Environmental Health Insights最新文献

{"title":"Disposable Baby Diaper Consumption and Disposal Practice of Caregivers in Ethiopia: A Community-Based Convergent Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Atoma Negera, Midekso Sento, Marga Kaba, Lencho Kajela, Fikadu Wake, Samuel Negera","doi":"10.1177/11786302261489916","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261489916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study is to estimate the disposable baby diaper consumption and disposal practice of caregivers in Ethiopia, where improper disposal practices are frequently caused by a lack of monitoring, education, and awareness about environmental and health risks, by estimating mothers' and caregivers' diaper consumption and disposal practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study using a convergent mixed-methods design was conducted on 399 mothers of children in the diaper-wearing period at Shambu Town from May 01 to July 10, 2024. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). Descriptive analysis and binary multivariable logistic regression were used to analyse the association between independent variables and outcome variables, with p-values < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis by transcribing responses and organising them in themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study findings revealed that only 10.3% (95% CI: (7.3% - 13.3%)) of the mothers or caregivers had good practices of soiled diaper disposal. Over half (239, 59.9%) dispose of it by dumping it into an open field, followed by burning or burying (88, 22.1%). About 86.5% of mothers or caregivers store used diapers before disposal, and three-fourths of them store them for a 4-to-7-days, using sacks (55.1%), and polythene bags (21.7%). Over 84.2% of mothers and caregivers do not separate used diapers from the household waste. Logistic regression analysis shows the age of the caregiver, the age of the child, the employment status of caregivers, and family size were significantly associated with the practice of proper soiled diaper disposal.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study revealed that while most mothers have good knowledge on proper soiled diaper disposal, only one out of ten follow proper disposal practices, with age, family size, and employment status significantly influencing this. Diaper waste management programs are needed to address growing consumption in urban Africa. Ensuring safe, soiled diaper disposal procedures and addressing frequent obstacles to proper disposal in low- and middle-income countries are essential to reducing health and environmental concerns.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261489916"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562895/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148954940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Water Quality Index: Physicochemical and Microbiological Risk Assessment of Drinking Water in Maya City, Eastern Ethiopia.","authors":"Andarge Zelalem, Tsegu Kiros, Tessema Toru, Abera Atumo Ante, Temesegen Achamo Orisho, Yehararwork Abebaw, Deressa Boja Adugna, Getachew Teshome Tilahun","doi":"10.1177/11786302261489907","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261489907","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate drinking water quality across different sources and seasons and to develop Water Quality Index (WQI) based on selected physicochemical and microbial parameters in Maya City Administration, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Drinking water samples (n=120) were analyzed for microbial and physicochemical analysis. Safety indicator bacteria were detected and counted using petrifilm, while the physicochemical parameters were determined using standard procedures. The WQI was computed following Brown's weighted arithmetic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nearly 31% of the samples exceeded the Ethiopian standard limit (0/100 mL) set for total coliform, 23% for coliform, and 15% for <i>E. coli</i>. The occurrence of <i>E. coli</i> was significantly higher during the wet season (p = 0.014). The mean microbial WQI score was 24.44, with 35% under the risky category, and seasons showed no effect on WQI. The pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, turbidity, sodium ion, and zinc level were within the acceptable limits of the Ethiopian standard limit. About 93% of the samples were within the acceptable limit set for total dissolved solids. However, Ca²⁺ and total hardness exceeded the acceptable limit in 100% of samples, while Mg²⁺ exceeded the limit in 67.6% of samples. The WQI calculated using physicochemical parameters was within the acceptable category ranging from 2.63-9.26.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite the overall WQI shows suitability for drinking, the high occurrence of <i>E. coli</i> and coliform, together with elevated water hardness, remains a public health concern that requires mitigation measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261489907"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562896/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148955049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Salmonella</i> Outbreaks in Low- and Middle-Income Countries over the Last Decade: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Transmission Dynamics, Clinical Outcomes, and Antimicrobial Resistance.","authors":"Peter Ofori Appiah, Akuffo Anita, Wisdom Boateng Owusu, Hafizu Muntala, Nyantseng Vivian Ekua, Paul Omoniyi, Kwarteng Randy Ankrah","doi":"10.1177/11786302261487799","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261487799","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Salmonella</i> outbreaks persist as a public health burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet comprehensive synthesis of their epidemiology over the past decade remains limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for laboratory-confirmed <i>Salmonella</i> outbreaks in LMICs (1 January 2016-1 January 2026). Random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence rates, with statistical heterogeneity quantified using I² statistic. Given extreme heterogeneity across most outcomes (I² > 90%), we present