Journal of Human Behavior and Social Environment, 2020
Social distancing is the practice of physically distancing (e.g., 6 feet away) from other people.... more Social distancing is the practice of physically distancing (e.g., 6 feet away) from other people. Social distancing has been implemented as the primary intervention against the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce transmission of the virus between people. While this is beneficial, there are effects that could result from the lack of social interaction. This study reviewed the effects of social distancing on first responders-an at-risk population who were the most exposed to COVID-19 and suffered from increased adverse mental health outcomes as a result of their position in the first line of defense. By using a phenomenological qualitative study, 31 participants were interviewed to understand if social distancing affected their lives in any significant way. The results of this study determined that social distancing occurred within families and friends, which was difficult for a population that heavily relied and needed support during this challenging time. Additionally, social distancing occurred in the workplace and that affected first responder's ability to work effectively in their occupation and with patients. Both these situations caused anxiety and stress in first responders. Overall, distancing may be contributing to some of the poor mental health outcomes that are currently researched in first respon-ders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are millions of waste pickers worldwide that are predominantly located in low-and middle-in... more There are millions of waste pickers worldwide that are predominantly located in low-and middle-income countries. They survive on sorting and selling reusable or recyclable materials discarded by society. While sorting, they are exposed to occupational risks and hazards, including cuts from sharp objects and medical wastes, that could be contaminated by infectious diseases. Because of these exposures, a study was conducted to determine the prevalence of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STI's) among waste pickers. A cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire and blood samples for serological tests were collected. A total of 1,025 waste pickers were interviewed. Most participants were women (67.54%), without a partner (70.11%), were an average of 40 years old, and had between 3 and 4 children. There were 755 samples collected for syphilis, 791 for HIV, 866 for hepatitis B, and 859 for hepatitis C. Of these samples, 28 (3.70%) waste pickers had reagent serology for syphilis, 6 (0.75%) for HIV; 6 (0.69%) for acute hepatitis B and 1 (0.11%) for hepatitis C. Overall, this study identified the serological status of waste pickers; this information can be used to encourage waste pickers to seek health treatment for STIs and receive education to understand the risks associated with being exposed to medical waste or syringes.
There are approximately 15 million people engaged in waste collection or recycling activities in ... more There are approximately 15 million people engaged in waste collection or recycling activities in the world. Some of these dump sites are informal and people work in environments that are labor-intensive, unregulated, unregistered, low-paid, unrecorded, and environmentally hazardous. A systematic review was conducted to assess consequential health conditions and occupational risks that affect waste collectors in Brazil. The search was limited to Brazil because although the government closed dump sites, open-air dumping—the worst type of waste disposal—still occurs in about half of the country; moreover, Brazil is the only country to systematically collect data on the occupation, with an estimated 229,568 recyclable collectors of all types country-wide, which offers relevant and pertinent data on the topic. The results of the search indicated that nearly every region has individuals that work as recyclable collectors. As expected, the sites are full of occupational hazards to the workers that can include: long working hours; exposures to physical, chemical, mechanical, biological, ergonomic and social agents; and frequent work accidents. Exposure to these risks can result both in physical and psychological illnesses. In view of these findings, public policies could be strengthened by supporting and providing incentives to municipalities, schools, universities, health professionals, and all others who will contribute to the closure of open-air waste or poor waste disposal systems. Moreover, an improved awareness should be provided to the general population about environmental education and correct disposal of garbage. The goal of healthy waste disposal conditions ultimately decreases environmental and public health effects, while improving the working conditions, quality of life, and health outcomes for recyclable collectors.
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is an infectious disease with serious individual health and population ... more Ebola virus disease (EVD) is an infectious disease with serious individual health and population consequences. While Ebola is extremely contagious, the 2014 outbreak in West Africa was the worst to date. Many strategies were implemented for the containment and treatment of the disease, although some were limited by a lack of focus on social and behavioural factors. These factors must be taken into consideration during intervention development at the levels of individuals, communities and international networks to address issues that could block intervention success. Projects in which social and behavioural understandings are embedded can have long-lasting results not only within affected communities , but also within institutions, with key players, and at a broader level. Ultimately, removing the barriers to outbreak response strengthens health and social systems and could help to prevent EVD infection and reduce transmission worldwide.
