Assessing the promotion of urine-diverting dry toilets through school-based demonstration facilities in Kalisizo, Uganda

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
John T. Trimmer ◽  
Neema Nakyanjo ◽  
Robert Ssekubugu ◽  
Marc Sklar ◽  
James R. Mihelcic ◽  
...  

Urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs) are designed to recover nutrients and organic matter from human excreta for agricultural reuse. Their wider implementation could help address problems in areas where water scarcity limits coverage of sanitation systems and declining soil fertility jeopardizes nutritional security. Demonstration facilities can improve stakeholders’ views of UDDTs; however, it is uncertain whether these facilities should be located at households or institutions. Using a novel methodological approach that included qualitative data collection before and after introduction of demonstration UDDTs and quantitative monitoring of treatment conditions, this study evaluated changes in local attitudes and knowledge resulting from a UDDT promotion strategy at two primary schools in Uganda. Before introduction, students had little knowledge of UDDT facilities, while most attitude-related statements conveyed negative viewpoints and skepticism. After introduction and six months of operation, students exhibited increased knowledge, and 68% of attitude-related statements conveyed positive opinions that focused on the UDDTs’ long-term economic value and their role in creating a more hygienic school environment. These changes were seen in facility users and in other students at the schools who were non-users. In the future, with these improved perceptions, students could become compelling representatives for UDDTs within their communities, potentially increasing adoption.

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Anna E. Chalkley ◽  
Ash C. Routen ◽  
Jo P. Harris ◽  
Lorraine A. Cale ◽  
Trish Gorely ◽  
...  

The adoption of school-based running programs has rapidly increased over the last five years in the UK and globally. However, there is currently a lack of information on how these initiatives are implemented, and whether they are generalizable and/or sustainable. This study evaluated the implementation (including reach, fidelity, and dose) of a school-based running program over seven months to inform future delivery. This observational study used a mixed-method, single-group, before-and-after design strengthened by multiple interim measurements to evaluate the implementation of an optional school-based running program. Five state-funded primary schools in Leicestershire, UK, participated, with 17 teachers and 189 (81 boys (47.4%) and 90 girls (52.6%)) Year 5 pupils (aged 9–10 years) from eight classes. During the 2016/2017 academic year, data were collected via several measures (including interviews, focus groups, observations, questionnaires, and teacher implementation logs) at multiple levels (i.e., school and individual) and at multiple time points during implementation. Follow up qualitative data were also collected during 2017/2018. The school-based running program achieved good reach, with 100% of pupils opting to participate at some point during the academic year. All schools implemented the program with good fidelity, although the level of implementation varied between schools and over time. The average number of sessions held per week ranged from 0.94–3.89 with the average distance accumulated per pupil per week ranging from 0.02 to 2.91 kilometers and boys being more likely than girls to be classed as high-level participators. Despite an initial drop off in participation over time, all schools remained engaged in the program and continued to implement it until the end of the school year. Contextual features (e.g., staff capacity and resources) differed between schools and influenced the quality of implementation and the frequency of delivery. The school-based running program is simple, inexpensive, and versatile and can be implemented by schools with relative ease. However, schools are diverse settings, with unique challenges to ongoing delivery. Thus, planned adaptations, specific to each school’s context, are likely necessary to sustain participation in the longer term and should be considered prior to implementation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Chalkley ◽  
Ash C. Routen ◽  
Jo P. Harris ◽  
Lorraine A. Cale ◽  
Trish Gorely ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The adoption of school-based running programmes has rapidly increased in recent years. However, there is a lack of information on how these initiatives are implemented, and how generalisable and sustainable they are. This study evaluated the implementation of a school-based running programme, Marathon Kids (MK), over 7 months. The aim was to understand the context within which MK was implemented in each of the schools and the key elements of implementation including reach, fidelity and dose. Methods This study used a mixed method, single group before-and-after design strengthened by multiple interim measurements. Five state-funded primary schools in Leicestershire, UK participated, with 17 teachers and 189 (81 boys (47.4%) and 90 girls (52.6%)) Year 5 pupils (aged 9–10 years) from eight classes. During the 2016/2017 academic year, data were collected via measures at multiple levels (i.e. school and individual) and at multiple time points during implementation. Follow up qualitative data were also collected during 2017/2018. Results Marathon Kids achieved good reach, with all pupils opting to participate at some point during the academic year. All schools implemented MK with good fidelity, although the level of implementation varied between schools and over time. The average number of MK sessions held per week ranged from 0.94–3.89 with the average distance accumulated per pupil per week ranging from 0.02 to 2.91 kilometres and boys being more likely than girls to be classed as high-level participators. Despite an initial drop off in participation over time, all schools remained engaged in the programme and continued to implement MK until the end of the school year. Contextual features (e.g., staff capacity and resources) differed between schools and influenced the quality of implementation of MK and the frequency of delivery. Conclusions Marathon Kids is a simple, inexpensive and versatile physical activity programme which can be implemented by schools with relative at ease. However, schools are diverse settings, with unique challenges to ongoing delivery. Thus, planned adaptations, specific to each school’s context, is likely necessary to sustain participation in the longer term.


