Anthropogenic climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme heat events, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Many of the populations at greatest risk from the health threats of extreme heat are also more likely to receive health insurance coverage from the Medicaid program. While Medicaid has not historically covered air conditioners, an increasing number of states are offering coverage. Of the Medicaid programs administered by the 50 states and Washington DC, 13 currently offer an air conditioner coverage benefit and 2 have applied to offer coverage to the federal government. Most of these states have obtained various types of waivers under the Social Security Act to cover air conditioners. Section 1115 waivers tend to offer more flexible and holistic coverage. The states offering coverage vary in the types of air conditioners covered, the approximate frequency with which air conditioners have been furnished, and the billing codes utilized. The lack of a specific billing code or procedure modifier code for air conditioners is a barrier to tracking the effectiveness, reach, and implementation of air conditioner coverage policies within and across states.

BACKGROUND: 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.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the needle sticks and sharp injuries among health care workers at the BHUTH, Southern Ethiopia.

METHOD: 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 P-value less than .05 was considered statistical significance.

RESULT: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.

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.

BACKGROUND: 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.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding resting habits and comparison of the physiological states of Anopheles mosquito populations from indoor and outdoor collection venues in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to investigate resting behavior and age structure of the malaria vectors in Wonji Sugar Estate.

METHOD: Longitudinal entomological study was conducted at Wonji Sugar Estate from July 2018 to June 2020. Pyrethrum spray catches (PSC), Pit Shelter (PIT), and Oral Aspirators were used to collect adult Anopheles species from various resting sites. Mosquitoes were identified to the species using morphological keys. Finally, the resting behavior of Anopheles mosquitoes were determined using standard protocol.

RESULT: A total of 1406 mosquitoes were collected from indoor and outdoor resting venues, with the outdoor resting population being significantly higher (F = 8.296, P = .04). The number of half-gravid/gravid Anopheles species collected from outdoors was higher than that from indoor resting venues (F = 35.612, P = .00). Eight two percent of the indoor sampled Anopheles species left the indoor venue before completing their gonotrophic cycle. Anopheles pharoensis and An. coustani cx. exhibited exophily rate of 83.4% and 100%, respectively. The overall parity rate of Anopheles gambiae s.l. was 45.7%. The highest parity rate, daily survival rate, and longevity of Anopheles gambiae s.l. was 66.7%, 0.874, and 7.399 days, respectively. Anopheles gambiae s.l. reached the infective stages for Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax in February 2019.

CONCLUSION: Anopheles mosquitoes, including the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.l., showed predominantly exophilic habits, underscoring the need for outdoor vector control strategies in addition to indoor-based interventions. The increase in the nulliparous population indicates a higher risk of vector-human contact. Meanwhile, the extended lifespan of Anopheles gambiae s.l. observed during the dry season could increase the risk of infectious bites.

As of today, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues showing signs of its transition towards green development; whilst the Thai sustainable tourism industry is encountering substantial environmental problems of unfavourable water quality and waste management outcomes. This paper dissects how China has been transitioning into the practice of a greener BRI, as well as how Thailand has benefitted from its greener BRI partnership with China in recent years. This paper delineates the major environmental issues faced by Thailand, in order to suggest why Thailand needs to urgently and responsively address any notable environmental concern for long-term economic growth and sustainability. There is a lack, if not an absence, of existing studies that analyse Sino-Thai green BRI partnerships with the presentation of supporting, updated data and statistics. The findings presented in this paper respond to such a research gap. This paper concludes by arguing that should China’s distribution of development finance to Thailand be able to enhance the latter’s environmental health and landscape, more Southeast Asian (SEA) and global emerging powers may develop an increasing interest in forming or strengthening green BRI partnerships with China. In the long run, such an optimistic outcome allows China’s diplomatic influence to grow further. China’s greener development finance plan is an ambitious, globally impactful strategy. Such an ambitious strategy aims to capitalise on the opportunities to address countries’ developmental and environmental needs to boost China’s global competence and image, in addition to elevating its diplomatic influence.

This research intricately explores the dynamics surrounding the coexistence of humans and roosting bats in urban areas, meticulously examining both the advantageous and detrimental aspects of their living arrangement. The study conducted a comprehensive survey with 286 residents in Iwo and Ogbomoso, where Eidolon helvum bats are known to roost, generating a robust dataset for thorough analysis. Rigorous statistical assessments, including the KMO and Bartlett’s tests, confirmed the data’s reliability at a significance level of P < .05. The respondent demographic revealed a predominance of 65% male participants, with an overwhelming 85% claiming familiarity with bats in their respective domains. Utilizing factor analysis, the study identified 8 salient variables from the initial 26, shedding light on diverse perceptions regarding bats: (i) Urban roosting (16.729%); (ii) Impact on tree growth (12.607%); (iii) Failed dislodgement attempts (11.504%); (iv) Medicinal value (10.240%); (v) Co-habitation preference (9.963%); (vi) Costly dislodgment consequences (9.963%); (vii) Beautification disruption (5.615%); and (viii) Structure defacement (5.510%). These factors were systematically categorized into 4 distinct themes: (A) Forced cohabitation (26.762%); (B) Environmental degradation by bats (23.732%); (C) Consequences of dislodging bats (21.477%); and (D) Acknowledged benefits of bats (10.240%). Co-habitation with bats becomes a necessity for ecological balance and, importantly, to safeguard the livelihood of roosting bats within their natural ecology, which man has encroached upon through urbanization, making all negatives arising from such existence self-inflicted by man. However, this study underscores the importance of human-bat cohabitation for mutual benefits, emphasizing potential detrimental consequences, including significant costs, associated with displacing bats from their natural ecosystem. These consequences may exacerbate the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and ecological imbalance. Further research is recommended to explore the positive aspects of the sustainable roosting bats’ existence in the natural environment.

BACKGROUND: Foodborne diseases pose a significant public health threat, particularly in regions with poor sanitation and food handling practices. These diseases, mainly caused by microbiological hazards like bacteria, fungi, and parasites, affect millions globally. Despite the global burden, the true extent of these hazards remains underestimated, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. This study aimed to map the available literature on foodborne microbiological hazards in Ghana, providing an overview of the evidence and identifying areas where further research is needed.

METHOD: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews. A detailed search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, and articles were exported to Rayyan for screening. A three-phase screening process was used to identify relevant articles. Data from the included articles were extracted and analysed, with specific information related to food type, specific hazards, sample population, and hazard groups summarised using proportions and tables.

RESULT: This review included 72 studies which were published between 2001 and 2023. Eighty-five percent of these studies (85%) reported on bacterial hazards, while 19%, 11%, and 6% reported on fungi, parasites, and mycotoxins, respectively. The most reported bacterial, fungal, and parasitic hazards were Escherichia coli, Aspergillus spp. and Trichuris trichiura, respectively. Aflatoxins were reported in maize, groundnut, and spices, with prevalence ranging from 61% to 100% and at levels exceeding standards set by Ghana Standards Authority and European Food Safety Authority.

CONCLUSION: This review highlighted the spectrum of microbiological hazards in foods in Ghana. The hazards identified pose significant public health risks, particularly among vulnerable populations. It is crucial that stricter enforcement of food safety laws and improved food handling practices are implemented in the country, particularly in the informal food sector, to protect consumers.