This article contributes to a growing body of literature which explores how the Minamata Conventi... more This article contributes to a growing body of literature which explores how the Minamata Convention on Mercury is influencing the development of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) – low-tech mineral extraction and processing – in sub-Saharan Africa. Conceived to raise awareness of the environmental impact of mercury and to minimize its use in industry, the Convention focuses heavily on ASM, the largest source of anthropogenic emissions of mercury worldwide. Article 7 of the Convention requires ratifying countries with 'more than significant quantities of ASGM [artisanal and small-scale gold mining]' to draft comprehensive National Action Plans (NAPs) that outline training programs for the handling of mercury and strategies for reducing emissions from artisanal and small-scale gold mines. The focus here, however, is on one point in particular, the importance of which, thus far, has been largely-overlooked: the need for ratifying countries to include in their NAPs 'Steps to facilitate the formalization or regulation of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector'. In sub-Saharan Africa, where most ASM activities are found in the informal 'space', this promises to be a contentious issue moving forward. The article explains why this is the case, drawing heavily on findings from research being conducted in Ghana, Sierra Leone and Mali, three of the region's most dynamic ASM economies.
On September 10, 2017, I decided to not heed mandatory evacuation orders and waited out Hurricane... more On September 10, 2017, I decided to not heed mandatory evacuation orders and waited out Hurricane Irma in Florida. I was one of millions of people who waited patiently in their houses as the massive storm infiltrated the built environment along its path. This was a harrowing experience for me, as it was the first hurricane I had been through. I lived to tell the tale and learned a few things about hurricanes and humans.
Global public health issues are increasing and creating consistently elevated humanitarian needs ... more Global public health issues are increasing and creating consistently elevated humanitarian needs in many countries. For example, the Commission of Africa recommended doubling aid to Africa, and the Sustainable Development Goals suggest contributions reaching the trillions to mobilize and reach new agenda goals. Some specific escalating problematic trends include climate change, re-emerging diseases, population growth, and food crises. These worldly challenges pose serious consequences to future populations and infer a need for substantial efforts from humanitarian agencies.Together, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the most established and respected agency aiding in relief to current and future issues, retain a key organizational position for combating longstanding or multiplying public health issues. Although currently available funding addresses existing issues, a new humanitarian model may need to be created to address projected increasing needs. The Kenya Red Cross (KRC) provides a practical model for developing, maintaining, and encouraging additional humanitarian funding in the form of a business for-profit model.
Why do some individuals
engage in small-scale gold
mining without a license and
use mercury indis... more Why do some individuals engage in small-scale gold mining without a license and use mercury indiscriminately? Mercury is used to extract gold from ore—but not without a price
What is life like with poor access to water? For the last five years, I have been working on a var... more What is life like with poor access to water? For the last five years, I have been working on a variety of global health and humanitarianresponseprojectsin KenyaalongwiththeKenyaRed Cross. Poor access to quality water—my primary research topic—exists throughout the country. While exploring the issue in depth, I wanted to gain a personal experience while connecting strongly to the cultural and social underpinnings of inadequate access to water. To date, an autoethnographic viewpoint on poor access to water does not exist; therefore, I sought to personally experience what poor access to water means for millions of water gatherers worldwide.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and poor acc... more Human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and poor access to water are two primary global health issues. Poor access to water may significantly affect families infected with HIV and result in adverse social and health consequences. A qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to understand health and social outcomes of families after the implementation of water interventions in rural Kenya. One major sub-theme emerged during this research, which included the effects of water on an HIV-affected family. Prior to the water interventions, common adverse health effects from lack of nutrition, water, and poor hygiene were experienced. After receiving access to water, nutrition and hygiene were improved and additional time was gained and used to reinforce relationships and spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. This study provides need-based evidence for access to safe drinking water in order to decrease adverse health outcomes and improve the quality of life for HIV-affected individuals.
