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Isamail S, Idris IB, Mohd Yusoff H. Obstetric services preparedness among healthcare workers in maternal wards during COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2025; 25:443. [PMID: 40229684 PMCID: PMC11995598 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-025-07474-7] [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: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been spreading rapidly since 2019, leading to devastating consequences worldwide, as well as putting healthcare providers at high risk. This study intends to assess the awareness and preparedness activities among maternal healthcare (MHC) workers and to determine factors that lead to obstetric services' preparedness in ten Government Hospitals in Selangor, Malaysia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 409 MHC workers which include doctors, nurses, and midwives in the government hospitals in Selangor, Malaysia between May 2022 till June 2022. Respondents were given validated questionnaires which include socio-demographic background, knowledge, awareness, and attitude as well as the obstetric services' preparedness activities in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Majority of the respondents were nurses/midwives (87.5%), female (98.5%), age 35-45 years old (48.5%), had working experience of more than 5 years (92.7%), had good knowledge and awareness (92.2%) and good obstetric services preparedness (88.3%). However, only about half (54.0%) of them had positive attitude towards COVID-19. When controlling for confounding factors, multivariate analysis showed that working period factor (p < 0.001), knowledge and awareness factor (p < 0.001) and attitude factor (p < 0.001) were significant predictive factors of obstetric services preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Majority of the respondents had good knowledge and awareness, as well as good level of obstetric services preparedness. However, only about half of them had a positive attitude towards COVID-19. The findings in this study revealed that efforts should be made to further increase the knowledge and attitude of MHC workers on COVID-19 and more so to further improve the positivity of their attitude towards this pandemic so that they can provide better obstetric services especially in the current and future pandemics to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiyah Isamail
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
| | - Idayu Badilla Idris
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia.
| | - Hanizah Mohd Yusoff
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
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Aliwie AK, Jasim AH. Evaluation of asthmatic patient dyspnea in asthma center at Baghdad city. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2025; 14:106. [PMID: 40271265 PMCID: PMC12017420 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_674_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma was a heterogeneous condition, with dyspnea during exercise affecting individuals to a variable degree. The research aims to evaluate dyspnea in an asthmatic patient and to find out the relationship between dyspnea and sociodemographic variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study that included 130 patients with asthma in an asthma center in Baghdad City, Iraq was conducted to assess asthmatic patient dyspnea. From 1st September to December 20, 2023, we recruited a total of 130 patients attending outpatient respiratory clinics from three teaching hospitals and centers located in Baghdad, Iraq, the current study used purposive sampling. Data were collected through a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Collected data were coded and put into SPSS Statistics (v25). Inferential and descriptive statistical procedures were conducted. Percentages and frequencies for every item within the asthmatic patient were measured. The mean score attained from the scale was used to measure the subject. RESULT The data reveals that most participants consistently reported experiencing high levels of dyspnea, with a Mean + SD (37.13 ± 8.06). These responses, indicate severe levels of asthma according to their assessment, signifying a prevalent occurrence of this symptom among the respondents. The study shows a highly significant relationship between occupation, education, and smoking with dyspnea at a P value of 0.05. CONCLUSION The results show that the majority in the sample had a severe level of dyspnea, the study shows a highly significant relationship between occupation, education, and smoking with dyspnea at P value of 0.05.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khamies Aliwie
- University of Baghdad, College of Nursing, Department of Adult Nursing, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Aqeel Habeeb Jasim
- University of Baghdad, College of Nursing, Department of Adult Nursing, Baghdad, Iraq
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Asad N, Afzal B, Chhipa UEA, Kang BA, Barnett DJ, Mehmood A, Ahuja A, Dars J, Razzak J. The Willingness of Health Care Workers to Respond to a Pandemic in an LMIC Setting: Implications for Public Health Emergency Preparedness. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2025; 19:e70. [PMID: 40059789 PMCID: PMC11949691 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2025.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the association between willingness-to-respond (WTR) and behavioral factors among emergency department health care workers (HCWs) during a pandemic situation in Pakistan. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2022, involving health care workers from 2 hospitals located in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants were recruited using a non-probability purposive sampling method. The survey instrument was designed based on Witte's Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between WTR and HCWs' attitudes, beliefs, and EPPM profiles. RESULTS Health workers' overall willingness to respond was 52.57% if required and 52.26% if asked. Female health workers showed 1.78 greater odds of WTR if required, compared to male health workers. Health workers who reported high efficacy were 21 times more likely to report to work during pandemics when required and 6 times more likely to report if asked compared to those with low efficacy. CONCLUSION This study explored health care workers' willingness to respond during a pandemic. Female health care workers and those in clinical roles were more likely to be willing to respond during an influenza pandemic. Enhancing self-efficacy, knowledge, and addressing perceived risks can significantly improve workforce preparedness for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nargis Asad
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Badar Afzal
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ume-E-Aiman Chhipa
- Center of Excellence for Trauma and Emergencies, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Bee-Ah Kang
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel J Barnett
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amber Mehmood
- Department of Global, Environmental, and Genomic Health Sciences College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Akash Ahuja
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jawed Dars
- Psychiatry Department, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Razzak
- Center of Excellence for Trauma and Emergencies, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Mercogliano M, Spatari G, Noviello C, Di Serafino F, Mormile ME, Granvillano G, Iagnemma A, Mimmo R, Schenone I, Raso E, Sanna A, Frasson E, Gallinoro V, Di Pumpo M, Shellah D, Rizzo C, Zotti N. Building evidences in Public Health Emergency Preparedness ("BePHEP" Project)-a systematic review. Int J Equity Health 2025; 24:41. [PMID: 39934889 PMCID: PMC11817627 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-025-02382-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/13/2025] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Humanitarian crises exacerbate the vulnerability of already fragile healthcare systems and significantly increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This systematic review aims to evaluate strategies and interventions implemented in LMICs to prevent and manage infectious diseases outbreaks during humanitarian crises from 2018 to 2023. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, adhering to the PRISMA guideline and the SPIDER framework to identify relevant studies. The review included studies published between 2018 and 2023 focusing on infectious disease prevention and management in LMICs during humanitarian crises. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. RESULTS Eleven studies were identified from 1,415 unique articles. These studies addressed diverse interventions, including vaccination campaigns, epidemiologic surveillance, and integrated health services. Cholera outbreaks in Haiti and Mozambique, triggered by gang violence, internal migration, and Cyclone Kenneth, were addressed through epidemiological surveillance, case management, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) service improvements, and oral vaccination campaigns. Mathematical models guided cholera vaccination in Thailand's refugee camps. In India, surveillance and rapid response measures successfully prevented infectious disease outbreaks during the Kumbh Mela gathering. The Philippines improved response times to climate-related disasters using point-of-care testing and spatial care pathways. Despite challenges in Yemen, evaluating malaria surveillance systems led to recommendations for integrating multiple systems. Uganda developed a national multi-hazard emergency plan incorporating vaccination, communication, and risk management, proving useful during the refugee crisis and Ebola outbreak. In South Sudan, integrating immunisation services into nutrition centres increased vaccination coverage among children. Nigeria experienced a rise in measles cases during armed conflicts despite vaccination efforts, while visual communication strategies improved SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates. CONCLUSION These interventions highlight the importance of multimodal, targeted, and collaborative responses to address complex health crises without relying on unsustainable investments. Despite the effectiveness of these interventions, infrastructure limitations, insecurity, and logistical constraints were noted. These findings emphasize the need for adaptable and resilient healthcare systems and international collaboration to safeguard the right to health during complex humanitarian crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelangelo Mercogliano
- Department of Public Health, University "Federico II" of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, Italy.
| | - Gloria Spatari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, 16132, Italy
| | - Chiara Noviello
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, 70121, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Serafino
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabetta Mormile
- Department of Public Health, University "Federico II" of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, Italy
- Local Health Authority ASL LE, Via miglietta, 5, Lecce, 73100, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Granvillano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
- University Hospital Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Annalisa Iagnemma
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences-University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - Riccardo Mimmo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Schenone
- Regional Health Agency of Liguria (A.Li.Sa.), Genoa, 16121, Italy
| | - Eleonora Raso
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Andrea Sanna
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Enrica Frasson
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, 35128, Italy
| | - Veronica Gallinoro
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - Marcello Di Pumpo
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Euganea Local Health Authority, Veneto Region, AULSS6, Padua, Italy
| | - Duha Shellah
- Medical and Health Sciences Division and Women in Global Health, Palestine, Academy for Science and Technology, Ramalla, Palestine
- Faculty of Medicine, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine
- EMR Youth Council, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caterina Rizzo
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzio Zotti
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Odiase OJ, Gyamerah AO, Achana F, Getahun M, Yang C, Bohara S, Aborigo R, Nutor JJ, Malechi H, Arhinful B, Awoonor-Williams JK, Afulani PA. Factors influencing healthcare workers' and health system preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Ghana. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003356. [PMID: 39078814 PMCID: PMC11288451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Adequate preparedness of health systems, particularly healthcare workers (HCWs), to respond to COVID-19 is critical for the effective control of the virus, especially in low- and middle-income countries where health systems are overburdened. We examined Ghanaian HCWs' perceived preparedness to respond to the pandemic and the factors that shaped their preparedness and that of the health system. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with n = 26 HCWs responsible for the clinical management of COVID-19 patients and three administrators responsible for developing and implementing COVID-19 policies at the facility level. Interviews were conducted over the phone in English, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Generally, HCWs felt inadequately prepared to contain the spread of COVID-19 due to resource shortages and inadequate training. HCWs, similarly, perceived the health system to be unprepared due to insufficient clinical infrastructure and logistical challenges. The few who felt prepared identified readiness in managing high consequence infectious disease cases and pre-existing protocols as enablers of HCW preparedness. The health system and HCWs were unprepared to manage the COVID-19 pandemic due to inadequate training, logistical challenges, and weak clinical infrastructure. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the health system's preparedness for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamuedeme J. Odiase
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Akua O. Gyamerah
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Monica Getahun
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Clara Yang
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Sunita Bohara
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | | | - Jerry John Nutor
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Benedicta Arhinful
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Patience A. Afulani
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Pietrantonio F, Florczak M, Kuhn S, Kärberg K, Leung T, Said Criado I, Sikorski S, Ruggeri M, Signorini A, Rosiello F, Drago C, Vinci A, Barreto V, Montano N, Dicker D, Gomez Huelgas R. Applications to augment patient care for Internal Medicine specialists: a position paper from the EFIM working group on telemedicine, innovative technologies & digital health. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1370555. [PMID: 39005984 PMCID: PMC11239350 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1370555] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine applications present virtually limitless prospects for innovating and enhancing established and new models of patient care in the field of Internal Medicine. Although there is a wide range of innovative technological solutions in Europe, there are overarching elements associated with such technologies when applied to the practices of Internal Medicine specialists. The European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM) strongly advocates for active leadership and influence from the Internal Medicine societies and specialist physicians across Europe in the development and application of telemedicine and digital technologies in healthcare. This position paper's conclusions were drawn via Delphi method, which was developed collaboratively from July 2021 to December 2023. The panel, consisting of experts in clinical medicine, public health, health economics and statistics, assessed various aspects related to telemedicine. Participants assigned scores on a Likert scale reflecting perceived value and potential risks. The findings were consolidated in a comprehensive checklist aligning with relevant literature and a SWOT analysis. Specifically, key issues that need to be addressed include promoting the professional development of e-health competencies in the healthcare and medical workforce, using educational campaigns to promote digital literacy among patients and caregivers, designing and implementing telemedicine applications tailored to local conditions and needs and considering the ethical and legal contexts under which these applications are employed. Importantly, there is currently no consensus on care models or standardized protocols among European Internal Medicine specialists regarding the utilization of telemedicine. This position paper aims to outline the opportunities and challenges associated with the application of telemedicine in Internal Medical practice in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pietrantonio
- Medical Area Department, Internal Medicine Unit, Castelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - M Florczak
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine. Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - S Kuhn
- Institute of Digital Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Phillips-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - K Kärberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - T Leung
- Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Adjunct), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - I Said Criado
- Palliative Care Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Pontevedra-El Salnés Healthcare Area, Institute of Healthcare Research, Vigo, Spain
| | - S Sikorski
- Institute of Law Studies, Faculty of Law and Administration, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Ruggeri
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - A Signorini
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - F Rosiello
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Drago
