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Environmental Health Insights 2024Open defecation is a significant global challenge, impacting public health, environmental sanitation, and social well-being, especially in low- and middle-income...
BACKGROUND
Open defecation is a significant global challenge, impacting public health, environmental sanitation, and social well-being, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. It is the second-largest cause of disease burden worldwide by facilitating the spread of germs that cause diarrhea diseases. Studies examining open defecation practices are insufficient, especially in areas implementing Ethiopia's Geshiyaro project. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the status of open defecation practice and associated factors in the study area.
METHOD
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2023. The total number of households included in this study was 7995. A structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect data. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA version 16.
RESULTS
The study found that 16.5% of households practiced open defecation. The following factors were significantly associated with the occurrence of open defecation: residence (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26-1.92), education (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.72), age (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.41-0.69), knowledge on diarrhea prevention (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.17-1.50), marital status (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.32-1.97), and awareness creation about WASH services (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.71-2.25). On the other hand, no significant association was observed between the occurrence of open defecation and the household's income (AOR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.93-1.23) or the head of household sex (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.78-1.12).
CONCLUSION
Open defecation remains a critical public health concern in Ethiopia's Geshiyaro project sites. Various factors influencing this practice have been identified. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance access to safe sanitation facilities and promote awareness of WASH services, aligning with SDG 3 target 3, and SDG 6 target 2.
PubMed: 38756543
DOI: 10.1177/11786302241252732 -
Cureus Apr 2024There are a few existing gaps and paucity of literature from Southeast Asia on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among migrant construction workers. The...
There are a few existing gaps and paucity of literature from Southeast Asia on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among migrant construction workers. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to address this gap among migrant construction workers and their households in Bhopal. The study design included an interview questionnaire survey prior to the enrollment of participants and stool sample collection. The stool samples were processed according to the study protocol of macroscopy, occult blood testing, microscopy techniques combined with modified acid-fast, and sedimentation techniques. Participants were deemed positive if they exhibited microscopic findings in one out of three stool samples per recruit. We recommended clinical consultation for these cases and provided a report. Direct therapeutic intervention was not part of the study. The total recruits were 361. The predominant age group was young, i.e., aged 21 to 30 years (122/361, 33.8%), with the majority of females (55.2%). Most workers were occupied with work of digging soil (47.4%). The majority of participants (93.1%) practiced open field defecation (OFD). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among migrant workers and households was 36.9% (133/361). Monoinfection was 88.7%, with 41% from .Monoinfection with (10.2%)was a predominant helminth. The most common coinfection observed was of with (26.7%). Hand washing was the only independent predictor with an odds ratio of 3.6. Migrant behavior of the construction workers and their households was the major reason for not reaching the benefits of deworming schemes for children and vulnerability to intestinal parasitic infections.
PubMed: 38756280
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58413 -
BMC Veterinary Research May 2024Gray horses are predisposed to equine malignant melanoma (EMM) with advancing age. Depending on the tumor's location and size, they can cause severe problems (e.g.,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Potent drug delivery enhancement of betulinic acid and NVX-207 into equine skin in vitro - a comparison between a novel oxygen flow-assisted transdermal application device and microemulsion gels.
BACKGROUND
Gray horses are predisposed to equine malignant melanoma (EMM) with advancing age. Depending on the tumor's location and size, they can cause severe problems (e.g., defaecation, urination, feeding). A feasible therapy for EMM has not yet been established and surgical excision can be difficult depending on the location of the melanoma. Thus, an effective and safe therapy is needed. Naturally occurring betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene and its synthetic derivate, NVX-207 (3-acetyl-betulinic acid-2-amino-3-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-propanoate) are known for their cytotoxic properties against melanomas and other tumors and have already shown good safety and tolerability in vivo. In this study, BA and NVX-207 were tested for their permeation potential into equine skin in vitro in Franz-type diffusion cell (FDC) experiments after incubation of 5 min, 30 min and 24 h, aiming to use these formulations for prospective in vivo studies as a treatment for early melanoma stages. Potent permeation was defined as reaching or exceeding the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC) of BA or NVX-207 for equine melanoma cells in equine skin samples. The active ingredients were either dissolved in a microemulsion (ME) or in a microemulsion gel (MEG). All of the formulations were transdermally applied but the oil-in-water microemulsion was administered with a novel oxygen flow-assisted (OFA) applicator (DERMADROP TDA).