Report-back of research results (RBRR) is becoming standard practice for environmental health research studies. RBRR is thought to increase environmental health literacy (EHL), although standardized measurements are limited. For this study, we developed a report back document on exposure to air pollutants, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, during pregnancy through community engaged research and evaluated whether the report increased EHL. We used focus groups and surveys to gather feedback on the report document from an initial group of study participants (Group 1, n = 22) and then sent the revised report to a larger number of participants (Group 2, n = 168). We conducted focus groups among participants in Group 1 and discussed their suggested changes to the report and how those changes could be implemented. Participants in focus groups demonstrated multiple levels of EHL. While participant engagement critically informed report development, a survey comparing feedback from Group 1 (initial report) and Group 2 (revised report) did not show a significant difference in the ease of reading the report or knowledge gained about air pollutants. We acknowledge that our approach was limited by a lack of EHL tools that assess knowledge and behavior change, and a reliance on quantitative methodologies. Future approaches that merge qualitative and quantitative methodologies to evaluate RBRR and methodologies for assessing RBRR materials and subsequent changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, may be necessary.

Lahore (Pakistan), being an industrial city, has high emission of aerosols that affects and contaminates the air quality. Therefore, the abatement/inactivation of aerosols is necessary to restrict their infectious activities. In this project, ionic wind isolated from dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD plasma) has been utilized to abate the aerosols trapped in the Surgical Mask and KN95 Respirator. To infer the chemical and elemental detection of ambient aerosols, FTIR and LIBS have been employed. “From the results, it is noteworthy that abatement/removal of aerosols has been successfully carried out by the ionic wind irradiation and highlights the potential of DBD plasma technology in removing the aerosols pollution.”

Ports play an important role in connecting the domestic and global economies. Zero emissions port models are actively developed and frequently utilized to fulfill economic objectives while reducing environmental effect. The cold ironing system is one of technological methods assisting ports in transitioning to zero emissions port models. Although a number of ports have successfully implemented it, many other seaports, particularly those in developing countries, continue to face numerous challenges in implementing cold ironing. The aim of this research is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of cold ironing. The study used a quantitative method, conducting a survey of 215 port managers from the North, Central, and South of Vietnam. The findings indicate that economic incentives and regulation have a positive impact on the adoption of cold ironing at ports. While lack of initial capital and lack of standardization are barriers to the implementation of cold ironing. The last section will look over the study’s results and implications in greater detail.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare-associated infections, primarily caused by microorganisms, are widespread in healthcare facilities. These infections pose a significant challenge, especially in low and middle-income countries, and have a detrimental impact on patient outcomes. It is crucial to assess the level of microbial load and associated factors to prevent the spread of these infections. The objective of this study was to assess the microbial load and identify the factors associated with it in various wards at Jimma Medical Center.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study conducted at Jimma Medical Center. Indoor air samples were collected using the settle plate method with a 1/1/1 scheme. Inanimate surfaces and medical equipment were sampled using Swabs from a 10 × 10 cm area. A total of 268 samples were collected from 10 rooms. Pertinent information regarding the associated factors was gathered using an observational checklist. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify any associations with the microbial load.

RESULT: Out of the total samples, 181 (67.5%) tested positive for culture, and 270 microbes were isolated. The average load of bacteria and fungi in the indoor air ranged from 124.4 to 1607 and 96 to 814.6 Colony-forming unit (CFU)/m³, respectively. The mean total aerobic colony counts of bacteria and fungi from all surfaces in the wards ranged from 5.25 to 43.3 CFU/cm². Crowdedness [β = 2.748 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.057-4.44)], the presence of waste material [β = 1.747 (95% CI: 0.213-3.282)], and an unclean room [β = 2.505 (95% CI: 0.990-4.019)] were significantly associated with the microbial load.

CONCLUSION: The microbial load detected in indoor air, inanimate surfaces and medical equipment was posing potential health risks. Consequently, it is recommended to implement regular microbial surveillance of the hospital environment and enhance the infection prevention program to mitigate these concerns.

Investigation on human perspective on the impacts of quarry activities on the natural environment remains limited. This study gauged residents’ perceptions of the ecological consequences of quarry operations. A meticulously structured questionnaire was dispensed among 214 households, chosen at random, in the vicinity of Sanlong Quarry within Obaagun community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. The dataset underwent analysis utilising both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated a predominance of female respondents, constituting 77.6%, with 65% aged 41 years and above. Moreover, 74.2% had been residents in the study area for no less than 7 years, and 62.6% resided within 1 km of the quarry site. A substantial 74.3% (159 residents) regarded quarry operations as detrimental to their environment, with 72.2% attributing this to machine vibrations. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkins and Barttlet’s tests affirmed the factorability of the dataset at a 77.5% significance level (P < .005). Factor analysis revealed 7 variables, encompassing 79.19% of residents’ perceptions of the environmental impact of quarry operations. These variables included the loss of farmlands (21.35%), degraded farmland (15.06%), vibrations from heavy machines affecting buildings (10.64%), flyrock debris from rock blasting damaging roofs, and the destruction caused by trucks and heavy machinery on rural roads (8.57%). Additionally, wildlife displacement (8.33%) and respondents’ perception of the quarry’s duration of operation (8.00%) were identified. These findings suggest that quarry operations exert a significant influence on the livelihood of the Sanlong quarry neighbourhood. It is imperative for stakeholders to address this situation through relevant policies, particularly those that enhance the well-being of the community and hold the quarry company responsible for the damages inflicted on various environmental resources. Nonetheless, further study is recommended to validate or otherwise the current findings.

The Gidabo River and its tributaries are the main sources of water for more than 1,584,646 inhabitants. It is an important source of water for the surrounding rural communities for various uses such as domestic, irrigation, livestock watering, fishing, and recreation. The river is the main tributary of Lake Abaya. The present study was designed to investigate the water quality status of the Gidabo River and its tributaries for domestic and aquatic life. To assess the water quality status, water samples were collected in monthly intervals for a period of 3 months from September to November (coffee processing time), 2022. Arc GIS 9.3, 3 DEM, and spreadsheet were used to analyze the data collected from SRTM (Shuttle Radar Thematic Mapper, 90 m) and field observation. Of all the water quality parameters analyzed; turbidity, BOD₅, DO, COD, pH, Ni, Fe, NO₃⁻, and PO₄³⁻ were higher than the recommended limits of national and international standards for aquatic life. Based on the Weighted Arithmetic Mean (WAM), Water Quality Index (WQI) calculations of the River, WQI value of the river ranges between 34.83 and 54.31 in different reaches of the watershed which is classified under bad category. The wet coffee processing industry which is the main sources of contamination in the watershed uses 63 L of processing water to produce 1 kg of green coffee beans. Traditional lagoons, with an average hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1.99 days, are the most common methods of treating wastewater. The river is at higher risk from harmful anthropogenic activities in the watershed and requires urgent monitoring and mitigation to prevent further degradation.

