Hygienic and Dietary Measures in Cameroonian Hypertensive Patients Followed at the Douala General Hospital: Knowledge, Compliance and Effect on Blood Pressure Control

Introduction: The management of hypertension is mostly based on pharmacotherapy and hygienic and dietary measures (HDMs) for which little data is available in Cameroon. The concern to improve the quality of life of hypertensive patients led us to study the knowledge, compliance and effect of HDMs among Cameroonian hypertensive patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the Douala General Hospital;the census of patients was carried out from 05 March to 10 May 2018. The data evaluated were knowledge and compliance with HDMs with an inference of their effect on blood pressure control. Results: We recruited 330 participants at mean age of 60 ± 11 years, 37.9% men;57.3% with blood pressure (BP) controlled. Out of 330 subjects, 308 (93.3%) who had been educated about dietary health measures for hypertension were assessed on knowledge, compliance and effect of these measures against 22 (6.7%) who had never heard about them. Around 85.7% of participants had good knowledge of HDMs and 78.9% had good compliance with them. There was no statistically significant influence of knowledge and compliance with HDMs on blood pressure control. Conclusion: The level of knowledge and adherence to HDMs of hypertensive patients at the Douala General Hospital was appreciable. It is however appropriate for physicians to intensify patient education on HDMs and BP control.

Poor hygienic conditions of butcheries and high level of microbiological contamination of meat sold in Nampula city,Mozambique

The present study aimed to evaluate the hygiene practices and the quality of meat sold in butcheries in the city of Nampula,Mozambique.Of the twelve butcheries in the city,only seven participated in the study,which was divided into four categories:hygienic conditions of buildings and facilities,equipment,furniture and utensils,good handling practices for handlers,and microbiological quality of meat products.Results showed that most of the butcheries(71%)had poor hygiene conditions,such as walls with cracks and holes and lack of washbasins in the production area.In addition,the majority(71%)of butcheries used a reusable dirty cloth to clean equipment and utensils,and only 43%had a cold room or refrigerated chamber for meat conservation.Regarding personal hygiene,100%of the handlers washed and changed their clothes daily,but 71%did not properly wash their hands before handling food.Microbiological analysis revealed that 86%of the cutting tables swabs and 43%of the hand blades had E.coli counts above 4 Log,and the presence of Salmonella was observed in 71%of meat samples.Overall,the study highlights the need for improvement in hygiene practices and the quality of meat sold in butcheries in Nampula.

Developing a Subjective Evaluation Scale for Assessing the Built Environments of China’s Hygienic City Initiative

Objective To develop a preliminary subjective evaluation scale for assessing the built environments of China’s Hygienic City Initiative and to evaluate its reliability and validity.Methods The initial items of the scale were determined based on a review of policy documents and consultations with experts. The final items of the scale were confirmed through individual interviews with residents combined with the discretetrend method, critical ratio method, correlation coefficient method, and factor analysis method. Then, the dimensions of the scale were determined using exploratory factor analysis(EFA). The Cronbach’s α coefficient, split-half reliability coefficient, and confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) were used to assess the reliability and validity of the scale.Results A scale containing five dimensions with 22 items was established, including urban lifestyle,governance, basic functions, environmental sanitation, and amenities. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the scale was 0.876, and the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.796. The CFA results indicate that each inspection level was within the standard limit.Conclusion The preliminarily subjective evaluation scale for assessing the built environments of China’s Hygienic City Initiative demonstrates a high level of reliability and validity. Additional empirical studies should be carried out to further verify the value of the scale in terms of practical application.

Optimal turning method of composting regarding hygienic safety

The new turning method was proposed and verified its effectiveness to pathogens by laboratory scale experiments. Considering the results obtained from the previous studies, it could be said that turning of a composting pile was essential in terms of hygienic aspects but the number of turning should be minimized. Effectiveness of inactivation was estimated for each composting run. From this estimation, turning by layers, which is different from conventional turning that mixes compost pile entirely, was proposed and investigated its performance by experiments. Composting operations with static pile method, complete mix(conventional) turning method, and proposed turning(layer turning) method were done and their effectiveness on inactivation of indicator microorganism was evaluated and compared. As results, the conventional turning method was not a proper method in terms of pathogen inactivation, whereas, the proposed turning method showed an excellent performance and should be employed in a composting operation.

