International journal of hygiene and environmental health最新文献

{"title":"Associations of PFAS and pesticides with lung function changes from adolescence to young adulthood in the ESPINA study","authors":"Kayleigh Kornher ,&nbsp;Carlos F. Gould ,&nbsp;Jomel Meeko Manzano ,&nbsp;Katie Baines ,&nbsp;Georgia Kayser ,&nbsp;Xin Tu ,&nbsp;Jose Suarez-Torres ,&nbsp;Danilo Martinez ,&nbsp;Lisa A. Peterson ,&nbsp;Carin A. Huset ,&nbsp;Dana B. Barr ,&nbsp;Jose R. Suarez-Lopez","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pesticides are widespread environmental contaminants linked to adverse health outcomes; yet, their impact on lung function—individually and as mixtures—remains poorly understood. This study analyzed data from 381 adolescents in a longitudinal cohort in Ecuador, measuring serum levels of three PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS], and perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA]) and urinary levels of three pesticides (glyphosate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D], and ethylene thiourea [ETU]). Spirometric lung function was assessed in 2016 and 2022. We evaluated associations between individual chemical levels and lung measures in log-log models estimated via ordinary least squares regression. We used quantile g-computation to assess the association of the mixture of PFAS and pesticides with lung function outcomes. After accounting for multiple hypothesis testing, and in a range of socioeconomic, geographic variables, and tobacco exposure, no statistically significant associations were observed for individual or combined exposures with lung function outcomes, after correcting for multiple hypothesis testing. Slight, non-significant increases in FEV1/FVC were noted for PFOA, glyphosate, and ETU levels between 2016 and 2022. Our findings suggest that PFAS and pesticides, either individually or in combination, may not have substantial effects on adolescent lung function in this mid-to-high-altitude agricultural population. Further research is needed to assess these relationships in larger cohorts and over longer exposure periods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 114526"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143131780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of particulate matter 2.5 on seasonal influenza transmission in 1,330 counties, China: A Bayesian spatial analysis based on Köppen Geiger climate zones classifications","authors":"Xiaohan Si ,&nbsp;Liping Wang ,&nbsp;Kerrie Mengersen ,&nbsp;Chuchu Ye ,&nbsp;Wenbiao Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Previous research has linked seasonal influenza transmission with particulate matters (PM_2.5). However, the effect of PM_2.5 on seasonal influenza transmission varied by region. This study aims explore how PM_2.5 influenced seasonal influenza transmission in the elderly across 1330 counties in two Köppen Geiger climate zones in China, incorporating the socio-economic factors to enhance climate-driven early warning systems (EWS) for influenza. Data included weekly 2015–2019 influenza cases in those aged &gt;65 from China's national influenza surveillance system for 1330 counties in two Köppen Geiger climate zones: Temperate, Hot Summer with Dry Winter (Cwa) and No Dry Season (Cfa). PM_2.5 data from 2015 to 2019 were sourced from Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Services. Additional data on floating population, population density and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita were collected from pertinent departments. A Bayesian spatial autoregressive model assessed the association of PM_2.5 and influenza transmission after adjustment of socio-economic factors. Our research results showed PM_2.5 (per 1 μg/m³ increase) was linked to increased influenza transmission in the Cwa zone during winter season (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.023, 95% Credible Interval (CI):1.008–1.040) but not in the Cfa winter (RR = 1.003, 95% CI: 0.992–1.015). Floating population significantly enhanced transmission in both zones (highest RR = 1.362, 95% CI:1.181–1.583), while GDP per capita growth was associated with reduced transmission risk (highest RR = 0.619, 95% CI: 0.445–0.861). The study identifies PM_2.5 as a significant factor influencing influenza transmission in the elderly, with effects varying by climate zone, suggesting the need to incorporate PM_2.5 and socio-economic factors into seasonal influenza EWS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 114527"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143076400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between ambient temperature and couple fecundity: Insights from a large-scale cohort study in Yunnan, China","authors":"Bingxue Wu ,&nbsp;Tao Wang ,&nbsp;Yan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yuyan Li ,&nbsp;Xing Chen ,&nbsp;Zhengyuan Xie ,&nbsp;Cai Kong ,&nbsp;Yuzhi Lan ,&nbsp;Hanfeng Ye ,&nbsp;Xiangjing Song ,&nbsp;Zigao Zhao ,&nbsp;Yan Che","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Direct evidence linking ambient temperature to human fecundity is sparse. We aimed to evaluate the potential impact of ambient temperature on time to pregnancy (TTP) and identify the optimal temperature range for initiating conception attempts.