Aims: Water used in dental settings plays a critical role in patient care, and its microbiological safety is essential for protecting both patients and dental staff. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophila in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 water samples were collected from different points of DUWLs at Gorgan Dental School, northern Iran, as well as from municipal water supplies, between August 2022 and May 2023. The presence of P. aeruginosa and A. hydrophila was detected using polymerase chain reaction. Associations between physicochemical parameters and bacterial presence were analyzed using the Chi-squared test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: P. aeruginosa and A. hydrophila were detected in 66.4% (93/140) and 32.1% (45/140) of the samples, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between bacterial prevalence and sampling points (P < 0.05). The highest prevalence of both bacteria was found in dental handpieces before flushing, whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in municipal water supply points. Flushing did not significantly reduce bacterial prevalence. Mean values of pH, residual chlorine, and temperature ranged from 7.20 to 7.50, 0.0 to 0.3 mg/L, and 19.30°C to 23.80°C, respectively. Residual chlorine levels in contaminated samples were generally low. Conclusion: The presence of opportunistic bacteria in DUWLs indicates potential health risks, particularly for immunocompromised patients. Implementing effective water safety plans and improving dental staff training are essential to enhance DUWL microbiological quality and reduce infection risks in dental clinics.
Aim: This study seeks to investigate the inadequacy of the A-weighting network for measuring noise characterized by substantial infrasound and lower frequency components. Utilizing a computational approach, the research aims to elucidate the limitations of A-weighting, which primarily focuses on frequencies perceptible to the human ear. Methods: The methodologies and equations employed in this analysis adhere to the international standard IEC 61672-1 for the computation of the A, C, and Z frequency-weighting networks. Weighting values for these three different networks were determined across various frequencies within one-third octave bands. Subsequently, utilizing the derived weighting values, sound pressure levels were calculated across 34 distinct one-third octave band frequencies, ranging from 10 to 20,000 Hz, as well as the total sound pressure level for artificial high-content and low-frequency noise. Results: The largest (most negative) weighting factor was at 10-Hz frequency for both the A and C networks. The weighting factor decreases with increasing frequency: for the A-network, from 10 to 500 Hz, and for the C-network, from 10 to 160 Hz. Above those frequencies, the weighting factor becomes smaller (more positive). The C weighting was zero (0 dB), for nine, contiguous one-third octave frequency bands from 200 Hz to 1250 Hz, while for the A-weighting, only the 1000 Hz frequency band has zero (0 dB) weighting. Weighting for the Z-network was zero (0 dB) at all frequencies. For an artificial high-content and low-frequency noise, the A network greatly reduces the value of the total sound pressure level (73.68 dB) when compared to the C network (96.44 dB), and especially when compared to the Z network (104.33 dB). Conclusions: The utilization of the A-weighting network in noise measurement fails to adequately identify locations characterized by high levels of infrasound and low-frequency noise. Consequently, individuals residing in these areas may inadvertently be exposed to noise-induced health effects, yet the lack of recognition regarding this issue may hinder appropriate public health responses and interventions.
Aims: Indoor air quality (IAQ) in healthcare settings is critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the impact of key ventilation parameters on indoor bioaerosol burden and particulate matter 10 (PM10) concentrations across four educational hospitals. Methods: Bioaerosol samples were collected from multiple locations within each hospital, including operating rooms, intensive care units, and general wards, in accordance with NIOSH Method 0800, using a Quick Take 30 sampler. Concurrently, temperature, relative humidity, ventilation rate expressed as air changes per hour (ACH), and PM10 concentrations were measured as potential factors influencing bioaerosol levels. Results: The results revealed significant variations in bioaerosol concentrations among the hospitals. D Hospital exhibited the highest levels, potentially due to factors such as the facility’s age, maintenance practices, and ventilation system efficiency. Positive correlation was observed between bioaerosol concentration and both temperature and the number of people present. However, a significant correlation was not found between ACH and bioaerosol concentration. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of effective ventilation systems and regular maintenance to minimize bioaerosol levels in healthcare facilities. Further research is recommended to investigate the impact of specific ventilation strategies and environmental factors on IAQ and infection control.
