Environmental Health Insights最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of <i>Escherichia coli</i> Isolated From Hospital and Industrial Wastewater Systems.","authors":"Kajelcha Fikadu Tufa, Alemayehu Godana Birhanu","doi":"10.1177/11786302251339254","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251339254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The global rise of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli poses critical public health challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to investigate the role of untreated hospital sewage and industrially polluted river water as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant <i>E. coli</i>. A total of 40 environmental samples were collected, yielding 75 E. coli isolates identified using phenotypic methods. Due to time and resource limitations, 50 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the <i>Kirby-Bauer</i> disk diffusion method against 11 antimicrobial agents. These antimicrobials were selected based on their clinical significance, availability, dominance in resistance mechanism, and utilization trends in Ethiopia. Notably, <i>E. coli</i> isolates from the Yerer River downstream of industrial waste discharge exhibited the highest multi-drug resistance rate (90%), while upstream isolates were fully susceptible to all tested antimicrobials. The Xadacha River isolates showed moderate multi-drug resistance (66.67%). Hospital sewage isolates displayed escalating multi-drug resistance rates across the 3 departments, including the intensive care unit (62.5%), open patient department (91.67%), and inpatient department (100%). Overall, 86.67% of hospital sewage-derived isolates and 65% of river isolates demonstrated multi-drug resistance. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed antimicrobial resistance-associated genes (<i>tetA</i>: 83.33%; <i>blaTEM</i>: 57.14% of the resistant isolates), underscoring hospital sewage and polluted water as critical reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance gene dissemination. The 2 genes were selected based on their availability, phenotypic resistance profile, and nature as sentinel markers for high-use antimicrobial classes in Ethiopia. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive wastewater treatment systems, stricter antimicrobial stewardship, and integrated One Health surveillance to mitigate AMR risks to human, animal, and environmental health.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251339254"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12126687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198472","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":"Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern Uganda.","authors":"Afam Uzorka, Joseph Candia, Living Ouyesiga, Ademola Olatide Olaniyan","doi":"10.1177/11786302251339260","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251339260","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Access to safe drinking water is essential for public health. In Arua City, Northern Uganda, boreholes serve as a primary water source, but their safety may be compromised by radionuclide contamination. This study analyzed gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in borehole water samples from Ayivu East, Ayivu West, and Arua City Central using gamma spectrometry. Eighteen samples from 6 boreholes per division were assessed against UNSCEAR global averages. Results showed high variability in radionuclide concentrations. Several boreholes, particularly on Arua Hill's slopes, had ²²⁶Ra levels exceeding the global average of 35 Bq/L, while ²³²Th remained below 30 Bq/L in all samples. ⁴⁰K concentrations surpassed the global average of 400 Bq/L in all divisions. Absorbed dose rates in some boreholes exceeded 57 nGy/h, though annual effective doses remained below 0.41 mSv/y. Hazard indices in specific boreholes suggested health risks. The study recommends regular monitoring, geological assessments, safe drilling, public awareness, and water treatment to ensure water safety and protect public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251339260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198471","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 the Knowledge and Experience of Healthcare Workers in Zoonoses and the One Health Approach: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana.","authors":"Godwin Dogbey, Brigid Unim, Abbiw Richard Kwamena, Godwin Clinton Ahiabor, Marta A Kisiel, Xingwu Zhou, Apollo O Maima, Amidu Abdul-Aziz, Ben Enyetornye, Robert Niayele, Anthony Amison Agbolosu, Kweku Asare-Dompreh","doi":"10.1177/11786302251339881","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251339881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare workers' (HCWs') knowledge in delivering medical services is significantly influenced by their understanding of zoonotic diseases and the One Health (OH) concept. This study investigates the extent of HCWs' knowledge and experience regarding zoonosis and the One Health approach in Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study involved 182 HCWs at the Tamale Teaching Hospital who completed questionnaires. Logistic regression was conducted to assess associations between socio-demographic factors and knowledge of zoonoses and OH. The correlation between knowledge and self-reported experience with zoonoses was assessed using Spearman's correlation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While 79.7% of HCWs correctly defined zoonoses, only 18.7% could sufficiently identify zoonotic diseases, and 59.3% were familiar with OH. The most commonly identified zoonotic disease was Ebola (75.3%), while brucellosis (12.1%) was the least recognized. Medical doctors were more likely to report previous encounters with zoonoses. Compared to medical doctors (reference HCWs), knowledge of OH was significantly higher among biomedical scientists (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 0.72-7.37) and lower among nurses (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.33-2.60). Professional experience of more than 5 years was associated with greater knowledge of rabies and tuberculosis. There was no significant correlation between knowledge of zoonoses and self-reported experience with any of the assessed diseases, except for a weak negative correlation with trypanosomiasis (Spearman's <i>r</i> = -0.206, <i>P</i> = .005).