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There is currently no single, easy-to-use, reliable indicator to assess whether a face has been washed with soap in the context of trachoma elimination. This study aimed to compare survey report, script-based pictorial recall and facial cleanliness indicators as alternatives to structured observation for measuring face washing behaviour. This method validation study was nested in the Stronger-SAFE trial, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Structured observation was conducted in randomly selected households for three hours from dawn. The primary caregiver in each household participated in a survey to capture (self)-reported behaviour and/or script-based pictorial recall, a routine-based diary activity to covertly capture information on face washing behaviour of themself and any children aged 1-12. Children 4-12 years old directly participated in the survey and pictorial recall in a subset of households. The facial cleanliness of children aged 1-12 was assessed qualitatively and using the quantitative Personal Hygiene Assessment Tool (qPHAT). Prevalence estimates, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were computed for each behavioural indicator with observation data as the gold standard. The appropriateness of script-based pictorial recall was assessed using baseline and 3-month follow-up data. Baseline data were collected from 204 households in 68 clusters. Survey estimates of face washing and face washing with soap among caregivers and children were 32% to 60% and 5% to 31% higher than observed behaviour, respectively. Face washing prevalence estimates from pictorial recall were lower than survey estimates and comparable with observations for some face washing with soap indicators (0.3% to 13% higher than observations). Specificity of pictorial recall indicators was high (85% to 99%), but the sensitivity was low (0% to 67%), resulting in a low positive predictive value for all indicators. Both qualitative facial cleanliness indicators and qPHAT scores were poorly correlated with observed face washing earlier that morning. Pictorial recall overestimated face washing with soap among both caregivers and children following intervention delivery but not at baseline. Survey (self)-reported data on face washing is highly inaccurate. Script-based pictorial recall does not correctly classify those who wash their face with soap, and is subject to differential bias following intervention exposure, and facial cleanliness is a poor indicator of recent face washing in settings where faces become rapidly dirty again after washing. Alternatives to structured observation cannot be recommended to monitor the effectiveness of face washing interventions in community settings. Trial Registration ISRCTN registry ISRCTN40760473, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN40760473.
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Higiene , Tracoma , Humanos , Tracoma/prevención & control , Tracoma/epidemiología , Preescolar , Niño , Masculino , Femenino , Lactante , Etiopía , Jabones , Cara , Adulto , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Prevalencia , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , CuidadoresRESUMEN
Introduction: This study delves into individual and community-level factors influencing the availability of water, soap, and cleansing agents for handwashing in Ethiopia. Its comprehensive exploration offers nuanced insights, informing targeted interventions and policies to effectively enhance handwashing resources across Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess individual and community-level factors of availability of observed water, soap, and other cleansing agents for hand washing practices in Ethiopia. Methods: Data from the 2021 PMA-ET, encompassing 24,747 household participants, informed this study. Employing STATA version 17.0, a multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was performed to identify individual and community-level factors. Adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval conveyed the strength and direction of associations, with significance determined at p < 0.05. Results: Significant factors affecting handwashing resources availability: water, soap, and cleansing agents included education status such as Participants aged below 25 and between 25 and 64 (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.0891, 1.7631) and (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.1431, 1.8621) respectively, individuals with no formal education and those with only primary education were 40 and 39% less likely (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0. 47,191, 0. 77,317) and (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0. 46,526, 0. 80,124) respectively, those who had poor and had middle wealth status were (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0. 24,955, 0.37165) and (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.31465, 0. 44,973) respectively, who had media exposure (OR = 2.88; 95% CI: 2.5565, 3.2615), water sources, various sources like Piped Water, tube well, dug well, spring, rainwater, and surface water were less likely to provide access compared to bottled water. Furthermore, clusters with a lower proportion of primary education [AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: (0.04303, 0.44515)], and those with a higher proportion of middle wealth status [AOR = 3.26, 95% CI: (1.071, 9.9245)]. Conclusion: The study uncovered individual and community-level factors impacting the availability of water, soap, and cleansing agents for handwashing in Ethiopia. Individual factors like age, education, wealth, water source, media exposure, Community factors such as education levels and wealth status showed significant associations. Community initiatives should boost primary education and equitable wealth distribution to ensure widespread access to hand-washing resources, fostering improved hygiene practices.
