Articles tagged with Hygiene
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 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...
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 new Cochrane review shows that non-specialist health workers, such as doctors and nurses, can alleviate depression and anxiety in people with mental health problems. Non-specialists may also help treat maternal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse, although the benefits may be smaller.
Researchers found that lower doses of primaquine are as effective as higher doses in reducing malaria transmission, and may play a crucial role in malaria elimination. The study suggests that low-dose primaquine is safe in G6PD-normal individuals and could be used to block malaria transmission.
A new study finds that high temperatures and low rainfall influence trachoma transmission in Africa, with eye-seeking flies more active at higher temperatures and abundant in areas with low rainfall. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate blinding trachoma by 2020, but understanding all factors affecting the disease is crucial.
Pursuing clean water projects and vaccination campaigns could avert up to 89,000 future cholera infections and protect against other water-borne diarrheal diseases. Improved WASH services have long-term benefits for Haiti's public health beyond ending cholera transmission.
A new study found that between 11% and 22% of French horn players showed some form of hearing loss typical of NIHL. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among professional orchestral musicians.
Researchers isolated Heartland virus in tick populations in northwestern Missouri, confirming its role as a human pathogen. The virus causes severe illness with fever, headaches, and low white blood cell counts, with no treatment available.
New research highlights the risks of austerity measures on Spain's healthcare system, particularly for elderly, disabled, and mentally vulnerable individuals. The study reveals increased rates of depression, alcohol-related disorders, and suicides since the financial crisis began.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that female mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites are significantly more attracted to human odour than uninfected mosquitoes. The team aims to identify the chemical compounds in human odour that attract infected mosquitoes, which could help develop improved mosquito traps.
Researchers found that the alcohol industry distorted international evidence on effective alcohol control measures to influence Scottish Government's policy. The study shows how the industry ignored and misrepresented scientific evidence to promote weak survey-based evidence and unsubstantiated claims.
Research reveals that older patients have higher expectations of their care and believe they are being met. GPs' patients tend to have higher expectations and better outcomes, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, adequate information, and good clinical outcomes in meeting patient needs.
A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that free bus travel has improved the independent mobility and social lives of young Londoners. The research discovered a 'code of honour' among young people, where traveling together is seen as a sign of loyalty, and traveling alone is perceived as a betrayal.
A study by OK International and CREPD found high levels of lead in household paints sold in Cameroon, exceeding 50% by weight. The US company PPG is the manufacturer, despite lead being banned in the US for over 30 years.
A new Cochrane systematic review finds starch-based IV fluids used by the NHS cause unnecessary deaths. Researchers conclude that these fluids are more expensive than saline-based crystalloid fluids and increase the risk of death.
A national salt reduction campaign in the UK led to a decline in adults adding salt at the table, from 32.5% to 23.2%, over five years. The campaign showed a greater reduction after its introduction, with differences found among demographic groups, including women and younger age groups.
The Desert Research Institute will provide information and technical capacity to develop effective clean water solutions and improve the quality of drinking water in developing countries. The research aims to address water scarcity, diseases, and climate change challenges.
Research found that over 75% of people with the ABCC11 gene variant don't produce under-arm odour but use deodorant. However, only a quarter of these individuals realize they don't produce odour and don't use deodorant, while three quarters do. The study suggests that socio-cultural norms play a significant role in deodorant usage.
The annual UK Flusurvey aims to collect data from men and women of all ages on flu symptoms, trends, and risk factors. Researchers hope to uncover if 'man flu' is real and explore the impact of pets on reported flu-like illnesses.
Research on emerging tick-borne diseases reveals an expanding list of illnesses, including babesiosis and encephalitis-causing infections. The range of these diseases is growing, posing a threat to human health in the northeast United States.
