Biomedical subjects

E C Kaltenthaler

Publications and source records attributed to E C Kaltenthaler.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

How effective are prevention strategies in reducing the prevalence of pressure ulcers?

The prevalence of pressure ulcers has remained constant at about 7% over the past 20 years, even though considerable time and money has been invested in various prevention strategies. This literature review explores whether pressure-prevention programmes can reduce the prevalence rate still lower or whether they are working but are limited by an increasingly aged population and rising patient acuity.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

PubMed1996

The study of hygiene behaviour in Botswana: a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.

This paper describes a study from northern Botswana which explored the relationship between hygiene behaviour and diarrhoeal diseases in young children. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used. The qualitative methods included observations, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus groups. The quantitative methods included spot check observations, anthropometric measurements, the monitoring of diarrhoea morbidity and the administration of a socioeconomic questionnaire. A profile of hygiene behaviours was developed for this community and traditional beliefs related to diarrhoea were identified. The methods described provided considerable information in a short period of time. They were also relatively inexpensive and easy to implement, thus providing a model for further studies dealing with hygiene behaviour in developing countries. The information gathered enabled the identification of areas needing further research, the development of health education programmes and provided the basis for larger epidemiological studies.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed1996

Understanding of hygiene behaviour and diarrhoea in two villages in Botswana.

This paper describes a study which took place in two villages in north-east district of Botswana from July 1990 through July 1991. Qualitative data collection methods were used including: observations, key-informant interviews, focus groups, and in-depth interviews. The data were used for understanding and interpreting the cultural belief systems regarding specific hygiene behaviours and diarrhoea, with emphasis on hand washing. Hand washing was said to occur for three main reasons: to remove contamination, for social reasons, and for comfort reasons. Sources of dirt on the hands included human blood and faeces. Many perceived causes of diarrhoea were identified, including pogwana (dehydration associated with sunken anterior fontanelle). Traditional concepts regarding the treatment and prevention of diarrhoea were also identified. It is suggested that beliefs surrounding hygiene behaviour and diarrhoea should be incorporated into health education programmes.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

The use of microbiology in the study of hygiene behaviour.

Faecal indicator bacteria have been used to measure levels of hygiene in a variety of settings. This paper describes a study in northern Botswana which used the isolation of faecal indicator bacteria in combination with other quantitative and qualitative techniques to gain information regarding hygiene behaviour. The microbiological samples included, samples from stored drinking water and water sources; eating plates; infant feeding bottles; dishcloths and the fingertips of carers and children. Water was usually clean at source but contaminated after storage. Presumptive faecal coliforms contaminated 31% of the eating plates, 29% of the dishcloths and 40% of the infant feeding bottles. Many of the presumptive faecal coliform isolates were not identified as Escherichia coli, indicating the need for further research into methodologies appropriate for isolating E. coli in tropical climates.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

PubMed1995

Faecal contamination on children's hands and environmental surfaces in primary schools in Leeds.

Gastro-intestinal diseases continue to be a major health problem in primary schools in the UK. This study, which took place in 20 primary schools in the Leeds area, investigated the presence of faecal indicator bacteria on children's hands and environmental surfaces. Faecal streptococci were used as an indicator of faecal contamination. A handwashing knowledge score was developed for each child. Those children with good hygiene knowledge had less faecal contamination on their hands (relative risk: 1.4, 95% CI = 1.09-1.81, P = 0.005). Those schools with higher hand counts were more likely to have had a reported outbreak of gastroenteritis in the past. Values of the Townsend Deprivation Index, an indicator of deprivation, were compared with the hand results and those schools in high deprivation areas had higher hand counts. Of the swabs taken from surfaces in the toilet areas and classrooms, the carpets in the classrooms were the most frequently contaminated surfaces.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1995

Microbiological methods for assessing handwashing practice in hygiene behaviour studies.

Personal hygiene, especially handwashing, is frequently mentioned as an important aspect of diarrhoeal disease prevention in water and sanitation programmes. Handwashing practice is difficult to assess but the microbiological analysis of hands shows promise as an indicator of this behaviour. Most methods for isolating bacteria from the hands have been developed for use in hospitals in order to investigate the spread of nosocomial infections. However, reliable and inexpensive methods which need only limited expertise are needed for use in developing countries where diarrhoeal diseases remain a major health risk. Techniques for sampling hands and bacteriological analysis methods are discussed with special emphasis on practical considerations for conducting tests in developing countries. Several studies have used these methods successfully and have investigated hygiene behaviour and how living conditions affect behaviour and the role of hands in diarrhoeal disease transmission. We recommend the use of impression plates for isolating faecal indicator bacteria from the hands and also recommend faecal streptococci as an indicator of faecal contamination.

Developing Countries↗