RESULTS
All tested formulations exceeded the IC values for equine melanoma cells for BA and NVX-207 in equine skin samples, independently of the incubation time NVX-207 applied with the OFA applicator showed a significant time-dependent accumulation and depot-effect in the skin after 30 min and 24 h (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
All tested substances showed promising results. Additionally, OFA administration showed a significant accumulation of NVX-207 after 30 min and 24 h of incubation. Further in vivo trials with OFA application are recommended.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Betulinic Acid; Pentacyclic Triterpenes; Triterpenes; Administration, Cutaneous; Emulsions; Skin; Drug Delivery Systems; Gels; Melanoma; Oxygen; Skin Absorption; Horse Diseases; Propanolamines
PubMed: 38755639
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04064-1 -
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences May 2024There have been few studies on the effect of Kegel exercises on the treatment of functional constipation in children. Hence, the present study investigated the add-on... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A Comparison of the Effect of Kegel Exercises and Conventional Therapy versus Conventional Therapy Alone in the Treatment of Functional Constipation in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
BACKGROUND
There have been few studies on the effect of Kegel exercises on the treatment of functional constipation in children. Hence, the present study investigated the add-on role of Kegel exercises in children with functional constipation.
METHODS
This clinical trial was conducted on children with functional constipation, according to Rome IV, who were referred to the pediatric department of Imam Reza Clinic (Shiraz, Iran) in 2022. The sample consisted of 64 children who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control groups. In the control group, a pediatrician administered conventional therapy, including diet training, defecation training, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) syrup (0.7 g/Kg daily). In the treatment group, in addition to conventional therapy, a pediatrician taught Kegel exercises to the child both verbally and in writing in the presence of their parents. To investigate the effectiveness of the intervention, frequency of defecation, defecation time, assistance used for defecation, incomplete emptying, unsuccessful defecation, abdominal pain, and painful defecation were selected as the outcomes. Independent sample test was used for continuous variables. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentages. To examine the difference in categorical outcome variables, Wilcoxon (pre and post), Chi square, and Fisher exact tests were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven (88.4%) patients in the Kegel exercise group reported a defecation time of less than 5 min, while only 12 (37.5%) patients in the control group reached this time, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Moreover, patients in the treatment group showed significant improvements in terms of incomplete emptying of stool, unsuccessful defecation, abdominal pain, and painless defecation (P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.037, respectively). After intervention, the use of laxatives, digits, or enemas to assist defecation was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.659).
CONCLUSION
Kegel exercise was an effective adjunctive treatment for pediatric functional constipation. IRCT20230424057984N1.
Topics: Humans; Constipation; Child; Male; Female; Exercise Therapy; Child, Preschool; Defecation; Iran; Treatment Outcome; Polyethylene Glycols
PubMed: 38751876
DOI: 10.30476/IJMS.2023.98539.3055 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Open defecation contributes to the spread of different feco-oral diseases. Therefore, access to a latrine is strongly recommended, as it considerably reduces the risks....
BACKGROUND
Open defecation contributes to the spread of different feco-oral diseases. Therefore, access to a latrine is strongly recommended, as it considerably reduces the risks. Even though provision of latrine facilities alone does not guarantee the desired health benefits, they should be integrated with behavior change. In Ethiopia, efforts have been made to increase the coverage of latrine facilities. However, evidence on how consistently households use it is limited. Most prior studies focused on latrine utilization among households, and limited evidence is available about open defecation practices among households with latrines and associated factors. Thus, this study is critical for developing effective intervention approaches to prevent open defecation among households with latrines.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the open defecation practice and associated factors among households with latrines in rural communities of Ararso District, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2023.
METHOD
A community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed among households with latrines in the district. A total of 632 households latrines were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. The questionnaire was designed in KoboTool box, Humanitarian Response software, and the data were collected using the Kobo Collect version 2023.2.4 mobile application. The data were downloaded from the server in the Microsoft Excel format for data cleaning before being exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were employed to investigate the relationship between outcome and independent variables. Odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals were utilized to assess the association between the outcome and the predictor variables. A P-value of <0.05 was used as the threshold point for statistical significance.
