The development and validation of a survey to measure fecal-oral child exposure to zoonotic enteropathogens: The FECEZ Enteropathogens Index.

ABSTRACT: Child exposure to animal feces and associated enteropathogens contribute to a significant burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. However, there are no standardized, validated survey-based approaches to enable accurate assessment of child exposure to zoonotic enteropathogens. We developed and validated a survey-based measure of exposure, the fecal-oral child exposure to zoonotic enteropathogens Index (the FECEZ Enteropathogens Index). First, we identified critical attributes of child exposure through in-depth interviews (IDIs) in Ecuador among individuals who care for animals (n = 29) and mothers of children under two years old (n = 58), and through a systematic review of existing exposure measures. Second, based on these findings, we developed a 105-question survey and admi

SUBMITTER: Ballard AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11386431 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature