Using new cold chain technologies to extend the vaccine cold chain in India: Equipment performance, acceptability, systems fit, and costs.

This study evaluated the performance, acceptability, costs, and systems fit of three new cold chain devices in India: a second-generation ice-lined refrigerator (ILR), a solar direct drive (SDD) refrigerator, and a long-term passive device (LTPD). The evaluation was conducted over 15 months during 2016-2017. Sites were selected for their diversity in climate, terrain, and grid electrical supply, and 31 cold chain devices were deployed, 1 to each site.

Using long-range freeze-preventive vaccine carriers in Nepal: A study of equipment performance, acceptability, systems fit, and cost.

Preventing vaccine freezing is one of the biggest challenges in vaccine management. Until 2018, vaccine carriers used in the immunization program lacked features to prevent vaccine freezing. Freeze-preventive vaccine carriers (FPVCs) have an engineered liner that buffers vaccines from direct exposure to frozen ice packs.

"Bitten By Shyness": Menstrual Hygiene Management, Sanitation, and the Quest for Privacy in South Africa.

Little is known about how menstruation is managed in low-income settings and whether existing sanitation systems meet women's needs. Using the 'Photovoice' method with 21 women in participatory workshops and in-depth interviews, we collected data on menstrual hygiene management in three sites in Durban, South Africa. All women reported using disposable sanitary pads.

Factors influencing the acquisition and correct and consistent use of the top-lit updraft cookstove in Uganda.

This study looked at the effects of select behavior change interventions on the purchase and the correct and consistent use of a locally fabricated top-lit updraft (TLUD) stove in Uganda. Behavior change interventions included training of community sales agents and village health team volunteers on household air pollution and correct use, referral of interested community members to sales agents, community cooking demonstrations, information flyers, and direct sales of TLUDs and processed wood. Qualitative and quantitative research methods shaped interventions and were used to understand attitudes and practices related to TLUD stove acquisition and use.

The development of national quality performance standards for disposable absorbent products for adult incontinence.

Disposable absorbent products are widely used in inpatient care settings and in the community to manage adult urinary and fecal incontinence, but few product standards exist to help guide their production or optimal use. Increasing costs and reduced revenues have caused a number of states to evaluate absorbent product use among persons who receive care at home with the assistance of the Medicaid Waiver Program, further increasing concerns about the lack of product performance standards. To address these issues, the National Association For Continence (NAFC) formed a council of experts and key stakeholders with the objective of establishing national, independent quality performance standards for disposable absorbent products provided by states to Waiver Program recipients.