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1.
Diseases ; 10(4)2022 Oct 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36278592

ABSTRACT

Understanding the spatial distribution of schistosome infection is critical for tailoring preventive measures to control and eliminate schistosomiasis. This study used spatial analysis to determine risk factors that may impact Schistosoma japonicum infection and predict risk in Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces in the People's Republic of China. The study employed survey data collected in Hunan and Jiangxi in 2016. Independent variable data were obtained from publicly available sources. Bayesian-based geostatistics was used to build models with covariate fixed effects and spatial random effects to identify factors associated with the spatial distribution of infection. Prevalence of schistosomiasis was higher in Hunan (12.8%) than Jiangxi (2.6%). Spatial distribution of schistosomiasis varied at pixel level (0.1 × 0.1 km), and was significantly associated with distance to nearest waterbody (km, ß = -1.158; 95% credible interval [CrI]: -2.104, -0.116) in Hunan and temperature (°C, ß = -4.359; 95% CrI: -9.641, -0.055) in Jiangxi. The spatial distribution of schistosomiasis in Hunan and Jiangxi varied substantially and was significantly associated with distance to nearest waterbody. Prevalence of schistosomiasis decreased with increasing distance to nearest waterbody in Hunan, indicating that schistosomiasis control should target individuals in close proximity to open water sources as they are at highest risk of infection.

2.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 16(9): e0010702, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36094954

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is an environmental risk factor for poor health outcomes globally, particularly for children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Despite technological advancements, many interventions aimed at improving WASH access return less than optimal results on long term impact, efficacy and sustainability. Research focus in the 'WASH sector' has recently expanded from investigating 'which interventions work' to 'how they are best implemented'. The 'acceptability' of an intervention is a key component of implementation that can influence initial uptake and sustained use. Acceptability assessments are increasingly common for health interventions in clinical settings. A broad scale assessment of how acceptability has been measured in the WASH sector, however, has not yet been conducted. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We conducted a systematic literature review of intervention studies published between 1990 and 2021 that evaluated the acceptability of WASH interventions in LMIC settings. Using an implementation science approach, focused outcomes included how acceptability was measured and defined, and the timing of acceptability assessment. We conducted quality assessment for all included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomised studies, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for non-randomised studies. Of the 1238 records; 36 studies were included for the analysis, 22 of which were non-randomized interventions and 16 randomized or cluster-randomized trials. We found that among the 36 studies, four explicitly defined their acceptability measure, and six used a behavioural framework to inform their acceptability study design. There were few acceptability evaluations in schools and healthcare facilities. While all studies reported measuring WASH acceptability, the measures were often not comparable or described. CONCLUSIONS: As focus in WASH research shifts towards implementation, a consistent approach to including, defining, and measuring acceptability is needed.


Subject(s)
Developing Countries , Sanitation , Child , Humans , Hygiene , Water , Water Supply
3.
Parasitology ; 149(2): 218-233, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35234601

ABSTRACT

Schistosomiasis has been subjected to extensive control efforts in the People's Republic of China (China) which aims to eliminate the disease by 2030. We describe baseline results of a longitudinal cohort study undertaken in the Dongting and Poyang lakes areas of central China designed to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in humans, animals (goats and bovines) and Oncomelania snails utilizing molecular diagnostics procedures. Data from the Chinese National Schistosomiasis Control Programme (CNSCP) were compared with the molecular results obtained.Sixteen villages from Hunan and Jiangxi provinces were surveyed; animals were only found in Hunan. The prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans was 1.8% in Jiangxi and 8.0% in Hunan determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while 18.3% of animals were positive by digital droplet PCR. The CNSCP data indicated that all villages harboured S. japonicum-infected individuals, detected serologically by indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), but very few, if any, of these were subsequently positive by Kato-Katz (KK).Based on the outcome of the IHA and KK results, the CNSCP incorporates targeted human praziquantel chemotherapy but this approach can miss some infections as evidenced by the results reported here. Sensitive molecular diagnostics can play a key role in the elimination of schistosomiasis in China and inform control measures allowing for a more systematic approach to treatment.


