1
|
Ueno M, Miyake K, Shimada H, Tomokawa S. Effectiveness of a continuous handwashing education program with multiple activities at a Japanese kindergarten school. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae056. [PMID: 38864399 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Formation of proper handwashing techniques and habits from childhood is important for disease prevention. However, there are few studies that comprehensively and longitudinally evaluate the effectiveness of handwashing education for kindergarteners. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous handwashing education using multiple activities to improve handwashing practices and skills among first- to third-grade students at a kindergarten in central Japan. A quasi-experimental one group pre- and post-test design was used. The education program consisted of three activities: (i) a 1-day teaching session by a researcher in January 2021, (ii) a 1-month follow-up activity led by kindergarten teachers and (iii) a 1-month follow-up activity led by parents at home, both occurring from late January to late February 2021. The study used questionnaires and handwashing skill experiments to investigate the kindergarteners' handwashing practices and comprehensive handwashing skills (handwashing steps, handwashing time, rinsing time and areas of the hands left unwashed) before and after Activities 1, 2 and 3. Data were obtained from 56 kindergarteners (64.4%). Second and third graders showed a significant improvement in their handwashing practices after coughing or sneezing. With the exception of rinsing time, handwashing skills significantly improved in all grades after the 1-day teaching session. After 1-month follow-up activities, the number of areas left unwashed by first graders significantly decreased, and the score for handwashing steps significantly improved. This study indicated that continuous handwashing education is partially effective at improving and maintaining handwashing practices and skills, except for rinsing time, among kindergarteners of all grades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Ueno
- International Division, Tokyo Gakugei University, 4-1-1 Nukuikita, Koganei City, Tokyo, 184-8501, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Miyake
- Faculty of Education, Shinshu University, 6-Ro Nishinagano, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-8544, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shimada
- Faculty of Education, Shinshu University, 6-Ro Nishinagano, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-8544, Japan
| | - Sachi Tomokawa
- Faculty of Education, Shinshu University, 6-Ro Nishinagano, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-8544, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee I. Co-benefits from health and health systems to education. Health Policy 2024; 142:105016. [PMID: 38394700 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.105016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This review draws on over 70 studies spanning 2000 to 2023 to analyze the causal effect of health on educational outcomes. Health and health system interventions during the prenatal, infant, and childhood period impact longer-run educational attainment and performance. The magnitude of these effects is both statistically and economically significant, comparable in size to impacts on educational outcomes of interventions found in the literature. These impacts of health and health system interventions differ across gender and socioeconomic status, illustrating how health and health systems can exacerbate or mitigate educational inequalities. By showing the intertwined nature of health and education, this review highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach in policy-making that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Lee
- Institute for Fiscal Studies, 7 Ridgmount Street, London, WC1E 7AE, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jefferson T, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, van Driel ML, Bawazeer GA, Jones MA, Hoffmann TC, Clark J, Beller EM, Glasziou PP, Conly JM. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD006207. [PMID: 36715243 PMCID: PMC9885521 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006207.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Antiviral drugs and vaccines may be insufficient to prevent their spread. This is an update of a Cochrane Review last published in 2020. We include results from studies from the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and two trials registers in October 2022, with backwards and forwards citation analysis on the new studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs investigating physical interventions (screening at entry ports, isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, personal protection, hand hygiene, face masks, glasses, and gargling) to prevent respiratory virus transmission. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 new RCTs and cluster-RCTs (610,872 participants) in this update, bringing the total number of RCTs to 78. Six of the new trials were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic; two from Mexico, and one each from Denmark, Bangladesh, England, and Norway. We identified four ongoing studies, of which one is completed, but unreported, evaluating masks concurrent with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies were conducted during non-epidemic influenza periods. Several were conducted during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Therefore, many studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID-19. The included studies were conducted in heterogeneous settings, ranging from suburban schools to hospital wards in high-income countries; crowded inner city settings in low-income countries; and an immigrant neighbourhood in a high-income country. Adherence with interventions was low in many studies. The risk of bias for the RCTs and cluster-RCTs was mostly high or unclear. Medical/surgical masks compared to no masks We included 12 trials (10 cluster-RCTs) comparing medical/surgical masks versus no masks to prevent the spread of viral respiratory illness (two trials with healthcare workers and 10 in the community). Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of influenza-like illness (ILI)/COVID-19 like illness compared to not wearing masks (risk ratio (RR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.09; 9 trials, 276,917 participants; moderate-certainty evidence. Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza/SARS-CoV-2 compared to not wearing masks (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.42; 6 trials, 13,919 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Harms were rarely measured and poorly reported (very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks We pooled trials comparing N95/P2 respirators with medical/surgical masks (four in healthcare settings and one in a household setting). We are very uncertain on the effects of N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks on the outcome of clinical respiratory illness (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.10; 3 trials, 7779 participants; very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks may be effective for ILI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; 5 trials, 8407 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence is limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The use of a N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34; 5 trials, 8407 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Restricting pooling to healthcare workers made no difference to the overall findings. Harms were poorly measured and reported, but discomfort wearing medical/surgical masks or N95/P2 respirators was mentioned in several studies (very low-certainty evidence). One previously reported ongoing RCT has now been published and observed that medical/surgical masks were non-inferior to N95 respirators in a large study of 1009 healthcare workers in four countries providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. Hand hygiene compared to control Nineteen trials compared hand hygiene interventions with controls with sufficient data to include in meta-analyses. Settings included schools, childcare centres and homes. Comparing hand hygiene interventions with controls (i.e. no intervention), there was a 14% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.90; 9 trials, 52,105 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), suggesting a probable benefit. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 380 events per 1000 people to 327 per 1000 people (95% CI 308 to 342). When considering the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza, the estimates of effect for ILI (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.09; 11 trials, 34,503 participants; low-certainty evidence), and laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.30; 8 trials, 8332 participants; low-certainty evidence), suggest the intervention made little or no difference. We pooled 19 trials (71, 210 participants) for the composite outcome of ARI or ILI or influenza, with each study only contributing once and the most comprehensive outcome reported. Pooled data showed that hand hygiene may be beneficial with an 11% relative reduction of respiratory illness (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94; low-certainty evidence), but with high heterogeneity. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 200 events per 1000 people to 178 per 1000 people (95% CI 166 to 188). Few trials measured and reported harms (very low-certainty evidence). We found no RCTs on gowns and gloves, face shields, or screening at entry ports. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low adherence with the interventions during the studies hampers drawing firm conclusions. There were additional RCTs during the pandemic related to physical interventions but a relative paucity given the importance of the question of masking and its relative effectiveness and the concomitant measures of mask adherence which would be highly relevant to the measurement of effectiveness, especially in the elderly and in young children. There is uncertainty about the effects of face masks. The low to moderate certainty of evidence means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited, and that the true effect may be different from the observed estimate of the effect. The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection. Hand hygiene is likely to modestly reduce the burden of respiratory illness, and although this effect was also present when ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza were analysed separately, it was not found to be a significant difference for the latter two outcomes. Harms associated with physical interventions were under-investigated. There is a need for large, well-designed RCTs addressing the effectiveness of many of these interventions in multiple settings and populations, as well as the impact of adherence on effectiveness, especially in those most at risk of ARIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Jefferson
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Regional Center for Epidemiology, Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Lubna A Al-Ansary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ghada A Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Elaine M Beller
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John M Conly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room AGW5, SSB, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shahar S, Shahar HK, Muthiah SG, Mani KKC. Evaluating Health Education Module on Hand, Food, and Mouth Diseases Among Preschoolers in Malacca, Malaysia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:811782. [PMID: 35433565 PMCID: PMC9008192 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.811782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to improve parents' perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers to children's handwashing practice by utilizing the Health Belief Model. In Alor Gajah, Melaka, a parallel cluster-randomized controlled study was conducted over 26 months. Parents who agreed to participate completed pre-test (t0) questionnaires. Data analysis used IBM SPSS version 25. The descriptive analysis described the baseline data pre-intervention. Chi-square and T-test or Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric analysis assessed baseline data comparability between intervention and control groups. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analyzed between and within-group comparison of the outcomes, and multivariate analysis determined the effectiveness of the intervention with clustered data. The individual participation rate was 86%. Parents who followed up immediately had higher perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and perceived barriers (p < 0.001). Each unit increment in parents' practice score was 0.02-unit higher preschool children's hand hygiene practice score (p = 0.045). The intervention effectively improved parents' perceived susceptibility and benefits at immediate follow-up compared to baseline. However, there were no significant intervention effects on parents' perceived severity and barriers and preschool children's handwashing practices. The follow-up time significantly affected each outcome. There were significant covariates as the outcome predictors in this study, besides intervention groups and follow-up time. Parents' knowledge and age of the youngest child were significant predictors of parents' perceived susceptibility, besides parents' knowledge and perceived susceptibility being the predictors of parents' practice score. As a result, parents, teachers, and communities can implement this intervention in other schools with susceptible children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syazwani Shahar
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Hayati Kadir Shahar
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Malaysian Research Institute of Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Hayati Kadir Shahar
| | - Sri Ganesh Muthiah
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Kulanthayan K. C. Mani
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ofori SK, Hung YW, Schwind JS, Muniz-Rodriguez K, Kakou RJ, Alade SE, Diallo K, Sullivan KL, Cowling BJ, Fung ICH. The use of digital technology to improve and monitor handwashing among children 12 years or younger in educational settings: a scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:547-564. [PMID: 32579032 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1784398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Our scoping review aimed to identify and describe the application of digital technology in hand hygiene research among children in educational settings. We searched for articles in PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science. Original hand hygiene research with a form of digital technology used among children ≤12 years in educational settings was eligible for inclusion. Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria and the data were extracted by two teams of independent co-authors for narrative synthesis. Ten studies used digital technology as an intervention tool and two for monitoring purposes. Three main digital technologies were identified including computer games (n = 2), videos (n = 8), and video cameras (n = 2). Digital technologies found in our scoping review were reported to be effective in hand hygiene studies over short temporal periods especially when used in combination with other measures. Future research may demonstrate the effectiveness of digital technology in helping children develop sustainable handwashing behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia K Ofori
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Yuen Wai Hung
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica S Schwind
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Kamalich Muniz-Rodriguez
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Reece J Kakou
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Sunmisola E Alade
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Kadiatou Diallo
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Kelly L Sullivan
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - I C H Fung
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chang LY, Wang CJ, Chiang TL. Childhood Handwashing Habit Formation and Later COVID-19 Preventive Practices: A Cohort Study. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:1390-1398. [PMID: 35863735 PMCID: PMC9290330 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study identified developmental patterns of handwashing habit formation during childhood and examined their associations with later COVID-19 preventive practices. METHODS We used data from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study, which included 11,254 adolescents with complete data on childhood handwashing behavior and age-15 COVID-19 survey items. Bias-adjusted 3-step latent class analysis was used to test study hypotheses. RESULTS The rates of handwashing and mask-wearing during the pandemic were 63.8% and 93.8%, respectively. Five distinct patterns of handwashing habit formation were identified: early formation (14.89%), delayed formation (17.73%), gradual formation (42.98%), inconsistent formation (9.78%), and nonformation (14.62%). Compared with adolescents with an early formation pattern of handwashing habits, those with other patterns exhibited lower odds ratios (ORs) of handwashing during COVID-19; these ORs were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.85), 0.60 (95% CI, 0.44-0.77), 0.29 (95% CI, 0.08-0.49), and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.01-0.40) for those with delayed formation, gradual formation, inconsistent formation, and nonformation patterns, respectively. Moreover, relative to that of adolescents with the early formation pattern, mask-wearing was less common among adolescents with gradual formation, inconsistent formation, and nonformation patterns, with ORs of 0.54 (95% CI, 0.16-0.92), 0.50 (95% CI, 0.03-0.96), and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.00-0.65), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The early formation of hygienic habits is associated with higher adherence to pandemic preventive practices among adolescents. Our findings suggest that interventions to promote hygienic behaviors can start as early as age 3 through the introduction of healthy habits such as handwashing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yin Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health (LY Chang), National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C. Jason Wang
- Center for Policy, Outcomes, and Prevention (CJ Wang), Stanford University School of Medicine,Division of General Pediatrics (CJ Wang), Stanford University School of Medicine,Address correspondence to C. Jason Wang, MD, PhD, Stanford University School of Medicine, 117 Encina Commons, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Tung-liang Chiang
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health (TL Chiang), National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jatrana S, Hasan MM, Mamun AA, Fatima Y. Global Variation in Hand Hygiene Practices Among Adolescents: The Role of Family and School-Level Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094984. [PMID: 34067142 PMCID: PMC8125682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
While appropriate hand hygiene practices (HHP) are protective against infections, the paucity of evidence on global estimates and determinants of HHP in adolescents limits effective design and planning of intervention to improve HHP in young people. We examined the prevalence and correlates of HHP in adolescents. We used nationally representative data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (2003–2017) from 92 countries. HHP were categorized as “appropriate”, “inappropriate” and “lacking” based on the information about “hand washing before eating”, “hand washing after using the toilet”, and “hand washing with soap”. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to assess the role of socio-demographic, health, lifestyle, school, and family-related variables in HHP. Among 354,422 adolescents (13–17 years), only 30.3% were found to practice appropriate hand hygiene. Multivariable models suggest that sedentary behavior (adjusted relative risk ratio (ARRR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.31–1.51)), and bullying victimization (ARRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10–1.30) promoted inappropriate HHP. In contrast, parental supervision (ARRR 0.55, 95% CI 0.50–0.59) and parental bonding (ARRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.75–0.87) were protective against inappropriate HHP. From a policy perspective, hand hygiene promotion policies and programs should focus on both school (bullying, exercise) and family-level factors (parental supervision and parental bonding) factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Jatrana
- Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, QLD 4825, Australia;
- School of Demography, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3220, Australia
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Md. Mehedi Hasan
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia; (M.M.H.); (A.A.M.)
