Reasons for healthcare workers becoming infected with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China

Incidence and risk factors of COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital and the effectiveness of booster vaccination among health care workers: A retrospective cohort study, January 2020 to June 2022

BACKGROUND

Health care workers (HCWs) face a higher risk of infection and may transmit pathogens to patients during a pandemic. This study aims to evaluate infection-control measures by analyzing the incidence and risk factors of COVID-19 and estimating vaccine effectiveness (VE) at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

METHODS

This study included 2,516 HCWs from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022. Data were analyzed to determine the incidence density and cumulative incidence; the results were compared by the age- and gender-specific standardized incidence ratios (SIR). VE was estimated with multivariate Cox proportional-hazard models as 1-adjusted hazard ratio × 100%.

RESULTS

SIR indicated a lower COVID-19 risk in the hospital population than in the general Korean population (SIR, 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.87). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that, compared to doctors, nonmedical service supporters and other HCWs (excluding doctors and nurses) were high-risk groups (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.72 [1.04-2.83] and 1.76 [1.20-2.58], respectively). Compared to the outpatient unit, the emergency department was a high-risk department (1.70 [1.16-2.50]). The VE of the booster dose was 55.47%, compared to no or incomplete vaccination (95% CI: 22.63-74.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Besides encouraging HCWs vaccination, effective infection-control measures should target high-risk groups and departments.

Midwives' experiences with PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Birth in the Time of COVID (BITTOC) study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in rapid changes aimed at reducing disease transmission in maternity services in Australia. An increase in personal protective equipment (PPE) in the clinical and community setting was a key strategy. There was variation in the type of PPE and when it was to be worn in clincial practice.

AIM

This paper reports on Australian midwives' experiences of PPE during the pandemic.

METHODS

This sequential mixed methods study was part of the Birth in the Time of COVID-19 (BITTOC 2020) study. Data were obtained from in-depth semi-structured interviews with midwives in 2020 followed by a national survey undertaken at two time points (2020 and 2021). Qualitative open-text survey responses and interview data were analysed using content analysis.

FINDINGS

16 midwives were interviewed and 687 midwives provided survey responses (2020 n = 477, 2021 n = 210). Whilst midwives largley understood the need for increased PPE, and were mainly happy with this, as it was protective, they reported a number of concerns. These included: inconsistency with PPE type, use, availability, quality, fit and policy; the impact of PPE on the physical and psychological comfort of midwives; and the barriers PPE use placed on communication and woman centred care. This at times resulted in midwives working outside of policy.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the need for future comprehensive pandemic preparedness that ensures policy and procedure recommendations are consistent and PPE is available, of approriate quality, and individually fitted in order to ensure that Australian maternity services are well placed to manage future pandemics.

Lessons for the next pandemic: analysis of the timing and outcomes including post-discharge decannulation rates for tracheostomy in severe COVID-19 respiratory failure

PURPOSE

COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure frequently require prolonged ventilatory support that would typically warrant early tracheostomy. There has been significant debate on timing, outcomes, and safety of these procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiological, hospital, and post-discharge outcomes of this cohort, based on early (ET) versus late (LT) tracheostomy.

METHODS

Retrospective review (March 2020-January 2021) in a 5-hospital system of ventilated patients who underwent tracheostomy. Demographics, hospital/ICU length of stay (LOS), procedural characteristics, APACHE II scores at ICU admission, stabilization markers, and discharge outcomes were analyzed. Long-term decannulation rates were obtained from long-term acute care facility (LTAC) data.

RESULTS

A total of 97 patients underwent tracheostomy (mean 61 years, 62% male, 64% Hispanic). Despite ET being frequently performed during active COVID infection (85% vs. 64%), there were no differences in complication types or rates versus LT. APACHE II scores at ICU admission were comparable for both groups; however, > 50% of LT patients met PEEP stability at tracheostomy. ET was associated with significantly shorter ICU and hospital LOS, ventilator days, and higher decannulation rates. Of the cohort discharged to an LTAC, 59% were ultimately decannulated, 36% were discharged home, and 41% were discharged to a skilled nursing facility.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first comprehensive analysis of ET and LT that includes LTAC outcomes and stabilization markers in relation to the tracheostomy. ET was associated with improved clinical outcomes and a short LOS, specifically on days of pre-tracheostomy ventilation and in-hospital decannulation rates.

Association between skin injuries and the importance atributed to prevention by health professionals during the pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To verify the association between the occurrence of skin lesions due to the use of products and/or personal protective equipment and the importance attributed to preventive care among health professionals working on the front lines of the struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

Cross-sectional, analytical study, carried out between May and June 2020, with a convenience sample (n=398) of health workers from 10 professional categories. To verify the existence of an association between the occurrence of skin lesions and exposure variables, a Contingency Table was used to obtain the Prevalence Ratio and respective Confidence Intervals.

RESULTS

260 (65.3%) participants self-declared the development of skin lesions, predominantly nurses (53.8%), women (54.0%), from public institutions (52.8%), characterized by pressure injuries (37.3%), contact/allergic dermatitis (25.8%), or both lesions simultaneously (16.5%). More than half of professionals (53.5%) used preventive products, mainly moisturizers (51.0%).

CONCLUSION

There was probability of an association between professionals who attributed less importance to the predictor "Protocol for proper product PPE and products" and the risk of skin injuries.

The impact of government pandemic policies on the vulnerability of healthcare workers to SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality in Jakarta Province, Indonesia

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, putting them at a higher risk of infection and disease than non-HCWs. We analysed the effects of government policies for the public and for HCWs on the likelihood of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and mortality among HCWs during the first 8 months of the pandemic in Jakarta province, the capital city and COVID-19 hotspot in Indonesia.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using secondary data from the Jakarta provincial government from March to October 2020, which included sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms, comorbidities and COVID-19 diagnosis history for all cases. A generalized linear mixed-effect regression model was used to determine the effect of each month on the odds ratio (OR) of COVID-19 cases and deaths for HCW compared with non-HCW, assuming that monthly trends were influenced by varying government policies.

RESULTS

A total of 894,487 suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases in health facilities in Jakarta province were analysed. The OR of confirmed cases for HCW was 2.04 (95% CI 2.00-2.08; p < .001) compared to non-HCW. Despite this higher OR for infection, the case fatality rate (2.32 per 100) and OR (1.02, 95% CI 0.93-1.11; p = .65) of COVID-19 deaths for HCW were similar to those of non-HCW. We observed a trend towards a lower number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and lower odds of COVID-19 cases among HCWs during the April-to-July 2020 phase compared to the August-to-October phase. This chronologically aligned with more extensive policies to support hospital-based, community-based and well-being-related actions to protect HCW.

CONCLUSIONS

HCW had higher odds of having SARS-CoV-2 infection, yet similar odds of death from COVID-19, as compared to non-HCW. Government policies with collective efforts to prevent hospital overcapacity during high transmission and burden periods of the pandemic should be prioritized.

Autonomous swab robot for naso- and oropharyngeal COVID-19 screening

The COVID-19 outbreak has triggered a global health and economic crisis, necessitating widespread testing to control viral spread amidst rising cases and fatalities. The recommended testing method, a combined naso- and oropharyngeal swab, poses risks and demands limited protective gear. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed and tested the first autonomous swab robot station for Naso- and Oropharyngeal Coronavirus Screening (SR-NOCS). A force-sensitive robot running under a Cartesian impedance controller is employed to drive the swab to the sampling area. This groundbreaking device underwent two clinical studies-one conducted during the initial pandemic lockdown in Europe (early 2021) and the other, more recently, in a public place after the pandemic had subsided earlier in the year 2023. In total, 52 patients suspected of COVID-19 infection were included in these clinical studies. The results revealed a complete positive correlation between autonomous and manual sampling. The test subjects exhibited a high acceptance rate, all expressing a willingness to undergo future tests with SR-NOCS. Based on our findings, such systems could enhance testing capabilities, potentially conducting up to 300 tests per robot per day with consistent precision. The tests can be carried out with minimal supervision, reducing infection risks and effectively safeguarding patients and healthcare workers.

