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Samsudin EZ, Yasin SM, Ruslan NH, Abdullah NN, Noor AFA, Hair AFA. Socioeconomic impacts of airborne and droplet-borne infectious diseases on industries: a systematic review. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:93. [PMID: 38229063 PMCID: PMC10792877 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-08993-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent pandemics have had far-reaching effects on the world's largest economies and amplified the need to estimate the full extent and range of socioeconomic impacts of infectious diseases outbreaks on multi-sectoral industries. This systematic review aims to evaluate the socioeconomic impacts of airborne and droplet-borne infectious diseases outbreaks on industries. METHODS A structured, systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IDEAS/REPEC, OSHLINE, HSELINE, and NIOSHTIC-2 were reviewed. Study quality appraisal was performed using the Table of Evidence Levels from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Joanna Briggs Institute tools, Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and Center of Evidence Based Management case study critical appraisal checklist. Quantitative analysis was not attempted due to the heterogeneity of included studies. A qualitative synthesis of primary studies examining socioeconomic impact of airborne and droplet-borne infectious diseases outbreaks in any industry was performed and a framework based on empirical findings was conceptualized. RESULTS A total of 55 studies conducted from 1984 to 2021 were included, reporting on 46,813,038 participants working in multiple industries across the globe. The quality of articles were good. On the whole, direct socioeconomic impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019, influenza, influenza A (H1N1), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, tuberculosis and norovirus outbreaks include increased morbidity, mortality, and health costs. This had then led to indirect impacts including social impacts such as employment crises and reduced workforce size as well as economic impacts such as demand shock, supply chain disruptions, increased supply and production cost, service and business disruptions, and financial and Gross Domestic Product loss, attributable to productivity losses from illnesses as well as national policy responses to contain the diseases. CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that airborne and droplet-borne infectious diseases have inflicted severe socioeconomic costs on regional and global industries. Further research is needed to better understand their long-term socioeconomic impacts to support improved industry preparedness and response capacity for outbreaks. Public and private stakeholders at local, national, and international levels must join forces to ensure informed systems and sector-specific cost-sharing strategies for optimal global health and economic security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ely Zarina Samsudin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Siti Munira Yasin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.
| | - Nur-Hasanah Ruslan
- Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nik Nairan Abdullah
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Faiz Azhari Noor
- Occupational Health Division, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
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Maleki F, Welch V, Lopez SMC, Cane A, Langer J, Enstone A, Markus K, Wright O, Hewitt N, Whittle I. Understanding the Global Burden of Influenza in Adults Aged 18-64 years: A Systematic Literature Review from 2012 to 2022. Adv Ther 2023; 40:4166-4188. [PMID: 37470942 PMCID: PMC10499696 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02610-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adults aged 18-64 years comprise most of the working population, meaning that influenza infection can be disruptive, causing prolonged absence from the workplace, and reduced productivity and the ability to care for dependents. Influenza vaccine uptake is relatively low, even among the older adults in this population (i.e., aged 50-64 years), reflecting a lack of perceived need for vaccination. This systematic literature review (SLR) aimed to characterize the global burden of influenza in the 18-64 years population. METHODS An electronic database search was conducted and supplemented with conference and gray literature searches. Eligible studies described at least one of clinical, humanistic, or economic outcomes in adults aged 18-64 years and conducted across several global regions. Included studies were published in English, between January 1, 2012, and September 20, 2022. RESULTS A total of 40 publications were included, with clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes reported in 39, 5, and 15, respectively. Risk of influenza-associated clinical outcomes were reported to increase with age among the 18-64 years population, including hospitalizations (Yamana et al. in Intern Med 60:3401-3408, 2021; Derqui et al. in Influenza Other Respir Viruses 16:862-872, 2022; Fuller et al. in Influenza Other Respir Viruses 16:265-275, 2022; Ortiz et al. in Crit Care Med 42:2325-2332, 2014; Yandrapalli et al. in Ann Transl Med 6:318, 2018; Zimmerman et al. in Influenza Other Respir Viruses 16:1133-1140, 2022). ICU admissions, mortality, ER/outpatient visits, and use of mechanical ventilation were recorded. Adults aged 18-64 years with underlying comorbidities were at higher risk of influenza-related hospitalizations, ICU admission, and mortality than otherwise healthy individuals. Length of hospital stay increased with age, although a lack of stratification across other economic outcomes prevented identification of further trends across age groups. CONCLUSIONS High levels of hospitalization and outpatient visits demonstrated a clinical influenza-associated burden on patients and healthcare systems, which is exacerbated by comorbidities. Considering the size and breadth of the general population aged 18-64 years, the limited humanistic and economic findings of this SLR likely reflect an underreported burden. Greater investigation into indirect costs and prolonged absenteeism associated with influenza infection is required to fully understand the economic burden in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Verna Welch
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical and Scientific Affairs, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | - Alejandro Cane
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical and Scientific Affairs, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Jakob Langer
- Pfizer Global Access and Value, Lisbon, Portugal