- The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (The Life Course Centre), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia
| | - Abdullah A. Mamun
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia; (M.M.H.); (A.A.M.)
- The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (The Life Course Centre), The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia
| | - Yaqoot Fatima
- Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University, Mount Isa, QLD 4825, Australia;
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia; (M.M.H.); (A.A.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jefferson T, Del Mar CB, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, Bawazeer GA, van Driel ML, Jones MA, Thorning S, Beller EM, Clark J, Hoffmann TC, Glasziou PP, Conly JM. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 11:CD006207. [PMID: 33215698 PMCID: PMC8094623 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006207.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Antiviral drugs and vaccines may be insufficient to prevent their spread. This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The evidence summarised in this review does not include results from studies from the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL on 1 April 2020. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP on 16 March 2020. We conducted a backwards and forwards citation analysis on the newly included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs of trials investigating physical interventions (screening at entry ports, isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, personal protection, hand hygiene, face masks, and gargling) to prevent respiratory virus transmission. In previous versions of this review we also included observational studies. However, for this update, there were sufficient RCTs to address our study aims. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. Three pairs of review authors independently extracted data using a standard template applied in previous versions of this review, but which was revised to reflect our focus on RCTs and cluster-RCTs for this update. We did not contact trialists for missing data due to the urgency in completing the review. We extracted data on adverse events (harms) associated with the interventions. MAIN RESULTS We included 44 new RCTs and cluster-RCTs in this update, bringing the total number of randomised trials to 67. There were no included studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six ongoing studies were identified, of which three evaluating masks are being conducted concurrent with the COVID pandemic, and one is completed. Many studies were conducted during non-epidemic influenza periods, but several studies were conducted during the global H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Thus, studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID-19. The included studies were conducted in heterogeneous settings, ranging from suburban schools to hospital wards in high-income countries; crowded inner city settings in low-income countries; and an immigrant neighbourhood in a high-income country. Compliance with interventions was low in many studies. The risk of bias for the RCTs and cluster-RCTs was mostly high or unclear. Medical/surgical masks compared to no masks We included nine trials (of which eight were cluster-RCTs) comparing medical/surgical masks versus no masks to prevent the spread of viral respiratory illness (two trials with healthcare workers and seven in the community). There is low certainty evidence from nine trials (3507 participants) that wearing a mask may make little or no difference to the outcome of influenza-like illness (ILI) compared to not wearing a mask (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 1.18. There is moderate certainty evidence that wearing a mask probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza compared to not wearing a mask (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.26; 6 trials; 3005 participants). Harms were rarely measured and poorly reported. Two studies during COVID-19 plan to recruit a total of 72,000 people. One evaluates medical/surgical masks (N = 6000) (published Annals of Internal Medicine, 18 Nov 2020), and one evaluates cloth masks (N = 66,000). N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks We pooled trials comparing N95/P2 respirators with medical/surgical masks (four in healthcare settings and one in a household setting). There is uncertainty over the effects of N95/P2 respirators when compared with medical/surgical masks on the outcomes of clinical respiratory illness (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.10; very low-certainty evidence; 3 trials; 7779 participants) and ILI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; low-certainty evidence; 5 trials; 8407 participants). The evidence is limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The use of a N95/P2 respirator compared to a medical/surgical mask probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34; moderate-certainty evidence; 5 trials; 8407 participants). Restricting the pooling to healthcare workers made no difference to the overall findings. Harms were poorly measured and reported, but discomfort wearing medical/surgical masks or N95/P2 respirators was mentioned in several studies. One ongoing study recruiting 576 people compares N95/P2 respirators with medical surgical masks for healthcare workers during COVID-19. Hand hygiene compared to control Settings included schools, childcare centres, homes, and offices. In a comparison of hand hygiene interventions with control (no intervention), there was a 16% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.86; 7 trials; 44,129 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), suggesting a probable benefit. When considering the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza, the estimates of effect for ILI (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.13; 10 trials; 32,641 participants; low-certainty evidence) and laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.30; 8 trials; 8332 participants; low-certainty evidence) suggest the intervention made little or no difference. We pooled all 16 trials (61,372 participants) for the composite outcome of ARI or ILI or influenza, with each study only contributing once and the most comprehensive outcome reported. The pooled data showed that hand hygiene may offer a benefit with an 11% relative reduction of respiratory illness (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.95; low-certainty evidence), but with high heterogeneity. Few trials measured and reported harms. There are two ongoing studies of handwashing interventions in 395 children outside of COVID-19. We identified one RCT on quarantine/physical distancing. Company employees in Japan were asked to stay at home if household members had ILI symptoms. Overall fewer people in the intervention group contracted influenza compared with workers in the control group (2.75% versus 3.18%; hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.97). However, those who stayed at home with their infected family members were 2.17 times more likely to be infected. We found no RCTs on eye protection, gowns and gloves, or screening at entry ports. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low compliance with the interventions during the studies hamper drawing firm conclusions and generalising the findings to the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is uncertainty about the effects of face masks. The low-moderate certainty of the evidence means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited, and that the true effect may be different from the observed estimate of the effect. The pooled results of randomised trials did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks during seasonal influenza. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection. Hand hygiene is likely to modestly reduce the burden of respiratory illness. Harms associated with physical interventions were under-investigated. There is a need for large, well-designed RCTs addressing the effectiveness of many of these interventions in multiple settings and populations, especially in those most at risk of ARIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Jefferson
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris B Del Mar
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Regional Center for Epidemiology, Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Lubna A Al-Ansary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada A Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sarah Thorning
- GCUH Library, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, Australia
| | - Elaine M Beller
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John M Conly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room AGW5, SSB, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Azor-Martinez E, Garcia-Fernandez L, Strizzi JM, Cantarero-Vallejo MD, Jimenez-Lorente CP, Balaguer-Martinez JV, Torres-Alegre P, Yui-Hifume R, Sanchez-Forte M, Gimenez-Sanchez F. Effectiveness of a hand hygiene program to reduce acute gastroenteritis at child care centers: A cluster randomized trial. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:1315-1321. [PMID: 32303373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational and hand hygiene program in daycare centers (DCCs) and homes on acute gastroenteritis (AGE) incidence in children attending DCCs. METHODS A randomized, controlled, and open study of 911 children aged 0-3 years attending 24 DCCs in Almería (Spain) with an 8-month follow-up was employed. Two intervention groups of DCCs families performed educational and hand hygiene measures, 1 with soap and water (soap and water group; n = 274), another with hand sanitizer (hand sanitizer group [HSG]; n = 339), and the control group (CG; n = 298) followed usual handwashing procedures. We compared AGE episode rates with Poisson regression model. RESULTS seven hundred fourteen AGE episodes were registered, significant differences between HSG and CG children were found during December and January. A multivariate model was applied and the adjusted incidence rate ratios by rotavirus vaccination found significant differences when children were previously vaccinated, the children in the soap and water group had a higher risk of AGE episodes (incidence rate ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval:1.0-1.64), compared with those in the HSG. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that hand hygiene programs that included hand sanitizer were most effective in the winter months. Further, the largest reduction of AGE episodes occurred in the children that followed hand hygiene programs including hand sanitizer and educational measures for DCC staff, parents, and children, and were vaccinated for rotavirus.