2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Chalkley ◽  
Ash C. Routen ◽  
Jo P. Harris ◽  
Lorraine A. Cale ◽  
Trish Gorely ◽  
...  

Introduction: School-based running programs that promote daily (or regular) walking/jogging/running are an emerging public health initiative. However, evaluation of these programs has predominantly used quantitative measures that limit understanding and explanations of contextual influences on pupil participation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to qualitatively explore pupils’ experiences of participating in a primary-school-based running program (Marathon Kids) to provide relevant insights and inform program developments. Methods: Nine semistructured focus groups were conducted with a purposeful sample of 50 pupils (26 girls and 24 boys) between 6 and 10 years of age from 5 primary schools in England. All schools had delivered the running program for 5–9 months during the 2015–16 academic year. Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Results: Pupils identified a range of organizational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors that they believed influenced their participation in the program. Six themes were identified as being important to pupils’ experiences: Marathon Kids as an enabling program, pupils’ autonomy to participate, peer influence on participation (e.g., development of social cohesion), teacher influence on delivery (e.g., fidelity of implementation), logistics and suitability of the school environment, and appropriateness of program resources. Conclusions: School-based running programs can offer an enjoyable physical activity experience for children; however, it is important to understand how current delivery approaches influence pupils’ participation. Aspects that were believed to facilitate enjoyment included pupil autonomy to participate, perceived benefits of participation (including psychosocial outcomes), and a supportive school environment. Further research is required to identify the type and level of support required by schools to sustain pupil participation in running programs so that their perceived value is maintained.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e027169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Malden ◽  
Lawrence Doi

ObjectivesChildren spend a significant amount of their time in a school environment, often engaged in sedentary activities. The Daily Mile is a physical activity intervention which aims to increase physical activity and fitness in children through the completion of an outdoor teacher-led walk or run during the school day. This study aimed to explore the barriers, facilitators and perceived benefits of the Daily Mile from the perspectives of teachers through the use of qualitative semi-structured interviews. It also aimed to identify important context-specific factors, which might require consideration for those who intend to adopt the Daily Mile.SettingEight Local Authority primary schools in the City of Edinburgh and East Lothian, UK.ParticipantsThirteen teachers (eleven women) who teach children in primaries one to seven in a school which delivered the Daily Mile.ResultsData were analysed using an interpretative thematic analysis. Teachers were positive and enthusiastic about the Daily Mile and perceived it to be beneficial to children’s health and fitness. A number of barriers to participation were identified including inadequate all-weather running surfaces and time constraints in an already full school curriculum. The perceived impact on learning time was identified as a concern for teachers, while other benefits were also identified including increased teacher–child rapport and perceived enhanced classroom concentration levels.ConclusionThe Daily Mile appears to be a valuable addition to the school day, however important context-specific barriers to delivery of the Daily Mile exist, which should be considered when implementing the Daily Mile in schools.


Children ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Carlin ◽  
Marie Murphy ◽  
Alison Gallagher

Schools have the potential to promote physical activity (PA) in adolescents through physical education (PE) and extra-curricular PA. The aims of this study were to firstly understand the experiences of adolescent females who participated in a school-based walking programme (the Walking In ScHools (WISH) study) and secondly, to assess the potential for schools to further promote PA outside of structured PE. A sample of female participants (n = 45, mean age 13.1 years) who participated in the WISH study were randomly selected to participate in focus group discussions, to explore their experiences of the intervention. In addition, an online survey was distributed to all post-primary schools (n = 208) in Northern Ireland to assess the provision of extra-curricular PA and further evaluate the feasibility of the WISH study. In total, six focus groups were conducted. Walking during the school day was viewed as an acceptable form of PA by adolescent females, providing an opportunity to be active with friends, and helped participants overcome barriers previously associated with being active at school. Responding schools (n = 59) identified adolescent females and non-sporty pupils as sub-groups who would benefit most from participation in a school-based walking programme. This study has highlighted that the delivery of a walking programme within the school setting is acceptable, warranted and practically feasible from the point of view of adolescent females and key stakeholders within the school setting.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia Ruocco ◽  
Nerelie C. Freeman ◽  
Louise A. McLean

This study examined the effects of a school-based cognitive-behavioural group intervention for anxiety in young children, Get Lost Mr Scary, on child self-reported anxiety and coping skills. Participants included 65 children (Mage= 6.50 years,SDage= 0.75) drawn from 13 public primary schools located in Western Sydney, Australia. The children participated in seven weekly 1-hour Get Lost Mr Scary sessions, and their parents attended three information sessions. The pictorial semistructured Child Anxiety and Coping Interview (CACI) was used to elicit the children's self-report of their anxiety symptoms, emotions, coping strategies, and coping efficacy before and after the 7-week intervention. Although children rated their maladaptive coping strategies as helpful, the postintervention results indicated a significant decrease in the use of maladaptive strategies such as behavioural avoidance and an increase in adaptive cognitive strategies, particularly cognitive restructuring. Consistent with parent and teacher reports, child self-reports indicated a significant reduction in anxiety and negative emotional distress. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-199
Author(s):  
Ni Wayan Ekayanti ◽  
Gusti Ayu Dewi Setiawati