Management of Pediatric Foreign Body Injuries during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of an International Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has had direct and indirect effects on daily life. In hospitals, the impact of the pandemic was observed in the diagnostic and therapeutic workflow. In this work, we explored potential changes in activities related to the treatment of foreign body injuries (FBIs) in children and the behavioral habits of physicians during the first wave of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among physicians of the Susy Safe network. The survey comprised items related to respondent information, reference center characteristics, the treatment of FBIs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a modified COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS). The survey was distributed among the Susy Safe project international network surveillance registry for FBIs. A total of 58 physicians responded to the survey, including 18 (32%) from Europe and 16 (28%) from South America. The respondents indicated that the estimated number of aspirated foreign bodies during the pandemic was lower than or the same as that before the pandemic (43, 74%), and the same was observed for ingested foreign bodies (43, 74%). In univariable logistic regression, no single predictor was associated with a delay in routine care for children or an increasing tendency of medical personnel to avoid procedures. The workflow of physicians involved in the management of FBIs in children has not changed drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in emergency departments.

Factors associated with compliance with Infection Prevention and Control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers in Kampala City, Uganda

BACKGROUND

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that originated from China in December 2019 and spread around the world, Kampala City witnessed a high number of infections and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study assessed the level of compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures and its associated factors among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Kampala City, Uganda.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nakawa Division, Kampala City, among 240 HCWs and used multistage sampling in government and private not-for-profit (PNFP) healthcare facilities. The outcome variable was self-reported IPC compliance which was composed of the use of masks, gloves, and hand hygiene. These were assessed using a 4-scale tool: always as recommended, most of the time, occasionally, and rarely. Only HCWs who responded "always as recommended" were considered compliant while the rest were considered non-compliant. Data was analyzed in STATA 14.0 using Modified Poisson regression to obtain factors associated with IPC compliance at 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Forty-six (19.2%) respondents were compliant with all the three IPC measures, and this was associated with the presence of a COVID-19 patients' ward in the healthcare facility (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio, APR: 2.51, 95%CI: 1.24-5.07). Factors associated with the use of masks were being of the Muslim religion (APR: 1.31, CI: 1.05-1.65), and working in a healthcare facility that has COVID-19 patients' ward (APR: 1.29, CI: 1.06-1.59). Factors associated with the use of gloves were the age of the HCW, those above 40 years old being less complaint (APR: 0.47, CI: 0.24-0.93), working in the diagnosis department (APR: 2.08, CI: 1.17-3.70), and working in a healthcare facility that has COVID-19 patients' ward (APR: 1.73, CI: 1.13-2.64). Factors associated with hand hygiene were working in a health center (HC) IV (PR: 1.7, CI: 1.26-2.30) or a HC II (PR: 1.68, CI: 1.28-2.21).

CONCLUSION

Considering the elevated risk of disease transmission in health settings, IPC compliance was low; indicating an increased risk of COVID-19 infection among health care workers in Kampala City.

Seroprevalence, infection, and personal protective equipment use among Colombian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the forefront of the COVID-19 response and frequently come into close contact with patients and their virus-contaminated body fluids. Recent studies have identified differential risks of infection and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among HCWs. However, available data might be interpreted with caution because of differences in the national health systems, local implementation issues, and adherence limitations to guidelines. A comprehensive description of infection, exposure at work, and biosafety habits during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been conducted among the HCW groups in Latin American populations.

Objective

To describe SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, infections, and extent of PPE use during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs at three different times, including dental practitioners (DP), nursing assistants (NA), physicians (P), and respiratory therapists (RT), from Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: After IRB approval, this cross-sectional study included 307 HCWs. Participants provided nasopharyngeal swabs and blood samples to detect viral RNA (RT-qPCR) and IgM/IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 (ELFA-ELISA) at baseline (BL) and two follow-ups. Infection prevalence was defined as the number of positive-tested participants (RT-qPCR and/or IgM). Data on clinical status and biosafety habits were collected each time.

Results

Differential infection prevalence was found among HCWs through the study timeline (BL: RT-qPCR = 2.6%, IgM = 1.6%; follow-up 1 (45 days after BL): RT-qPCR = 4.5%, IgM = 3.9%; follow-up 2 (60 days after BL): RT-qPCR = 3.58%, IgM = 1.3%. Dental practitioners showed a higher infection frequency in BL and follow-up 1. IgG-positive tested HCWs percentage progressively increased from BL to follow-ups among the whole sample while index values decreased. Limitations in N95 availability and a high perception of occupational risk were reported.

Conclusion

A low prevalence of active SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs groups was found. Over time, there was an increase in participants showing IgG antibodies, although the levels of these antibodies in the blood decreased. Additionally, HCWs reported limitations in the availability of PPE as well as a variation in their safety practices.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impeded cytopathology practices and hindered cancer screening and management

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global impact on the environment and economy and has affected hospital administration and patient behaviour. Since human-to-human coronavirus transmission occurs via droplets and physical contact, health care professionals are particularly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. Many cytopathology laboratories updated their workflow, established new standard biosafety protocols, and built digital pathology or telescope platforms to mitigate these risks and deal with the shortage of health care personnel. The COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted medical education-all indoor training events, including conferences, multidisciplinary tumour boards, seminars, and microscope inspections were postponed. As a result, many laboratories now use new web-based applications and platforms to maintain educational programs and multidisciplinary tumour boards. To comply with government directives, health care facilities postponed non-emergency surgeries, reduced the number of routine medical examinations, restricted visitor numbers, and scaled back cancer screening activities, resulting in a sharp decline in cytopathology diagnoses, cancer screening specimens, and molecular testing for cancer. Subsequent misses or delays in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer were not uncommon. This review aims to provide comprehensive summaries of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for cytopathology, particularly in terms of cancer diagnosis, workload, human resources, and molecular testing.

Impact of vaccination on infection or death from COVID-19 in individuals with laboratory-confirmed cases: Case-control study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to estimate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in people treated within the social security system whose vaccination status was reported to the epidemiological surveillance system.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

This was a case-control study conducted. The records of individuals with suspected cases of COVID-19 registered in the epidemiological surveillance system between February 1 and June 30, 2021, were studied. RT-qPCR was performed to determine SARS-CoV-2 infection; those with a positive result were considered cases, and those with a negative result were considered controls. The ratio between cases and controls was 1:1.3. The crude and adjusted vaccine effectiveness was considered the prevention of symptomatic infection and death and calculated as the difference between the dose and the risk, with a survival analysis among vaccinated people.

RESULTS

A total of 94,416 individuals were included, of whom 40,192 were considered cases and 54,224 controls; 3,781 (4.00%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination also proved to be a protective factor against COVID-19, especially in the population who received a second dose (OR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.28-0.35). With the application of the vaccine, there was a protective effect against mortality (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.66-0.87). Disease prevention was higher for the BNT162-2 mRNA vaccine (82%) followed by the ChAdOx1 vaccine (33%). In the survival analysis, vaccination provided a protective effect.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a positive impact of vaccines for the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19, with a second dose generating greater efficacy and a reduction in deaths.

