BACKGROUND: An edible oil factory is a labor-intensive and technologically complex industry, with workers potentially exposed to a variety of dangers associated with such industries. Personal protective equipment is a universal, legal requirement, and an important strategy for preventing occupational injuries and illnesses caused by workplace hazards. However, such industries receive little attention, especially in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess personal protective equipment utilization and its associated factors among workers in the PhiBela edible oil factory in Burie, Ethiopia, in 2022.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was employed among the PhiBela edible oil factory workers in Burie. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 389 PhiBela edible oil factory workers. Face-to-face interviews and self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect data on workers’ protective equipment utilization practice, socio-demographic, work-related, environmental, and organizational factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The logistic regression method was used to see factors associated with workers’ protective equipment utilization. The strength of the association was calculated using an odds ratio at 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: Of the total workers, 216, 55.52% (48.33-57.78) workers utilize personal protective equipment in the factory. The study showed safety training [AOR (4.68, 95%CI (2.76-7.45)], availability of personal protective equipment [AOR = 4.86; 95%CI: 2.23-6.98], regular health and safety supervision [AOR = 2.751; 95%CI: 1.806-3.801], availability of safety guideline at workplace [AOR = 3.798; 95%CI: 1.248-6.173], having work experience 3 years and above [AOR = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.06-2.18], not using alcohol [AOR = 3.07; 95%CI: 2.11-4.76], and not smoking cigarette [AOR = 1.88; 95%CI: 1.55-3.11] were predictors of personal protective equipment utilization.

CONCLUSION: The level of personal protective equipment utilization among Phibela edible oil factory workers is 55.52%, which is moderate when compared to other studies done in developing countries. The presence of Safety training, availability of personal protective equipment, regular health and safety supervision, availability of guidelines at workplaces, having work experiences, not using alcohol, and cigarrete smoking were factors found to be a significant predictors of personal protective equipment utilization. As a result, close workplace supervision, safety training, and availing guidelines are the recommendations to be in place.

Climate change-induced flooding has caused public health crises in Borno State, Nigeria, which influence the increase of waterborne diseases and malnutrition. Flooding disrupts water and sanitation systems, creating breeding grounds for waterborne diseases such as cholera, malaria, and diarrheal illnesses. The displacement of communities and destruction of agricultural infrastructure due to flooding further increase food insecurity, leading to malnutrition. This paper examines the interplay between flooding, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition in Borno State, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies and strengthened healthcare systems to mitigate these public health challenges. Additionally, it highlights the double burden of conflict and climate change where ongoing conflicts impede efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Finally, this paper outlines the socio-economic impacts of flooding and proposes interventions to mitigate the effects of flooding.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common parasitic infections worldwide but remain underappreciated in certain regions, including Laos PDR. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 1-year health education intervention on improving knowledge and practices related to STH prevention among grades 4 and 5 primary school pupils in Xay District, Udomxay Province, Laos in 2023.

METHODS: We conducted a health education intervention study and pre-post intervention surveys using a pre-tested and validated questionnaire. A 2-stage sampling approach selected 363 pupils from Bankhat and Namgan primary schools in Xay District. Pupils’ knowledge and practices were assessed and compared before and after the intervention using the McNemar test. Statistical significance was determined at P < .05.

RESULTS: The intervention led to a significant improvement in pupils’ knowledge and practices regarding STH prevention. The proportion of pupils with good knowledge increased from 38.3% at baseline to 96.4% at endline, while those demonstrating good practices rose from 34.7% to 91.1%.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The health education intervention played a critical role in reducing the risk of STH infections among school-aged children. National health policies in Lao PDR should incorporate comprehensive STH prevention strategies, including school-based health education, improved sanitation, and community engagement, to achieve sustainable impacts.

This study, utilizing data from the 2020 Somaliland Demographic and Health Survey, investigates the prevalence of household solid fuel use in Somaliland and the factors associated with this practice. Our analysis reveals that a staggering 97.2% of households rely on solid fuels like wood and charcoal for cooking, with only 2.8% utilizing clean energy sources. We employed multilevel logistic regression to examine the influence of individual and community-level variables on fuel choice. Results highlight the significant roles of education level, gender of the household head, wealth status, and location of cooking in shaping fuel selection. The study, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, emphasizes the urgency of promoting clean energy alternatives, improving cooking practices, and addressing the health and environmental impacts of solid fuel usage to foster a more sustainable energy landscape in Somaliland.

