Search Results (283)

Background: Unintentional injuries are the primary cause of death and disability among children. This study aimed to examine the current status of home environments for children aged 0–6 years in the Shanghai area of China and assess the factors that pose safety hazards for unintentional injuries within households. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Shanghai between November 2021 and October 2023. Results: Parents from 1825 families, with 929 (50.90%) boys and 896 (49.10%) girls, participated in this research. In all, 752 children (41.21%) experienced unintentional injuries. The home environment posed a high risk of unintentional injuries in 1008 families (55.23%), medium risk in 381 families (20.88%), and low risk in 436 families (23.89%). The results showed a negative correlation between the occurrence of unintentional injuries and the status of the family environment; children in families with high-risk home environments were more likely to experience unintentional injuries (odds ratio [OR] = 1.490, confidence interval [CI] = 1.216–1.826), fall injuries (OR = 1.605, CI = 1.268–2.031), and external injuries (OR = 1.578, CI = 1.159–2.148). Conclusions: Parents should enhance their safety awareness by focusing on potential hazards at home and taking appropriate measures to improve the home environment, thereby creating a safe and comfortable setting for the healthy growth of their children. Full article

With the development of higher education, college students have become a new and important group for environmentally sustainable development. How to evaluate and strengthen the practical effect of ecological education is of great significance. Based on the survey data of 1579 university students, this study constructed a systematic index system of ecological education by using a hierarchical evaluation method. Moreover, OLS (Ordinary Least Squares), Oprobit, and intermediary effect models were used to analyze the influence relationship and mechanism of the two empirically and IV-Oprobit was used to solve the endogeneity problem. The results show the following: (1) Ecological education can effectively promote the sustainable behavior of university students, and the probability of university students implementing sustainable behavior increases by 10.7% with each unit increase in the level of ecological education. (2) Environmental value perception such as in individual economic value perception, social value perception, and health value perception are all important mediating channels of ecological education, among which health value perception has the strongest mediating effect. (3) Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure positively moderates the impact of university students’ environmental value perception on their sustainable behavior. (4) There is a significant correlation between university students’ household registration, participation in environmental associations and hometown social networks, and sustainable behaviors. (5) The influence of ecological education on students’ behaviors shows heterogeneity in family household registration. Students from rural families have a higher level of environmental behavior and value perception than those from urban families. Moreover, they are more likely to exhibit behaviors under the influence of ecological education. The above results provide reference suggestions for the ecological education policy system and offer theoretical support and policy inspiration for promoting sustainable behaviors among global college students and enhancing the efficiency of ecological education in universities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Access to nutritious and well-balanced food is essential for well-being. We investigated the relationship between food insecurity (FI) and cardiovascular health (CVH). Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included a nationwide sample consisting of 12,369 Korean adults. The 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module was employed to evaluate FI, with categories ranging from none, to mild, to moderate-to-severe. CVH was assessed through the “Life’s Essential 8” (LE8) framework established by the American Heart Association. This framework includes four health behaviors (diet quality, exercise, tobacco use, and sleep) and four biometric factors (body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure). Overall, CVH was scored on a scale from 0 to 100 and categorized into ideal (LE8 score: 80–100), intermediate (LE8 score: 50–79), and poor CVH (LE8 score: 0–49). Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to determine the association of FI with CVH status. Results: Within the sample, 3.7% and 0.8% experienced mild and moderate-to-severe FI, respectively. Compared with those without FI, individuals with mild (β: −2.92; 95% CI [confidence interval]: −4.37, −1.48) or moderate-to-severe (β: −7.71; 95% CI: −11.22, −4.20) FI had lower LE8 scores. Additionally, those with mild or moderate-to-severe FI were more likely to have poor CVH status (OR [odds ratio]: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.33, 3.66 for mild FI and OR: 4.83; 95% CI: 1.64, 14.17 for moderate-to-severe FI). Conclusions: FI is negatively associated with CVH in Korean adults. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive policy interventions to enhance food access and promote CVH in this at-risk population. Full article