RESULT
In this study, the prevalence of open defecation practice among households with latrines was 32.4% (95% CI: 28.1, 35.9). Sex of the household (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.4), educational status (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.53), family size (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.78), the presence of under-5-year-old children in the house (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.75), the need for latrine maintenance (AOR = 2.37.95% CI: 1.62, 3.48), current status of the latrine (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.48), and latrine cleanness status (being unclean) (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.81) were significantly associated with open defecation practice among households with latrine.
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that open defecation was significantly practiced by households with latrines. This revealed that the presence of a latrine alone was insufficient to considerably reduce open defecation. To alleviate this problem, the government and health workers, in collaboration with the health bureau, should promote frequent sanitation and hygiene education in the communities.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Toilet Facilities; Male; Rural Population; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Defecation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Family Characteristics; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult
PubMed: 38751595
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1394351 -
Scandinavian Journal of Urology May 2024Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a common procedure for the treatment of localised prostate cancer. Anorectal symptoms such as fecal...
INTRODUCTION
Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a common procedure for the treatment of localised prostate cancer. Anorectal symptoms such as fecal incontinence (FI), rectal urgency or disturbed defecation have been reported after the operation. Anorectal function is dependent on the integrity of anal and pelvic nerves and muscles, rectal sensory function as well as rectal reservoir function. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential influence of RALP on anorectal physiological function and bowel symptoms.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this pilot study, 29 patients with localised prostate cancer scheduled for RALP were included. Anorectal physiology was used to measure rectal sensitivity and reservoir function as well as anal sphincter pressures. Bowel symptoms were measured by a bowel function questionnaire and a 2-week bowel function diary. Measurements were done before the operation and repeated at 6 months after the operation.
RESULTS
The study observed a significant postoperative increase in rectal sensory threshold for rectal balloon distention, from 20 to 40 mmHg, P < 0.001. This change is indicative of a decrease in rectal sensation after RALP. There were no other statistical significant differences in any of the physiological tests performed. Importantly, there was no change in any of the bowel symptoms after surgery.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that RALP may lead to impaired rectal sensory function. This finding did not, however, seem to have any influence on the patients´ postoperative clinical bowel function.
Topics: Humans; Prostatectomy; Male; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Aged; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Laparoscopy; Rectum; Prostatic Neoplasms; Anal Canal; Postoperative Complications; Fecal Incontinence; Defecation; Time Factors
PubMed: 38738961
DOI: 10.2340/sju.v59.35396 -
Gastroenterology and Hepatology From... 2024A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation application methods in patients with chronic... (Review)
Review
AIM
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation application methods in patients with chronic constipation.
BACKGROUND
Posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation is a management procedure for chronic constipation.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted on Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library based on the PICO formation of the study. All randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies in which patients with chronic constipation were treated with transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) or percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) were included in this study. Two independent reviewers screened all titles, abstracts, and full texts. The selected studies' quality was assessed critically using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. The data synthesis was conducted using Review Manager Software.
RESULTS
Out of 1016 records, 11 studies were included in this study. The results showed that TTNS was effective in improving constipation symptoms (SMD: -1.52, CI 95%: -2.81 to -0.22, p< 0.0001) and reducing defecation time of patients with chronic constipation (SMD: -0.86, CI 95%: -1.60 to -0.13, p= 0.17). Additionally, PTNS was found to improve the quality of life of these patients (SMD: -1.32, CI 95%: -2.05 to -0.59, p< 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
Both TTNS and PTNS can be effective interventions for chronic constipation. To suggest a definitive and standard treatment plan, further research is needed to determine optimal parameters for TTNS and PTNS applications.
PubMed: 38737935
DOI: 10.22037/ghfbb.v17i1.2831 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Mar 2024Basic sanitation and waste management have always remained a central issue in India. The country launched its flagship sanitation program - Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)...
Examining toilet use and menstrual hygiene practices among beneficiary households of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan (Clean India Mission) in rural areas of Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.
BACKGROUND
Basic sanitation and waste management have always remained a central issue in India. The country launched its flagship sanitation program - Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) (Clean India Mission) in 2014 to abolish open defecation and achieve universal sanitation coverage.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to examine barriers to toilet use and women's menstrual hygiene practices in relation to the availability of toilets among rural residents.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Using a cross-sectional design and multi-stage sampling method, 120 households were selected from rural villages of the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Structured questionnaires and direct observation methods were used for data collection.