individual study ranges alongside pooled estimates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-four studies from 14 LMICs met inclusion criteria. <i>Salmonella</i> Typhi was the predominant pathogen (70.8% of outbreaks). Waterborne transmission was most frequent (37.5%), predominating in Africa (83.3%), whereas foodborne and fecal-oral routes were common in Asia. Pooled laboratory confirmation rate was 28.02% (95% CI: 12.2-52.1; observed range: 1.5-100%), varying by region: Southeast Asia 54.2% (95% CI: 4.3-96.9), Western Pacific 27.6% (95% CI: 8.0-56.9), and Africa 6.1% (95% CI: 5.3-6.9). The pooled case fatality rate was 7.0% (95% CI: 3.4-13.7; range: 3.6-10.0%). Fever (93.0%), abdominal pain (53.6%), and headache (52.0%) were most common symptoms. Pooled antimicrobial resistance reached 59.3% (95% CI: 26.6-85.4%), highest for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (94.2%) and ciprofloxacin (61.3%). Extreme heterogeneity and wide confidence intervals were observed across some pooled estimates and should be interpreted with caution.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong><i>Salmonella</i> outbreaks in LMICs are characterized by high <i>S.</i> Typhi prevalence and predominant waterborne transmission. Elevated mortality and widespread first-line antibiotic resistance show the need for improved WASH infrastructure, enhanced real-time outbreak surveillance, and revised empiric treatment protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261487799"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13554614/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148918193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceived Work-Related Health Effects and Associated Factors Among Grinding Workers in Sagamu, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Ayokunle Osonuga, Gloria Chimdinma Okoye, Uthman Okikiola Adebayo, Adewoyin Adejoke Osonuga, Odusoga Adewale Osonuga, Ayotunde Clementina Osonuga, Olalekan John Okesanya, Tolutope Adebimpe Oso, Damilola Akinsulire, Best Ordinioha, Khalifat Boluwatife Obadeyi, Ayantunde Kayode Ayankola, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Oluwatobi Babajide Ayelaagbe, Afis Akanni Agboola","doi":"10.1177/11786302261487786","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261487786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Workers in informal grinding industries are frequently exposed to multiple occupational hazards, yet data on their self-reported health effects remain limited. Understanding these perceptions is critical for designing practical preventive interventions in resource-limited settings.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported health effects among commercial grinding workers in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 randomly selected commercial grinding workers in Sagamu, Nigeria, from January to September 2025. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression in SPSS version 25 (p < 0.05). The response rate could not be determined because the number of eligible workers approached was not documented.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 82.4% of respondents reported health effects, most commonly hearing difficulty (19.9%), respiratory symptoms (16.4%), and musculoskeletal discomfort (16.4%). Longer work experience (AOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03-1.17), longer working hours (AOR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02-1.29), and smoking (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.05-2.56) were associated with higher odds of self-reported health effects, while Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use was associated with lower odds (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21-0.72).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Self-reported health effects were common among grinding workers, particularly hearing, respiratory, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Longer work experience, working hours, smoking, and PPE use were associated with reported health effects. Further studies using objective exposure and clinical assessments are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261487786"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13554649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148918377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Bio-Slurry and Chemical Fertiliser Application on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Selected Heavy Metal Concentrations in Maize and Brassica Vegetables in Malawi.","authors":"Grace Thole Katola, Ephraim Vunain","doi":"10.1177/11786302261484022","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261484022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the effects of bio-slurry and chemical fertiliser application, relative to an unamended control, on soil physicochemical properties and the concentrations of selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Hg) in soil and in maize (<i>Zea mays L.</i>), rape (<i>Brassica napus</i>), and Chinese cabbage (<i>Brassica pekinensis</i>) grown in Zomba, Malawi. A randomised complete block design with three treatments (100% bio-slurry, 100% chemical fertiliser, and an unamended control) and three replications was used. Soil samples were collected before planting and after harvest, and soil, bio-slurry, and crop samples were analysed for heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrometry. Bio-slurry significantly increased soil organic carbon, organic matter, and exchangeable bases (Ca, Na, Mg, K) relative to chemical fertiliser and the control, whereas chemical fertiliser and the control were both associated with a significant decline in soil pH. All measured heavy metal concentrations in soil and crops remained below FAO/WHO permissible limits, with iron (Fe) the most abundant and cadmium (Cd) the least abundant metal overall. However, the bio-slurry itself exceeded CODEX microbiological limits for mesophilic aerobic bacteria, moulds, and coliforms, indicating a microbiological food-safety concern that requires further treatment or hygienic handling before field application. The findings indicate that bio-slurry improves soil fertility more effectively than chemical fertiliser without increasing heavy-metal risk in the crops tested, but that its microbiological quality must be addressed before it can be recommended as an unqualified safe soil amendment in Malawi.