Review on hygienical components of sweet potato and their functions

Sweet potato not only contains primary materials such as dietary fiber, vitamin and soluble protein, but also provides abundant secondary metabolic products which have hygienical functions, like caffeic acid and caffeoylqinic acid derivatives, and anthocyanins, carotanoids. Many studies showed that many secondary products of sweet potato have hygienical functions as quenching free radicals, antioxidation, and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Further understanding of the hygienical functions of components in sweet potato is considered to be one of the important factors for developing new uses of sweet potato.

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-

Impact of phytoconstituents on oral health practices:a post COVID-19 observation

Appropriate oral hygiene significantly reduces the possibility of oral infections.However,dental caries and periodontal diseases are major oral health issues causing chronic diseases due to poor oral health.Recently,herbal compounds have gained interest in maintaining oral health.Extracts of burdock root(Arctium),noni fruit(Morinda citrifolia),and neem leaf(Azadirachta indica)are now used as intracanal medicaments in endodontics and periodontics.Plectranthus amboinicus species and other plants produces essential oil likeβ-caryophyllene,p-cymene,andγ-terpinene can exhibit antibacterial activity;highlighting phytoconstituents plays a vital role in oral health.The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of hygiene and sanitization,to curb SARS-CoV-2.Oral cavity is among the gateways for virus entry into saliva.Saliva is a potential reservoir of SARS-CoV-2,and there is an increased risk of infection if there is any fissure in the mouth.This enables entry of virus into the vascular system through gingival or periodontal pocket,possibly reaching lung periphery then to lung vessels by interacting with endothelial surface receptors triggering pulmonary vasoconstriction and lung damage due to endothelial dysfunction.This review aims to draw attention to the possible route of SARS-CoV-2 infection via the oral cavity and the importance of oral hygiene against COVID-19.

Effects of personalized oral hygiene management on oral health status of pregnant women

BACKGROUND The Cariostat caries activity test(CAT)was used to evaluate the effectiveness of personalized oral hygiene management combining oral health education and professional mechanical tooth cleaning on the oral health status of pregnant women.AIM To investigate whether personalized oral hygiene management enhances the oral health status of pregnant women.METHODS A total of 114 pregnant women who were examined at Dalian Women’s and Children’s Medical Center were divided into four groups:High-risk experimental group(n=29;CAT score≥2;received personalized oral hygiene management training),low-risk experimental group(n=29;CAT score≤1;received oral health education),high-risk control group(n=28;CAT score≥2),and low-risk control group(n=28;CAT score≤1).No hygiene intervention was provided to control groups.CAT scores at different times were compared using independent samples t-test and least significant difference t-test.RESULTS No significant difference in baseline CAT scores was observed between the experimental and control groups,either in the high-risk or low-risk groups.CAT scores were reduced significantly after 3(1.74±0.47 vs 2.50±0.38,P<0.0001)and 6 months(0.53±0.50 vs 2.45±0.42,P<0.0001)of personalized oral hygiene management intervention but not after oral health education alone(0.43±0.39 vs 0.46±0.33,P>0.05 and 0.45±0.36 vs 0.57±0.32,P>0.05,respectively).Within groups,the decrease in CAT scores was significant(2.43±0.44 vs 1.74±0.47 vs 0.53±0.50,P<0.0001)for only the high-risk experimental group.CONCLUSION Personalized oral hygiene management is effective in improving the oral health of pregnant women and can improve pregnancy outcomes and the oral health of the general population.

