Association between leptospirosis-related knowledge and practices of male pedicab drivers in Manila

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine whether or not an association exists between leptospirosis-related knowledge and the practices of pedicab drivers in Manila. METHODS: An analytic, cross-sectional study was done among 174 male pedicab drivers. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using an interview schedule containing 12 questions covering knowledge of transmission and prevention, and 8 questions covering preventive occupation-related practices against leptospirosis. Logistic regression was employed to examine association while controlling for the confounding effects of other variables. RESULTS: Forty-nine percent were found to have good knowledge on the transmission and prevention of leptospirosis while 21% had satisfactory preventive and health-seeking practice. After controlling for the confounding effect of pedicab ownership, the odds of having unsatisfactory practices among those with low knowledge were found to be 13 times higher than those with good knowledge. Education was found to be an effect measure modifier. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a low level of education combined with poor leptospirosis-related knowledge has a magnified effect on practices. Increasing the knowledge of pedicab drivers especially those with a low level of education is necessary to improve their practices. Information dissemination on leptospirosis should be further intensified. Collaboration between health workers and organizations of pedicab drivers can be done to organize health information seminars.

Cadmium concentration in brown and polished rice from selected farms in Barangay Real, Calamba City and its potential non-cancer health risk in adult population

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the cadmium (Cd) concentration in brown and polished rice collected from the 9 farms in Barangay Real, Calamba City. This study also assessed the non-cancer health risk to adults (?20 years old) of long-term consumption of rice with Cd using the non-cancer hazard quotient (NHQ). METHODS: Rice grains with hull were collected in November-December 2013. Both rice types were analyzed for Cd using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS). The NHQ was calculated by dividing the estimated daily intake of Cd via rice consumption by the oral reference dose (RfD) for Cd.RESULTS: Mean Cd concentrations in brown and polished rice collected from the 9 farms in Barangay Real ranged from 0.0062 to 0.0725 mg/kg and 0.0047 to 0.0778 mg/kg, respectively. The NHQ values of Cd in both rice types were less than 1.0 for adults (?20 years old). CONCLUSION: Cd concentrations in brown and polished rice from the 9 farms did not exceed the 0.4 mg/kg maximum allowable Cd concentration in rice set by FAO/WHO. Since the NHQ did not exceed 1.0, long-term exposure to Cd through consumption of brown and polished rice from these farms is unlikely to cause non-cancer health effects in adults (?20 years old). It is unlikely for adults to develop kidney diseases such as tubular proteinuria, decreased glomerular filtration rates, and itai-itai disease.