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Biomedical subjects

J E Ehiri

Publications and source records attributed to J E Ehiri.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Critical control points of complementary food preparation and handling in eastern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate microbial contamination and critical control points (CCPs) in the preparation and handling of complementary foods in 120 households in Imo state, Nigeria. METHODS: The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach was used to investigate processes and procedures that contributed to microbial contamination, growth and survival, and to identify points where controls could be applied to prevent or eliminate these microbiological hazards or reduce them to acceptable levels. Food samples were collected and tested microbiologically at different stages of preparation and handling. FINDINGS: During cooking, all foods attained temperatures capable of destroying vegetative forms of food-borne pathogens. However, the risk of contamination increased by storage of food at ambient temperature, by using insufficiently high temperatures to reheat the food, and by adding contaminated ingredients such as dried ground crayfish and soybean powder at stages where no further heat treatment was applied. The purchasing of contaminated raw foodstuffs and ingredients, particularly raw akamu, from vendors in open markets is also a CCP. CONCLUSION: Although an unsafe environment poses many hazards for children's food, the hygienic quality of prepared food can be assured if basic food safety principles are observed. When many factors contribute to food contamination, identification of CCPs becomes particularly important and can facilitate appropriate targeting of resources and prevention efforts.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Child health promotion in developing countries: the case for integration of environmental and social interventions?

In spite of improving epidemiological knowledge in relation to child health, the challenge of promoting the survival and quality of life of infants and children in most parts of the developing world remains an abiding public health problem, for both the countries and the international agencies involved. Current infant and child health programmes largely reflect western style medical care, with emphasis placed on reducing mortality, and the preventive aspects confined mainly to immunisation, improved nutrition, provision of micronutrients, promotion of breast-feeding and birth spacing. In contrast, environmental and social factors which underpin the proliferation of disease agents are receiving minimal attention. This paper presents a critical review of current strategies for promoting child health in developing countries, and examines the environmental, social, and political factors that influence child health. Presenting a specific example of infant and childhood diarrhoea, the authors argue that in order for a real reduction in mortality, and improvements in quality of life to be sustained, attention needs to be focused equally on the environmental and social factors that underlie much of the childhood diseases in the developing world. This will involve the adoption of a broader strategy aimed at reducing childhood diarrhoea, using the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system in combination with other methods.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Health information systems in developing countries: benefits, problems, and prospects.

Health information systems are important support tools in the management of health care services delivery in both developed and less developed countries. An adequate health information system is vital not only for assessing the health needs of populations and groups, but also for planning and implementation of health interventions. It is equally important in the evaluation of programmes from both the perspectives of effectiveness and coverage. This paper examines the practical difficulties of health care provision amidst inadequate statistics to inform decisions. Major obstacles to the introduction of effective health information systems in developing countries are examined, and practical suggestions on measures to overcome them discussed. It is concluded that the establishment of well co-ordinated information collection systems at the various levels of the health care system in developing countries, using appropriate staff, could contribute greatly to improvements in health care delivery.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1996

Food safety control: overcoming barriers to wider use of hazard analysis.

Although appropriate steps can be taken to prevent or reduce risks to health, foodborne diseases have continued to present a serious public health challenge. The traditional approaches of inspection and end-product testing appear to have proved inadequate in tackling the problem and there is an urgent need to apply more rational and effective strategies. One such strategy is the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.

Food Handling↗
PubMed1995

HACCP implementation in food businesses: the need for a flexible approach.

There is a considerable literature on microbiological hazards which cause food-borne diseases and illnesses, and factors which influence their occurrence and growth in foods. Similarly, stages in the food chain where foods may be mishandled, and practices which often lead to outbreaks of food-borne diseases are well documented. Although these hazards and practices can be controlled in order to prevent or minimise risks to health, food-borne diseases have continued to present a serious challenge to public health. Because the traditional approaches of inspection and end-product testing have proved inadequate in tackling the problem of food-borne diseases, there is an urgent need to apply more rational and effective strategies. One such strategy is the Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Points (HACCP) system which is currently in international discussion. This paper examines the epidemiological basis for the application of HACCP to food safety control and describes its advantages. It is concluded that to realise the objectives of HACCP, a flexible and simple approach is needed in its practical application across food businesses. Any argument that the system cannot be applied without fully developed and well structured food systems will ultimately reduce its potential usefulness in food safety control.

Consumer Product Safety↗
PubMed1995

The role of health visitors in the prevention of home accidents involving children: time for a rethink?

Home accidents involving children are an important public health problem in developed and developing countries. There is uncertainty concerning the effectiveness of different approaches to child home accident prevention, and a need to evaluate current practice. This paper reports the findings of an interview survey of all 57 health visitors working in Clydebank and the north-west area of Glasgow, concerning their role in child home accident prevention. Their role consisted mainly of education of children and families in home safety, using face-to-face discussion and leaflets. Forty-seven per cent of health visitors reported difficulty in raising home safety issues with families. Ninety-four per cent did not think that the educational approach had been effective in reducing child home accidents and in improving home safety behaviour of families. This poses the question of whether the time of health workers and health service resources should be invested in alternative approaches.

Accidents, Home↗