JURNAL KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN

Evaluation of Rat Density and the Associated Factors in Leptospirosis Endemic Areas: The First Report on the Use of BI-Index

2024-06-03T15:55:54+00:00

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a health problem in tropical countries where rats serve as the reservoir of Leptospira contamination. Previous investigations implementing the Bi-index to assess rat density in Leptospirosis endemic areas are highly limited. This study aimed to use the Bi-index in monitoring rat density and the associated factors in urban Leptospirosis endemic areas. Methods: Four endemic areas in Semarang City were selected as the study sites based on Leptospirosis data in Puskesmas Gayamsari. Live traps were positioned in one case house and 39-49 neighboring houses in a 100m radius, on three consecutive days. Trapped rats were collected for species identification, morphometrics evaluation, and calculation of Bi-index and rat indices, while environmental parameters were obtained through observation. Results and Discussion: 67.1% of participants were women, private employees, and aged 17-55, while trap success ranged from 2.5-26.5% with the Bi, diversity, dominance, and evenness indices of 0.02-0.32, 0.94-1.09, 0.36-0.44, and 0.79-0.96, respectively. Trapped species included Rattus norvegicus, Rattus tanezumi, and Mus musculus with proportions of 61.3%, 34.1%, and 4.7%, respectively. The presence of rats was associated with closeness to the river containing stagnant water, frequent flooding, water entering houses during floods, open trash bins, and rubbish bins around the houses. The high rat density, dominant species, and correlated environmental conditions are strategic targets in controlling Leptospirosis in Semarang City. Conclusion: The rat density (dominated by R. norvegicus) in Semarang City was correlated with water drainage and garbage management, hence further investigation was recommended to determine Leptospira bacterial infection in rodents.

In Silico Toxicological Analysis of Active Compounds Present in Selected Pesticides Sold in South-West Nigeria

2024-05-27T11:40:35+00:00

Introduction: The study investigated the molecular effects of human exposure to commonly used pesticides in Nigeria. Methods: Utilizing computational methods like clustering analysis, toxicokinetic predictions, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, various health impacts were identified. Results and Discussion: The results revealed significant gastrointestinal absorption, P-glycoprotein bypass, blood-brain barrier penetration, and cytochrome P450 inhibition for certain pesticide agents. Notably, oxathiapiprolin showed hepatotoxicity, propanil exhibited drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and 2,4-dichloro-phenoxyacetic acid demonstrated carcinogenicity. Respiratory toxicity was predicted for most pesticides, except propanil and N-(2,6-diethylphenyl) acetamide. Molecular targets were identified, such as bifenthrin targeting programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 and Atrazine targeting potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 3. Binding affinities were computed, with oxathiapiprolin showing -6.526 kcal/mol with short transient receptor potential channel 7. Molecular dynamic simulations indicated significant binding energy changes over time. Atrazine's binding with potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 3 exhibited a total binding energy ΔGbind of -39.410 kcal/mol and -49.135 kcal/mol at 0 ns and 100 ns, respectively. Oxathiapiprolin's binding with short transient receptor potential channel 7 showed ΔGbind of -53.481 kcal/mol and -44.122 kcal/mol at 0 ns and 100 ns. Conclusion: This study suggests potential hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity of certain pesticides, emphasizing the need for environmental monitoring and stringent regulations to safeguard public health.

Correlation Between Livable Housing, BCG Immunization Coverage, and Population Density with Child Tuberculosis Incidence in East Java Province 2020-2022

2024-05-15T10:18:06+00:00

Introduction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria can cause tuberculosis disease. In 2022, East Java Province reported 8,398 cases of child tuberculosis with a discovery coverage of 105.6%. This study aims to describe the distribution of child tuberculosis incidence in East Java Province by mapping and analyzing the correlation between livable houses, BCG immunization coverage, and population density with the incidence of child tuberculosis in 38 districts/cities in East Java Province from 2020 to 2022. Methods: This was a descriptive approach with a population correlation study design using the Spearman correlation statistical test. Secondary records from the East Java Health Profile 2020, 2021, and 2022 were used in this study. Thirty-eight districts/cities in the province of East Java comprised the study's population. Results and Discussion: This study showed that there has been a positive correlation between BCG immunization coverage in 2020 (r=0.043); 2021 (r=0.140); 2022 (r=0.214) and population density 2020 (r=0.082); 2021 (r=0.102); and 2022 (r=0.174) with the incidence of child tuberculosis. Meanwhile, the correlation between livable houses and the incidence of child tuberculosis is negative in 2020 (r=-0.990) and 2022 (r=-0.047) but positive in 2021 (r=0.078). Conclusion: The increase in BCG immunization coverage and population density aligns with the increase in child tuberculosis cases. Meanwhile, an increase in the percentage of access to livable houses is followed by a decrease in the incidence of child tuberculosis.