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Our analysis included 576 927 couples from the Chinese National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP) in Yunnan Province, with a one-year follow-up post-enrollment. Each female partner's cycle-specific average temperatures (T_mean) at the couple residences were aggregated and summarized by daily concentrations with a resolution of 0.1° × 0.1°. We used discrete-time Cox regression nested with distributed lag non-linear models to estimate the fecundity odds ratio (FOR) for T_mean concerning one-, two-, or three-cycle preceding pregnancy attempts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 576 927 couples (mean [SD] age: female partner, 27.6 [5.5] years; male partner, 30.1 [5.8] years), 193 710 couples conceived within 12 cycles, among which 52.1% were pregnant within 3 TTPs and 78.9% were pregnant within 6 TTPs. The cumulative pregnancy rate in 12 menstrual cycles was 38.87%. An inverted U-shaped exposure-response relationship between TTP and T_mean was identified for the cycles preceding the pregnancy attempt. The optimal temperature interval (TI) for conception attempts was determined to be 7.9 °C to 14.5 °C, correlating with a 0.3% (FOR: 1.003, 95%CI: 0.987–1.020) to 3.8% (FOR:1.038, 95%CI: 1.031–1.047) increase in fecundity, compared to the median T_mean of 15.9 °C. Temperatures below or above this interval were linked to a significant reduction in fecundity, ranging from 1.2% (FOR: 0.988, 95%CI: 0.977–1.000) to 6.8% (FOR: 0.932, 95%CI: 0.910–0.953) for the lower TI (&lt;7.9 °C), 2.3% (FOR: 0.977, 95%CI: 0.970–0.984) to 6.6% (FOR: 0.934, 95%CI: 0.921–0.948) for the higher TI (14.5 °C–24.6 °C), respectively, compared to the optimal TI. These findings were robust after stratifying by age and BMI of female or male partners.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Exposure to temperatures within the 7.9 °C to 14.5 °C, one to three menstrual cycles preceding pregnancy attempts, was associated with enhanced fecundity and a reduced TTP, suggesting that the optimal ambient temperature could be pivotal for conception success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114525"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143061766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Incidental nanoparticle characterisation in industrial settings to support risk assessment modelling","authors":"Verónica Moreno-Martín ,&nbsp;Maria López ,&nbsp;David Bou ,&nbsp;Sónia Fraga ,&nbsp;João Paulo Teixeira ,&nbsp;Ana López-Lilao ,&nbsp;Vicenta Sanfélix ,&nbsp;Eliseo Monfort ,&nbsp;Mar Viana","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114523","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114523","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research on nanoparticle (NP) release and potential exposure can be assessed through experimental field campaigns, laboratory simulations, and prediction models. However, risk assessment models are typically designed for manufactured NP (MNP) and have not been adapted for incidental NP (INP) properties. A notable research gap is identifying NP sources and their chemical, physical, and toxicological properties, especially in real-world settings. This work aims to provide insights into the release and physico-chemical properties of INP while contributing to improving models for INP release. INP release was evaluated through a case study in a ceramic tile firing facility, where aerosol (10 nm - 10 μm) properties were determined. The Control Banding (CB) Nanotool model was applied to test outputs based on provided input parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>demonstrate the constant generation and release of INP during tile firing, with NP concentrations up to 68711/cm³ and mean diameters of 37 nm, with 95% smaller than 100 nm. Particle morphology was mostly spherical, suggesting nucleation from precursor gases as the main formation mechanism. INP chemical composition was driven by primary ceramic components, while trace elements like Ni and Ti exhibited size-dependent patterns. In vitro cell viability tests indicated low to medium cytotoxicity of PM₂ aerosols, decreasing human alveolar epithelial cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Applying the risk model with varying input parameters revealed that the risk level (RL) based on severity scores decreased when aerosol size distribution data were used, illustrating the model's sensitivity to input variables.</div><div>We conclude on the need for comprehensive experimental datasets to support risk assessment models and achieve effective risk management strategies in real-world scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114523"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143043910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Premature thelarche and pesticide exposure: A case-control study in an intensive agricultural area","authors":"Lucia Coppola ,&nbsp;Enrica Fabbrizi ,&nbsp;Giovanni Angelozzi ,&nbsp;Chiara Laura Battistelli ,&nbsp;Alice Catena ,&nbsp;Lorella Ciferri ,&nbsp;Annamaria Iannetta ,&nbsp;Sabrina Tait ,&nbsp;Monia Perugini ,&nbsp;Cinzia La Rocca","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture significantly enhances crop yields and pest control. However, it also raises concerns regarding environmental and human health impacts. Children are particularly vulnerable to health effects of pesticide exposure, especially for neurological development and reproductive health. This study aims to evaluate the association between dietary pesticide exposure and idiopathic premature thelarche in girls living in an intensive agricultural area in central Italy. Using a case-control study, pesticide residues exposure was assessed through dietary intake of local food and by urinary levels. Results showed that the dietary intake of some pesticides from fruit and vegetables was higher in affected girls than healthy controls, although not significantly associated with idiopathic premature thelarche risk. Moreover, low health risk was obtained for cumulative dietary exposure. Despite this, further efforts are needed to reduce pesticide residues in food due to their potential endocrine disrupting properties, considering that diet may be one of several sources of exposure, especially in rural areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114524"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143030538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PFAS concentrations in the blood of Danish surfers","authors":"Mette Hyllegaard Madsen ,&nbsp;Janne Julie Møller ,&nbsp;Niels Erik Ebbehøj ,&nbsp;Flemming Nielsen ,&nbsp;Marianne Tang Severinsen ,&nbsp;Jonas Faartoft Jensen ,&nbsp;Søren Rygaard Lenschow ,&nbsp;Jakob Hjort Bønløkke","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Background: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) have been used for decades in countless households and industrial products. Many PFAS do not degrade and are thus ubiquitous in the environment and within organisms. Humans are primarily exposed to PFAS through ingestion and inhalation, and such exposure has been associated with several health effects. Some PFAS accumulate in the top layer of seawater and in seafoam up to 100,000 times the concentration in bulk seawater. No studies have investigated whether exposure to seafoam or aerosols by surfing or other water activities is associated with a higher PFAS burden. This study aimed to measure PFAS concentrations in the blood of 34 Danish surfers and investigate the effect of annual surfing hours on these concentrations.