Food Hygiene and Safety Practices amongst Food Vendors in the Western Area, Sierra Leone

Food safety and hygiene practices require a multisectoral approach including food, water, sanitation, waste management, transport, education, trade, policies and programs that enable safe food preparation, storage and service. Unsafe food can cause illness keeping people from achieving their full potential and death. This was a descriptive study that uses a mixed method approach to derive insights into the characteristics of food vendors related to demography, knowledge, practices, infrastructure, compliance and recommendation for a policymaking framework. Using the Lemeshows’ sample size formula, 473 vendors from formal (restaurants) and informal (cookri-baffa/table top) sites were interviewed and observed. We found from discussions that respondents had a good understanding on how to keep food safe. However, observed practices were poor 93% handled food with their bare hands, 83% did not cover their hair, and 76% did not wear an apron whilst handling, preparing or serving food, 61% did not keep their finger nails clean or short and 57% did not wash their hand before preparing or serving food. Over half (51%) had access to a toilet but 32% reported their use required payment and emphasized their poor condition/inadequate management. Nearly half (47%) of the vending sites did not have a handwashing facility, with soap and water available. Only 7% reported having any authority oversight of food safety. Food safety and hygiene practices in most cookri shops and restaurants was ‘poor’ with very limited surveillance system in place by competent authorities for compliance of food operators. Hand washing, clean surroundings, and covered food were the most common and emphasized practices to mitigate the risks associated with unsafe food.

Epidemiology and Clonal Spread Evidence of Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms in the Center of Care and Protection of Orphaned Children, Vietnam

Objective: To determine the prevalence of colonization and transmission of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms in order to develop of an effective infection prevention program. Design: Cross-sectional study with carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) colonization detection from the fecal specimens of 20 Health Care Workers (HCWs) and 67 residents and 175 random environment specimens from September 2022 to September 2023. Setting: A Care and Protection Centre of Orphaned Children in South of HCM City. Participants: It included 20 HCWs, 67 residents, and 175 randomly collected environmental specimens. Method: Rectal and environmental swabs were collected from 20 HCWs, 67 residents (most of them were children), and 175 environmental specimens. MELAB Chromogenic CARBA agar plates, Card NID, and NMIC-500 CPO of the BD Phoenix TM Automated Microbiology System and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were the tests to screen, confirm CROs, respectively and determine CRO colonization and transmission between HCWs, residents, and the environment. Result: We detected 36 CRO isolates, including 6, 11 and 19 CROs found in 6 HCWs, 10 residents and 19 environments. The prevalence of detectable CRO was 30% (6/20) in HCWs, 14.92% (10/67) in residents, and 10.86% (19/175) in environmental swabs in our study. WGS demonstrated CRO colonization and transmission with the clonal spread of E. coli and A. nosocomialis, among HCWs and residents (children). Conclusion: Significant CRO colonization and transmission was evident in HCWs, residents, and the center environment. Cleaning and disinfection of the environment and performing regular hand hygiene are priorities to reduce the risk of CRO colonization and transmission.

Rural Resilience: A Comprehensive Study on Water Supply, Sanitation, Disease Patterns, and Hygiene Practices in Munshiganj, Bangladesh

This research project investigates the current status of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and a reconnaissance survey. Findings reveal that 30% of individuals rely on surface water (hand-tube wells, rivers, and ponds), prioritized as canal > river > pond, while 70% depend on groundwater (subterranean electric motor, deep tube-well). Drinking water is generally sufficient, with 95% reporting adequacy throughout the year. About 45% use hand tube-well water, 28% use deep tube-well water, and 11% use supply tap water for various purposes. Bathing trends include underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river, while for cooking, the order is underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river. Toilet water supply ranks as supply tap water > hand tube-well water > deep tube-well water. Although sanitation awareness is high, some lack knowledge of good hygiene practices. After defecating, handwashing methods include soap, ash, soil, or water. Children’s waste disposal varies, with some discarding it in open areas. Approximately 40% suffer from diseases like Diarrhoea due to unsafe water, primarily affecting children and elders. Training exists, but a significant portion lacks sanitation education. Dry skin or exposure to cold water may cause temporary irritation. Local government involvement in sanitation efforts is less active compared to non-governmental organizations. Results emphasize the need to enhance community awareness of safe water supplies and sanitation practices. .

