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Practice Related to Pesticide Use and Health Hazards amongst Vegetable Farmers in Gotikhel, Lalitpur

2023-05-31T07:17:08Z

Title: Practice Related to Pesticide Use and Health Hazards amongst Vegetable Farmers in Gotikhel, Lalitpur Authors: Ghimire, S Abstract: Background: Use of pesticides has definitely helped to improve health condition of people as well as to increase agricultural productivity, but it has also posed health problems such as acute poisoning and chronic effects on human health and environment. This study therefore assessed the knowledge and practice on pesticide use and health hazards among farmers involved in vegetable production. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Gotikhel VDC of lalitpur district. A total of 190 farmers were selected using simple random sampling technique. Open and close ended questionnaires and observation checklist were used to collect data. Data was edited on the same day of data collection and was coded before entering into the Epi-data and SPSS. Data entry and coding was followed by uni-variate and bi-variate analysis. Results: The 62.5% used pesticides in their field nearly 2 times. There is significant association between practice and knowledge level. Majority (73.2%) did not know about the route of entry of pesticides was skin. Almost all of the vegetable growers mixed the pesticides with their bare hands (96.8%), and only about 0.5% mixed in a safer way by wearing gloves. Nearly all vegetable growers (91.1%) determined the wind direction before spraying, while the rest (8.9%) did not. The prevalence of mixing the pesticides, and using as recommended by seller was 67.4%. Common symptoms among the farm workers were headache (23.5%), dizziness (23.5%), nausea (20.6%), eye irritation (14.5%), and skin burning (11.3%). Almost half (48.4%) had ‘poor knowledge’ about pesticides use. Conclusions: There is need of special educational programs, awareness, and legislation promoting the use of safer pesticides, and the implementation of personal protective measures. Keywords: knowledge; personal protective measures; pesticides use; practice.

PPPHW (Private-Public Partnership for Hand washing) Program Baseline Data Analysis: Report

2023-05-31T07:17:08Z

Title: PPPHW (Private-Public Partnership for Hand washing) Program Baseline Data Analysis: Report Abstract: Abstract: The study described knowledge, perceptions, and practice of hand washing with soap among the target population at baseline, (2) assess whether the comparison and intervention groups are similar at baseline in order to determine if the comparison at later time points is reasonable, and (3) assess whether behaviors vary by geographical region. Among 1,035 households participating in this study, most did not have soap and water at a place where they typically wash their hands. The problem was greatest at the households from the mountain districts. Around 40% households had ash present at the hand washing place, with the lowest in mountain. About half of caregivers reported using soap to wash hands. There is a general awareness that hand washing with soap is a positive behavior, and the absence of hand washing as shameful and disgusting, but there is lack of habit. Of the 83 schools included in the baseline, 86% had a designated place to wash hands. Improving access to hand washing materials at the common hand washing place, especially among households in the mountain region is critical. There is a need for improvement in knowledge of hand washing before eating and before feeding a child, and the use of soap to wash hands at those times. There is substantial need to improve hand washing infrastructure and availability of materials for hand washing in schools. The PPPHW program should address availability of hand washing materials at the common hand washing place in households, especially among households in the mountain region among schools. Health facilities should universally have soap and water available for hand washing. Keywords: hand washing; households; materials; place; public-private partnership.

Alliance Model for Increasing Access to Sanitation and Improving Hygienic Practices in Rural Community of Thankre VDC, Dhading District, Nepal

2023-05-31T07:17:08Z

Title: Alliance Model for Increasing Access to Sanitation and Improving Hygienic Practices in Rural Community of Thankre VDC, Dhading District, Nepal Abstract: Background: Hand washing with soap (HWWS) has been shown to reduce risk of diseases that are known to be significant but preventable causes of death of young children. Methods: PPPHW partners purposively selected three intervention and three comparison districts. Within each district, systematic random sampling was used to select 10 wards. Data was collected from three groups: (1) households, (2) schools, and (3) health facilities. The primary respondent for each household was the primary female caregiver of a child < 5 years old. In households, a survey was administered to the primary caregiver of the youngest child under 5 years of age, a 3-hour structured observation, and a survey to all school going children present in the household whose parents consented for their participation. Results: Alliance model worked in the socio-political context of the VDC to bring about the expected outcomes in terms of improved capacity of the stakeholders, improved access to sanitation and hygienic practices, and to reduce prevalence of diarrhea. Conclusions: Such model needs to be introduced on other settings as well. Keywords: alliance model; hand washing with soap; hygienic practices; sanitation.

An Investigation into the Differences in Coverage and Compliance of a Micronutrient Supplement Program for Children in Rupandehi and Palpa, Nepal

2023-05-31T07:17:08Z

Title: An Investigation into the Differences in Coverage and Compliance of a Micronutrient Supplement Program for Children in Rupandehi and Palpa, Nepal Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is a global problem, with its effects being more strongly accentuated in developing countries. In an effort to reduce the issue of child malnutrition in Nepal, UNICEF and Max Pro have devised a programme which provides children under the age of two year with a multiple micronutrient powder. This supplement has been a success; however, there are varying levels of coverage between districts. The aim of this project was to find reasons behind the differing coverage and compliance of children in two of Nepal’s districts. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in two districts of Nepal. There were 18 participants in total: 12 mothers, 4 female community health volunteers and two health-in-charges. Each was interviewed, eliciting their understanding of the programme and its perceived strengths and weaknesses. Thoughts and experiences described in the responses were analyzed thematically. Results: There were varying levels of attendance of mothers at the teaching sessions conducted by FCHVs, and in some areas no teaching sessions were available. Many mothers had work commitments which they prioritized over the programme. Side effects of the supplement also deterred mothers from giving it to their children. FCHVs were also noted to be more inactive in certain villages. Their ability to convey information to mothers also varied between areas. Conclusions: The reason behind difference in coverage and compliance is a multi-factorial problem, predominantly affected by the actions of mothers and FCHVs. Distribution and geographical location of health facilities had less of an impact. Keywords: children; compliance; coverage; malnutrition; micronutrient.