Hygienic Production and Post-Harvest Handling Practices of Raw Camel Milk in Degahbour District of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess hygienic production and postharvest handling practices of raw camel milk in Degahbour district. The survey studies were based on a total of 120 (2 production systems * 2 rural kebele * 30 households) milk producers, which were selected from Degahbur district using stratified sampling technique. Data from the selected producers were collected using questionnaire survey and field observation. The results showed that the majority of the sampled household heads in pastoral (93.3%) and agro-pastoral (76.6%) production systems were illiterate. Moreover, none of the respondents in the study area had training on hygienic milk production and postharvest handling practices. The study result also indicated that none of the respondents in the study area washed the udder of milking camel before milking. Moreover, only 6.6% of pastoralists and 25% of agro-pastoralists wash their hands before milking. Equipment made of wooden materials are mainly used for milking, whereas, plastic jerry-cans were most commonly used for storage. About 45% of the pastoralists and 81.6% of the agro-pastoralists were cleaning milk vessels regularly;however, majority of the respondents both production systems were using water from non-tap sources for hygienic practices. Bosciaminimifolia, Acacia ethaica and Blanitesgalabra were the most commonly used plant species for smoking in the study area. Therefore, hygienic production and postharvest handling practices should be followed to improve the quality and suitability of camel milk for its intended use in the study area.

基于雨课堂+钉钉群线上教学在留学生《Hygienics》的应用

目的:探究基于雨课堂+钉钉群线上教学在留学生《Hygienics》中的应用。方法:将2018级留学生52人作为研究组,2017级留学生56人作为对照组,分别采用雨课堂+钉钉群线上教学模式和传统教学方式授课,利用SPSS 26.0软件对两组学生的成绩比较分析,并评价线上教学效果。结果:研究组《Hygienics》课程的平时成绩、期末成绩和总评成绩均高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P均<0.05);其中研究组单项选择题和案例分析题分数明显高于对照组(P<0.001);满意度问卷调查显示,研究组留学生在丰富的学习资源、课上和课后小测验、提高学习效率、增强自主学习能力、促进学生参与度等方面的满意度较高,满意度均超过90%。结论:疫情背景下,将雨课堂+钉钉群结合应用于《Hygienics》课程教学可有效调动留学生学习主动性,提高学习成绩,值得进一步推广应用。

Influence of Built Environment in Hygienic City in China on Self-rated Health of Residents

Objective To assess the subjective perception of residents on the built environment in hygienic cities and its relation to the self-rated health(SRH)status of residents,providing a basis for a better promotion on construction of health-supportive environments.Methods The online survey was adopted with the respondents recruited from residents living in Chaoyang District of Beijing in January 2021.With SRH level as the dependent variable,two-category logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the impact of the built environment in hygienic cities on the SRH status of residents.Results A total of 1,357 respondents were enrolled in this study.After controlling confounding factors,four aspects in the built environment in hygienic cities were detected remarkable influences on the SRH level of residents,including enough green space in the living area[odds ratio(OR)=1.395,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.055–1.845],clean and hygienic living environment(OR=1.472,95%CI:1.107–1.956),residents’confidence in drinking water safety in the living area(OR=1.856,95%CI:1.354–2.544)and residents’confidence in food safety in the living area(OR=1.405,95%CI:1.027–1.921).Conclusion Regarding city construction,the government should focus more on the subjective perception of residents on built environments to build a supportive environment benefiting the health of residents.

