Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure from Nearby Cellular Base Stations in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A Concern for Public Health

The widespread mobile station’s antennas and the continued increase in the number of mobile phones users throughout the Gaza strip causing great panic in the population relating the debate overexposure to electromagnetic radiation EMR emitted from the antennas of mobile base stations. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure the levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the antennas of cellular base stations in Gaza governorate as well as to evaluate the citizen’s awareness and practices regarding potential health risks and mitigation methods of exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations, respectively. Fifty cellular base stations out of 197 stations were selected depending on the criteria of selecting one site per kilometer using Global Positioning System (GPS). Electromagnetic power density, electric field strength, and the magnetic field strength emitted from cellular base stations were measured using Narda-550. Assessment tool for observation was used to collect operational information of each station. A structured questionnaire with four-level Likert rating scale was used to survey 384 mobile phone users from the areas surrounding the selected cellular base stations. The results showed that the electromagnetic radiation levels of all stations were low and less than the national and international acceptable limits. Furthermore, the awareness of participant about health risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones was low. Nevertheless, the participant’s practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones on their health were good.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Healthcare Workers–A Perception of Indian Hospital Administrators

Since the coronavirus pandemic,many factors led to the change in the mental well-being of hospital administrators and their staff.The pandemic negatively impacted the availability and capability of health professionals to deliver essential services and meet rising demand.Therefore,this study aimed to understand the perspective of hospital administrators about issues and challenges that negatively impacted their staff’s mental health and hospital administrators’coping response to mitigate those challenges and issues.An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 17 hospital administrators(superintendents,deputy superintendents,nursing in charge and hospital in charge)working in a government district hospital of Rajasthan state during September 2022 and October 2022.This study revealed various emerging themes on mental health-related issues,challenges and coping strategies reported by the administrators.Themes and sub-themes that emerged from this study were 1)Perceived mental health of HCWs-perceived importance of mental health,2)Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of HCWs–common mental health issues,changes in mental health pre and post-pandemic,3)Impact of COVID-19 on health behavior of HCWs-increased self-care and awareness,4)Challenges responsible for poor mental health of HCWs-organizational,ethical and societal challenges and 5)Strategies to retain mental health of HCWs-effective coping strategies.The most common problems were increased levels of stress,feeling fatigued,tiredness,weak and anxiety among the HCWs.Keeping their staff motivated was the biggest challenge reported.Social support,counseling through professionals and demystifying myths were the most effective coping strategies adopted by the participants.In conclusion,this study reported poor mental health-related issues,challenges faced by the HCWs and effective strategies adopted by hospital administrators during tough situations.This study will assist hospital administrators in developing interventions such as regular training programs and workshops to teach effective coping skills to address poor mental health during crises.

Hepatitis B vaccination status and associated factors among health science students

Objective:To evaluate hepatitis B virus(HBV)vaccine coverage and its associated factors among health science students in Vietnam.Methods:This cross-sectional study involving 459 health science students at Tra Vinh University was conducted between April and June 2022.Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with items on sociodemographic characteristics,knowledge and attitude about HBV,and vaccination status.A multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore the factors associated with vaccination status.Results:The majority of participants were female(65.8%)and enrolled at the medical school(56.2%).A total of 30.3%participants received the full dose of the HBV vaccine.The percentages of participants with sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes toward HBV infection were 75.2%and 43.4%,respectively.Vaccination was 11.8 times higher in sixth-year medical students than any healthcare student in their first-year[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)11.8,95%CI 3.1-45.1,P<0.001],and the coverage was also significant higher in those who had sufficient knowledge(aOR 2.0,95%CI 1.1-3.9,P<0.05)and positive attitudes(aOR 3.0,95%CI 1.9-4.8,P<0.05)than in their counterparts.Conclusions:The majority of students were not fully vaccinated against HBV,indicating they were vulnerable to the disease.Administrators and authorities should reinforce health education messages aimed at encouraging all students to get vaccinated with the HBV vaccine,enhance their awareness and knowledge of HBV,and improve attitudes toward HBV infection prevention.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents in a southern province of Vietnam