Indoor exposure to outdoor pollutants adversely affects health, varying with building dimensions and particularly ventilation that have critical role on their indoor dispersion. This study assesses the impact of outdoor air on indoor air quality in a child care center. Computational fluid dynamics was utilized to analyze the dispersion of particulate matter, with a specific focus on window screens featuring 6 distinct pore sizes ranging from 0.8 mm to 2 mm and 2 different thicknesses of 0.5 mm and 0.1 mm. Results indicate that the presence of a window screen offers significant advantages in controlling particle infiltration compared to scenarios without a screen, as larger particles tend to pass directly through the window within the breathing zone. The scenario without window screens minimizes pressure drop but lacks enhanced particle capture capabilities. However, for effective particle reduction, the window screen with a pore size of 0.8 mm (R0.8T2) and a thickness of 0.5 mm proves to be the most beneficial, achieving the particle filtering efficiency of approximately 54.16%, while the larger window screen with a pore size of 2 mm and a thickness of 1 mm exhibits the lowest efficiency at about 23.85%. Nonetheless, screens with very small sizes are associated with a high-pressure drop, impacting energy efficiency, and overall window performance. Larger pores with smaller thicknesses (0.5 mm) reduced particle count by approximately 45.97%. Therefore, the significance of window screen thickness beyond pore size for particle reduction efficiency is highlighted, emphasizing screens’ role in indoor air quality and health protection.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are secondary metabolites mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus and their contamination of red peppers can cause hepatocellular carcinoma, growth retardation in children, immune suppression, and death. In addition, their presence in the red peppers can affect international trade and cause significant economic burdens. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the level of AFs contamination in packed powder (from supermarkets) and raw red pepper samples commercially available in the towns of Fiche and Mukaturi. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine the potential health and cancer risks associated with the consumption of red pepper contaminated with AFs. Red pepper samples (raw and packed powder) were collected randomly from the Fiche and Mukaturi open markets. Then AFs in the samples were extracted using methanol: water (80:20, v/v). These extract samples were then cleaned up using an immunoaffinity column (IAC) and determined with a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The finding showed that the amount of AFB₁, AFB₂, and AFG₁ in raw red pepper was found to be 3.19 ± 0.01, 0.19 ± 0.001, and 4.07 ± 0.01 µg kg⁻¹, respectively. The raw red pepper samples had a total of 7.66 ± 0.01 µg kg⁻¹ of AFs. On the other hand, the amount of AFB₁, AFB₂, and AFG₁ in Afiya-packed red pepper was found to be 7.04 ± 0.03, 2.15 ± 0.06, and 0.50 ± 0.01 µg kg⁻¹, while Mudayi packed red pepper contained 31.60 ± 0.22, 24.40 ± 0.17, 3.37 ± 0.02 and 2.48 ± 0.004 µg kg⁻¹ of aflatoxins, respectively. Afiya and Mudayi packed powder peppers had a total AFs content of 10.4 ± 0.07 and 61.90 ± 0.28 µg kg⁻¹, respectively. The total AFs concentrations in packed pepper powder samples were higher than maximum toleratable limits (MTLs) set by the European Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (5.00 µg kg⁻¹ for AFB₁ and 10 µg kg⁻¹ for total AFs). AFB₁ (31.60 ± 0.22 µg kg⁻¹) had the highest level of contamination, followed by AFB₂ (24.40 ± 0.17 µg kg⁻¹) in packed pepper powder. In the adult population, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁, and AFG₂ ranged from 0.80 to 7.90, 0.04 to 6.10, 0.02 to 1.02, and 0.05 to 0.62 µg kg⁻¹ body weight (bw) per day, respectively. However, the Margins of Exposure (MOE) values and combined Margin of Exposure (MoET) for these chemicals were significantly lower than the safe margin (<10 000). Therefore, this study highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming AFs-contaminated red peppers and the need for stricter regulations and monitoring to ensure food safety.

BACKGROUND: The usage of solid cooking fuels is widely prevalent in low and middle-income countries, including India, and contributes to indoor air pollution (IAP), which has detrimental health effects. Moreover, time spent inside the house increases as people age. In this context, the present study tried to understand the association between exposure to indoor air pollution and unhealthy symptoms, including shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, fatigue, wheezing, and cough among middle-aged and older adults in India.

METHODS: We extracted the unit-level individual data (N = 63 790) from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI)-Wave 1 (2017-2018). The statistical analyses used were Chi-square test and binary logistic regression, which estimated the odds ratio to identify the determinants of the unhealthy symptoms.

RESULTS: The odds of shortness of breath (adjusted OR: 1.14, 99% CI: 1.05-1.23), dizziness (adjusted OR: 1.28, 99% CI: 1.21-1.35), fatigue (adjusted OR: 1.32, 99% CI: 1.26-1.39), wheezing (adjusted OR: 1.30, 99% CI: 1.19-1.42), and cough (adjusted OR: 1.36, 99% CI: 1.27-1.45) were higher among individuals from households where solid cooking fuels was used. Similarly, the odds of shortness of breath, headache, wheezing, and cough were higher among individuals with a household member who smoked inside the house. The results indicated that the odds of shortness of breath, headache, and cough were significantly lower among participants exposed to incense use.

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, we suggest developing programs to combat the sources of indoor air pollution and the associated unhealthy symptoms, especially in rural settings. It is also important to bring awareness and practice clean fuel usage at individual and community levels to improve population health.

This study is the first of its kind to explore indoor air pollution and unhealthy symptoms among a large sample in India. We believe it will contribute significantly to the global literature on indoor pollution and health outcomes.

Water quality issues in Ethiopia necessitate the implementation of the Water Safety Plan (WSP) to safeguard drinking water. Despite its benefits, WSP implementation is underutilized, a situation exacerbated by urbanization, agriculture, pollution, and climate change. This study evaluated water supply system vulnerability and delineated protection zones in the Upper Awash River subbasin. By employing the DRASTIC model, the National WASH Inventory-2 (NWI-2), and qualitative methods, this research aims to integrate the NWI-2 with vulnerability assessments. The study revealed that, among 2864 schemes, only 14.4% had a water safety plan, while 20.7% practiced water safety, and 6% reported the occurrence of waterborne diseases. Over 39.23% of the schemes were in high vulnerability areas, 12.32% were in very high vulnerability areas, and only 8% were in low vulnerability areas. The validation revealed a 61.7% association between the vulnerability indices and nitrate concentration. The strengths of the strategy included coordination and guideline development, but challenges such as institutionalization, catchment protection, the legal framework, and climate information remain for the Water Safety Plan. To promote public health, these findings help to demonstrate and integrate the NWI-2 with vulnerability assessments to protect drinking water sources. The conclusion also calls for all concerned authorities to implement water source protection, emphasizing the use of GIS technology and the adoption of integrated watershed management practices, which encompass regulatory control and conservation strategies. Furthermore, more research on the pollutant time of travel, assimilation capacity, and land use priorities is needed to delineate specific protection zones.

The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance (ABR) have been a public health challenge globally. The burden is even higher in low-income countries where there is a lack of appropriate healthcare systems, and inappropriate antibiotic disposal practices and utilization. Due to poor solid waste disposal practices in developing nations, municipal solid waste dumpsite (MSWDS) can be a reservoir for ABR bacteria. However, only a few studies demonstrated the prevalence of ABR in non-clinical environments such as MSWDS. This study assessed the prevalence of ABR bacteria at Bahir Dar City MSWDS, to understand the public health risks related to poor solid waste disposal systems. Nine soil samples were collected from the dumpsite. Bacteria were isolated, identified and tested for ABR. Seventy-one distinct colonies were isolated from all samples and identified into 10 bacterial genera based on morphological features and biochemical tests. For ABR tests, gentamicin (GN, 10 µg), streptomycin (ST, 30 µg), tetracycline (TE, 30 µg), ciprofloxacin (CIP, 5 µg), nalidixic acid (NAA, 30 µg), sulfonamide (SA, 250 µg), chloramphenicol (C, 30 µg), erythromycin (E, 15 µg), vancomycin (V, 30 µg), and amoxicillin (AMX, 25 µg) were used. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus (23%) followed by Escherichia species (17%). Ten isolates related to Bacillus spp. were excluded from the antibiotic sensitivity test as there is no standard regarding this genus in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The overall antibiotic résistance rate was 95.08%, and most isolates were found to be resistant to amoxicillin (100%), nalidixic acid (75.5%), and vancomycin (75%). Substantial proportions of the isolates were also resistant to tetracycline (55.35%), streptomycin (54.5%), and sulfonamide (50%). The overall multidrug resistance (MDR) rate was 36.06%. This high level of ABR calls for urgent intervention in waste management systems and regular surveillance programs.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial pathogens are known to exacerbate morbidity and mortality in contemporary critical healthcare. Hospital fomites, which include inanimate surfaces, have been identified as “breeding grounds” for pathogens that cause nosocomial infections. This systematic review aimed to deliver incisive insights on nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs) and the role of fomites as potential reservoirs for their transmission.