A new report from the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene confirms that microbial exposure is crucial for regulating the immune system. Losing touch with these 'old friends' may be behind rises in allergies and chronic inflammatory diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
A new Case Report highlights the dangers of fake antimalarial medicines sold worldwide, particularly in Equatorial Guinea. The drugs were confirmed to be counterfeit despite convincing packaging, underscoring the need for traveller vigilance.
A new study by the Countdown to 2015 group found that official development aid for maternal, newborn, and child health activities decreased by 0.5% in 2010, despite an increase in the number of donors. This decrease is concerning as it may impact countries' ability to meet international targets for reducing maternal and child mortality.
Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine create comic to highlight life-saving benefits of tranexamic acid (TXA) for trauma patients. The comic aims to appeal to doctors, nurses, and paramedics on the front-line of medicine, promoting awareness about the latest research findings.
A new study has found that 11% of people in remote Amazonian communities regularly exposed to vampire bats have natural protection against rabies. Ten percent appear to have survived exposure to the virus without medical intervention, suggesting a potential route for developing effective treatments.
A new study has led to the introduction of rapid syphilis tests in six countries, including China, Peru, Brazil, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tests have been shown to be effective in remote areas and could save up to one million children's lives every year.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that sexual imagery in magazine ads has increased over 30 years, particularly in alcohol, entertainment, and beauty advertising. The study shows that sex is most effective for low-risk, impulse-purchased products.
Researchers have found that nearly 4 out of 10 women at health facilities have a malaria infection, with an estimated 25 million pregnancies at risk each year. The new treatment combines anti-malarial and antibiotic therapy to prevent and treat these conditions simultaneously, which could save thousands of lives.
A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene finds that dengue fever inflicts a $37.8 million burden on Puerto Rico each year, with households accounting for almost half of the costs. The study suggests that investing in traditional surveillance and prevention could save $5 for every $1 invested.
A study on Rwanda found that HIV/AIDS funding has no adverse effects on non-AIDS health services, and may even improve overall quality of care. The research suggests that comprehensive HIV/AIDS interventions can provide better preventive care, including superior delivery of childhood vaccinations.
Researchers found that over 68% of participants failed to take medication daily, with young men who smoke and drink alcohol being the least likely to follow treatment. High rates of hypertension remain steady in the region, contrary to Western Europe's decline.
Adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease exhibit poor dental hygiene practices despite better overall health behaviors. Substance use increases with age in these patients, but they also tend to have lower rates of binge drinking compared to their peers.
A pioneering new project aims to save thousands of lives in Burkina Faso through innovative radio health messages. The campaign targets pregnant women and new mothers to reduce child mortality rates before the age of five, with a predicted impact of 15-20% reduction in childhood mortality.
A study found that 75.94% of deceptive ads linked to health were in the 'health' category, followed by 'beauty and hygiene'. Researchers claim most provisions are not fulfilled, including banned practices like fictitious doctor interviews.
A Viewpoint published in The Lancet disputes reports of NHS decline in productivity. Quality improvement was found to be significantly higher than initially thought, with notable gains in areas like critical care and patient experiences. This challenges the narrative of declining healthcare productivity in England.
A new map highlights well-defined areas of high Lyme disease risk in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest, while low risk is found in the South. The study, which collected data from over 300 sites, emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and prevention to mitigate the spread of the disease.
Researchers argue that focusing on small groups of households at high risk of malaria transmission is an efficient way to reduce transmission. This approach prioritizes the most infected and diseased households, benefiting the entire community.
Scientists discover that microalgae produce biogenic cyanogen bromide to control competing organisms in the ocean ground. This toxic chemical helps diatoms grow and thrive by eliminating direct competitors for light and space. Researchers are now investigating why the poison doesn't harm the producing algae themselves.
A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that internet-based news and Twitter feeds were faster at detecting the onset and progression of the cholera epidemic in post-earthquake Haiti. Researchers used HealthMap, an internet tool, to capture coverage and mentions of cholera from various sources.