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Desinfección de las Manos , Jabones , Humanos , Etiopía , Jabones/provisión & distribución , Adulto , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Análisis Multinivel , AguaRESUMEN
An experiment was carried out in 1985-87 against schistosomiasis using products neutralizing the intermediate stages of schistosomes. In the laboratory, it had been shown that lauryl betaines, amphoteric substances, used for children's shampoos, quickly immobilized miracidiums and cercariae. Studies in Niger in field conditions with water laden with organic matter gave similar results. This surfactant can be incorporated into ordinary soaps at a dose of 5% without changing their characteristics. Betaine soaps were put on sale in ordinary commercial channels in Niger then in Côte d'Ivoire, in hyperendemic villages for Schistosoma haematobium. Betaines diffused without external intervention into the water used by populations for washing. The soaps were well accepted by these populations. However, after one year, the results in tested villages compared to control ones were unclear on the dynamics of urinary schistosomiasis in terms of prevalence and oviuria. Anti-schistosome treatment seems necessary at the start of the procedure. The use of soap by populations needed to be measured. In conclusion, this promising laboratory action deserves to be evaluated again in the field, in addition to health education and systematic treatment actions.
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Esquistosomiasis , Jabones , Humanos , Esquistosomiasis/prevención & control , Esquistosomiasis/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Côte d'Ivoire/epidemiología , Niger/epidemiología , Animales , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/prevención & control , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease which is spread through skin contact with water containing Schistosoma cercariae. Drug treatment has been the main control method, but it does not prevent reinfection. The use of soap can be a complementary measure to reduce transmission. Therefore, this study investigates the quantitative effect of different soaps on the mortality of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. METHODOLOGY: Four soaps including two powder soaps (Kleesoft and Omo) and two bar soaps (B29 and Rungu) which are used in a schistosomiasis-endemic Tanzanian village were studied. S. mansoni cercariae were exposed to powder soaps of 0 (control), 10, 50, 75, 100 and 1000 mg/L and to bar soaps of 0 (control), 100, 500 and 1000 mg/L. The highest concentration of 1000 mg/L was selected based on the laboratory-estimated average soap concentration during handwashing. Cercariae were observed under a microscope after 0, 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes of exposure to determine their survival. CONCLUSIONS: All four soaps can kill S. mansoni cercariae and this lethal effect was related to soap concentration and exposure time. At the highest concentration of 1000 mg/L, all cercariae were dead at 5 minutes post-exposure with two powder soaps and Rungu, while 100% cercarial death was achieved between 5 minutes to 15 minutes for B29. Almost all cercariae survived after being exposed to 10 mg/L powder soaps and 100 mg/L bar soaps for 60 minutes. Powder soaps were more lethal than bar soaps. Considering the widely varying concentrations of soap during real-world hygiene activities and the necessity for a very high soap concentration to eliminate all cercariae in a short 5-minute exposure, providing the efficacy of soap in preventing schistosomiasis becomes challenging. Future studies should investigate whether soap can influence alternative mechanisms such as making cercariae unable to penetrate the skin, thereby providing protection.