</div><div>Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of surfers from the West Coast of Denmark was conducted to investigate a possible association between annual surfing hours and serum PFAS concentrations including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA and PFHxS.</div><div>Findings: All 34 surfers had measurable PFAS concentrations in their blood. However, annual surfing hours were not associated with increased PFAS concentrations. Unadjusted subgroup analyses showed statistically significant associations with male sex and consumption of meat from free-ranging animals with higher PFAS concentrations in blood, although these associations might be driven by other factors.</div><div>Interpretation: This study descriptively explored the distribution of PFAS concentrations in different subgroups based on potential risk factors of higher PFAS exposure. Even though no association between surfing and PFAS concentrations in blood was found, several other factors are suspected to be associated with increased concentrations. To prevent exposures that might lead to adverse health effects, further studies are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114522"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143018910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neighborhood environment and cognitive functioning in middle-aged and older population: A mediating role of physical activity","authors":"A. Dalecká ,&nbsp;A. Kšiňan ,&nbsp;D. Szabó ,&nbsp;N. Čapková ,&nbsp;H. Pikhart ,&nbsp;M. Bobák","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Evidence on the impact of complex neighborhood environment, including air pollution, greenness, and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation (nSED) on cognitive health in older adults remains scarce. Both cognition and neighborhood environment are associated with physical activity, but little is known about the potential mediating role of physical activity in this association.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cross-sectional data of the Czech arm of the HAPIEE cohort study examined 4,178 participants (55.6% women) aged 45–69 years. Global cognitive score was constructed from memory, verbal fluency, and concentration domains. The exposures, assigned to participant's addresses, include 4-year (2000–2003) average concentrations of PM_2.5, greenness index calculated from tree crown canopy cover estimation (2000), and census-based nSED characteristics. Physical activity and other covariates were assessed by a questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was used to estimate standardized β coefficients for the relationships between neighborhood environment, physical activity and cognitive performance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After controlling for a range of covariates, global cognitive function was inversely associated with PM_2.5 (β = −0.087; 95%CI: 0.122 to −0.052) and nSED (β = −0.147; 95%CI: 0.182 to −0.115), and positively associated with greenness (β = 0.036; 95%CI: 0.001 to 0.069). We identified a weak but statistically significant mediating role of physical activity in the associations of PM_2.5 exposures and nSED on global cognitive score. Total mediation proportions ranged from 3.9% to 6.5% for nSED and PM_2.5, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The neighborhood environment was associated with cognitive health in older individuals; the associations were partially mediated by physical activity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114521"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142985539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of early life co-exposure to ambient PM2.5 and O3 with the offspring's growth within two years of age: A birth cohort study","authors":"Yu Liu ,&nbsp;Kunying Li ,&nbsp;Yuchuan Deng ,&nbsp;Mengfan Li ,&nbsp;Xiaonan Gu ,&nbsp;Yujing Chen ,&nbsp;Zhaoyan Liu ,&nbsp;Lizi Lin ,&nbsp;Li Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Previous studies indicated that early life exposure to particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM_2.5) could impair children's growth. However, the adverse effects of maternal ozone (O₃) and its interplay with PM_2.5 on offspring's growth are unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Object</h3><div>We aimed to investigate the independent and combined association of early-life exposure to PM_2.5 and O₃ with offspring growth in early childhood.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study included 632 Chinese mother-child pairs. Residential PM_2.5 and O₃ exposure concentrations in pregnancy and postanal 2 years were estimated by an established spatiotemporal model. During each exposure period, we also calculated the exceedance rate, the accumulative proportion of over-standard days (Exceedance standard: PM_2.5&gt;35 μg/m³, O₃ &gt; 100 μg/m³). We repeatedly measured the offspring's weight and length from birth to 2 years old and calculated the age-standardized Z-score of weight for height (WFL), body mass index (BMI), and overweight risk (BMI Z-score &gt;85th percentile).