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms among children and adolescents who have recovered from COVID-19.Methods:This study applied a cross-sectional approach within community settings in a southern province of Vietnam.A structured questionnaire featuring socio-demographic information and common long COVID symptoms was employed.Phi correlation coefficients assessed associations among pairs of long COVID symptoms.Additionally,multivariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate the risk factors of long COVID in recovered COVID-19 children and adolescents.Results:Among 422 participants,39.3%reported long COVID symptoms,with a prevalence of 45.2%(SD=0.5)in children and 22.2%(SD=0.4)in adolescents.Common symptoms reported were cough 34.6%(SD=0.5),fatigue 20.6%(SD=0.4),shortness of breath 10.9%(SD=0.3),and lack of appetite 6.6%(SD=0.3).Concerning risk factors of long COVID,a higher risk was observed among demographic groups,including girls(OR 1.25,95%CI 1.15-1.37;P<0.001,reference:boys),children compared to adolescents(OR 1.24,95%CI 1.12-1.37;P<0.001),overweight individuals(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.02-1.27;P=0.018,reference:healthy weight),and participants without any COVID-19 vaccination(OR 1.36,95%CI 1.20-1.54;P<0.001),or have received only one single dose(OR 1.35,95%CI 1.10-1.64;P=0.004)compared to those who have received two doses.Besides,patients with a COVID-19 treatment duration exceeding two weeks also had a higher risk of long COVID(OR 1.32,95%CI 1.09-1.60;P=0.003)than those who recovered less than seven days.Conclusions:The insights from this study provide crucial guidance for predicting the factors associated with the occurrence of long COVID in pediatric patients,contributing to strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the long COVID risks among children and adolescents in Vietnam.

Seroprevalence Survey of HIV and Hepatitis B Virus and Behavioral Characteristics among Heavy Truck Drivers along Port Sudan-Khartoum Highways

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) and hepatitis B virus among heavy truck drivers and their assistants has been well documented globally in correlation with their behavioral characteristics. The present study aimed to screen for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and behavioral characteristics among heavy truck drivers in Port Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 274 heavy truck drivers and their assistants who used the highway Port Sudan-Khartoum in Port Sudan city during 2019-2021. Data on behavioral characteristics and substance use habits were collected using a structured questionnaire, and an ELISA test was used to screen for HIV and HBV infections in the study participants. The chi-square test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were used to find the association between behavioral characteristics and seropositive HIV/HBV. Of the 274 enrolled participants, the seroprevalence rates of HIV were 2.7% and HBV was 23.7%. Ninety-four (34.3%) of them had a history of high-risk sexual behavior outside of marriage;only two (0.7%) used condoms;14.2% of participants reported alcohol use;and 1.1% reported drug use. Univariate analysis revealed that having a sex history outside of marriage with ≥1 sex partner and never using a condom with a spouse or casual partner were significant risk factors for HIV and HBV among drivers. Fortunately, we found that most of the drivers reported low alcohol and drug use. Concerning this study, the seroprevalence of HIV and HBV is highly associated with a history of having sex outside of marriage and sexual behavior among truck drivers and assistances. Additional studies are needed to further investigate other STIs and behavioral characteristics associated with factors in truck drivers/assistance in different truck stop regions in Sudan.

Factors of Adherence to Concurrent Tuberculosis Treatment and Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV-TB Co-Infected Individuals in the East Region, Cameroon in the COVID-19 Era: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Context/Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infection is a serious health problem in Cameroon. The problems associated with poor adherence to treatment are on the increase worldwide. This problem can be observed in all situations where patients are required to administer their own medication, whatever the type of illness. The general objective of this study was to assess the factors affecting adherence to treatment among HIV-TB co-infected patients in health facilities in the East Region in the COVID context. Method: A retrospective cohort study before and during COVID-19 was conducted in HIV care units in 13 health districts in the East Region of Cameroon. Data were collected using a questionnaire recorded in the Kobo Collect android application, analyzed using SPSS version 25 software and plotted using Excel. Results: The pre-COVID-19 cohort compared to the during-COVID-19 cohort had a 1.90 risk of not adhering to treatment (OR: 1.90, CI {1.90 - 3.37}) and the difference was statistically significant at the 5% level (p-value = 0.029). Frequency of adherence was 65.4% (140/214). Adherence before COVID-19 was 56.9% whereas during COVID-19, it was 74.3%. Conclusion: The implementation of targeted interventions in the COVID-19 context, using evidence-based data and integrating the individual needs of HIV-TB co-infected patients, improved adherence to concurrent anti-tuberculosis treatment and antiretroviral therapy during the COVID-19 Era.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