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Cercarias , Schistosoma mansoni , Jabones , Animales , Jabones/farmacología , Schistosoma mansoni/efectos de los fármacos , Schistosoma mansoni/fisiología , Cercarias/efectos de los fármacos , Cercarias/fisiología , Agua/parasitología , Tanzanía , Humanos , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/prevención & control , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/transmisión , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Background: The normally acidic skin pH changes in atopic dermatitis (AD) to alkaline, which contributes to the associated skin-barrier dysfunction. Hence, acidic cleansers would be preferred, but such information is scarce. Objective: Guiding health-care providers and patients on selecting skin cleansers with a pH optimal for AD. Methods: A total of 250 products were tested: 37 soaps (32 bars, 5 liquid) and 213 syndets (14 bars, 199 liquid); 10% solutions were tested for pH by using a pH meter; pH values 6.65-7.35 were considered neutral. Results: The pH of the tested skin cleansers varied widely (3.59-10.83). All 37 soaps were highly alkaline. In the 14 syndet bars, the pH was neutral in 6, alkaline in 8, and acidic in none. In the 199 syndet liquids, the pH was acidic in 84.9%, neutral in 11.1%, and alkaline in 4.0%. The product's pH was disclosed in none of the 37 soaps and in only 32 syndets (15%) , of which 9 bars were labeled "balanced," whose measured pH was neutral in 6 and alkaline in 3. Of the other 23 syndets, the labeled pH was referred to as "balanced" in 20 whose measured pH was neutral in 2 (6.80, 6.88) and acidic in 18 (3.59-6.59). The pH in the other three syndets was 4.25-6.00. Conclusion: All tested soaps had undesirable pH, whereas 84.9% of the liquid syndets were acidic (which is desirable) and 11.1% were neutral (which could be acceptable). Only 12.8% of the products disclosed the pH, an issue in need of improvement.
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Dermatitis Atópica , Dermatitis Atópica/tratamiento farmacológico , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Humanos , Jabones , Piel , Detergentes , Cuidados de la Piel/métodosRESUMEN
Handwashing represents an important personal hygiene measure for preventing infection. Herein, we report the persistence of antibacterial and antiviral effects after handwashing with fatty acid salt-based hand soap. To this end, we developed a new in vitro test method to measure persistence, utilizing coacervation formed by anionic surfactants and cationic polymers to retain highly effective soap components against each bacterium and virus on the skin. Coacervation with fatty acid salts and poly diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) as a cationic polymer allowed the persistence of antibacterial and antiviral effects against E. coli, S. aureus, and influenza virus even 4 h after handwashing. Furthermore, we confirmed an increase in the number of residual components effective against each bacterium and virus on the skin. In summary, the current findings describe an effective approach for enhancing the protective effects of handwashing.
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Antibacterianos , Antivirales , Escherichia coli , Desinfección de las Manos , Polietilenos , Compuestos de Amonio Cuaternario , Piel , Jabones , Staphylococcus aureus , Tensoactivos , Jabones/farmacología , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Desinfección de las Manos/métodos , Compuestos de Amonio Cuaternario/farmacología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Staphylococcus aureus/efectos de los fármacos , Antivirales/farmacología , Piel/efectos de los fármacos , Piel/microbiología , Tensoactivos/farmacología , Humanos , Ácidos Grasos/farmacología , Ácidos Grasos/análisis , Factores de Tiempo , Orthomyxoviridae/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
The objective of the current study was to develop a simple method to measure fatty acid soaps, making use of FT-IR, representative for the soap formation observed in clinical trials. Calcium soaps have a unique coordination which leads to a typical double-splitting of the antisymmetric and symmetric carboxylate peaks. Absorbance values of these carboxylate peaks were used together with the absorbance of the hydrocarbon -CH2 antisymmetric and symmetric peaks to calculate the calcium soap absorbance. Based on the linear correlation between the calcium soap absorbance and the calcium soap concentration measured with GC-FID, a model was set-up and subsequently successfully validated to quantify calcium soap concentrations in faecal samples from clinical trials with this FT-IR method. With in vivo as well as in vitro digestion an inverse correlation between the long chain saturated fatty acid part of milk fat containing fat blends used for the infant formulas, and the formation of fatty acid soaps after digestion and defaecation could be observed. There is a clear link between the amount of long chain saturated fatty acids at the sn-1/3 position and their release as free fatty acid after lipolysis with the appearance of fatty acid soaps. These insights enable future development of fat blends for infant nutrition to optimize fatty acid soap formation and thereby gut discomfort in infants. These insights can be used to predict the soap formation capacity of a newly designed fat blend and thereby the improvement of infant nutrition products.