Subject(s)
Schistosoma japonicum , Schistosomiasis japonica , Schistosomiasis , Animals , Cattle , China/epidemiology , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Prevalence , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Schistosoma japonicum/genetics , Schistosomiasis/epidemiology , Schistosomiasis japonica/epidemiology , Schistosomiasis japonica/veterinary , Snails
4.
Public Health Nutr ; : 1-9, 2021 Dec 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34957940

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between soybean consumption and anaemic status in Central Java, Indonesia. DESIGN: As part of an overarching sanitation improvement intervention in Central Java, Indonesia, we conducted a cross-sectional study in four rural villages. The study consisted of a 24-h food recall, anthropometric measurements, blood Hb measurement and stool sampling to test for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection status. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to test the association between soybean consumption and anaemic status after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, STH infection, dietary diversity and anthropometric status. SETTING: This study took place in four rural villages of Wonosobo regency, Central Java, Indonesia. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were rural villagers aged between 15 and 49 years. RESULTS: A total sample size of 763 was attained, of which 231 were anaemic. The prevalence of anaemia was 30·2 % among men and women of reproductive age, and highest among young males. Consumption of soybean was high (79·8 %). After adjusting for covariates, the protective association between soybean consumption and anaemia was statistically significant (AOR = 0·53, 95 % CI = 0·30, 0·95, P < 0·05). There was a positive association with anaemia among underweight (AOR = 2·75, 95 % CI = 1·13, 6·69, P < 0·05) and those with high diet diversity (AOR = 1·40, 95 % CI = 1·00, 1·97, P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results were consistent with studies from other countries finding a protective association between soybean consumption and anaemia. This association appeared stronger for tofu than for tempeh. The prevalence of anaemia in rural Central Java is relatively consistent with nation-wide statistics indicating that interventions targeting anaemia are still largely required.

5.
Lancet Reg Health West Pac ; 14: 100205, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34671750

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Indonesia is undergoing a nutrition transition (NT) comprised of rising rates of overweight/obesity and consumption of high fat food/snacks but is still struck by undernutrition, causing a double burden of malnutrition. Little research pertains to the double burden of malnutrition and its associations with diet in rural Indonesia using primary village level data. METHODS: We conducted a 24-hour food recall and food frequency questionnaire and assessed anthropometric status of rural villagers from four villages in Central Java, Indonesia. Exploratory principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns and multi-level modeling was performed to identify variables associated with dietary pattern indicative of the NT. FINDINGS: 1,521 participants were included in analysis. Double burden of malnutrition was prevalent whereby 32.3% of children were stunted, 68.8% of women 35-49 years-old were overweight, and 39% of homes were classified as double burden. The NT was evident in a dietary pattern associated with soft drink, snacks, and animal products. There was small but significant correlation between undernutrition and stunting status among children (r = -0.139, p < 0.01). The NT was associated with young age (B = 1.696, 95% CI = 1.508-1.885) but not with overweight (B = -0.099, 95% CI = -0.184--0.013). INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that whilst the typical pattern of the double burden of malnutrition (stunted child/overweight adult) exists in rural Central Java, dietary patterns indicative of the NT are predominant among children, not adults. Overweight among adults may not be necessarily due to a diet indicative of the NT, and nutrition interventions in rural Central Java should focus on educating parents of young children about the health-risks of a diet associated with a NT. FUNDING: Funding was obtained from the UBS-Optimus Foundation and the National Health and Medical Research Council.