The purpose of this study is to analyze the improvement of student learning outcomes by using the school environment as a medium of learning with group investigation model. The method used in this research is quasi experiment using One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The sample of this research is students of class VIIB SMPN 5 Denpasar. The results showed that there were significant differences in learning outcomes (p = 0,000 *) between before and after school-based learning by using group investigation model. So it can be concluded that the model of study group investigation based on school environment as a medium of learning can improve student learning outcomes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 239965442110370
Author(s):  
Liza Rose Cirolia ◽  
Tesfaye Hailu ◽  
Julia King ◽  
Nuno F da Cruz ◽  
Jo Beall

Ethiopia’s mass-scale subsidized housing delivery programme has driven the rapid expansion of middle-income, mid-rise settlements on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, requiring the provision of infrastructure to newly developed areas. In the case of the Kotari housing project, established sanitation systems were deemed inappropriate for the site, resulting in the deployment of novel technology, a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR). Such decentralised technologies contribute to the heterogenous infrastructure configurations which characterise Addis Ababa’s sanitation landscape, reflected not only in material configurations but also in how they are governed. In this paper, we use the concept of ‘infrastructure interfaces’ as an analytical device to identify the key material connection points in the system. Working across scales, we scrutinise the governance arrangements at these critical junctures: the household, the block, the condominium, and the city. Our analysis challenges established understandings of infrastructural heterogeneity driven by the private sector, either through financialized elite infrastructures or informal survivalist practices. In Kotari, the state is the driver and the target is the lower middle class. Centring the state in these infrastructure configurations provides nuance to our understanding of how heterogeneity emerges. Our methodological approach accounts for governance at various scales, providing fresh insights into the relationality of infrastructure, particularly the human/technology interface and infrastructural failures. The case shows the importance of transcending binary readings of infrastructure configurations, such as on/off grid, state/private and formal/informal. Future work on the post-network city must go beyond simply denigrating or valorising alternative modes of service delivery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3133
Author(s):  
Rita Der Sarkissian ◽  
Anas Dabaj ◽  
Youssef Diab ◽  
Marc Vuillet

A limited number of studies in the scientific literature discuss the “Build-Back-Better” (BBB) critical infrastructure (CI) concept. Investigations of its operational aspects and its efficient implementation are even rarer. The term “Better” in BBB is often confusing to practitioners and leads to unclear and non-uniform objectives for guiding accurate decision-making. In an attempt to fill these gaps, this study offers a conceptual analysis of BBB’s operational aspects by examining the term “Better”. In its methodological approach, this study evaluates the state of Saint-Martin’s CI before and after Hurricane Irma and, accordingly, reveals the indicators to assess during reconstruction projects. The proposed methods offer practitioners a guidance tool for planning efficient BBB CI projects or for evaluating ongoing programs through the established BBB evaluation grid. Key findings of the study offer insights and a new conceptual equation of the BBB CI by revealing the holistic and interdisciplinary connotations behind the term “Better” CI: “Build-Back-resilient”, “Build-Back-sustainable”, and “Build-Back-accessible to all and upgraded CI”. The proposed explanations can facilitate the efficient application of BBB for CI by operators, stakeholders, and practitioners and can help them to contextualize the term “Better” with respect to their area and its CI systems.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Lastrucci ◽  
M Spinicci ◽  
F Macchioni ◽  
S Gabrielli ◽  
A L Villagran ◽  
...  

Abstract Backgrounds Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) are a major health issue for children of low- and middle-income countries. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices are crucial for preventing IPI. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a school-based health education intervention on handwashing behavior and IPI prevalence in children Methods This is a randomized intervention trial in 8 primary schools in rural communities over the course of 3 school years; preliminary results from the first two years of the trial are here presented. Schools were randomly selected and assigned in a 1:1 ratio to intervention or control (no intervention) groups. For each school year, the intervention included 14 school-based educational sessions and 2 skit events, involving children aged 8-12 years. Knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire and handwashing at key events was assessed at the beginning and end of each school year. IPI prevalence was assessed with repeated cross-sectional parasitology surveys 12 months apart, involving a minimum of 50 children for each school Results At baseline, no significant differences between intervention and control schools were present in the proportion of children who washed their hands at key events (7.2% vs 9.3%, p = 0.28), in IPI (79.4% vs 75.3%, p = 0.3) and multiple parasitic infections (MPI) prevalences (47.6 vs. 38.6; p = 0.051). At the end of the second year, the percentage of children who washed their hands at key events was significantly higher in the intervention schools (75.4% vs 12.1%, p < 0.001), and the prevalence of IPI and MPI in the intervention schools were respectively about 25% and 15% lower than in the control schools (respectively, 42.9% vs 67.8%, p < 0.001; 16.1% vs 31.6%, p < 0.001) Conclusions A school-based health education intervention could achieve significant changes in hand-washing behaviors and reduction in the prevalence of IPI in children. The third year survey results are needed to confirm these findings Key messages An health education intervention on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices can reduce the risk of IPI infection in children. An health education intervention on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices could be configured as a sustainable long-term approach to intestinal parasitic infections control in children.


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