Study of the Nutritional Value and Hygienic Quality of Local Infant Flours from Chad, with the Aim of Their Use for Improved Infant Flours Preparation

This study aims to develop infant flours fortified with iron and vitamin A, taken from local products such as powder from dried Moringa oleifera leaves and pulps of Parkia biglobosa to improve the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 24 months. Chemical analyses show that, for 100 g of local flours destined for children, there are adequate protein levels (between 7.00 ± 0.44 and 12.69 ± 0.44 g) and fat content (between 7.52 ± 0.35 and 16.26 ± 0.84 g), but that there are low levels of b-carotene and certain micronutrients Zn (0.67 ± 0.01 to 2.51 ± 0.19 mg), Fe (7.11 ± 0.90 to 12.70 ± 0.56 mg), Ca (0.67 ± 0.01 to 2.51 ± 0.19 mg), Mg (6.79 ± 0.19 to 24.99 ± 1.75 mg). Analyses of minerals and vitamins showed that Moringa oleifera leaf-powder (per 100 g) is rich in calcium (1443.90 ± 11.03 mg), magnesium (176.72 ± 0.73 mg), iron (53.75 ± 5.07 mg), zinc (17.58 ± 0.89 mg) and b-carotene (624.40 ± 0.41 μg ER). 100 g of Parkia biglobosa’s pulps is rich in magnesium (73.00 ± 1.14 mg), iron (14.82 ± 2.49 mg), zinc (7.79 ± 0.44 mg) and vitamin C (75.29 ± 0.00 mg). In conclusion, we believe that these two ingredients can be effectively used to fortify local infant flours in vitamin A and iron and contribute to eradicating malnutrition due to micronutrients deficiencies.

Enhancing the Hygienic Quality of Some Ghanaian Food Products by Gamma Irradiation

The microbiological quality (microbial load and profile) of 6 Ghanaian food products was determined before and after irradiation (0 kGy, 5 kGy, 7.5 kGy, 10 kGy) using standard microbiological methods. The microbial load was estimated by the total viable count (TVC) and moulds and yeasts count (MYC). The range of TVC and MYC of the un-irradiated products were 103 cfu/g - 106 cfu/g and 0 cfu/g - 106 cfu/g respectively. Un-irradiated Banku Mix Powder, Fermented Maize Powder and Cassava Dough Powder had relatively low microbial load (TVC ? 6.1 × 103 cfu/g;MYC ? 4.9 × 102 cfu/g). Un-irradiated Fermented Maize Dough, Kokonte Powder and Cassava Dough had relatively high TVC of >106 cfu/g. Eleven and 3 microbial isolates were detected in the un-irradiated and irradiated products respectively and the most common were Aspergillus niger and Bacillus spp. Irradiation dose of 10 kGy eliminated all microorganisms from the products. Doses of 5 and 7.5 kGy reduced the microbial loads of the products by approximately 1 to 6 log cycles to meet national and international standards. The use of low dose gamma radiation by the local food industry could improve the hygienic quality, extend shelf-life and enhance the competitiveness of the Ghanaian food products in domestic and export markets.

Hygienic Production Practices and Microbial Quality of Cow Milk in Cheha District of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The aim of the study was to assess hygienic production practices and to evaluate microbial quality of raw cows’ milk in Cheha district of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The study was conducted by interviewing 180 smallholder milk producers from two agro-ecologies (highland and midland) and by collecting 40 milk samples from milk producers, small shops, cafes and consumers for microbial quality analysis. The result indicated that majority of the respondents (96.7%) did not have cow barn and milking area, 57.3% of them clean their barn once and more than once a week. Moreover, milking without hand washing, absence of udder washing, failure to use towel to clean the udder, and use of plastic pail as milking equipment were practiced by 33.9%, 52.2%, 74.4% and 95.6% of the respondents, respectively. Furthermore, higher number of respondents (69.4%) used river water without proper treatment as a major source of water for cleaning purpose and majority of them fail to regularly clean utensils with detergents. Concerning microbial quality, overall mean total bacterial counts (TBC), Coliform counts (CC) and pH values of milk from current finding were 5.675 ± 0.016, 4.414 ± 0.017 log10 cfu/ml, and 5.963 ± 0.081, respectively. In general, overall quality of milk produced as well as marketed in the study area was poor. These were justified from poor hygienic practices and high values of TBC and CC that were significantly higher than the acceptable limits set by Ethiopian Standards for unpasteurized milk. Therefore, adequate sanitary and control measures should be taken at all stages from production to consumer level to produce and supply wholesome milk.

