Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chisala D. Meki, Esper J. Ncube, Kuku Voyi
Summary: This scoping review summarizes existing frameworks for mitigating the risks of waterborne diarrheal diseases and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of these frameworks. Five frameworks were identified, all of which shared common components and included health promotion and education. The existing frameworks need to be updated specifically for mitigating waterborne diarrheal diseases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lucien Bisimwa, Kelly Endres, Camille Williams, Elizabeth D. Thomas, Jennifer Kuhl, Nicole Coglianese, Sarah Bauler, Jahed Masud, Ruthly Francois, Ronald Saxton, Presence Sanvura, Jean Claude Bisimwa, Patrick Mirindi, Alain Mwishingo, Jamie Perin, Christine Marie George
Summary: Diarrhea is a major cause of childhood illness and mortality. A study conducted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo found low awareness of diarrheal disease and handwashing with soap among caregivers of children under 5 years old. Targeted interventions are needed to increase diarrhea awareness and promote handwashing.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hanako Iwashita, Asako Tokizawa, Vu Dinh Thiem, Taichiro Takemura, Tuan Hai Nguyen, Hang Thi Doan, Anh Hong Quynh Pham, Na Ly Tran, Tetsu Yamashiro
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and potential risk factors of diarrheal diseases in an agricultural community in Vietnam. The study found that participants who used tap water for drinking had a higher frequency of diarrhea, while participants who used a flush toilet had a lower incidence of diarrhea.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Thi Thuy Bui, Duc Canh Nguyen, Mooyoung Han, Mikyeong Kim, Hyunju Park
Summary: The successful implementation of a Rainwater For Drinking (RFD) system at Ton Due Thang University in Vietnam addressed water quality uncertainties through technical design and IT-assisted monitoring, while also promoting awareness and ownership through social platforms. By utilizing local labor and materials, economic challenges were overcome, demonstrating the potential for rainwater to be used as drinking water and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Suman Kanungo, Pranab Chatterjee, Jayanta Saha, Tania Pan, Nandini Datta Chakrabarty, Shanta Dutta
Summary: The study found high WASH coverage among residents of urban slums in Kolkata, with some issues such as unhealthy disposal of children's stools. While most households had access to piped water, some still spent a significant amount of time fetching water. Food hygiene practices were good, but frequent consumption of street food was reported.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Van-Truc Nguyen, Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo, Thanh-Dai Tran, Thi-Nhu-Khanh Nguyen, Thanh-Binh Nguyen, Bao-Trong Dang, Xuan-Thanh Bui
Summary: This study evaluated the occurrence of arsenic in groundwater in Long An and Tien Giang provinces, Vietnam, and its risks to human health. Arsenic concentrations in Long An exceeded the standards, posing a direct impact on human health. Risk assessment conducted by USEPA showed significantly higher cancer risk values than the proposed standard.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. D. Sazzadul Islam Bhuyian, Jamie Perin, Kelly Endres, Fatema Zohura, Jahed Masud, Tahmina Parvin, Ismat Minhaj Uddin, Tasdik Hasan, Shirajum Monira, David A. Sack, Abu S. G. Faruque, Munirul Alam, Christine Marie George
Summary: The CHoBI7 mobile health program in Bangladesh uses interactive voice response (IVR), voice, and text messages to promote water, sanitation, and hygiene behaviors and reduce diarrheal diseases. This study found that correct responses to CHoBI7 IVR quiz messages were associated with decreased diarrhea prevalence and improved water quality and handwashing behaviors.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Chisala D. Meki, Esper J. Ncube, Kuku Voyi
Summary: This study reviewed the literature to identify available interventions to mitigate the risk of waterborne diarrheal diseases. The results showed that specific interventions for each type of waterborne diarrheal disease are necessary for effective prevention. Stakeholders need to collaborate in providing and implementing multiple interventions for the best outcomes.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanchu Ke, Wenjun Sun, Shuming Liu, Ying Zhu, Shuang Yan, Xiuli Chen, Shuguang Xie
Summary: This study examines the functional attributes of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) and their associations with seasonality. The microbial metabolic traits of biofilms collected during different seasons were analyzed, revealing significant differences in functional attributes among seasons. The results show that genes associated with various metabolic pathways, including aromatic metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, were upregulated in the summer due to higher temperatures and chlorine levels. Nitrogen, sulfur, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycling, and carbon fixation pathways were also reconstructed and displayed according to the sampling season. The study highlights the diverse functional genes in DWDS biofilms, their synergetic interrelationships, and the impacts of seasonality on functional attributes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luciano Barros Zini, Rafaela Lorenzini, Luana Gabriele Gomes Camelo, Mariliz Gutterres