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Marchi S, Fallani E, Salvatore M, Montomoli E, Trombetta CM. The burden of influenza and the role of influenza vaccination in adults aged 50-64 years: A summary of available evidence. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2257048. [PMID: 37778401 PMCID: PMC10760501 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2257048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease and a global public health problem. Although most national influenza vaccination recommendations focus on subjects aged ≥65 years, an extensive burden of influenza has also been reported in those aged ≥50 years and is exacerbated by immune system aging. The main purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the burden of influenza and its potential prevention within the 50-64 age-group. These subjects account for a large proportion of the workforce, and play a central economic and social role. Individuals aged 50-64 years had a 3-times higher rate of hospitalization and a 9-fold higher mortality rate attributable to influenza than those aged 18-49-years, generating higher influenza-related hospitalization costs. Available data suggest that including healthy subjects aged 50-64 years in influenza vaccination recommendations would allow a broader population to be reached, reducing the economic and social burden of influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Marchi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elettra Fallani
- Seqirus S.r.l., Monteriggioni, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Salvatore
- Seqirus S.r.l., Monteriggioni, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi srl, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi Research srl, Siena, Italy
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Blanchet Zumofen MH, Frimpter J, Hansen SA. Impact of Influenza and Influenza-Like Illness on Work Productivity Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2023; 41:253-273. [PMID: 36515814 PMCID: PMC9748403 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01224-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is a persistent public health problem with a significant burden on patients, employers, and society. A systematic review by Keech and Beardsworth (2008) characterized the burden of influenza/influenza-like illness (ILI) on absenteeism. We conducted a systematic literature review evaluating the impact of influenza/ILI on work productivity among adults as an update to the work of Keech and Beardsworth. METHODS This systematic review identified studies evaluating the impact of influenza/ILI on absenteeism, presenteeism, or related work productivity measures for employees and employed caregivers based on laboratory confirmation, physician diagnosis, and/or self-reported illness. Eligible studies were in English, French, or German published from 7 March 2007 through 15 February 2022, in PubMed, Embase, or BIOSIS. Two reviewers completed screening and full-text review, with conflicts resolved by a third advisor. Summary data were extracted by two analysts; all records were quality checked by one analyst. Work productivity outcomes were summarized qualitatively, and risk of bias was not evaluated. RESULTS A total of 14,387 records were retrieved; 12,245 titles/abstracts were screened and 145 full-text publications were reviewed, of which 63 were included in the qualitative assessment. Studies of self-reported ILI were most frequent (49%), followed by laboratory-confirmed cases (37%) and physician diagnoses (11%). Overall, approximately 20-75% of employees missed work due to illness across study settings and populations. Mean time out of work among ill employees varied widely across study designs and populations, ranging from < 1 to > 10 days, and was often reported to be approximately 2-3 days. Considerable heterogeneity was observed across study designs, populations, and outcomes. Most employees (≈ 60-80%) reported working while experiencing influenza/ILI symptoms. Reporting of costs was sparse and heterogeneous; one study reported annual costs of influenza-related absences equating to $42,851 per 100,000 employee health plan members. Results were partitioned based on the following categories. Among otherwise healthy adults, 1-74% of workers missed ≥1 workday due to influenza/ILI, for a mean [standard deviation (SD)] of 0.5 (1.44) to 5.3 (4.50) days, and 42-89% reported working while ill, for a mean (SD) of 0.3 (0.63) to 4.4 (3.73) days. Among working caregivers, 50-75% missed work to care for children/household members with influenza/ILI, for 1-2 days on average. Similarly, the mean absenteeism among healthcare workers ranged from 0.5 to 3.2 days. Across studies evaluating vaccination status, generally smaller proportions of vaccinated employees missed time from work due to influenza/ILI. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review summarized the productivity burden of influenza/ILI on the worldwide working-age population. Despite notable heterogeneity in study designs, influenza/ILI case definitions, and productivity outcome measures, this review highlighted the substantial productivity burden that influenza/ILI may have on employees, employers, and society, consistent with the findings of Keech and Beardsworth (2008).
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Vitamin D3 Supplementation at 5000 IU Daily for the Prevention of Influenza-like Illness in Healthcare Workers: A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010180. [PMID: 36615837 PMCID: PMC9823308 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of acute respiratory infections in populations at risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of preventing viral infections in healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to assess the hypothesis that vitamin D3 supplementation at 5000 IU daily reduces influenza-like illness (ILI), including COVID-19, in healthcare workers. We conducted a prospective, controlled trial at a tertiary university hospital. A random group of healthcare workers was invited to receive 5000 IU daily vitamin D3 supplementation for nine months, while other random healthcare system workers served as controls. All healthcare workers were required to self-monitor and report to employee health for COVID-19 testing when experiencing symptoms of ILI. COVID-19 test results were retrieved. Incidence rates were compared between the vitamin D and control groups. Workers in the intervention group were included in the analysis if they completed at least 2 months of supplementation to ensure adequate vitamin D levels. The primary analysis compared the incidence rate of all ILI, while secondary analyses examined incidence rates of COVID-19 ILI and non-COVID-19 ILI. Between October 2020 and November 2021, 255 healthcare workers (age 47 ± 12 years, 199 women) completed at least two months of vitamin D3 supplementation. The control group consisted of 2827 workers. Vitamin D3 5000 IU supplementation was associated with a lower risk of ILI (incidence rate difference: -1.7 × 10-4/person-day, 95%-CI: -3.0 × 10-4 to -3.3 × 10-5/person-day, p = 0.015) and a lower incidence rate for non-COVID-19 ILI (incidence rate difference: -1.3 × 10-4/person-day, 95%-CI -2.5 × 10-4 to -7.1 × 10-6/person-day, p = 0.038). COVID-19 ILI incidence was not statistically different (incidence rate difference: -4.2 × 10-5/person-day, 95%-CI: -10.0 × 10-5 to 1.5 × 10-5/person-day, p = 0.152). Daily supplementation with 5000 IU vitamin D3 reduces influenza-like illness in healthcare workers.