Biomass smoke exposure represents a critical health concern, especially for those in occupational settings such as fish smoking. While substantial research has addressed indoor air pollution from domestic cooking, the specific risks faced by fish smokers have received insufficient attention. This study sheds light on the alarming relationship between smoke exposure and health issues among commercial fish smokers in Abuesi, Ghana. Through a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis involving 302 participants, we utilized structured questionnaires and expert eye assessments to gather vital data. Our statistical evaluation, including descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and chi-square tests, revealed a troubling prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as cough, asthma, and breathlessness, all significantly linked to prolonged smoke exposure. Eye health findings were equally concerning, with distant vision impairment affecting 26.37%, eye discomfort reported at 53.02%, and notable rates of cataracts (28.6%) and refractive errors (17.9%). For those suffering from breathlessness, asthma, and pneumonia, the data indicated that longer exposure durations correlated with more severe health outcomes. Specifically, subjects without breathlessness had an average smoking duration of 14.84 years (SD = 12.29) compared to just 10.26 years (SD = 11.15) for those with the symptom—a statistically significant P-value of .014. Asthma and pneumonia exhibited similar trends, highlighting a distressing reality: shorter smoking histories align with more severe health conditions, suggesting that such symptoms might drive smokers to abandon their practices prematurely. Given the serious health risks tied to traditional fish smoking practices, this study strongly advocates for the implementation of improved smoking technologies, better ventilation systems, and comprehensive health education initiatives. These measures are essential to safeguard the health of those involved in this vital industry and reduce exposure to hazardous smoke.

INTRODUCTION: Access to safe drinking water is crucial for health and survival, yet many developing countries face significant challenges in this regard. In West Africa, rapid urbanisation has outpaced efforts to improve access to potable water, compelling households to rely on private vendors for solutions, particularly through the growing market for sachet water. Widely consumed in Ghana, sachet water has become a convenient and affordable option, with over 37% of the population depending on it. However, concerns about its microbial safety persist, as studies indicate that sachet water often fails to meet necessary safety standards. This review consolidated existing research on microbial contaminants in sachet water, aiming to provide a representative overview of the microbial quality of sachet water in Ghana.

METHOD: The systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A thorough literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus and the search engine Google Scholar, using relevant search terms. Eligible studies were identified based on established criteria, and data were subsequently extracted and analysed.

RESULTS: A total of 28 studies published from 2003 to 2024 were selected for inclusion in this review. Notably, 96% of these studies reported bacteria from 17 different genera, while 11% examined parasites from 5 genera. Some studies (7%) investigated both types of contaminants. Overall, 2,276 sachet water samples were analysed, with 1,727 (76%) showing microbial contamination. Escherichia coli was the most identified bacteria, while Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium parvum were the most identified parasites.

CONCLUSION: This study highlighted critical public health risks associated with sachet water in Ghana, particularly the presence of harmful bacteria and parasites. It is important to implement stricter manufacturing and sanitation standards and encourage safe handling practices to ensure the safety and quality of sachet water. Additionally, future research should focus on bridging existing gaps by investigating parasitic, viral, and fungal contaminants, to provide a holistic overview of the microbial contaminants in sachet water in Ghana.

Exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution presents a significant public health and economic challenge in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This thesis used the Environmental benefits mapping and analysis program-community edition (BenMAP-CE) software tool to estimate health and economic impact of ambient air PM_2.5 pollution. The study evaluated the impact of decreasing the annual average PM_2.5 concentration in 2019 (32.8 µg/m³) to different international and national air quality standards, including World health Organization’s guidelines and the Ethiopian National Ambient Air Quality standard (NAAQS). Results showed that Addis Ababa exceeded both WHO’s and Ethiopia’s ambient air quality standards in 2019. The study estimated the attributable deaths from cardiovascular, ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lower respiratory infection (LRI) due to PM_2.5 exposure across 3 reduction scenarios. Additionally, economic benefits associated with avoided deaths were quantified using the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Value of Statistical Life (VSL) methodology. The finding demonstrated that reducing PM_2.5 pollution levels led to a notable decrease in mortality rates from various health conditions in Addis Ababa. Moreover substantial economic benefits, amounting to millions of dollars, were observed across all health endpoints, indicating significant societal savings. This study underscores the importance of implementing interventions to mitigate PM_2.5 pollution for improved public health and economic well-being in Addis Ababa and similar urban settings.