Summary: This research evaluated Giardia and Cryptosporidium contamination in surface water supply in Rio Grande do Sul, South Brazil from 2016 to 2020, finding a higher probability of finding these protozoa in winter and indicating sewage as the main source of contamination.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saravanan Jothivel, Dafang Fu, Sheela Mary, Endon R. Rene, Rajendra Prasad Singh
Summary: The study focused on investigating pollution levels in open wells, bore wells, and drinking water from riverine community sites. The suitability of the water for drinking and irrigation was assessed using user-specific water quality indices and parameters quality index. Principal component analysis was also performed to analyze the physio-chemical parameters. Most of the water quality parameters showed notable variation, with some exceeding the standards set by authorized organizations. The drinking water samples were found to be of good quality for human health and hygiene, but none were excellent. The open and bore well water samples were generally suitable for agricultural purposes, with a few exceptions that were of poor or fair quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicola Gaertner, Laura Germann, Kennedy Wanyama, Henry Ouma, Regula Meierhofer
Summary: The study demonstrated that three strategies were implemented in Eastern Uganda to reduce the risk of recontamination of drinking water during transport and storage. Among these strategies, using cleaned improved containers showed the lowest levels of recontamination. Transporting water in containers with wide openings and increasing WASH education visits played a positive role in reducing E. coli recontamination levels.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Wookjin Yang, Dong-Wan Kang, Sue Young Ha, Seung-Hoon Lee
Summary: This study found that middle-aged participants with specific drinking patterns had a reduced risk of ischemic stroke, but this effect was limited to the earlier period.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Getu Debalkie Demissie, Muluken Fekadie Zerihun, Daniale Tekelia Ekubagewargies, Yigizie Yeshaw, Tadeg Jemere, Bisrat Misganaw, Amare Tariku, Asmamaw Atnafu
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the associated factors of safe child feces disposal among children under two years of age in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that factors such as urban residence, higher level of education, wealth index, improved water source, toilet ownership, and media exposure were associated with safe child feces disposal.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Justyna Kubicz, Pawel Lochynski, Adam Pawelczyk, Maciej Karczewski
Summary: This study compared the content of pollutants in groundwater samples taken at 117 measurement points in four regions of Poland during a drought period and in the reference period without drought. It was found that not all locations experience an increase in pollutant concentration during drought, and in some cases drought does not lead to an increase in non-cancerogenic threat. However, changes in groundwater pollution during drought can result in an overall trend of increasing environmental health risk.
Review
Development Studies
Chandni Singh, Soundarya Iyer, Mark G. New, Roger Few, Bhavana Kuchimanchi, Alcade C. Segnon, Daniel Morchain
Summary: This review highlights the challenges in defining adaptation goals and the impact of different normative views on adaptation effectiveness. It presents eleven principles of effective adaptation for guiding international and national tracking and monitoring efforts.
CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Wedad Alahamade, Iain Lake, Claire E. Reeves, Beatriz De la Iglesia
Summary: Multivariate Time Series Clustering (MVTS) is an important task, especially for large and complex datasets. This study focuses on the UK air quality assessments and proposes a new clustering method followed by imputation for time series data. The experimental results show that MVTS clustering produces the best clusters and helps reduce the error between imputed and real values.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Steve Rushton, Tim Winters, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: This study found that factors such as population aged 65 and older, care home bed capacity, and less rurality are associated with excess COVID-19 cases and deaths. Higher deprivation was linked to higher mortality rates, while population density, travel time to local employment centers, and air quality indicators did not predict excess cases or deaths.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paula B. Blomquist, Jessica Bridgen, Neil Bray, Anne Marie O'Connell, Daniel West, Natalie Groves, Eileen Gallagher, Lara Utsi, Christopher Jarvis, Jo L. Hardstaff, Chloe Byers, Soeren Metelmann, David Simons, Asad Zaidi, Katherine A. Twohig, Bethan Savagar, Alessandra Lochen, Cian Ryan, Katie Wrenn, Maria Saavedra-Campos, Zahidul Abedin, Isaac Florence, Paul Cleary, Richard Elson, Roberto Vivancos, Iain R. Lake