6.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33804377

ABSTRACT

Since 2005, over 30 epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between nitrate in drinking water and adverse health outcomes. Conditions that lead to nitrate pollution in water, such as open defecation, the proximity of septic tanks to water sources, and the use of inorganic fertilizer, are rampant in Indonesia, which has experienced little research evaluating nitrate in drinking water. We conducted a health risk assessment for exposure to nitrate in drinking water and evaluated the nitrate concentration in key water sources in two villages of rural Central Java, Indonesia. The nitrate concentrations in the drinking water ranged from 3.55 mg/L to 26.75 mg/L as NO3-. Daily nitrate intake estimates, calculated at 50% and 95% exposure to the maximum nitrate concentration of the drinking water in both villages, were above the levels associated with birth defects, colorectal cancer, and thyroid conditions observed in other studies. There was a large variation in nitrate concentrations between and within the villages at different water sources. Further research into whether these health outcomes exist in rural Central Java, Indonesia will be required to better understand this risk.


Subject(s)
Drinking Water , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Drinking Water/analysis , Humans , Indonesia , Nitrates/analysis , Nitrates/toxicity , Nitrogen Oxides , Risk Assessment , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Water Supply
7.
Adv Parasitol ; 111: 119-201, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33482974

ABSTRACT

Strongyloidiasis and HTLV-I (human T-lymphotropic virus-1) are important infections that are endemic in many countries around the world with an estimated 370 million infected with Strongyloides stercoralis alone, and 5-10 million with HTVL-I. Co-infections with these pathogens are associated with significant morbidity and can be fatal. HTLV-I infects T-cells thus causing dysregulation of the immune system which has been linked to dissemination and hyperinfection of S. stercoralis leading to bacterial sepsis which can result in death. Both of these pathogens are endemic in Australia primarily in remote communities in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Other cases in Australia have occurred in immigrants and refugees, returned travellers, and Australian Defence Force personnel. HTLV-I infection is lifelong with no known cure. Strongyloidiasis is a long-term chronic disease that can remain latent for decades, as shown by infections diagnosed in prisoners of war from World War II and the Vietnam War testing positive decades after they returned from these conflicts. This review aims to shed light on concomitant infections of HTLV-I with S. stercoralis primarily in Australia but in the global context as well.


Subject(s)
Coinfection , HTLV-I Infections , Strongyloidiasis , Animals , Australia/epidemiology , Coinfection/epidemiology , Coinfection/etiology , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/etiology , Humans , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology , Strongyloidiasis/etiology
8.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 14(12): e0008907, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33370267

ABSTRACT

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are endemic in Indonesia. However, prevalence data for many parts of the country are incomplete. The aim of this study was to determine human STH prevalence and knowledge and practices relating to STH risk behaviour, to provide a current view of the status of STH infection in rural communities in Central Java. A cross-sectional survey of 16 villages was conducted in Semarang, Central Java in 2015. Demographic and household data together with information about knowledge and practices relating to STH and hygiene were elicited through face-to-face interviews. Stool samples were collected and examined using the flotation method. Children (aged 2-12 years) also had their haemoglobin (Hb) levels, height and weight data collected, and BMI estimated. Data were analysed using univariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 6,466 individuals with a mean age of 33.5 years (range: 2-93) from 2,195 households were interviewed. The overall prevalence of STH was 33.8% with Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) the predominant nematode identified (prevalence = 26.0%). Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) were found in 7.9% and 1.8% of participants, respectively. Females were at increased odds of infection with A. lumbricoides (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI [1.02-1.29], p = 0.02). Adults in age groups 51-60 and over 60 years had the highest odds of being infected with hookworm (adjusted OR 3.01, 95% CI [1.84-4.91], p<0.001 and adjusted OR 3.79, 95% CI [2.30-6.26], p<0.001, respectively) compared to 6-12 year olds. Farmers also had higher odds of being infected with hookworm (adjusted OR 2.36, 95% CI [1.17-4.76], p = 0.02) compared to other occupation categories. Poverty (OR 2.14, 95% CI [1.77-2.58], p<0.001), overcrowding (OR 1.35, 95% CI [1.27-1.44], p<0.001), goat ownership (OR 1.61, 95% CI [1.10-2.41], p = 0.02) and the presence of dry floor space in the home (OR 0.73, 95% CI [0.58-0.91], p = 0.01) were all household factors significantly associated with an increased odds of infection. Infection with STH was not significantly associated with the gastrointestinal illness (p>0.05), BMI or Hb levels; however, one third of all 2-12 year olds surveyed were found to be anaemic (i.e. Hb concentrations below 110g/l or 115g/l for children under 5 and 5 years or older, respectively), with a greater proportion of school-age children at risk. Knowledge and behaviour related to hygiene and gastrointestinal diseases varied widely and were generally not associated with STH infection. The study revealed that STH infection remains endemic in Central Java despite ongoing deworming programs. Current control efforts would benefit from being re-evaluated to determine a more effective way forward.