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The adjusted generalized estimating equations showed that the concentration (an IQR increase) and exceedance rate (per 10% increase) of PM_2.5 in prenatal (especially the second trimesters) and postnatal periods were associated with increased WFL, BMI Z-score, and overweight risk (βs/ORs ranging from 0.10 to 0.41/1.23 to 1.62, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in children within age 2 years. Although early-life exposure to O₃ was not associated with growth outcomes, it showed multiplicative and additive interactions with PM_2.5 on offspring growth, particularly in the 2nd trimester and early life 1000 days. The associations with WFL and BMI Z-score were greatest in the higher exceedance rates group of PM_2.5 and O₃ (βs ranging from 0.21 to 0.37, <em>P</em> _<em>for</em> _{<em>interaction</em>}&lt;0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that early-life PM_2.5 exposure, especially exceedance rate, was associated with increased offspring growth within 2 years of age. Furthermore, we discovered that O₃ may strengthen the adverse effect of PM_2.5 exposure on children's growth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114520"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142981066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the reliability and validity of pictorial-assisted 24-h recall for measuring hand hygiene and child faeces disposal: A cross-sectional study in Malawi","authors":"Olivier Rizk ,&nbsp;Sarah Bick ,&nbsp;Blessings White ,&nbsp;Kondwani Chidziwisano ,&nbsp;Robert Dreibelbis","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Whilst improving hygiene and sanitation behaviours is key to cost-effective and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, measuring behaviour change remains a challenge. This study assessed the validity and reliability of pictorial 24-h recall (P24 hR), a novel method using unprompted recall of past activities through pictures, compared to structured observation for measuring handwashing with soap (HWWS) and safe child faeces disposal in rural Malawi. Data were collected from 88 individuals across 74 households in Chiradzulu district using both methods over a two-day period, with the recall period of the P24 hR corresponding to the period of structured observation completed the previous day. Results showed poor agreement between P24 hR and observations in detection of hygiene opportunities and behaviours. P24 hR under-reported handwashing opportunities when frequency was high and over-reported them when frequency was low. The 95% limits of agreement for handwashing opportunities estimated through Bland-Altman analysis (−7.62 to 4.89) were unacceptably wide given median 5 opportunities observed per participant. P24 hR also over-reported HWWS and safe child faeces disposal, and kappa statistics indicated agreement no better than by chance. Structured observation remains the better method for measuring hygiene behaviours as compared to the P24 hR method despite its known limitations, including potential reactivity bias.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114516"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142960711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Behaviour change interventions to improve household sanitation and hygiene practices in urban settings: A systematic scoping review","authors":"Clara MacLeod ,&nbsp;Katherine Davies ,&nbsp;Mwamba M. Mwenge ,&nbsp;Jenala Chipungu ,&nbsp;Oliver Cumming ,&nbsp;Robert Dreibelbis","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Behaviour change interventions have the potential to improve sanitation and hygiene practices in urban settings. However, evidence on which behaviour change interventions have successfully improved sanitation and hygiene practices in urban settings is unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We performed electronic searches across five databases and one grey literature database to identify relevant studies published between January 1, 1990 and November 20, 2023 in English. Eligible study designs included randomised and non-randomised controlled trials with a concurrent control. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported a behaviour change intervention for improving sanitation and/or hygiene practices in an urban setting. Individual behaviour change intervention components were mapped to one of nine intervention functions of the capabilities, opportunities, motivations, and behaviour (COM-B) framework. Risk of bias was assessed for each study using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa scale.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After de-duplication, 8249 documents were screened by abstract and title, with 79 documents retrieved for full-text screening. We included 13 studies ranging from low- to high-quality. The behaviour change interventions had mixed effects on sanitation and hygiene practices in urban settings. Specifically, interventions improved latrine quality but not safe child faeces disposal. Interventions often improved handwashing with soap at key times and sometimes increased the presence of soap and water at the handwashing facility, used as a proxy measure for handwashing. There is limited evidence on food hygiene practices. Most behavioural outcomes were measured between 6 and 12 months after intervention implementation, which may undermine the sustainability of behaviour change interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Despite overall mixed behavioural effects on sanitation and hygiene practices, behaviour change interventions can improve certain behaviours in urban settings, such as latrine quality improvements and handwashing with soap at the household or compound level. More ambitious behaviour change interventions are needed to reduce disparities in sanitation and hygiene access in urban areas globally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114519"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143082678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}