Rabies is a fatal viral zoonotic disease that causes encephalitis. It is a significant public health concern in many regions, particularly in low-resource and rural settings. The disease causes massive financial losses, especially in the public health sector. This study examines the public health burden of rabies and evaluates the effectiveness of control strategies – such as vaccination programs, surveillance systems, and public education – implemented across different settings to prevent its spread. A literature search is conducted through Google Scholar and PubMed from “2017 to 2023” in English and except systematic reviews; Using keywords such as “rabies,” “control,” “rabies elimination,” and ”Public Health”. The total of relevant articles gathered is 44, including data about epidemiology, control strategies, and their implications on public health. These sources give an encompassing overview of the diagnosis methodology, the pathogenesis of the disease, and efficient ways of prevention. Despite progress, challenges remain due to limited resources and underdeveloped health systems. Public education improves knowledge and practices regarding rabies prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), but significant disparities exist in rural and remote regions where healthcare services and access to rabies vaccines (RABVs) are uneven. Addressing these challenges is essential for the successful rabies control program. This review underscores the critical need for evidence-based strategies, including mass dog vaccination, dog population management, timely access to PEP, and public awareness to rabies control. Digital surveillance tools, intersectoral collaboration under the One Health approach, and targeted interventions based on epidemiological modeling can help to effective rabies control efforts to eliminate disease by 2030.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the residues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their metabolites in human breast milk of the general population from the study area in central of Iran. Methods: Fifty-three breast milk samples were obtained from lactating mothers with written informed consent. Sixteen PAH compounds and five metabolites were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: The mean PAHs concentration of all samples ranged from 1.1 to 28.88 ng/g milk fat. The mean of ∑ 16 PAHs in the entire samples was 92.80 ng/g milk fat. The mean of five monohydroxy PAHs (OH-PAHs) concentration in all samples ranged from 187.79 to 1301.74 ng/l. Conclusion: The findings showed that seven PAHs, including acenaphthylene, fluorene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo (a) pyrene, and indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene, were detected in more than 40 samples. Naphthalene was the most frequently detected PAH and was found in all samples. This study highlights the urgent need to address PAH pollution and exposure during the pregnancy and breastfeeding period of women.
Abstract Aim: This research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of photocatalytic removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions using suspended and immobilized zinc oxide (ZnO). Methods: A comparison was made between the photocatalytic, suspended, and immobilized ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for nitrate removal. In addition, the effect of ZnO NPs either suspended or immobilized was evaluated in the presence of ultraviolet irradiation. The transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses were applied to survey the physiochemical properties of ZnO. Photocatalytic degradation of nitrate was investigated using a spectrophotometric approach. Results: The ideal function of removing nitrate (90%) was achieved with the concentration of 25 mg/l and in acidic pH. Immobilized catalysts can be used in continuous reactors due to the possibility of elimination of the phase segregation. The rising concentration of NPs to 0.8 g/L was associated with higher efficiency of the removal process. Maximum reduction performance of photocatalytic removal of nitrate (using immobilized and suspended ZnO) was 90% and 81%, respectively. Nevertheless, according to the findings, the immobilized method is highly more efficient for nitrate removal than the suspended method. The optimal time for the photocatalytic process was obtained at 150 min, and after 150 min, the reaction followed the first-order reaction kinetics. Conclusions: The photocatalytic technique is efficient for nitrate removal from water and wastewater.
Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a moisture-absorbent vest on reducing heat strain caused by the wearing of gowns by healthcare personnel. Methods: This experimental research was conducted on 20 healthy participants (10 men and 10 women) with a mean (SD) age of 24 ± 2 years and a body mass index of 23.65 ± 1.5 kg/m 2 . Each participant underwent a 30-min workout on a treadmill in a climatic chamber at 20°C and 30°C and relative humidity of 20%–30%. Various physiological and perceptual strain indices were measured at each step. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The data analysis revealed that the sweat sensation scores for participants wearing normal clothes, gowns, and gowns with a moisture-absorbent vest at 30°C were 0.65, 2, and 1.49, respectively. At 20°C, the corresponding values were − 1.18, 0.62, and 0.27 ( P = 0.036). In addition, there was a significant difference in skin temperature at both 30°C ( P = 0.042) and 20°C ( P = 0.036). Furthermore, the perceived effort showed a significant difference at 30°C ( P = 0.044) and at 20°C ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings from this research suggest that the utilization of a moisture-absorbent vest did not have a significant effect on heart rate and oral temperature. However, it revealed a noteworthy impact in terms of reducing perceptual heat strain, skin temperature, perceived effort, and humidity inside the clothes.
Abstract Aim: The use of hearing protection equipment is the last solution to decrease noise exposure in industries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational intervention on improving the use of hearing protection devices based on the health belief model (HBM). Methods: The 100 male workers exposed to noise in an oil refinery participated in this study. The intervention was conducted in 12 sessions (40–60 min for each session and three times per week). Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire made by the researcher before and after the intervention. Results: The results showed that the dimensions of the HBM had no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention ( P > 0.05). The results revealed that the mean values of all dimensions of the HBM, except the dimension of perceived barriers, significantly increased in the intervention group after educational sessions ( P < 0.001). However, there was not a significant difference in the control group ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, the HBM could affect the use duration of hearing protection devices among refinery workers. Therefore, it is suggested that this model be applied to train employees exposed to high noise levels in various industries.
Aim: Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is an endemic disease that impacts on Indonesia’s health, society, and economy. The majority of attempts to disrupt the life cycle of Aedes aegypti involve chemical larvicides, which have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Thus, searching for more ecologically friendly natural larvicide substitutes is imperative. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rice husk liquid smoke larvicide (RHLSL), a natural larvicide, in preventing the dengue vector A. aegypti. Methods: A posttest-only control group design was employed in the study, involving 525 third-instar A. aegypti larvae. RHLSL was utilized at doses of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 2.5%. Observations were carried out at the 0.5th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, and 24th h. Two approaches were used to analyze data: Probit analysis and Mann–Whitney U-test. The average larval mortality rate in each treatment was compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test. Lethal Concentration 50 and lethal time 50 were determined via probit analysis. Results: The most significant percentage of deaths was observed at the 2.5% RHLSL concentration. Based on the probit analysis results, the LC50 value was 1.151%, and the LT50 value was 22.732 h. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the RHLSL’s effectiveness against the dengue vector as a larvicide.
Aim: Laboratories generate various types of waste, including chemical, biological, radioactive, and sharps. The purpose of this study was to investigate the composition and generation rate of laboratory waste (LW) and its management by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS). Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which all laboratories at KUMS were selected to collect the necessary information. The 21 laboratories and 1 dental clinic were categorized based on how waste is separated, collected, and transported. The study considered the type and amount of waste generated, temporary storage methods, waste collection frequency or disposal, and the method of final disposal or treatment of waste. Results: The total waste generated annually in KUMS laboratories was approximately 21,500 kg, of which, on average, about 74% was hazardous waste. The share of domestic, infectious, sharp, chemical, and pharmaceutical waste was equal to 26%, 48%, 3%, 15%, and 8%, respectively. The highest and lowest amounts of waste were produced in dentistry (12,328 kg/year) and public health schools (1,010 kg/year), respectively. In this survey, it was found that over 70% of laboratory staff who handle waste containers do not have appropriate gloves, and about 90% of laboratories do not label their trash bins. Conclusion: Based on the results, the waste management situation in the laboratories studied is unsatisfactory. To safeguard health and the environment, KUMS should implement integrated LW management programs for relevant officials and personnel. This should involve training on minimizing, segregating, recycling, collecting, storing, and disposing of LW.