Environmental Health Insights最新文献

{"title":"Visualization and Analysis of Urban Air Quality Management Using Bibliometric Techniques and Social Network Analysis for the Period 1975 to 2022: A Review.","authors":"Tadesse Weyuma Bulto, Abdella Kosa Chebo, Birhanu Chalchisa Werku, Korsa Negese Debele, Helmut Kloos","doi":"10.1177/11786302241252733","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302241252733","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study uses bibliometric techniques and social network analysis to evaluate 318 publications on air quality management in cities worldwide. The relevant data were retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed using the VOSviewer 1.6.7 tools. The analysis included the number of publications, citation analyses, research study area analyses, and the most common keywords from 1975 to November 6, 2022. In addition, based on the results of the cluster analysis, we developed co-occurrence networks that enable a more specific keyword classification. The visualization showed the existing relationships between key terms, research study areas, and publications dealing with air quality management in cities. China, the United States, and the United Kingdom led in terms of the number of scientific publications and overall strength of connections during the study period. The most productive journal was Science of the Total Environment, followed by Atmospheric Environment, and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Several limitations of the study are described and recommendations are made for future studies to increase the scope of studies and facilitate urban air quality management.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241252733"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11097730/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140956861","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":"Environmental Predictors of Undernutrition Among Under-5 Children at Dabat District Health Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.","authors":"Mihret Melese, Dereje Esubalew, Asmamaw Malede, Tsegaye Adane Birhan, Jember Azanaw","doi":"10.1177/11786302241252735","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302241252735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Ethiopia, undernutrition remains a significant public health concern throughout the year due to persistent household food insecurit. The intensifying conflict in the Dabat district, involving the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Liberation Front, has increased the threat of undernutrition among under-5 children. The cessation of humanitarian aid has worsened food insecurity, increasing the vulnerability of the children in the region. However,there was no data showing the prevalence and environmental pridictors of undernutrition in the Dabat district, northwestern Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and identify environmental pridictors in this study setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023. A total of 400 under-5 children were included in this study using systematic random sampling techniques with a 100% response rate. The study included all under-5 children who visited healthcare facilities during the data collection period. However, it excluded children under-5 who had physical deformities, were critically ill, or had congenital abnormalities or known chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or chronic heart diseases. Binary logistic regression was used to determine environmental predictors of undernutrition, with statistical significance at a <i>P</i>-value of ⩽.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of undernutrition was found to be 12% (95% CI: 8.72-21.5). Among those affected, 32.8% (95% CI: 21.5-39.8) were stunted, 37.9% (95% CI: 28.8-47.50) were underweight, and 29.3% (95% CI: 21.3-29.7) were wasted. The environmental predictors of undernutrition were latrine use, recent diarrhea episodes, mothers' occupation and place of residence, water treatment before consumption, water sources and storage, water extraction methods, and mothers' handwashing habits.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and recommendations: </strong>The study found a higher prevalence of undernutrition among under-5 children compared to the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. This study recommended raising awareness about establishing private toilets, promoting water treatment, proper latrine use, and handwashing practices. Training on personal hygiene and economic support for households should also be provided. Healthcare providers should offer quality health services for under-5 children. Further research is needed to explore specific nutrient deficiencies using laboratory methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241252735"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11097728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140956795","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 Influence of Hand-Dug Well Features and Management on Water Quality.","authors":"Christian Julien Isac Gnimadi, Kokoutse Gawou, Michael Aboah, Emmanuel Odame Owiredu, Junias Adusei-Gyamfi","doi":"10.1177/11786302241249844","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241249844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Underground water quality can be affected by natural or human-made influences. This study investigates how the management and characteristics of hand-dug wells impact water quality in 3 suburbs of Kumasi, Ghana, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Descriptive analysis, including frequency and percentages, depicted the demographic profiles of respondents. Box plot diagrams illustrated the distribution of physicochemical parameters (Total Dissolved Solid [TDS], Electrical Conductivity [EC], Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen [DO], and Temperature). Factor analysis evaluated dominant factors among these parameters. Cluster analysis (hierarchical clustering) utilized sampling points as variables to establish spatial variations in water physicochemical parameters. Cramer's V correlation test explored relationships between demographic variables and individual perceptions of water management. One-way