Articles tagged with Hygiene
A new study found that the signatories to the Public Health Responsibility Deal alcohol labelling pledge are not fully meeting their pledge. Labelling information frequently falls short of best practice, including poor legibility and clarity.
A comprehensive genomic analysis suggests that dengue fever can persist year-round in southern China, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found a complex mix of viral subtypes, increasing the risk of epidemic outbreaks when new variants emerge and infect people with no prior exposure.
Researchers estimate that introducing Ebola treatment beds prevented an estimated 57,000 Ebola cases and 40,000 deaths in Sierra Leone. The study suggests that this could have been reduced further if the beds were introduced one month earlier.
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found Ixodes ricinus ticks in Richmond and Bushy parks, carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterial pathogen that causes Lyme disease. The risk is low but caution is advised as most humans are infected through nymphs' bites.
A new study exploring the relationship between facial hair and health will survey sources from 1700 to 1918, including medical texts and personal diaries. The project aims to understand how beard grooming evolved over time and its connection to masculinity and hygiene.
A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that health workers trained to use malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) still prescribe valuable malaria medicines to patients without testing for malaria. The researchers tested 5,000 participants across 40 communities and found that RDT use remained less than 50% desp...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that introducing rapid diagnostic tests in registered drug shops in Uganda reduced overdiagnosis of malaria by 73%, improving the use of valuable malaria drugs. The introduction of these tests improved treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies, increasing appropriate treatment by 36%.
A national initiative launched in 2007 to improve hip fracture care has led to substantial improvements in the use of early surgery and mortality rates among older people. The study, published in Medical Care journal, found a 7.6% annual relative reduction in 30-day mortality after the initiative's introduction.
Researchers found that standardized mortality ratios do not provide an accurate picture of how many deaths could have been avoided. Experts recommend alternative measures such as adherence to good practice guidelines and patient surveys to assess hospital quality.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vitamin B12 supplements offer no benefits for neurological or cognitive function in older people with moderate vitamin B12 deficiency. Researchers tested 201 participants aged over 75 years who received either a vitamin B12 supplement or a placebo, and found...
A new study estimates Florida's annual incidence of ciguatera toxin poisoning at about 5.6 cases per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the previous estimate of .2 cases per 100,000. The highest risk areas are around Miami and in the Florida Keys.
Living in areas with high road traffic noise may reduce life expectancy due to an increased risk of heart or blood vessel disease. Adults and the elderly living in noisy areas were found to be more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and experience strokes.
A new programme, Good School Toolkit, has successfully reduced physical violence from teachers against school children by 42% in Ugandan primary schools. The initiative aims to foster change in operational culture at the school level, leading to improved feelings of well-being and safety among students.
A mother's environment around the time of conception can affect her child's lifelong risk of disease by altering the function of a specific gene. The study found that maternal nutrition, particularly in rural Gambia, impacts the methylation marks on the VTRNA2-1 gene, which influences immunity and cancer risk.
Researchers have identified two genetically divergent subpopulations of P. knowlesi in human cases, each associated with a different species of reservoir host. This discovery highlights the complexity of zoonotic malaria transmission and may lead to new possibilities for parasite adaptation to humans.
A study in Nigeria found that 9.3% of antimalarial drugs purchased in Enugu were of poor quality, while 1.2% were falsified and 6.8% substandard. The results highlight the need for improved drug regulation and monitoring to protect patients from receiving ineffective or harmful treatments.
A new study led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that making realistic changes to UK diets could have substantial benefits for both health and the environment. The modified diet would contain fewer animal products, more fruit and vegetables, and less savoury snacks.
A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found a strong genetic component to how attractive individuals are to mosquitoes, linked to body odour. The research used identical and non-identical twin pairs to demonstrate this connection.
A new study released in Science found that subsidies are essential for increasing the use of hygienic latrines in developing countries. The community-motivation model alone was ineffective, but combining it with subsidies expanded latrine coverage substantially, particularly among poor households.
Researchers created 3D maps of molecular and microbial variations across the body, providing a baseline for future studies of human health and disease. The study found that personal hygiene products and environmental factors contribute to the skin's chemical composition.
