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Sobhan S, Müller-Hauser AA, Gon G, Nurul Huda TM, Waid JL, Wendt AS, Rahman M, Gabrysch S. Effect of a behaviour change intervention on household food hygiene practices in rural Bangladesh: A cluster-randomised controlled trial. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 255:114291. [PMID: 37983985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114291] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Behavioural interventions could improve caregivers' food hygiene practices in low-resource settings. So far, evidence is limited to small-scale and short-term studies, and few have evaluated the long-term maintenance of promoted behaviours. We evaluated the effect of a relatively large-scale behaviour change intervention on medium and long-term maintenance of household food hygiene practices in Bangladesh. METHODS We analyse a secondary outcome of the Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM) cluster-randomised trial and its sub-study Food Hygiene to reduce Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (FHEED), conducted in Habiganj district, Sylhet division, Bangladesh. The FAARM trial used a 1:1 parallel arm design and included 2705 women in 96 settlements: 48 intervention and 48 control. Women in the intervention settlements received training in homestead gardening, poultry rearing and nutrition over three years (2015-2018), complemented by an eight-month (mid-2017 to early-2018) behaviour change component on food hygiene using motivational drivers. Nested within the FAARM trial, the FHEED sub-study evaluated several outcomes along the hygiene pathway. For this article, we evaluated household food hygiene behaviours by analysing structured observation data collected in two cross-sectional surveys, four and 16 months after the food hygiene promotion ended, from two independent subsamples of FAARM women with children aged 6-18 months. We assessed intervention effects on food hygiene practices using mixed-effects logistic regression, accounting for clustering. In exploratory analyses, we further assessed behaviour patterns - how often critical food hygiene behaviours were performed individually, in combination and consistently across events. RESULTS Based on the analysis of 524 complementary feeding and 800 food preparation events in households from 571 participant women, we found that intervention households practised better food hygiene than controls four months post-intervention, with somewhat smaller differences after 16 months. Overall, the intervention positively affected food hygiene, particularly around child feeding: using soap for handwashing (odds ratio 5·8, 95% CI 2·2-15·2), cleaning feeding utensils (3·8, 1·9-7·7), and cooking fresh/reheating food (1·8, 1·1-2·8). However, the simultaneous practice of several behaviours was rare, occurring in only 10% of feeding events (intervention: 15%; control: 4%), and the practice of safe food hygiene behaviours was inconsistent between events. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that a motivational behaviour change intervention encouraged caregivers to maintain certain safe food hygiene practices in a rural setting. However, substantial physical changes in the household environment are likely needed to make these behaviours habitual. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02505711.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafinaz Sobhan
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany; Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Anna A Müller-Hauser
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany; Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Giorgia Gon
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tarique Md Nurul Huda
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Qassim University, Al Bukairiyah, Saudi Arabia; Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jillian L Waid
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amanda S Wendt
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sabine Gabrysch
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany; Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Cocker D, Chidziwisano K, Mphasa M, Mwapasa T, Lewis JM, Rowlingson B, Sammarro M, Bakali W, Salifu C, Zuza A, Charles M, Mandula T, Maiden V, Amos S, Jacob ST, Kajumbula H, Mugisha L, Musoke D, Byrne R, Edwards T, Lester R, Elviss N, Roberts AP, Singer AC, Jewell C, Morse T, Feasey NA. Investigating One Health risks for human colonisation with extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Malawian households: a longitudinal cohort study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e534-e543. [PMID: 37207684 PMCID: PMC10319635 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00062-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-income countries have high morbidity and mortality from drug-resistant infections, especially from enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli. In these settings, sanitation infrastructure is of variable and often inadequate quality, creating risks of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales transmission. We aimed to describe the prevalence, distribution, and risks of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales colonisation in sub-Saharan Africa using a One Health approach. METHODS Between April 29, 2019, and Dec 3, 2020, we recruited 300 households in Malawi for this longitudinal cohort study: 100 each in urban, peri-urban, and rural settings. All households underwent a baseline visit and 195 were selected for longitudinal follow-up, comprising up to three additional visits over a 6 month period. Data on human health, antibiotic usage, health-seeking behaviours, structural and behavioural environmental health practices, and animal husbandry were captured alongside human, animal, and environmental samples. Microbiological processing determined the presence of ESBL-producing E coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and hierarchical logistic regression was performed to evaluate the risks of human ESBL-producing Enterobacterales colonisation. FINDINGS A paucity of environmental health infrastructure and materials for safe sanitation was identified across all sites. A total of 11 975 samples were cultured, and ESBL-producing Enterobacterales were isolated from 1190 (41·8%) of 2845 samples of human stool, 290 (29·8%) of 973 samples of animal stool, 339 (66·2%) of 512 samples of river water, and 138 (46·0%) of 300 samples of drain water. Multivariable models illustrated that human ESBL-producing E coli colonisation was associated with the wet season (adjusted odds ratio 1·66, 95% credible interval 1·38-2·00), living in urban areas (2·01, 1·26-3·24), advanced age (1·14, 1·05-1·25), and living in households where animals were observed interacting with food (1·62, 1·17-2·28) or kept inside (1·58, 1·00-2·43). Human ESBL-producing K pneumoniae colonisation was associated with the wet season (2·12, 1·63-2·76). INTERPRETATION There are extremely high levels of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales colonisation in humans and animals and extensive contamination of the wider environment in southern Malawi. Urbanisation and seasonality are key risks for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales colonisation, probably reflecting environmental drivers. Without adequate efforts to improve environmental health, ESBL-producing Enterobacterales transmission is likely to persist in this setting. FUNDING Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Wellcome Trust. TRANSLATION For the Chichewa translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Cocker