METHOD: An extensive exploration of electronic databases, including PubMed and Scopus, from 1990 to 2023, was carried out between 25^th and 29^th May 2023, per standard PRISMA guidelines. Information were extracted from articles that reported on fomites in the ICU. Studies that did not quantitatively report the fomite contamination, and those that exclusively took samples from patients in the ICU were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS: About 40% of the total samples collected on fomites from all the studies yielded microbial growth, with species of Staphylococcus being the most predominant. Other prevalent microbes were Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida spp., Enterococcus sp., and Enterobacter sp. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had the highest proportion of contaminated fomites. Among known fomites, the sphygmomanometer exhibited a 100% detection rate of nosocomial pathogens. This included E. aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa were commonly isolated on fomites in the ICUs.

CONCLUSION: Many fomites that are readily used in patient care in the ICU harbour nosocomial pathogens. The most common fomite appeared to be mobile phones, sphygmomanometers, and stethoscopes, with Staphylococcus being the most common contaminant. Consequently, the need for rigorous disinfection and sterilization protocols on fomites in the ICU cannot be overemphasized. Additionally, heightened awareness on the subject among health professionals is crucial to mitigating the risk and burden of nosocomial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Pesticides play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity by controlling pests. However, inadequate pesticide handling practices have a considerable adverse impact on human health. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the extent of safe pesticide handling practices, particularly in low-income settings like Ethiopia. Hence, this study seeks to evaluate the implementation of safe pesticide handling practices and identify the factors associated with the status of the handling practices in low-income settings in Ethiopia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken, involving 468 farmers randomly selected for participation. Data collection was carried out through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The analysis aimed to assess the proportion of safe pesticide handling practices (SPHP) and investigate the factors associated with SPHP was done using binary logistic regression. Explanatory variables with a P-value <0.25 were included in the final analysis. The factors were determined based on adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, P-value <.05. Model fit was evaluated using the Hosmer and Lemeshow tests.

RESULTS: From the findings of our study, only 45.7% of farmers practiced SPHP, with factors such as education, experience, pesticide usage, and attitude toward safe practices influencing their practices. Farmers with education status primary and above were two times more likely to practice good handling of pesticides than those who didn’t attend formal education. Farmers with a maximum of 5 years of experience in vegetable farming were 2.4 times more likely to exhibit good handling practices compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, farmers with favorable attitudes toward pesticide handling were 4.2 times more likely to engage in good pesticide handling practices than those with unfavorable attitudes. Therefore, the agricultural sectors, health sectors, and farmer associations should focus on these factors in order to mitigate the health risks associated with poor pesticide handling.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic, a widely recognized and highly toxic carcinogen, is regarded as one of the most hazardous metalloids globally. However, the precise assessment of acute and chronic human exposure to arsenic and its contributing factors remains unclear in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this study was to assess the levels of acute and chronic arsenic exposure, as well as the contributing factors, using urine and nail biomarkers.

METHODS: A community-based analytical cross-sectional study design was employed for this study. Agilent 7900 series inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure the concentrations of arsenic in urine and nail samples. We performed a multiple linear regression analysis to assess the relationships between multiple predictors and outcome variables.

RESULTS: The concentration of arsenic in the urine samples ranged from undetectable (<0.01) to 126.13, with a mean and median concentration of 16.02 and 13.5 µg/L, respectively. However, the mean and median concentration of arsenic in the nails was 1.01, ranging from undetectable (<0.01 µg/g) to 2.54 µg/g. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant positive correlation between arsenic concentrations in urine and nail samples (r = 0.432, P < .001). Also, a positive correlation was observed between urinary (r = 0.21, P = .007) and nail (r = 0.14, P = .044) arsenic concentrations and the arsenic concentration in groundwater. Groundwater sources and smoking cigarettes were significantly associated with acute arsenic exposure. In contrast, groundwater sources, cigarette smoking, and the frequency of showers were significantly associated with chronic arsenic exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: The study’s findings unveiled the widespread occurrence of both acute and chronic arsenic exposure in the study area. Consequently, it is crucial to prioritize the residents in the study area and take further measures to prevent both acute and chronic arsenic exposure.

This paper investigates the critical intersection of urban climate policy and public health, emphasizing the pressing need for integrated strategies to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and health in urban settings. Despite cities being central to global emissions and energy consumption, a significant gap exists in the incorporation of health considerations into urban climate strategies, as evidenced by the analysis of urban content in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The paper highlights the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) initiative and the forthcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report as pivotal moments for integrating climate and health agendas. However, it also points out the underwhelming response from cities in adopting comprehensive climate strategies, which undermines potential public health benefits. With substantial investments required to bridge the gap in health-focused climate resilience, the paper calls for a redefined approach to urban climate policy. This approach should prioritize health outcomes, leverage opportunities like the 15-Minute City concept, and foster the development of infrastructures that support both climate resilience and public health. The upcoming NDC revision cycle is identified as a critical opportunity for embedding health imperatives into urban climate strategies, emphasizing the need for a holistic perspective that views urban areas as ecosystems where climate and health are intricately connected. This comprehensive view aims to promote policies that are mutually reinforcing, thus contributing to healthier, more livable cities.

INTRODUCTION: Waste Management Practices have garnered growing interest in hospitals, research facilities, and laboratories over the past few years. However, there seems to be noticeable absence of a comprehensive understanding regarding research on waste management practices in health facilities among healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers in Ethiopia.

METHODS: The search was performed by using the Web of Science (WoS) database, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. To assess the presence of publication bias, by using funnel plots, contour-enhanced funnel plots, trim and fill analysis, and Begg and Egger regression test. A significance level of P ⩽ .05 was used to indicate potential publication bias. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistics.

RESULTS: From retrieved original studies, 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of n = 5260 healthcare workers. The pooled prevalence of waste management practices in Ethiopia was 52.86% (95% CI = 51.57, 54.15), with significant heterogeneity observed between studies (I² = 97.0%; P ⩽ .001). Sub-group analysis based on regional distribution in Ethiopia revealed that the highest prevalence of waste management practices was observed in Southern Nation and Nationalities and People’s Region with 61.9% (95% CI = 52.953, 64.449).

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of waste management practices among healthcare workers in Ethiopia was notably low. Training and the presence of guidelines were significantly associated with waste management practices. The healthcare facilities have improved access to and availability of policies related to waste management and the Ministry of Health promotes their use through various means, including training for healthcare professionals.

In metropolitan areas worldwide, abandoned properties are prevalent, prompting a need for small urban green spaces (SUGS) to meet the growing demand. Understanding residents’ preferences and perceptions of transformed spaces is vital for effective urban design. This study delves into residents’ preferences and perceptions regarding the transformation of such spaces into SUGS and their impact on psychological well-being. By examining how these preferences and perceived health benefits shape the value of transformed spaces, the research aims to inform effective urban design strategies. The participants underwent visual stimulation, with psychological reactions recorded through Electroencephalogram (EEG) readings and assessed via Questionnaire. Machine learning techniques analyzed EEG sub-band data, achieving an average accuracy of 92.8% when comparing leftover and designed spaces. Results revealed that different types of transformed spaces provoke distinct physiological and preference responses. Specifically, viewing SUGS was associated with significant changes in gamma wave power, suggesting a correlation between enhanced gamma activity and increased feelings of empathy. Moreover, participants also reported enhanced comfort, relaxation, and overall mood, and a strong preference for SUGS over untransformed spaces, emphasizing the value placed on these areas for their health benefits. This research highlights the positive impact of even SUGS on mental health, using EEG data to assess emotional states triggered by urban spaces. The study concludes with a call for further research to investigate the long-term benefits of SUGS on well-being, alongside an exploration of the gamma band as a neural marker for emotional restoration in urban green spaces. This research highlights the crucial role of urban design in fostering psychological well-being through the strategic development of green spaces, suggesting a paradigm shift toward more inclusive, health-promoting urban environments.