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Mezlini A, Shapiro A, Daza EJ, Caddigan E, Ramirez E, Althoff T, Foschini L. Estimating the Burden of Influenza-like Illness on Daily Activity at the Population Scale Using Commercial Wearable Sensors. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2211958. [PMID: 35552722 PMCID: PMC9099426 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.11958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The severity of viral infections can vary widely, from asymptomatic cases to complications leading to hospitalizations and death. Milder cases, despite being more prevalent, often go undocumented, and their public health burden is not accurately estimated. OBJECTIVE To estimate the true burden of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the US population using a surrogate measure of daily steps lost as measured by commercial wearable sensors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study modeled data from 15 122 US adults who reported ILI symptoms during the 2018-2019 influenza season (before the COVID-19 pandemic) and who had a sufficient density of wearable sensor data at symptom onset. Participants' minute-level step data as measured by commercial wearable sensors were collected from October 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. Minute-level activity time series were transformed into day-level time series per user, indicating the total number of steps daily. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary end point was the number of steps lost during the period of 4 days before symptom onset (the latent phase) through 11 days after symptom onset (the symptomatic phase). The association between covariates and steps lost during this interval was also examined. RESULTS Of the 15 122 participants in this study, 13 108 (86.7%) were women, and the median age was 32 years (IQR, 27-38 years). For their ILI event, 2836 of 15 080 participants (18.8%) sought medical attention, and only 61 (0.4%) were hospitalized. Over the course of an ILI lasting 10 days, the mean cumulative loss was 4437 steps (95% CI, 4143-4731 steps). After weighting, there was an estimated overall nationwide reduction in mobility equivalent to 255.2 billion steps (95% CI, 232.9-277.6 billion steps) lost because of ILI symptoms during the study period. This finding reflects significant changes in routines, mobility, and employment and is equivalent to 15% of the active US population becoming completely immobilized for 1 day. Moreover, 60.6% of this reduction in steps (154.6 billion steps [95% CI, 138.1-171.2 billion steps]) occurred among persons who sought no medical care. Age and educational level were positively associated with steps lost. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that most of the burden of ILI in this study would have been invisible to health care and public health reporting systems. This approach has applications for public health, health care, and clinical research, from estimating costs of lost productivity at population scale, to measuring effectiveness of anti-ILI treatments, to monitoring recovery after acute viral syndromes such as during long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tim Althoff
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle
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de Courville C, Cadarette SM, Wissinger E, Alvarez FP. The economic burden of influenza among adults aged 18 to 64: A systematic literature review. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2022; 16:376-385. [PMID: 35122389 PMCID: PMC8983919 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While the economic burden of influenza infection is well described among adults aged 65 and older, less is known about younger adults. A systematic literature review was conducted to describe the economic burden of seasonal influenza in adults aged 18 to 64 years, to identify the main determinants of direct and indirect costs, and to highlight any gaps in the existing published evidence. MEDLINE and Embase were searched from 2007 to February 7, 2020, for studies reporting primary influenza-related cost data (direct or indirect) or absenteeism data. Of the 2613 publications screened, 51 studies were included in this review. Half of them were conducted in the United States, and 71% of them described patients with influenza-like illness rather than laboratory-confirmed disease. Only 12 studies reported cost data specifically for at-risk populations. Extracted data highlighted that within the 18- to 64-year-old group, up to 88% of the economic burden of influenza was attributable to indirect costs, and up to 75% of overall direct costs were attributable to hospitalizations. Furthermore, within the 18- to 64-year-old group, influenza-related costs increased with age and underlying medical conditions. The reported cost of influenza-related hospitalizations was found to be up to 2.5 times higher among at-risk populations compared with not-at-risk populations. This review documents the considerable economic impact of influenza among adults aged 18 to 64. In this age group, most of the influenza costs are indirect, which are generally not recognized by decision makers. Future studies should focus on at-risk subgroups, lab-confirmed cases, and European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erika Wissinger
- Evidence Synthesis & ModelingXcenda, L.L.C.CarrolltonTexasUSA
| | - Fabián P. Alvarez
- Global Health Economics and Value AssessmentSanofi PasteurLyonFrance
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Cumulative Effects of Particulate Matter Pollution and Meteorological Variables on the Risk of Influenza-Like Illness. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040556. [PMID: 33810283 PMCID: PMC8065612 DOI: 10.3390/v13040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cold season is usually accompanied by an increased incidence of respiratory infections and increased air pollution from combustion sources. As we are facing growing numbers of COVID-19 cases caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, an understanding of the impact of air pollutants and meteorological variables on the incidence of respiratory infections is crucial. The incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) can be used as a close proxy for the circulation of influenza viruses. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 has also been detected in patients with ILI. Using distributed lag nonlinear models, we analyzed the association between ILI, meteorological variables and particulate matter concentration in Bialystok, Poland, from 2013–2019. We found an exponential relationship between cumulative PM2.5 pollution and the incidence of ILI, which remained significant after adjusting for air temperatures and a long-term trend. Pollution had the greatest effect during the same week, but the risk of ILI was increased for the four following weeks. The risk of ILI was also increased by low air temperatures, low absolute humidity, and high wind speed. Altogether, our results show that all measures implemented to decrease PM2.5 concentrations would be beneficial to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections.
