Environmental Health Insights最新文献

{"title":"Epidemiology and Economic Cost of Trypanosomosis Among SmallHolder Cattle Herders in Arba Minch and Zuria Districts, Gamo Zone, Ethiopia.","authors":"Ephrem Tora, Desta Dana","doi":"10.1177/11786302241274698","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241274698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A significant limitation to cattle production is animal trypanosomosis, which threatens household food security and livelihoods. In addition to stalling livestock productivity, the disease has a devastating impact on animal health. Besides, halting livestock productivity, the disease has a devastating effect on health. Thus, the objectives this study was to assess the epidemiology, and financial impacts of bovine trypanosomosis on livestock producers' in Arba Minch and Zuria districts of Gamo zone, Ethiopia, from December 2021 to January 2023. Both repeated survey and cross-sectional study were carried out to assess the economic losses, estimate the prevalence and assess the determinants of bovine trypanosomosis. Direct microscopy was applied using buffy coat method to detect trypanosome parasite. The study included 182 households and 384 bovine species. Bovine trypanosomosis caused substantial economic losses through cattle mortality, drug purchases, and the oxen's loss of draft power. Also, farmers spent a significantly (<i>P</i> < .05) higher amount of money treating trypanosomosis than all other diseases combined. The annual losses per household were estimated to be 9528 ± 1754 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) (95% CI: 6065-12 992) (US$ 176.4) which were spent on purchasing trypanocidal drugs per year per household. The overall mortality from bovine trypanosomiasis was 8.8%. Many farmers prioritized draft power losses as the most significant impact of the disease. Analysis of blood samples also showed a 7.8% overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. The disease burden was significantly (<i>P</i> < .05) higher in the black body coat animals compared to white ones. This study showed that trypanosomosis is an important animal health problem and a potential threat to health and productivity of cattle in Arba Minch and zuria districts of Gamo, Southern Ethiopia. The common trypanocidal drugs were administered by the farmers themselves. Hence, policymakers and professionals should prevent irrational drug use and regularly monitor local trypanocide usage.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241274698"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11348359/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142079733","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":"Physical and Psychosocial Correlates of Occupational Physical Injury in the Global Construction Industry: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Aaron S Howe, Jeremy Tan, Beatrice Yuen, Harseerat Saini, Natalia Saade-Cleves, Donia Obeidat, Maryam Shahzad, Vijay Kumar Chattu, Ali-Bani Fatemi, Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia","doi":"10.1177/11786302241270371","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241270371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The construction industry is a diverse sector with exposure to multiple psychosocial and environmental workplace hazards that increase the risk of injury. This scoping review aims to consolidate the existing literature on the physical and psychosocial determinants influencing the risk of occupational physical injuries among construction workers globally.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA extension checklist guided. Literature searches were performed between June and October 2023 in electronic academic databases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 77 studies were identified, encompassing various geographical regions, including North America (n = 29), Africa (n = 18), Europe (n = 12), Asia (n = 9), the Middle East (n = 5), and Oceania (n = 4). The review identified physical and psychosocial factors in 3 domains influencing occupational physical injuries: workplace physical environment (eg, exposure to physical hazards, availability and utilization of personal protective equipment, company size, and job type), workplace culture (eg, psychosocial stressors, gender-related barriers, migrant and ethnic disparities, educational background), and physical wellbeing, health and aging (eg, age, obesity, sleep quality, marital stats, and physical health status). Notably, workers from social minority groups (eg, women, ethnic and migrant workers) of young (<25 years old) or older ages (45-55 years old) employed in smaller construction companies are vulnerable to increased injury risk and exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The review emphasizes a global paucity of research examining the implications of physical and psychosocial factors on injury risk within the construction industry. Future research should prioritize investigating the impact of psychosocial hazards on younger and older workers to detect age-related differences in injury rate, treatment access, and work-related health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241270371"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11345736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142072308","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":"Global Public Health Implications of Traffic Related Air Pollution: Systematic Review.","authors":"Desi Debelu, Dechasa Adare Mengistu, Alemayehu Aschalew, Bizatu Mengistie, Wegene Deriba","doi":"10.1177/11786302241272403","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241272403","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has significant public health implications and a wide range of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular, respiratory, pulmonary, and other health problems. This study aimed to determine the public health impacts of traffic-related air pollution across the world that can be used as an input for protecting human health.