ABSTRACT
Introduction: Covid-19 pandemic has raised queries regarding implications for breastfeeding (BF). Data are limited and recommendations for initial days after birth differ. Parents count on paediatricians for optimal information about feeding their infants, especially when the mother is infected. Objectives: To estimate knowledge of paediatricians about BF in suspected or confirmed maternal cases of Covid-19, its association with demographic variables, and participants' opinions about factors influencing their guidance to parents regarding infant nutrition in Covid-19 infected mothers. Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire administered to paediatricians in Uttar Pradesh, India, from February to March 2021. A total of 389 paediatricians participated. Knowledge questions were based on the World Health Organization guidance on BF for Covid-19. Results: Among the 389 participants, 44.5% had adequate knowledge, 38.3% had average knowledge, and 17.2% had inadequate knowledge;96.4% paediatricians preferred mothers' milk for infants with Covid-19 infected mothers. Fear of transmission of infection to infant was the major restraint, while the low risk of transmission to the infant if infection prevention and control practices were followed was the most useful factor perceived while counselling an infected mother for BF.Conclusions: Knowledge of paediatricians about BF in suspected or confirmed maternal cases of Covid-19 was adequate in 44.5%, average in 38.3% and inadequate in 17.2%. Majority (96.4%) of paediatricians favoured BF in maternal Covid-19 cases. © 2022,Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
The occurrence of foodborne diseases (FBD) has increased in the last decade as a result of negligence for hygiene. Prevalence of FBD due to lack of education, insufficient health services result in the spread of disease on a larger scale. Personal hygiene, as well as local cleanliness, is the most important aspect of the overall health community. Pandemic like COVID is due to lack of personal hygiene as well as health education. The data published by global bodies like World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the FBD should be controlled by increasing awareness related to personal hygiene and health education. This article reviewed the global occurrence of FBD, preventive measures and solutions for an overall healthy community. The aim of this review is to analyse reports related to foodborne diseases over the globe and suggest guidelines for community health. The scope of this review is in food safety and quality – microbiological and chemical in Food research Journal. Reviews, reports, research data related to foodborne diseases have been analysed and future solutions for building a better health community have been suggested. A total of 74 references including research articles, reviews, press notes, government sites related to foodborne diseases over the globe have been reviewed and data collection has been analysed to suggest better health community guidelines. All the references showed that the occurrence of foodborne diseases are increasing day by day and thus control measure policies have to be implemented worldwide. These include strict government policies, education of food vendors, strict action against those who are not following it, educating the importance of personal as well as community hygiene. These results will surely help to build a better healthy community in future. The data showed that foodborne disease is affecting many populations at any age each year leading to morbidity and mortality. The disease is caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The common symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Awareness and education related to community health should be spread using advertisements, social media, newspapers, news channels to lower the incidence of foodborne diseases.