four to nine times) than observed rate among PWID cohorts in other settings. Access to continuously available toilet facilities, bathing infrastructure, and safe water sources for preparing drugs for injection could prevent abscesses among PWID. Accessible WASH infrastructure should be ensured among PWID communities and promoted as a key component of harm reduction infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]