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Cullinan J, Hodgins M, Hogan V, Pursell L. The value of lost productivity from workplace bullying in Ireland. Occup Med (Lond) 2020; 70:251-258. [PMID: 32421800 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace bullying is a pervasive problem with significant personal, social and economic costs. Estimates of the resulting lost productivity provide an important societal perspective on the impact of the problem. Understanding where these economic costs fall is relevant for policy. AIMS We estimated the value of lost productivity to the economy from workplace bullying in the public and private sectors in Ireland. METHODS We used nationally representative survey data and multivariable negative binomial regression to estimate the independent effect of workplace bullying on days absent from work. We applied the human capital approach to derive an estimate of the annual value of lost productivity due to bullying by sector and overall, in 2017. RESULTS Bullying was independently associated with an extra 1.00 (95% CI: 0.38-1.62) days absent from work over a 4-week period. This differed for public and private sector employees: 0.69 (95% CI: -0.12 to 1.50) versus 1.45 (95% CI: 0.50-2.40) days respectively. Applying official data, we estimated the associated annual value of lost productivity to be €51.8 million in the public sector, €187.6 million in the private sector and €239.3 million overall. CONCLUSIONS The economic value of lost productivity from workplace bullying in Ireland is significant. Although bullying is more prevalent in the public sector, it has a larger effect on absence in the private sector. Given this, along with the greater overall share of employees, productivity losses from bullying are considerably larger in the private sector in Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cullinan
- Discipline of Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - M Hodgins
- Discipline of Health Promotion, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - V Hogan
- Discipline of Health Promotion, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - L Pursell
- Discipline of Health Promotion, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Kasman AM, Bhambhvani HP, Li S, Zhang CA, Stevenson DK, Shaw GM, Simard JF, Eisenberg ML. Reproductive sequelae of parental severe illness before the pandemic: implications for the COVID-19 pandemic. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:1242-1249. [PMID: 33280730 PMCID: PMC7510413 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.09.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate, with pre-COVID-19 data, whether parental exposure to severe systemic infections near the time of conception is associated with pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Population-based study covering births within the United States from 2009 to 2016. PARTICIPANTS The IBM MarketScan Research database covers reimbursed health care claims data on inpatient and outpatient encounters that are privately insured through employment-sponsored health insurance. Our analytic sample included pregnancies to paired fathers and mothers. INTERVENTIONS(S) Parental preconception exposure (0-6 months before conception) to severe systemic infection (e.g., sepsis, hypotension, respiratory failure, critical care evaluation). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Preterm birth (i.e., live birth before 37 weeks) and pregnancy loss. RESULT(S) A total of 999,866 pregnancies were recorded with 214,057 pregnancy losses (21.4%) and 51,759 preterm births (5.2%). Mothers receiving intensive care in the preconception period had increased risk of pregnancy loss, as did fathers. Mothers with preconception sepsis had higher risk of preterm birth and pregnancy loss, and paternal sepsis exposure was associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss. Similar results were noted for hypotension. In addition, a dose response was observed for both mothers and fathers between preconception time in intensive care and the risk of preterm birth and pregnancy loss. CONCLUSION(S) In a pre-COVID-19 cohort, parental preconception severe systemic infection was associated with increased odds of preterm birth and pregnancy loss when conception was soon after the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Kasman
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Hriday P Bhambhvani
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Shufeng Li
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Chiyuan A Zhang
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Julia F Simard
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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Loef B, van der Beek AJ, Hulsegge G, van Baarle D, Proper KI. The mediating role of sleep, physical activity, and diet in the association between shift work and respiratory infections. Scand J Work Environ Health 2020; 46:516-524. [PMID: 32255192 PMCID: PMC7737798 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Shift work may be associated with an increased incidence of respiratory infections. However, underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, our aim was to examine the mediating role of sleep, physical activity, and diet in the association between shift work and respiratory infections. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 396 shift and non-shift workers employed in hospitals. At baseline, sleep duration and physical activity were measured using actigraphy and sleep/activity diaries, sleep quality was reported, and frequency of meal and snack consumption was measured using food diaries. In the following six months, participants used a smartphone application to report their influenza-like illness/acute respiratory infection (ILI/ARI) symptoms daily. Mediation analysis of sleep, physical activity, and diet as potential mediators of the effect of shift work on ILI/ARI incidence rate was performed using structural equation modeling with negative binomial and logistic regression. Results: Shift workers had a 23% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.49] higher incidence rate of ILI/ARI than non-shift workers. After adding the potential mediators to the model, this reduced to 15% (IRR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94–1.40). The largest mediating (ie, indirect) effect was found for poor sleep quality, with shift workers having 29% more ILI/ARI episodes via the pathway of poorer sleep quality (IRR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.95). Conclusions: Compared to non-shift workers, shift workers had a higher incidence rate of ILI/ARI that was partly mediated by poorer sleep quality. Therefore, it may be relevant for future research to focus on perceived sleep quality as an underlying mechanism in the relation between shift work and increased infection susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bette Loef
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment; P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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Koul PA, Swaminathan S, Rajgopal T, Ramsubramanian V, Joseph B, Shanbhag S, Mishra A, Raut SK. Adult Immunization in Occupational Settings: A Consensus of Indian Experts. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020; 24:3-15. [PMID: 32435109 PMCID: PMC7227733 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_50_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing focus on instituting wellness programs at the workplace among organizations in India. Such programs are aimed at improving employee health, which in turn, helps in reducing absenteeism, as well as in increasing work productivity and improving employee engagement. Of note, adult vaccination plays a significant role in ensuring the well-being of employees, as well as in keeping an organization profitable. The burden of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in adults is increasing in India, causing significant morbidity and disability. Moreover, adult immunization is an underpublicized concept in India. There is an urgent need to create awareness about adult immunization in India, particularly in occupational health settings-both at the employee and employer levels. In view of this, an expert meeting was held under the aegis of the Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH) to discuss key issues pertaining to the burden of VPDs in the working population in India and to formulate guidelines on adult vaccination in occupational health settings. This consensus guideline document may act as a guide for organizations across India to create awareness about adult vaccination and also to design workplace vaccination programs to promote better health among employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaiz A. Koul
- Professor and Head, Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Subramanium Swaminathan
- Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Thirumalai Rajgopal
- Vice President, Global Medical and Occupational Health, Unilever, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - V. Ramsubramanian
- Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bobby Joseph
- Professor, Community Health; Head, Occupational Health Services, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Shrinivas Shanbhag
- Medical Advisor, Chairman's Office, Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashish Mishra
- Health Director – Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd. and President, Indian Association of Occupational Health, Mumbai Branch, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sidram K. Raut
- Director, Noble Hospital; Head of Blood Bank, Corporate and Overseas Business and Clinical Research, Noble Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra and President, Indian Association of Occupational Health, India
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Reported variability in healthcare facility policies regarding healthcare personnel working while experiencing influenza-like illnesses: An emerging infections network survey. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2019; 41:80-85. [PMID: 31722757 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2019.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presenteeism, or working while ill, by healthcare personnel (HCP) experiencing influenza-like illness (ILI) puts patients and coworkers at risk. However, hospital policies and practices may not consistently facilitate HCP staying home when ill. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods survey in March 2018 of Emerging Infections Network infectious diseases physicians, describing institutional experiences with and policies for HCP working with ILI. RESULTS Of 715 physicians, 367 (51%) responded. Of 367, 135 (37%) were unaware of institutional policies. Of the remaining 232 respondents, 206 (89%) reported institutional policies regarding work restrictions for HCP with influenza or ILI, but only 145 (63%) said these were communicated at least annually. More than half of respondents (124, 53%) reported that adherence to work restrictions was not monitored or enforced. Work restrictions were most often not perceived to be enforced for physicians-in-training and attending physicians. Nearly all (223, 96%) reported that their facility tracked laboratory-confirmed influenza (LCI) in patients; 85 (37%) reported tracking ILI. For employees, 109 (47%) reported tracking of LCI and 53 (23%) reported tracking ILI. For independent physicians, not employed by the facility, 30 (13%) reported tracking LCI and 11 (5%) ILI. CONCLUSION More than one-third of respondents were unaware of whether their institutions had policies to prevent HCP with ILI from working; among those with knowledge of institutional policies, dissemination, monitoring, and enforcement of these policies was highly variable. Improving communication about work-restriction policies, as well as monitoring and enforcement, may help prevent the spread of infections from HCP to patients.