A new global survey finds varying levels of vaccine hesitancy worldwide, with the UK and Nigeria showing high rates. Strategies to overcome challenges are crucial, as public confidence can severely undermine immunization programs.
A new study found that the majority of interventions under the deal are ineffective, poorly reported, or already underway. The deal aims to improve public health through voluntary pledges from industry and government.
Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring chemical, cedrol, that attracts pregnant malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, offering a new way to control mosquitoes. The team found that the chemical increased the likelihood of female mosquitoes laying eggs in treated water by two to three times.
A two-year study found malaria incidence on the rise in rural Uganda, defying global trend of decline, due to inadequate current interventions. The study suggests a need for scaling up bednet distribution and considering new prevention measures.
The study found that school is now the main source of information for both young men and women, but many feel they are not getting all the information they need. Young people also expressed a demand for greater involvement of parents and health professionals in supplying sexual information.
A large survey of trafficking survivors found high rates of physical and psychological abuse, mental health problems, and hazardous living conditions. The study highlights the urgent need for access to healthcare and mental health support for survivors of human trafficking.
A study found that contact lens wearers who don't follow proper hygiene habits have increased bacterial contamination of their cases. Washing hands with soap, letting cases air-dry, and using matching disinfecting solutions from the same manufacturer are key steps to reducing contamination.
A new study recalculates global progress in household water access, highlighting deficits in sanitation. The findings suggest that prioritizing both water and sanitation equally could improve human health outcomes.
A study published by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that 12% of patients admitted from care homes had high sodium levels, compared to 1% from their own homes. Dehydration is a significant concern for elderly and infirm people who may require assistance with drinking.
A new research published in the Journal of Public Health found that bisexual women are more likely to self-harm and experience eating problems compared to lesbians. Bisexual women reported 64% higher rates of eating problems and 37% higher rates of deliberate self-harm than lesbians.
A lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in birth settings is killing mothers and newborns in the developing world, a new publication reports. The World Health Organization and other organizations are calling on governments to take action to save lives and enable skilled health workers to do their jobs.
UTMB professors Scott Weaver and Slobodan Paessler received national awards from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. They are making significant contributions to understanding and controlling tropical diseases, including Ebola, mosquito-borne illnesses, and influenza.
Research reveals that four out of five Maasai households face severe food insecurity and nearly 60% of Maasai children are chronically malnourished. The study highlights the need for targeted initiatives to address the health needs of marginalized Maasai communities.
A study published in International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity found that later sunsets may lead to increased children's physical activity. The research examined associations between sunset time and physical activity levels across 23,000 children in nine countries, with findings suggesting that children's tot...
A clinical trial in Sub-Sahara African countries shows a four-month TB treatment is well-tolerated and works for subsets of patients, but is not an alternative to the standard six-month treatment. The new regimen was beneficial for patients without lung cavitation, undernourished individuals, and those living with HIV.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that widespread sanitation programs did not reduce diarrheal diseases, parasitic worm infections, or child malnutrition. Despite providing access to latrines, the intervention failed to improve health outcomes, highlighting the need for further research into its effectiveness.
A recent study published by the International Association for Dental Research found that sleeping in dentures doubles the risk of pneumonia in elderly individuals. The research, which followed over 500 seniors, identified that overnight denture wear was independently associated with a 2.3-fold higher risk of pneumonia incidence.
A new study analyzing the first outbreak of Ebola in 1976 found that reducing community transmission and changing behavior were crucial to controlling the outbreak. The study suggests that if communities had not changed their behavior, the outbreak could have been much larger, with potentially devastating consequences.
A new study suggests that vaccines developed for adolescents and adults could have a significant impact on tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. The researchers found that these vaccines could provide dramatic levels of control needed to eliminate TB by 2050. However, the current BCG vaccine given to infants is not enough to achieve this goal.
The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa requires a rapid global response to contain the virus, which has already killed nearly 2000 people and may infect up to 20,000. Experts warn that fear, mistrust, and lack of resources are exacerbating the situation.
Researchers have devised a genetic barcode that can identify different types of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria, allowing doctors to track the spread of the disease more effectively. The study found that just 62 mutations are needed to code the global family of strains, making it easier for scientists to map how TB moves around the world.
Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found young men often prioritize anal sex over consent, while women report repeated requests and a culture of coercion. The study calls for open discussion to challenge these attitudes and promote healthier relationships.
A new study found that obese workers have significantly shorter endurance times when performing workplace tasks compared to their non-obese counterparts. The study also revealed greater declines in task performance among females with obesity, highlighting the need for longer rest breaks and ergonomic redesigns.
A new study published in The BMJ suggests that reducing alcohol consumption, even for light-to-moderate drinkers, could be linked to improved cardiovascular health. Individuals carrying a genetic variant associated with lower alcohol consumption had a 10% lower risk of coronary heart disease and other health issues.
A NIOSH study reveals extremely hazardous carbon monoxide concentrations can accumulate near rear decks of uncontrolled gasoline-powered generators on houseboats. Innovative engineering controls have reduced exposure by up to 99 percent, enhancing safer working environments for boat users.
A new study found that red blood cell transfusions may benefit patients at high risk of death after trauma, but harm those at low risk. The study analyzed data from the CRASH-2 trial, which included 20,127 trauma patients from 40 countries.
Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine urge officials to invest in prevention measures to keep women and girls safe from all forms of violence. A recent study found that 33% of women in Côte d'Ivoire reported an experience of sexual violence, with 29% reporting their husband or partner as the perpetrator.
Experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and UNHCR call for equal access to HIV treatment for refugees and internally displaced persons in stable settings. The authors recommend routine adherence monitoring systems and point-of-care laboratory monitoring to ensure high levels of viral suppression.
Scientists urge travelers to use insect repellents containing DEET to prevent diseases like malaria and dengue fever, which can be transmitted by insects. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine launches Bug Off campaign for Insect Repellent Awareness Day.
Researchers found four genes in trypanosome parasites that make them sensitive or resistant to the human immune system. The study identified a previously unknown gene that codes for a transmembrane channel, which may be involved in the uptake of human defense factors by the parasite.
A study published in Nature Communications found that a mother's diet before conception can permanently affect how her child's genes function. Researchers analyzed blood and hair samples from infants born to mothers who conceived during rainy or dry seasons, revealing higher rates of methyl groups linked to nutrient levels and BMI.
New research found that interactive training programmes for health workers can reduce overdiagnosis of malaria by half and prevent the wastage of valuable drugs. The study suggests that comprehensive training packages should be implemented alongside the roll-out of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in endemic countries.
Trade formalization in urban areas is expected to increase medicinal tree species cultivation, benefiting poor smallholder farmers. The study found that most traders prefer wild-sourced materials due to perceived higher potency, but farm-grown options are gaining acceptance.
A pilot scheme allowing patients to visit GPs outside their area was most popular among younger commuters and those who had moved house but didn't want to change their GP. The scheme was generally well-received, with little increase in costs for primary care trusts.
A new £7.1 million grant will support the Commonwealth Eye Health Consortium, which aims to tackle avoidable blindness and improve quality of eye care across the Commonwealth. The programme will deliver fellowships, research, and technology to strengthen health systems and provide accessible care.
Research links intimate partner violence in men who have sex with men to negative health indicators such as alcohol use, depressive symptoms, HIV positivity, and unprotected sex. The study found a lifetime rate of exposure to IPV among MSM was 48%.
A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that opening a new supermarket in a low-income community did not lead to significant changes in diet or reduced obesity rates. Despite improvements in residents' perceptions of food accessibility, only 27% of residents adopted the new supermarket as their main food store.
A major South African trial failed to reduce TB cases or deaths among gold miners. Researchers highlight the need for a combination prevention approach with better tests and prompt treatment to control the disease.
A major UK-wide study found that controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children can reduce hospital stay length and save the NHS around £12 million a year. Tight glycaemic control resulted in an average length of hospital stay 13.5 days less for children who had not undergone heart surgery.
A recent study found that older firefighters who are chronically exposed to heat stress on the job may be able to tolerate more challenging work environments before feeling affected by the heat. This increased heat resilience could enable them to perform tasks without stopping due to thermal strain, thereby reducing the risk of injurie...