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study considered studies conducted across the world and full-text articles written in English. The articles were searched using a combination of Boolean logic operators (AND, OR, and NOT), MeSH, and keywords from the included electronic databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholars). The quality assessment of the articles was done using JBI tools to determine the relevance of each included article to the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, 1 282 032 participants ranging from 19 to 452 735 were included in 30 articles published from 2010 to 2022. About 4 (13.3%), 9 (30.0%), 12 (40.0%), 8 (26.7%), 2 (6.7%), 15 (50.0%), 3 (10.0%), 3 (10.0%) 1 (3.3%), and 3 (10.0%) of articles reported the association between human health and exposure to CO, PM10, PM2.5, NO_x, NO, NO₂, black carbon, O₃, PAH, and SO₂, respectively. Respiratory diseases, cancer, cognitive function problems, preterm birth, blood pressure and hypertension, diabetes, allergies and sensitization, coronary heart disease, dementia incidence, and hemorrhagic stroke were associated with exposure to TRAP.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Exposure to nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter was associated with various health effects. This revealed that there is a need for the concerned organizations to respond appropriately.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241272403"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11348364/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142079734","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":"Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Could be a Priority Pathogen to Cause Public Health Emergency: Noticeable Features and Counteractive Measures.","authors":"Deepak Chandran, Sandip Chakraborty, Diljith Chandran, Deepak Subedi, Ankitha Indu Jisha, Hitesh Chopra, Ali A Rabaan, Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq, Md Rabiul Islam, Kuldeep Dhama","doi":"10.1177/11786302241271545","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241271545","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by a specific strain of the 6 types of human coronaviruses (HCoV). MERS-CoV has spread unchecked since it was first discovered in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The virus most likely spreads through nosocomial and zoonotic channels. Genetic analyses suggest that bats were the initial hosts and that the disease spread to camels. Person-to-person transmission occurs with varying frequency, being most prevalent in clinical settings and the least common among the general population and among close relatives. Due to the severity of the illness, high fatality rate, potential for epidemic spread, and lack of adequate medical countermeasures, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to list MERS-CoV as a priority pathogen. While no specific antiviral medicines exist, a combination of antivirals has shown promise in recent clinical trials. Vaccines against MERS-CoV are critically needed and are currently being developed. Early diagnosis and implementing appropriate infection control measures are keys to preventing hospital-associated outbreaks. Preventive measures include avoiding raw or undercooked meats and other animal products, ensuring proper hand hygiene in healthcare settings and around dromedaries, educating the public and healthcare personnel about the disease, and adhering to other recommended practices. Countries with a high prevalence of MERS should adhere to regulations designed to limit the transmission of the virus. The recent spread of MERS-CoV highlights the importance of public awareness regarding the significance of reporting symptoms so that appropriate control measures can be adopted. The narrative review discusses the incidence of MERS, its clinical presentation, potential transmission routes, recent reports, preventative and control measures, and current therapeutic options.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241271545"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11329908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141999625","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":"Seasonal Indoor Radon Assessment and Estimation of Cancer Risk: A Case Study of Obafemi Awolowo University Nigeria.","authors":"Deborah Tolulope Esan, Yinka Ajiboye, Rachel Obed, Babakayode Babajide Olubodun, James Enajero Tobih","doi":"10.1177/11786302241271536","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241271536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human exposure to indoor radon has been a subject of continuous concern due to its health implications, especially as it relates to lung cancer. Radon contaminates indoor air quality and poses a significant health threat if not abated/controlled. A seasonal indoor radon assessment of residential buildings of Obafemi Awolowo University was carried out to determine radon seasonal variability and to evaluate the cancer risk to the residents. AT-100 diffusion-based track detectors were deployed within living rooms and bedrooms for the radon measurement. During the rainy season, the average indoor radon concentration was 18.4 ± 10.1 Bq/m³, with higher concentrations observed in bedrooms compared to living rooms, whereas the average radon concentration was 19.0 ± 4.4 Bq/m³ in the dry season, with similar radon levels in living rooms and bedrooms. The potential alpha energy concentration values ranged from 1.62 to 7.57 mWL. The annual effective dose equivalent values were below the world average and recommended limits for public exposure. Of the three geological units underlying the residences, the buildings overlying the granite gneiss lithology have the highest radon concentrations with average value of 21.4 Bq/m³. The soil gas radon concentration to indoor radon concentration ratio over the granite gneiss lithology is 0.006. The estimated average lifetime cancer risk due to radon inhalation in the residences indicated a potential risk of cancer development in 178 persons in 100 000 population over a lifetime period. The average indoor radon concentrations were below the recommended limit, requiring no immediate remediation measures. Improved ventilation of residential apartments is recommended to minimize residents' risk to indoor radon.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241271536"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11329913/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141999605","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 Infrastructure Maintenance Bottlenecks in Healthcare Facilities and Coping Strategies Among Healthcare Workers in Niger.","authors":"Lucy K Tantum, Ezechiel Mahamane, Valerie Bauza, Kairou Oudou Bilo Mahamadou, Elisha Y Sanoussi, Aaron Salzberg, Darcy M Anderson","doi":"10.1177/11786302241271554","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241271554","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infrastructure for water, sanitation, hygiene, cleaning, and waste management is essential for supporting safe environmental conditions in healthcare facilities. Routine maintenance is important for preventing infrastructure breakdowns, but few studies have examined healthcare facility maintenance practices. This study documented environmental maintenance tasks in healthcare facilities in Niger, described bottlenecks to maintenance, and assessed strategies for coping with breakdowns. At 34 rural healthcare facilities in Niger, we conducted quantitative surveys to assess frequency of maintenance tasks and held qualitative interviews with healthcare facility staff to understand bottlenecks to maintenance. On at least a monthly basis, 4% of healthcare facilities inspected their water source and pump for the purpose of detecting and replacing worn parts, 15% inspected water taps and basins, and 29% inspected incinerators. Healthcare facility staff described barriers to accessing government funds for maintenance. Instead, they paid out of their own salaries or raised funds through appeals to community members or revenue generation initiatives. Other bottlenecks included ill-defined management responsibilities and difficulty of finding skilled technicians for maintenance. Findings highlight opportunities to support healthcare facilities in budgeting, advocacy, and training skilled technicians. Initiatives to install infrastructure at healthcare facilities will be more sustainable if they are accompanied by postconstruction planning, training, and funding for maintenance.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241271554"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11325333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141987633","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":"Awareness, Safety Practices and Associated Factors Among E-Waste Recycling Workers in Bangladesh.","authors":"Meherun Nahar Munni, Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Mohibbul Haque, Sumaiya Khan, Md Abdullah Saeed Khan, Irin Hossain","doi":"10.1177/11786302241271555","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241271555","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Awareness of electronic waste (e-waste) improves safety practices among workers, thereby reducing health risks associated with pollutants. Investigating the awareness and safe practices among these workers could help identify areas for improvement, a task not yet undertaken in Bangladesh. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the awareness, safety measures, and associated factors among e-waste workers in the country. In this cross-sectional study, 236 workers from an e-waste recycling facility located near Dhaka were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire from August to September 2022. Eight questions captured information on socio-demographics and work factors, 24 questions on e-waste awareness, and 11 questions on safety practices. Total awareness and safety scores were calculated and categorized as \"good\" and \"poor\" based on a cut-off point of 80% of the total score. Bivariate and regression analyses were done to determine associated factors. Only 25% of workers had good e-waste awareness; major knowledge gaps were regarding minimization, health hazards, and environmental impact. Good awareness was significantly associated with female gender, higher education, income, smoking, experience ⩾5 years, and training. About 58% followed good safety practices, but the use of boots and helmets was inadequate. Good safety practices were significantly associated with higher education, income, smoking, experience, training, and overtime work. On multivariable analysis, those with higher education had 12 times (95% CI 4.83-32.81) and 6 times (95% CI 2.94-12.81) higher odds of good awareness and practices, respectively. Trained workers had 3.6 times (95% CI 1.67-7.52) higher odds of good practices. There was a significant correlation between awareness and practices (r = .70, P < .001). The study found poor awareness and inadequate safety practices related to e-waste among the workers. Urgent interventions like training, the use of protective gear, and stringent policies are warranted to increase awareness and safety behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241271555"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11325305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141987632","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 and Risk Factors of Needlesticks and Sharp Injuries Among Healthcare Workers of Hospital in Bule Hora, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia.","authors":"Alqeer Aliyo, Tibeso Gemechu","doi":"10.1177/11786302241272392","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241272392","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare workers face a significant risk of sharp and needle-stick injuries, which can increase the likelihood of spreading illnesses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Currently, there is no available information on the prevalence or contributing factors of needle sticks and sharp injuries (NSSI) in hospitals in southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the needle sticks and sharp injuries among health care workers at the BHUTH, Southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was a cross-sectional study conducted at an institution in October 2023, with 164 randomly selected participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on sociodemographic factors and exposure status. The data was entered and analyzed using Epi-Data and SPSS. The risk factors were identified by binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A <i>P</i>-value less than .05 was considered statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The overall prevalence of at least one Needle sticks and sharp injuries in the last 12 months was 46.4% (95% CI of 39.3% to 53.6%). The majority of injuries 45.8% were due to the syringe needle. Factors such as needle recap (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.07-12.19), Recapping with two hands (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.36-10.02), working 40 hours per week (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 0.98-6.86), and lack of training in occupational safety practices (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI: 2.60-9.91), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study found that nearly half of the respondents experienced a sharp needle poke and injury at least once in the previous year; however, the volume of NSSI remains high in the study area. Healthcare workers should receive on-the-job training, and hospital executives should set aside time for discussions on how to solve the problem.