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Ácidos Grasos , Jabones , Jabones/química , Ácidos Grasos/análisis , Ácidos Grasos/química , Humanos , Espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier/métodos , Heces/química , Digestión/fisiología , Lactante , Fórmulas Infantiles/químicaRESUMEN
Hand hygiene is broadly recognized as a critical intervention in reducing the spread of disease-causing pathogens in both professional and personal uses. In this study, the impact of antibacterial (AB) or nonantibacterial soaps on the removal and postwash transfer of E. coli following the handling of raw poultry was assessed. Baseline bacterial contamination ranged between 107 and 109 CFU per hand. Hands were washed for 30 s in 40°C ± 2°C tap water using 2 mL of AB soap (0.5% and 1.0% Chloroxylenol, 0.5% Benzalkonium Chloride, or 4.0% Chlorhexidine Gluconate), non-AB soap (cosmetic/plain soap), or water. Postwash, water, and non-AB soap had a mean 3.63 and 3.65 Log10 reduction of E. coli on hands. AB treatments had a mean 4.19-4.35 Log10 reduction. Rinse water had mean bacterial counts of 8.62 and 8.88 Log10 CFU/mL for non-AB soap and water and 5.37-6.90 Log10 CFU/mL for AB treatments. Bacterial transfer was assessed by following the test subject's handling of a sterile polymer knife handle for 30 s postwash. E. coli transfer ranged from 263 to 903 CFU/handle for AB soaps and 1572 or 1709 CFU/handle for water and non-AB soap. Differences between AB and non-AB treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) for hands and rinse water. Differences in transfer from hands to knife handle were not statistically significant (p = 0.139). Combined, these data highlight significant differences in the performance of AB soaps relative to non-AB soaps in a food handling environment-specific usage example and provide an unexplored assessment of the bactericidal vs. removal effects of AB vs. non-AB soaps on bacteria removed from the hands. These data reinforce the importance of hand hygiene, provide new details on the differences between AB vs. non-AB soaps, and highlight potential differences to inform food handling environment operators and public health personnel on how these products may impact food safety.
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Antibacterianos , Recuento de Colonia Microbiana , Escherichia coli , Aves de Corral , Jabones , Animales , Humanos , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Jabones/farmacología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Desinfección de las Manos , Mano/microbiología , Manipulación de Alimentos/métodos , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Desinfectantes/farmacología , Higiene de las Manos , Microbiología de AlimentosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Despite being a preventable and treatable disease, cholera remains a public health problem in Sudan. The objective of the outbreak investigation was to identify associated risk factors that would help institute appropriate control measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case control study design was chosen to identify the risk factors for cholera in Gadarif State. RESULTS: Multi-variate analysis of identified two risk factors and three preventive factors for cholera in Gadarif City. RISK FACTORS: Buying foods or drinks from street vendors (OR = 71.36), 95 % CI: 16.58-307.14), living in an urban setting (Gadarif City) (OR = 5.38), 95 % CI: 2.10-13.81); and the preventive factors were: Washing hands with water after defecation but without soap (OR = 0.16), 95 % CI: 0.04-0.63) or with soap (OR = 0.01), 95 % CI: 0.00-0.03), washing hands before eating (OR = 0.15), 95 % CI: 0.05-0.51) and taking Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI: 0.08-0.44). The effectiveness of OCV (VE) was (Unadjusted VE: 80 %, 95 % CI: 69 %-87 %) or (Adjusted VE = 81.0 %, 95 % CI: 56.0 %-92.0 %). DISCUSSION: Cholera outbreaks, especially in the setting of a complex humanitarian crises, can spread rapidly, resulting in many deaths, and quickly become a public health crisis. Implementation of a community-wide vaccination campaign using OCV as early as possible during the outbreak while implementing other control measures to target hotspots and at-risk populations would expedite halting outbreaks of cholera and save lives.