Collapse
|
10
|
Peetoom KKB, Crutzen R, Verhoeven R, Bohnen JMHA, Winkens B, Dinant GJ, Cals JWL. Optimizing decision-making among childcare staff on fever and common infections: cluster randomized controlled trial. Eur J Public Health 2020; 29:505-511. [PMID: 30496423 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children 0-4 years attending childcare are more prone to acquire infections than home-cared children. Childcare illness absenteeism due to fever is mostly driven by fear towards fever in childcare staff and parents. This may cause high childcare absenteeism, healthcare service use, and work absenteeism in parents. This study evaluates a multicomponent intervention targeting determinants of decision-making among childcare staff on illness absenteeism due to fever and common infections. METHODS The multicomponent intervention was developed based on the Intervention Mapping approach and consisted of (i) an educational session, (ii) a decision tool, (iii) an information booklet and (iv) an online video. The intervention was evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial in Southern Netherlands. Nine centres received the intervention and nine provided childcare-as-usual. Primary outcome measure was the percentage of illness absenteeism on cluster level, defined as number of childcare days absent due to illness on total of registered childcare contract days in a 12-week period. Secondary outcome measures included intended behaviour, attitude, risk perception, knowledge and self-efficacy of childcare staff. Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed models accounting for clustering. Knowledge was descriptively analysed. RESULTS Overall illness absenteeism was comparable in intervention (2.95%) and control group (2.52%). Secondary outcomes showed significant improvements in intervention group regarding intended behaviour, two of three attitude dimensions. Knowledge increased compared with control but no differences regarding self-efficacy. CONCLUSION The intervention was not effective in reducing illness absenteeism. However, the intervention improved determinants of decision-making such as intended behaviour, attitude, and knowledge on fever. TRIAL REGISTRATION NTR6402 (registered on 21 April 2017).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K K B Peetoom
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R Crutzen
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R Verhoeven
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J M H A Bohnen
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B Winkens
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - G J Dinant
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J W L Cals
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jess RL, Dozier CL. Increasing handwashing in young children: A brief review. J Appl Behav Anal 2020; 53:1219-1224. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Jess
- Department of Applied Behavioral ScienceUniversity of Kansas
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Conrad M, Kim E, Blacker KA, Walden Z, LoBue V. Using Storybooks to Teach Children About Illness Transmission and Promote Adaptive Health Behavior - A Pilot Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:942. [PMID: 32581904 PMCID: PMC7289927 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is a large and growing literature on children’s developing concepts of illness transmission, little is known about how children develop contagion knowledge before formal schooling begins and how these informal learning experiences can impact children’s health behaviors. Here, we asked two important questions: first, do children’s informal learning experiences, such as their experiences reading storybooks, regularly contain causal information about illness transmission; and second, what is the impact of this type of experience on children’s developing knowledge and behavior? In Study 1, we examined whether children’s commercial books about illness regularly contain contagion-relevant causal information. In Study 2, we ran a pilot study examining whether providing children with causal information about illness transmission in a storybook can influence their knowledge and subsequent behavior when presented with a contaminated object. The results from Study 1 suggest that very few (15%) children’s books about illness feature biological causal mechanisms for illness transmission. However, results from Study 2 suggest that storybooks containing contagion-relevant explanations about illness transmission may encourage learning and avoidance of contaminated objects. Altogether, these results provide preliminary data suggesting that future research should focus on engaging children in learning about contagion and encouraging adaptive health behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Conrad
- Center for Developmental Science, Department of Psychology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, United States
| | - Emily Kim
- Child Study Center, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Katy-Ann Blacker
- Child Study Center, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Zachary Walden
- Child Study Center, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Vanessa LoBue
- Child Study Center, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Esteves Mills J, Flynn E, Cumming O, Dreibelbis R. Determinants of clean birthing practices in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:602. [PMID: 32357872 PMCID: PMC7195776 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection is a leading cause of maternal and newborn mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Clean birthing practices are fundamental to infection prevention efforts, but these are inadequate in LMIC. This scoping study reviews the literature on studies that describe determinants of clean birthing practices of healthcare workers or mothers during the perinatal period in LMIC. Methods We reviewed literature published between January 2000 and February 2018 providing information on behaviour change interventions, behaviours or behavioural determinants during the perinatal period in LMIC. Following a multi-stage screening process, we extracted key data manually from studies. We mapped identified determinants according to the COM-B behavioural framework, which posits that behaviour is shaped by three categories of determinants – capability, opportunity and motivation. Results Seventy-eight studies were included in the review: 47 observational studies and 31 studies evaluating an intervention. 51% had a household or community focus, 28% had a healthcare facility focus and 21% focused on both. We identified 31 determinants of clean birthing practices. Determinants related to clean birthing practices as a generalised set of behaviours featured in 50 studies; determinants related specifically to one or more of six predefined behaviours – commonly referred to as “the six cleans” – featured in 31 studies. Determinants of hand hygiene (n = 13) and clean cord care (n = 11) were most commonly reported. Reported determinants across all studies clustered around psychological capability (knowledge) and physical opportunity (access to resources). However, greater heterogeneity in reported behavioural determinants was found across studies investigating specific clean birthing practices compared to those studying clean birthing as a generalised set of behaviours. Conclusions Efforts to combine clean birthing practices into a single suite of behaviours – such as the “six cleans”– may simplify policy and advocacy efforts. However, each clean practice has a unique set of determinants and understanding what drives or hinders the adoption of these individual practices is critical to designing more effective interventions to improve hygiene behaviours and neonatal and maternal health outcomes in LMIC. Current understanding in this regard remains limited. More theory-grounded formative research is required to understand motivators and social influences across different contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Esteves Mills
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Erin Flynn
- Infection & Immunity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Robert Dreibelbis
- Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Munn Z, Tufanaru C, Lockwood C, Stern C, McAneney H, Barker TH. Rinse-free hand wash for reducing absenteeism among preschool and school children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 4:CD012566. [PMID: 32270476 PMCID: PMC7141998 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012566.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illness-related absenteeism is an important problem among preschool and school children for low-, middle- and high- income countries. Appropriate hand hygiene is one commonly investigated and implemented strategy to reduce the spread of illness and subsequently the number of days spent absent. Most hand hygiene strategies involve washing hands with soap and water, however this is associated with a number of factors that act as a barrier to its use, such as requiring running water, and the need to dry hands after cleaning. An alternative method involves washing hands using rinse-free hand wash. This technique has a number of benefits over traditional hand hygiene strategies and may prove to be beneficial in reducing illness-related absenteeism in preschool and school children. OBJECTIVES 1. To assess the effectiveness of rinse-free hand washing for reducing absenteeism due to illness in preschool and school children compared to no hand washing, conventional hand washing with soap and water or other hand hygiene strategies. 2. To determine which rinse-free hand washing products are the most effective (if head-to-head comparisons exist), and what effect additional strategies in combination with rinse-free hand washing have on the outcomes of interest. SEARCH METHODS In February 2020 we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, 12 other databases and three clinical trial registries. We also reviewed the reference lists of included studies and made direct contact with lead authors of studies to collect additional information as required. No date or language restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), irrespective of publication status, comparing rinse-free hand wash in any form (hand rub, hand sanitizer, gel, foam etc.) with conventional hand washing using soap and water, other hand hygiene programs (such as education alone), or no intervention. The population of interest was children aged between two and 18 years attending preschool (childcare, day care, kindergarten, etc.) or school (primary, secondary, elementary, etc.). Primary outcomes included child or student absenteeism for any reason, absenteeism due to any illness and adverse skin reactions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Following standard Cochrane methods, two review authors (out of ZM, CT, CL, CS, TB), independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted relevant data. Absences were extracted as the number of student days absent out of total days. This was sometimes reported with the raw numbers and other times as an incidence rate ratio (IRR), which we also extracted. For adverse event data, we calculated effect sizes as risk ratios (RRs) and present these with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane for data analysis and followed the GRADE approach to establish certainty in the findings. MAIN RESULTS This review includes 19 studies with 30,747 participants. Most studies were conducted in the USA (eight studies), two were conducted in Spain, and one each in China, Colombia, Finland, France, Kenya, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sweden, and Thailand. Six studies were conducted in preschools or day-care centres (children aged from birth to < five years), with the remaining 13 conducted in elementary or primary schools (children aged five to 14 years). The included studies were judged to be at high risk of bias in several domains, most-notably across the domains of performance and detection bias due to the difficulty to blind those delivering the intervention or those assessing the outcome. Additionally, every outcome of interest was graded as low or very low certainty of evidence, primarily due to high risk of bias, as well as imprecision of the effect estimates and inconsistency between pooled data. For the outcome of absenteeism for any reason, the pooled estimate for rinse-free hand washing was an IRR of 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.01; 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence), which indicates there may be little to no difference between groups. For absenteeism for any illness, the pooled IRR was 0.82 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.97; 6 studies; very low-certainty evidence), which indicates that rinse-free hand washing may reduce absenteeism (13 days absent per 1000) compared to those in the 'no rinse-free' group (16 days absent per 1000). For the outcome of absenteeism for acute respiratory illness, the pooled IRR was 0.79 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.92; 6 studies; very low-certainty evidence), which indicates that rinse-free hand washing may reduce absenteeism (33 days absent per 1000) compared to those in the 'no rinse-free' group (42 days absent per 1000). When evaluating absenteeism for acute gastrointestinal illness, the pooled estimate found an IRR of 0.79 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.85; 4 studies; low-certainty evidence), which indicates rinse-free hand washing may reduce absenteeism (six days absent per 1000) compared to those in the 'no rinse-free' group (eight days absent per 1000). There may be little to no difference between rinse-free hand washing and 'no rinse-free' group regarding adverse skin reactions with a RR of 1.03 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.32; 3 studies, 4365 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Broadly, compliance with the intervention appeared to range from moderate to high compliance (9 studies, 10,749 participants; very-low certainty evidence); narrativley, no authors reported substantial issues with compliance. Overall, most studies that included data on perception reported that teachers and students perceived rinse-free hand wash positively and were willing to continue its use (3 studies, 1229 participants; very-low certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review may have identified a small yet potentially beneficial effect of rinse-free hand washing regimes on illness-related absenteeism. However, the certainty of the evidence that contributed to this conclusion was low or very low according to the GRADE approach and is therefore uncertain. Further research is required at all levels of schooling to evaluate rinse-free hand washing regimens in order to provide more conclusive, higher-certainty evidence regarding its impact. When considering the use of a rinse-free hand washing program in a local setting, there needs to be consideration of the current rates of illness-related absenteeism and whether the small beneficial effects seen here will translate into a meaningful reduction across their settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Munn
- The University of AdelaideJoanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences55 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Catalin Tufanaru
- Macquarie UniversityAustralian Institute of Health Innovation75 Talavera RdSydneyNew South Wales (NSW)Australia2113
| | - Craig Lockwood
- The University of AdelaideJoanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences55 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Cindy Stern
- The University of AdelaideJoanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences55 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Helen McAneney
- Queen's University BelfastMedicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences97 Lisburn RoadHealth Sciences BuildingBelfastUKBT9 7BL
| | - Timothy H Barker
- The University of AdelaideJoanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences55 King William RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Effect of a school-based hand hygiene program for Malawian children: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Am J Infect Control 2019; 47:1460-1464. [PMID: 31324487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper handwashing technique can reduce the mortality of a child. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a school-based hand hygiene program on the handwashing compliance of children and school absenteeism in Southern Africa. METHODS We conducted a 2-arm cluster randomized trial in which 6 private primary schools were allocated randomly to either intervention (3 schools) or control (3 schools) groups. The intervention group consisted of implementing a series of planned activities and measures of hand hygiene program over 9 months. Parameters of primary and secondary outcomes were estimated with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS There were no significant between-group differences in demographic characteristics. The knowledge scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than the scores in the control group, and the technique scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than the scores in the control group after baseline. Further, after the third month, the cleanliness scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than the scores in the control group. In addition, the number of sick leave days decreased in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS The impact of the school-based hand hygiene program was positive. It can be used in both the planning and development of a hand hygiene protocol to increase the handwashing compliance rate of schoolchildren and to reduce school absenteeism in developing countries.
