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Review Article
School Hygiene Practices and Challenges, a Comparative Review of India and the United States
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
219-226
Received:
11 August 2026
Accepted:
9 September 2026
Published:
24 September 2026
Abstract: School hygiene is a critical component of child health, safety, and educational development, as schools provide an important setting for promoting healthy behaviors and preventing communicable diseases. Adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, hygiene education, and effective school health policies contribute to improved health outcomes, reduced illness-related absenteeism, and enhanced learning environments. This comparative literature review examined school hygiene policies, practices, infrastructure, implementation strategies, monitoring, challenges, and health-related outcomes in India and the United States. Literature was identified through searches of academic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, and ERIC, and through authoritative governmental and international sources. Peer-reviewed studies, systematic/scoping reviews, and relevant policy and programme documents published between 2010 and 2026 were included and synthesized comparatively across common thematic domains. India primarily focuses on expanding sanitation infrastructure, supply of drinking water, school nutrition, and adolescent health, through national hygiene initiatives targeting several school health and wellness programmes. In contrast, the United States emphasizes integrated school health frameworks, drinking-water quality, and institutional accountability through coordinated public health policies and school-based interventions. Despite these efforts, both countries continue to face persistent challenges related to equitable WASH access, infrastructure maintenance, behavioral compliance, and effective implementation of school hygiene policies. Differences in policy structures and socioeconomic contexts further influence the implementation and monitoring of school hygiene measures. Overall, the reviewed evidence demonstrates that sustainable improvements in school hygiene require coordinated, multisectoral approaches that integrate functional infrastructure, continuous hygiene education, behavioral reinforcement, routine monitoring, and institutional commitment. Strengthening these interconnected components is essential for creating safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments that support children's long-term health, well-being, and educational outcomes.
Abstract: School hygiene is a critical component of child health, safety, and educational development, as schools provide an important setting for promoting healthy behaviors and preventing communicable diseases. Adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, hygiene education, and effective school health policies contribute to improved health out...
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Research Article
Seroprevalence of Treponema Pallidum Infection among Blood Donors in Emezaka General Hospital, Abakaliki Ebonyi State
Onu Euslar Nnenna*
,
Ilang Donatus Chukwuma,
Eze Blessing,
Onu Henrrienta Chinaemerem,
Obaji Ezekiel Amuche
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
227-234
Received:
13 September 2026
Accepted:
27 September 2026
Published:
23 October 2026
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Treponema pallidum (TP) infection among blood donors in Emezaka General Hospital. A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving the collection of blood samples from individuals who provided informed consent. Serological tests were conducted using ELISA for Antibody detection of TP. The collected samples were processed, and results were systematically recorded. The study focused on understanding the rate of Treponema Infections among blood donors, and identifying demographic factors associated with these infections. Out of the 150 samples that were analyzed, 18 were shown to be positive for TP. The results also reveal significant gender differences: among 135 male participants, only 16 (10.7%) were positive for TP, while out of 15 female participants, only 2 (1.3%) tested positive. This incongruity implies that males in this population may be more likely to be exposed to TP infection, potentially due to the risk factors associated such as male to sexual intercourse, etc. The analysis of risk factors showed that multiple sexual partners were strongly associated with TP infection, with 6 out of 45 participants testing positive. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the data, revealing important insights into the health implications of TP infection within the study population. Findings from this research highlight the public health significance of Treponema pallidum infection, emphasizing the need for enhanced screening and prevention strategies in healthcare settings. This study highlights the need for increased educational efforts to raise awareness about TP infections and also provides valuable insights to inform policy direction and public health initiatives for combating Treponema pallidum Infections.
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Treponema pallidum (TP) infection among blood donors in Emezaka General Hospital. A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving the collection of blood samples from individuals who provided informed consent. Serological tests were conducted using ELISA for Antibody detection of TP. The collected...
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Review Article
Diet and Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Epidemiological Evidence
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
235-252
Received:
24 September 2026
Accepted:
8 October 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjph.20261405.13
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Views:
Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with lifestyle factors including diet playing a crucial role in its development and progression. This systematic review aims to synthesize current epidemiological evidence on the associations between dietary factors and CRC risk, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published between January 2000 and December 2025. The search strategy combined terms related to colorectal cancer, dietary factors, and risk factors. Studies were included if they examined human populations, assessed dietary exposures, reported CRC outcomes, and were observational studies, interventional trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed quality using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, Cochrane RoB 2.0, and AMSTAR-2 tools of 3,150 initially identified records, 90 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic synthesis. The reviewed evidence indicates that high consumption of red and processed meats (RR: +12-18% per 100g/day), saturated fats, ultra-processed foods, alcohol (dose-dependent), and tobacco (RR: 2-3× vs. non-smokers) is associated with increased CRC risk. Conversely, diets rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, dairy products, and specific micronutrients (vitamins D, B-group, C, E, selenium, zinc) show inverse associations with CRC risk (20-50% risk reduction). Epidemiological studies suggest that modifiable lifestyle factors may influence CRC risk by approximately 60-70%, though these estimates derive primarily from observational data with moderate to high heterogeneity. This systematic review highlights the potential for CRC prevention through dietary modifications. However, due to the observational nature of most available evidence, further well-designed prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to establish causal relationships. The findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects.
Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with lifestyle factors including diet playing a crucial role in its development and progression. This systematic review aims to synthesize current epidemiological evidence on the associations between dietary factors and CRC risk, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A systematic...
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