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Vacunas contra el Cólera , Cólera , Humanos , Cólera/epidemiología , Cólera/prevención & control , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Jabones , Administración Oral , Brotes de Enfermedades/prevención & controlRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Practicing hand hygiene is recommended as one of the key preventive measures for reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious agents. However, it is often not practiced frequently enough or correctly by the public. We aimed to identify barriers to and facilitators of hand hygiene in the Zimbabwean population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted with a purposive sample of health workers, village health workers, church leaders, traditional healers, teachers, youth leaders and the general population selected from ten districts across the country from September to October 2022. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 key informant interviews per site. In addition, one homogenous focus group discussion was also conducted per site using a focus group discussion guide. The data were recorded on audiotapes, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. All the analyses were performed manually using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two themes were identified as facilitators of hand hygiene. These include individual factors (knowledge of hand hygiene practices and how they are performed) and access-related factors (access to hand washing infrastructure, soap, and sanitizers). Among the barriers to hand hygiene, four themes were identified: individual factors (knowledge gaps in proper hand washing, lack of conviction about hand hygiene, and habitual behaviour), access-related factors (lack of access to hand washing infrastructure, soap, and sanitizers), safety concerns (concern about the side effects of sanitizers), and sociocultural and religious factors (social customs, cultural beliefs, values, and religious practices). CONCLUSION: During public health emergencies, there is a need for people to access uninterrupted, on-premises water supplies to promote compliance with hand hygiene. The provision of clean water and hand washing facilities is critical for vulnerable communities to afford them the opportunity to improve quality of life and facilitate resilience in the event of future pandemics. Community engagement is important for identifying vulnerability factors to provide appropriate mitigatory measures.
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COVID-19 , Higiene de las Manos , Adolescente , Humanos , COVID-19/prevención & control , Pandemias/prevención & control , Jabones , Calidad de Vida , Zimbabwe/epidemiología , Desinfección de las ManosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products can be contaminated with bacteria and cause healthcare-associated infections, which are underreported from low- and middle-income countries. To better understand the user-related risk factors, we conducted a knowledge, awareness, and practice survey among hospital staff in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaire distributed among healthcare workers in three tertiary care hospitals (Burkina Faso, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo). RESULTS: 617 healthcare workers (85.3% (para)medical and 14.7% auxiliary staff) participated. Less than half (45.5%) had been trained in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC), and only 15.7% were trained < 1 year ago. Near two-thirds (64.2%) preferred liquid soap for hand hygiene, versus 33.1% for alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR). Most (58.3%) expressed confidence in the locally available products. Knowledge of product categories, storage conditions and shelf-life was inadequate: eosin was considered as an antiseptic (47.5% of (para)medical staff), the shelf life and storage conditions (non-transparent container) of freshly prepared chlorine 0.5% were known by only 42.6% and 34.8% of participants, respectively. Approximately one-third of participants approved using tap water for preparation of chlorine 0.5% and liquid soap. Most participants (> 80%) disapproved recycling soft-drink bottles as liquid soap containers. Nearly two-thirds (65.0%) declared that bacteria may be resistant to and survive in ABHR, versus 51.0% and 37.4% for povidone iodine and chlorine 0.5%, respectively. Depicted risk practices (n = 4) were ignored by 30 to 40% of participants: they included touching the rim or content of stock containers with compresses or small containers, storing of cotton balls soaked in an antiseptic, and hand-touching the spout of pump dispenser. Filling containers by topping-up was considered good practice by 18.3% of participants. Half (52.1%) of participants acknowledged indefinite reuse of containers. Besides small differences, the findings were similar across the study sites and professional groups. Among IPC-trained staff, proportions recognizing all 4 risk practices were higher compared to non-trained staff (35.9% versus 23.8%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings can guide tailored training and IPC implementation at the healthcare facility and national levels, and sensitize stakeholders' and funders' interest.