COVID-19 vaccination intention among healthcare workers in Vietnam

Objective:To assess the acceptance of coronavirus disease(COVID-19)vaccine among healthcare workers at two general hospitals in Vietnam when it is available.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling from January to February 2021 among 410 healthcare workers at two general hospitals in Vietnam via a selfadministered questionnaire.A multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of vaccine acceptance including the demographic factors,COVID-19 knowledge,and vaccine beliefs based on the domains of Health Belief Model.Results:Among 410 healthcare workers,76.10%showed vaccination willingness.Predictors of acceptance were determined that the group reporting as“vaccine acceptance”was more likely to be positive towards the perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID-19(OR 2.45;95%CI 1.48-4.06,P<0.05),perceived benefits of vaccination,and cues to action(OR 4.36;95%CI 2.35-8.09,and OR 5.49;95%CI 2.84-10.61,respectively,all P<0.001),but less likely to have the perceived barriers to vaccination(OR 0.19;95%CI 0.09-0.38;P<0.001)compared with the no acceptance group.Besides,people who had a good knowledge regarding the severity of illness were 3.37 times more likely to have identified as vaccine acceptance(OR 3.37;95%CI 1.04-10.86,P<0.05).The demographic factors were also associated with willingness to receive the vaccine,with participants who were staff and received COVID-19 information from relatives were less likely to accept the vaccine over those who were doctors and not receiving information from relatives(OR 0.36;95%CI 0.13-0.96,and OR 0.37;95%CI 0.17-0.78,respectively,all P<0.05).Conclusions:A rate of willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was relatively high with discrepancies between occupation,receiving information from relatives,knowledge toward the severity of illness,and the elements of Health Belief Model.The findings will provide information for the management authorities to develop relevant interventions to promote COVID-19 vaccination uptake.

Knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19 among healthcare workers at District 2 Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

Objective:To assess the knowledge and attitude toward coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)among healthcare workers at District 2 Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City(HCMC).Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed between January 2020 and February 2020 at District 2 Hospital.A systematic random sampling strategy was carried out and the data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire of the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers regarding COVID-19.Descriptive analysis was reported to describe the demographic,mean knowledge and attitude score of healthcare workers.Inferential statistics including t-test,ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation were used to evaluate the relationship between study variables.Results:A total of 327 eligible healthcare workers had a mean score of knowledge and attitude of 8.17±1.3(range 4-10)and 1.86±0.43(range 1-5),respectively.They showed good knowledge and a positive attitude.However,approximately two thirds of the participants knew the mode of transmission,the isolation period and treatment(67.0%,65.8%,and 58.4%,respectively),and 82.3%and 79.8%,respectively,held positive attitude regarding the risk of personal and family members getting illness.There was a negative correlation between knowledge scores and attitude scores(r=-0.21,P<0.001).Additionally,healthcare workerspredominately used social media to inform themselves about COVID-19(91.1%).Conclusions:The majority of healthcare workers had good knowledge and positive attitude toward COVID-19.However,the level of some knowledge and attitude lower than that expected for their position level towards the virus.Additional education interventions and campaigns are required for healthcare workers.

The Brunel Mood Scale Rating in Mental Health for Physically Active and Apparently Healthy Populations

There is a positive relationship between mood states and mental health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the construct validity and internal consistency of the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) for use with different populations, which are physically active and apparently healthy. Measures were obtained from 1295 male (N = 709, 34 ± 20 years, mean ± SD) and female (N = 576, 43 ± 24 years, mean ± SD) volunteers. Factor analysis was used, verifying that six factors (components) accounted for 62.65% of the total variance of the scale. The Varimax method with Kaiser Normalization for the rotation of the factors for the main components, and it was observed that the 24 scale items loaded on six mood factors (anger, depression, tension, vigor, fatigue, and confusion). Internal consistency was good for all the factors identified. We suggest that the results provide some support for validity of the BRUMS for use with different populations, which are physically active and apparently healthy.