Collapse
|
16
|
Jess RL, Dozier CL, Foley EA. Effects of a handwashing intervention package on handwashing in preschool children. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Jess
- Department of Applied Behavioral ScienceUniversity of Kansas Kansas USA
| | - Claudia L. Dozier
- Department of Applied Behavioral ScienceUniversity of Kansas Kansas USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Azor-Martinez E, Yui-Hifume R, Muñoz-Vico FJ, Jimenez-Noguera E, Strizzi JM, Martinez-Martinez I, Garcia-Fernandez L, Seijas-Vazquez ML, Torres-Alegre P, Fernández-Campos MA, Gimenez-Sanchez F. Effectiveness of a Hand Hygiene Program at Child Care Centers: A Cluster Randomized Trial. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-1245. [PMID: 30297500 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-1245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Respiratory infections (RIs) are an important cause of morbidity and excessive antibiotic prescriptions in children attending day care centers (DCCs). We aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational and hand hygiene program in DCCs and homes in reducing RI incidence and antibiotic prescriptions in children. METHODS A cluster, randomized, controlled, and open study of 911 children aged 0 to 3 years attending 24 DCCs in Almería (Spain) with an 8-month follow-up. Two intervention groups of DCC families performed educational and hand hygiene measures, 1 with soap and water (SWG; n = 274), another with hand sanitizer (HSG; n = 339), and the control group (CG; n = 298) followed usual hand-washing procedures. RI episode rates were compared through multilevel Poisson regression models. The percentage of days missed were compared with Poisson exact tests. RESULTS There were 5211 RI episodes registered. Children in the HSG had less risk of RI episodes (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.88) and antibiotic prescriptions (IRR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.57-0.84) compared with the those in the CG. Children in the SWG had a higher risk of RI episodes (IRR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.06-1.39) and antibiotic prescriptions (IRR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08-1.56) than those in the HSG. Pupils missed 5186 DCC days because of RIs, and the percentage of days absent was significantly lower in the HSG compared with the CG (P < .001) and the SWG (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Hand hygiene programs that include hand sanitizer and educational measures for DCC staff, children, and parents, reduce absent days, RIs, and antibiotic prescriptions for these infections in children at DCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Llenalia Garcia-Fernandez
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Seplin Soluciones Estadísticas, Granada, Spain; and
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chard AN, Trinies V, Moss DM, Chang HH, Doumbia S, Lammie PJ, Freeman MC. The impact of school water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements on infectious disease using serum antibody detection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006418. [PMID: 29659574 PMCID: PMC5919668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence from recent studies assessing the impact of school water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions on child health has been mixed. Self-reports of disease are subject to bias, and few WASH impact evaluations employ objective health measures to assess reductions in disease and exposure to pathogens. We utilized antibody responses from dried blood spots (DBS) to measure the impact of a school WASH intervention on infectious disease among pupils in Mali. Methodology/Principal findings We randomly selected 21 beneficiary primary schools and their 21 matched comparison schools participating in a matched-control trial of a comprehensive school-based WASH intervention in Mali. DBS were collected from 20 randomly selected pupils in each school (n = 807). We analyzed eluted IgG from the DBS using a Luminex multiplex bead assay to 28 antigens from 17 different pathogens. Factor analysis identified three distinct latent variables representing vector-transmitted disease (driven primarily by dengue), food/water-transmitted enteric disease (driven primarily by Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae), and person-to-person transmitted enteric disease (driven primarily by norovirus). Data were analyzed using a linear latent variable model. Antibody evidence of food/water-transmitted enteric disease (change in latent variable mean (β) = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.13) and person-to-person transmitted enteric disease (β = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.04) was lower among pupils attending beneficiary schools. There was no difference in antibody evidence of vector-transmitted disease (β = 0.11; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.33). Conclusions/Significance Evidence of enteric disease was lower among pupils attending schools benefitting from school WASH improvements than students attending comparison schools. These findings support results from the parent study, which also found reduced incidence of self-reported diarrhea among pupils of beneficiary schools. DBS collection was feasible in this resource-poor field setting and provided objective evidence of disease at a low cost per antigen analyzed, making it an effective measurement tool for the WASH field. Trial registration The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01787058) Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools is promoted as an intervention to improve child health in low-resource settings. However, evidence of the impact of school WASH interventions on child health is mixed. One reason could be that most studies rely on self-reported disease symptoms, which are prone to bias. In order to objectively measure evidence of disease, we collected dried blood spots (DBS) from pupils attending schools participating in an impact evaluation of a comprehensive school WASH intervention in Mali, and analyzed the DBS for antibody responses to 28 antigens from 17 different pathogens. We found that evidence of enteric disease was lower among pupils attending beneficiary schools compared to pupils attending comparison schools. These results are consistent with those from the parent study, which also found reduced self-reported diarrhea among pupils attending beneficiary schools. Our results support WASH in schools as an effective intervention to improve child health. Further, DBS are a feasible measurement tool for the WASH field to provide objective evidence of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna N. Chard
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Victoria Trinies
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Delynn M. Moss
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Howard H. Chang
- Department of Biostatistics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Patrick J. Lammie
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Matthew C. Freeman
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Impact of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Interventions on Growth, Non-diarrheal Morbidity and Mortality in Children Residing in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review. Indian Pediatr 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-018-1279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
20
|
Hall C, Lindahl E. Illness-related absence among preschool children: Insights from a health intervention in Swedish preschools. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2017; 56:191-200. [PMID: 29111499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We evaluate the effect of a preschool health intervention aimed at reducing infections through improved hygiene practices and training of the staff. The large-scale design enables us to study heterogeneous effects with respect to several child and preschool characteristics that are related to the level of illness-related absence. We find no reduction, on average, in children's illness-related absence. This conclusion holds across different age groups of preschool children, and for preschools with varying levels of absence before the intervention. We find some suggestive evidence that the intervention may have induced effects operating in different directions: while improved hygiene practices may have reduced illness, stricter guidelines regarding absence during infections seems to have contributed to an increased absence level, resulting in an overall zero effect. Overall, our results suggest that reducing absence through improved hygiene practices is not easily accomplished in a child care setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Hall
- Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy (IFAU) and Uppsala Center for Labor Studies (UCLS), Sweden.
| | - Erica Lindahl
- Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy (IFAU), Sweden and Department of Economics, Uppsala University, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Grover E, Hossain MK, Uddin S, Venkatesh M, Ram PK, Dreibelbis R. Comparing the behavioural impact of a nudge-based handwashing intervention to high-intensity hygiene education: a cluster-randomised trial in rural Bangladesh. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 23:10-25. [PMID: 29124826 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of environmental nudges on handwashing behaviours among primary school children as compared to a high-intensity hygiene education intervention. METHODS In a cluster-randomised trial (CRT), we compared the rates of handwashing with soap (HWWS) after a toileting event among primary school students in rural Bangladesh. Eligible schools (government run, on-site sanitation and water, no hygiene interventions in last year, fewer than 450 students) were identified, and 20 schools were randomly selected and allocated without blinding to one of four interventions, five schools per group: simultaneous handwashing infrastructure and nudge construction, sequential infrastructure then nudge construction, simultaneous infrastructure and high-intensity hygiene education (HE) and sequential handwashing infrastructure and HE. The primary outcome, incidence of HWWS after a toileting event, was compared between the intervention groups at different data collection points with robust-Poisson regression analysis with generalised estimating equations, adjusting for school-level clustering of outcomes. RESULTS The nudge intervention and the HE intervention were found to be equally effective at sustained impact over 5 months post-intervention (adjusted IRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.61-1.09). When comparing intervention delivery timing, the simultaneous delivery of the HE intervention significantly outperformed the sequential HE delivery (adjusted IRR 1.58 CI 1.20-2.08), whereas no significant difference was observed between sequential and simultaneous nudge intervention delivery (adjusted IRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.48-1.17). CONCLUSION Our trial demonstrates sustained improved handwashing behaviour 5 months after the nudge intervention. The nudge intervention's comparable performance to a high-intensity hygiene education intervention is encouraging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Grover
- Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science/Center for Applied Social Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | | | - Saker Uddin
- Save the Children, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Pavani K Ram
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert Dreibelbis
- Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science/Center for Applied Social Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Disease, Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Goulão B, MacLennan G, Ramsay C. The split-plot design was useful for evaluating complex, multilevel interventions, but there is need for improvement in its design and report. J Clin Epidemiol 2017; 96:120-125. [PMID: 29113938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the sample size calculation, analysis and reporting of split-plot (S-P) randomized controlled trials in health care (trials that use two units of randomization: one at a cluster-level and one at a level lower than the cluster). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We carried out a comprehensive search in the EMBASE database from 1946 to 2016. Health care trials with a S-P design in human subjects were included. Three authors screened and assessed the studies, and the data were extracted on methodology and reporting standards based on CONSORT. RESULTS Eighteen S-P studies were included, with authors using nine different designations to describe them. Units of randomization were unclear in nine abstracts. Explicit rationale for choosing the design was not given. Ten studies presented a sample size calculation accounting for clustering; the analyses were coherent with that. Flow of participant diagrams was presented but was incomplete in 14 articles. CONCLUSION S-P designs can be useful complex designs but challenging to report. Researchers need to clearly describe the rationale, sample size calculation, and participant flow. We provide a suggested CONSORT style participant flow diagram to aid reporting. There is need for more research regarding sample size calculation for S-P.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Goulão