Summary: When SARS-CoV-2 Omicron emerged, the failure of the S gene target provided a way to differentiate it from the dominant Delta variant. In England, where S gene target surveillance was already in place, this led to quick identification of potential Omicron cases and real-time monitoring of its growth. The use of S gene target surveillance played a crucial role in public health measures, including case identification and incident management, and we provide practical insights on its application.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Samantha Hall, Mike van der Es, Adekemi Sekoni, Amy Price, Maria Clara Padoveze, Folasade T. Ogunsola, Lucia Yasuko Izumi Nichiata, Emilio Hornsey, Brian Crook, Ferla Cirino, Larry Chu, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: This article examines the protective potential of face shields and explores the preferences and perspectives of both community and healthcare workers. The laboratory tests revealed that no face shield provides complete protection against exposure, and the level of protection is influenced by head orientation and design features.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roger Morbey, Gillian Smith, Karen Exley, Andre Charlett, Daniela de Angelis, Sally Harcourt, Felipe Gonzalez, Iain Lake, Alec Dobney, Alex Elliot
Summary: Syndromic surveillance data was used to estimate the direct impact of air pollution on healthcare-seeking behavior. The results showed a significant increase in healthcare consultations due to air pollution, although the numbers involved were small.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gillian E. Smith, Sally E. Harcourt, Uy Hoang, Agnieszka Lemanska, Alex J. Elliot, Roger A. Morbey, Helen E. Hughes, Iain Lake, Isabel Oliver, Julian Sherlock, Richard Amlot, Simon de Lusignan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures on mental health conditions in the national healthcare system in England. The results showed that mental health consultations decreased during the early stages of the pandemic but increased post-lockdown, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The study highlights the complex and multifactorial nature of the impact on mental health.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Diane Bunn, Laura Watts, Anne Killett, Sarah J. O. ' Brien, Iain R. Lake, Suzanne Mumford, Kathleen Lane
Summary: This study surveyed LTCF staff in England about their preparedness and morale during the COVID-19 epidemic. The results showed that staff morale and attitudes towards the working environment were generally positive, and infection control training was perceived as adequate. However, the working environment presented new challenges, and the use of personal protective equipment varied.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nik Muhammad Nizam Nik Hassan, Paul R. Hunter, Iain R. Lake
Summary: This study evaluates the risk perception of an untreated water supply in a small island community in Malaysia and identifies factors such as age, income level, water odor perception, and water supply reliability perception that influence risk perception.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Sumaiya Hoque, Pedro Pinto, Claudia A. Ribeiro, Evi Canniere, Yvonne Daandels, Martine Dellevoet, Anne Bourgeois, Ourida Hammouma, Paul Hunter, Eleni Gentekaki, Martin Kvac, Jerome Follet, Anastasios D. Tsaousis
Summary: Cryptosporidium parvum is a major cause of acute enteritis in calves and poses a significant public health threat. Our study found a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium in dairy calves from farms in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, highlighting the need for further investigation and control measures for this disease.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Erica Kintz, Julii Brainard, Mike Vanderes, Roberto Vivancos, Lisa Byrne, Saira Butt, Claire Jenkins, Richard Elson, Iain Lake, Paul Hunter
Summary: A case-control study in England found that non-food exposures such as travel and childcare occupations increased the risk of infection with different serotypes of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), including O157 and O26, while day trips within the UK, exposure to dogs, and contact with soil were associated with lower infection risk. The study also revealed unique reservoirs for different serotypes.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jonathan H. Geere, Paul R. Hunter, Girish N. Swamy, Andrew J. Cook, Amarjit S. Rai
Summary: The purpose of this study was to identify clinical predictors and build prediction models for 1-year patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) after lumbar decompressive surgery for disc herniation or spinal stenosis. The study found that baseline PROMs, specific co-morbidities, work status, condition duration, previous lumbar operation, female, and smoking status were important predictors. The models developed in this study were able to predict the likelihood of achieving a satisfactory state of both disability and pain.
EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Iain R. Lake, Roger A. Morbey, Natalia R. Jones, Alex J. Elliot, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, different surveillance systems were used to track cases in England. This study compared the performance of these systems in terms of case counts, prevalence, incidence, timeliness, and comprehensiveness. The results showed that the household survey system was the most comprehensive and least biased, while clinical cases, self-reporting digital app data, and emergency department attendances were useful and timely epidemic trackers.
LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
J. H. Geere, G. N. Swamy, P. R. Hunter, J-A. L. Geere, L. N. Lutchman, A. J. Cook, A. S. Rai
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for five-year same-site recurrent disc herniation (sRDH) after primary single-level lumbar discectomy, as well as the incidence and risk factors for five-year sRDH reoperation. A retrospective study was conducted using prospectively collected data and patient-reported outcome measures. The findings revealed that current smoking and higher preoperative disability were independent risk factors for sRDH. These findings have important implications for risk assessment, consent of patients, and perioperative management for spinal surgeons and rehabilitation specialists.
BONE & JOINT JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Natalia R. Jones, Isabel Catalina Swindells, Elizabeth J. Archer, Anastasia Kolyva, Charlotte Letley, Katharine Pond, Iain R. Lake, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of observational and experimental studies worldwide to evaluate the effectiveness of indoor air treatment technologies in preventing respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. The results suggest that while some air treatment technologies, such as germicidal lights and high efficiency particulate air filtration, can reduce environmental and surface samples, robust evidence for their effectiveness in reducing infections in real world settings is still lacking.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samantha Horn, Yana Litovsky, George Loewenstein
Summary: This study suggests that curiosity can be a useful tool in increasing demand for and engagement with aversive health information. By manipulating curiosity through various methods, researchers found that participants were more likely to view and engage with information about their drinking habits, cancer risk, and the sugar content in drinks. Overall, curiosity prompts provide a simple and effective way to increase engagement with aversive health information.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sandra Gillner
Summary: Despite high expectations, the extensive and rapid adoption of AI in medical diagnostics has not been realized. This study investigates the perception and navigation of AI providers in complex healthcare systems, revealing their self-organization to increase adaptability and the practices utilized to mitigate tensions within the healthcare subsystems.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fabian Duartea, Alvaro Jimenez-Molina
Summary: This study found that violence related to social protest has a significant impact on depressive symptoms, leading to an increase in depression among the population in Chile. The effect varies by gender and age, with a stronger influence on men and young adults.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nick Graetz, Carl Gershenson, Sonya R. Porter, Danielle H. Sandler, Emily Lemmerman, Matthew Desmond
Summary: Investments in stable, affordable housing may be an important tool for improving population health. This study, using administrative data, found that high rent burden, increases in rent burden during midlife, and evictions were associated with increased mortality.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wan Wei
Summary: This study explores the phenomenon of other patient participation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), uncovering the various roles that third parties can assume during medical interactions. The findings contribute to existing research on patient resistance and triadic medical interactions, providing insights into the dynamics and implications of third-party involvement in medical consultations.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Harry Scarbrough, Katie Rose M. Sanfilippo, Alexandra Ziemann, Charitini Stavropoulou
Summary: This paper examines the contribution of pilot implementation studies to the wider spread and sustainability of innovation in healthcare systems. Through an empirical examination of an innovation intermediary organization in the English NHS, the study finds that their work in mobilizing pilot-based evidence involves configuring to context, transitioning evidence, and managing the transition. The findings contribute to theory by showing how intermediary roles can support the effective transitioning of pilot-based evidence, leading to more widespread adoption and sustainability of innovation.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marta Seiz, Leire Salazar, Tatiana Eremenko
Summary: This study examines the impact of maternal educational selection on birth outcomes during an economic recession, and finds that more educated mothers are more likely to give birth during high unemployment periods. Additionally, maternal education mitigates the adverse effects of unemployment on birth outcomes and is consistently associated with better perinatal health.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jingyuan Shi, Hye Kyung Kim, Charles T. Salmon, Edson C. Tandoc Jr, Zhang Hao Goh
Summary: This study examines the influence of individual and collective norms on COVID-19 vaccination intention across eight Asian countries. The findings reveal nuanced patterns of how individual and collective social norms influence health behavioral decisions, depending on the degree of cultural tightness-looseness.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elliot Friedman, Melissa Franks, Elizabeth Teas, Patricia A. Thomas
Summary: This study found that positive relations with others have a significant impact on functional limitations and longevity in aging adults, independent of social integration and social support.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zhuolin Pan, Yuqi Liu, Ye Liu, Ziwen Huo, Wenchao Han
Summary: This study examines the effects of age-friendly neighbourhood environment and functional abilities on life satisfaction among older adults in urban China. The findings highlight the importance of transportation, housing, and social and physical environment factors in influencing functional abilities and life satisfaction. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers in enhancing older adults' life satisfaction in the Chinese urban context.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)