A Comparative Assessment of Patient Safety Culture between Iranian Selected Hospitals and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Report

Establishing a culture of patient safety can be effective in reducing the incidence of medical errors and solving concerns of safety inadequacy in health systems. The purpose of this study was to assess the culture of patient safety in the selected hospitals, and compare the results with published reports of AHRQ. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of BPUMS. The subjects signed the informed consent form to participle in the study. Confidentiality was maintained throughout the study reports. Cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012;the study sample was composed of 364 staffs working at two selected hospitals affiliated to Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture was used to collect data. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the data. No reports of events in both studied hospitals and benchmark were accounted for the most of the reported errors, although this indicator in studied hospitals was nearly 23% higher than that of the benchmark report. The highest patient safety grade in studied hospitals and benchmark was “acceptable” and “very good”, respectively. The highest percentage of positive response to patient safety dimension was organization learning and then teamwork within units in studied hospitals. Teamwork within units also was the highest average percent in benchmark report. Non-punitive response to errors had the lowest positive percentage of participant responses in both studies. To achieve the patient safety culture, we do not need to blame individual and apply punitive approach when errors occur. This makes person accept responsibility for their actions honestly and report errors in a timely manner to prevent reoccurrence of similar errors.

Health care staffs’ perception of patient safety culture in hospital settings and factors of importance for this

Many hospital patients are affected by adverse events. Managers are important when improving safety. The perception of patient safety culture varies among health care staff. Health care staff (n = 1023) working in medical, surgical or mixed medical-surgical health care divisions answered the 51 items (14 dimensions) Swedish Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (S-HSOPSC). Respondents with a managerial function scored higher than non-managers for 11 of 14 dimensions, indicating patient safety culture strengths for a majority of dimensions. Enrolled nurses and staff with experience > 10 years also scored high for several dimensions. The 12 dimensions and sample characteristics explained 49% and 26% of the variance for the outcome dimensions Overall Perceptions of Safety and Frequency of Incident Reporting, respectively. RNs, ENs and physicians have different views on patient safety culture. Hospital Management Support and Organisational Learning is some important factors influencing patient safety culture. Bridging the gap in health care staff’s perceptions of safety in order to improve patient safety is of utmost importance. Managers have the responsibility to foster patient safety culture at their workplace and can thus benefit from results when improving safety for patients.

Swedish Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture— Psychometric properties and health care staff’s perception

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Swedish and the original version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture within a Swedish hospital setting and described health care staff’s perceptions of patient safety culture. A web-survey was used to obtain data from registered nurses, enrolled nurses and physicians (N = 1023). Psychometric properties were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Root mean square error of approximation and other fit indices indicated psychoFmetric properties for both versions to be acceptable. Internal consistency for the dimensions varied between 0.60 and 0.87. Staff scored the dimension “Teamwork Within Units” highest and the dimension “Hospital Management Support” the lowest. The safety was graded as very good or excellent by 58.9% of the respondents and one third had reported more than one event in the past 12 months. The questionnaire is considered to be useful for measuring patient safety culture in Swedish hospital settings. Managers have a great responsibility to work with improving patient safety culture.

Health Effects on Canteen Staff Working in a University Canteen

Background: Working in a canteen will involve more than one activity e.g. cutting, grinding, washing. These activities may lead to stress and muscle fatigue. Objective: To analyze health effects in canteen staff working at the university. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in canteen staff. A questionnaire was used to compare the level of feeling e.g. strength, force, interest before and after work between canteen staff using a subjective judgment scale from 1-10, together with assessing muscles: extensor of the wrist, biceps, triceps at different times by using surface electromyography (EMG). A paired t-test was used to analyze data. Results: 23 canteen staff participated the project (100%). Canteen staff did not report any significant difference in feelings e.g. freshness, keenness, force or strength that differentiated before work and after work. Extensor of the wrist seems to be the most muscle using part in a canteen activity. Conclusions: Stress levels related to working in a university canteen are low as is muscle fatigue measured by EMG. However, performing repetitive work in a canteen could lead to muscle fatigue or stress so break interval time may be important for preventing muscle fatigue and reducing stress.

Prevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>and hygiene practices among public secondary school students in Ikeja local government area, Lagos, Nigeria

This study determined prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and hygiene practices among public secondary school students in Ikeja Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos state, Nigeria. An institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among two randomly selected secondary schools. One hundred (100) consented students participated in the study and interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire while blood samples were collected by venipuncture. Respondents’ ages were 16.1 ± 2.8 years and 54.0% were females. Mean number of persons living in a room was 7.0 ± 3.5, and however, 39.0% of the respondents lived in a room with 4 - 6 persons. The prevalence of H. pylori was 59.0% (59/100). Majority, 64.4% of those infected with H. pylori were 15 years and above while 62.7% females were tested positive to H. pylori. Some, 38.9% of the participants infected with H. pylori drink tap water while 84.7% did hand washing after visiting toilets with water and soap. Mostly, 64.0% of those tested positive to H. pylori did not experience abdominal pain in the last 4 weeks. No significant association existed between drinking water source, hand washing practice after defecation and H. pylori positivity. Routine examination of school students is required to detect Helicobacter pylori in order to commence treatment immediately and awareness about the H. pylori infection should be increased throughout secondary school to prevent further infection.

Health effects and standard threshold shift among workers in a noisy working environment

Introduction: Working in a noisy environment is a risk for employee hearing health. Standard threshold shift (STS) can be used as a screening method to detect early indications of hearing deterioration. Objective: To investigate health effects related to STS in motor compressor workers. Methods: A cross sectional study of 464 motor compressor workers was conducted including hearing health examination by audiometer, and noise level in the workplace was monitored. Workers who reported having hobbies relating to noise, e.g. gun shooting, or a personal history of disease relating to the ear were excluded. The relationship between health effects and workers with STS was studied. Results: There were more men 81.90% (aged range 31-40 years old) than women working for the company. The average continuous noise level in the workplace was 84.14 ± 5.21 dB(A). The study showed that working at the factory for more than 14 years (OR= 3.84, 95%CI 1.54-9.56) and being exposed to noise at least 8 hours a day (OR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.02-4.40) effected to STS. Workers with STS showed significant communication difficulties (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.03-3.49) and stress/nausea more than workers without STS (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 0.90-2.65) although not statistically significant. Conclusions: Workers exposed to continuous noise in the motor compressor industry are at risk of STS. Duration of exposure to noise is a key factor in respect of harm to hearing health. STS could be used as a tool to screen workers who have hearing health problems.

Consumption Pattern of Energy Drinks by University of Ibadan Students and Associated Health Risks Factors

Energy drinks are non alcoholic, carbonated beverages claimed to give extra burst of energy for daily obligation. They contain some form of legal stimulants and vitamins which are meant to give consumers short term boost in energy and increase mental alertness. Energy drinks enjoy patronage especially among higher institution students in Nigeria, but little is known about the consumption pattern and possible health risks to consumers. This study was carried out to determine the contribution of four commonly consumed energy drinks to energy intake of University of Ibadan students and the associated health risk factors. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of energy drinks consumption was carried out using a four-stage systematic random sampling technique to select 307 students from six out of nine halls of residence for Undergraduates and the two Postgraduate halls. A validated semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, consumption pattern and frequency, and factors influencing consumption of energy drinks. Samples of the four most commonly consumed energy drinks by the students (Power Horse, Emerge, Red Bull and Matador brands) were purchased from different stores within and around the University of Ibadan campus. Composite samples of all the four energy drinks (with at least six months expiration date) were analysed for physico- chemical characteristics, gross energy, minerals and B-vitamins content in triplicate using standard methods of AOAC. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and one way ANOVA, and level of significance set at p < 0.05. Respondents mean age was 23.1 ± 4.6 years, 79.2% were undergraduates and 51.1% were female. Majority (74.6%) of respondents had ever taken energy drinks prior to the study, 42.4% reported consuming at least one can in a week, and 52.1% consumed 1 can at a sitting. Reasons for consumption included to increase: energy (48.2%), mental alertness (18.6%) and athletic performance (9.5%). Reported side effects were: insomnia (14.0%), frequent urination (12.2%), dehydration (11.3%), anxiety (9.1%), heart palpitation (3.5%). Frequency of consumption was significantly associated with gender (p < 0.05). Titratable acidity, total solids and pH of energy drinks ranged between 7.57 ± 0.60 - 8.28 ± 0.08, 7.57 ± 0.60 - 11.42 ± 0.31, and 3.36 ± 0.08 - 3.81 ± 0.12 respectively. Glucose, sucrose, and gross energy content ranged between 7.77 ± 0.01 - 7.89 ± 0.01 g, 22.61 ± 0.07 - 23.74 ± 0.09 g, and 43.59 ± 0.38 - 48.89 ± 0.28 kcal/100g respectively. Few respondents knew about the ingredients and potential health risks associated with energy drink consumption. All the four drinks had acidic pH, hence nutrition education on reduction of energy drink consumption is needed among these students.