Analysis of a New Toothbrushing Technique through Plaque Removal Success

Background/Aims: Determining the levels of oral health and the quality of dental care are fundamental to building concepts of oral health. This study aims to assess toothbrushing techniques using a technical and physical model, clarifying how children and pre-adults learn to brush their teeth. Materials and Methods: Data were recorded from 23 participants, both male and female of various ages, using a proposed electronic toothbrush equipped with X-Y-Z axes pathways. The data, collected before and after training experiments, were processed with MATLAB to generate plots for the three axes. Results: The study revealed that most parameter values, such as Mean Difference Between Amplitudes (MAV, 6.00), Wilson Amplitude (WAMP, 179.419), and Average Amplitude Coupling (AAC, 1.270), decreased from before to after the experiments. Furthermore, the average overall epoch lengths (AVG) showed a 75% reduction in movement amplitude between the two experiments. Conclusion: Dentist observations indicated which brushing methods were acceptable or not. Analytical values suggest that individuals learn the toothbrushing technique effectively, and medical observations clearly demonstrate the success of the proposed method.

Oral Hygiene in the Presence of Orthodontic Therapy

Orthodontic treatment offers great advantages in improving facial and smile aesthetics, self-confidence and the function of the stomatognathic apparatus. The pursuit of these advantages makes use of orthodontic appliances that could be fixed or removable. However, it’s worth stating that these appliances interfere with tooth brushing, making it more difficult to brush teeth effectively. Orthodontics appliances therefore promote the accumulation of dental plaque, which results in both quantitative and qualitative changes in the oral microbiota, hence, exposing patients to several adverse effects such as White spot lesions, dental caries, periodontal pathologies and halitosis. For this reason, oral assessment of patients before, during and after treatment is necessary as well as oral hygiene instructions and motivation. Orthodontists therefore, should educate patients on oral and periodontal hygiene in order to control dental and periodontal complications. Prescriptions of plaque control materials adapted to each patient are done in order to optimize the final result and minimize unwanted complications.

Analysis of Hand Hygiene Knowledge,Compliance,and Influencing Factors Among Psychiatric Healthcare Workers

Objective:To evaluate the knowledge,compliance,and influencing factors of hand hygiene among psychiatric healthcare workers.Methods:68 healthcare workers who worked in the Department of Psychiatry between September 2023 and May 2024 were selected to assess their knowledge of hand hygiene and compliance by questionnaire as well as to analyze their influencing factors.Results:Knowledge of hand hygiene among healthcare workers was less than 90%,and doctors’knowledge was lower than that of nurses(P<0.05).The healthcare workers’compliance with hand hygiene was lower than 80%,and the adherence of doctors was lower than that of nurses(P<0.05).Analysis of influencing factors reveals that skepticism about the effectiveness of rapid disinfectants/hand washing,skin irritation from disinfectants/cleaning agents,and busy work schedules with time constraints are the main factors affecting healthcare workers’compliance with hand hygiene,with P<0.05 compared with the same group.Conclusion:Psychiatric healthcare workers’knowledge of hand hygiene as well as compliance with it is low,and there are various factors affecting it,so targeted training is required to strengthen their hand hygiene implementation.

Application of PDCA in improving hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection quality in orthopedics

Objective:To explore the effect of the Plan-Do-Check-Action(PDCA)cycle on hand hygiene and nosocomial infection quality of or thopedic medical staff.Methods:The whole year of 2021 was selected to monitor the quality of hand hygiene and hospitalization.Follow-up monitoring and real-time recording during the period of morning shift and medical operation concentration time,and compare the compliance of hand hygiene before and after implementation,and evaluate the quality of nosocomial infection.Results:The hand hygiene compliance of doctors and nurses in stage P was 82%.The compliance of medical staff in stage D was 93%.The compliance of stage C was 94%and that of stage A was 95%.The quality score of hospital self-examination nosocomial infection was also significantly increased.Conclusions:The PDCA management cycle can effectively improve the compliance of hand hygiene and the nosocomial infection quality,which is wor thy of circulatory application in or thopedic nosocomial infection quality control,especially improving the quality of hand hygiene.