BACKGROUND: Open defecation is a significant global challenge, impacting public health, environmental sanitation, and social well-being, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. It is the second-largest cause of disease burden worldwide by facilitating the spread of germs that cause diarrhea diseases. Studies examining open defecation practices are insufficient, especially in areas implementing Ethiopia’s Geshiyaro project. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the status of open defecation practice and associated factors in the study area.

METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2023. The total number of households included in this study was 7995. A structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect data. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA version 16.

RESULTS: The study found that 16.5% of households practiced open defecation. The following factors were significantly associated with the occurrence of open defecation: residence (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26-1.92), education (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.72), age (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.41-0.69), knowledge on diarrhea prevention (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.17-1.50), marital status (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.32-1.97), and awareness creation about WASH services (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.71-2.25). On the other hand, no significant association was observed between the occurrence of open defecation and the household’s income (AOR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.93-1.23) or the head of household sex (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.78-1.12).

CONCLUSION: Open defecation remains a critical public health concern in Ethiopia’s Geshiyaro project sites. Various factors influencing this practice have been identified. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance access to safe sanitation facilities and promote awareness of WASH services, aligning with SDG 3 target 3, and SDG 6 target 2.

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.

BACKGROUND: 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.

METHODS: 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 P-value of ⩽.05.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 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.

What is Already Known on This Topic? Undernutrition is the main cause of child mortality, physical, and mental retardation. What This Study Adds? This research aimed to determine the current prevalence and factors that contribute to malnutrition in Dabat, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

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 (P < .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.

BACKGROUND: 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.

METHOD: 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.

RESULT: 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).

CONCLUSION: 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.

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). Ascaris lumbricoides ranked highest, with a prevalence of 11.4%, followed by hookworms 7.3%, Trichuris trichiura 1.9%, and Strongloides stercoralis 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.

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 P-value less than .25 in univariable logistic regression were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model, and statistical significance was declared at a P-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.

BACKGROUND: Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) 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.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.

This letter highlights the impact of environmental drivers on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address this global health threat. Key factors, such as agricultural practices, wastewater treatment, and pollution, contribute to the development and spread of resistant pathogens. Utilizing the One Health approach, the paper emphasizes the importance of promoting responsible antimicrobial use, strengthening public health systems, investing in innovative research, and raising public awareness. By understanding and addressing these environmental drivers, we can work toward safeguarding global health and ensuring a sustainable future.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, domestic animals and their feces are not properly contained. However, the risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens is not well documented. This study was conducted to assess animal handling practices and the risk of childhood diarrhea among rural households in northwest Ethiopia.

METHOD: This study was done among 403 randomly selected households. Information on animal handling was collected using a questionnaire and spot-check observation. The occurrence of childhood diarrhea in 14 days prior to the survey was assessed based on the reports of female head of households. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between animal handling practices and childhood diarrhea.

RESULT: All the female head of households had contact with animal feces when preparing fuel disks and plastering the house components with animal dung. Domestic animals shared a corral within the living space of the humans in 20% of the households. Animals entered the human living quarters and accessed foods in 32% of the households. Moreover, 24% of the children aged 24 to 59 months had diarrhea in a 2-week period prior to the survey. Childhood diarrhea was associated with domestic animals sharing the same house as humans (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3, 8.6), presence of animal excreta in child playing areas (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.6), contact of domestic animals with stored foods (AOR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.0, 5.9), trapped dirt under fingernails of female heads (AOR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.9, 7.5), open defecation (AOR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.8, 5.9), and unprotected sources (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.1, 15.3).

CONCLUSION: Domestic animals and their excreta are not hygienically contained in the area. Animal handling practices including their excreta and the hygiene behavior of female head of households (eg, handwashing and food handling practices) should be improved to prevent childhood diarrhea.

Asia has been alarmed by the resurgence of avian influenza A (H5N1) in Cambodia in 2024. H5N1 could be swiftly transmitted by wild birds to poultry populations along their migration route via infection. Circulation of endemic H5N1 in Asian poultry facilitates recurrent human transmission. Cambodia’s role as a reservoir heightens the potential dangers of uncoordinated containment and surveillance across Southeast Asia. This correspondence addresses the risk factors, seasonal patterns, transmission dynamics, and potential pathways for the global dissemination of H5N1. This underscores the criticality of supervising regional initiatives aimed at eliminating the virus from poultry and humans, before its potential escalation into a deadly influenza pandemic across Asia.

INTRODUCTION: Municipal solid waste collectors are at risk of experiencing work-related health problems due to the waste they handle and the physical effort they put in. Work-related injuries among domestic waste collectors have been the subject of scant research in developing nations. Therefore, it is necessary to describe work-related injuries in these subpopulation groups.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of work-related injury among municipal solid waste collectors in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 11 to 30, 2022, with all the registered municipal solid waste collectors (411). Three diploma environmental health professionals assisted in collecting data using a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire; 1 Bachelor of Science environmental health professional served as a supervisor. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to enter, clean, code, and analyze the data. Associations between independent and dependent variables were assessed, and the strength of the associations was presented by using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). According to the bivariable analysis, all independent variables associated with a P-value <.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Variables in the multivariable regression analysis were considered significant if their P-value was less than 0.05.

RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of work-related injuries within the last 30 days was 12.9% (95% CI: 9.5, 16.3), while the prevalence over the last 12 months was 59.4% (95% CI: 54.7, 64.0). After adjusting for possible confounding factors, age 18 to 24 years [AOR = 1.72;95% CI: (1.07, 2.76)], lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: (1.44, 3.68)], chewing khat (yes) [AOR = 2.32;95% CI: (1.32, 4.08)], drinking alcohol (yes) [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: (1.003, 3.24)] and job dissatisfaction [AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: (1.44, 3.54)] were shown to be significantly associated with work-related injury.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of work-related injuries was high. Age 18 to 24 years, chewing khat, drinking alcohol, lack of PPE utilization, and job dissatisfaction were significantly associated with work-related injury. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that addressing these risk factors could help to reduce work-related injuries.

Noise pollution derived from motor vehicles, especially those with noisy engines, constitutes a significant challenge in urban environments, impacting quality of life and public health. In this context, the present study focuses on the implementation of an advanced technological solution: a web-based system specifically designed to monitor and manage noise pollution in Tarapoto, Peru. The execution of this project was structured in 4 key phases. The first phase involved extensive data collection and definition of the project scope. In the second phase, the system architecture was established based on initial observations. The third phase focussed on evaluating and improving system functionalities, while the fourth involved rigorous testing and corrections. The successful implementation of this system led to a significant improvement in the noise pollution monitoring process, reducing reporting times and improving data-driven decision making. This project not only provides a valuable tool for authorities in the management and mitigation of noise pollution, but also encourages community awareness and active participation in the sustainable management of the urban acoustic environment.

