Environmental Health Insights最新文献

{"title":"Exposure and Health Impact Assessment of Essential and Non-essential Elements in Rice Sold on Ghanaian Markets.","authors":"Jonathan Awewomom, Theresa Yvonne Arhin, Yaw Doudu Takyi, Agyei Gyasi Yaw, Janet Saaka, Francis Opoku, Marina Aferiba Tandoh, Emmanuel Adu Amankwah, Osei Akoto","doi":"10.1177/11786302251350482","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302251350482","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This present study investigated the presence, levels and health impact of some trace elements in rice sold on some Ghanaian markets using an Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Analysis with the ICP-MS revealed that, the concentration of essential and non-essential metals followed the order: S > K > P > Mg > Ca > Si > Na > Zn > Mn > Al > Fe > Bi > Cu > Sn > B > Mo > As > Ba > Sb > Ni > Sr > Co > V > Ti > Be > Pb > Cd > Li > Zr > Ag > Y respectively. The results showed that rice for sale on Ghanaian markets are rich sources of S, K, Mg and Ca with moderate levels of essential minerals like Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. The health impact assessment revealed all samples for population categories recorded hazard quotients greater than 1 for As and P. This implies that As and P could accumulate and adversely affect the health of Ghanaian children, adolescents, adults and the aged. The likely cancer risk (LCR) estimated from this study revealed that in children, adolescents, adults and the aged, As, Pb, Ni and Cd could individually and in combined accumulated concentrations induce carcinogenicity to consumers in Ghana overtime, since their LCR and Total Likely Cancer Risk (TLCR) exceeded the maximum safe limit of 1 × 10^-4. A bioavailability study is recommended to determine the exact levels of these toxic substances in the body system of consumers to help formulate policies to protect the health of rice consumers in Ghana. Future studies could incorporate a broader dietary exposure assessment and investigate potential mitigating factors, such as rice preparation methods, that could reduce toxic metal concentrations.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251350482"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12276514/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144674121","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":"Animal-Related Fatalities in the United States (2018-2023).","authors":"Ricky L Langley, Gregory D Kearney","doi":"10.1177/11786302251355353","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302251355353","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Animal encounters are often positive but can result in serious injury, illness, or death, posing a global public health concern. Over 60% of human infectious diseases are zoonotic, contributing to millions of illnesses and deaths annually. Non-infectious injuries, including bites and stings, are also common, with snakebites alone causing over 100 000 deaths each year. The primary goal of this study was to describe fatal, animal-related encounters and assess trends from 2018 to 2023 in the United States. This was a secondary data analysis, using aggregate, population-level data obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER). Data was analyzed on 1604 total animal-related deaths, averaging 267 annually (crude death rate: 0.808 per 1 million population). Fatalities were stratified by cause, animal type (venomous vs nonvenomous), age, sex, race, ethnicity, and region. Overall, the major causes of death were from hornets, wasps, and bees (31.0%), \"other mammals\" (28.6%) and dogs (26.2%). Most decedents were male (67.6%), white (87.2%) and between 55 and 64 years old (22.8%). The Southern U.S. had the highest number (46.8%) and rate (0.984 per 1 million) of deaths. We observed an upward trend in animal-related fatalities, including a notable increase in human deaths caused by dogs during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. This rise is likely associated with the surge in pet adoptions and increased time spent at home during this period. Public health strategies that promote safe animal interactions, increased awareness, and responsible pet ownership may help mitigate these fatalities. Future research should aim to capture contextual factors, such as household dynamics, animal behavior, and environmental conditions to better inform targeted prevention efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251355353"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12276421/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144674201","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":"Assessment of Environmental Radiation Levels in Anambra South Senatorial District, Anambra State, Nigeria.","authors":"Vivian C Ezemba, Chijioke M Amakom, Chinyere P Ononugbo, Gregory O Avwiri, Romanus E Ugwoke","doi":"10.1177/11786302251350781","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251350781","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The environmental radiation levels in Anambra South Senatorial District were evaluated through in situ measurements using a well-calibrated nuclear radiation meter (Radalert-100TM). A Global Positioning System (GPS) was utilized to record the exact coordinates of the selected locations. A total of 170 sampling locations were surveyed across the district. The average exposure rate across the district was measured as 0.0123 ± 0.0003 mRh^-1. The overall average values for the absorbed dose rate (ADR), equivalent dose rate (EDR), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were 106.35 ± 2.82 nGyh^-1, 1.03 ± 0.03, 0.131 ± 0.004 mSvy^-1, and 0.459 ± 0.003 × 10^-3, respectively. The findings indicate that the average exposure rates in the district were within the international threshold of 0.013 mRh^-1 established by the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP), suggesting that the region is generally safe for human habitation. However, the calculated radiological hazard indices, particularly ADR and ELCR, exceeded the permissible limits of 84 nGyh^-1 and 0.29 × 10^-3, respectively. While these elevated values do not pose an immediate radiological health threat, continuous exposure over a lifetime may present a significant risk to the population.