ANOVA verified significant mean differences among the physicochemical parameters. Logistic regression models assessed the influence of selected well features (e.g., cover and apron) on TDS, pH, Temperature, Turbidity, and DO. The findings revealed that proximity to human settlements affects water quality, and increasing turbidity is associated with unmaintained covers, significantly impacting water quality (<i>P</i> < .05). Over 80% of wells were located within 10 to 30 m of pollution sources, with 65.63% situated in lower ground and 87.5% being unmaintained. Other significant contamination sources included plastic bucket/rope usage (87.50%), defective linings (75%), and apron fissures (59.37%). Presence of E. coli, Total coliform, and Faecal coliform rendered the wells unpotable. Factor analysis attributed 90.85% of time-based and spatial differences to organic particle decomposition factors. However, Cramer's V correlation analysis found establishing association between demographic factor associations with individual perceptions of hand-dug well management difficult. It is encouraged to promote hand-dug well construction and maintenance standards to ensure that wells are properly built and protected from contamination sources.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241249844"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11095203/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140944568","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":"Identifying Potential Determinants of Faecal Contamination on Domestic Floors in Three Settings in Rural Kenya: A Mixed Methods Analysis.","authors":"Hugo Legge, Karisa Kazungo, Sharon Muli, Lynne Elson, Jacinta Mwongeli, Katherine E Halliday, Victoria Ochwal, William Oswald, Robert Dreibelbis, Doris Njomo, Charles Mwandawiro, Ulrike Fillinger, Rachel Pullan, Stella Kepha","doi":"10.1177/11786302241246454","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241246454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Observational evidence suggests that household floors may be an important domain for the transmission of enteric and parasitic infections. However, little work has been done to investigate how household floors can become contaminated with human and animal faeces. This study uses a mixed methods approach to postulate the proximal and distal determinants of household floor contamination with faeces in groups of rural villages in 3 counties in Kenya (Bungoma, Kwale and Narok). Quantitative data was collected through a household census and analysed descriptively and using mixed effects logistic regression models. Qualitative data was collected through unstructured observations of daily routines and in-depth interviews. These data were analysed thematically with case memos produced for routine activities that were hypothesised to be determinants of floor contamination. Possible proximal determinants of floor contamination included; (1) animal contact with floors; (2) child faeces disposal, and; (3) floor cleaning routines. Distal determinants are suggested to be rooted in the socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural context in which households were located and included; (1) the type and number of animals owned by households; (2) presence/absence of dedicated shelters for housing animals at night, which impacted whether sleeping or cooking areas were exposed to animals; (3) Accessibility of inside spaces to poultry and other roaming animals; (4) ownership of an improved floor; (5) ability of animals to access neighbours compounds; (6) seasonal changes in weather. These results will be of use in identifying the contexts in which faecal contamination of domestic floors may be contributing towards transmission of enteric and parasitic infections and in designing effective interventions to prevent this exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241246454"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11088304/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140911827","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":"Epidemiology and Genetic Relationship of Toxigenic Fungi in Maize Grains From North Central Nigerian States.","authors":"Orole Olukayode Olugbenga, Mantu Eno Chongs","doi":"10.1177/11786302241249858","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241249858","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Contamination of maize adversely affects maize quality, yield, and export creating a gap in the attainment of food security, which is a millenium development goal in Nigeria. The study determined fungal abundance, genetic variability, and prevalence of toxigenic fungi in maize grains consumed in North Central, Nigeria. Sixty composite stored maize samples were collected and fungi were isolated and identified after which a multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the presence of mycotoxin regulatory genes in suspected toxigenic fungi. The genetic relationship among the toxigenic fungi was determined and the genetic correlation between <i>Aspergillus</i> isolates was established through Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. About 389 (64.83%) of the total maize samples collected had fungal species belonging to the genera <i>Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium, Fusarium, Trichophyton</i>, and <i>Talaromyces</i> associated with them. Among the regions surveyed, Kogi State exhibited the highest maize contamination rate at 89 samples, accounting for 22.9% of the total samples collected. In Benue and Kogi, the genus <i>Aspergillus</i> exhibited the highest relative abundance, with percentages of 76.6% and 76.3%, respectively. Among its species, <i>Aspergillus flavus</i> and <i>A. niger</i> were the most predominant. Kwara State had the highest fungal diversity with a value of 1.711 (<i>P</i> < .05). Benue State had 11 isolates (4.6%) with genes encoding for mycotoxin production, the highest recorded. Conversely, Nasarawa and Niger States each had the lowest count, with 4 isolates possessing such genes. Out of the 238 fungi suspected to be mycotoxigenic that were isolated, 39 have genes that encode for mycotoxin synthesis. Low divergence existed between toxigenic fungal species using the alpha diversity index. This study confirmed that the grains were contaminated with closely related fungal strains, and concluded that maize grains consumed in North Central Nigeria showed high association with fungal microbiota, including species capable of contaminating the grains with mycotoxins.