The transportation sector is among the highest contributors to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions in European nations, with private cars emerging as the primary source. Although reducing emissions presents a formidable challenge, the emergence of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offers a promising and sustainable avenue toward achieving zero greenhouse gases within the transportation infrastructure. Since the 1990s, the Norwegian parliament has fervently supported this transition, leveraging public awareness campaigns and a range of financial incentives for its users nationwide. The widespread utilization of BEVs promises substantial health benefits, including ensuring cleaner air for all citizens regardless of their socioeconomic status and fostering improvements in public health outcomes. This transition potentially curtails hundreds of thousands of annual deaths attributed to climate change, enhances the quality of life, bolsters civilian productivity, and fuels economic and population growth. The adoption of BEVs offers a myriad of advantages, including reduced health risks and premature mortality, as well as a quieter environment with diminished noise pollution. Nonetheless, the integration of BEVs necessitates robust road infrastructure with considerable maintenance costs, alongside limitations on driving range for users. Concerns arise regarding potential particle emissions from BEV tire wear due to the increased weight of batteries compared to conventional vehicles. Rapid acceleration capabilities may accelerate tire degradation, contributing to higher particle emissions, of which only 10% to 20% remain suspended in the air, whereas the majority settles on road surfaces, posing a threat to nearby aquatic ecosystems when washed into water bodies and soils. While BEVs hold promise for valuable benefits, successful policy creation and implementation require a detailed awareness of their limitations and challenges to ensure a comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility and public health improvement. Therefore, more research on the limitations of BEVs can help inform improved tactics for maximizing their benefits while limiting potential disadvantages.

A swift transition to electric vehicles is a good public health intervention that benefits the quality of the air and climate systems. It is expedient to know that this new technology will not solve all problems caused by transportation systems, as there will always be some unwanted and unexpected side effects as usual with new technologies. We suggest more advanced research on EVs shortcomings for better understanding and usage.

This study investigated water safety practices and risk levels along Addis Ababa’s water supply service chain. The data came from 23 random woredas, 384 random households, 115 microbiological water quality tests, and diagnostic inspections from source to point of use. Findings from this study indicate that the surface water sources (53%) and the water source catchments (62%) are characterized by very high-risk and high risk contamination levels respectively. Conversely, the water treatment process (5%) and temporary reservoir (20%) indicates a low risk level. Whereas the water distribution system (40%), water source boreholes (44%), and Household level (29%) water safety practices are identified as medium risk levels. The microbial analysis of the drinking water at the source and point of use indicated low (<11 CFU/100 ml) to high levels (>100 CFU/100 ml) of risk with significant levels of contamination at the household level. Moreover, the household-level water safety practice assessment revealed intermediate to very high levels of risks. The Chi² test shows that water supply type is significantly associated with occupation(X2(12,384) = 23.44, P < .05) and education(X2(8,384) = 15.4, P < .05). Multinomial regression analysis also showed better occupation is associated with increased access to safe bottled water compared to safe piped water on premises. It can be concluded that the water safety practice encountered low to very high levels of risk of contamination at different components along the water supply service chain and the household level. This study suggests ways to improve Addis Ababa residents’ health and well-being through water safety interventions. These include safeguarding water sources, supporting local safe water businesses, providing household water treatment, and handling options, and addressing the barriers and incentives for adopting safe water practices.

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the health, social, and economic systems, triggering lasting damage and exposing the complexity of the problem beyond just being a health emergency. This crisis has highlighted the need for a comprehensive and collaborative strategy to successfully counter infectious diseases and other global challenges. With the COVID-19 pandemic pushing One Health to the forefront of global health and sustainable development agendas, this concept has emerged as a potential approach for addressing these challenges. In the context of COVID-19, this study investigates global knowledge about One Health by examining its state, significant contributions, and future directions. It seeks to offer an integrated framework of insights guiding the development of well-informed decisions. A comprehensive search using the Scopus database was conducted, employing specific terms related to One Health and COVID-19. VOSviewer 1.6.19 software was used to generate network visualization maps. Countries’ research output was adjusted based on their gross domestic product (GDP) and population size. The study identified a total of 527 publications. The United States led with 134 documents (25.4%), but India topped the adjusted ranking. One Health journal stood as the most common outlet for disseminating knowledge (49 documents; 9.3%), while Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States emerged as the most prolific institution (13 documents; 2.5%). Key topics were related to the virus transmission mechanisms, climate change impacts, antimicrobial resistance, ecosystem health, preparedness, collaboration, community engagement, and developing of efficient surveillance systems. The study emphasizes how critical it is to capitalize on the present momentum of COVID-19 to advance One Health concepts. Integrating social and environmental sciences, and a variety of professions for better interaction and collaboration is crucial. Additionally, increased funding for developing countries, and legislative empowerment are vital to advance One Health and boost disease prevention.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defined Disease X as an upcoming disease with the potential to cause a pandemic. Pathogen X is responsible for Disease X. Marburg virus disease (MVD) is one of the diseases from the priority disease list published by WHO. Marburg virus is a filamentous, negative-sense RNA virus that belongs to the same filovirus family as the lethal Ebola virus. Since the first discovery of this virus in 1967, 17 outbreaks occurred sporadically till 2023. Rousettus aegyptiacus acts as the natural reservoir of the virus. With an average incubation period of 5 to 10 days, its first target is the mononuclear phagocytic system cells. It is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted from animal to human and human to human via direct contact with blood or body fluid, feces, and semen of the infected host. Although Marburg disease has a high case fatality rate of close to 90%, unfortunately, there is no approved vaccines or treatments are available. The most recent outbreak of Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania in 2023 caused an alert for global health. However, based on the last global pandemic of COVID-19 and the sudden re-emerging of monkeypox around the world, we can assume that the Marburg virus has the potential to cause a global pandemic. Our modern world depends on globalization, which helps the virus transmission among countries. The Marburg virus can easily be transmitted to humans by fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family. This virus causes severe hemorrhagic disease, and there are no specific vaccines and treatments available to combat it. Therefore, community engagement and early supportive care for patients are keys to successfully controlling MVD.

The environmental impacts of global warming driven by methane (CH₄) emissions have catalyzed significant research initiatives in developing novel technologies that enable proactive and rapid detection of CH₄. Several data-driven machine learning (ML) models were tested to determine how well they identified fugitive CH₄ and its related intensity in the affected areas. Various meteorological characteristics, including wind speed, temperature, pressure, relative humidity, water vapor, and heat flux, were included in the simulation. We used the ensemble learning method to determine the best-performing weighted ensemble ML models built upon several weaker lower-layer ML models to (i) detect the presence of CH₄ as a classification problem and (ii) predict the intensity of CH₄ as a regression problem. The classification model performance for CH₄ detection was evaluated using accuracy, F1 score, Matthew’s Correlation Coefficient (MCC), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC), with the top-performing model being 97.2%, 0.972, 0.945 and 0.995, respectively. The R ² score was used to evaluate the regression model performance for CH₄ intensity prediction, with the R ² score of the best-performing model being 0.858. The ML models developed in this study for fugitive CH₄ detection and intensity prediction can be used with fixed environmental sensors deployed on the ground or with sensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for mobile detection.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about community awareness and practices related to a disease, among other things, helps to plan relevant control strategies. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of the community in Abobo district of Gambella Regional State in Southwestern Ethiopia about urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), which is endemic to the region.

METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with KAPs variables.

RESULTS: Most study participants (90.6%) responded they have previously heard of UGS. Over 95% of the participants knew at least 1 symptom of UGS and 30% knew the transmission cycle. About 15.9% and 26.8% knew keeping environmental hygiene and refraining from using cercariae infested water, as preventive methods, respectively. Over half of the participants (50.1%) disagreed or did not know that urinating close to the river/dam water contributes to transmission, and almost all participants had contact with the dam/river water in one way or another. Education status and history of having the infection were the key significant correlates of most KAPs variables.