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the association between improper working postures and the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dentists, given their frequent exposure to ergonomic risk factors such as awkward postures and repetitive movements. Methods: A total of 77 dentists were randomly selected based on inclusion criteria. Demographic information was collected via a questionnaire. Postural assessment during clinical tasks was conducted using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), and musculoskeletal discomfort was measured using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, were performed using SPSS version 26. Results: Participants had a mean age of 29.72 ± 8.2 years and an average clinical experience of 6.8 ± 5.5 years. Significant associations were found between certain demographic variables and discomfort scores in various body regions (P < 0.05), with the neck showing the highest mean discomfort score (17.98 ± 9.24). The average RULA score was 5.89, indicating a high level of postural risk. A statistically significant correlation was observed between RULA scores and neck discomfort (P = 0.046). Conclusion: MSDs were most prevalent in the neck and lower back regions among dentists, with postural risks predominantly classified as high. A significant relationship was also found between longer daily working hours and increased musculoskeletal discomfort. The findings highlight the need for ergonomic interventions, including posture correction and equipment optimization, to mitigate the risk of MSDs in dental professionals.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of print pollutions on the worker health, various waste produced, and its solutions, while performing various operations in printing industries. Methods: This study was conducted among the workers from four preidentified gravure and flexography printing industries, India. Data were collected by direct interview using a structured questionnaire and with the help of other measuring instruments. Workers (120) were participated in the study, to assess the effect of printing pollution on their health. Results: Maximum noise level at prepress, press, and postpress areas among preidentified printing industries was in between the range of 65.85 ± 4.87, 86.36 ± 1.12, and 83.3 ± 1.63, respectively. An OSHA regulation in Indian printing industries is valid; as most of the plants operate 8 h/day and 7 day/week, i.e., exposure time is 56 h/week, which is 28.57% higher than the exposure time per week in the USA or European countries. Maximum volatile organic compounds concentration at prepress, press, and postpress areas among preidentified printing industries were in between the range of 69.6 ± 4.41, 99.9 ± 1.62, and 0.49 ± 0.12, respectively. Various materials waste produced from the selected industries were in between the range, substrate (0.66%–1%), solvent (18.6%–20%), ink (0.62%–1%), and clothes (80%–90%). Health impacts found during the exposure of print pollutions among workers (120 no’s) of the industries were 70% eye irritation, 56.7% occupational noise exposure, and 45% skin allergy. Conclusion: The prevalence of eye irritation, occupational noise exposure, and skin allergy problems was observed more among gravure and flexography printing industries workers. Exposure to ink and solvents used for machine cleaning represents the greatest concern to the printing industry.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the water treatment processes based on solvent mass transfer using a semipermeable membrane to separate the inorganic, organic and toxic substances from drinking water. The purpose of this study was to review the researches done in Iran on the RO. This narrative review investigated the 200 original articles published during 1998 - 2022. Water quality, RO, desalination, and membrane processes were used as keywords in this study. The search was accomplished in the website of reliable journals and many databases, including Web of Science (ISI), Ovid, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scientific Information Database, Iran Medex, and Magiran. In order to extract their contents, 69 articles were selected. This study showed that between the studied elements, fluoride and free chlorine in the effluent of RO are less than the WHO guideline levels. The elements measured in the different studies are not the same and each study has been designed based on the needs and available facilities and the opinions of researchers on the specific elements. Elimination of free residual chlorine can increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Reduction of fluoride to less than the guideline level can increase the number of decayed teeth among consumers. It is recommended to investigate the impacts of the drain of RO plants on environment.