Subject(s)
Ascariasis/epidemiology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/epidemiology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/parasitology , Hookworm Infections/epidemiology , Soil/parasitology , Trichuriasis/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Ancylostomatoidea/isolation & purification , Animals , Ascaris lumbricoides/isolation & purification , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Farmers/statistics & numerical data , Feces/parasitology , Female , Humans , Hygiene , Indonesia/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Sanitation , Surveys and Questionnaires , Trichuris/isolation & purification , Young Adult
9.
Front Immunol ; 11: 574136, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33162989

ABSTRACT

Schistosomiasis japonica is an ancient parasitic disease that has severely impacted human health causing a substantial disease burden not only to the Chinese people but also residents of other countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and, before the 1970s, Japan. Since the founding of the new People's Republic of China (P. R. China), effective control strategies have been implemented with the result that the prevalence of schistosomiasis japonica has decreased markedly in the past 70 years. Historically, the Dongting Lake region in Hunan province is recognised as one of the most highly endemic for schistosomiasis in the P.R. China. The area is characterized by vast marshlands outside the lake embankments and, until recently, the presence of large numbers of domestic animals such as bovines, goats and sheep that can act as reservoir hosts for Schistosoma japonicum. Considerable social, economic and environmental changes have expanded the Oncomelania hupensis hupensis intermediate snail host areas in the Dongting lake region increasing the potential for both the emergence of new hot spots for schistosomiasis transmission, and for its re-emergence in areas where infection is currently under control. In this paper, we review the history, the current endemic status of schistosomiasis and the control strategies in operation in the Dongting Lake region. We also explore epidemiological factors contributing to S. japonicum transmission and highlight key research findings from studies undertaken on schistosomiasis mainly in Hunan but also other endemic Chinese provinces over the past 10 years. We also consider the implications of these research findings on current and future approaches that can lead to the sustainable integrated control and final elimination of schistosomiasis from the P. R. China and other countries in the region where this unyielding disease persists.


Subject(s)
Lakes , Schistosomiasis japonica/epidemiology , Schistosomiasis japonica/prevention & control , Animals , China/epidemiology , Disease Reservoirs/parasitology , Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control , Humans , Lakes/parasitology , Prevalence , Schistosoma japonicum , Schistosomiasis japonica/parasitology , Schistosomiasis japonica/transmission , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/prevention & control , Zoonoses/transmission
10.
Infect Dis Poverty ; 9(1): 81, 2020 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32611385

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is currently considerable international debate around school closures/openings and the role of children in the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Whilst evidence suggests that children are not impacted by COVID-19 as severely as adults, little is still known about their transmission potential, and with a lot of asymptomatic cases they may be silent transmitters (i.e. infectious without showing clinical signs of disease), albeit at a lower level than adults. In relation to this, it is somewhat concerning that in many countries children are cared for, or are often in close contact with, older individuals such as grandparents ─ the age group most at risk of acquiring serious respiratory complications resulting in death. MAIN TEXT: We emphasise that in the absence of a vaccine or an effective therapeutic drug, preventive measures such as good hygiene practices ─ hand washing, cough etiquette, disinfection of surfaces and social distancing represent the major (in fact only) weapons that we have against COVID-19. Accordingly, we stress that there is a pressing need to develop specific COVID-19 prevention messages for schoolchildren. CONCLUSION: An entertainment education intervention for schoolchildren systematically implemented in schools would be highly effective and fill this need. With such measures in place there would be greater confidence around the opening of schools.


Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Health Education , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , School Health Services , COVID-19 , Child , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Hand Disinfection , Humans , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , SARS-CoV-2 , Students
11.
Sci Rep ; 10(1): 7060, 2020 04 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32341415

ABSTRACT

At a time when Bhutan is on the verge of malaria elimination, the aim of this study was to identify malaria clusters at high geographical resolution and to determine its association with local environmental characteristics. Malaria cases from 2006-2014 were obtained from the Vector-borne Disease Control Program under the Ministry of Health, Bhutan. A Zero-Inflated Poisson multivariable regression model with a conditional autoregressive (CAR) prior structure was developed. Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation with Gibbs sampling was used to estimate posterior parameters. A total of 2,062 Plasmodium falciparum and 2,284 Plasmodium vivax cases were reported during the study period. Both species of malaria showed seasonal peaks with decreasing trend. Gender and age were not associated with the transmission of either species of malaria. P. falciparum increased by 0.7% (95% CrI: 0.3%, 0.9%) for a one mm increase in rainfall, while climatic variables (temperature and rainfall) were not associated with P. vivax. Insecticide treated bed net use and residual indoor insecticide coverage were unaccounted for in this study. Hot spots and clusters of both species were isolated in the central southern part of Bhutan bordering India. There was significant residual spatial clustering after accounting for climate and demographic variables.


Subject(s)
Malaria, Falciparum/transmission , Malaria, Vivax/transmission , Spatio-Temporal Analysis , Bhutan/epidemiology , Humans , Incidence , India/epidemiology , Insecticide-Treated Bednets , Malaria, Falciparum/epidemiology , Malaria, Falciparum/prevention & control , Malaria, Vivax/epidemiology , Malaria, Vivax/prevention & control , Plasmodium falciparum/pathogenicity , Plasmodium vivax/pathogenicity
12.
Trop Med Infect Dis ; 4(4)2019 Dec 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31817651

ABSTRACT

Many latrine campaigns in developing countries fail to be sustained because the introduced latrine is not appropriate to local socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions, and there is an inadequate community health education component. We tested a low-cost, locally designed and constructed all-weather latrine (the "BALatrine"), together with community education promoting appropriate hygiene-related behaviour, to determine whether this integrated intervention effectively controlled soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. We undertook a pilot intervention study in two villages in Central Java, Indonesia. The villages were randomly allocated to either control or intervention with the intervention village receiving the BALatrine program and the control village receiving no program. STH-infection status was measured using the faecal flotation diagnostic method, before and eight months after the intervention. Over 8 months, the cumulative incidence of STH infection was significantly lower in the intervention village than in the control village: 13.4% vs. 27.5% (67/244 vs. 38/283, p < 0.001). The intervention was particularly effective among children: cumulative incidence 3.8% (2/53) for the intervention vs. 24.1% (13/54) for the control village (p < 0.001). The integrated BALatrine intervention was associated with a reduced incidence of STH infection. Following on from this pilot study, a large cluster-randomised controlled trial was commenced (ACTRN12613000523707).

13.
World Neurosurg ; 129: e538-e544, 2019 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31154098

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hyponatremia has been frequently observed after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and some data have suggested a correlation with symptomatic cerebral vasospasm and poor outcomes. The present prospective study investigated sodium and water disturbances after aneurysmal SAH with regard to symptomatic vasospasm and patient outcomes. METHODS: Data from all patients with aneurysmal SAH treated in our department during a 2-year period were collected. Daily natriuresis, sodium levels, water balance, and serum and urine osmolality were measured at 4 different points: day 1 of admission or bleeding, day 3, day 7, and day 14-21 or discharge. The clinical parameters (i.e., Hunt and Hess grade, aneurysm location and treatment, onset of vasospasm) were reviewed. The patients' outcome was assessed using the Glasgow outcome score and modified Rankin scale. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients (70 women; median age, 52 years) were enrolled in the present study. Of these 101 patients, 59.4% had a good grade SAH (Hunt and Hess grade 1-3). The most common aneurysm location was the anterior communicating artery (37%). The results from an electrolyte analysis were available for ≤91 patients at days 1 and 78 at discharge. In 33 patients (32.7%), hyponatremia had been diagnosed at any time point. Hyponatremia was most frequently observed at day 1 and later at days 7-10. A location in the anterior communicating artery resulted in hyponatremia more frequently only at day 1 (P = 0.007). The main causes of hyponatremia were cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (early onset) and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (early and late onset). CONCLUSION: Distinguishing early- and late-onset hyponatremia is of major relevance, because different therapeutic approaches are required. Only hyponatremia at discharge resulted in less favorable outcomes.