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251350781"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625628","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":"The Silent Threat of BPA: Its Pervasive Presence and Impact on Reproductive Health.","authors":"Sanman Samova, Hetal Doctor","doi":"10.1177/11786302251330774","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251330774","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound commonly utilized in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Its widespread presence in everyday items, including water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper, has raised considerable health concerns due to its potential as an endocrine disruptor. BPA has the ability to mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors, which can lead to disruptions in hormonal signaling pathways. This interference poses risks to reproductive health, especially among younger individuals, as it may result in irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation issues, and compromised spermatogenesis. Research indicates that BPA exposure can adversely affect ovarian function, diminish sperm quality, and induce oxidative stress and inflammation, further compromising fertility. The potential for BPA to cause long-term health effects through epigenetic modifications, alongside its prevalence in food contact materials, underscores the urgent need for strategies to minimize exposure. Recommended approaches include the use of BPA-free products, choosing fresh foods over canned items, and advocating for stricter regulations. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying BPA's reproductive toxicity is essential for developing effective interventions. Additionally, research is needed to address critical gaps in knowledge regarding the cumulative effects of low-dose exposure, transgenerational impacts, and the specific effects on male fertility. Investigating epigenetic mechanisms, variability in susceptibility, and the safety of BPA alternatives is paramount. Furthermore, exploring effective interventions, increasing public awareness, and implementing regulatory measures are crucial steps in mitigating BPA's adverse effects on reproductive health.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251330774"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12206273/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526930","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":"Evaluation of Radiological Risks From Radionuclides in Fish and Sediment of Eleyele Reservoir, Ibadan, Nigeria.","authors":"James Silo Sunday, Akindayo Abiodun Sowunmi, Idowu Richard Akomolafe, Nnamdi Norbert Jibiri","doi":"10.1177/11786302251347017","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251347017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Eleyele Reservoir is a critical water resource and a source of food and livelihood for Ibadan's local fishers. However, the reservoir has faced a lot of environmental pollution. Therefore, this study investigated the radiological risk associated with fish and sediment samples from Eleyele Reservoir in Ibadan using a NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer. Sediment samples were taken from upstream and downstream locations, characterised by different levels of waste and water clarity. The average activity concentrations for⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th in the sediment samples were found to be 597.75 ± 27.50, 40.66 ± 5.75 and 261.84 ± 5.75 Bq kg^-1, respectively, for the upstream and 114.92 ± 5.96, 16.11 ± 2.29 and 81.48 ± 2.29 Bq kg^-1, for the downstream; while 0.22 mSv/year was calculated for the annual effective dose. The absorbed dose rate has an overall mean of 181 nGy/h, which is significantly higher than the global average value of 59 nGy/h. The radiological hazard indices of the sediment from Eleyele's Reservoir (downstream) slightly exceeded the recommended limits for construction purposes. The mean activity concentrations of 244.69 ± 13.33, 21.65 ± 1.83, and 27.76 ± 1.56 Bq kg^-1 for ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th, respectively, were obtained for the fish samples. The highest Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) value for ⁴⁰K was found in the flesh of <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> (1.64). The highest Committed Effective Ingestion Dose (CEID) of 24.13 mSv was obtained in <i>Sanotherodon melanothron</i> Gut, suggesting a significant long-term radiological hazard if consumed frequently, and the lowest CEID (1.98 mSv) was in <i>Gymnarchus niloticus</i> whole fish. Generally, the radiological indices are within safe limits, indicating no appreciable radiological threat to the local population consuming fish from the Reservoir. However, periodic monitoring of sediment and aquatic life is advised, especially downstream, to track long-term changes and mitigate potential exposure risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251347017"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12202932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526985","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":"Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes in Multidrug-Resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> Isolated From Wastewater Generated From the Hospital Environment.","authors":"Omowunmi A Banjo, Abimbola O Adekanmbi, Oluwatimileyin J Akinbola, Benjamin T Thomas, Olusolape A F Ilusanya","doi":"10.1177/11786302251342936","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251342936","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study investigated the carriage of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance (PMQR) genes in fluoroquinolone-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> recovered from wastewater generated by healthcare institutions.