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, 3rd Floor, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Graeme MacLennan
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, 3rd Floor, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Craig Ramsay
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, 3rd Floor, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Garn JV, Trinies V, Toubkiss J, Freeman MC. The Role of Adherence on the Impact of a School-Based Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Intervention in Mali. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:984-993. [PMID: 28093534 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractStudies assessing the impacts of school-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions have revealed inconsistent improvements in pupils' health and educational outcomes. This may be in part due to suboptimal project fidelity or adherence. As part of a matched-control trial of a comprehensive school-based WASH project in Mali, we measured the degree to which schools met four prespecified WASH targets, comprised of 15 criteria, 0-3 years after program implementation. We compared achievement of the targets and criteria between beneficiary and matched control schools, and compared achievement within beneficiary schools at baseline and at follow-up visits. We assessed the "as-treated" associations between WASH target achievement and pupil diarrhea, respiratory symptoms, and absence. Between 44% and 81% of beneficiary schools achieved each target. Although adherence was inconsistent across schools, beneficiary schools, on average, met more WASH targets than matched control schools, and beneficiary schools also met more WASH targets at follow-up than at baseline. Very few of the targets were individually associated with health and absenteeism outcomes. Increasing achievement of multiple WASH targets together was associated with a lower odds of pupils having diarrhea (P trend < 0.01) and having respiratory symptoms (P trend < 0.01), but was not associated with roll-call absence (P trend = 0.14) or pupil-reported absence (P trend = 0.41). These results indicate that a comprehensive WASH intervention and a focus on increasing adherence may help maximize the health effects of school WASH programs, but that WASH alone might not be sufficient to decrease pupils' absenteeism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua V Garn
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Victoria Trinies
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jérémie Toubkiss
- Evaluation Office, The United Nations Children's Fund, New York, New York.,The United Nations Children's Fund Mali, Bamako, Mali
| | - Matthew C Freeman
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tousman S, Arnold D, Helland W, Roth R, Heshelman N, Castaneda O, Fischer E, O’Neil K, Bileto S. Evaluation of a Hand Washing Program for 2nd-Graders. J Sch Nurs 2016; 23:342-8. [DOI: 10.1177/10598405070230060701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to determine if a multiple-week learner-centered hand washing program could improve hand hygiene behaviors of 2nd-graders in a northern Illinois public school system. Volunteers from the Rockford Hand Washing Coalition went into 19 different classrooms for 4 consecutive weeks and taught a learner-centered program. The program consisted of interactive class discussions and activities using GlitterBug®training devices and agar plate materials. A one-factor repeated measure analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant 34% decrease in the absenteeism rate for students in the intervention group. Chi-square analyses on agar plate data indicated that students had cleaner hands after washing. Qualitative data from parents and teachers indicated that a majority of the students were engaging in hand-washing behavior. These results indicate that integrating a learner-centered interactive program in a multiple-week structure can lead to improvement in hand hygiene behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Tousman
- Stuart Tousman, PhD, is an associate professor of health psychology at Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Roanoke, VA
| | - Dani Arnold
- Dani Arnold, MS, is an epidemiologist at the Winnebago County Health Department, Rockford, IL
| | - Wealtha Helland
- Wealtha Helland, MS, is an associate professor of nursing at Rock-ford College, Rockford, IL
| | - Ruth Roth
- Ruth Roth, MA, is a ground water supervisor at the Winnebago County Health Department, Rockford, IL
| | - Nannatte Heshelman
- Nannatte Heshelman, Oralia Castaneda, Emily Fischer, Kristen O’Neil and Stephanie Bileto are undergraduate students at Rockford College, Rockford, IL
| | - Oralia Castaneda
- Nannatte Heshelman, Oralia Castaneda, Emily Fischer, Kristen O’Neil and Stephanie Bileto are undergraduate students at Rockford College, Rockford, IL
| | - Emily Fischer
- Nannatte Heshelman, Oralia Castaneda, Emily Fischer, Kristen O’Neil and Stephanie Bileto are undergraduate students at Rockford College, Rockford, IL
| | - Kristen O’Neil
- Nannatte Heshelman, Oralia Castaneda, Emily Fischer, Kristen O’Neil and Stephanie Bileto are undergraduate students at Rockford College, Rockford, IL
| | - Stephanie Bileto
- Nannatte Heshelman, Oralia Castaneda, Emily Fischer, Kristen O’Neil and Stephanie Bileto are undergraduate students at Rockford College, Rockford, IL
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kumar JK, Patthi B, Singla A, Gupta R, Prasad M, Pandita V, Malhi R, Vashishtha V. Graphical Assessment Technique (GAT) - An Objective, Comprehensive and Comparative Hand Hygiene Quantification Tool. J Clin Diagn Res 2016; 10:ZC118-22. [PMID: 27656553 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2016/18791.8371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been a profound leap in developing countries in sectors of human development but it falls short of millennium development goals. Diarrhoea, respiratory infections are primary cause of child deaths around the world due to improper hygiene practice. There is lack of systematic objective analysis, follow-up and quantification of hand hygiene guidelines. So, there is an urgent requisite of a tool to assess the same. AIM To conduct a pilot test for assessing the efficacy of Graphical Assessment Technique (GAT) in objectively evaluating and comparing intervention based hand hygiene among students of National Association of Blind School (NABS) and a government school. MATERIALS AND METHODS GAT was used to assess the baseline and post-intervention improvement of 80 students considered for the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0 and was subjected to quantitative analysis and parametric tests. RESULTS Non-significant difference (p≥0.05) was found at baseline and immediate post-intervention on percentage mean scores of blind school students and government school student, while government school children also showed non-significant difference at one week. Significant difference (p≤0.05) was found at baseline, post-intervention one week and post-intervention one month for blind school children along with baseline and post-intervention mean percentage scores for government school children. CONCLUSION The primary agenda behind the study was to test a tool which can objectively evaluate, quantify and compare the follow-up of hand hygiene guidelines and aid in better hand hygiene promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jishnu Krishna Kumar
- Tutor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.J. College of Dental Sciences and Research , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Basavaraj Patthi
- Professor and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.J. College of Dental Sciences and Research , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashish Singla
- Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.J. College of Dental Sciences and Research , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ritu Gupta
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.J. College of Dental Sciences and Research , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Monika Prasad
- Tutor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.J. College of Dental Sciences and Research , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Venisha Pandita
- Tutor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.J. College of Dental Sciences and Research , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ravneet Malhi
- Tutor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.J. College of Dental Sciences and Research , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vaibhav Vashishtha
- Tutor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, D.J. College of Dental Sciences and Research , Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Weaver ERN, Agius PA, Veale H, Dorning K, Hlang TT, Aung PP, Fowkes FJI, Hellard ME. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facilities and Hygiene Practices Associated with Diarrhea and Vomiting in Monastic Schools, Myanmar. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:278-287. [PMID: 27325805 PMCID: PMC4973172 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal diseases are major contributors to mortality among children globally, causing one in 10 child deaths. Although most deaths are in children aged ≤ 5 years, the burden of disease in school-aged children is still considerable and contributes to high rates of school absenteeism. This study investigates behavioral and structural risk factors associated with diarrhea and/or vomiting among schoolchildren in Myanmar. Cross-sectional data from a school-based multistage cluster sample of grade 4 and 5 students were analyzed to explore water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and hygiene-related practices of students in monastic schools in Myanmar. The outcome of interest was student self-reported diarrhea and/or vomiting in the past week. Random effects multinomial logistic regression models were used to explore correlates at the student and school level. A total of 2,082 students from 116 schools across eight states/regions were included. Of these, 11% (223) self-reported at least one episode of diarrhea only, 12% (253) at least one episode of vomiting only, and 12% (244) diarrhea and vomiting in the past week. Independent risk factors associated with the outcome included poor availability of handwash stations, no access to a septic tank toilet, inconsistent toilet use, and lower student grade. These findings highlight the importance of having an adequate number of handwash stations for students, the provision of septic tank toilets, and consistent toilet use. Future WASH programs need to target not only the provision of these WASH facilities but also their utilization, particularly among younger school-aged children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma R N Weaver
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul A Agius
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hilary Veale
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Poe P Aung
- Burnet Institute Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Freya J I Fowkes
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Burnet Institute Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.,Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in children attending daycare centres (DCCs) are common and compliance with hand hygiene (HH) guidelines to prevent infections is generally low. An intervention was developed to increase HH compliance and reduce infections in DCCs. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention on HH compliance. The intervention was evaluated in a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial in 71 DCCs in The Netherlands. Thirty-six DCCs received the intervention including: (1) HH products; (2) training about HH guidelines; (3) two team training sessions aimed at goal setting and formulating HH improvement activities; and (4) reminders and cues for action (posters/stickers). Intervention DCCs were compared to 35 control DCCs that continued usual practice. HH compliance of caregivers and children was observed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up. Using multilevel logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained for the intervention effect. Of 795 caregivers, 5042 HH opportunities for caregivers and 5606 opportunities for supervising children's HH were observed. At 1 month follow-up caregivers' compliance in intervention DCCs was 66% vs. 43% in control DCCs (OR 6·33, 95% CI 3·71-10·80), and at 6 months 59% vs. 44% (OR 4·13, 95% CI 2·33-7·32). No effect of the intervention was found on supervising children's HH (36% vs. 32%; OR 0·64, 95% CI 0·18-2·33). In conclusion, HH compliance of caregivers increased due to the intervention, therefore dissemination of the intervention can be considered.