Handling and Hygienic Production Practices of Goat Milk in Degahbur District of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess handling and hygienic production practices of goat milk in Degahbur district of Jarar zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 120 households were purposively selected for this study using a stratified sampling technique. The data were collected through the questionnaire, field observations, key informants interview and focus group discussions. The study showed that majority of the sampled households were illiterate. The goats were kept in an open kraal made of thorny acacia trees on an earthen floor that had no roof. The goats were milked inside these open kraals, and were sometimes contaminated with muck and animal dung mainly the rainy season which could raise the possibility of milk contamination & spoilage. Moreover, traditional hand milking was the only milking method and majority of the respondents didn’t wash their hands and the udder of the animal before milking, indicating low community awareness and knowledge of sanitary milk production procedures. Plastic equipment which is difficult to clean and can increase milk contamination and spoilage was used. About 43.3% of the pastoralists and 76.67% of the agro-pastoralists were cleaning milk vessels regularly. The most often used plant species for smoking milk handling equipment in the study area to extend shelf life and add flavor & aroma were Acacia ethaica, Blanites galabra, and Solanum Carense. The main constraints to hygienic goat milk in the area were identified to be poor barn hygiene, poor production procedures, disease, source of washing water and lack of extension services. In general, it can be concluded that handling and hygienic production practices of goat milk used in the study area were unsanitary, which may have been primarily caused by the community’s lack of awareness & understanding as well as a lack of supporting infrastructures. Therefore, the concerned bodies should place a high priority on the improvement of hygienic practices by carrying out various relevant development interventions, such as raising milk producers’ awareness, improving the health of goats, and providing the necessities for milk handling.

Hygienic Quality and Nutritional Value of Attiékéfrom Local and Imported Cassava Dough Produced with Different Traditional Starters in Burkina Faso

Attiéké is an essentially flavour starchy food produced from fermented cassava root. The product is widely consumed in Burkina Faso. The objective of the present study was to investigate the biochemical and the microbiological characteristics of attiéké from Burkina Faso. The samples (36) were collected from six (6) producers. Cassava dough which is used for attiéké production contains from 70.67% ± 0.25% to 86.02% ± 0.2% as starch. The undesirable organic elements rate is about 1.28% ± 0.14% to 26.46% ± 0.53%. The inorganic impurities rate is about 0 to 7 ± 0.1 mg/100g. Cassava dough acidity varies from 1.8 ± 0.2 to 12.4 ± 0.1;and its pH from 3.48 ± 0.01 to 4.20 ± 0.01. Lactic bacteria are the main microorganisms involved in cassava dough fermentation (5.17 to 9.30 log cfu/g). Yeasts and molds number is low (<6.53 log cfu/g). Attiéké moister is about 50.6% ± 0.00% to 55.12% ± 0.7% and its protein contents from 0.77 to 1.74 ± 0.13 g/100g. The content in lipid of attiéké shows an important variation and is about 0.15 to 3.28 ± 0.32 g/100g. Carbohydrates content varies from 36.6 ± 0.04 to 47.01 ± 0.1 g/100g and its ashes content is from 140 to 780 ± 20 mg/100g. Attiéké acidity and pH are less weak than cassava dough. They vary respectively from 0.92% ± 0.05% to 4.08% ± 0.57% and from 3.7 to 4.4 ± 0.01. As a main energizer food, attiéké energizing value is from 161.95 to 215.26 Kcal/100g. All the attiéké analyzed was exempt of aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2) and ochratoxin A. The local attiéké has higher acidity, fermented bacteria load, protein and minerals salt than the imported one. The process mastery is the mainly factor that determines nutritional and sanitary quality of attiéké.

A research on the composing of sub-health people’s hygienic gymnastics

according to statistics, 70 percent of Chinese people are in sub-health, so the health care for them should be payed more attention. In recent years, researches on sub-health people has increased and the classifi cation, diagnose for sub-health people’s current situation has entered an area of researching. Among them, the research of sub-health people’s infl uence on society stands out, because the occupational group is tightly related to the promotion of social economic development and stability. Hygienic gymnastics will help to improve sub-health situation and it still need to conduct relatively composing and completing. In this paper, questionnaire method and literature method are used to carry out investigation and analysis on sub-health people and therefore, the hygienic gymnastics for sub-health improving is composed and summarized.