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Isolation of fluoroquinolone-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> was done on medium supplemented with 1 µg/mL of ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone). Presumptive isolates were identified via the detection of <i>uidA</i> gene. Susceptibility of the isolates to a panel of antibiotics was done using disc diffusion method. Detection of PMQR genes in the isolates was done using primer-specific PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty fluoroquinolone-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> were obtained from the wastewater over a period of 6 months. The resistance to each of the antibiotic tested was: ampicillin (100%), ceftriaxone (100%), nalidixic acid (100%), tetracycline (96.7%), cefotaxime (96.7%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (80%), gentamicin (60%), cefoxitin (30%), and imipenem (3.3%). The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) ranged from 0.6 to 0.9. The detection of PMQR genes in the 30 isolates was: <i>qnrA</i> (76.7%), <i>qnrB</i> (53.3%), <i>qnrS</i> (63.3%), <i>aac(6')-lb-cr</i> (43.3%), and <i>qepA</i> (43.3%). All the fluoroquinolone-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i> carried at least one PMQR determinant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed that untreated hospital wastewaters are significant hub of multidrug-resistant and fluoroquinolone-resistant <i>Escherichia coli</i>, showing high carriage of PMQR genes, and may be a major contributor to the resistome of fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria in the Nigerian environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251342936"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12183395/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474314","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":"Sustainable Agricultural Development Through Straw Treatment on Fields Using Microbial Products: A Case Study in Vietnam.","authors":"Van-Phuc Dinh, Bich-Ngoc Duong, Thanh Tran, Hoai-An Tran-Vu, Ngoc-Mai Dang-Thi, Hoai-Luan Phan-Van, Tuan-Kiet Tran, Thanh Q Nguyen","doi":"10.1177/11786302251343765","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251343765","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Straw burning remains a significant environmental and agricultural challenge, releasing harmful pollutants and depleting soil fertility. This study evaluates the effectiveness of 2 novel microbial formulations, NTT-02 and NTT-03, in promoting straw decomposition and enhancing soil quality. Field experiments demonstrated that NTT-02 application resulted in a 15% increase in total organic carbon (TOC), a 12% increase in total nitrogen (TN), and a 10% increase in total phosphorus (TP) compared to untreated controls. Additionally, total aerobic microbial counts increased by 1.5 times, and cellulose-decomposing microorganisms doubled in population, indicating enhanced soil microbial activity. The microbial treatments accelerated straw decomposition, reducing the breakdown period from 28 days to 14 to 18 days. Furthermore, rice yield improved by 8% to 10% relative to conventional practices. These results highlight the potential of microbial-based straw treatments as a sustainable alternative to open-field burning, promoting improved soil health, enhanced crop productivity, and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251343765"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12182624/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474373","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":"Public Health Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure Through Air, Water, Soil, and Food in Ghana: Possible Economic Burden.","authors":"Prosper Manu Abdulai, Onyinyechi Bede-Ojimadu, Amarachi Paschaline Onyena, Chiara Frazzoli, Naomi A Mogborukor, Osazuwa Clinton Ekhator, Godswill J Udom, Eudora Nwanaforo, Orish Ebere Orisakwe","doi":"10.1177/11786302251343767","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251343767","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a major threat to public health and economic stability, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries such as Ghana. However, limited consolidated evidence exists on the extent of exposure, associated health outcomes, and economic impacts. This systematic review aimed to summarize available studies on health effects of PAH exposure in Ghana and assess potential economic implications. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online was conducted for studies published between January 2014 and January 2025. Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Considerable heterogeneity was observed regarding study designs, target populations, matrices assessed, and PAH analytes measured. Most studies were ecological, limiting comparability and economic estimation. Nonetheless, findings indicate significant exposure to PAHs through environmental (soil, street dust, particulate matter) and occupational (fish smoking, urban living) sources. Urinary PAH metabolite levels among exposed groups were substantially elevated, and over 70% of studies reported carcinogenic risk indices exceeding WHO and USEPA thresholds of 1 × 10⁻⁶. Health effects such as persistent cough, chronic headaches, tachycardia, and dyspnea were reported. Although no Ghanaian study directly evaluated the economic burden, the evidence suggests increased healthcare costs, productivity losses, and environmental remediation expenses. This review identifies critical gaps, including the need for personal exposure measurements, longitudinal health assessments, and economic evaluations. Addressing these gaps is essential for informed policy development and resource allocation to reduce the health and economic impacts of PAH pollution in Ghana.