Background: Physical inactivity among adolescents, particularly females in conservative societies like Saudi Arabia, poses significant risks to both physical and psychological health. Cultural norms, environmental constraints, and limited access to gender-appropriate sports facilities further exacerbate the problem. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective, context-sensitive interventions. Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between daily physical activity behaviours and health outcomes, both physical and psychological, among adolescent females in Saudi Arabia. This paper also explores the impact of socio-environmental variables such as income, household size, and urban/rural residence on activity levels and wellbeing. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 636 adolescent females aged 13–21 was conducted using validated instruments. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) measured physical activity levels, and the Self-Rated Health (SRH) assessed psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life. The analysis employed an Ordinal Logistic Model (OLM) guided by the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to assess predictors of physical activity participation. Results: The OLM results indicated that higher income levels, smaller household size, urban residence, and older age categories were significantly associated with higher levels of physical activity (p < 0.05). Participants with higher PAQ-A scores reported better psychological health and quality of life. The model showed a good fit, with a pseudo-R² of 0.36. Cultural and environmental barriers, particularly in rural areas, were identified as significant deterrents to participation. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for culturally adapted, gender-sensitive health promotion programs that target both individual and structural barriers to physical activity among adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia. Enhanced societal support and accessible sports infrastructure could significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Background: Traditional Male Circumcision (TMC) has been practiced in many parts of the world. However, the impact thereof on reducing HIV transmission is still unclear. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and determinants of TMC and the associated risk of HIV transmission in Lesotho. Method: Using data from the 2023–24 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey, the analysis included a weighted sample of 3202 men aged 15–59 years. Missing data was addressed through multiple imputations, and multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with TMC, incorporating intra-class correlation to evaluate cluster-level variation. Results: The findings revealed that 51.0% (95% CI: 49.3–52.7) of men in Lesotho had undergone TMC. Older men, particularly those aged 35 years and above, were more likely to be circumcised compared to younger men aged 15–24 years (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.46–1.86). Other individual-level factors positively associated with TMC included smoking, being married to one partner, previous sexual experience, and rural residence. Conversely, men with formal education, unknown or undisclosed HIV status, residing in the Berea or Maseru districts, and those from middle- or high-income households were less likely to undergo TMC. Conclusion: The study highlights significant variation in TMC practices across communities and identifies both individual and contextual factors influencing its uptake. These insights underscore the need for culturally sensitive, voluntary, and medically safe circumcision programs. Public health initiatives should consider these determinants when designing interventions to ensure a safer and more effective implementation of TMC in Lesotho. Full article

Background: Food insecurity and poor diet quality disproportionately affect U.S. children from low-income households, with summer school closures exacerbating risks. Federally funded programs like the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) aim to address these challenges, yet evidence of their post-pandemic dietary impact remains limited. Objectives: This study examines the relationship between policy innovations, summer meal participation, food insecurity, and diet quality among children from low-income households in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Methods: A cross-sectional design analyzed data from 158 households in Prince George’s County Public Schools across two waves (early fall 2022 and 2023). Validated tools (USDA’s Six-Item Short Form and Dietary Screener Questionnaire) assessed food security and diet quality. Sociodemographic factors, program participation, and dietary deviations from the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression identified determinants of poor diet quality (≥2 guideline deviations), adjusting for ethnicity, age, and housing stability. Results: Only 32.28% of eligible households participated in summer meal programs, with non-participation driven by lack of awareness (53.68%) and transportation barriers (11.58%). Significant dietary gaps included inadequate whole grain intake (0.8 vs. 3.0 servings/day) and excessive added sugars (14% of daily calories). Summer meal participation was associated with reduced odds of poor diet quality (OR = 0.23, p = 0.030), while older age (OR = 52.97, p < 0.001) and very low food security (OR = 8.42, p = 0.036) increased risk. Hispanic ethnicity had lower odds (OR = 0.17, p = 0.019) despite higher baseline food insecurity. Conclusions: Summer meal participation was associated with improved dietary outcomes but faced systemic participation barriers. Findings support policy reforms, such as multilingual outreach and mobile meal distribution, to address identified gaps. Full article