CONCLUSION: Most of the community members had poor knowledge and attitudes about the mode of transmission and preventive measures of UGS. Thus, besides school-based mass drug administration (MDA), UGS control efforts in the region should incorporate health education in conjunction with safe water supplies, and provision of sanitary facilities to effectively reduce the transmission of the disease.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) levels have been shown to have impacts on health. However, the knowledge of WASH levels in war-prone West African countries is limited. The study extracted data (2015-2021) from the Joint Monitoring Programme (WHO/UNICEF), World Bank and Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to estimate WASH levels in the study countries. Pearson correlation analysis was used to establish the association among the WASH levels. Results showed that women had better access to safe water (56.39%), good sanitation (59.36%) and good hygiene (60.23%) compared to men. The urban population had better access to safe water (57.60%), good sanitation (61.23%), and good hygiene (65.65%) than the rural population. Among the countries under study, Nigeria had the highest access to safe water (36.10%) and good sanitation (24.41%), while Mali had the highest access to good hygiene (27.93%). Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong positive association between safe water and good hygiene (r = .998), safe water and sanitation (r = .996) and hygiene and sanitation (r = .998) at .00 significant levels. Based on the findings, it is recommended that integrated WASH programmes with combined infrastructure development, behaviour change campaigns and community engagement should be encouraged to ensure peaceful and sustainable access to WASH levels.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding mothers are prone to undernutrition. However, factors contributing to maternal undernutrition are not exhaustively understood. Hence, this study aimed to determine prevalence of undernutrition among breastfeeding mothers and identify associated factors.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 606 breastfeeding mothers from selected rural districts in Oromia and Sidama regional states of Ethiopia. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with maternal undernutrition.

RESULT: One out of ten breastfeeding mothers was found undernourished as determined by BMI (12.6%) and MUAC (10.7%). Mothers who did not practice hand washing after cleaning children’s bottom were 2 and 3 times more likely to be undernourished compared to their counters, as measured by BMI (AOR = 2.29, P = .002) and MUAC (AOR = 3.03, P < .001), respectively. Mothers living in mildly or moderately food insecure households (AOR = 2.37, P = .019) were more than two times more likely to be undernourished as determined by MUAC. Mothers who breastfed children in the age range of 9 to 11 (AOR = 2.79, P = .025) or 12 to 23 (AOR = 2.57, P = .018) months were more than two and half times more likely to be undernourished as determined by BMI.

CONCLUSION: Maternal undernutrition is a medium-level public health problem in rural districts of Oromia and Sidama regional states in Ethiopia. The lack of hand washing practice after cleaning a child’s bottom, household food insecurity and higher child age increased the odds of maternal undernutrition. Mothers should prioritize and improve their nutritional care as the age of their breastfed child increases. Nutrition programs in rural districts of Ethiopia should also aim to improve personal hygiene practices and food insecurity integrated with implementation researches to evaluate program’s impact on nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers.

Nowadays, in Benin, latrine construction by households highly depends on their financial contributions. However, empirical evidence shows that many households are unwilling to invest in adequate sanitation services. The study aims to determine the household’s willingness to pay for improved sanitation services and the associated factors. The study population will include households lacking unimproved sanitation facilities. The household heads will be eligible for survey participation. We will perform a contingent valuation to determine households’ willingness to pay for a Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine. Following a description of the surveyed population, we will assess willingness to pay using the ‘doubleb’ command in Stata. Subsequently, we will conduct multivariate logistic regression to determine the factors associated with willingness to pay. The expected results will be: a description of the basic characteristics of households without improved sanitation services, an estimation of household willingness to pay for VIP latrines using the contingent valuation, and factors associated with household willingness to pay for VIP latrines. This study will contribute to the literature on household demand for improved sanitation services in Benin.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to metals is hypothesized to be associated with child autism. We aim to investigate the joint and individual effects of prenatal exposure to urine metals including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) on child Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) scores.

METHOD: We used data from 2 cohorts enriched for likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) and the Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs (MARBLES) studies. Metal concentrations were measured in urine collected during pregnancy. We used Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression and linear regression models to investigate both joint and independent associations of metals with SRS Z-scores in each cohort. We adjusted for maternal age at delivery, interpregnancy interval, maternal education, child race/ethnicity, child sex, and/or study site.

RESULT: The final analytic sample consisted of 251 mother-child pairs. When Pb, Hg, Se, and Mn were at their 75th percentiles, there was a 0.03 increase (95% credible interval [CI]: −0.11, 0.17) in EARLI and 0.07 decrease (95% CI: −0.29, 0.15) in MARBLES in childhood SRS Z-scores, compared to when all 4 metals were at their 50th percentiles. In both cohorts, increasing concentrations of Pb were associated with increasing values of SRS Z-scores, fixing the other metals to their 50th percentiles. However, all the 95% credible intervals contained the null.

CONCLUSION: There were no clear monotonic associations between the overall prenatal metal mixture in pregnancy and childhood SRS Z-scores at 36 months. There were also no clear associations between individual metals within this mixture and childhood SRS Z-scores at 36 months. The overall effects of the metal mixture and the individual effects of each metal within this mixture on offspring SRS Z-scores might be heterogeneous across child sex and cohort. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.

A total of 30 soil samples from different sampling points at Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Nigeria were collected for the study. The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) were measured in the samples by gamma-ray spectrometry using NaI (TI) detector. Absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose (AED), radium equivalent activity (Ra_eq), and radiological hazard index parameters (activity utilization index [AUI], external hazard index [H_ex], internal hazard index [H_in], and excess lifetime cancer risk [ELCR]) due to the naturally occurring radionuclides were determined. The mean activity of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were found to be 20.32 ± 3.22, 22.55 ± 0.68, and 91.63 ± 1.54 Bqkg⁻¹ which were lower than the world average reference mean values of 33, 45, and 420 Bqkg⁻¹for ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, respectively, as reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The average value of D, Ra_eq, AUI, ELCR, H_ex, and H_in in the soil samples was 26.86 ± 1.97 nGyh⁻¹, 59.62 ± 4.14 Bqkg⁻¹, 0.42 ± 0.03, 0.14 ± 0.01 (×10⁻³), 0.16 ± 0.01, and 0.22 ± 0.02, respectively. The annual effective dose to the general public was 33.07 ± 2.40 µSvy⁻¹. This value lies well below the average worldwide reference value of 0.7 mSvy⁻¹, as reported by UNSCEAR. Soil samples from IMSU pose no significant radiological health hazards to the university community.

Open defecation continuously remains a major global sanitation challenge, contributing to an estimated 1.6 million deaths per year. Ghana ranks second in Africa for open defecation and had the fourth-lowest sanitation coverage in 2010. Evidence indicates that about 32% of the rural Ghanaian population still practice open defecation due to lack of access to basic sanitation facilities, drifting the country from achieving universal access to sanitation by 2030. Women, particularly those in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by open defecation, facing heightened health risks, harassment, and a loss of dignity. Even though previous studies on open defecation in Ghana exist, they lack national representation and neglect women in rural residents who are disproportionally affected by the repercussions of open defecation. Examining that rural women will contribute to heightening their own vulnerability to health risks by practising open defecation is essential to bridging the literature gap on open defecation practices among rural women. The study investigated determinants of open defecation among rural women in Ghana using data from the female files of the 2003, 2008 and 2014 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). A total of 4,284 rural women with complete information on variables of interest were included in the study. The outcome variable was ‘open defecation’, whilst 14 key explanatory variables (e.g., age, education, wealth status, among others) were used. Two logistic regression models were built, and the outputs were reported in odds ratio. Descriptively, 42 in every 100 women aged 15 to 49 practiced open defecation (n = 1811, 95% CI = 49-52). Open defecation (OD) significantly correlated with educational attainment, wealth status, religion, access to mass media, partner’s education, and zone of residence. The likelihood of practicing open defecation reduced among those with formal education [aOR = 0.69, CI = 0.56-0.85], those whose partners had formal education [aOR = 0.64, CI = 0.52-0.80], women in the rich wealth quintile [aOR = 0.12, CI = 0.07-0.20], the traditionalist [aOR = 0.33, CI = 0.19-0.57], and those who had access to mass media [aOR = 0.70, CI = 0.57-0.85]. Residents in the Savannah zone had higher odds of openly defecating [aOR = 21.06, CI = 15.97-27.77]. The prevalence of open defecation is disproportionately pro-poor, which indicates that impoverished rural women are more likely to perform it. Public health initiatives should aim to close the rich-poor divide in OD practice among rural women.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to air pollution has detrimental effects on the elderly, women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people living in poverty and children. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of community awareness and knowledge on the health risks associated with exposure to air pollution. The study was conducted at Annadale residential area locally known as Ladanna surrounded by industrial areas and located in Polokwane Local Municipality under Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used for the study, using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was pre-tested on 10 respondents at Emdo Park (Extension 29) in Polokwane from 02 to 06 February 2021 and another fifteen respondents were pre-tested at Lesedi Park. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 376 respondents. Systematic sampling method was applied to select the households. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data. Data was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages. Spearman rank correlation was used to measure the degree of association between 2 variables. A Chi-square test was used to compare the groups between the categorical variables. Multivariate Logistic Regression Model was used to assess associations of knowledge/awareness outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cls) presented.

