Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing healthcare-associated infections. In this study, we aimed to quantify the accuracy of subjective evaluation of hand washing through visual inspection and objective evaluation through images. The participants were 24 consenting nursing students, and the study used black light and fluorescent paint to generate sketches and captured images of the unwashed areas, which were processed. Handwashing training was conducted once a week for four consecutive weeks. We collected data in the first and fourth training sessions. We found that the percentage of the unwashed palmar areas was significantly higher in the images than in the sketches (p<0.05). The percentage of the uncleaned area as recognized visually significantly increased for sketches (p=0.01) and decreased for images (p=0.009) in the fourth session. The difference between the percentages of the image and sketch area notably decreased in the fourth session (p=0.002). When we checked the recognition percentage of the unwashed area by dividing the right-hand palmar side into six areas, the fingertips had the highest percentage, and the ball of the thumb had the lowest percentage. The recognition of the unwashed areas was low when comparing the subjective visual assessment with the objective imagery assessment. In addition, the percentage of the unwashed areas decreased with repeated training, indicating a decrease in the difference between the subjective and objective ratings.

This study is aimed at examining the prevalence of premarital sex among adolescents between 13-19 years within Chorkor, Korle Gonno and Mamprobi communities in the Accra Metropolis. The study with a sample size of 268 used a descriptive approach and a combination of convenient and quota sampling methods. The study recommends the establishment of a school guidance and counselling unit to sensitize and advise students and parental monitoring of adolescent lives and the use of social media on mobile devices.

This study assessed the handling and processing practices of 30 small-scale folded vermicelli processors in Tanga, specifically in urban areas of Tanga City, Tanzania. However, the micro- and small-scale processors were producing in unhygienic way because they are lacking facilities and equipment to process and handle the product hygienically. Multistage sampling design was adopted for this study and face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data from all processing units through nine streets using semi-structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, where the statistics aspect was determined from the results obtained. The processors found across various streets (ranging from 3.3% in Kwaminchi Street to 23.3% in Mabawa Street), exhibited diverse demographics, with 53.3% being owner-operators and 40% and 6.7% in labourer and supervisor roles, respectively. A significant portion (53.3%) had 1-3 years of experience, and a small portion (10%) attended formal training in pasta processing. Despite 73.3% possessing food manufacturing licenses, many were unfamiliar with legal requirements, lacking documentation and standardized processes, raising concerns about food safety. Raw materials were sourced locally, but 56.7% lacked storage facilities. Hygienic practices varied, with 43.3% undergoing periodic medical check-ups, 70% using protective gear, and 60% had hand washing facilities. Sun drying was the sole method employed, with 86.7% placed drying trays on rooftops. Packaging practices raised concerns, as 93.3% reused woven polypropylene bags, potentially impacting product quality. Awareness of aflatoxin and its health implications was lacking in 90% of the processors. Overall, the study highlighted gaps in awareness, training, and adherence to standards among processors, posing potential risks to food safety and quality. Encourage them to adhere with Tanzania Bureau of Standards requirements and formalize their quality control practices.

The purpose of this study was to assess the structural attributes of black and white Printed Printex Textile Fabrics in Ghana. The study adopted a factorial experimental research design. The three fabrics with black prints and white as base colours were purchased from the market. These three fabrics had the same designs but two had different fabric finishes and the third one had no finish (plain, embossed and plisse). Key soap purchased from the Ghanaian market and standard soap from Ghana Standard Authority were used for the study. A purposive sampling procedure was used in choosing the fabrics and soap for the study. Specimens totalling 219 were cut randomly from along the warp and weft directions of the Printex black and white cotton fabric with finishes (plain, embossed and plisse). The use of laboratory experiments and the apparatus used to experiment. The data obtained were presented using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation) were used as summary statistics of variables of the study. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant differences among three variables (three washing cycles), whereas the independent samples t-test was used to test for statistically significant differences between the performance of the fabric finishes under Key soap and the standard soap. The study indicated that differences in the attributes of the finishes caused differences in the structural attributes of the fabrics. This was because some of the finishes required certain structural attributes to bond well with the fabrics. The implication is that continuous washing weakens the structural attributes of fabrics which causes them to fail or weakens their resistance to stress tests. The study, however, found that differences in the structural attributes of the fabric finishes caused differences in the effects of washing on the selected fabric finishes. It is recommended that Printex Textile Limited should place critical emphasis on the weight of the fibres used in the construction of the fabrics. This was necessary since the study found that the fabric finish with the greatest weight performed better in tensile strength than those with the lowest weight. As a result, the use of fibres with high weight is expected to improve the use and care of the fabric finishes in terms of their ability to resist stress or tension during washing.