RESULTS
All the houses had SBA latrines, yet 25% population defecated outside. About 40% households reportedly never cleaned their toilets. Most menstruating women (86.2%) preferred to change their menstrual pads/cloths in their bedroom instead of bathrooms. Incomplete construction was reported as the major reason for not using toilets. Large family size and low caste were found to be other predictors of non-use of toilets. Rural women did not use toilets for menstrual purposes as they do not consider these places as clean and safe.
CONCLUSION
This study clearly suggests that constructing toilets without adequate behaviour change interventions would not solve the problem of hygiene and sanitation in India, particularly in rural areas. There must be adequate monitoring of SBA scheme and utilization of funds for toilet usage. Development and implementation of suitable behaviour change strategies for toilet use in rural areas are essential to achieve the goal of open defaecation-free India.
PubMed: 38736784
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1424_23 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024This study explores the impact of defecation frequency on the gut microbiome structure by analyzing fecal samples from individuals categorized by defecation frequency:...
This study explores the impact of defecation frequency on the gut microbiome structure by analyzing fecal samples from individuals categorized by defecation frequency: infrequent (1-3 times/week, = 4), mid-frequent (4-6 times/week, = 7), and frequent (daily, = 9). Utilizing 16S gene-based sequencing and LC-MS/MS metabolome profiling, significant differences in microbial diversity and community structures among the groups were observed. The infrequent group showed higher microbial diversity, with community structures significantly varying with defecation frequency, a pattern consistent across all sampling time points. The genus was predominant in the infrequent group, but decreased with more frequent defecation, while the genus was more common in the frequent group, decreasing as defecation frequency lessened. The infrequent group demonstrated enriched biosynthesis genes for aromatic amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), in contrast to the frequent group, which had a higher prevalence of genes for BCAA catabolism. Metabolome analysis revealed higher levels of metabolites derived from aromatic amino acids and BCAA metabolism in the infrequent group, and lower levels of BCAA-derived metabolites in the frequent group, consistent with their predicted metagenomic functions. These findings underscore the importance of considering stool consistency/frequency in understanding the factors influencing the gut microbiome.
Topics: Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Feces; Male; Adult; Defecation; Female; Metabolome; Biodiversity; Amino Acids, Branched-Chain; Metabolomics; Bacteria; Bacteroides; Metagenome
PubMed: 38731876
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094657 -
BMC Surgery May 2024The debate surrounding factors influencing postoperative flatus and defecation in patients undergoing colorectal resection prompted this study. Our objective was to...
PURPOSE
The debate surrounding factors influencing postoperative flatus and defecation in patients undergoing colorectal resection prompted this study. Our objective was to identify independent risk factors and develop prediction models for postoperative bowel function in patients undergoing colorectal surgeries.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted for patients who undergoing colorectal surgeries at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2015 to October 2021. Machine learning algorithms were employed to identify risk factors and construct prediction models for the time of the first postoperative flatus and defecation. The prediction models were evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, the Youden index, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) through logistic regression, random forest, Naïve Bayes, and extreme gradient boosting algorithms.
RESULTS
The study included 1358 patients for postoperative flatus timing analysis and 1430 patients for postoperative defecation timing analysis between January 2015 and December 2020 as part of the training phase. Additionally, a validation set comprised 200 patients who undergoing colorectal surgeries from January to October 2021. The logistic regression prediction model exhibited the highest AUC (0.78) for predicting the timing of the first postoperative flatus. Identified independent risk factors influencing the time of first postoperative flatus were Age (p < 0.01), oral laxatives for bowel preparation (p = 0.01), probiotics (p = 0.02), oral antibiotics for bowel preparation (p = 0.02), duration of operation (p = 0.02), postoperative fortified antibiotics (p = 0.02), and time of first postoperative feeding (p < 0.01). Furthermore, logistic regression achieved an AUC of 0.72 for predicting the time of first postoperative defecation, with age (p < 0.01), oral antibiotics for bowel preparation (p = 0.01), probiotics (p = 0.01), and time of first postoperative feeding (p < 0.01) identified as independent risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
The study suggests that he use of probiotics and early recovery of diet may enhance the recovery of bowel function in patients undergoing colorectal surgeries. Among the various analytical methods used, logistic regression emerged as the most effective approach for predicting the timing of the first postoperative flatus and defecation in this patient population.
Topics: Humans; Machine Learning; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Defecation; Recovery of Function; Postoperative Complications; Aged; Risk Factors; Adult; Postoperative Period
PubMed: 38730406
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-024-02437-9