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Bai YL, Huang DS, Liu J, Li DQ, Guan P. Effect of meteorological factors on influenza-like illness from 2012 to 2015 in Huludao, a northeastern city in China. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6919. [PMID: 31110929 PMCID: PMC6501768 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to describe the epidemiological patterns of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Huludao, China and seek scientific evidence on the link of ILI activity with weather factors. Methods Surveillance data of ILI cases between January 2012 and December 2015 was collected in Huludao Central Hospital, meteorological data was obtained from the China Meteorological Data Service Center. Generalized additive model (GAM) was used to seek the relationship between the number of ILI cases and the meteorological factors. Multiple Smoothing parameter estimation was made on the basis of Poisson distribution, where the number of weekly ILI cases was treated as response, and the smoothness of weather was treated as covariates. Lag time was determined by the smallest Akaike information criterion (AIC). Smoothing coefficients were estimated for the prediction of the number of ILI cases. Results A total of 29, 622 ILI cases were observed during the study period, with children ILI cases constituted 86.77%. The association between ILI activity and meteorological factors varied across different lag periods. The lag time for average air temperature, maximum air temperature, minimum air temperature, vapor pressure and relative humidity were 2, 2, 1, 1 and 0 weeks, respectively. Average air temperature, maximum air temperature, minimum air temperature, vapor pressure and relative humidity could explain 16.5%, 9.5%, 18.0%, 15.9% and 7.7% of the deviance, respectively. Among the temperature indexes, the minimum temperature played the most important role. The number of ILI cases peaked when minimum temperature was around -13 °C in winter and 18 °C in summer. The number of cases peaked when the relative humidity was equal to 43% and then began to decrease with the increase of relative humidity. When the humidity exceeded 76%, the number of ILI cases began to rise. Conclusions The present study first analyzed the relationship between meteorological factors and ILI cases with special consideration of the length of lag period in Huludao, China. Low air temperature and low relative humidity (cold and dry weather condition) played a considerable role in the epidemic pattern of ILI cases. The trend of ILI activity could be possibly predicted by the variation of meteorological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Long Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - De-Sheng Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Department of Mathematics, School of Fundamental Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - De-Qiang Li
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Huludao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huludao, Liaoning, China
| | - Peng Guan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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15
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Loef B, van Baarle D, van der Beek AJ, Sanders EAM, Bruijning-Verhagen P, Proper KI. Shift Work and Respiratory Infections in Health-Care Workers. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:509-517. [PMID: 30475977 PMCID: PMC6395171 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been interest in whether shift work may enhance susceptibility to infection. Our aim was to determine whether shift workers in the health-care field have a higher incidence, duration, and/or severity of influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infection (ARI) than non–shift workers. From September 2016 to June 2017, 501 rotating and/or night-shift workers and 88 non–shift workers from the Klokwerk+ Study (the Netherlands, 2016–2017) registered the occurrence of ILI/ARI symptoms daily using a smartphone application. The incidence rate of ILI/ARI (defined as ≥2 symptoms on the same day/≥1 symptom on 2 consecutive days), the mean duration of each episode, and the incidence rate of severe episodes were compared between shift workers and non–shift workers using negative binomial regression and linear mixed-model analysis. In total, participants completed 110,347 diaries. Shift workers’ incidence rate of ILI/ARI was 1.20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.43) times higher than that of non–shift workers, and for severe ILI/ARI episodes, shift workers’ incidence rate was 1.22 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.49) times higher. The mean duration of an ILI/ARI episode did not differ (ratio between means = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.19). In conclusion, shift workers in health care had more ILI/ARI episodes and more severe ILI/ARI episodes than non–shift workers, but with a similar duration. Insight into underlying mechanisms connecting shift work and infection susceptibility will contribute to the design of preventive initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bette Loef
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Debbie van Baarle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Allard J van der Beek
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth A M Sanders
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Patricia Bruijning-Verhagen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Karin I Proper
- Center for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Hansen S, Zimmerman PA, van de Mortel TF. Infectious illness prevention and control methods and their effectiveness in non-health workplaces: an integrated literature review. J Infect Prev 2018; 19:212-218. [PMID: 30159039 PMCID: PMC6109877 DOI: 10.1177/1757177418772184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious illness in the workplace places a substantial cost burden on employers due to productivity losses from employee absenteeism and presenteeism. AIM Given the clear impacts of infectious illness on workplaces, this review aimed to investigate the international literature on the effectiveness and cost-benefit of the strategies non-healthcare workplaces use to prevent and control infectious illnesses in these workplaces. METHODS MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus with Fulltext and Business Source Complete were searched concurrently using EBSCO Host 1995-2016. FINDINGS Infection prevention and control strategies to reduce workplace infectious illness and absenteeism evaluated in the literature include influenza vaccination programs, use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser and paid sick days. While the reported studies have various methodological flaws, there is good evidence of the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing workplace infectious illness and absences and moderate evidence to support hand hygiene programs. DISCUSSION Some studies used more than one intervention concurrently, making it difficult to determine the relative benefit of each individual strategy. Workplace strategies to prevent and control infectious illness transmission may reduce costs and productivity losses experienced by businesses and organisations related to infectious illness absenteeism and presenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hansen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