Health and Safety Challenges, and Perceptions of Private Sector Waste Operators in Lagos, Nigeria

This study assessed the knowledge, and perceptions on safety measure practices and challenges of private sector participation (PSP) operators on solid waste management in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study and utilized interviewer administered questionnaire. The study employed purposive sampling among 256 PSP operators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment and multiple regression analysis correlation at 5% level of significance. Respondents’ age was 35.7 ± 4.2 years, and included 78.5% male. About 55.9% of the respondents spent up to 5 years in the waste management operations. Some 44.9% had at least completed secondary school education. A good knowledge of waste management was exhibited by 68.4% of the respondents. The respondents who had spent 16 years and above in waste management operations were more knowledgeable (8.0 ± 2.1) compared to those who had spent lesser time

Exposure to Emissions from Kerosene Cooking Stoves and the Pulmonary Health Status of Women in Olorunda Community, Ibadan, Nigeria

Exposure to high PM10 by women and children for hours on a daily basis in poor ventilated kitchen may lead to respiratory morbidity among this vulnerable group. In Nigeria, data on the levels of air pollutants associated with kerosene stove combustion are very scarce. Like-wise little had been documented on the pulmonary health of women exposed to kerosene stove emission. This study was carried out to measure the levels of kerosene combustion emissions within kitchen environments and also assess the pulmonary function status of the exposed women at baseline. Particulate matter (PM10) and gaseous emissions (GE) were measured in six purposively selected clusters of regular kerosene stove users (KSU) using gravimetric sampler and gas monitors, respectively and their values compared with WHO guideline limits. 167 randomly selected KSU were surveyed to elicit their socio demographic features. A spirometer was used to assess the lung function status (FEV1) of 72 KSU in six neighbourhood kitchen clusters. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson’s correlation tests. Respondents’ mean age was 38 + 12.9 years. Mean duration of exposure to GE was 18.9 + 9.8 years. Mean PM10 was 248.1 + 14.1 μg/m3 and ten folds higher than WHO guideline limit of 25 μg/m3. Mean GE in ppm were: CO (0.00), CO2 (200.1 + 12.4), SO2 (0.01 + 0.00) and NO2 (0.00). Mean FEV1 among KSU was 2.0 + 0.5 litres which was significantly lower than the mean predicted value of 2.7 ± 0.5 litres. There was a negative correlation between PM10 and FEV1 (r = -0.7539, p > 0.05). Safer cooking methods and practices to obviate health hazards are advocated.

In Bangla There Is No Word for Vagina —Reflections on Language, Sexual Health, and Women’s Access to Healthcare in Resource-Limited Countries

Language plays a central role in how gender and sexuality are described. In Bangla or Bengali, physicians, when educating and counseling women patients, do not have a socially acceptable word for “vagina”. If language is missing for female genitalia or important female sexual functions, could this absence reflect on the position of women in society, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare? Is there a relationship between language and the high rates of the gender-based cervical and breast cancers in some low and middle-income countries? This commentary examines scholarship on the topic of language, the female body, gender-based violence, disparities of healthcare for women, and the consequences of language on sexual attitudes and health.