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Kondwani Chidziwisano
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Madalitso Mphasa
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Taonga Mwapasa
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Joseph M Lewis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Barry Rowlingson
- Centre for Health Informatics Computing and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Melodie Sammarro
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Centre for Health Informatics Computing and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Winnie Bakali
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chifundo Salifu
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Allan Zuza
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mary Charles
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Tamandani Mandula
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Victor Maiden
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Stevie Amos
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Shevin T Jacob
- Global Health Security Department, Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Kajumbula
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Health Sciences, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Conservation and Ecosystem Health Alliance, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Musoke
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel Byrne
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas Edwards
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca Lester
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicola Elviss
- Science Group, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Adam P Roberts
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Christopher Jewell
- Centre for Health Informatics Computing and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Tracy Morse
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicholas A Feasey
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Ogutu EA, Ellis A, Rodriguez KC, Caruso BA, McClintic EE, Ventura SG, Arriola KRJ, Kowalski AJ, Linabarger M, Wodnik BK, Webb-Girard A, Muga R, Freeman MC. Determinants of food preparation and hygiene practices among caregivers of children under two in Western Kenya: a formative research study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1865. [PMID: 36203140 PMCID: PMC9535979 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diarrhea is a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality worldwide and is linked to early childhood stunting. Food contamination from improper preparation and hygiene practices is an important transmission pathway for exposure to enteric pathogens. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to hygienic food preparation can inform interventions to improve food hygiene. We explored food preparation and hygiene determinants including food-related handwashing habits, meal preparation, cooking practices, and food storage among caregivers of children under age two in Western Kenya. METHODS We used the Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivations model for Behavior Change (COM-B) framework in tool development and analysis. We conducted 24 focus group discussions with mothers (N = 12), fathers (N = 6), and grandmothers (N = 6); 29 key informant interviews with community stakeholders including implementing partners and religious and community leaders; and 24 household observations. We mapped the qualitative and observational data onto the COM-B framework to understand caregivers' facilitators and barriers to food preparation and hygiene practices. RESULTS Facilitators and barriers to food hygiene and preparation practices were found across the COM-B domains. Caregivers had the capability to wash their hands at critical times; wash, cook, and cover food; and clean and dry utensils. Barriers to food hygiene and preparation practices included lack of psychological capability, for instance, caregivers' lack of knowledge of critical times for handwashing, lack of perceived importance of washing some foods before eating, and not knowing the risks of storing food for more than four hours without refrigerating and reheating. Other barriers were opportunity-related, including lack of resources (soap, water, firewood) and an enabling environment (monetary decision-making power, social support). Competing priorities, socio-cultural norms, religion, and time constraints due to work hindered the practice of optimal food hygiene and preparation behaviors. CONCLUSION Food hygiene is an underexplored, but potentially critical, behavior to mitigate fecal pathogen exposure for young children. Our study revealed several knowledge and opportunity barriers that could be integrated into interventions to enhance food hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Ogutu
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Anna Ellis
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Katie C. Rodriguez
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Bethany A. Caruso
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Emilie E. McClintic
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Sandra Gómez Ventura
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kimberly R. J. Arriola
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Alysse J. Kowalski
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Molly Linabarger
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Breanna K. Wodnik
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Amy Webb-Girard
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Richard Muga
- grid.472446.7Uzima University College, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Matthew C. Freeman
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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Nzanga M, Panulo M, Morse T, Chidziwisano K. Adherence to Hand Hygiene among Nurses and Clinicians at Chiradzulu District Hospital, Southern Malawi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710981. [PMID: 36078689 PMCID: PMC9518139 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a burden in many countries especially low-income countries due to poor hand hygiene practices in the healthcare settings. Proper hand hygiene in the healthcare setting is an effective way of preventing and reducing HAIs, and is an integral component of infection prevention and control. The objective of this study was to determine adherence to hand hygiene guidelines and associated factors among nurses and clinicians. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Chiradzulu District Hospital (Malawi) where stratified random sampling was used to obtain the sample of 75 nurses and clinicians. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires (n = 75), observation checklists (n = 7) and structured observations (n = 566). The study findings confirmed low adherence to hand hygiene practice among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Malawi. Overall, higher hand hygiene practices were reported than observed among nurses and clinicians in all the World Health Organization's (WHO) five critical moments of hand hygiene. This calls on the need for a combination of infrastructure, consumables (e.g., soap) and theory driven behavior change interventions to influence adoption of the recommended hand hygiene behaviors. However, such interventions should not include demographic factors (i.e., age, profession and ward) as they have been proven not to influence hand hygiene performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Nzanga