Background: Wastewater treatment is crucial to protecting public health and the environment by removing Biohazards. In Ethiopia, however, significant research gaps limit progress, especially regarding the efficiency of Biohazard removal in existing treatment facilities. This review evaluates the effectiveness of current treatment methods for Biohazard removal, highlights key challenges, and offers recommendations.

Methods: This scoping review followed PRISMA guidelines, systematically searching databases like NLM. Science Direct, HINARI and Scopus for Biohazard removal studies in Ethiopia, with independent reviewers screening and analyzing relevant data to identify key challenges.

Results: Out of 1218 studies initially recorded by title and abstract, only 11 articles were selected for analysis. The Activated Sludge Process emerged as a highly effective system, achieving 85% to 95% removal of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and total coliforms. Other methods, such as the Conventional Activated Sludge, and Anaerobic-Aerobic Reactors, demonstrated promising results but were found only in select locations. However, the widely adopted Oxidation Ponds, Ethiopia’s most common wastewater treatment system, showed the lowest AMR removal efficiency, at just 30% to 50%. Significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, high operational costs, and weak regulatory enforcement.

Conclusions and recommendations: The review underscores the need for affordable wastewater treatment in Ethiopia, highlighting challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and high costs. To enhance effectiveness and reduce public health risks from Biohazards like AMR, recommendations include adopting cost-effective treatment technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, increasing public awareness, promoting corporate responsibility, and investing in infrastructure for sustainable wastewater management.

This scoping review highlights the Activated Sludge Process and Anaerobic-Aerobic Reactors as effective methods, achieving 85% to 95% AMR removal. In contrast, Oxidation Ponds, commonly used in Ethiopia, show only 30% to 50% efficiency. Addressing challenges like inadequate infrastructure and costs is crucial, necessitating low-cost technologies for sustainable wastewater management.

Graphical Abstract

Due to the remoteness of rural areas, the impact of environmental pollution on residents’ health has not received adequate attention. This study examined the relationship between coal consumption and residents’ health status in rural areas in China between 2005 and 2021. We explored the impact of air pollution caused by coal combustion on the health of rural residents in China and provided associated countermeasures. The annual number of medical visits of rural residents was evaluated via multiple regression, and the Pearson correlation and Granger causality tests were used to evaluate the relationships between coal consumption and the changes in mortality rates of various diseases in rural areas. The results revealed that coal consumption for domestic use had a significant (P < .001) positive effect on the frequency of medical treatment, whereas this effect was not significant at the production end. Significant positive correlations existed between coal consumption in rural areas and increased mortality rates for 7 out of the 10 main diseases. Causal relationships were identified between coal consumption and increased mortality rates due to urogenital system diseases and nervous system diseases. The empirical results of this study suggest that the gradual promotion of clean energy replacement of coal with electricity and natural gas in rural areas should reduce the probability of exposure to gas emitted from coal combustion for rural residents. Related diseases in coal-consuming areas should be screened regularly to effectively protect the health and safety of rural residents.

BACKGROUND: School-based interventions are crucial for promoting healthy behaviors in children and preventing the spread of diseases. This study aimed to enhance hygiene knowledge and practices (K&P) among school children through a school-based intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To improve personal and environmental hygiene K&P amongst primary and middle-grade students in urban squatter settlement schools in Karachi, Pakistan using school-based intervention.

DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study conducted in three schools over 2 years.

SETTING: Urban squatter settlement schools in Karachi, Pakistan, serving primary, and middle-grade students.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 156 students participated in the study, with a majority of 55.77% being girls (n = 87). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to evaluate the impact of the intervention.