Application of PDCA Cycle in Hand Hygiene Management of Psychiatric Medical Staff

Objective:To study the application effect of the plan-do-check-act(PDCA)cycle management in the hand hygiene management of psychiatric medical staff.Methods:One hundred and twenty medical staff from a psychiatric hospital from May 2023 to December 2023 were selected and divided into two groups.The control group(May 2023 to August 2023)applied the conventional management model,and the observation group(September 2023 to December 2023)applied the PDCA cycle management.The hand hygiene compliance,hand hygiene knowledge,and hygiene qualifications were compared,including the amount of hand sanitizer used.Results:The proportion of medical staff’s hand hygiene compliance and hand hygiene knowledge mastery scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05);the hand hygiene passing rate in the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);the daily amount of hand sanitizer per patient bed and the amount of hand sanitizer used was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The PDCA cycle management model for psychiatric medical staff promoted the improvement of hand hygiene compliance and increased their hand hygiene qualifications.It is suitable for further popularization and application in future clinical practice.

Lid scrubbing with a gel combining natural extracts for dry eye treatment

AIM:To evaluate the effect of lid scrubbing using a gel combining different natural extracts on ocular signs and symptoms of dry eye patients.METHODS:A retrospective study was performed on 19 dry eye patients(51.1±16.0y).Non-invasive tear break-up time,tear meniscus height,meibomian gland loss,lipid layer thickness,conjunctival redness,corneal staining,ocular surface disease index(OSDI),and ocular pain intensity were measured before(baseline),1wk,and 2mo after lid scrubbing with a gel containing different natural extracts(okra extract,aloe vera leaf juice,hydrolysed soy protein,caffeine,citrus unshiu peel extract,and raspberry seed oil).RESULTS:Compared with the baseline,there was a statistically significant improvement in both first(P=0.048)and average(P=0.026)non-invasive tear break-up time 2mo after treatment,as well as in corneal staining(P=0.043,0.012),OSDI(P<0.001),and ocular pain intensity(P<0.001)after 1wk and 2mo.In addition,there was no correlation between ocular signs and symptoms.CONCLUSION:The lid scrubbing with a gel combining different natural extracts show beneficial effects on tear film stability,corneal damage,and ocular symptoms,which is the reason why this therapeutic procedure is proposed as an alternative for dry eye management.However,it is not possible to attribute this beneficial effect solely to the presence of the natural extracts in the gel,primarily due to the absence of a negative control group.

Effectiveness of menstruation hygiene skills training for adolescents with autism

BACKGROUND Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)may encounter many difficulties with their menstrual cycles.Potential challenges that adolescents with ASD may face include understanding physical changes,coping with symptoms,emotional sensitivity,communication,personal care,and hygiene.AIM To evaluate the effect of menstrual hygiene skills training given to adolescents with ASD on their menstrual hygiene skills.METHODS The study was conducted with 15 adolescents diagnosed with ASD by the single group pre-test and post-test model in three special education centers in Türkiye.Data were collected with the Adolescent and Parent Information Form and the Adolescent-Specific Menstrual Hygiene Skill Registration Form.RESULTS While the mean age of adolescents was 16.06±0.88 years,the mean age of individuals responsible for adolescent care was 43.66±5.56 years.While 60.0%of the adolescents noticed the onset of bleeding before training,this rate was 93.3%after training.The Adolescent-Specific Menstrual Hygiene Skill Registration Form showed a statistically significant increase in the application steps after the training.The difference between the menstrual hygiene skill scores of adolescents CONCLUSION The menstrual hygiene skills training given to adolescents with ASD was beneficial in increasing their menstrual hygiene skills.These individuals must take responsibility during menstruation and independently manage their continuous care activities.

High Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis Due to Gardnerella Species and Intra Genital Hygiene Impact Practices among Rural and Urban Women in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background: Bacterial vaginosis represents a public health problem due to its high frequency in our various health facilities. Vaginal douching used by women as a means to achieve hygienic measures could be potentially dangerous. The objective of the study is to aim at bringing forth epidemiological data on intra-genital hygiene practices, determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and the association between these vaginal practices and this genital infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on March 2022 on patients received in Human Biology Laboratory of Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, in Yaoundé. Data were collected by questionnaire after an oral and written consent obtained from the patients. Vaginal swabs were collected and inoculated on to Blood Agar, Chocolate with polyvitex. Identification was done using morphologically appearance, Gram staining and biochemicals tests. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 software. Results: A total of 120 patients were enrolled during the study. The most represented age group of participants was 25 to 35 years with 62.5%. The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 29.16%. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis varied according to the number of lifetime male sexual partners, women who reported having only one sexual partner in their life had a prevalence rate of 23.32%. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was higher in patients living in urban areas (23.33%). No significant correlation was observed between bacterial vaginosis and regularly vaginal douching and practice of intimate vaginal cleansing (p = 0.980). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that sexual behaviour traits may have an impact on the relatively high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. This suggests that comprehensive health education programmes may be necessary to lower the incidence of bacterial vaginosis, which indicate the need for comprehensive and programmed health education programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis.

Prevalence of Salmonella in Fresh Produce Tomatoes Sold in Open Market in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Tomato is a widely consumed vegetable in Burkina Faso and throughout the world. However, when handled improperly, it can serve as a vector of pathogen transmission to human if ingested raw or through cross-contamination with cooked food. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp from tomatoes sold in the markets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and characteristics of vending conditions. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) different tomato samples were randomly purchased from one hundred and thirteen (113) different vendors in the markets of Ouagadougou. The samples were examined and classified into three categories according to their texture and the level of deterioration. The prevalence of Salmonella spp identification was determined using standard microbiological methods. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire on transport and vending conditions for tomatoes. In total, Salmonella prevalence was 19.19% in all tomato’s samples analyzed and was 18.18% for intact category, 22.73% in D2 category and 16.67% in category D4. The survey revealed poor transport and sales conditions for the majority of tomato sellers. The present study revealed the presence of Salmonella in tomatoes samples. These results highlight the risk associated with the consumption of tomatoes if hygienic practices are not respected during tomatoes handling and preparation. The results of the study also show the need to wash tomatoes systematically after purchase with a disinfectant, especially tomatoes sold in open markets in developing countries.

Facilities and Misconceptions Concerning Menstrual Health and Menstrual Hygiene Management among Young People in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Globally, women constitute 49.6% of the world population and at least 500 million women and girls lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. In Nigeria, a quarter of women lack adequate privacy for defecation and menstrual hygiene management. Absence of facilities needed for menstrual hygiene can pose as obstacle to women and girls practicing menstrual hygiene effectively. This study aims to identify the facilities and misconceptions concerning menstrual health and menstrual hygiene management. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 169 young males and females of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Theological Seminary, Jos North, Plateau State. This study sought to identify the facilities and misconceptions concerning menstrual health and menstrual hygiene management among young people in Jos, Plateau State. Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used in this study and data was collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaire to measure availability of facilities/programs for menstrual hygiene management and misconceptions about menstruation. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 with descriptive statistics, proportions, tables and diagrams used to illustrate findings from the data collected. Results: Majority 139 (82.2%) of the female respondents had access to adequate water supply, while 30 (17.8%) did not have access to the adequate water supply. About half, 53.8% had bathrooms with doors and safe locks, 19.5% had a school clinic where menstrual absorbents can be gotten, 10 (5.9%) had Girl’s Club/Peer Education teams, 24 (14.2%) had guidance and counselling classes. Programmes available to female respondents for menstrual health and hygiene management were girls club and guidance and counselling sessions. Majority 94 (97.9) of females have access to some form of menstrual adsorbent material, and 50 (52.1%) had no access to Sanitary pads. Most females 80 (80.3%) have access to soap, 46 (47.9%) do not have access to privacy at home when faced with changing their pads or menstrual adsorbent, while 84 (87.5%) had access to privacy while in school, 46.7% of respondents were aware of misconceptions/taboos, which included that women should not cook when menstruating (19.5% of respondents), and women should stay away from public activities during menstruation (13.6%). Conclusion: A sixth of the women had no access to adequate water, half had bathrooms without locks, over half had no access to sanitary pads, there were misconceptions that can be dispelled using health education and enlightenment on proper menstrual health and hygiene.