Physician's hesitancy in treating COVID-19 patients and its associated occupational risk factors in Indonesia: an online cross-sectional survey

This cross-sectional survey aims to investigate physician hesitancy in treating COVID-19 patients in Indonesia, particularly among those who have already contracted the disease, along with associated occupational risk factors. The study involved distributing a questionnaire to physicians across the country, using contact information from the Indonesian Physician Association database. The results show that out of the 383 participants, 25.6% experienced moderate symptoms of COVID-19, and 2.9% required critical care. The study found that 20.3% of physicians demonstrated hesitancy to treat suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, older physicians and those with less experience in treating COVID-19 patients were found to have a higher hesitancy rate, while specialist trainees and those working in public hospitals demonstrated the lowest hesitancy. These findings highlight the significant hesitancy among physicians who have suffered from COVID-19 and underline the need for management and policymakers to take further action to address this issue. Understanding the effects and benefits of physician hesitancy in treating COVID-19 patients is crucial for ensuring the effective delivery of healthcare services during pandemics like COVID-19.

Cardiovascular risk and the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective observational study in a population of healthcare professionals

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To contain the spread of COVID-19, many countries imposed several restrictive measures, leading to radical changes in daily life behaviors. Healthcare workers experienced additional stress due to the increased risk of contagion, possibly causing an increase in unhealthy habits. We investigated changes in cardiovascular (CV) risk assessed by the SCORE-2 in a healthy population of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic; an analysis by subgroups was also conducted (sportspeople vs sedentary subjects).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We compared medical examination and blood tests in a population of 264 workers aged over 40, performed yearly before (T0) and during the pandemic (T1, T2). We found a significant increase in the average CV risk, according to SCORE-2, during the follow-up in our healthy population, with a shift from a mean low-moderate risk profile at T0 (2.35%) to a mean high-risk profile at T2 (2.80%). Furthermore, in sedentary subjects was observed a greater and early increase in SCORE-2 compared to sportspeople.

CONCLUSIONS

Since 2019, we observed an increase in CV risk profile in a healthy population of healthcare workers, particularly in sedentary subjects, highlighting the need to reassess SCORE-2 every year to promptly treat high-risk subjects, according to the latest Guidelines.

Gender and intention to leave healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic among U.S. healthcare workers: A cross sectional analysis of the HERO registry

IMPORTANCE

The COVID-19 pandemic stressed the healthcare field, resulting in a worker exodus at the onset and throughout the pandemic and straining healthcare systems. Female healthcare workers face unique challenges that may impact job satisfaction and retention. It is important to understand factors related to healthcare workers' intent to leave their current field.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that female healthcare workers were more likely than male counterparts to report intention to leave.

DESIGN

Observational study of healthcare workers enrolled in the Healthcare Worker Exposure Response and Outcomes (HERO) registry. After baseline enrollment, two HERO 'hot topic' survey waves, in May 2021 and December 2021, ascertained intent to leave. Unique participants were included if they responded to at least one of these survey waves.

SETTING

HERO registry, a large national registry that captures healthcare worker and community member experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PARTICIPANTS

Registry participants self-enrolled online and represent a convenience sample predominantly composed of adult healthcare workers.

EXPOSURE(S)

Self-reported gender (male, female).

MAIN OUTCOME

Primary outcome was intention to leave (ITL), defined as having already left, actively making plans, or considering leaving healthcare or changing current healthcare field but with no active plans. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to examine the odds of intention to leave with adjustment for key covariates.

RESULTS

Among 4165 responses to either May or December surveys, female gender was associated with increased odds of ITL (42.2% males versus 51.4% females reported intent to leave; aOR 1.36 [1.13, 1.63]). Nurses had 74% higher odds of ITL compared to most other health professionals. Among those who expressed ITL, three quarters reported job-related burnout as a contributor, and one third reported experience of moral injury.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Female healthcare workers had higher odds of intent to leave their healthcare field than males. Additional research is needed to examine the role of family-related stressors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04342806.

Modification of a Conventional Deep Learning Model to Classify Simulated Breathing Patterns: A Step toward Real-Time Monitoring of Patients with Respiratory Infectious Diseases

The emergence of the global coronavirus pandemic in 2019 (COVID-19 disease) created a need for remote methods to detect and continuously monitor patients with infectious respiratory diseases. Many different devices, including thermometers, pulse oximeters, smartwatches, and rings, were proposed to monitor the symptoms of infected individuals at home. However, these consumer-grade devices are typically not capable of automated monitoring during both day and night. This study aims to develop a method to classify and monitor breathing patterns in real-time using tissue hemodynamic responses and a deep convolutional neural network (CNN)-based classification algorithm. Tissue hemodynamic responses at the sternal manubrium were collected in 21 healthy volunteers using a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device during three different breathing conditions. We developed a deep CNN-based classification algorithm to classify and monitor breathing patterns in real time. The classification method was designed by improving and modifying the pre-activation residual network (Pre-ResNet) previously developed to classify two-dimensional (2D) images. Three different one-dimensional CNN (1D-CNN) classification models based on Pre-ResNet were developed. By using these models, we were able to obtain an average classification accuracy of 88.79% (without Stage 1 (data size reducing convolutional layer)), 90.58% (with 1 × 3 Stage 1), and 91.77% (with 1 × 5 Stage 1).

The Factors Associated with the Development of COVID-19 Symptoms among Employees in a U.S. Healthcare Institution

Healthcare workers have experienced increased occupational health risks caused by COVID-19 disease. The purpose of this project was to examine the relationships between reporting COVID-19 symptoms by employees in a healthcare institution in the United States and employees' demographics, vaccination status, co-morbid conditions, and body mass index (BMI). This project employed a cross-sectional design. It involved the analysis of data on COVID-19 exposure and infection incidents among employees in the healthcare institution. The dataset contained more than 20,000 entries. The results indicate that being female, African American, between 20 and 30 years old, diagnosed with diabetes, diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or on immunosuppressive medicines is associated with greater reporting of COVID-19 symptoms by the employees. Furthermore, BMI is associated with reporting COVID-19 symptoms; the higher the BMI, the greater the likelihood of reporting a symptomatic infection. Moreover, having COPD, being 20-30 years old, being 40-50 years old, BMI, and vaccination status were significantly associated with employees reporting symptoms while controlling for other variables associated with reporting the symptoms among the employees. These findings may be applicable to other infectious disease outbreaks or pandemics.

Factors associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection among health professionals from university hospitals

to investigate factors associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection among health professionals from university hospitals. a multicenter, mixed approach study with concomitant incorporated strategy, carried out with 559 professionals in the quantitative stage, and 599 in the qualitative stage. Four data collection instruments were used, applied by means of an electronic form. The quantitative analysis was performed with descriptive and inferential statistics and the qualitative data were processed by means of content analysis. the factors associated with the infection were as follows: performance of the RT-PCR test (p<0.001) and units offering care to COVID-19 patients (p=0.028). Having symptoms increased 5.63 times the prevalence of infection and adhering to social distancing most of the time in private life reduced it by 53.9%. The qualitative data evidenced difficulties faced by the professionals: scarcity and low quality of Personal Protective Equipment, work overload, physical distancing at work, inadequate processes and routines and lack of a mass screening and testing policy. the factors associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection among health professionals were mostly related to occupational issues.

Permanent health education actions in pandemic times: priorities in state and national contingency plans

OBJECTIVE

to assess permanent health education actions regarding the national and state contingency plans to face the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

METHOD

documentary research, using 54 plans in the initial and final versions, published between January 2020 and May 2021. The content analysis included the identification and systematization of proposals aimed at training and reorganizing the work process, as well as physical and mental health care of health workers.

RESULTS

the actions were focused on training workers with an emphasis on flu syndrome, infection risk control measures and knowledge about biosafety. Few plans addressed the teams' working hours and work process, promotion and assistance to the workers' mental health, mainly in the hospital environment.

CONCLUSION

the superficiality regarding the approach to permanent education actions in contingency plans need to include actions in the strategic agenda of the Ministry of Health and State and Municipal Health Secretariats, with the qualification of workers to face this and other epidemics. They propose the adoption of health protection and promotion measures in daily health work management within the scope of the SUS.