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Antiinfecciosos Locales , Desinfectantes , Higiene de las Manos , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Centros de Atención Terciaria , Benin , Burkina Faso , Cloro , República Democrática del Congo , Jabones , Etanol , Personal de Hospital , BacteriasRESUMEN
Introduction: Adequate menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is necessary for women's health and equity of all menstruators. Female sex workers (FSW) require good MHH to prevent discomfort and exposure to pathogens. No studies have evaluated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions of FSW. We report on a cross-sectional WASH assessment at FSW venues in Kisumu, western Kenya. Methods: Stakeholders identified 77 FSW venues in Kisumu, of which 47 were randomly sampled and visited between April-May 2023. A standardized structured survey of WASH conditions was deployed by trained research staff using Android tablets after proprietor's consent. WASH scores ranging 0-3 were computed based on point each for direct observation of water available, soap available, and acceptable latrine. MHH scores ranging between 0-4 were computed (one point each) for direct observation of: currently available soap and water, locking door on a usable latrine, functional lighting, and a private area for changing clothes or menstrual materials, separate from the latrine(s). WASH and MHH scores were compared by venue type using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests, and non-parametric Spearman rank tests. Results: Full WASH criteria was met by 29.8% of venues; 34.0% had no adequate WASH facilities; 46.8% had no female latrine; and 25.5% provided soap and water in private spaces for women. While 76.6% had menstrual waste disposal only 14 (29.8%) had covered bins. One in 10 venues provided adequate MHM facilities. Poorest WASH facilities were in brothels and in bars, and three-quarters of bars with accommodation had no MHH facilities. Discussion: WASH and MHH services were sub-optimal in the majority of FSW venues, preventing menstrual management safely, effectively, with dignity and privacy. This study highlights the unmet need for MHH support for this population. Poor MHH can deleteriously impact FSW health and wellbeing and compound the stigma and shame associated with their work and ability to stay clean. Acceptable and cost-effective solutions to sustainably improve WASH facilities for these populations are needed. Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov NCT0566678.
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Saneamiento , Trabajadores Sexuales , Femenino , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Higiene , Trabajo Sexual , Jabones , AguaRESUMEN
Eye infections from bacterial contamination of bulk-refillable liquid soap dispensers and artificial tear eye drops continue to occur, resulting in adverse health outcomes that include impaired vision or eye enucleation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a common cause of eye infections, can grow in eye drop containers and refillable soap dispensers to high numbers. To assess the risk of eye infection, a quantitative microbial risk assessment for P. aeruginosa was conducted to predict the probability of an eye infection for two potential exposure scenarios: (i) individuals using bacteria-contaminated eye drops and (ii) contact lens wearers washing their hands with bacteria-contaminated liquid soap prior to placing the lens. The median risk of an eye infection using contaminated eye drops and hand soap for both single and multiple exposure events (per day) ranged from 10-1 to 10-4, with contaminated eye drops having the greater risk. The concentration of P. aeruginosa was identified as the parameter contributing the greatest variance on eye infection risk; therefore, the prevalence and level of bacterial contamination of the product would have the greatest influence on health risk. Using eye drops in a single-use container or with preservatives can mitigate bacterial growth, and using non-refillable soap dispensers is recommended to reduce contamination of hand soap. Given the opportunistic nature of P. aeruginosa and its ability to thrive in unique environments, additional safeguards to mitigate bacterial growth and exposure are warranted.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a pathogen that can persist in a variety of unusual environments and continues to pose a significant risk for public health. This quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) estimates the potential human health risks, specifically for eye infections, associated with exposure to P. aeruginosa in bacteria-contaminated artificial tear eye drops and hand soap. This study applies the risk assessment framework of QMRA to evaluate eye infection risks through both consumer products. The study examines the prevalence of this pathogen in eye drops and soap, as well as the critical need to implement measures that will mitigate bacterial exposure (e.g., single-use soap dispensers and eye drops with preservatives). Additionally, limitations and challenges are discussed, including the need to incorporate data regarding consumer practices, which may improve exposure assessments and health risk estimates.