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Laris González A, Villa Guillén M, López Martínez B, Gamiño Arroyo AE, Moreno Espinosa S, Jiménez Juárez RN, Sánchez Huerta JL, de la Rosa Zamboni D. Influenza-like illness in healthcare personnel at a paediatric referral hospital: Clinical picture and impact of the disease. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2018; 12:475-481. [PMID: 29505162 PMCID: PMC6005608 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare personnel (HP) are frequently exposed to influenza and can be a source of transmission to patients and other workers, resulting in high-cost outbreaks for healthcare institutions. OBJECTIVES To analyse the presentation of HP with influenza-like illness (ILI) and the differences between individuals with influenza confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and those with a negative test. The secondary objective was to evaluate the duration of symptomatology and work absenteeism as well as the vaccination rate of HP at a paediatric referral hospital. METHODS A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at a paediatric referral hospital. Clinical and epidemiological data on HP with ILI were collected between January and April 2016. Nasopharyngeal swab for influenza PCR was obtained from one in every three workers with ILI. Telephone follow-up was conducted to document duration of symptoms, complications and absenteeism. RESULTS A total of 164 ILI episodes were evaluated in 162 HP. A swab was obtained in 59 cases, and influenza was detected in 30 cases. The clinical picture of HP with confirmed influenza was similar to that of HP with a negative PCR. Arthralgia was more common in those with influenza (90% vs 58%), with a tendency towards statistical significance. No HP required hospitalization, and 78.5% were absent from work at least 1 day. CONCLUSIONS Influenza causes significant morbidity and absenteeism among HP. Influenza infection was confirmed in only half of HP with an ILI on whom a PCR was performed, suggesting that other respiratory viruses can cause a similar pattern.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Few studies have examined how acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) influence workplace productivity. We examined the association between laboratory-confirmed influenza and combined absenteeism/presenteeism. METHODS Linear regression was used to model the association between influenza (by seasonal vaccine status) and productivity loss over 7 to 17 days following symptom onset in 1278 employed adults in an influenza vaccine effectiveness study during the 2012 to 2013 through 2015 to 2016 seasons. RESULTS Influenza was significantly associated with workplace productivity loss (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences between virus type/subtypes or seasonal vaccine status. Regardless of vaccination, participants with H1N1pdm09, H3N2, or B infection had the greatest mean productivity loss (range, 67% to 74%), while those with non-influenza ARI had the lowest productivity loss (58% to 59%). CONCLUSIONS Compared with non-influenza ARI, those with influenza lose an additional half day of work due to absenteeism/presenteeism over the week following symptom onset.
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Asfaw A, Rosa R, Pana-Cryan R. Potential Economic Benefits of Paid Sick Leave in Reducing Absenteeism Related to the Spread of Influenza-Like Illness. J Occup Environ Med 2017; 59:822-829. [PMID: 28692009 PMCID: PMC5649342 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most U.S. employers are not required to provide paid sick leave (PSL), and there is limited information on the economic return of providing PSL. We estimated potential benefits to employers of PSL in reducing absenteeism related to the spread of influenza-like illness (ILI). METHODS We used nationally representative data and a negative binomial random effects model to estimate the impact of PSL in reducing overall absence due to illness or injury. We used published data to compute the share of ILI from the total days of absence, ILI transmission rates at workplaces, wages, and other parameters. RESULTS Providing PSL could have saved employers $0.63 to $1.88 billion in reduced ILI-related absenteeism costs per year during 2007 to 2014 in 2016 dollars. CONCLUSION These findings might help employers consider PSL as an investment rather than as a cost without any return.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abay Asfaw
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Office of the Director, Economics Research and Support Office, Washington, District of Columbia (Drs Asfaw, Pana-Cryan), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Office of the Director, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Rosa)
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Bar-Tal Y, Barnoy S. Factors influencing the decision to comply with nurse recommendations to take or avoid influenza vaccination. Nurs Inq 2016; 23:338-345. [PMID: 27611444 DOI: 10.1111/nin.12145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although vaccination is an efficient means of prevention, low rates of vaccination are reported periodically. The study aimed to examine factors affecting acceptance of nurses' recommendations to take or avoid influenza vaccination. Study design was quasi-experimental with a 2 × 2 between subjects design: two variables were manipulated and two were not. The research variables were expertise (of nurses and respondents), type of recommendation (to vaccinate or not) and respondents' a-priori intention to vaccinate. Data were collected from 374 respondents. The study was scenario based, differing in nurse expertise and type of recommendation. After each scenario, the respondents were requested to indicate their a-priori intention to vaccinate and to complete questionnaires on epistemic authority (EA) attributed to the nurse, and of self-epistemic authority (SEA). There is a general tendency to avoid vaccination. Intention to vaccinate correlated positively with nurse recommendations, respondent a-priori intention and nurse expertise. A significant three-way interaction between respondents' SEA, nurse recommendations and nurse expertise was found. The nurse's recommendation has the strongest effect when the nurse is an expert and the respondent perceives him/herself as having high self-EA. The results highlight the importance of patients' sense of knowledge for assuring their co-operation and compliance with medical recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoram Bar-Tal
- School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sivia Barnoy
- School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Arbogast JW, Moore-Schiltz L, Jarvis WR, Harpster-Hagen A, Hughes J, Parker A. Impact of a Comprehensive Workplace Hand Hygiene Program on Employer Health Care Insurance Claims and Costs, Absenteeism, and Employee Perceptions and Practices. J Occup Environ Med 2016; 58:e231-40. [PMID: 27281645 PMCID: PMC4883643 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a multimodal hand hygiene intervention program in reducing health care insurance claims for hygiene preventable infections (eg, cold and influenza), absenteeism, and subjective impact on employees. METHODS A 13.5-month prospective, randomized cluster controlled trial was executed with alcohol-based hand sanitizer in strategic workplace locations and personal use (intervention group) and brief hand hygiene education (both groups). Four years of retrospective data were collected for all participants. RESULTS Hygiene-preventable health care claims were significantly reduced in the intervention group by over 20% (P < 0.05). Absenteeism was positively impacted overall for the intervention group. Employee survey data showed significant improvements in hand hygiene behavior and perception of company concern for employee well-being. CONCLUSION Providing a comprehensive, targeted, yet simple to execute hand hygiene program significantly reduced the incidence of health care claims and increased employee workplace satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Arbogast