Subject(s)
Hyponatremia/etiology , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/complications , Vasospasm, Intracranial/etiology , Adult , Aged , Animals , Female , Glasgow Outcome Scale , Humans , Hyponatremia/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Natriuresis/physiology , Prospective Studies , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/physiopathology , Vasospasm, Intracranial/physiopathology , Water-Electrolyte Balance/physiology , Young Adult
14.
Trop Med Infect Dis ; 4(1)2019 Feb 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30813615

ABSTRACT

Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease caused by helminth parasites of the genus Schistosoma. Worldwide, an estimated 250 million people are infected with these parasites with the majority of cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Within Asia, three species of Schistosoma cause disease. Schistosoma japonicum is the most prevalent, followed by S. mekongi and S. malayensis. All three species are zoonotic, which causes concern for their control, as successful elimination not only requires management of the human definitive host, but also the animal reservoir hosts. With regard to Asian schistosomiasis, most of the published research has focused on S. japonicum with comparatively little attention paid to S. mekongi and even less focus on S. malayensis. In this review, we examine the three Asian schistosomes and their current status in their endemic countries: Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, and Thailand (S. mekongi); Malaysia (S. malayensis); and Indonesia, People's Republic of China, and the Philippines (S. japonicum). Prospects for control that could potentially lead to elimination are highlighted as these can inform researchers and disease control managers in other schistosomiasis-endemic areas, particularly in Africa and the Americas.

15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30545057

ABSTRACT

Performing arts used as a method of spreading health information dates back to the origins of storytelling. However, interventions in developing, non-Western countries typically utilize Western entertainment forms. This qualitative investigation assesses responses to an intervention designed around traditional Javanese shadow puppetry (wayang kulit). Semi-structured interviews provided in-depth responses from a sample (N = 12) of villagers. Responses analyzed both cross-case and within-case, focused on perceptions of the music and storyline, responses to the intervention, and the perceived appropriateness of wayang kulit for disseminating a health message. Wayang kulit was considered to be interesting and easy to remember, but concerns remained regarding the reliability of information provided through the drama. The fusion of traditional and modern music and story elements were perceived positively. Some participants were inspired to improve their hygiene practices, although the lack of motivation, or belief that they were unable to change was noted. The performance was generally received positively in terms of the nature of the intervention, the fusion of traditional and Western music and story elements, as well as the use of wayang kulit to spread health information. The study provides guidance for modifications to the production, prior to scaling up.


Subject(s)
Health Promotion/methods , Information Dissemination/methods , Neglected Diseases/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Drama , Female , Humans , Indonesia , Male , Middle Aged , Play and Playthings , Reproducibility of Results , Rural Population/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult
16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30235817