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261484022"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539043/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148886177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Premature Mortality from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Attributable to Household Air Pollution from Solid Fuels in Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa, 1990 to 2023.","authors":"Mihretu Tagesse Sergindo, Begetayinoral Kussia Lahole, Abraham Lomboro Dimore, Melese Chego Cheme, Sina Temesgen Tolera, Hirut Teame, Embay Amare Alemseged, Medhin Mehari, Yonas Angaw, Hailu Lemma, Lechisa Asefa, Degefa Dhengesu Hero, Gedeno Karbana, Sebsibe Tadesse","doi":"10.1177/11786302261486668","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261486668","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing public health crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa, where household air pollution from solid fuel use is a common contributor. This study estimated the premature mortality burden from type 2 diabetes mellitus attributable to household air pollution in the Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa region from 1990 to 2023.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic analysis was conducted using data from the Global Burden of Diseases 2023 study for the Eastern Sub-Saharan countries. The Comparative Risk Assessment framework was used to estimate years of life lost (YLLs) by sex, age, and country. The percentage change between 1990 and 2023 was quantified to estimate the net change.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were an estimated 276,327 YLLs (95% UI: 165093, 422324) from Type 2 diabetes attributable to household air pollution from solid fuels in the Eastern Sub-Saharan-Africa region in 2023. The equivalent age-standardized rate was estimated to be 134 YLLs per 100,000 population (95% UI: 80, 206). Among adults aged 20 to 54 years old, there were an estimated 57 YLLs 100,000 (95% UI: 35, 88), and above 55 years old it was estimated 562 YLLs per 100,000 (95% UI: 334,862). There was no significant variation in the rate by sex and location throughout the region. The rate showed no improvement between 1990 and 2023 and increased with age.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Household air pollution from solid fuels caused a significant premature mortality related to type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa region, with a stagnant impact from 1990 to 2023 and a disproportionate impact on older adults. Thus, there is a critical need to integrate clean energy access with type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention and control strategies to ensure health equity in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261486668"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547809/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148905337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Food Safety Practices and Associated Factors Among Street Food Vendors in Urban Areas of Eastern Zone of Sidama Region, Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study.","authors":"Amelo Bolka, Firew Hussien, Amenu Asfaw Gujo, Aregahegn Dona, Bereket Sisay Gebremichael","doi":"10.1177/11786302261484006","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261484006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Food safety research in Ethiopia has largely focused on major cities, leaving zonal and district urban areas underexplored. This evidence gap limits the development of context-specific interventions to reduce foodborne disease risks. This study assessed food safety practices and associated factors among street food vendors in urban areas of the Eastern Zone of the Sidama Region, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 25 January to 20 February 2025 among 546 street food vendors selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a pretested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire through the Kobo Toolbox system. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with food safety practices. Statistical significance was declared at <i>p</i> < 0.05, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 52.2% (95% CI: 47.9%-56.4%) of street food vendors demonstrated good food safety practices. Good food safety practices were significantly associated with being female (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.35-3.01), earning a monthly income of ≥5,000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.93-4.26), having ≥5 years of work experience (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.47-3.24), receiving food safety training (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.92-4.39), being licensed (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.09-2.40), and possessing good food safety knowledge (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.42-3.18).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Slightly more than half of the vendors demonstrated good food safety practices. Expanding food safety training, strengthening health education, and enforcing licensing requirements are recommended to improve food safety practices among street food vendors.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261484006"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13519205/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148839637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Household Food Handling Practices and Associated Factors Among Adult Women in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study Design.","authors":"Mengesha Genet, Asmamaw Malede, Jember Azanaw, Zemenu Wubie, Getasew Yirdaw, Amanuel Mengistu, Gebre Dagnew, Lamrot Yohannes, Danel Asefa","doi":"10.1177/11786302261479216","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261479216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Foodborne illness poses a serious threat to public health in low-income countries. This study aims to assess the household food-handling practices of adult women in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, and to examine associated factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 20 to June 19, 2024, and 636 women were randomly selected to participate. Data on socio-demographic, behavioral, and environmental factors were collected using a standardized, pretested questionnaire. Composite indices for knowledge, attitude, and practice were created, with scores of 70% or higher considered good performance. Both binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. To assess model fit, we used the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, which yielded a p-value of 0.72, and calculated the variance inflation factor, which was less than 2.5.