Collapse
|
28
|
Trinies V, Garn JV, Chang HH, Freeman MC. The Impact of a School-Based Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Program on Absenteeism, Diarrhea, and Respiratory Infection: A Matched-Control Trial in Mali. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 94:1418-25. [PMID: 27114292 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a matched-control trial in Mali to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive school-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) intervention on pupil absence, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. After completion of the intervention, data were collected from 100 beneficiary schools and 100 matched comparison schools in 5-6 sessions over a 14-month period. Data collection included roll calls to assess absenteeism and interviews with a subset of pupils to assess recent absence and disease symptoms. The odds of pupils being absent at roll call were 23% higher in beneficiary schools than in comparison schools (odds ratio [OR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06, 1.42). The odds of pupils reporting being absent due to diarrhea (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.94) or having had diarrhea (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.85) or respiratory infection symptoms (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.86) in the past week were lower in beneficiary schools compared with comparison schools. We found that a school-based WASH intervention can have a positive effect on reducing rates of illness, as well as absence due to diarrhea. However, we did not find evidence that these health impacts led to a reduction in overall absence. Higher absence rates are less likely attributable to the intervention than the result of an imbalance in unobserved confounders between study groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Trinies
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joshua V Garn
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Howard H Chang
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew C Freeman
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Willmott M, Nicholson A, Busse H, MacArthur GJ, Brookes S, Campbell R. Effectiveness of hand hygiene interventions in reducing illness absence among children in educational settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Dis Child 2016; 101:42-50. [PMID: 26471110 PMCID: PMC4717429 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish the effectiveness of handwashing in reducing absence and/or the spread of respiratory tract (RT) and/or gastrointestinal (GI) infection among school-aged children and/or staff in educational settings. DESIGN Randomised-controlled trials (RCTs). SETTING Schools and other settings with a formal educational component in any country. PATIENTS Children aged 3-11 years, and/or staff working with them. INTERVENTION Interventions with a hand hygiene component. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of RT or GI infections or symptoms related to such infections; absenteeism; laboratory results of RT and/or GI infections. RESULTS Eighteen cluster RCTs were identified; 13 school-based, 5 in child day care facilities or preschools. Studies were heterogeneous and had significant quality issues including small numbers of clusters and participants and inadequate randomisation. Individual study results suggest interventions may reduce children's absence, RT infection incidence and symptoms, and laboratory confirmed influenza-like illness. Evidence of impact on GI infection or symptoms was equivocal. CONCLUSIONS Studies are generally not well executed or reported. Despite updating existing systematic reviews and identifying new studies, evidence of the effect of hand hygiene interventions on infection incidence in educational settings is mostly equivocal but they may decrease RT infection among children. These results update and add to knowledge about this crucial public health issue in key settings with a vulnerable population. More robust, well reported cluster RCTs which learn from existing studies, are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micky Willmott
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Heide Busse
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Sara Brookes
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rona Campbell
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
van Beeck AHE, Zomer TP, van Beeck EF, Richardus JH, Voeten HACM, Erasmus V. Children's hand hygiene behaviour and available facilities: an observational study in Dutch day care centres. Eur J Public Health 2015; 26:297-300. [PMID: 26659412 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children attending day care centres are at increased risk of infectious diseases, in particular gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Hand hygiene of both caregivers and children is an effective prevention measure. This study examined hand hygiene behaviour of children attending day care centres, and describes hygiene facilities at day care centres. METHODS Data were collected at 115 Dutch day care centres, among 2318 children cared for by 231 caregivers (August to October 2010). Children's hand hygiene behaviour was observed and data on hand hygiene facilities of the day care centres collected by direct unobtrusive observation. National guidelines indicate hand hygiene is required before eating, after toilet use and after playing outside. RESULTS Among 1930 observed hand hygiene opportunities for children, overall adherence to hand hygiene guidelines was 31% (95% CI: 29-33%). Adherence after both toilet use and playing outside was 48%. Hands were less frequently washed before eating, where guideline adherence was 15%. In 38% of the playrooms there was no soap within reach of children and 17% had no towel facilities. In over 40% of the playrooms, appropriate hand hygiene facilities for children were lacking. CONCLUSION Adequate hand washing facilities were available for children in only half of the participating day care centres in our study and children washed their hands in only 15-48% of the occasions defined by official guidelines. More attention is needed to hand hygiene of children attending day care centres in the prevention of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A H Elise van Beeck
- 1 Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tizza P Zomer
- 2 Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eduard F van Beeck
- 1 Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Hendrik Richardus
- 1 Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helene A C M Voeten
- 2 Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vicki Erasmus
- 1 Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
A hand hygiene intervention to reduce infections in child daycare: a randomized controlled trial. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 143:2494-502. [PMID: 25566827 PMCID: PMC4531476 DOI: 10.1017/s095026881400329x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections are common in children attending daycare centres (DCCs). We evaluated the effect of a hand hygiene (HH) intervention for caregivers on the incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in children. The intervention was evaluated in a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial. Thirty-six DCCs received the intervention including HH products, training sessions, and posters/stickers. Thirty-five control DCCs continued usual practice. Incidence of episodes of diarrhoea and the common cold in children was monitored by parents during 6 months. Using multilevel Poisson regression, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained. Diarrhoeal incidence was monitored in 545 children for 91 937 days. During follow-up, the incidence was 3·0 episodes per child-year in intervention DCCs vs. 3·4 in control DCCs (IRR 0·90, 95% CI 0·73–1·11). Incidence of the common cold was monitored in 541 children for 91 373 days. During follow-up, the incidence was 8·2 episodes per child-year in intervention DCCs vs. 7·4 in control DCCs (IRR 1·07, 95% CI 0·97–1·19). In this study, no evidence for an effect of the intervention was demonstrated on the incidence of episodes of diarrhoea and the common cold.
Collapse
|
32
|
Mah MW, Tam YC, Deshpande S. Social Marketing Analysis of 2 Years of Hand Hygiene Promotion. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015; 29:262-70. [DOI: 10.1086/526442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective.To assess published hand hygiene behavioral interventions that employed a social marketing framework and to recommend improvements to future interventions.Methods.We performed a systematic literature review by searching the PubMed database and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for published articles about hand hygiene behavioral interventions in healthcare facilities, schools, and community settings. Our analysis included articles that describe multifaceted interventions and evaluated them with predefined social marketing benchmark criteria.Results.Of 53 interventions analyzed in this review, 16 (30.2%) employed primary formative audience research, 5 (9.4%) incorporated social or behavioral theories, 27 (50.9%) employed segmentation and targeting of the audience, 44 (83.0%) used components of the “marketing mix,” 3 (5.7%) considered the influence of competing behaviors, 7 (13.2%) cultivated relationships with the target audience, and 15 (28.3%) provided simple behavioral messages. Thirty-five (66.0%) of the interventions demonstrated a significant improvement in performance, but only 21 (39.6%) were considered to have a strong evaluative design. The median duration of the interventions was 8.0 months.Conclusions.From a social marketing perspective, the promotion of hand hygiene could be improved in several ways. The effectiveness of social marketing in hand hygiene promotion should be tested in future interventions.
Collapse
|
33
|
Grantham-McGregor SM, Fernald LCH, Kagawa RMC, Walker S. Effects of integrated child development and nutrition interventions on child development and nutritional status. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1308:11-32. [PMID: 24673166 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of studies that examined the effect of interventions combining a child development component with a nutrition one; in some cases the nutrition interventions also included health-promotion components. Only papers with both child development and nutrition outcomes and rated as moderate-to-good quality were included. Eleven efficacy and two nonrandomized trials, and eight program evaluations were identified. Only six trials examined interventions separately and combined. The trials showed nutritional interventions usually benefited nutritional status and sometimes benefited child development. Stimulation consistently benefited child development. There was no significant loss of any effect when interventions were combined, but there was little evidence of synergistic interaction between nutrition and stimulation on child development. Only three trials followed up the children after intervention. All at-scale program evaluations were combined interventions. Five benefited child development, but one did not, and two showed deficits. There was generally little benefit of at-scale programs to nutritional status. We found no rigorous evaluations of adding stimulation to health and nutrition services at scale and there is an urgent need for them. There is also a need to establish quality-control mechanisms for existing scaled-up programs and to determine their long-term effects. There is also a need to determine if there are any sustained benefits for the children after programs finish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lia C H Fernald
- Department of Community Health and Human Development, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Rose M C Kagawa
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Susan Walker
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zomer TP, Erasmus V, van Empelen P, Looman C, van Beeck EF, Tjon-A-Tsien A, Richardus JH, Voeten HA. Sociocognitive determinants of observed and self-reported compliance to hand hygiene guidelines in child day care centers. Am J Infect Control 2013; 41:862-7. [PMID: 23510663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although hand hygiene (HH) has proven to be an effective measure to prevent infections, HH compliance is generally low. We assessed sociocognitive determinants of caregivers' HH behavior in child day care centers (DCCs) to develop an effective HH intervention. METHODS Caregivers' compliance to HH guidelines was observed. Observed caregivers completed a questionnaire on self-reported HH compliance, sociocognitive determinants, and sociodemographic data. To determine sociocognitive determinants of observed compliance, multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed. Self-reported compliance was analyzed using linear regression. RESULTS In 122 participating DCCs, 350 caregivers and 2,003 HH opportunities were observed. The response rate on the questionnaire was 100%. Overall observed HH compliance was 42% (841/2,003). Overall mean self-reported HH compliance was 8.7 (scale, 0-10). Guideline knowledge (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.56) and perceived disease severity (OR, 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-0.99) were associated with observed compliance. Guideline knowledge (β = 0.31; P < .001), guideline awareness (β = 0.16; P < .001), perceived importance (β = 0.20; P = .004), perceived behavioral control (β = 0.24; P < .001), habit (β = 0.27; P < .001), and children at home (β = 0.30; P = .002) were associated with self-reported compliance. CONCLUSION When developing HH interventions for caregivers in DCCs, improving guideline knowledge should be considered as this was associated with both observed and self-reported HH compliance. Furthermore, increasing guideline awareness, perceived importance, and perceived behavioral control can contribute to better HH, as well as making HH a habitual behavior.
Collapse
|
35
|
Pickering AJ, Davis J, Blum AG, Scalmanini J, Oyier B, Okoth G, Breiman RF, Ram PK. Access to waterless hand sanitizer improves student hand hygiene behavior in primary schools in Nairobi, Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2013; 89:411-8. [PMID: 23836575 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Handwashing is difficult in settings with limited resources and water access. In primary schools within urban Kibera, Kenya, we investigated the impact of providing waterless hand sanitizer on student hand hygiene behavior. Two schools received a waterless hand sanitizer intervention, two schools received a handwashing with soap intervention, and two schools received no intervention. Hand cleaning behavior after toilet use was monitored for 2 months using structured observation. Hand cleaning after toileting was 82% at sanitizer schools (N = 2,507 toileting events), 38% at soap schools (N = 3,429), and 37% at control schools (N = 2,797). Students at sanitizer schools were 23% less likely to have observed rhinorrhea than control students (P = 0.02); reductions in student-reported gastrointestinal and respiratory illness symptoms were not statistically significant. Providing waterless hand sanitizer markedly increased student hand cleaning after toilet use, whereas the soap intervention did not. Waterless hand sanitizer may be a promising option to improve student hand cleansing behavior, particularly in schools with limited water access.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Pickering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering and Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
A hand hygiene intervention to decrease infections among children attending day care centers: design of a cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:259. [PMID: 23731525 PMCID: PMC3673827 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Day care center attendance has been recognized as a risk factor for acquiring gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, which can be prevented with adequate hand hygiene (HH). Based on previous studies on environmental and sociocognitive determinants of caregivers’ compliance with HH guidelines in day care centers (DCCs), an intervention has been developed aiming to improve caregivers’ and children’s HH compliance and decrease infections among children attending DCCs. The aim of this paper is to describe the design of a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. Methods/design The intervention will be evaluated in a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among 71 DCCs in the Netherlands. In total, 36 DCCs will receive the intervention consisting of four components: 1) HH products (dispensers and refills for paper towels, soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and hand cream); 2) training to educate about the Dutch national HH guidelines; 3) two team training sessions aimed at goal setting and formulating specific HH improvement activities; and 4) reminders and cues to action (posters/stickers). Intervention DCCs will be compared to 35 control DCCs continuing usual practice. The primary outcome measure will be observed HH compliance of caregivers and children, measured at baseline and one, three, and six months after start of the intervention. The secondary outcome measure will be the incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in 600 children attending DCCs, monitored over six months by parents using a calendar to mark the days their child has diarrhea and/or a cold. Multilevel logistic regression will be performed to assess the effect of the intervention on HH compliance. Multilevel poisson regression will be performed to assess the incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in children attending DCCs. Discussion This is one of the first DCC intervention studies to assess HH compliance of both caregivers and children, as well as the incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in children, as outcome measures. When an effect of the intervention on improving HH compliance and/or reducing incidence of infections is shown, (inter)national dissemination of the intervention in other DCCs may be considered. Trial registration Netherlands trial registry:
NTR3000
Collapse
|
37
|
Hand hygiene compliance and environmental determinants in child day care centers: an observational study. Am J Infect Control 2013; 41:497-502. [PMID: 22959393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children attending day care centers (DCCs) are at high risk for contracting infections, for which hand hygiene (HH) is an effective prevention measure. The study objectives were to assess caregivers' compliance to HH guidelines in DCCs and to identify environmental determinants of HH behavior. METHODS We observed caregivers' compliance to HH guidelines and collected data on environmental determinants (ie, number of sinks, number and type of towel and soap facilities, availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers). Using multilevel logistic regression analyses, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained for environmental determinants of HH behavior. RESULTS In 122 participating DCCs, 350 caregivers and 2,003 HH opportunities were observed. The overall compliance was 42% (95% CI: 40%-44%). Compliance for different activities for which HH was indicated ranged from 20% to 79%. In the multivariable model, the number of towel facilities per caregiver (OR, 2.33; 95% CI: 1.40-3.88) and type of towel facilities were significantly associated with HH. Hands were most frequently washed when only paper towels were available compared to only fabric towels (OR, 1.47; 95% CI: 1.00-2.16) or a combination of both paper and fabric towels (OR, 2.13; 95% CI: 1.32-3.44). CONCLUSION HH compliance of caregivers in Dutch child DCCs can be improved. Interventions for this should take into account environmental determinants such as the number and type of towel facilities.