Journal of Human Behavior and Social Environment, 2020
Social distancing is the practice of physically distancing (e.g., 6 feet away) from other people.... more Social distancing is the practice of physically distancing (e.g., 6 feet away) from other people. Social distancing has been implemented as the primary intervention against the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce transmission of the virus between people. While this is beneficial, there are effects that could result from the lack of social interaction. This study reviewed the effects of social distancing on first responders-an at-risk population who were the most exposed to COVID-19 and suffered from increased adverse mental health outcomes as a result of their position in the first line of defense. By using a phenomenological qualitative study, 31 participants were interviewed to understand if social distancing affected their lives in any significant way. The results of this study determined that social distancing occurred within families and friends, which was difficult for a population that heavily relied and needed support during this challenging time. Additionally, social distancing occurred in the workplace and that affected first responder's ability to work effectively in their occupation and with patients. Both these situations caused anxiety and stress in first responders. Overall, distancing may be contributing to some of the poor mental health outcomes that are currently researched in first respon-ders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are millions of waste pickers worldwide that are predominantly located in low-and middle-in... more There are millions of waste pickers worldwide that are predominantly located in low-and middle-income countries. They survive on sorting and selling reusable or recyclable materials discarded by society. While sorting, they are exposed to occupational risks and hazards, including cuts from sharp objects and medical wastes, that could be contaminated by infectious diseases. Because of these exposures, a study was conducted to determine the prevalence of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STI's) among waste pickers. A cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire and blood samples for serological tests were collected. A total of 1,025 waste pickers were interviewed. Most participants were women (67.54%), without a partner (70.11%), were an average of 40 years old, and had between 3 and 4 children. There were 755 samples collected for syphilis, 791 for HIV, 866 for hepatitis B, and 859 for hepatitis C. Of these samples, 28 (3.70%) waste pickers had reagent serology for syphilis, 6 (0.75%) for HIV; 6 (0.69%) for acute hepatitis B and 1 (0.11%) for hepatitis C. Overall, this study identified the serological status of waste pickers; this information can be used to encourage waste pickers to seek health treatment for STIs and receive education to understand the risks associated with being exposed to medical waste or syringes.
There are approximately 15 million people engaged in waste collection or recycling activities in ... more There are approximately 15 million people engaged in waste collection or recycling activities in the world. Some of these dump sites are informal and people work in environments that are labor-intensive, unregulated, unregistered, low-paid, unrecorded, and environmentally hazardous. A systematic review was conducted to assess consequential health conditions and occupational risks that affect waste collectors in Brazil. The search was limited to Brazil because although the government closed dump sites, open-air dumping—the worst type of waste disposal—still occurs in about half of the country; moreover, Brazil is the only country to systematically collect data on the occupation, with an estimated 229,568 recyclable collectors of all types country-wide, which offers relevant and pertinent data on the topic. The results of the search indicated that nearly every region has individuals that work as recyclable collectors. As expected, the sites are full of occupational hazards to the workers that can include: long working hours; exposures to physical, chemical, mechanical, biological, ergonomic and social agents; and frequent work accidents. Exposure to these risks can result both in physical and psychological illnesses. In view of these findings, public policies could be strengthened by supporting and providing incentives to municipalities, schools, universities, health professionals, and all others who will contribute to the closure of open-air waste or poor waste disposal systems. Moreover, an improved awareness should be provided to the general population about environmental education and correct disposal of garbage. The goal of healthy waste disposal conditions ultimately decreases environmental and public health effects, while improving the working conditions, quality of life, and health outcomes for recyclable collectors.
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is an infectious disease with serious individual health and population ... more Ebola virus disease (EVD) is an infectious disease with serious individual health and population consequences. While Ebola is extremely contagious, the 2014 outbreak in West Africa was the worst to date. Many strategies were implemented for the containment and treatment of the disease, although some were limited by a lack of focus on social and behavioural factors. These factors must be taken into consideration during intervention development at the levels of individuals, communities and international networks to address issues that could block intervention success. Projects in which social and behavioural understandings are embedded can have long-lasting results not only within affected communities , but also within institutions, with key players, and at a broader level. Ultimately, removing the barriers to outbreak response strengthens health and social systems and could help to prevent EVD infection and reduce transmission worldwide.
This article contributes to a growing body of literature which explores how the Minamata Conventi... more This article contributes to a growing body of literature which explores how the Minamata Convention on Mercury is influencing the development of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) – low-tech mineral extraction and processing – in sub-Saharan Africa. Conceived to raise awareness of the environmental impact of mercury and to minimize its use in industry, the Convention focuses heavily on ASM, the largest source of anthropogenic emissions of mercury worldwide. Article 7 of the Convention requires ratifying countries with 'more than significant quantities of ASGM [artisanal and small-scale gold mining]' to draft comprehensive National Action Plans (NAPs) that outline training programs for the handling of mercury and strategies for reducing emissions from artisanal and small-scale gold mines. The focus here, however, is on one point in particular, the importance of which, thus far, has been largely-overlooked: the need for ratifying countries to include in their NAPs 'Steps to facilitate the formalization or regulation of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector'. In sub-Saharan Africa, where most ASM activities are found in the informal 'space', this promises to be a contentious issue moving forward. The article explains why this is the case, drawing heavily on findings from research being conducted in Ghana, Sierra Leone and Mali, three of the region's most dynamic ASM economies.
On September 10, 2017, I decided to not heed mandatory evacuation orders and waited out Hurricane... more On September 10, 2017, I decided to not heed mandatory evacuation orders and waited out Hurricane Irma in Florida. I was one of millions of people who waited patiently in their houses as the massive storm infiltrated the built environment along its path. This was a harrowing experience for me, as it was the first hurricane I had been through. I lived to tell the tale and learned a few things about hurricanes and humans.
Global public health issues are increasing and creating consistently elevated humanitarian needs ... more Global public health issues are increasing and creating consistently elevated humanitarian needs in many countries. For example, the Commission of Africa recommended doubling aid to Africa, and the Sustainable Development Goals suggest contributions reaching the trillions to mobilize and reach new agenda goals. Some specific escalating problematic trends include climate change, re-emerging diseases, population growth, and food crises. These worldly challenges pose serious consequences to future populations and infer a need for substantial efforts from humanitarian agencies.Together, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the most established and respected agency aiding in relief to current and future issues, retain a key organizational position for combating longstanding or multiplying public health issues. Although currently available funding addresses existing issues, a new humanitarian model may need to be created to address projected increasing needs. The Kenya Red Cross (KRC) provides a practical model for developing, maintaining, and encouraging additional humanitarian funding in the form of a business for-profit model.
Why do some individuals
engage in small-scale gold
mining without a license and
use mercury indis... more Why do some individuals engage in small-scale gold mining without a license and use mercury indiscriminately? Mercury is used to extract gold from ore—but not without a price
What is life like with poor access to water? For the last five years, I have been working on a var... more What is life like with poor access to water? For the last five years, I have been working on a variety of global health and humanitarianresponseprojectsin KenyaalongwiththeKenyaRed Cross. Poor access to quality water—my primary research topic—exists throughout the country. While exploring the issue in depth, I wanted to gain a personal experience while connecting strongly to the cultural and social underpinnings of inadequate access to water. To date, an autoethnographic viewpoint on poor access to water does not exist; therefore, I sought to personally experience what poor access to water means for millions of water gatherers worldwide.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and poor acc... more Human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and poor access to water are two primary global health issues. Poor access to water may significantly affect families infected with HIV and result in adverse social and health consequences. A qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to understand health and social outcomes of families after the implementation of water interventions in rural Kenya. One major sub-theme emerged during this research, which included the effects of water on an HIV-affected family. Prior to the water interventions, common adverse health effects from lack of nutrition, water, and poor hygiene were experienced. After receiving access to water, nutrition and hygiene were improved and additional time was gained and used to reinforce relationships and spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. This study provides need-based evidence for access to safe drinking water in order to decrease adverse health outcomes and improve the quality of life for HIV-affected individuals.
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Papers by tara zolnikov
engage in small-scale gold
mining without a license and
use mercury indiscriminately?
Mercury is used to extract gold
from ore—but not without
a price
engage in small-scale gold
mining without a license and
use mercury indiscriminately?
Mercury is used to extract gold
from ore—but not without
a price