INTERVENTION: Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) strategies aimed at improving school children’s hygiene K&P.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures included changes in hygiene K&P pre- and post-intervention, specifically focusing on personal hygiene and environmental hygiene.

RESULTS: Significant improvements observed post-intervention. Mean knowledge score differences were 20.33 (SD = 5.85) for personal hygiene and 10.08 (SD = 7.72) for environmental hygiene. Practice scores also increased, with mean differences of 2.52 (SD = 1.98) and 2.47 (SD = 2.08) for personal and environmental hygiene, respectively. Statistically significant improvements (P < .05) were noted across most of the hygiene domains.

CONCLUSIONS: The school-based intervention effectively improved personal and environmental hygiene K&P among primary and middle-grade children in urban squatter settlement schools. Key recommendations include integrating hygiene education into the curriculum, providing enabling environment to children and capacity building of school teachers to teach hygiene education.

This study evaluated the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the carcinogenic risks of cattle and goat meats singed with either firewood, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or tyres from five cities in Ghana. The meat samples, before and after singeing, as well as after scraping and washing, were collected from abattoirs and sent to Clinical Analysis Laboratory (Can-Lab) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for PAH analysis. Tyre-singed meats exhibit significantly higher PAHs concentrations (P = .01304) compared to those singed with firewood and LPG. Benzo[a]pyrene was the predominant PAH in tyre-singed cattle and goat meats, with concentrations of 23.1 mg/kg and 12.16 mg/kg, respectively. Washing singed meats reduced PAH levels, yet tyre-singed samples retained higher and dangerous concentrations than those singed with other fuels. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed a significant effect of fuel type on PAH16 concentrations (P = .01304). The Tukey HSD test indicated a significant difference between LPG and tyre (P = .0105). Estimated daily intake (EDI) calculations highlighted potential health risks, particularly from tyre-singed meats, which exceeded regulatory limits set by health authorities. The findings emphasize the health hazards associated with consuming meats singed with tyres in Ghana and underscore the need for stringent regulatory measures and public awareness to mitigate PAH exposure.

This paper highlights the health risk concern associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meat.

Background: The decline in wheat output in Ethiopia is widely attributed to pests, which has led to a rise in the usage of pesticides to boost productivity. The degree of pesticides sorption and degradation which influence the likelihood of environmental contamination from pesticides seeping into water bodies from soil has not yet been published for Ethiopian soils. The study aimed at to quantify the levels of pesticide residues, assess glyphosate’s adsorption capabilities and degradation rate in the soils.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: QuEChERS method of extraction was employed to determine the concentration of the respective pesticides. The adsorption capacities of glyphosate in agricultural soils of Cheha and Dinsho districts were measured using batch adsorption techniques.

RESULTS: Six pesticide residues were found in 12 soil samples at varied quantities. Glyphosate (24.00-219.31 µg kg⁻¹), s-metolachlor (23.67-220.67 µg kg⁻¹), chlorpyrifos (27.74 202.67 µg kg⁻¹), pyroxulam (14.67-50.65 µg kg⁻¹), florasulam (78.00-250.67 µg kg⁻¹), malathion (15.00-49.67 µg kg⁻¹). The experimental results showed that glyphosate was slightly sorbed at SD10 soil (18.91 µg⁻¹⁻ⁿ mLⁿ g⁻¹) in comparison to SC1 soil (114.66 µg⁻¹⁻ⁿ mLⁿ g⁻¹). Organic matter and clay content proving to be the principal factors influencing the process. According to adsorption experimental data, chemisorption is the major process in glyphosate adsorption, with the pseudo-second order kinetic model providing the best fit (R² = .99). The soils in the study area exhibit notable variations in glyphosate rate of degradation (0.0076-0.0221 week⁻¹). The findings show that the main soil variables affecting the half-life (glyphosate degradation) were clay concentrations (R² = .48; P = .013), pH (R² = .55; P = .0055), Organic matter (R² = .74; P = .00027), Fe_ox (R² = .50; P = .0105), and Al_ox (R² = .73; P = .00046).

CONCLUSION: The weak glyphosate adsorption capabilities of soils can be a good indicator that the pesticide residues in the soil are poised to endanger soil organisms and contaminate nearby water bodies through runoff and leaching.