Background: Caregivers in urban settings often face unique challenges in providing nurturing care. This qualitative study explores the complex realities of caregiving among mothers and grandmothers in urban poor neighbourhoods of Bangalore, South India. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this is the first study in urban India that examines how caregivers’ perceptions, along with individual and systemic factors, shape caregiving practices in this setting. Methods: In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 22 mothers and grandmothers of 4–6-year-old children from the urban MAASTHI cohort in Bangalore, South India. Topic guides were developed, pre-tested, and piloted. IDIs were conducted in local languages (Kannada and Hindi). Transcripts were coded using NVivo 12 plus and analyzed via a thematic analysis approach using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems framework to organize themes. Findings: At the microsystem level, caregivers engaged with children through storytelling and play, though competing demands like household chores often constrained these interactions. Disciplining techniques varied, and the absence of fathers placed additional burdens on mothers. The mesosystem revealed the critical role of extended family in providing support. At the exosystem level, unsafe neighbourhoods limited children’s opportunities for outdoor play. The macrosystem highlighted how religious values provided moral frameworks for parenting and the presence of stigma against single mothers. The chronosystem explored declining social support over time and challenges. Conclusions: These findings emphasize that caregiving inequities are not isolated but structurally embedded, demanding interventions that address sociocultural, economic, and spatial barriers to equitable support for caregivers, particularly those in disadvantaged settings. It calls for context-sensitive interventions, including community-based parenting programmes including maternal well-being, strengthening community and public support systems, improving safe play spaces, and longitudinal research. By amplifying marginalized caregivers’ voices, this research highlights the need for policies that support nurturing care in low-resource settings to break intergenerational cycles of disadvantage. Full article

New teaching methods are essential to prepare 21st-century engineers for sustainable challenges. This study used project-based learning to evaluate the energy potential of water channels in fish farms in Loreto, Peru. Chemical engineering students applied theory to practice, enhancing skills like field data collection and technical assessment. The results show a practical potential of 18.37 kW and a theoretical potential of 84.19 kW, enough to power 37–244 households. This approach not only highlights renewable energy opportunities but also demonstrates the effectiveness of connecting theory and practice in real-world contexts. Despite simplified calculations, this project significantly impacts engineering education in Latin America, serving as an example of successful learning and inspiring innovative teaching techniques. All of the students (100%) agreed that the project helped in terms of practical skill and problem-solving capability development, teaching motivation, and relevance training for professional life. Full article

Background: While public water supplies are regulated by Directive (EU) 2020/2184, inconsistencies in member state legislation for individual wells pose health risks. The study investigates the management of Slovak wells, providing insights to inform and potentially strengthen national water policies. Methods: The survey-based study collected data via online and in-person questionnaires during March 2024. It collected retrospective information on well characteristics, usage, stewardship practices, and water quality concerns. Results: We received 251 responses from 52 Slovak districts. The well water for drinking was used by 122 (48.6%) households, with notable regional variations. Only 41.0% of the respondents conducted a proper technical inspection of their wells within the past year. There has been an increase in the use of wells since the millennium. Individuals who drank well water were significantly more likely to conduct water quality tests (p < 0.05). The recommended frequency of technical inspections and annual testing was not reached in either well owners who drink well water or those with wells who drink water from other sources. Conclusions: The amendment of legislation specifically targeting individual wells, along with educational campaigns, appears crucial for well stewardship in Slovakia. The study provides data for further research and public health interventions. Full article