Factors affecting job stress among physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

<b>Background:</b> Physical therapists (PTs), like other healthcare professionals, are susceptible to job stress when involved in patient care, and several factors contribute to it. Therefore, this study aims to assess PTs’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) adopted by PTs during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their job stress.<br /> <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional design was used. 300 PTs from the government and private healthcare organizations in Saudi Arabia were randomly picked and invited to participate. Data were collected using a pre-tested content-validated KAP tool using a Google Form between January and March 2022. Data were analyzed quantitively through SPSS 24.0.<br /> <b>Results:</b> The findings revealed that 85% of PTs whose job involves direct contact with the patients are susceptible to higher stress (perceived stress score [PSS]=22.82) than others. Specifically, female and unmarried PTs are prone to more job stress than others (p&lt;0.05). In addition, PTs who were apprehensive about managing COVID-19 patients and worried about acquiring COVID-19 disease are prone to more job stress. Lastly, 89% of PTs who adopted the practice of wearing N-95 masks and proper handwashing techniques (&gt;80%) experience less stress than others (p&lt;0.05).<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> The KAP of PTs influences job stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. PTs with sufficient knowledge about measures to adopt, show a positive attitude, and practice wearing proper PPEs, handwashing procedures, and waste disposal systems during patient care are prone to less job stress than others.

Prevalence of flu-like syndrome in healthcare workers in Brazil: a national study, 2020

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of reported symptoms of flu-like syndrome (FS) among HCW and compare HCW and non-HCW on the chance of reporting these symptoms, this study analyzed data of a population-based survey conducted in Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was performed with self-reported data from the Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (PNAD Covid-19) from May 2020. The authors analyzed a probability sample of 125,179 workers, aged 18 to 65, with monthly income lower than US$ 3 500. The variable HCW or non-HCW was the covariate of interest and having reported FS symptoms or not was the outcome variable. Authors tested interactions of HCW with other covariates. A logit model - when controlling for sociodemographic, employment, and geographic characteristics - investigated the chance of HCW reporting FS compared to non-HCW.

RESULTS

HCW have a significant effect (odds ratio of 1.369) on reporting FS symptoms when compared to non-HCW. HCW account for 4.17% of the sample, with a higher frequency of FS (3.38%) than observed for non-HCW (2.43%). Female, non-white and older individuals had higher chance to report FS.

CONCLUSIONS

The HCW had a higher chance of reporting symptoms than non-HCW aged over 18 years in the labor force. These results emphasize guidelines for preventive measures to reduce workplace exposures in the healthcare facilities. The prevalence is disproportionately affecting HCW women and HCW non-whites. In the regions North and Northeast the steeper progression is consistent with the hypothesis of socioeconomic factors, and it explains the greater prevalence in HCW and non-HCW living in those territories.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Perceived Barriers for the Compliance of Standard Precautions among Medical and Nursing Students in Central India

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess and compare (a) the knowledge, attitude, and practice of standard precautions (SPs), (b) the knowledge of post-exposure management, and (c) the perceived barriers underlying the noncompliance with SPs among future healthcare professionals (HCPs), i.e., students of medical and nursing courses in Central India.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017-2018 among students of a medical and a nursing college using a pretested and modified questionnaire. Data were collected during 23 face-to-face sessions. Responses were scored according to standard guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO, where each correct response was given a score of 1.

RESULTS

Among 600 participants, 51% of medical students and 75% of nursing students could not select the correct definition of SPs from the given options. Sixty-five percent of medical students (275/423) and 82% of nursing students (145/177) were unaware of the term post-exposure prophylaxis. Overall, knowledge about personal protective equipment and hazard symbols was poor (<25%). Furthermore, although theoretical knowledge about hand hygiene was good (510/600; 85%), its implementation was poor (<30%). Sixty-four percent of participants believed that the use of hand rub replaced the need for handwashing, even for visibly soiled hands. Some of the participants believed that the use of PPE might offend patients (16%). High workload and poor knowledge were other significant barriers underlying the noncompliance with SPs.

CONCLUSIONS

A suboptimal translation of participants' knowledge into practice is evident and signifies the presence of the know-do gap. Poor knowledge and inappropriate presumptions about the use of SPs discourage the practice of SPs. This results in increased healthcare-associated infections, increased treatment costs, and a suppressed social economy. The inclusion of a dedicated curriculum with repeated hands-on and practice-based training on SPs is suggested to minimize this know-do gap among future healthcare workers.

Electronic self-assessment of COVID-19 symptoms among healthcare workers

Purpose

Daily monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms/history of contact in hospital staff is useful for ensuring safety in the hospital. An electronic self- assessment tool could be used to monitor staff without using excessive resources and resulting in unnecessary contact. The objective of our study was to describe the results of a self-assessment COVID-19 daily monitor log in hospital employees.

Methods

A description of characteristics of staff who filled the log and follow-up of those who reported symptoms/history of contact was collected. An online self-assessment of COVID-19 symptoms/contact history was developed and used at a hospital in Bahrain. All staff completed the daily COVID-19 log. Data were collected during the month of June 2020.

Results

Out of 47,388 responses, 853 (2%) of staff reported either COVID-19 symptoms/history of contact with diagnosed COVID-19 case. The most frequently reported symptom was sore throat (23%), followed by muscle pain (12.6%). The highest frequency of staff who reported symptoms and/or contact was in nurses. Of those who reported symptoms/contact, 18 were diagnosed with COVID-19. The majority (83.3%) of the infected staff obtained the virus through community transmission, and only 16.7% obtained the virus through hospital transmission.

Conclusion

The electronic self-assessment log for staff during COVID-19 could be used as a safety measure in hospitals. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of targeting community transmission in an effort to increase hospital safety.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Health Effects on Emergency Service Nursing Workers via a Qualitative Approach

During the COVID-19 pandemic, longstanding issues involving nursing work, which has always involved significant risks of illness and infection, were intensified. It is necessary to acknowledge the risks and nurses' perceptions about the risks qualitatively during the period of the health crisis. The aim of this study was to examine the health repercussions perceived by nursing workers in emergency services during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This was a qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The settings of the study were emergency services with a national scope; the participants were nursing workers. Data were collected via face-to-face virtual calling interviews and analyzed via a content analysis technique, which was supported by IRAMUTEQ software. The formation of textual classes pointed in three thematic directions, from which three categories emerged: nursing workers' exposure, due to a lack of protective equipment, to the risk of being contaminated with, falling ill from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus; changes in work environments, processes, and relations in response to the pandemic; and physical, mental, and psychosocial alterations perceived by emergency service nursing workers. The exposure to the virus, risk of contamination, and changes in the work environment and relations all resulted in health repercussions, which were perceived as physical, mental, and psychosocial alterations that were described as dietary disturbances, physical fatigue, burnout, increased smoking, anxiety, sleep alterations, fear, exhaustion, stress, social isolation, loneliness, distancing from relatives, and social stigma.

Factors Influencing Compliance With Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use Among Healthcare Workers

Introduction Accurate and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is an integral component in infection prevention and control policy to ensure healthcare workers' safety. Poor compliance with personal protective behaviours and inconsistent use of PPE has been identified as the main cause of transmission of nosocomial infections in healthcare settings and this reduced compliance is linked to many individual, environmental, and organizational factors. Therefore, the current study was carried out to identify various factors influencing PPE use among healthcare workers.  Materials and methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey has been carried out among healthcare workers selected from two selected tertiary care hospitals in central India. Data on compliance with PPE and factors influencing compliance were collected using a three-point rating scale and structured questionnaire. Quantile regression was performed to identify the factors associated with adherence to PPE use among healthcare workers. Results The median score for compliance with PPE use among healthcare workers was found to be 22 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 16-24. The multiple quantile regression found that variables such as occupation (p<0.001), institutional policy (p=0.003), quality of PPE (p=0.002), availability of PPE (p<0.001), and improper size (p=0.042) were significantly associated with PPE compliance by healthcare workers. Conclusion The current study highlights the importance of taking adequate measures by the government and healthcare organizations to eliminate various factors hindering PPE compliance levels among healthcare workers to ensure consistent use of PPE by healthcare workers to safeguard themselves and patients.