Evaluation of Adulticidal Efficacy of Cypermethrin, Tetramethrin, and Piperonyl Butoxide in Housefly (Musca Domestica)

2024-06-03T15:54:56+00:00

Introduction: Houseflies serve as vectors of diseases in animals and humans. Chemical pesticides are a practical way of eliminating insects; however, resistance to insecticides has been reported. This study aims to evaluate the adulticidal efficacy of cypermethrin, tetramethrin, and piperonyl butoxide in housefly. Methods: Adult flies were cultured within net enclosures using completely randomized design with four replications each treatment. Treatment A was water and served as the negative control, treatment B was cypermethrin + tetramethrin + piperonyl butoxide 32% EC and served as the positive control, and treatment C was cypermethrin + tetramethrin + piperonyl butoxide 48% EC. The number of dead houseflies were counted 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes post- application of treatments. The results were analyzed through analysis of variance (P≤0.05) followed by Tukey’s HSD (honestly significant difference). Results and Discussion: The values for the cumulative mean and percentage of killed houseflies were all significantly different from each other, with treatment C showing the highest values, followed by treatment B, then treatment A. The maximum adulticidal effect of treatment C was apparent within 15 minutes post-application, while the maximum adulticidal effect of treatment B was observed within 30 minutes after application. Conclusion: Results suggest that treatment C was a more effective adulticidal than other groups. Using cypermethrin + tetramethrin + piperonyl butoxide 48% EC can be the solution to the problem, but it should be noted that future resistance may occur. Increased concentrations may also imply environmental, human, and animal health hazards.

Smoke Free Regulation for Clean and Healthy Evironment in Blitar District Indonesia

2024-03-18T15:42:32+00:00

Introduction: The implementation of smoke-free regulations is an effort to create a clean and healthy environment in the Blitar District, Indonesia. The main purpose of this research is to analyze public opinion on the smoke-free regulations drafting in the Blitar District. Methods: To analyze public opinion about the smoke-free regulations, we used a cross-sectional design with a RAPID survey conducted in 2015. The research involved distributing questionnaires to 1,008 respondents, with the sample size proportionally divided across 22 districts. For the implementation of the regulation, we conducted observational research over four years. The effort to draft the smoke-free regulations continued until 2019, and the implementation of the regulations is ongoing until 2023. Results and Discussion: Results showed that 94.5% supported the regulations. The RAPID survey results provided evidence for drafting the smoke-free regulations. This evidence was used to advocate for stakeholder support in drafting and implementing the regulations in the Blitar District. Although the smoke-free regulations were released in 2019, their implementation has been very challenging and requiring significant effort. Conclusion: A RAPID survey showed that almost all people in Blitar support the drafting and implementation of the smoke-free regulations. The implementation requires significant effort to ensure it proceeds smoothly and needs support from all stakeholders in the Blitar District.

Lead Contamination in Pangasius Djambal in the Dam of Kalitidu District, Bojonegoro District: An Environmental Health Risk Study

2024-06-03T15:57:34+00:00

Introduction: One of the areas passed by the Bengawan Solo River is Bojonegoro. Many Bojonegoro people find fish at the point of Bendung Gerak, Ngringinrejo Village. One of the fish that is often caught is Pangasius djambal. At this location, the dominant waste contamination comes from agricultural and domestic waste. Lead can contaminate water and enter through the food chain in fish which are later eaten by humans. The purpose of this study was to analyze the environmental health risk of lead (Pb) content in Pangasius djambal in Bendung Gerak Ngringinrejo Village, Kalitidu District, Bojonegoro Regency. Methods: This research used field environmental health risk analysis method. The total sampling of the community was 50 respondents and was taken using accidental sampling. Community sample criteria are those who consume Pangasius djambal within 1 year. Environmental samples are Pangasius djambal taken at 3 points and analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method. Results and Discussion: The results showed lead intakes at points A, B, and C were 0.0018 mg/kg/day, 0.0639 mg/kg/day, and 0.0012 mg/kg.day, respectively. The results show the RQ value of point B RQ>1 (unsafe), while points A and C are RQ≤1 (safe). It can be caused by several factors such as body weight, intake rate, consumption frequency, exposure duration, and lead concentration. Conclusion: Based on these results, it is necessary to do risk management at point B.