Environment and Awareness Influencing Food Safety in the Western Area, Sierra Leone

Food safety, nutrition, health and wellbeing are inextricably linked. This study investigated the environmental, awareness and practices amongst both food vendors and consumers in and around Freetown the capital of Sierra Leone. The population of the area has vastly out-grown the infrastructure laid down before and since independence. De-centralization of authority to local councils as recommended post-war has only been partial. The role of local versus central government in the planning and maintenance of water, sanitation and market-infrastructure and related policies was explored. This is a qualitative study that used semi-structured interviews with vendors, consumers and 29 key informants. Amongst an estimated population of 5386 actors in food services a sample size of 309 vendors, consumers in and around the 12 busiest market hubs in Western Area Urban and Rural Districts were sampled. Most of the respondents described “food safety” as “good-to-eat, well taken care-off, and free from germs”. The respondents cited that main causes to unsafe food are poor hygienic practices: 38%, contamination by flies: 28%, uncovered food/ improper handling/poor personal hygiene: 21%, and environmental factors, such as improper refuse disposal: 11%. Respondents expressed that consuming unsafe foods can lead to diarrhoea: 34%, food poisoning: 24%, vomiting: 17%, stomach ache/pain: 16%, or typhoid: 9%. Various measures to improve food safety were cited as hand washing: 60%, cleaning surroundings: 57%, covering food: 56%, washing utensils: 52%, covering hair: 42% and using a face mask: 32%. However almost 76% of food vendors interviewed were trading near gutters, where muddy/dirty water settled, with slippery floors, discarded plastic waste, flies and inadequate water, sanitation, and/or storage facilities. None of the food vendors had had any formal training on food safety. Despite progress recently made in solid and liquid waste management during the “Transform Freetown” agenda much more improvement in infrastructure and behaviour change is required. Similarly, despite improvements in formal market facilities the pattern of informal street trading remains the most prevalent especially for the poor. The link between “safe food” and good health was only partially understood, whilst the widespread application of recommended practices to reduce risks was lacking due in part to inadequate infrastructure. As the importance of food safety becomes better understood by administrators and the public the investments required in infrastructure and social and behavioural change will contribute towards a healthier environment and outcomes.

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.

Assessing School-Based Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Facilities in Peri-Urban Settings of Kinshasa, DR Congo

Background: Kinshasa’s peri-urban settings have a low rate of water access, which has significant consequences for the WASH infrastructures in schools and preventative measures against the spread of waterborne diseases and pathogens. This study aimed to assess the availability, functionality, and gender sensitivity of WASH infrastructures of Kinshasa’s peri-urban schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in three of the four educational provinces of Kinshasa, targeting 165 peri-urban schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an observation grid. Results: An overall proportion of 10.9% of schools possessed a water point, and therefore time-consuming water chores are a necessity in 89.1% of schools. Girl students provided 30% of the labor collecting water during punishments. A total of 98.2% of schools had functional latrines of which 3.6% were found hygienic, associated with water reserve next to the latrines (P = 0.040). Only 2.4% of schools displayed posters raising awareness of latrine hygiene, and 3.6% displayed posters on hand hygiene. The ratios of latrines units for girls were 58:1 for toilets and 115:1 for urinals, justifying open defecation and urination reported in 62.4% of schools. Also, 43% of schools had hand-washing facilities whose functionality was significantly associated with the presence of water points in the school’s inner courtyard (P = 0.032), with water (P P Conclusion: The majority of schools had limited drinking water services, which negatively impact the functionality and gender sensitivity of other WASH provisions. The current evidence as a public health concern would raise government and school authorities’ attention to address these environmental threats.