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241272392"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11320401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141975424","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":"Community Perceptions on Health Risks Associated With Toxic Chemical Pollutants in Kwekwe City, Zimbabwe: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Sheunesu Ngwenya, Ntsieni Stella Mashau, Azwinndini Gladys Mudau, Sphiwe Emmanuel Mhlongo, Afsatou Ndama Traoré","doi":"10.1177/11786302241260487","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241260487","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Globally, environmental pollution continues to be a significant public health problem, and according to the World Health Organisation, pollution-induced deaths account for 23% of deaths yearly, which could be prevented if people lived in healthier environments. Despite implementing multilateral agreements and international treaties such as the Bamako, Basel, Rotterdam, Minamata, and Stockholm conventions, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and national laws, toxic pollutants remain a serious environmental and public health problem in low-income countries. In the specific context of Kwekwe City, an industrial and mining area in Zimbabwe, where environmental and pollution-induced health problems associated with industries have been widely reported, this study was conducted in close collaboration with the local community. The study aimed to assess community members' perceptions regarding health risks associated with potentially toxic elements and cyanide pollution in Kwekwe City. An explorative cross-sectional study was conducted with key stakeholders and industrial settlements' residents. Face-to-face interviews with key informants and focus group discussions with residents and workers were used to gather data. A thematic approach was utilised in data analysis. Study participants, who played a crucial role in the research process, perceived that industrial pollution principally linked to cyanide, mercury and chromium posed significant environmental and health risks. This participatory approach in risk perception assessment is critical in providing insight into the scope of the problem and formulating intervention strategies. However, given that qualitative study results lack generalisability and replicability, quantitative studies need to be undertaken to determine environmental levels of toxic chemical pollutants as a complementary and validative measure.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241260487"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11316267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141916398","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":"Fecal Sludge Management and Sanitation Safety: An Assessment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.","authors":"Shegaw Fentaye Sisay, Sirak Robele Gari, Argaw Ambelu","doi":"10.1177/11786302241267187","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786302241267187","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sanitation safety practices and risks associated with fecal sludge management are crucial for public health and the environment. This study assessed sanitation safety practices and risks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at different stages of fecal sludge management. The research aimed to understand the current state of sanitation facilities, practices, and associated risks and identify areas for improvement.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A mixed methods/approach was employed, utilizing household surveys, risk assessments, and sanitary inspections. A total of 384 study subjects were interviewed using face-to-face interviews and observations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that the majority of households (97.7%) had consistent access to toilets, with flush/pour flush toilets being the most common type (47.4%). Factors such as odors in toilets or septic tanks, open defecation by children, and the use of untreated wastewater for food production were significantly associated with sociodemographic factors. Risk assessments indicated that 67% of households fell into the low-risk category, while 33% were classified as intermediate risk. The study identified non-compliance issues during sanitary inspections at transfer stations (45%), a wastewater treatment and disposal facility (61.5%), and in the management of wastewater and sludge in the sewer line (64%). These findings call for urgent actions to address improper feces disposal, inadequate maintenance of sanitation facilities, and unsafe practices in fecal sludge management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study identified concerning issues in fecal sludge management, including improper feces disposal, inadequate facility maintenance, and non-compliance with safety standards during emptying, transport, treatment, and disposal. Urgent action is needed to address these risks. Promoting proper disposal techniques, improving facility maintenance, education programs, strengthening regulations, providing training and protective equipment, and investing in enhanced sanitation facilities and wastewater treatment methods are essential for improving sanitation safety practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":11827,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Health Insights","volume":"18 ","pages":"11786302241267187"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11299212/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141893154","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}