The mediating role of incentives in association between leadership attention and self-perceived continuous improvement in infection prevention and control among medical staff: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives

Promoting improvement in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is an important part of improving the quality of care. The influence of leadership attention and incentives on the self-perceived continuous improvement in IPC has drawn a lot of attention, but relevant academic research is still lacking. The objective of this study is to explore the effect of leadership attention on self-perceived continuous improvement in IPC among medical staff and its underlying mechanisms.

Method

The 3,512 medical staff from 239 health facilities in Hubei, China, were surveyed online during September 2020. Data on leadership attention, incentives, and improvement in Infection Prevention and Control were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between leadership attention, incentives, and improvement in Infection Prevention and Control. Amos 24.0 was used to analyze the mediating role.

Results

The scores of leadership attention, incentives and self-perceived continuous improvement in Infection Prevention and Control were all high. The score of leadership attention was the highest (4.67 ± 0.59), followed by self-perceived continuous improvement (4.62 ± 0.59) and incentives in Infection Prevention and Control (4.12 ± 0.83). Leadership attention positively affected self-perceived continuous improvement in Infection Prevention and Control (β = 0.85, 95% CI = [0.83, 0.87]). Moreover, incentives partially mediated the effect of leadership attention on self-perceived continuous improvement in Infection Prevention and Control among medical staff (β = 0.13, 95% CI = [0.12, 0.15]).

Conclusion

Leadership attention positively affects self-perceived continuous improvement in Infection Prevention and Control among medical staff, and incentives mediates this relationship. The present study has valuable implications for self-perceived continuous improvement in Infection Prevention and Control from the perspective of leadership attention and incentives.

COVID-19 pandemic experience of diagnostic radiographers: A Singapore survey

INTRODUCTION

Diagnostic Radiographers (DR) are the frontline responders during the COVID-19 outbreak, providing essential diagnostic imaging services for screening and monitoring of suspected and confirmed patients. Understanding the experience and perceptions of DR towards the COVID-19 outbreak enables radiography leaders to guide changes in the approach to managing response to future health outbreaks. This study aims to document the experiences of DR in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

All DR practising in Singapore institutions were invited to participate in an online survey, disseminated by the Singapore Society of Radiographers (SSR). The survey assessed the attitudes and perceptions of the respondents on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale was used to identify the respondents' life events closely related to the pandemic. Data collection took place from 5 July 2020 to 5 September 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 123 DR responded to the survey, where 89.4% of the respondents had been involved in the imaging of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Those performing General Radiography had the highest number of cases - 300 cases a month. The fear of transmitting COVID-19 to their family presented as the primary stressor (77.2%), followed by the lack of manpower (73.2%). The global themes that emerged from the study were (1) adapting to change and (2) quality of support.

CONCLUSION

Radiology departments in Singapore were able to cope with the high demands of the pandemic in terms of the provision of information, supplies, and physical equipment. However, they were less prepared to handle human factors such as mental health and staff morale. The safety and well-being of staff should not be compromised to reduce staff anxiety while performing their duties. Strategies to improve their ability to adapt to changes and provision of quality support are necessary measures in future pandemic situations.

Deaths of doctors and nursing staff by COVID-19 in Brazil: a sociological approach

The article addresses the most basic nuances and key issues involved in the high mortality of doctors, nurses, technicians and nursing assistants, as a result of COVID-19 in Brazil. This is a study based on data from the Federal Councils of Medicine and Nursing (CFM and Cofen, respectively) and the study on the death inventory of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), and aims to understand and analyze this reality in the light of the sociology of professions. The work makes a relevant and unprecedented contribution to the understanding of the past, present and future of working class segments that work at the bedside, on the front line, providing direct care to patients.

[Effects of a Nursing Simulation Learning Module on Clinical Reasoning Competence, Clinical Competence, Performance Confidence, and Anxiety in COVID-19 Patient-Care for Nursing Students]

PURPOSE

This study aimed to develop a nursing simulation learning module for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient-care and examine its effects on clinical reasoning competence, clinical competence, performance confidence, and anxiety in COVID-19 patient care for nursing students.

METHODS

A non-equivalent control group pre- and post-test design was employed. The study participants included 47 nursing students (23 in the experimental group and 24 in the control group) from G City. A simulation learning module for COVID-19 patient-care was developed based on the Jeffries simulation model. The module consisted of a briefing, simulation practice, and debriefing. The effects of the simulation module were measured using clinical reasoning competence, clinical competence, performance confidence, and anxiety in COVID-19 patient-care. Data were analyzed using χ²-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The levels of clinical reasoning competence, clinical competence, and performance confidence of the experimental group were significantly higher than that of the control group, and the level of anxiety was significantly low after simulation learning.

CONCLUSION

The nursing simulation learning module for COVID-19 patient-care is more effective than the traditional method in terms of improving students' clinical reasoning competence, clinical competence, and performance confidence, and reducing their anxiety. The module is expected to be useful for educational and clinical environments as an effective teaching and learning strategy to empower nursing competency and contribute to nursing education and clinical changes.

Deaths of doctors and nursing staff by COVID-19 in Brazil: a sociological approach

Abstract The article addresses the most basic nuances and key issues involved in the high mortality of doctors, nurses, technicians and nursing assistants, as a result of COVID-19 in Brazil. This is a study based on data from the Federal Councils of Medicine and Nursing (CFM and Cofen, respectively) and the study on the death inventory of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), and aims to understand and analyze this reality in the light of the sociology of professions. The work makes a relevant and unprecedented contribution to the understanding of the past, present and future of working class segments that work at the bedside, on the front line, providing direct care to patients.

Personal protective equipment availability and accessibility among nurses and midwives in selected urban general hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic in January 2020, which has spread to many countries, including Zambia. Zambia has had challenges in providing personal protective equipment (PPEs) to nurses and midwives. The study's objective was to assess the availability and accessibility of PPEs among nurses and midwives caring for women in the general hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

a cross-sectional analytical study design was conducted at five general hospitals in Lusaka on 162 nurses and midwives between February and April 2021, selected by purposive sampling of study sites and simple random sampling to select the participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed in STATA version 13. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used to test associations between the independent variables and the outcome, and a multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the predictors of accessing PPEs.

Results

out of the 162 who participated in the study, 48.8% were nurses, while 51.2% were midwives. Only 10% (16/160) of the participants reported having enough PPEs at work. Age, marital status, PPE use, employment duration, and protection confidence were associated with accessibility (P<0.05).

Conclusion

overall, there was an inadequate provision of PPEs in the health facilities putting the nurses and midwives at a high risk of acquiring COVID-19. Policymakers need a deliberate move to make the availability and accessibility of PPEs a reality during the pandemic.

Clinicians' knowledge and attitude towards early mobilization in intensive care units in Ethiopian tertiary hospitals: A multi-centre study

Objectives

To assess clinicians' knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards patients' early mobilization in intensive care units in the tertiary hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A multi-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted at the tertiary hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia from April to June, 2022. Data were collected by using self-administered, structured questionnaire; ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed and associations were described in adjusted odds ratios.