Identification of House Dust Mite and the Risk Factor of Cronic Itch in Elderly

2024-06-03T15:54:22+00:00

Introduction: Senile pruritus etiology is uncertain. However, well as intrinsic factors, one of the extrinsic risk factors causing pruritus is house dust mites (HDM) as. Aim of this study was to analyze the association between house dust mite density and the pruritus level among elderly residents. Methods: This is an observational study with cross-sectional design. The 34 elderly who met the criteria were included in this study. The pruritus level was obtained using questionnaire as to duration, degree, direction, disability, distribution (5D) itch scale based on NRS (numerical rating scale) categories divided into 4 categories (no, low, moderate, and severe itch). House dust mite density was checked using flotation method and the results categorized into low, moderate, and high density. The dust sample was checked for the species by microscope. The preventive activity to prevent the pruritus were also analyzed. The relationship between itch scale, preventive activity with HDM density was analyzed using STATA 17. Results and Discussion: A total of 34 elderly was included. Elderly were dominated with women (67.6%), moderate itch scale (38.2%) and moderate HDM density (58.8%). Most of the correlation between itch scale based NRS and preventive activity with HDM density p-value was not significant. But the elderly’s’ habit to clean the mattress was significantly correlated with HDM density (p=0.00). The Dermatophagoides sp were the dominant mites found in elderly’s’ room. Conclusion: Itch scale in elderly were not related with HDM density, but correlated with the habit to clean the mattress.

Coconut Shells, Water Hyacinth and Rice Husks are Very Effective in Improving the Quality of Physical and Chemical Standards of Dug Well Water in Flood Areas

2024-06-25T17:04:29+00:00

Introduction: Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is crucial, especially in flood-prone regions where the water quality in dug wells can deteriorate due to various physicochemical factors. This research was aimed to measure the effectiveness of natural materials in improving water quality based on physicochemical parameters and to compare water quality before and after treatment in Astambul Subdistrict of Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Methods: The study involved a survey of 192 private boreholes and dug wells across five villages in the Astambul Subdistrict, with 30 samples selected for detailed analysis. Key physicochemical parameters analyzed included total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and total suspended solids (TSS). TDS, with a standard limit of 50 mg/L, served as a primary water quality indicator. DO, essential for gauging water oxygenation, and was measured as it results from photosynthesis and atmospheric absorption. Turbidity was assessed using a turbidimeter to determine water clarity, and a UV-vis Spectrophotometer 2008 was utilized to measure levels of iron (Fe) and mangasene (Mn). Results and Discussion: The findings demonstrated that coconut shells, husks, and water hyacinths improved water quality across physical and chemical parameters. Statistical analysis using t-tests showed improvements in these parameters after treatment. For example, DO levels increased in multiple villages, with the highest percentage in Kaliukan Village (59.2%) and decreases in turbidity and TSS. Conclusion: The study concluded that coconut shells, husks, and water hyacinths have potential to enhance physicochemical quality of water.

Implementation of Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Systems of Particulate Matter 2.5 Based on the Internet of Things

2024-06-28T14:33:04+00:00

Introduction: Indoor air quality significantly influences human health because humans can do work and rest indoors. Particulate Matter (PM2.5) is ranked 5th as the leading risk factor for death in the world and causes more than 103 million disabilities. PM2.5 concentrations are the highest, so a monitoring system is needed that can monitor air conditions in real-time and continuously. Methods: Research was conducted using the Research and Development (R&D) type. The scope of the research method is making prototypes and fieldtesting tools. Determination of field test locations is based on indicators such as (i) inadequate ventilation in the respondent's house so that air circulation does not run well; (ii) The family room and bedroom are close to the kitchen and waste incinerator, which has the potential to produce PM2.5 pollutants. Data analysis used descriptive analysis to get a picture of indoor air quality. Results and Discussion: The designed monitoring system was calibrated with the Air Quality Monitor 8 in 1 PM2.5 tool. The average PM2.5 concentration measurement for 24 hours showed that all test points exceeded the standard limit. Room 3 (family room) had the highest PM2.5 concentration, while room 4 (bedroom) had the lowest PM2.5 concentration. Conclusion: The area of air ventilation, mining activities, mining product transportation activities, the intensity of watering roadsides and home yards, and cooking activities influence PM2.5 concentrations.

Potential Impacts of Lead on Health: A Review of Environmental Exposure, Population at Risk, and Toxic Effects

2024-06-11T10:04:09+00:00

Introduction: Lead, a heavy metal, has been proven to influence the ecosystem negatively. The use of lead in processing or as raw materials increases Pb exposure to humans from various sources, including waste or consumed products. This study aims to determine the most recent information regarding lead contamination sourced from the environment, at-risk populations, and the health impacts of this heavy metal contamination. Results and Discussion: This systematic review used a database sourced from Google Scholar. The keywords searched were "lead exposure, environment, or health" in articles published in 2020-2023. After article screening and exclusion, 26 research articles were eventually reviewed. Lead was detected in water, air, and soil, generally in various foods or products consumed by humans. Environmental factors were the most frequent source of contamination. The population at risk of lead exposure were children. Several studies have found that various health impacts were significantly associated with lead exposure from different environmental sources and lead concentrations in biomarkers. Conclusion: Pb contamination was increasingly widespread in the environment through various sources. Exposure to lead may cause diverse health problems.