Modelling Absorption Capacity Performance of Hygienic Product

The performance prediction of hygienic products can be a major advantage for manufacturers. Among the interesting performances to be expected, we find the absorption capacity. This is a parameter governed by the composition of the absorbent core, particularly the fibrous component and the characteristics of the superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Thus, various theoretical models have been established to predict the absorption capacity. All these models have taken into account the nature of the fibrous support and the ratio of superabsorbent polymer. Certainly, other factors, less obvious in their modelling, are involved in determining the performance such as the homogeneity of the mixture formed by the fluff and SAP, the distribution of polymer particles in the entire structure, the porous structure, the shape of the capillary, the nature of the nonwoven webs used, etc. Various theoretical models are proposed here to describe the absorption capacity and we will outline the model which best describes this performance. The experimental test results are discussed to verify if the theoretical model selected can be confirmed.

A Hygienic Survey of the Environment of Underground Space and Buildings

Full utilization of underground space and buildings could have positive economic and social effects. However, the microclimate and air quality must be well controlled so that they are not harmful to human health. This survey indicated that relative humidity is a common hygienic problem in underground space and buildings. Attention should be paid to humidity control and to the strengthening of routine ventilation at the construction stage. Carbon dioxide can be used as a hygiene index of air pollution; the sanitary standard for it in the air of underground buildings is 10%. The hygienic survey shows that the concentration of carbon dioxide is usually below this standard in the environments of underground space and buildings. (c)1989 Academic Press,Inc.

TRSA launches Hygienically Clean Healthcare China Certification

TRSA,the global association for the linen,uniform and facility services industry,launched the Hygienically Clean Healthcare China certification in Shanghai earlier this month.The Chinese version of Hygienically Clean is based on emerging Chinese healthcare laundry guidelines and TRSA’s Hygienically Clean Healthcare certifi-

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and its relationship with socio-demographics and hygienic habits among male primary schoolchildren in Al-Ahsa,Saudi Arabia

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of different intestinal parasitic infections among male primary schoolchildren in Al-Ahsa,Saudi Arabia,and to explore the possible relative socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural sanitary correlates.Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed.A total of 1 289 male students aged from 7 to 12 years were selected randomly from 20 urban and 12 rural primary schools by multistage sampling method. Data collection was carried out by self administered questionnaire form to the parents/guardians of students and included inquires about socio-demographics,environmental conditions,and behavioural sanitary habits.Stool analysis was carried out to examine the presence of intestinal parasitic infections.Results:Overall prevalence of parasitic infections was 27.2%,more among rural students.Frequently encountered infections included Entamoeba histolytica/dispar(8.2%), Giardia lamblia(6.5%),Entamoeba coli(4.0%) and Enterobius vermicularis(1.6%).Logistic regression revealed that lower maternal educational level and occupational status,low family income,big family size,poor personal hygienic practices and positive history of previous intestinal infections among family members increased the likelihood of infections.Conclusions: Although of low magnitude,intestinal parasitic infections still represent a public health concern among male schoolchildren in Al-Ahsa region.Socio-demographic and poor personal hygienic habits are the main predictors for these infections.

Impact of hygienic level on parasite infection

Objective:To find out the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school population(the most vulnerable group) in rural and urban areas in south Jordan.Methods:During a medical civic action in the south of Jordan in summer 2000,stool specimens were collected from 2400 primary school children,aged from 6-12 years,and examined for the detection of intestinal parasitic infection from both urban(1 100 samples) and rural(1 300 samples) areas in south Jordan.Results:The results indicated that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 28.5%.It was more in rural(33.2%) than in urban(23.0%) areas,but no sex difference was found.As regard to the type of infection,Giardia lamblia was the commonest intestinal protozoa, with a rate of 42.6%,while Enterobious vermicularis was the commonest helminth recorded in our study with a rate of 5.9%.Conclusions:Health education by health and school authorities is recommended,particular attention should be paid to repairing the sewage disposal system as well as water supply,which acts as main source of water pollution.