Accurate forecasting of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) adoption is essential for decarbonization, effective policy, and infrastructure planning. This paper develops a comparative framework integrating trend-based and goal-oriented approaches using the logistic growth and Bass diffusion models. Using Danish household data for electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps (HPs), and rooftop photovoltaics (PVs), we evaluate four logistic-growth-based and two Bass-diffusion-based methods. Each method supports standard curve-fitting (trend-based) or incorporates explicit policy goals (goal-based), such as reaching a specified adoption threshold by a target year. An integrated flow diagram visually summarizes the decision process for method selection based on data availability, market maturity, and policy targets. Results show that Bass diffusion excels in early-stage or policy-driven markets like EVs, while logistic approaches perform better for PVs after subsidies are removed, with HP adoption falling in between. A key innovation is integrating future adoption targets into parameter estimation, enabling stakeholders to assess the required acceleration in adoption rates. The findings highlight the need to align model choice with data, market conditions, and policy objectives, offering practical guidance to accelerate DER deployment. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess complementary feeding practices and dietary diversity in relation to the nutritional status of children under five attending health facilities in the Thabazimbi sub-district, Limpopo Province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 mother–child pairs. Data on socio-demographics, feeding practices, and anthropometry were collected using validated tools. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth standards, and dietary diversity was evaluated using WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators and a 24 h dietary recall. Associations were analyzed using prevalence ratios in STATA 18. Results: Among 409 children (median age: 18 months, IQR: 12–24), 38% were stunted, 13% were underweight, 5% were thin, and 17% were overweight/obese. Exclusive breastfeeding was reported in 27%, and only 24% met the minimum dietary diversity (DDS ≥ 4). Complementary feeding practices varied significantly by maternal age, with mixed feeding more common among older mothers and younger mothers more likely to receive feeding advice (p = 0.001). Stunting was associated with being a boy (PR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.00–1.61), age > 24 months (PR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16–0.65), and DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.52–0.99). Underweight was more prevalent among boys (PR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.40–4.11), but less likely in children with DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20–0.92) and those from spouse-headed households (PR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13–0.87). Thinness was associated with DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.13–6.45) and age 12–24 months (PR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.02–7.64). Overweight/obesity was linked to age 12–24 months (PR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.25–3.03) and household income > ZAR 15,000 (PR = 4.09; 95% CI: 2.33–7.17). Conclusions: Complementary feeding and dietary diversity deficits contribute significantly to the dual burden of malnutrition in rural Limpopo, highlighting the need for targeted, context-specific nutrition interventions. Full article

Decentralized solar water disinfection systems (DSODIS) in continuous flow systems are alternatives for large-scale improved water access in rural contexts. However, DSODIS in rural Ghana are limited. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was used to explore the enablers of and barriers to, as well as reported barrier perceptions to, the effective implementation of DSODIS in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba (STK) District of Ghana. The qualitative data (26 respondents) were analyzed thematically, and the quantitative data (1155 household heads) were subjected to Poisson regression analyses. Enablers were categorized into themes such as willingness to pay for DSODIS, household and community participation, and willingness to use water from DSODIS. Similarly, the barriers include environmental barriers, technological barriers, economic barriers, and political and legal barriers. Household characteristics such as main water source and income, age group, education, marital status, household size, being born in the community, and years living in the community are statistically associated with reported barrier perceptions. Households with unimproved water sources and high income (IRR = 1.432, p = 0.000) and improved water sources and high income (IRR = 1.295, p = 0.000) are 43% and 30% more likely, respectively, to report more barrier perceptions compared with households with unimproved water sources and low income. Females (IRR = 1.070, p = 0.032) are marginally more likely to report more barrier perceptions compared with males. The model output also indicates that household heads with higher educational attainment (IRR = 1.152, p = 0.001) are 15% more likely to report more barrier perceptions compared with those with no formal education. These findings provide valuable information for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to provide quality water in rural Ghana where centralized systems cannot be installed. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence and impact of the double burden of malnutrition (DBM), malnutrition and overnutrition, in infants aged 0–24 months in the rural municipality of Ampefy, Itasy region, Madagascar. The Global Nutrition Report 2022 highlights the widespread issue of malnutrition, affecting 2 billion adults and 38 million children under five. Madagascar, characterized by severe poverty and high malnutrition rates, serves as a critical case study. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 437 mother–child pairs from November 2022 to March 2023, collecting data on maternal education, dietary habits, and socio-economic status. Anthropometric measurements were taken using either a stadiometer or UNICEF length charts to assess height/length and an electronic scale to determine weight. Results: Findings reveal a high prevalence of malnutrition, with 29.7% of children affected by either wasting, stunting, and/or underweight, and 13.3% classified as overweight or obese. This study identifies significant age-related differences, with younger children more likely to be overweight and older children more likely to suffer from stunting or wasting. Maternal nutritional status, breastfeeding practices, and socio-economic conditions are strongly associated with child malnutrition outcomes. Lower dietary diversity among mothers and insufficient antenatal care are significant risk factors. Households with lower incomes and limited access to water and transport face higher malnutrition risks. Conclusions: This study underscores the critical need for targeted nutritional interventions and education to address DBM in Madagascar, highlighting the importance of maternal health and dietary diversity in early childhood development. Further longitudinal research is recommended to establish causality and develop comprehensive public health strategies. Full article