ABSTRACT

'Rama and the Worm' is a shadow puppet production targeting neglected diseases in Central Java. It is an entertainment-based intervention study to promote health by reducing the impact of parasitic diseases such as soil-transmitted helminths (STH). The study uses traditional Javanese shadow puppetry (wayang kulit) as a vehicle in village communities to disseminate health messages and promote behaviour change to prevent diseases caused, primarily, by inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene. The health education messages contained in the play, although using traditional characters and themes, required the creation of a completely new narrative script, using characters and plot lines familiar to the wayang kulit repertoire, but placing them in new situations that relate specifically to health promotion objectives. The intervention was piloted in a village in Central Java, Indonesia using a pre/post design with both qualitative and quantitative analysis. A total of 96 male and female villagers, aged between 7 and 87 years, provided both baseline and follow up data. Participant knowledge and behaviours related to gastrointestinal and helminth-related disease were assessed before and after the intervention through a questionnaire administered by interview. Results revealed statistically significant improvements in both knowledge (48.6% pre-intervention score vs. 62.8% post-intervention score, p < 0.001) and behaviour (77.4% vs. 80.6%, p = 0.004) related to gastrointestinal and helminth disease. Findings of the study indicate the wayang kulit performance is an effective health education tool. The results provide proof of concept with scaling up the next step forward. The wayang kulit production provides a significant additional component for an integrated, comprehensive approach to reduction and elimination of STH infection.


Subject(s)
Drama , Health Promotion/methods , Helminthiasis/prevention & control , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/prevention & control , Neglected Diseases/prevention & control , Play and Playthings , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Female , Health Education , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Helminthiasis/ethnology , Humans , Hygiene , Indonesia/epidemiology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/ethnology , Male , Middle Aged , Neglected Diseases/ethnology , Rural Population/statistics & numerical data , Soil , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
17.
Trop Med Infect Dis ; 2(4)2017 Oct 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30270913

ABSTRACT

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 2 billion people worldwide including significant numbers in South-East Asia (SEA). In Australia, STH are of less concern; however, indigenous communities are endemic for STH, including Strongyloides stercoralis, as well as for serious clinical infections due to other helminths such as Toxocara spp. The zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum is also present in Australia and SEA, and may contribute to human infections particularly among pet owners. High human immigration rates to Australia from SEA, which is highly endemic for STH Strongyloides and Toxocara, has resulted in a high prevalence of these helminthic infections in immigrant communities, particularly since such individuals are not screened for worm infections upon entry. In this review, we consider the current state of STH infections in Australia and SEA.

18.
PLoS One ; 10(10): e0139917, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26430785

ABSTRACT

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been prevalent in Indonesia since 2003 causing major losses to poultry production and human deaths. Live bird markets are considered high risk areas due to the density of large numbers of mixed poultry species of unknown disease status. Understanding trader knowledge and perceptions of HPAI and biosecurity is critical to reducing transmission risk and controlling the disease. An interview-administered survey was conducted at 17 live bird markets on the islands of Bali and Lombok in 2008 and 2009. A total of 413 live poultry traders were interviewed. Respondents were mostly male (89%) with a mean age of 45 years (range: 19-81). The main source of AI information was TV (78%), although personal communication was also identified to be an important source, particularly among female traders (60%) and respondents from Bali (43%). More than half (58%) of live poultry traders interviewed knew that infected birds can transmit HPAI viruses but were generally unaware that viruses can be introduced to markets by fomites. Cleaning cages and disposing of sick and dead birds were recognized as the most important steps to prevent the spread of disease by respondents. Two thirds (n = 277) of respondents were unwilling to report sudden or suspicious bird deaths to authorities. Bali vendors perceive biosecurity to be of higher importance than Lombok vendors and are more willing to improve biosecurity within markets than traders in Lombok. Collectors and traders selling large numbers (>214) of poultry, or selling both chickens and ducks, have better knowledge of HPAI transmission and prevention than vendors or traders selling smaller quantities or only one species of poultry. Education was strongly associated with better knowledge but did not influence positive reporting behavior. Our study reveals that most live poultry traders have limited knowledge of HPAI transmission and prevention and are generally reluctant to report bird deaths. Greater efforts are needed to engage local government, market managers and traders in education and awareness programs, regulatory measures and incentive mechanisms. Understanding and evaluating the social responses to such an integrated approach could lead to more effective HPAI prevention and control.


Subject(s)
Commerce , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Influenza in Birds , Poultry , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Animals , Female , Humans , Indonesia , Male , Middle Aged
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