Collapse
|
38
|
Gudnason T, Hrafnkelsson B, Laxdal B, Kristinsson KG. Does hygiene intervention at day care centres reduce infectious illnesses in children? An intervention cohort study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 45:397-403. [PMID: 23227962 DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2012.749424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Day care attendance is a major risk factor for respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in preschool children. In this study, we describe the results of a hygiene intervention cohort trial at day care centres (DCCs) on the rates of febrile, respiratory, and gastrointestinal illnesses in preschool children. METHODS Thirty DCCs in 2 communities were included. The number of illness episodes was registered for each child every 6 months, as well as potential risk factors. The hygiene intervention was introduced in half of the DCCs and the results analysed using a multivariate mixed effects hierarchical Poisson regression model. RESULTS The study lasted 2.5 y, of which the hygiene intervention lasted 1.5 y. Two thousand three hundred and forty-nine children participated, delivering 2832 person-y. Adjusted incidence rate ratios of the illnesses at the intervention and non-intervention DCCs were not significantly different for any of the illnesses. The intervention was not more effective in children less than 3 y of age than in older children and no significant effects were seen with time. Compliance with the hygiene protocol was good as measured by the use of hygiene products and by a survey among the staff at the DCCs. CONCLUSIONS The most likely explanation for the lack of effects of the intervention is that the baseline standard of hygiene at the DCCs was probably too high for the intervention to demonstrate significant results, but recall bias cannot be excluded. Even though hygiene is important for minimizing the spread of microbes at DCCs, other risk factors need to be studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thorolfur Gudnason
- Chief Epidemiologist's Office, Directorate of Health, Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hayes SL, Mann MK, Morgan FM, Kelly MJ, Weightman AL. Collaboration between local health and local government agencies for health improvement. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 10:CD007825. [PMID: 23076937 PMCID: PMC9936257 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007825.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many countries, national, regional and local inter- and intra-agency collaborations have been introduced to improve health outcomes. Evidence is needed on the effectiveness of locally developed partnerships which target changes in health outcomes and behaviours. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of interagency collaboration between local health and local government agencies on health outcomes in any population or age group. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Public Health Group Specialised Register, AMED, ASSIA, CENTRAL, CINAHL, DoPHER, EMBASE, ERIC, HMIC, IBSS, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, OpenGrey, PsycINFO, Rehabdata, Social Care Online, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, TRoPHI and Web of Science from 1966 through to January 2012. 'Snowballing' methods were used, including expert contact, citation tracking, website searching and reference list follow-up. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), controlled before-and-after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series (ITS) where the study reported individual health outcomes arising from interagency collaboration between health and local government agencies compared to standard care. Studies were selected independently in duplicate, with no restriction on population subgroup or disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently conducted data extraction and assessed risk of bias for each study. MAIN RESULTS Sixteen studies were identified (28,212 participants). Only two were considered to be at low risk of bias. Eleven studies contributed data to the meta-analyses but a narrative synthesis was undertaken for all 16 studies. Six studies examined mental health initiatives, of which one showed health benefit, four showed modest improvement in one or more of the outcomes measured but no clear overall health gain, and one showed no evidence of health gain. Four studies considered lifestyle improvements, of which one showed some limited short-term improvements, two failed to show health gains for the intervention population, and one showed more unhealthy lifestyle behaviours persisting in the intervention population. Three studies considered chronic disease management and all failed to demonstrate health gains. Three studies considered environmental improvements and adjustments, of which two showed some health improvements and one did not.Meta-analysis of three studies exploring the effect of collaboration on mortality showed no effect (pooled relative risk of 1.04 in favour of control, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.17). Analysis of five studies (with high heterogeneity) looking at the effect of collaboration on mental health resulted in a standardised mean difference of -0.28, a small effect favouring the intervention (95% CI -0.51 to -0.06). From two studies, there was a statistically significant but clinically modest improvement in the global assessment of function symptoms score scale, with a pooled mean difference (on a scale of 1 to 100) of -2.63 favouring the intervention (95% CI -5.16 to -0.10).For physical health (6 studies) and quality of life (4 studies) the results were not statistically significant, the standardised mean differences were -0.01 (95% CI -0.10 to 0.07) and -0.08 (95% CI -0.44 to 0.27), respectively. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Collaboration between local health and local government is commonly considered best practice. However, the review did not identify any reliable evidence that interagency collaboration, compared to standard services, necessarily leads to health improvement. A few studies identified component benefits but these were not reflected in overall outcome scores and could have resulted from the use of significant additional resources. Although agencies appear enthusiastic about collaboration, difficulties in the primary studies and incomplete implementation of initiatives have prevented the development of a strong evidence base. If these weaknesses are addressed in future studies (for example by providing greater detail on the implementation of programmes; using more robust designs, integrated process evaluations to show how well the partners of the collaboration worked together, and measurement of health outcomes) it could provide a better understanding of what might work and why. It is possible that local collaborative partnerships delivering environmental Interventions may result in health gain but the evidence base for this is very limited.Evaluations of interagency collaborative arrangements face many challenges. The results demonstrate that collaborative community partnerships can be established to deliver interventions but it is important to agree goals, methods of working, monitoring and evaluation before implementation to protect programme fidelity and increase the potential for effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Hayes
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health BoardABM Headquarters1 Talbot GatewayPort TalbotUKSA12 7BR
| | - Mala K Mann
- Information Services, Cardiff UniversitySupport Unit for Research Evidence (SURE)1st Floor, Neuadd MeirionnyddHeath ParkCardiffWalesUKCF14 4YS
| | - Fiona M Morgan
- Information Services, Cardiff UniversitySupport Unit for Research Evidence (SURE)1st Floor, Neuadd MeirionnyddHeath ParkCardiffWalesUKCF14 4YS
| | - Mark J Kelly
- Cardiff University School of MedicineSouth East Wales Trials Unit, Institute of Translation, Innovation Methodologies & EngagementNeuadd MeirionnyddHeath ParkCardiffWalesUKCF14 4YS
| | - Alison L Weightman
- Information Services, Cardiff UniversitySupport Unit for Research Evidence (SURE)1st Floor, Neuadd MeirionnyddHeath ParkCardiffWalesUKCF14 4YS
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Jasper C, Le TT, Bartram J. Water and sanitation in schools: a systematic review of the health and educational outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:2772-87. [PMID: 23066396 PMCID: PMC3447586 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9082772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Revised: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A systematic review of the literature on the effects of water and sanitation in schools was performed. The goal was to characterize the impacts of water and sanitation inadequacies in the academic environment. Published peer reviewed literature was screened and articles that documented the provision of water and sanitation at schools were considered. Forty-one peer-reviewed papers met the criteria of exploring the effects of the availability of water and/or sanitation facilities in educational establishments. Chosen studies were divided into six fields based on their specific foci: water for drinking, water for handwashing, water for drinking and handwashing, water for sanitation, sanitation for menstruation and combined water and sanitation. The studies provide evidence for an increase in water intake with increased provision of water and increased access to water facilities. Articles also report an increase in absenteeism from schools in developing countries during menses due to inadequate sanitation facilities. Lastly, there is a reported decrease in diarrheal and gastrointestinal diseases with increased access to adequate sanitation facilities in schools. Ensuring ready access to safe drinking water, and hygienic toilets that offer privacy to users has great potential to beneficially impact children's health. Additional studies that examine the relationship between sanitation provisions in schools are needed to more adequately characterize the impact of water and sanitation on educational achievements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Jasper
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Thanh-Tam Le
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Jamie Bartram
- The Water Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Knishkowy B, Verbov G, Amitai Y, Stein-Zamir C, Rosen L. Reaching Jewish ultra-orthodox adolescents: results from a targeted smoking prevention trial. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2011; 24:173-179. [PMID: 22909927 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh.2012.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/28/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultra-orthodox, Jewish adolescent boys are considered to have relatively high smoking rates, but are generally not targeted by Israel's smoking prevention programs. OBJECTIVE The objective of this trial was to test the effectiveness of a religion-based tobacco control intervention in reducing smoking prevalence among these youth. METHODS The study population participants were 340 boys from 63 religious boys' schools in Jerusalem. The intervention consisted of a mailing that included a pamphlet describing the health effects of and rabbinical prohibitions on smoking. A cluster randomized trial was conducted between March and May, 2005. The primary endpoint was current smoking status. Secondary endpoints were future intent to smoke and attitudes towards smoking. Generalized estimating equations and mixed models of analysis of variance were used to perform the analyses. RESULTS The intervention did not significantly affect current smoking, intent to smoke or attitudes towards smoking. Prevalence of smoking and future intent to smoke were higher in schools without enforced smoking regulations [odds ratio (OR) 2.74, p=0.026, OR 3.38, p=0.018]. Increased smoking prevalence was associated with a high prevalence of smoking among friends (p=0.031) and not finding smoking repulsive (p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the public health literature linking smoke-free schools and peer influences to adolescent smoking. Pamphlets containing rabbinic prohibitions on smoking initiation did not affect smoking behavior or intent to smoke.