Since the early years of the 21st century, there has been a clear critique of the diotic way of farming in the international scientific arena, emphasizing that the existing models of economic development are exacerbating social inequalities and overexploiting natural resources. At the same time, the literature promotes the implementation of a new way of farming that takes into account environmental, social, and economic concerns. We have brought together new methods and ways of farming in these areas into one broad concept, called the conclusion of sustainable development. Within this concept, particular emphasis has been placed on sustainable energy development, the intensive development of technologies based on renewable energy sources, and the advancement of end-user awareness of modern technologies. The aim of this paper was to identify the factors that determine the ecological attitude of users of single-family houses in Poland when making strategic energy decisions related to the choice of heating devices in a household. To solve this research problem, the authors conducted a nationwide survey on a representative sample of single-family house users. In turn, the results were analyzed using log-linear analysis. The results showed that the determinants of the ecological nature of such energy decisions are primarily the age of the house users and their level of education. It was found that younger people are significantly more likely to think about ecology when making decisions related to how a building is heated than older people. In addition, people with a higher level of education are more likely to think about ecology when making such decisions than those with a lower level of education. Findings showed that the gender of the occupant of a single-family house, as well as the size of the town in which the building is located, have no significant impact on the ecological nature of decisions related to the choice of the method of obtaining energy for home heating. It was also shown that territorial variation, i.e., the region of the country, had no effect on this issue. The identification of socio-demographic determinants of the ecological nature of decisions related to the choice of heating devices in single-family houses in Poland fills the research gap and thus contributes to the literature in this area. Full article

Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture, industry, and households to control pests and enhance crop yields but have emerged as pollutants in soil and water due to their presence in domestic and agricultural wastewater effluents. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the development of pesticide resistance as a significant threat to global public health. Consequently, removing pesticides in aqueous environments has gained considerable attention. Numerous methodologies, including biological, physical, and chemical methods, have been employed for their treatment. Among these methods, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have garnered particular interest due to their fast reaction rates and strong oxidizing abilities. This review focuses on various AOPs such as Fenton and Fenton-like oxidation, ozonation, the UV/H₂O₂ process, electrochemical oxidation, photocatalytic oxidation, and the UV/O₃ process. The review analyzes and summarizes the current applications of these AOPs for treating pesticides in aqueous environments. It also compares various AOPs treatment methods and discusses the challenges, drawbacks, advantages, and strategies for addressing these issues, and provides insights into the future prospects. Finally, it propose potential strategies and areas of improvement for future research to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of AOPs in practical application. Full article