Results

A total of 304 clinicians were included (response rate of 89.7%). The proportions of poor, fair and good knowledge towards early mobilization in intensive care unit among clinicians were 16.8%, 57.9% and 25.3%, respectively; while that of negative, fair and positive attitude were 16.4%, 60.2% and 23.4%, respectively. Factors associated with better knowledge were being a physiotherapist (adjusted odds ratio = 2.9, confidence interval = 1.2-6.7), having a total work experience >5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 4.6, confidence interval = 1.7-12.1), having an intensive care unit work experience >5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.8, confidence interval = 1.1-6.8), previous in-service training (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, confidence interval = 1.1-3.0) and reading guidelines (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, confidence interval = 1.1-3.2). Better attitude was associated with in-service training (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, confidence interval = 1.2-3.1), attending early mobilization courses (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, confidence interval = 1.1-3.0), presence of mobilization advocators (adjusted odds ratio = 1.7, confidence interval = 1.0-2.8), good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6, confidence interval = 1.2-5.8) and fair knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 2.5, confidence interval = 1.3-4.8).

Conclusion

Most of the clinicians had demonstrated fair knowledge and attitude towards early mobilization in intensive care unit. However, there were significant proportion of clinicians who had poor knowledge and negative attitude. We recommended active engagement of physiotherapists and experienced clinicians in intensive care units. Clinicians need to have self-learning habits and attend regular training/courses related to early mobilization in intensive care unit.

Incidence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among workers in a public health laboratory in Tunisia

The aim of this study was to measure the extent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among workers at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT), a public health laboratory involved in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia, and to identify risk factors for infection in this occupational setting. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on IPT workers not vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Participants completed a questionnaire that included a history of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of the spike antigen (anti-S-RBD IgG) and the nucleocapsid protein (anti-N IgG) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). A multivariate analysis was used to identify factors significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 428 workers were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of anti-S-RBD and/or anti-N IgG antibodies was 32.9% [28.7-37.4]. The cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive serology and/or previous positive RT-PCR test) was 40.0% [35.5-44.9], while the proportion with asymptomatic infection was 32.9%. One-third of the participants with RT-PCR-confirmed infection tested seronegative more than 90 days postinfection. Participants aged over 40 and laborers were more susceptible to infection (adjusted OR [AOR] = 1.65 [1.08-2.51] and AOR = 2.67 [1.45-4.89], respectively), while tobacco smokers had a lower risk of infection (AOR = 0.54 [0.29-0.97]). The SARS-CoV-2 infection rate among IPT workers was not significantly different from that detected concurrently in the general population. Hence, the professional activities conducted in this public health laboratory did not generate additional risk to that incurred outside the institute in day-to-day activities.

Farmers' cognition of the COVID-19 outbreak, risk perception and willingness of green production

Existing literature reports that COVID-19 outbreak may affect people's risk perceptions, with disturbances ranging from mild negative emotional reactions to overall mental health. At the same time, the pneumonia pandemic reveals all the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of our ecosystem and makes people reflect on traditional ecologically harmful production practices. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the existing scientific literature on these variables, through a survey and empirical analysis, in order to present and comment on the effects and mechanisms of influence between them. The results showed that: (1) Increasing farmers'cognition of COVID-19 outbreak could significantly enhance the green production willingness. Specifically, the probability of "Very willing"to participate in green production increased by 29.9% for each unit of increase in cognition. (2) Farmers'cognition of COVID-19 outbreak can significantly enhance the level of risk perception and thus enhance their green production willingness, that is, risk perception is an important transmission medium of this effect. (3)The analysis of inter-generational difference showed that the impact of cognition of COVID-19 outbreak on green production willingness was significant for both the new generation and the old generation. On the basis of this, some policy suggestions are put forward, such as strengthening the propaganda and education of natural ecological environment protection, establishing the propaganda mechanism of green agricultural products market in the later period of epidemic situation, raising farmers'risk perception level through multi-channels and so on.

Demographic and work-related factors associated with burnout, resilience, and quality of life among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross sectional study from Malaysia

Introduction

The healthcare setting is a stressful and demanding work environment, and healthcare workers face a continuous expansion of their job roles and responsibilities. Past studies have shown that factors affecting burnout, resilience, and quality of life among healthcare workers merit further research, as there were inconsistent findings, especially with regards to the influence of demographic and work-related factors. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether demographic and work-related factors are associated with burnout, resilience, and quality of life among healthcare workers.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted between February 15, 2022 and March 15, 2022, among 394 healthcare workers from Putrajaya and Selangor hospitals, Malaysia. Maslach Burnout Inventory, World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF 26 inventory, and Brief Resilience Scale were utilized to capture information on burnout, quality of life, and resilience, respectively.

Results

The mean score of physical health of participants who work more than 10 h (11.38) is lower than participants who work from 8 to 10 h (13.00) and participants who work 7 h daily (13.03), p-value < 0.001. Similarly, the mean score of psychological health of participants who work more than 10 h (12.35) is lower than participants who work from 8 to 10 h (13.72) and participants who work 7 h daily (13.68), p-value = 0.001. Higher income levels were associated with high resilience and quality of life.

Conclusion

It is imperative that healthcare practitioners and policy makers adopt and implement interventions to promote a healthy workplace environment, address ethical concerns, and prevent burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing the issue of long working hours could possibly result in improved resilience, burnout, and quality of life among healthcare workers. Despite this study able to tickle out some policy specific areas where interventions are needed, identifying effective solutions and evaluating their efficiency will require larger and interventional studies.

Effect of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers' morbidity and mortality compared to the general population in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer‐Ahmad Province, Iran

During the Covid‐19 pandemic, the adverse effects of recent coronaviruses on healthcare professionals cannot be ignored. This study compared the admission rates due to Covid‐19 and characteristics of hospitalized healthcare workers with the general population of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer‐Ahmad (K.B) province. 18546 hospitalized patients infected with Covid‐19 in hospitals in four cities of K.B province were enrolled in this study; of them, 236 (1.27%) patients were healthcare workers. Demographic and clinical data of hospitalized cases due to Covid‐19 infection were collected from August 2020 to September 2021. The underlying diseases were also considered in this study. According to our findings, 55.5% of the hospitalized healthcare workers were male, and 44.5% were female; their mean age was 41.41 years. However, in the general population, hospitalization rates were higher for women than for men (51.2% and 48.8%, respectively). Although the SARS‐CoV‐2 infectivity rate was higher in healthcare workers compared to the general population (68.6% vs. 56.1%), the mortality rate was significantly lower in them (1.7% vs. 3.8%). Fever, cough, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, headache, and myalgia were the most prevalent symptoms in both groups. Among the cases examined in this study, inpatient ones aged 30–40 years and the general population aged over 60 seemed to be more likely to be hospitalized for Covid‐19. The hospitalization rate of healthcare workers during the pandemic follows the same pattern as the general population, but since the start of vaccination, this rate has decreased among healthcare workers compared to the general population of KB province.

Adopting World Health Organization Multimodal Infection Prevention and Control Strategies to Respond to COVID-19, Kenya

The World Health Organization advocates a multimodal approach to improving infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, which Kenya adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kenya Ministry of Health formed a national IPC committee for policy and technical leadership, coordination, communication, and training. During March-November 2020, a total of 69,892 of 121,500 (57.5%) healthcare workers were trained on IPC. Facility readiness assessments were conducted in 777 health facilities using a standard tool assessing 16 domains. A mean score was calculated for each domain across all facilities. Only 3 domains met the minimum threshold of 80%. The Ministry of Health maintained a national list of all laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. By December 2020, a total of 3,039 healthcare workers were confirmed to be SARS-CoV-2-positive, an infection rate (56/100,000 workers) 12 times higher than in the general population. Facility assessments and healthcare workers' infection data provided information to guide IPC improvements.