A recent study found that up to three quarters of elderly people in parts of India have vitamin C deficiency, primarily due to a low intake of fruit and vegetables. The study highlights the need to improve nutrition and discourage tobacco use among the elderly population.
A UofL researcher is developing an oral health plan for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The pilot study aims to improve oral hygiene and prevent respiratory infections. Caregivers will receive education and support to help their patients with IDD maintain good oral health.
A large-scale community-randomized trial found that community counseling reduced TB prevalence and child infections by half, with costs under $1 per person per year. The ZAMSTAR project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, improved TB testing and service integration in communities.
A study found that poor sleep hygiene in high school is associated with lower grades in college, but shifts towards a morning chronotype can improve academic performance. Students who are 'evening types' initially struggle, but adapt and show significant improvement by the senior year.
The vaccine community demands evidence on vaccine efficacy but neglects research on public trust. Building trust depends on understanding perceptions of vaccines and addressing historical experiences, socioeconomic status, and misinformation.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that increases in rain and temperature can predict cholera outbreaks months ahead. A mere 1°C increase in average monthly minimum temperature doubles the number of cholera cases within four months.
A study on variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) was hindered by the Coroners' Society of England and Wales' refusal to collect tissue from autopsies. The authors argue that this decision ignored coroners' moral obligation to protect public health. A wider review of coroners' roles in public health measures is called for.
A study published in The Lancet highlights Brazil's success in reducing the burden of infectious diseases, but notes that some programs have failed to control diseases like dengue fever. Despite this, experts argue that investing in human and social capital has led to sustainable economic growth and improved health outcomes.
A $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will support Penn State's efforts to develop and evaluate an oral hygiene approach for patients with dementia. The project, led by Rita A. Jablonski, aims to reduce care-resistant behaviors and improve oral health through the application of neurobiological principles.
A new oral hygiene approach called Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction (MOUTh) has been developed to help nurses care for dementia patients who resist care due to perceived threats. The technique focuses on making the patient feel comfortable and reducing threat perception, resulting in improved oral health outcomes.
Researchers found that early treatment within an hour of injury reduced mortality by over 30% compared to placebo, while delayed treatment beyond 3 hours showed no benefit and possible harm. Tranexamic acid's benefits were also observed in patients who received treatment between one and three hours post-injury.
The Lancet is publishing online abstracts from a global health conference that explores various topics, including non-communicable diseases, malaria, and health inequalities. The conference aims to advance the field of health metrics and evaluation by sharing knowledge and expertise among professionals.
A study by researchers at the University of Valencia found that up to 26% of herbs sold in Spain are contaminated with bacteria, compromising their quality. The study highlights the need for improved health controls during production and cultivation to prevent health risks.
The amount of development aid to maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) doubled between 2003 and 2008, but its proportion relative to overall aid remained unchanged. The largest increases were made by the US, UK, EU, GAVI, and Global Fund, while others saw stagnation or fluctuations.
The amount of development aid for maternal, newborn and child health in developing countries doubled between 2003 and 2008. However, the aid was not highly targeted to countries with the highest rates of maternal and child mortality, resulting in some recipient countries receiving far more aid per birth and per child than others.
The Lancet-London International Development Centre Commission recommends five principles for goal development: holism, equity, sustainability, ownership, and global obligation. These principles aim to create synergies between sectors and promote sustainable and equitable access to improved wellbeing.
A randomized controlled trial found wrist splints to be as effective as casts for treating distal radius fractures in children. Patient satisfaction with splint treatment was higher than with cast treatment.
Research presented at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases found that less than 5% of people covered their mouth using recommended methods during the H1N1 pandemic. Medical students observed a low prevalence of respiratory hygiene behaviors in public areas, with most people covering their mouths with their hands.
A study published in the Lancet found that women's community groups in India led to a dramatic improvement in neonatal survival rates, with a 45% reduction in mortality rates. The groups also showed significant reductions in maternal depression and improvements in hygiene practices among new mothers.