- University Niccolò Cusano. Department of Economics, Psichology and Communication Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - A Vinci
- Local Health Authority ASL Roma 1, Health Management Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - V Barreto
- Pedro Hispano Hospital, Porto, Portugal
| | - N Montano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D Dicker
- Internal Medicine Department and Obesity Clinic, Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - R Gomez Huelgas
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Huang H, Yao GH, Huang J, Deng B, Wu J, Yu C. Cross-sectional study on the epidemiological investigation ability of professional staff from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Guizhou Province. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1335553. [PMID: 38832224 PMCID: PMC11145900 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1335553] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to evaluate the qualifications and identify skill enhancement areas for epidemiological investigators in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) in Guizhou's, informing future training and policy initiatives to strengthen public health responses. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in August 2022, and an online, self-designed questionnaire on the Epidemiological Dynamic Data Collection platform was administered to evaluate the professional staff in CDCs. The responses were scored and presented using descriptive statistical methods, and the factors influencing the total score were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and linear regression. Results and discussion A total of 1321 questionnaires were collected, yielding an average score of 14.86±3.49 and a qualification rate of 29.9%. The scoring rate of ability of individual protection and coordination in epidemic control was high (87.25%). Meanwhile, improvements in further training were needed in areas such as data analysis ability (23.67%), knowledge of site disinfection (40.40%), and epidemiological investigation skills (42.50%). No significant difference was observed between the scores of city and county CDCs, (t = 1.071, p =0.284). The effects of gender and age could be disregarded, and the experience in epidemiological work and training (including investigation on COVID-19 cases and contacts), educational background, and professional title partially explained the survey outcome (R Square of the linear regression model was 0.351). The survey indicated the need for additional well-trained epidemiologic investigators in Guizhou. Specified training was effective in improving epidemiologic investigation, and enhancement in data analysis ability and knowledge of field disinfection are recommended in professional staff cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- Institution of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Guizhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guiyang, China
| | - Guang-hai Yao
- Institution of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Guizhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiao Huang
- Institution of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Guizhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guiyang, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Institution of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Guizhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guiyang, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Office for Disease Control and Emergence Response (Information Center), Guizhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guiyang, China
| | - Chun Yu
- Institution of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Guizhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guiyang, China
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Vinci A, Furia G, Cammalleri V, Colamesta V, Chierchini P, Corrado O, Mammarella A, Ingravalle F, Bardhi D, Malerba RM, Carnevale E, Gentili S, Damiani G, De Vito C, Maurici M. Burden of delayed discharge on acute hospital medical wards: A retrospective ecological study in Rome, Italy. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294785. [PMID: 38265995 PMCID: PMC10807762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delayed discharge represents the difficulty in proceeding with discharge of patients who do not have any further benefit from prolonged stay. A quota of this problem is related to organizational issues. In the Lazio region in Italy, a macro service re-organization in on the way, with a network of hospital and territorial centers engaged in structuring in- and out- of hospital patient pathways, with a special focus on intermediate care structures. Purpose of this study is to quantify the burden of delayed discharge on a single hospital structure, in order to estimate costs and occurrence of potential resource misplacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS Observational Retrospective study conducted at the Santo Spirito Hospital in Rome, Italy. Observation period ranged from 1/09/2022, when the local database was instituted, to 1/03/2023 (6 months). Data from admissions records was anonymously collected. Data linkage with administrative local hospital database was performed in order to identify the date a discharge request was fired for each admission. Surgical discharges and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharges were excluded from this study. A Poisson hierarchical regression model was employed to investigate for the role of ward, Severity of Disease (SoD) and Risk of Mortality (RoM) on elongation of discharge time. RESULTS 1222 medical ward admissions were recorded in the timeframe. 16% of them were considered as subject to potentially elongated stay, and a mean Delay in discharge of 6.3 days (SD 7.9) was observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Delayed discharge may cause a "bottleneck" in admissions and result in overcrowded Emergency Department, overall poor performance, and increase in overall costs. A consisted proportion of available beds can get inappropriately occupied, and this inflates both direct and indirect costs. Clinical conditions on admission are not a good predictor of delay in discharge, and the root causes of this phenomenon likely lie in organizational issues (on structure\system level) and social issues (on patient's level).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vinci
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
- Doctoral School of Nursing Sciences and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Furia
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Cammalleri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Colamesta
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Chierchini
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corrado
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
| | - Assunta Mammarella
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 1”, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ingravalle
- Doctoral School of Nursing Sciences and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Hospital Health Management Area, Local Health Authority “ASL Roma 6”, Albano Laziale, Italy
| | - Dorian Bardhi
- Post-Graduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Malerba
- School of Specialization in Hygiene and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Carnevale
- School of Specialization in Hygiene and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Gentili