- GOJO Industries, Inc, Akron (Dr Arbogast, Ms Hughes); Medical Mutual of Ohio, Cleveland (Dr Moore-Schiltz, Ms Harpster-Hagen); Jason and Jarvis Associates, LLC, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (Dr Jarvis); and Center for Biofilm Engineering and the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana St. University, Bozeman (Dr Parker)
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Reynolds KA, Beamer PI, Plotkin KR, Sifuentes LY, Koenig DW, Gerba CP. The healthy workplace project: Reduced viral exposure in an office setting. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2016; 71:157-62. [PMID: 26066784 PMCID: PMC4676746 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2015.1058234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Viral illnesses such as gastroenteritis and the common cold create a substantial burden in the workplace due to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased health care costs. Behaviors in the workplace contribute to the spread of human viruses via direct contact between hands, contaminated surfaces, and the mouth, eyes, and/or nose. This study assessed whether implementation of the Healthy Workplace Project (HWP) (providing hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, facial tissues, and use instructions) would reduce viral loads in an office setting of approximately 80 employees after seeding fomites and the hands of volunteer participants with an MS-2 phage tracer. The HWP significantly reduced viable phage detected on participants' hands, communal fomites, and personal fomites (p ≤ .010) in office environments and presents a cost-effective method for reducing the health and economic burden associated with viral illnesses in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Reynolds
- Environmental Health Sciences. Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Paloma I. Beamer
- Environmental Health Sciences. Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Kevin R. Plotkin
- Environmental Health Sciences. Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724
| | - Laura Y. Sifuentes
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - David W. Koenig
- Corporate Research & Engineering, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, P.O. Box 349 Neenah, WI 54957 USA
| | - Charles P. Gerba
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
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Guo RN, Zheng HZ, Ou CQ, Huang LQ, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Liang CK, Lin JY, Zhong HJ, Song T, Luo HM. Impact of Influenza on Outpatient Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths by Using a Time Series Poisson Generalized Additive Model. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149468. [PMID: 26894876 PMCID: PMC4760679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disease burden associated with influenza in developing tropical and subtropical countries is poorly understood owing to the lack of a comprehensive disease surveillance system and information-exchange mechanisms. The impact of influenza on outpatient visits, hospital admissions, and deaths has not been fully demonstrated to date in south China. METHODS A time series Poisson generalized additive model was used to quantitatively assess influenza-like illness (ILI) and influenza disease burden by using influenza surveillance data in Zhuhai City from 2007 to 2009, combined with the outpatient, inpatient, and respiratory disease mortality data of the same period. RESULTS The influenza activity in Zhuhai City demonstrated a typical subtropical seasonal pattern; however, each influenza virus subtype showed a specific transmission variation. The weekly ILI case number and virus isolation rate had a very close positive correlation (r = 0.774, P < 0.0001). The impact of ILI and influenza on weekly outpatient visits was statistically significant (P < 0.05). We determined that 10.7% of outpatient visits were associated with ILI and 1.88% were associated with influenza. ILI also had a significant influence on the hospitalization rates (P < 0.05), but mainly in populations <25 years of age. No statistically significant effect of influenza on hospital admissions was found (P > 0.05). The impact of ILI on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was most significant (P < 0.05), with 33.1% of COPD-related deaths being attributable to ILI. The impact of influenza on the mortality rate requires further evaluation. CONCLUSIONS ILI is a feasible indicator of influenza activity. Both ILI and influenza have a large impact on outpatient visits. Although ILI affects the number of hospital admissions and deaths, we found no consistent influence of influenza, which requires further assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-ning Guo
- Public Health Emergency management office, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-zhen Zheng
- Institute of Immunization Programs, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Chun-quan Ou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-qun Huang
- Zhuhai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Zhuhai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Pathogenic Microorganisms, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can-kun Liang
- Zhuhai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jin-yan Lin
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-jie Zhong
- Institute of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tie Song
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-ming Luo
- Center for Disease Control and prevention, Beijing, China
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Outcomes of a pilot hand hygiene randomized cluster trial to reduce communicable infections among US office-based employees. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 57:374-80. [PMID: 25719534 PMCID: PMC4374724 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of an office-based multimodal hand hygiene improvement intervention in reducing self-reported communicable infections and work-related absence. Methods: A randomized cluster trial including an electronic training video, hand sanitizer, and educational posters (n = 131, intervention; n = 193, control). Primary outcomes include (1) self-reported acute respiratory infections (ARIs)/influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or gastrointestinal (GI) infections during the prior 30 days; and (2) related lost work days. Incidence rate ratios calculated using generalized linear mixed models with a Poisson distribution, adjusted for confounders and random cluster effects. Results: A 31% relative reduction in self-reported combined ARI-ILI/GI infections (incidence rate ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.49 to 0.98). A 21% nonsignificant relative reduction in lost work days. Conclusions: An office-based multimodal hand hygiene improvement intervention demonstrated a substantive reduction in self-reported combined ARI-ILI/GI infections.
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