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Infecciones del Ojo , Infecciones por Pseudomonas , Humanos , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Jabones , Gotas Lubricantes para Ojos , Bacterias , Infecciones por Pseudomonas/epidemiología , Infecciones por Pseudomonas/prevención & control , Desinfección de las Manos/métodosRESUMEN
Contagious diseases that affect young children place a great burden on them and their families. Proper hand hygiene is an important measure to reduce the disease burden, however, its implementation in day care centres is challenging. This paper introduces a digital intervention to support independent and good handwashing among young children. The intervention leverages animated instructions triggered by water and soap use, together with a symbolic reward shown to children on a screen during and immediately after handwashing. We tested the intervention in a pre-registered, cluster-randomised controlled field trial in 4 day care centres in Finland and Germany with 162 children over 42 days. The intervention increased soaping time, used as a proxy for handwashing quality, by 5.30 s (+ 62%, p < 0.001). The effect occurs immediately at the onset of the intervention and is maintained throughout the intervention phase.
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Higiene de las Manos , Niño , Preescolar , Humanos , Finlandia , Desinfección de las Manos , Higiene , Jabones , Alemania , Pueblo EuropeoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased hand hygiene practices were implemented. Impaired skin health on the hands among healthcare workers has been reported previously. Knowledge of how worker in other occupations have been affected is scarce. OBJECTIVES: To investigate self-reported hand water-, and soap exposure and use of hand disinfectants, and hand eczema (HE) in frontline workers outside the hospital setting and in IT personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was sent out between 1 March and 30 April in 2021, to 6060 randomly selected individuals representing six occupational groups. RESULTS: A significant increase in water exposure and hand disinfectant use was shown: Relative position (RP) 19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.21 and RP = 0.38: 95% CI 0.36-0.41, respectively. Newly debuted HE was reported by 7.4% of the population, more frequently among frontline workers (8.6%) compared to IT personnel (4.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Water and soap exposure and use of hand disinfectants increased during COVID-19 pandemic, which may increase the risk of hand eczema. This highlights the importance of communication and implementation of preventive measures to protect the skin barrier also in occupations other than healthcare workers.
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COVID-19 , Dermatitis Profesional , Eccema , Dermatosis de la Mano , Desinfección de las Manos , Autoinforme , Jabones , Humanos , COVID-19/prevención & control , COVID-19/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Jabones/efectos adversos , Masculino , Dermatosis de la Mano/epidemiología , Dermatosis de la Mano/etiología , Femenino , Adulto , Dermatitis Profesional/epidemiología , Dermatitis Profesional/etiología , Eccema/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Agua , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Personal de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , SARS-CoV-2 , Desinfectantes/efectos adversos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Higiene de las ManosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The study aimed to assess the surface characteristics of sports mouthguards under mechanical stresses during cleaning, either by brushing or immersion in disinfectant solutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ethylene-vinyl acetate samples, 4 mm thick, were randomly assigned to cleaning methods: control (C-no cleaning), brushing with water (B.W), brushing with neutral liquid soap (B.S), brushing with toothpaste (B.T), immersion in distilled water for 10 min (I.W), immersion in 2.25% sodium hypochlorite solution for 10 min (I.SH), and immersion in sodium bicarbonate solution for 5 min (I.SB). All cleaning methods were applied for 28 days. Surface roughness average (Ra) and wettability were measured at baseline for the control group (n = 9), and after cleaning for all the other groups. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA with Tukey tests (5% significance) indicated significant differences among groups (p < .05). The I.SB group had higher surface roughness than B.S and B.T (p < .05). B.W showed the lowest wettability, significantly lower than B.T, I.W, and I.SB (p < .05). I.SB exhibited the highest wettability, significantly different from sodium hypochlorite, neutral liquid soap, brushing with water, and control groups (p < .05). The sodium bicarbonate immersion group (I.SB) demonstrated greater statistical variation, displaying higher susceptibility to aging compared to brushing with neutral liquid soap. CONCLUSION: Cleaning mouthguards with a toothbrush, water, and neutral liquid soap emerged as the most promising method, causing minimal surface changes in the material.