RESULTS: Of 376 respondents, 221 (59%) were males and 154 (41%) females. The majority 113 (70%) of respondents were those between the age group 23 and 47 years and 353 (94%) were aware that if they don’t protect themselves against polluted air, they may get sick, with age and educational status associated with their awareness (P < .05). About 361 (96%) knew what air pollution is and 188 (50%) think the air they breathe in Annadale is moderate. A total number of 278 (74%) said they feel sick/uncomfortable when the quality of air is bad. About 293 (78%) knew that people are exposed to air pollution by breathing contaminated air and 237 (63%) identified sewage smell as the main cause of air pollution. Internet 199 (53%) and television 177 (47%) were identified as the main source of information Those who were not aware of actions implemented to reduce air pollution were 180 (48%). Based on the results of the study, respondents’ level of knowledge in Annadale was poor (71%) and their awareness was good (87%).

CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial that air pollution risk communication strategies be implemented to empower residents and improve the level of knowledge on the dangers of exposure to polluted air.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), but whether the asthmatic patients are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness than non-asthmatic patients has remained unclear. This scoping review aimed to assess the available evidence to determine if asthmatic patients are at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Searching several electronic databases and adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of 70 articles and using defined inclusion-exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed in-depth and included in this scoping review. The findings of this scoping review point to a lack of relationship between asthma and severe COVID-19 illness. While a limited number of studies (n = 4) identified asthma as a risk factor, most studies (n = 17) found no independent association between asthma and severe COVID-19 illness. We, thus, conclude that asthma may not be a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness. Owing to limited evidence, we recommend large-scale prospective cohort studies with standardized methodologies to decipher potential role of asthma in COVID-19 severity. Further, understanding the impact of specific asthma medications, genetic factors, and other comorbidities on COVID-19 outcomes may help inform clinical practice guidelines for effective patient health management.

Despite the regulations by The World Health Organization (WHO) on the permissible limit of chromium, many industries still discharge wastewater polluted with chromium into the environment irrationally. This poses a lot of risk to aquatic lives and humans because of its carcinogenic and toxic attributes. Thus, treatment of industrial wastewater polluted with chromium is highly imperative before its disposal. Nonetheless, the hulls generated from Garcinia kola in our various farmlands also causes environmental pollution when dumped unknowingly. In this present study, Garcinia kola hull particles (GK-HP) was hydrolyzed using NaOH and applied as adsorbent for Cr(VI) sequestration. The raw Garcinia kola hull particles (rGK-HP) and modified Garcinia kola hull particles (cMGK-HP) were characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-Transform-Infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and point of zero charge (pH_pzc). The influence of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and adsorbate initial concentration on Cr(VI) sequestration were examined. The cMGK-HP was able to remove 96.25% of Cr(VI) from solution and proved to be effective than rGK-HP. The amount of Cr(VI) removed from solution decreased as the pH and adsorbate initial concentration were increased. However, the amount increased as the adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature were increased. Change in morphological structure, textural property, spectral peak, phase composition and adsorbents chemical composition before and after Cr(VI) sequestration from solution were proved by SEM, BET, FTIR, XRD, and EDS analyses respectively. The isotherm and kinetic studies suggest Cr(VI) adsorption on adsorbents’ surface to be monolayer in nature and adsorption data to be well-fitted into pseudo second order model respectively. The cMGK-HP possessed excellent reusability attribute and high thermal stability as shown by TGA. In conclusion, cMGK-HP could effectively be used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) sequestration from solution.

Several studies have been conducted on household water use and microbial water quality globally. However, studies that considered seasonal variability of household water use and microbial water quality were limited. Therefore, this study investigated the seasonal variability of household water use, microbiological water quality, and challenges to the provision of adequate water in the peri-urban and informal settlements of Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia. A longitudinal study was conducted on 288 households. The data was gathered using a pretested structured questionnaire, laboratory-analysis, interviews, storage-container inventories, focus group discussions, key-informant interviews, and an observational checklist. The data was analyzed using stepwise-multiple linear regression, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression, thematic-analysis, t-tests, and non-parametric-tests. Households were visited for 7 consecutive days during the dry and rainy seasons to account for changes in daily and seasonal variation of water use. 440 stored water and 12 source samples were analyzed for E. coli presence during dry and rainy seasons. The prevalence of stored water contamination with E. coli was 43.2% and 34.5% during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The per capita water consumption was 19.4 and 20.3 l during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Piped water on-premises, small family size, volume, and number of water storage containers were significant predictors of per capita water consumption in both seasons. Piped water off-premises, storing water for more than 3 days, uncovered, and wide-mouthed water storage containers were significantly associated with the presence of E. coli in water in both seasons. Seasonal variability of household water use and microbiological water quality was statistically significant, which is a significant public health concern and needs intervention to enhance water quantity and quality to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases. Findings also suggest seasonal monitoring of the safety of drinking water to ensure that the water is safe and healthy.

INTRODUCTION: Street foods are foods and beverages as either ready for direct consumption or minimally processed, prepared, and/or sold by vendors and handlers. The objective of this study was to explore the condition and governance of street foods in Ethiopia.

METHOD: A qualitative exploratory study was employed from December 2022 to January 2023 in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Jimma, cities of Ethiopia. Twelve respondents comprised key informants from selected governmental sectors were interviewed. The purposive sampling method was used to recruit study participants. The number of participants interviewed was determined by the information saturation criterion, and data were collected at the interviewee’s offices. Data were collected by using key informant interview technique and audio recorded. An interview guide was used to facilitate interviews and thematic analysis was employed. The Overall data management process was conducted using Atlas-ti V 8 software.

RESULT: The result revealed there were 4 thematic areas these were street food vendors and vending process, policy content and implementation, integration and coordination of sectors, and the way forward. The street food vendors prepared their food in an insanitary manner, absence of common working places for the vendors, lack of due emphasis for the street food vendors in the national food and nutrition policy, lack of formalization and legalization of street food vendors, poor coordination among sectors and institutions work on street food governance, and weakness on the implementation of rules and regulations in controlling street food vendors were the prominent gaps that were identified in the policy.

CONCLUSION: Though Ethiopia has a national food and nutrition policy, the policy doesn’t adequately address the street food vending sector. Besides, it is not well communicated to the implementers resulting in poor policy implementation. Quantifying socio-economic benefits of street food vending activities in Ethiopia needs further investigation.