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The majority of HCWs have inadequate knowledge of zoonosis. Although most HCWs are aware of OH, they have limited experience with zoonosis and OH. Curricula for training HCWs should include more courses on zoonosis and arrange refresher training programs for HCWs. Enhancing HCWs' expertise in zoonotic disease surveillance and detection is crucial for early identification and control of zoonoses, aiding in the prevention of future outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251339881"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123109/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198473","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":"A Systematic Review of Factors Influencing the Adoption of Green Practices Within Healthcare Centers to Mitigate Climate Change.","authors":"Mohsen Khosravi, Seyyed Morteza Mojtabaeian, Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh, Reyhane Izadi","doi":"10.1177/11786302251332058","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251332058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Climate change globally triggers health, environmental, and socio-economic issues, leading to disasters, resource scarcity, inequality, displacement, and security risks. To address the challenges posed by climate change, green practices have emerged as a major solution. This research aimed to identify and categorize the factors that influence the adoption of green practices in healthcare centers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This manuscript represents a qualitative thematic content analysis conducted in 2024 that systematically scrutinized literature spanning from 2000 to 2024. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were utilized for the search. A quality assessment using 3 quality assessment checklists for different types of studies was conducted on the final studies, followed by a thematic analysis of the findings obtained from the systematic review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-nine references were included in the study as final studies. The quality assessment of these studies delineated their acceptable level of quality and risk of bias. The thematic analysis yielded 2 main themes: facilitators and barriers to the adoption of green practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and recommendations: </strong>The study found several factors influencing the adoption of green practices within healthcare centers. Meanwhile, it was suggested that governments should collaborate with stakeholders to enforce emissions regulations, invest in clean energy, and offer financial incentives for sustainability. Technological advancements can improve renewable energy adoption; However, developing nations may struggle to integrate green practices into healthcare due to resource constraints.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251332058"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123130/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198470","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":"A Mini-Review of the Potential Health Impacts of Indoor Radiation Exposure in Companion Animals.","authors":"Sotirios Maipas, Ioannis O Vardiambasis, Christos D Nikolopoulos, Nikolaos Kavantzas","doi":"10.1177/11786302251342972","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251342972","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Poor indoor environmental quality is a major concern for both humans and companion animals-yet its impact on the latter is often overlooked. This mini review sheds light on indoor radiation sources that may affect the health of companion animals. Radon, primarily from the ground and possibly also from cat litter, naturally occurring radionuclides in feed, radiofrequency radiation from mobile and cordless phones, Wi-Fi networks, pet tracking devices, solar radiation, and various sources of extremely low frequency radiation are all common examples. Indoor radiation, an odorless and tasteless pollutant, may have the potential to negatively impact the health and well-being of companion animals, which are involuntarily exposed to this environmental health risk factor. Therefore, preventive and precautionary measures are necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251342972"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12120279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144181949","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":"Determinant and Characterization of Biogas Product at Different Agroecological Zones of Ethiopia.","authors":"Henok Habte, Mihret Dananto Ulsido, Shemelis Nigatu","doi":"10.1177/11786302251334727","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251334727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biogas production uses microorganisms to degrade organic material in the absence of oxygen to produce CH₄, CO₂, and other residual gases. Anaerobic digestion of cattle manure and human feces for biogas production is an important technology in Ethiopia's National Energy Strategy. Thus, this study aimed to analyze determinants and characteristic composition of biogas product at different agroecological zones in Southern Ethiopia. In this study, biogas plants were categorized based on agroecology, size, age, and design type. A total of 32 biogas plants were included and their gas composition were analyzed using OPTIMA Biogas Analyzer. One-way ANOVA and paired-wise comparison were widely used for data analysis. ANOVA results for CH₄ revealed that agroecology, temperature, and