This narrative review aims to examine the impact of transportation technology on the reduction of air pollution. Airborne pollutants from transportation, including NOx, CO, VOC, SO2, and PM, have significant adverse effects on both human health and the environment. Drawing on findings from numerous studies and pollution dispersion models, specific interventions — such as the adoption of fleet public transportation, the construction of ring roads, regular vehicle maintenance, and the provision of essential roadway infrastructure — are projected to reduce transportation-related pollutant emissions by 13% by 2055. In this study, the databases utilized include ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed Central (through PubMed), Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The article’s search terms encompassed: “air pollution,” “transportation,” and “air pollutants.” In addition, the integration of functional models, alongside national and international initiatives, is expected to reduce total emissions by 2035 to 30.2%, 24.3%, 18.8%, 5.3%, and 21.4% for NOx, CO, VOC, SO2, and PM, respectively. This review highlights the crucial role of transportation technologies, in tandem with individual efforts, in mitigating vehicular pollution, and emphasizes the importance of applying model outputs in achieving significant reductions in emissions.
Maintenance of neonatal health is a crucial event in public health owing to its significant impact on the child’s survival and lifelong well-being. Climate change has been acknowledged as one of the most significant global public health challenges of the current century, which tends to affect the physical, mental, and social well-being. Multiple climate-induced diseases and consequences have been reported among neonates. Considering the impact of climate change on neonatal health in multiple ways, and the fact that most of these are preventable, there is an immense need to adopt targeted public health interventions. In conclusion, climate change tends to affect neonatal health in multiple ways and this calls for the need to adopt a multipronged approach involving different stakeholders, including global leaders to work collectively in the direction of minimizing the potential impact.
Aim: Traditional indicators used for evaluating hearing protectors do not capture their impact on psychoacoustic parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze commonly used absorbers in earmuffs and their influence on psychoacoustic indicators, specifically focusing on roughness and fluctuating strength. Methods: This intermittent and descriptive-analytic study involved measuring psychoacoustic indicators at sound pressure levels (SPLs) of 75, 85, and 95 dB using white noise and an impedance tube for single- and double-layered absorbers. SPSS software was used for statistical analyses, including reporting descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) for quantitative data. The effects of the absorber on psychoacoustic parameters were examined using the independent statistical test. Results: The study findings revealed that the average values of roughness and fluctuating strength parameters decreased across all four absorbers as sound pressure intensity increased. The statistical test results indicated that there were no significant differences in psychoacoustic parameters among the absorbers at the three pressure levels tested, regardless of the presence or absence of an absorber (all P > 0.05). However, the statistical test showed a significant difference ( P = 0.032) for the roughness parameter among the four absorbers at 95 dB level. In addition, for the fluctuating strength parameter, significant differences were observed among the four absorbers at 75 dB level ( P = 0.036) and 95 dB level ( P = 0.003). Conclusion: Controlling noise to reduce psychoacoustic parameters such as roughness and fluctuating strength at SPL above 85 dB can be achieved effectively using earmuffs equipped with single-layered absorbers compared to those with double-layered absorbers.
Aim: The green hospital concept was established, which is a hospital that promotes public health by continuously reducing its environmental impact and ultimately eliminating its contribution to the burden of disease. Green hospitals aim to save energy, conserve resources, and be environmentally friendly. The focus is mainly on keeping people healthy, not just treating them when they are sick. The purpose of this study is to evaluate health professionals’ awareness and understanding of the “Go Green Hospital Initiative” and to figure out the degree to which awareness of the “Go Green” initiative is related to baseline factors. Methods: This was a prospective study that was conducted at Datta Meghe medical college and its constituent Hospitals (Shalini Tai Meghe hospital and research Centre and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Superspecialty Institute) from December 2023 to November 2024. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling using lottery method. The data were gathered from the healthcare professionals of the hospital using semi-structured questionnaires and training was provided to them through PowerPoint presentation. Pre- and posttest were taken, and the scores were compared using paired t -test. Results: Upon testing the knowledge and awareness of healthcare personnel, the data show the average score of pretest result is 4.6 ± 1.8, while the same for posttest was 7.3 ± 2.2, and thus, there was a mean improvement of 2.7 in the performance of study participants. The results of the study were analyzed by open Epi version 3.01. Conclusion: A systematic training is essential for improving healthcare staff’s understanding and awareness of the Go Green Hospital Initiative. The significant increase in knowledge from pretest to posttest after the intervention demonstrates the effectiveness of educational activities that serve to promote sustainable behaviors in healthcare facilities. Healthcare organizations could move closer to becoming truly green by empowering employees with ongoing training on eco-friendly techniques.