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241249858"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11078089/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140891452","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":"Navigating Nigeria's Health Landscape: Population Growth and Its Health Implications.","authors":"Ridwan Olamilekan Adesola, Emmanuel Opuni, Ibrahim Idris, Olalekan John Okesanya, Ogechukwu Igwe, Modinat Dasola Abdulazeez, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno","doi":"10.1177/11786302241250211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302241250211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This comprehensive analysis examines the multifaceted impacts of population growth on public health in Nigeria. Drawing parallels with Omran's epidemiological transition model (that focuses on the intricate means that patterns of health and illness are changing, as well as the relationships that exist between these patterns and the sociological, demographic, and economic factors that influence them) and referencing experiences from Chile and Ceylon. The study highlights a substantial rise in Nigeria's population causing a double burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, leading to higher morbidity, and mortality rates, increased healthcare costs, decreased productivity, and health inequalities, posing significant challenges to the country's healthcare system. Furthermore, the correlation between low education levels and health outcomes underscores the importance of addressing systemic deficiencies in Nigeria's educational sector. The article emphasizes the urgent need for strategic interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of population growth on health. Recommendations include revitalizing primary healthcare centers, fostering public-private partnerships to enhance healthcare accessibility, leveraging technological advancements like telemedicine, and promoting initiatives to improve nutrition and environmental sustainability. Moreover, prioritizing education on reproductive health and family planning emerges as a crucial strategy to manage population growth sustainably. In conclusion, the article underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts across sectors to navigate Nigeria's evolving health landscape amidst increasing population growth. By implementing targeted policies and interventions, Nigeria can strive toward achieving universal health coverage, enhancing health outcomes, and ultimately raising the standard of living for its populace.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241250211"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11064746/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140848684","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":"Navigating Taxpayers Attitude: Exploring Support for Urban Sanitation Surcharge in Kumasi.","authors":"Eugene Appiah-Effah, Godwin Armstrong Duku, Kingsley Boakye, Charles Oduro, Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko","doi":"10.1177/11786302241247797","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302241247797","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Urban sanitation challenges persist in Ghana, prompting Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to explore innovative funding mechanisms such as surcharges to fund sanitation services. This study assesses property owners' attitudes toward the imposition of sanitation surcharge for pro-poor sanitation improvement in the Kumasi Metropolis.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 property owners in the Kumasi metropolis. Structured questionnaires were utilized to solicit information from respondents using multi-stage sampling techniques.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicated that 36.1% of respondents were willing to pay the sanitation surcharge, while 63.9% opposed its implementation in the Metropolis. Property ownership and support for a sanitation surcharge were associated with higher odds of willingness to pay. Participants paying property rates had decreased odds of supporting the sanitation surcharge. Factors associated with pro-poor spending support included age (61-80 years) [AOR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.60-3.82] and willingness to pay sanitation surcharge [AOR = 11.07, 95%CI = 6.63-18.49]. Protective factors against supporting pro-poor spending included residing in medium-class communities [AOR = 0.25, 95%CI = 0.08-0.81], perceiving improvement in sanitation status [AOR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.21-0.81) and having a home toilet facility (OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.36-0.95).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed a nuanced landscape where concerns about fund utilization, perceived tax burdens, and trust in local institutions significantly shape public sentiment. To enhance public acceptance and participation, policymakers should prioritize transparent communication to build trust and convey the effective utilization of funds from the sanitation surcharge.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241247797"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11032062/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140848137","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":"Levels and Health Risk Assessments of Heavy Metals in Khat and Its Support Soil in Algesachi, Ilu Ababor, Ethiopia.","authors":"Shibiru Damana, Abiyot Kelecha Geletu, Ibrahim Umer Keru","doi":"10.1177/11786302241246455","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302241246455","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Khat (<i>Catha edulis Forsk</i>) is a stimulant plant grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Heavy metal pollution has been a global concern due to its acute and chronic health effects and the major route of exposure is the consumption of contaminated foods. In this study, the determination and health risk assessment of heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Pb) in khat and its support soil samples was carried out.