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Protectores Bucales , Propiedades de Superficie , Cepillado Dental , Desinfectantes , Hipoclorito de Sodio/farmacología , Humanos , Bicarbonato de Sodio , Jabones , Pastas de Dientes , Humectabilidad , Factores de Tiempo , PolivinilosRESUMEN
This study assessed the air quality status in different functional zones of Dhanbad-a coal-mining and industrial hub, based on the measurement of aromatic and halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using gas chromatography. The study encompasses source apportionment of VOCs and their chemical reactivity in terms of OH radical loss rate (LOH), ozone-forming potential (OFP), and their secondary organic aerosol forming potential (SOAp). Furthermore, prioritization of VOCs based on a fuzzy-analytical hierarchical process (F-AHP) has also been done. The results found xylene species to have the highest concentration in all three seasons across traffic-intersection and industrial zones and toluene at the institutional zone. The study identified four sources using positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, viz., mixed traffic exhaust (35%), coal combustion sources (30%), industrial (26%), and solvent usage (9%). LOH and SOAp were ~ 16 times more at the industrial and traffic-intersection zone than the institutional zone. The aromatic species contributed 97% to the OFP, and many species exhibited less contribution to the mixing ratio of VOCs but displayed a high contribution to LOH, OFP, and SOAp, suggesting the need to prefer reactivity-based strategies in addition to concentration-based strategies in the future for their regulation. The F-AHP-based priority component analysis identified 16 species out of 29 in the priority watch list (nine in tier-1, four in tier-2, and three in tier-3). The paucity of data and lack of ambient air quality standards on VOCs (except benzene) make it difficult to determine which aspect should be dealt with first and which species require more attention. Therefore, the F-AHP method used in this study could help identify the influencing parameters to be considered while devising efficient VOC management policies.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Ozono , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles/análisis , Jabones/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Emisiones de Vehículos/análisis , Ozono/análisis , India , Aerosoles/análisis , Carbón Mineral/análisis , Minería , ChinaRESUMEN
The present study investigated several properties such as friction, hardness, penetration work, and cutting forces in soaps formulated with apple and carrot pomace at varying concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. To gain insights into the molecular-level alterations within the formulated soap samples, they were spectroscopically analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The sliding friction analyses revealed that the investigated extrudate additives had no significant impact on the frictional forces of the soaps. However, notable differences were observed in the cutting force, hardness, and penetration work between the control and pomace-added samples. Excluding the control samples, no statistically significant distinctions were found between the cutting force, hardness, and work of penetration of soaps containing apple pomace and carrot pomace. Moreover, the quantity of pomace incorporated did not induce any significant variations in the results. The obtained samples were characterised at the molecular level using FTIR Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. On the other hand, alterations in band intensities suggested improved molecular packing of the compounds within the samples due to the presence of the additives.
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Malus , Jabones , Industria de AlimentosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Washing with water is not inferior to washing with soaps and detergents in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) in remission during the fall-winter seasons. We investigated whether this finding varies during summer based on the type of cleanser (soaps and detergents). METHODS: This evaluator-blinded, pragmatic, randomized, and non-inferiority study enrolled patients with AD whose eczema was controlled following regular steroid ointment application 2 days/week. For 8 ± 4 weeks, participants washed their upper and lower limbs with a cleanser on one side and with water alone on the other. Each participant chose either a weakly alkaline soap or an acidic detergent. The primary outcome was the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score at week 8 ± 4. RESULTS: The data of 43 of the 47 registered participants were analyzed. The median patient age was 44 (23-99) months; 28 and 15 participants chose weakly alkaline and acidic cleansers, respectively. At week 8 ± 4, EASI scores of the water and cleanser sides were 0.00 (0.00-0.40) and 0.15 (0.00-0.40), respectively (p = 0.74). The difference between both sides was 0.00 (-0.07 to 0.14); the limits of the 95 % confidence interval did not reach the pre-specified non-inferiority margin. No difference was observed in the median Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure score, number of additional steroid ointment applications, and occurrences of skin infections. There were no differences between the cleanser types in any of the results. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that washing with water was not inferior to that with a cleanser in patients with AD in the maintenance phase during summer, regardless of the type of cleanser.