- Department of Environmental Health, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Mindy Panulo
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Tracy Morse
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Kondwani Chidziwisano
- Department of Environmental Health, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
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Mwapasa T, Chidziwisano K, Lally D, Morse T. Hygiene in early childhood development centres in low-income areas of Blantyre, Malawi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022:1-17. [PMID: 35272551 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2048802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of death in children in sub-Saharan Africa, attributed to environmental health factors such as inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food hygiene. This formative study in low-income areas of Blantyre focussed on the practices in Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDCs) environments where children spend a significant amount of time. A mixed-methods approach was applied to identify key hygiene behaviours in ECDCs through; checklist and structured observations (n = 849 children; n = 33 caregivers), focus group discussions (n = 25) and microbiological sampling (n = 261) of drinking water, food handler's hands, and eating utensils. ECDCs had inadequate WASH infrastructure; coupled with poor hygiene practices and unhygienic environments increased the risk of faecal-oral disease transmission. Presence of E. coli in drinking water confirmed observed poor water handling habits by staff and children. Addressing undesired hygiene practices in ECDCs has the potential to improve the health outcomes of children in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taonga Mwapasa
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kondwani Chidziwisano
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - David Lally
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Tracy Morse
- Centre for Water, Sanitation, Health and Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED), University of Malawi - The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Normand MP, Dallery J, Slanzi CM. Leveraging applied behavior analysis research and practice in the service of public health. J Appl Behav Anal 2021; 54:457-483. [PMID: 33817803 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Human behavior plays a central role in all domains of public health. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) research and practice can contribute to public health solutions that directly address human behavior. In this paper, we describe the field of public health, identify points of interaction between public health and ABA, summarize what ABA research has already contributed, and provide several recommendations for how ABA research and practice could continue to promote public health outcomes. A clearer focus on behavior and widespread adoption of research designs and interventions informed by the ABA literature could lead to better public health outcomes. Reciprocally, better integration of public health goals and strategies into ABA research, harnessing of technology, and more collaboration would help diversify and disseminate our applied science and could yield more effective and scalable interventions to prevent and treat public health problems.
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Huong LTT, Hoang LT, Tuyet-Hanh TT, Anh NQ, Huong NT, Cuong DM, Quyen BTT. Reported handwashing practices of Vietnamese people during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors: a 2020 online survey. AIMS Public Health 2020; 7:650-663. [PMID: 32968684 PMCID: PMC7505781 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic currently affects nearly all countries and regions in the world. Washing hands, together with other preventive measures, to be considered one of the most important measures to prevent the disease. This study aimed to characterize reported handwashing practices of Vietnamese people during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors. Kobo Toolbox platform was used to design the online survey. There were 837 people participating in this survey. All independent variables were described by calculating frequencies and percentages. Univariate linear regression was used with a significant level of 0.05. Multiple linear regression was conducted to provide a theoretical model with collected predictors. Seventy-nine percent of the respondents used soap as the primary choice when washing their hands. Sixty percent of the participants washed their hands at all essential times, however, only 26.3% practiced washing their hands correctly, and only 28.4% washed their hands for at least 20 seconds. Although 92.1% washed hands after contacting with surfaces at public places (e.g., lifts, knob doors), only 66.3% practiced handwashing after removing masks. Females had better reported handwashing practices than male participants (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.15–3.09). Better knowledge of handwashing contributed to improving reported handwashing practice (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.20–1.41). Poorer handwashing practices were likely due, at least in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic information on the internet, social media, newspapers, and television. Although the number of people reported practicing their handwashing was rather high, only a quarter of them had corrected reported handwashing practices. Communication strategy on handwashing should emphasize on the minimum time required for handwashing as well as the six handwashing steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Thi Thanh Huong
- Environmental Health Department, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Tu Hoang
- Biostatistics Department, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tran Thi Tuyet-Hanh
- Environmental Health Department, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quynh Anh
- Environmental Health Department, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Huong
- Environmental Health Department, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Do Manh Cuong
- Vietnam Health Environment Management Agency, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bui Thi Tu Quyen
- Biostatistics Department, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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