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Khat and its support soil were analyzed for the levels of 7 toxic heavy metals by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Samples were randomly collected from 3 districts of khat farming kebeles and digested using mixture of strong acids.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The concentrations (mg/kg) of analytes in soil and khat samples were: Cu (6.78-35.80); Zn (24.30-199.02); Mn (7.59-1855.40); Ni (6.37-64.80); Cr (0.82-169.20); Cd (14.2-38.8), and Pb (ND). Among the analyzed heavy metals in soil, Mn was with the highest concentration, followed by Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Cd while that of Zn was the maximum followed by Cu, Mn, and Cr in khat. The levels of Zn, Cr, and Cd in soil samples from all study sites and detected concentrations of Cr in khat samples exceeded the recommended FAO/WHO levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The hazard index (HI) of metals in khat from study areas was less than 1 indicating a less likelihood of non-carcinogenic toxicological health effects. However, the presence of these toxic chemicals in soil and khat indicates product contamination and needs extensive further investigation involving other heavy metals.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241246455"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11020725/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140847733","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":"Open Defecation Practice and Its Determinants Among Households Owned Toilet Facilities in Gambela Town, South West Ethiopia.","authors":"Dame Fiseha Birasa, Dereje Oljira Donacho, Ruot Gatwech Gil, Gebiso Roba Debele","doi":"10.1177/11786302241246421","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302241246421","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of toilet facilities is a major sanitation intervention, as it reduces the spread of diarrheal diseases. In areas where toilets are misused, human excreta may be disposed of in open fields, bushes, and other open places. However, information about the level of utilization of toilet facilities in developing regions of Ethiopia is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify open defecation (OD) levels and determinants of OD among household-owned toilets in Gambella town, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 561 households in Gambela Town, using systematic random sampling and questionnaires. The level of OD was analyzed using frequency and percentage. The determinants of OD were assessed using binary logistic regression. Variables with a <i>P</i>-value less than .25 in univariable logistic regression were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model, and statistical significance was declared at a <i>P</i>-value less than .05. The model's fit was tested using Hosmer and Lemeshow's goodness of fit. The study found that OD was 47.2% [95% CI: 43.2%-51.4%] among those who owned toilet facilities. The determinants of OD were: occupation of household head [AOR: 5.27, 95% CI: 3.08-9.00], toilet facilities lacking a superstructure [AOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.16-3.43], toilet facilities lacking doors [AOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.97-5.27], large family size [AOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.29-3.60], knowledge of the respondents [AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.50-3.99], and respondents with negative attitude [AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.12-2.74]. Therefore, key stakeholders should focus on improving toilet utilization, considering those factors in their interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241246421"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11020702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140862594","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":"Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among School Children in Dembecha Town, Ethiopia.","authors":"Aleka Aemiro, Sissay Menkir, Abayeneh Girma","doi":"10.1177/11786302241245851","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302241245851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common infections that affect the poorest and most deprived communities. In most developing countries, children aged 5 to 15 years are at risk for chronic helminth infection and associated morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STH infections and associated risk factors among three government elementary schools in Dembecha town, Ethiopia. We conducted a school-based cross-sectional study involving 316 participants between November 2019 and March 2020. A systematic random sampling method was used to select study participants from the study schools. Data related to the sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants and risk factors for STH infections were collected using a pretested questionnaire survey. Parasitological examinations of stool samples were performed using the formal-ether concentration method. Study participants aged 5 to 15 years were enrolled in this study. The overall prevalence of STH infection was 21.5% (68/316). <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> ranked highest, with a prevalence of 11.4%, followed by hookworms 7.3%, <i>Trichuris trichiura</i> 1.9%, and <i>Strongloides stercoralis</i> 0.9%. Age groups of 10-15 years (AOR =3.109; 95% CI: 1.033, 9.350), residence in Kebele 2 (AOR =2.990; 95% CI: 1.082, 8.264), illiterate mothers (AOR =4.689; 95% CI: 1.410, 15.59), and a family size of 4-6 (AOR =3.286; 95% CI: 1.299, 8.313) were significantly associated with STH infections. The prevalence of STH infections remains an important health issue for study participants. Therefore, school deworming programs twice a year are crucially needed until the prevalence falls below the level of public health importance.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241245851"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11020722/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140848642","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}