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 53.8% of individuals (95% CI: 49.9-57.6) handled food safely. Good practice was significantly associated with higher education (AOR: 4.22, 95% CI: 2.11-8.44), marriage (AOR: 4.25, 95% CI: 2.05-8.79), good knowledge (AOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.49-3.54), a positive attitude (AOR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.23-5.16), and access to proper food-handling information (AOR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.90-5.56).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although more than half had good food-handling practices, substantial gaps remain in knowledge, attitudes, and environmental conditions. Improving women's access to food-handling information and strengthening behavioral change interventions are suggested.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261479216"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13494288/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148789765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safeguarding Children's Movement Behaviours During Public Health Crises: Lessons From a Global Rapid Scoping Review.","authors":"Leigh M Vanderloo, Taniya S Nagpal, Richard Tyler, António L Palmeira, Emily A Bonisteel, Brianne A Bruijns, Alissa J Burnett, Ankhmaa Byambaa, Valerie Carson, Jordyn M Cox, Audrey Elford, Rebecca B Emori, Avril Johnstone, Rachel A Jones, Sanne L C Veldman, Dona S Yudasmara, Fariba Bannerman, Anthony D Okely","doi":"10.1177/11786302261479502","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261479502","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were essential for limiting viral transmission but had unintended consequences for children's movement behaviours, including reduced physical activity, increased sedentary time, and disruptions to sleep. These behaviours are fundamental to healthy physical, mental, and social development and were already suboptimal for many children prior to the pandemic. This commentary draws on findings from a rapid global scoping review of 182 studies conducted across 48 countries between 2020 and 2023 and reflects the consensus position of an international group of movement behaviour researchers. Using qualitative evidence synthesis and narrative analysis, the review examined reported changes in children's movement behaviours and identified commonly proposed strategies to mitigate harms during public health emergencies. Across diverse geographic and economic contexts, studies consistently described declines in physical activity and increases in sedentary time, alongside variable impacts on sleep. Recommended responses most frequently emphasized education, environmental restructuring, enablement, and policy and service-level actions aimed at supporting healthy movement opportunities during periods of restriction. Collectively, the evidence suggests that children's movement behaviours were insufficiently considered within emergency response planning and were often treated as secondary outcomes rather than essential determinants of child health. We argue that protecting opportunities for physical activity, active play, and healthy daily movement should be embedded within pandemic recovery and future emergency preparedness efforts. Recognizing movement behaviours as a core component of resilient public health systems may help mitigate unintended harms and better safeguard child health and well-being during future crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261479502"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477549/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148758475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Job-Specific Lead Exposure Gradients and Personal Protective Equipment Paradox in Informal Occupational Settings: A Case-Control Study from The Gambia.","authors":"Edrisa Sanyang, Amadou Barrow, Alhaji Jabbi, Musa Drammeh, Abdoulie M Sanyang, Abdoulie Nanko, William N Mkanta","doi":"10.1177/11786302261480468","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302261480468","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Occupational lead exposure remains a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, yet within-industry exposure gradients are poorly characterized. This case-control study assessed job-specific blood lead level (BLL) gradients and personal protective equipment (PPE) use patterns among 145 auto repair workers and 68 healthcare controls in The Gambia. BLLs were measured using LeadCare II analyzers. Exposed workers had significantly higher BLLs than controls (median: 7.40 vs. 5.80 μg/dL; p < 0.001). A striking 5.3-fold gradient was observed across specialties: battery repairers (35.62 μg/dL), electricians (15.17 μg/dL), panel beaters/welders (11.45 μg/dL), mechanics (9.08 μg/dL), and spray painters (6.67 μg/dL). All battery repairers had BLL ≥10 μg/dL. Paradoxically, high-risk workers (battery repairers, electricians) had the lowest PPE use rates (14.3%) despite having the highest exposure levels. Adjusted regression confirmed battery repairers had BLLs 27.14 μg/dL higher than mechanics (95% CI 17.69 to 36.58; p < 0.001). These findings underscore the need for targeted, specialty-specific interventions prioritizing battery repair and electrical work in informal occupational settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"20 ","pages":"11786302261480468"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477530/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148758589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}