biogas plant design were statistically significant whereas biogas plant size and age of biogas plants were not statistically significant. From this study, the authors concluded that agroecology, biogas plant design, and temperature significantly affect biogas yield quality. Future research needs to focus on seasonal variation of biogas product at different agroecological zones and evaluation of the rural household biogas plants' performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251334727"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12099135/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144141631","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":"Microbial Water Quality at the Point of Use: The Role of Socio-Economic Factors and Water Handling Practices in Kitwe District, Zambia.","authors":"Sarah Ng'andwe, George M Ogendi, Elizabeth Muoria, Justine Ngoma","doi":"10.1177/11786302251337563","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302251337563","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The scarcity of safe drinking water affects individuals living in low income areas, increasing their vulnerability to waterborne diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between socio-economic factors, water handling practices and microbial water quality in Kitwe District, Zambia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 households using a semi-structured questionnaire along with microbiological analysis of water samples during the dry and wet season. A total of 44 water samples (per season) from the point of use and 16 source samples were analyzed for pH, temperature, residual chlorine, total coliforms, and <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between socio-economic factors, water handling practices, and water quality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of <i>Escherichia coli</i> contamination was 61.3% during the dry season and 77.3% during the wet season. Key factors associated with household water quality included, household monthly income, education level, family size, season, storage container design, water withdrawal method, covering storage containers, water treatment practices, and hand washing with soap. Notably, households that used narrow-mouthed containers (AOR = 0.090, 0.014-0.580), covered their storage containers (AOR = 0.113, 0.014-0.889), and practiced water treatment (AOR = 0.120, 0.022-0.656) showed significantly reduced risks of <i>E. coli</i> contamination.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and recommendations: </strong>The findings highlight the importance of socio-economic factors and proper water handling practices in improving household water quality. To enhance water safety and reduce water-related diseases, targeted interventions should focus on educating communities about the effective handling of water. Furthermore, addressing socio-economic factors and improving access to safe water are essential for mitigating contamination risks in low-income areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251337563"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12086314/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144101648","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":"Determinants of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Bed Net Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Gechi District, Buno Bedele Zone South West Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Dereje Oljira Donacho, Sisay Korsa Tura, Bilisumamulifna Tefera Kefeni","doi":"10.1177/11786302251335135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302251335135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLITNs) are a key malaria prevention method, but their consistent use in Ethiopia, particularly among rural mothers, remains challenging. Information on LLITN usage among pregnant women in resource-limited settings is especially scarce. This study investigated LLITN utilization and the factors influencing its use among pregnant women in the Gechi district, Southwest Ethiopia, in 2024.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2024, including 422 randomly selected pregnant women. Data collection employed a pretested questionnaire, and logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify factors influencing LLITN usage. Variables with a <i>P</i>-value < .25 in univariable analysis were incorporated into the multivariable logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed, and statistical significance was set at <i>P</i> ⩽ .05. The model's performance was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The finding of this study revealed that 93.9% of the respondents had LLITN, and the current utilization status of pregnant women was 46.5% [41.7%-51.3%]. The low level of utilization was significantly associated with women' education, parity, antenatal care (ANC) attendance, and family size. Accordingly, women without formal education were 52% less likely [AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.81]; those with primipara were 1.98 times more likely [AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.30-3.03]; a family size of less than 5 was 2.53 times [AOR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.61-3.87] more likely, and women who attended at least 1 ANC visit were 2.08 times more likely [AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.21-2.58] to use LLITN.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The pregnant women's LITN utilization in settings was low, associated with women's education, parity, antenatal care attendance, and family size. Key players should focus on awareness creation and ANC follow-up to reduce illness during pregnancy, particularly in rural, hard-to-reach settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786302251335135"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12066862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143986555","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}