Aim: The use of hand-held vibrating tools exposes workers to hand–arm vibrations. In this study, the effect of hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) on hand dexterity in response to different vibration frequencies has been investigated. Methods: Hand dexterity was examined in a controlled laboratory study involving 37 men exposed to 30 min of vibration with the same acceleration (5 m/s 2 rms) and different frequencies (31.5, 63, and 125 Hz). To assess hand dexterity, the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) was used, and the scores for both-hand activities and assembly tasks were recorded before and after each exposure scenario. The data were analyzed using SPSS22 software with descriptive statistics, paired comparisons, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The PPT scores significantly decreased after exposure to different HTV scenarios ( P < 0.05). The results of the repeated measures ANOVA, conducted to compare the mean PPT scores across different sessions, indicated statistically significant differences in the effects of the various vibration scenarios ( P < 0.05). Comparison of the scenarios revealed that as HTV increased, its impact on hand dexterity also increased. The greatest negative effect on hand dexterity was observed in the vibration scenario with an acceleration of 5 m/s 2 rms and a frequency of 125 Hz, with an effect size of 0.558, which indicates a moderate-to-large practical impact according to Cohen’s criteria. Conclusion: The findings of this controlled laboratory study indicate that the frequency of HTV exposure, like the vibration acceleration, plays a significant role in affecting hand dexterity. The evidence suggests that as the frequency of HTV increases, hand dexterity decreases under constant vibration acceleration conditions.
Aim: The aim of this paper is to design a helmet that can absorb heat from the scalp with phase change material (PCM) made from polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000. The helmet design in the form of a three-dimensional computer-aided design model is made based on existing conditions and modified conditions with the addition of PCM. Methods: Simulation of heat propagation in a helmet using the finite element analysis (FEA) method was used to determine the effectiveness of the amount of heat that can be absorbed from the rider’s scalp. There were two types of PCM housing (pouch) that were tested, namely pouch – 2 mm thick aluminum (Al) plate and linen flax type fabric. Results: Based on the FEA simulation results, pouches made from flax linen are able to improve heat absorption on the scalp in contact with the helmet foam from a predicted mean vote (PMV) = 3.5 (hot) with a Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied PPD = 100% to a PMV of 1.1 (slightly warm) with a PPD = 31.9%. Conclusions: It can be concluded that PCM with PEG 6000 powder can significantly improve the thermal comfort of helmet wearers. The potential for innovation in PCM pouch materials is still wide open for future research.
Zinc (Zn) deficiency poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in vulnerable communities with limited access to Zn-rich foods. This review article critically examines the role of biofortification as a sustainable strategy to enhance Zn levels in agricultural products, thereby improving nutritional quality and addressing health disparities. We employed a comprehensive literature review, sourcing data from reputable scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus, focusing on empirical studies that highlight effective biofortification methods. The findings reveal that integrating soil amendments, such as microbial inoculants and organic fertilizers, significantly enhances Zn availability, and uptake in crops. In addition, we explore the impact of crop rotation and intercropping systems on soil health and nutrient cycling, emphasizing the importance of diverse planting strategies. This article aims to provide actionable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field of soil fertility, advocating for innovative approaches to combat Zn deficiency through enhanced agricultural practices. By synthesizing current research, we offer new strategies for optimizing Zn use in sustainable agriculture, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and food security in affected communities. This review underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and public awareness initiatives to promote Zn-rich diets, thereby fostering resilience against nutritional deficiencies and enhancing overall community well-being.