Adequação dos serviços odontológicos do Paraná no enfrentamento da Covid-19: um estudo transversal

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi identificar adequações quanto à utilização de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual e organização do processo de trabalho no atendimento odontológico ambulatorial no Paraná durante o primeiro ano da pandemia da Covid-19. A amostra de conveniência incluiu 1.105 profissionais de saúde bucal (cirurgiões-dentistas, técnicos e auxiliares em saúde bucal) durante o primeiro ano da pandemia (agosto a outubro de 2020). Formulário on-line (Google Formulários®) foi enviado por e-mail pelo Conselho Regional de Odontologia. As medidas de enfrentamento da Covid-19 foram comparadas entre os tipos de serviços odontológicos: ambulatorial do Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS (Atenção Primária, Centro de Especialidades Odontológicos e Pronto Atendimento), clínica privada, e outros (Sistema S, forças de segurança, sindicatos, hospitais públicos e privados e clínicas de ensino). Os profissionais dos serviços ambulatoriais do SUS relataram com maior frequência que: suspenderam atendimentos eletivos, evitavam gerar aerossóis e trabalhavam a quatro mãos. Nas clínicas privadas, utilizavam frequentemente teleorientação e telemonitoramento. Nos ‘outros serviços’, houve maior proporção de redução das horas de trabalho e autoclavagem de peças de mão após cada atendimento. Conclui-se que, apesar da alta adequação às medidas de enfrentamento da Covid-19, houve diferença na prática profissional nos diferentes tipos de serviços odontológicos.

Dental pedagogy in the 'new normal' COVID-19 era: a transition template of teaching protocols

AIMS

Delivery of clinical dental education, as opposed to clinical medicine, is particularly challenging due to the obligatory aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) used in dentistry, which are known to facilitate the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, using AGPs and working in close proximity to patients for extended periods in dental hospital/university settings with multiple teaching clinics have been a formidable prospect for all stake holders. Therefore, several professional and governmental organizations have promulgated variations of infection control guidelines for general practice dentistry in the pandemic era to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the absence of unified guidelines for modified infection control/clinical procedures for dental education. We implemented a clinical protocol template and modified operating procedures (MOP) for teaching clinical dentistry to fit the infection control requirements during the pandemic/post-pandemic period at the Sharjah University, College of Dentistry, UAE. MOPs ranged from various engineering control measures (e.g., negative-pressure ventilation systems in operatories) to administrative control measures featuring post-procedure fallow periods of treatment-abeyance between patient sessions.

RESULTS

The new MOPs for clinical dentistry in the COVID-19 pandemic era, trialled in a UAE dental teaching hospital, have successfully eliminated infection transmission amongst the students, clinicians, ancillary staff, or attending patients, thus far.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed MOPs that complement the standard operating protocols in clinical dentistry were an attempt to mitigate nosocomial infection transmission and protect four different groups of stakeholders, i) the patients, ii) the dental students, iii) the clinical academics, and iv) the para-dental personnel/assistants. Due to the endemicity of the COVID-19 in many regions of the World, the suggested MOPs need periodic review and revision, to fit the emerging data on the disease. Finally, as there are no studies to date comparing the relative efficacy of the MOPs in various dental academic institutions, there is an urgent need for future workers to address this issue.

Prevalence of anxiety, depressive and insomnia symptoms among the different groups of people during COVID-19 pandemic: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Since the pandemic of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in addition to the harm caused by the disease itself, the psychological damage caused to the public by the pandemic is also a serious problem. The aim of our study was to summarize the systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of the prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia in different populations during the COVID-19 pandemic and to qualitatively evaluate these SRs/MAs. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science to obtain SRs/MAs related to anxiety, depression, and insomnia in different populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main populations we studied were healthcare workers (HCWs), college students (CSs), COVID-19 patients (CPs), and the general populations (GPs). A subgroup analysis was performed of the prevalence of psychological disorders. A total of 42 SRs/MAs (8,200,330 participants) were included in calculating and assessing the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in these populations. The results of subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of anxiety in different populations were: HCWs (20–44%), CSs (24–41%), CPs (15–47%), and GPs (22–38%). The prevalence of depression were: HCWs (22–38%), CSs (22–52%), CPs (38–45%), and GPs (16–35%), statistically significant differences between subgroups (p &lt; 0.05). The prevalence of insomnia were: HCWs (28–45%), CSs (27–33%), CPs (34–48%), and GPs (28–35%), statistically significant differences between subgroups (p &lt; 0.05). The comparison revealed a higher prevalence of psychological disorders in the CP group, with insomnia being the most pronounced. The methodological quality of the included SRs/MAs was then evaluated using AMSTAR 2 tool. The results of the methodological quality evaluation showed that 13 SRs/MAs were rated “medium,” 13 were rated “low,” and 16 were rated “very low.” Through the subgroup analysis and evaluation of methodological quality, we found a higher prevalence of insomnia than anxiety and depression among the psychological disorders occurring in different populations during the pandemic, but the sample size on insomnia is small and more high-quality studies are needed to complement our findings.

Paramedics' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of personal protective equipment against COVID-19

The risk of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission in the confined mobile ambulance compartment is increased during aerosol-generating procedures and close proximity. Paramedics are encouraged to increase body-surface-isolation by donning additional personal protective equipment (PPE) during patient encounters. This study aimed to better understand paramedics’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to PPE use during the COVID-19 pandemic in the prehospital setting with a focus on mitigating risks associated with infection control.

This prospective quantitative study collected descriptive data using a specifically designed data collection tool. The survey data was then cleaned and analyzed with Microsoft Excel® and the latest version of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

One thousand frontline paramedics employed by the Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service (HMCAS) were invited via email to participate in the study. A total of 282 (28.2% of frontline paramedics) paramedics completed the online survey, of which 80.1% completed the mandatory HMCAS online infection control training program within the last year, and 17.0% between one to two years ago. Approximately 83% of the participants had completed an N95 mask fit test at HMCAS within the past five years, and 91.5% completed the hand hygiene training.

The study found that 98.2% of the paramedics were knowledgeable about COVID-19 and its transmission, while 96.1% agreed that aerosol-generating procedures increased airborne transmission. The paramedics’ attitudes were mainly positive toward the use of PPE to prevent the spread of the virus, which was synchronous with their practice. The sample population demonstrated a strong knowledge of COVID-19 and its transmission. Their overall positive attitudes and good infection control practices were demonstrative of efforts to mitigate risks associated with the spread of the virus.

The relations between emotion regulation, depression and anxiety among medical staff during the late stage of COVID-19 pandemic: a network analysis

Existing research proposed that moving from a disorder-level analysis to a symptom-level analysis may provide a more fine-grained understanding of psychopathology. This study aimed to explore the relations between two dimensions (i.e., cognitive reappraisal, CR; expressive suppression, ES) of emotion regulation and individual symptoms of depression and anxiety among medical staff during the late stage of COVID-19 pandemic. We examined depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and emotion regulation among 420 medical staff during the late stage of COVID-19 pandemic via network analysis. Two networks (i.e. emotion regulation-depression network and emotion regulation-anxiety network) were constructed in the present study. Bridge centrality index was calculated for each variable within the two networks. Among the present sample, the prevalences of depression and anxiety are 39.5% and 26.0%. CR and ES showed distinct connections to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results of bridge centrality showed that in both networks, CR had a negative bridge expected influence value while ES had a positive bridge expected influence value. The results revealed the specific role of CR and ES in relation to depression and anxiety at a symptom level. Implications for clinical preventions and interventions are discussed.

A prospective study of risk factors associated with seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers at a large UK teaching hospital

OBJECTIVES

To describe the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in UK healthcare workers (HCWs).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective sero-epidemiological study of HCWs at a major UK teaching hospital using a SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay. Risk factors for seropositivity were analysed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

410/5,698 (7·2%) staff tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Seroprevalence was higher in those working in designated COVID-19 areas compared with other areas (9·47% versus 6·16%) Healthcare assistants (aOR 2·06 [95%CI 1·14-3·71]; p=0·016) and domestic and portering staff (aOR 3·45 [95% CI 1·07-11·42]; p=0·039) had significantly higher seroprevalence than other staff groups after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity and COVID-19 working location. Staff working in acute medicine and medical sub-specialities were also at higher risk (aOR 2·07 [95% CI 1·31-3·25]; p<0·002). Staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds had an aOR of 1·65 (95% CI 1·32 - 2·07; p<0·001) compared to white staff; this increased risk was independent of COVID-19 area working. The only symptoms significantly associated with seropositivity in a multivariable model were loss of sense of taste or smell, fever, and myalgia; 31% of staff testing positive reported no prior symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection amongst HCWs is highly heterogeneous and influenced by COVID-19 working location, role, age and ethnicity. Increased risk amongst BAME staff cannot be accounted for solely by occupational factors.

