A literature review of the use of DDT to fight malaria

Background. First synthesized in 1874, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was not used until the second half of World War II after its insecticidal properties were discovered in 1939. For decades DDT has been used globally with the intent of eradicating malaria. This began in 1955 when the eighth World Health Assembly launched a global campaign selecting DDT as the chemical of choice for the eradication of malaria. The United States banned DDT use in 1972 partially due to the publication of “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson in 1962 which suggested that DDT was harmful to the environment, wildlife and is a carcinogen. ^ Objectives. To critically review the literature on DDT, and evaluate its importance in malaria prevention and control. Methods: The design of this systematic literature review is a narrative summary and evaluation of the papers reviewed. The data came from searches using PubMed and MEDLINE which are free and publicly available databases. Inclusive criteria that were considered during the search are English language peer reviewed journal articles published in the last 20 years. The keywords were: “insecticidal and agricultural use of DDT”, “human impact of malaria”, “economic impact of malaria”, “benefits of DDT”, “effects of DDT”, “importance of malaria control”, and alternatives to DDT for malaria control. ^ Results. Malaria continues to be one of the most common infectious diseases and creates a tremendous global public health problem. WHO recommends DDT for malaria vector control because compared to other pesticides, it is the most persistent in indoor spraying. ^ Conclusion. Indoor spraying of DDT in malaria endemic areas may cause increased exposure of the chemical to humans; however I conclude that the overall benefits outweigh the risks because more lives are saved due to fewer infections with malaria.^

Are school nurses effective in the fight against childhood obesity?

Background. With childhood obesity on the rise in the United States, school nurses are faced with the task of preventing, identifying and treating obese children in their schools. This study reviews current literature and examines the effectiveness of the school nurse regarding obesity prevention and treatment services and the barriers they face.^ Methods. Ovid, Ebsco, Google Scholar and other professional websites were searched for school-based obesity interventions that included school nurses and that took place in the United States between 1996 and present day. This resulted in 8 studies.^ Results. Of the 8 studies identified, the majority were conducted in the Midwest, all of the studies were cross-sectional in design or qualitative in nature and only half of these studies were based off theoretical design. The most common barriers school nurses face include: lack of time, lack of support from both the school and parents, lack of confidence in counseling students and their parents and lack of specific guidelines for their role. ^ Conclusions. This study further reflects the need for more research using experimental research designs to evaluate nurse-driven interventions and nurse-related policies for childhood obesity prevention and treatment, the need to create specific guidelines for school nurses, the need for further education for nurses relating to counseling, and the need for more support from the school and community for school-based obesity prevention. ^