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251343767"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12179457/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474315","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":"Assessing Rural Communities in Central and East Africa: How to Provide Clean Water and Sanitation by 2030.","authors":"Birhanu Chalchisa Werku, Abayineh Amare Woldeamanuel","doi":"10.1177/11786302251335130","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251335130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The provision of clean drinking water and proper sanitation is essential for public health, particularly in rural areas with limited resources. The goal of Sustainable Development Goal 6 is to ensure that all people have access to clean water and adequate sanitation by 2030.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this study is to identify differences in the availability of basic services such as drinking water and sanitation in rural areas of 15 African countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The research examines data on sanitation and clean water from 15 African countries using a well-balanced panel data technique. Key indicators such as access to drinking water, sanitation services, and healthcare coverage were analyzed using descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>According to the findings, there are significant differences in the availability of clean water and sanitation in rural areas. The study draws attention to several problematic issues, such as a high rate of open defecation (29.3%), inadequate sanitation services (20.1%), and limited access to safe-guarded drinking water (7.4%). The number of people who lack access to electricity, clean cooking fuel, and basic hand washing facilities is alarming (20.6%, 26.7% and 14.4%, respectively). The deficiencies cause an average mortality rate from communicable diseases of 50.3% and inadequate treatment of diarrhea in children under 5 years of age (39.3%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Rural communities in 15 African countries face serious challenges when it comes to accessing clean water and sanitation, as indicated by the study. An urgent public health crisis is posed by the unavailability of safe managed drinking water for 7.4% of the population and the high prevalence of open defecation at 29.3%. To address these problems effectively, governments must establish integrated health and sanitation policies that emphasize community participation, public health education, and infrastructure improvements.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251335130"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144398/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144246980","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":"Latrine Utilization and Associated Factors Among Households in East Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Yibeltal Assefa Atalay, Agumase Shibabaw, Kelemu Abebe Gelaw","doi":"10.1177/11786302251339523","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251339523","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The utilization of sanitation facilities is recognized as critical factor in disrupting the transmission of diseases associated with the fecal-oral route. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of evidence regarding the aggregated prevalence of latrine utilization across East Africa.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of latrine utilization and its associated factors among households in East Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive systematic literature search focused on prevalence of latrine utilization and its associated factors in East African was conducted using the PubMed, Science Direct Cochrane Library, and African Journals Online (AJOL) databases. Gray literature was explored through Google Scholar and Google Search. Review authors independently extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format. STATA 14 statistical software was used to analyze the data. A random effect model was computed to estimate the pooled level of latrine utilization in East Africa.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After reviewing 1806 studies, 24 studies were finally included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The result of 24 studies revealed that the pooled prevalence of latrine utilization level in East Africa was 57.05% (95% CI: [50.51, 63.60]). The factors associated with the utilization of latrine included educational status (AOR: 3.69, 95% CI: [2.07, 6.60]), latrine distance from dwelling (AOR: 2.73, 95% CI: [1.70, 4.36]), and latrine cleanness (AOR = 5.06, 95% CI: [2.76, 9.27]).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this review, the pooled prevalence of latrine utilization in East Africa was low. Factors significantly associated with latrine utilization were educational status, latrine distance from dwelling and cleanness of the latrine. Therefore, it is recommended that measures to promote behavioral change toward further improvement in sustainable and consistent latrine utilization should be carried out based on the evidence of the determinant factors found in this systematic review.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251339523"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144351/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144246981","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}