Collapse
|
42
|
Rosen LJ, Guttman N, Hovell MF, Noach MB, Winickoff JP, Tchernokovski S, Rosenblum JK, Rubenstein U, Seidmann V, Vardavas CI, Klepeis NE, Zucker DM. Development, design, and conceptual issues of project zero exposure: A program to protect young children from tobacco smoke exposure. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:508. [PMID: 21711530 PMCID: PMC3141467 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) is a serious threat to child health. Roughly 40% of children worldwide are exposed to tobacco smoke, and the very young are often "captive smokers" in homes in which others smoke.The goal of this research project is to develop and evaluate an intervention to reduce young child tobacco smoke exposure. The objective of this paper is to document our approach to building the intervention, to describe the planned intervention, and to explore the conceptual issues regarding the intervention and its evaluation. METHODS/DESIGN This project is being developed using an iterative approach. We are currently in the middle of Stage 1. In this first stage, Intervention Development, we have already conducted a comprehensive search of the professional literature and internet resources, consulted with experts in the field, and conducted several Design Workshops. The planned intervention consists of parental group support therapy, a website to allow use of an "online/offline" approach, involvement of pediatricians, use of a video simulation game ("Dr. Cruz") to teach parents about child TSE, and personalized biochemical feedback on exposure levels. As part of this stage we will draw on a social marketing approach. We plan to use in-depth interviews and focus groups in order to identify barriers for behavior change, and to test the acceptability of program components.In Stage II, we plan to pilot the planned intervention with 5-10 groups of 10 parents each.In Stage III, we plan to implement and evaluate the intervention using a cluster randomized controlled trial with an estimated 540 participants. DISCUSSION The major challenges in this research are twofold: building an effective intervention and measuring the effects of the intervention. Creation of an effective intervention to protect children from TSE is a challenging but sorely needed public health endeavor. We hope that our approach will contribute to building a stronger evidence base for control of child exposure to tobacco smoke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Rosen
- Dept, of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sacker Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, POB 39040, Ramat Aviv 69978 Israel.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Rosen L, Zucker D, Brody D, Engelhard D, Meir M, Manor O. Enabling Hygienic Behavior among Preschoolers: Improving Environmental Conditions through a Multifaceted Intervention. Am J Health Promot 2011; 25:248-56. [DOI: 10.4278/ajhp.081104-quan-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. Environmental conditions often serve as critical enabling factors for health promotion. This article describes the effect of a preschool hygiene intervention program on classroom environmental conditions. Design. Cluster randomized trial, with randomization at the level of the preschool. Setting. State-run preschools in Jerusalem. Subjects. Forty secular and religious Jerusalem preschools (including 1029 children). Intervention. A multidisciplinary hygiene intervention that included changes to the preschool environment. Measures. Presence of soap, soap dispenser, paper towel, paper towel dispenser, cloth towels, communal cup, or personal cups. Analysis. Generalized estimating equations and Fisher's exact test were used to estimate the effect of the intervention program on environmental conditions. Results. Information was obtained from most (97.9%) visits. Baseline environmental hygienic conditions were poor. Relative to the control group, the following environmental conditions were better in the intervention group after program implementation: soap (odds ratio [OR] = 14.7; p < .01), paper towels (OR = 13.5; p < .01), communal cups (OR = .05; p < .01), soap dispensers (secular preschools only, p < .01), individual cups (secular, p < .01; religious, OR = 18.7; p < .02). Conclusions. Environmental hygiene in the Israeli preschools studied was deficient at baseline but amenable to change. Improvement in environmental conditions was a necessary enabling factor for the changes in hand-washing behavior that were observed among the children. Sustained environmental change is possible in the preschool environment. (Am J Health Promot 2011;25[4]:248–256.)
Collapse
|
44
|
Rosen L, Brody D, Zucker D, Manor O, Meier M, Rosen B, Lev E, Engelhard D. Spreading the handwashing message: an alternative to traditional media campaigns. Am J Infect Control 2010; 38:562-4. [PMID: 20381917 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2009.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Schools are a natural place from which to disseminate health messages to the community. Sending an entertaining handwashing video home with preschoolers as a component of a school-based program yielded impressive degrees of penetration and reach among families; consequently, this strategy offers a promising alternative to traditional media campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosen
- Department of Health Promotion, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Schmidt WP, Wloch C, Biran A, Curtis V, Mangtani P. Formative research on the feasibility of hygiene interventions for influenza control in UK primary schools. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:390. [PMID: 19832971 PMCID: PMC2770489 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interventions to increase hand washing in schools have been advocated as a means to reduce the transmission of pandemic influenza and other infections. However, the feasibility and acceptability of effective school-based hygiene interventions is not clear. Methods A pilot study in four primary schools in East London was conducted to establish the current need for enhanced hand hygiene interventions, identify barriers to their implementation and to test their acceptability and feasibility. The pilot study included key informant interviews with teachers and school nurses, interviews, group discussions and essay questions with the children, and testing of organised classroom hand hygiene activities. Results In all schools, basic issues of personal hygiene were taught especially in the younger age groups. However, we identified many barriers to implementing intensive hygiene interventions, in particular time constraints and competing health issues. Teachers' motivation to teach hygiene and enforce hygienic behaviour was primarily educational rather than immediate infection control. Children of all age groups had good knowledge of hygiene practices and germ transmission. Conclusion The pilot study showed that intensive hand hygiene interventions are feasible and acceptable but only temporarily during a period of a particular health threat such as an influenza pandemic, and only if rinse-free hand sanitisers are used. However, in many settings there may be logistical issues in providing all schools with an adequate supply. In the absence of evidence on effectiveness, the scope for enhanced hygiene interventions in schools in high income countries aiming at infection control appears to be limited in the absence of a severe public health threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolf-Peter Schmidt
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rosen L, Zucker D, Brody D, Engelhard D, Manor O. The effect of a handwashing intervention on preschool educator beliefs, attitudes, knowledge and self-efficacy. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2009; 24:686-698. [PMID: 19318523 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyp004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the effect of a preschool hygiene intervention program on psychosocial measures of educators regarding handwashing and communicable pediatric disease. A cluster-randomized trial, with randomization at the level of the preschool, was run in 40 Jerusalem preschool classrooms. Eighty preschool educators participated. The program used a multipronged approach which included elements aimed at staff, children, parents, school nurses and the classroom environment. Frontal lectures by medical, epidemiological and educational experts, along with printed materials and experiential learning, were provided to staff. Responses from a validated survey instrument were used to build four scales for each respondent regarding beliefs, attitudes, self-efficacy and knowledge. The scales were built on a Likert-type 1-7 scale (1 = minimum, 7 = maximum). The effect of the intervention was tested using mixed model analysis of variance. Response was received from 92.5% of educators. Educators believed that handwashing could affect health (mean = 5.5, SD = 1.1), had high levels of self-efficacy (mean = 6.1, SD = 0.9) and had positive attitudes toward handwashing (mean = 5.7, SD = 1.2). Knowledge was affected by the intervention (intervention: mean = 6.2, SD = 0.7; control: mean = 5.8, SD = 0.8). The combination of positive attitudes toward handwashing among educators and the program's effectiveness in imparting knowledge helped to create a sustained social norm of handwashing among many children in disparate locations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Rosen
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 6998, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
From pills to programs: lessons from medicine for developing effective lifestyle interventions. Prev Med 2009; 49:12-8. [PMID: 19289142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2008] [Revised: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 03/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To propose a scheme for comprehensive development and evaluation of lifestyle interventions. METHODS We adapted the four-phase system used in drug development, the engine of progress in medicine for decades, to construct a system for developing lifestyle intervention programs. RESULTS Phase I: The intervention is constructed and tested with a small number of individuals. Acceptability and feasibility are assessed. Evaluation is primarily qualitative. Phase II: Effectiveness on intermediate endpoints (e.g. behavior) is tested in a real field setting, with a limited number of individuals, using a before-and-after design. An iterative process of testing and refinement may be necessary. Phase III: The effectiveness of the intervention on health-related outcomes is tested, using, where possible, a randomized design. Phase IV: Large-scale implementation and penetration are assessed in other populations. Process variables and local and national health indicators are studied. The development and evaluation of our hygiene intervention, which took place in Jerusalem from 1999 to 2001, is presented as a case study. CONCLUSIONS Adaptation of the phased system of drug development to lifestyle interventions is a conceptually simple approach to building effective, sustainable programs for community-based public health.
Collapse
|
48
|
Lennell A, Kühlmann-Berenzon S, Geli P, Hedin K, Petersson C, Cars O, Mannerquist K, Burman LG, Fredlund H. Alcohol-based hand-disinfection reduced children's absence from Swedish day care centers. Acta Paediatr 2008; 97:1672-80. [PMID: 18945282 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.01057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine if the use of alcohol-based hand-disinfection as a complement to regular hand washing at daycare centers (DCCs) can reduce the childhood rate of absenteeism. METHODS Children aged 0-6 years attending DCC were studied in a cluster randomized controlled trial during 30 weeks. Thirty matched pairs of DCCs were included in the study, where one of the DCCs was randomized to intervention and the other to control within each pair. The intervention consisted in children and staff using alcohol-based oily disinfectant gel containing 70% ethanol after regular hand washing. The main outcome was the rate of episodes of absence from DCC due to infection. A regression model was fitted at the individual level and controlling several possible confounders for illness. Absences were reported by the parents. RESULTS Differences in missing absence reports between the two groups led to only evaluating those 29 DCCs (1431 children) that were able to provide complete reports. In the multivariate regression, the intervention significantly reduced the rate of absenteeism of a child by 12% compared to a child in a control DCC (IRR 95% CI: 0.799-0.965). CONCLUSION Hand-disinfection used by children and staff significantly decreased childrens absences due to infections in Swedish DCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lennell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Unit for Infectious Disease Control, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro University, Orebro, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lopez-Quintero C, Freeman P, Neumark Y. Hand washing among school children in Bogotá, Colombia. Am J Public Health 2008; 99:94-101. [PMID: 19008513 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2007.129759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We assessed hand-washing behaviors and intentions among school children in Bogotá, Colombia, to help identify and overcome barriers to proper hygiene practices. METHODS Data on hand-washing behavior and intentions and individual and contextual factors were collected from 2042 sixth- through eighth-grade students in 25 schools in Bogotá via anonymous questionnaires. A member of the school administration or teaching staff completed a questionnaire about the school environment. Site inspections of bathroom facilities were conducted. RESULTS Only 33.6% of the sample reported always or very often washing hands with soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet. About 7% of students reported regular access to soap and clean water at school. A high level of perceived control was the strongest predictor of positive hand-washing intentions (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=6.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]=4.8, 7.5). Students with proper hand-washing behavior were less likely to report previous-month gastrointestinal symptoms (OR=0.8; 95% CI=0.6, 0.9) or previous-year school absenteeism (OR=0.7; 95% CI=0.6, 0.9). CONCLUSIONS Scarcity of adequate facilities in most schools in Bogotá prevents children from adopting proper hygienic behavior and thwarts health promotion efforts. The current renovation program of public schools in Bogotá provides a unique opportunity to meet the challenges of providing a supportive environment for adoption of healthy behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Lopez-Quintero
- Braun School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Hebrew University, Hadassah, PO Box 12272, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Aiello AE, Coulborn RM, Perez V, Larson EL. Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis. Am J Public Health 2008; 98:1372-81. [PMID: 18556606 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2007.124610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
To quantify the effect of hand-hygiene interventions on rates of gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses and to identify interventions that provide the greatest efficacy, we searched 4 electronic databases for hand-hygiene trials published from January 1960 through May 2007 and conducted meta-analyses to generate pooled rate ratios across interventions (N=30 studies). Improvements in hand hygiene resulted in reductions in gastrointestinal illness of 31% (95% confidence intervals [CI]=19%, 42%) and reductions in respiratory illness of 21% (95% CI=5%, 34%). The most beneficial intervention was hand-hygiene education with use of nonantibacterial soap. Use of antibacterial soap showed little added benefit compared with use of nonantibacterial soap. Hand hygiene is clearly effective against gastrointestinal and, to a lesser extent, respiratory infections. Studies examining hygiene practices during respiratory illness and interventions targeting aerosol transmission are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology & Population Health, University of Michigan-School of Public Health, 3659 SPH Tower, 109 Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|