Mental health status of healthcare workers at a third line Tunisian hospital during COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

During the COVID-19(coronavirus-19 disease) pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) faced the risk of infection and distressing work to meet health requirements. The aim of the present stud ywas to evaluate perceptions of HCWs of their security at work in COVID-19 units and their coping strategies, at the military hospital of Tunis, during the second wave of COVID-19.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted via an auto-questionnaire on February 2021.HCWs of the military hospital of Tunis were included. Participants were asked about their perceived security at work in COVID-19 units and their coping behaviors. Mental disorders were assessed, via qualitative questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 110 HCWs' responses were collected. Fifty-eight participants (52.7%) were females. The mean age was 33.7 years (SD 9.3). They were doctors at 45.5% and nurses at 39.1%. HCWs declared having worked in COVID-19 units in 81.8% of cases. The participants reported their fears about being infected in 58.2% and infecting family members in 85.5% of cases. Protective factors included information about the disease (80%), availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (80.9%), support from colleagues(72.7%)or superiors at work (50.9%), and ability to communicate with others (63.6%). Depression, anxiety, and insomnia were found in respectively 25.5%, 30%, and 41.8% of HCWs. In multivariate analysis, suffering from a traumatic distress was significantly associated with anxiety and depression (p (p<0.01 and, p<0.05 respectively). In addition, insomnia severity was linked to age (p=0.05) and having colleagues infected with COVID-19 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, HCWs of the military hospital of Tunis stated having high levels of insomnia, anxiety, and depression since the early outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. These mental disorders may have a negative impact on the quality of life of HCWs and should be enhanced by psychological support and preventive measures.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals toward the novel coronavirus during the early stage of COVID-19 in a lower-and-middle income country, Bangladesh

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection because of their direct exposure to suspected and confirmed coronavirus patients in healthcare facilities. This condition is even more acute in low-and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). Given the poor healthcare settings of Bangladesh, it is challenging to halt the spread of infection without proper knowledge, attitudes, and good behavioral practices (KAPs). Therefore, this study conducted a cross-sectional study from May 5 to 31, 2020, with 203 healthcare professionals to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19. Participants were doctors, nurses, dentists, and allied health professionals. A self-administered questionnaire including several KAP-related items aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines was distributed over various online platforms to collect data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the factors influencing KAP levels. The majority of participants were male (52.22%). The prevalence of high knowledge levels, positive attitudes, and good practices were 51.23, 45.81, and 49.75%, respectively. Social media was the most common source for seeking coronavirus information. Workers at private institutions were less likely (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.30-0.95, p < 0.05) to be knowledgeable than workers at public institutions. Doctors had more positive attitudes than other healthcare professionals. Older participants showed high rates of good behavioral practices (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.06-1.32, p < 0.05) than younger ones. Workers at private institutions had a better practice level toward COVID-19 (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.17-3.83) than those at public institutions. These results point to the necessity for proper training programs for medical professionals that help them gain confidence to deliver the correct treatment to their patients and the need to implement preventative steps during pandemics.

Association of mortality and early tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective analysis

COVID-19 adds to the complexity of optimal timing for tracheostomy. Over the course of this pandemic, and expanded knowledge of the disease, many centers have changed their operating procedures and performed an early tracheostomy. We studied the data on early and delayed tracheostomy regarding patient outcome such as mortality. We performed a retrospective analysis of all tracheostomies at our institution in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 2020 to June 2021. Time from intubation to tracheostomy and mortality of early (≤ 10 days) vs. late (> 10 days) tracheostomy were the primary objectives of this study. We used mixed cox-regression models to calculate the effect of distinct variables on events. We studied 117 tracheostomies. Intubation to tracheostomy shortened significantly (Spearman’s correlation coefficient; rho = − 0.44, p ≤ 0.001) during the course of this pandemic. Early tracheostomy was associated with a significant increase in mortality in uni- and multivariate analysis (Hazard ratio 1.83, 95% CI 1.07–3.17, p = 0.029). The timing of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients has a potentially critical impact on mortality. The timing of tracheostomy has changed during this pandemic tending to be performed earlier. Future prospective research is necessary to substantiate these results.

Predictors of knowledge and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols among nurses at health facilities in Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana

Background

Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in 2019 and caused widespread disruption to many facets of life, including healthcare. Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, became the front-line fighters against the pandemic, making it imperative to comply with recommended safety protocols. However, many nurses were infected by the virus in the Tamale Metropolis, raising concerns regarding their level of adherence to the safety protocols. This study assessed the predictors of knowledge and adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols among nurses at selected health facilities in the Tamale Metropolis of northern Ghana.

Methods

A facility based cross-sectional study design was adopted and 339 nurses from six (6) public health facilities in the Tamale Metropolis were recruited for the study using questionnaires. The questionnaires were transformed into Google Forms for respondents to answer online via WhatsApp or email. The data were exported from the Google spreadsheet into SPSS and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Of the 339 participants, 60.2% were classified as having adequate knowledge while only 9.1% demonstrated high adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. Knowledge of COVID-19 was predicted by source of information, and marital status, whereas health facility types predicted level of adherence. The odds of having adequate knowledge were higher among unmarried nurses (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.16–3.25; p = 0.012) and nurses using social media (AOR = 1.80; 95%CI 1.02–3.18; p = 0.042) compared to their counterparts. Meanwhile, primary health care nurses (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.12–0.50; p<0.001) and secondary health care nurses (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.31–0.88; P = 0.016) had reduced odds of exhibiting higher adherence compared to nurses from tertiary-level facility.

Conclusion

In this study, we found that knowledge was high but adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols was low. We suggest that facility managers should enforce compliance of their staff to the safety protocols to prevent spread of the virus within healthcare settings.

Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour to assess nursing and allied health students' knowledge and intention to care for patients with COVID-19

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To assess nursing and allied health students' demographics, knowledge and intentions to care for patients with an infectious disease, COVID-19.

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has caused a public health crisis and worldwide panic. Little is known about students' knowledge levels and intentions to care for infected patients during pandemics.

DESIGN

A quantitative, cross-sectional study.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample (N = 480) of nursing and allied health students was analysed using the Mann-Whitney and Spearman's correlation tests.

RESULTS

At least 60% of the participants attained high scores for 16 of the 22 items on the knowledge scale. Knowledge was positively associated with attitude (rs  = .19, p < .01) and perceived behavioural control (rs  = .38, p < .01) and negatively associated with subjective norms (rs  = -.11, p < .05). Senior students had higher scores (p = .024) in knowledge. Intention was negatively correlated with knowledge (rs  = -.24, p < .01) and perceived behavioural control (rs  = -.16, p < .01). Male students (p = .031) and younger students had higher scores in intention (p = .040). Males had higher scores in subjective norms (p < .001), and older and senior students had higher scores in perceived behavioural control (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the current knowledge on COVID-19 available through multimedia-communication channels, students had negative perceived behavioural controls and intentions to care for COVID-19 patients. Formal education and training are required to enhance students' intentions to care for patients with infectious diseases. Additionally, demographics and belief variables influence students' intentions to care, and further in-depth analysis is required. Relevance to Clinical Practice This study suggests the importance of updating and contextualizing nursing and allied health curricula to meet global infectious disease guidelines and, ultimately, to support the healthcare system with efficient practitioners in future pandemics.