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Maurici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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Licata F, Viscomi C, Angelillo S, Di Gennaro G, Bianco A. Adherence with infection prevention and control measures among Italian healthcare workers: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to tackle future ones. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:122-129. [PMID: 37995558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.031] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To tackle future health threats, the study aimed to assess healthcare workers' (HCWs) adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and to evaluate whether knowledge and concerns related to COVID-19 could be its potential predictors. A secondary aim was to explore how and how much healthcare facilities support HCWs to implement IPC practices. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2021 in Southern Italy using a self-administered questionnaire. Socio-demographic and professional characteristics, COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in the facilities, knowledge about COVID-19's transmission and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), concerns about the possibility of transmitting COVID-19 to family members and patients, adherence to IPC practices, and sources of information were investigated. RESULTS Among the 492 enrolled HCWs, the overall knowledge median score was 6 out of a maximum score of 8 and predictors of good knowledge were practicing in a facility that organized training courses about IPC measures and having more years in practice. HCWs were more concerned about the possibility of transmitting the infection to their family members (64.4%) than to negative patients (38.9%). A sizable proportion claimed to take off the face mask by touching only the straps or ties (76.3%) and to replace the face mask when it was wet (70.7%). Only 26.2% never/rarely touched the face mask while wearing it. Good adherence to preventative practices was more likely in HCWs other than physicians and practicing in a facility that organized training courses about IPC measures and in regional hospitals compared with those practicing in district hospitals. CONCLUSIONS The study findings produce information about what worked well and where gaps were identified during COVID-19 pandemic, along with data useful for hospitals and health systems in general to better prepare and put in place appropriate interventions in case of similar future events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Licata
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Viscomi
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Silvia Angelillo
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Di Gennaro
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Aida Bianco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Græcia", Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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Jongdeepaisal M, Chunekamrai P, Maude RR, Maude RJ. Risks and challenges in COVID-19 infection prevention and control in a hospital setting: Perspectives of healthcare workers in Thailand. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0267996. [PMID: 38113209 PMCID: PMC10729973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In hospital settings, awareness of, and responsiveness to, COVID-19 are crucial to reducing the risk of transmission among healthcare workers and protecting them from infection. Healthcare professionals can offer insights into the practicalities of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and on how the guideline aimed to ensure adherence to IPC, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), could best be delivered during the pandemic. To inform future development of such guideline, this study examined the perspectives of healthcare professionals working in a large hospital during the pandemic regarding their infection risks, the barriers or facilitators to implementing their tasks and the IPC measures to protect their safety and health and of their patients. METHOD In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 hospital staff coming into contact with possible or confirmed cases of COVID-19, or were at potential risk of contracting the disease, including medical doctors, nurses, virology laboratory staff, and non-medical workers. This qualitative study was carried out as part of a knowledge, attitudes and practice survey to prevent COVID-19 transmission at Ramathibodi Hospital in Thailand. We used content analysis to categorize and code transcribed interview data. Existing IPC guideline and evidence synthesis of organisational, environmental, and individual factors to IPC adherence among healthcare workers were used to guide the development of the interview questions and analysis. FINDING Factors identified as influencing the use of, and adherence to, prevention measures among healthcare workers included knowledge, perceived risk and concerns about the infection. The extent to which these factors were influential varied based on the medical procedures, among other features, that individuals were assigned to perform in the hospital setting. Beyond availability of PPE and physical safety, ease of and readiness to utilize the equipment and implement IPC measures were crucial to motivate hospital staff to follow the practice guideline. Having a ventilated outdoor space for screening and testing, and interaction through mobile technology, facilitated the performance of healthcare workers while reducing the transmission risk for staff and patients. Adequate training, demonstration of guided practices, and streamlined communications are crucial organisational and management support factors to encourage appropriate use of, and adherence to, implementation of infection prevention and control measures among healthcare workers. CONCLUSION This finding could help inform the development of recommendations to optimise compliance with appropriate use of these measures, and to improve guidance to reduce HCW's risk of disease in hospital settings. Further study should explore the perceptions and experiences of health professionals in smaller health facilities and community-based workers during the pandemic, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Puri Chunekamrai
- Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhonnayok, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rapeephan Rattanawongnara Maude
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard James Maude
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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Ozkan O, Sevim N, Ocek Z. Deployment of dentists in COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing: An example from Turkey. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2023; 18:Doc27. [PMID: 38111600 PMCID: PMC10726721 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Aim In Turkey, dentists working in public dental care centers were deployed in COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing (CICT) teams during the pandemic. This study aims to explore the experiences of the dentists assigned to teams undertaking COVID-19 CICT practices to determine how healthcare workers should be supported when working in pandemic response and other crises. Material and method The sample of this qualitative, phenomenological study consisted of thirty four public dentists assigned to COVID-19 CICT practices in four metropolitan areas of Turkey. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews that were conducted online in August and September 2020. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results Six themes were revealed: preparation for CICT, basic requirements, work relations, working conditions, being a dentist assigned to CICT and COVID-19 pandemic management. The dentists complained that they were not appropriately assigned to CICT, as they lacked the preparations and sufficient training. They had to acquire personal protective equipment and other basic needs at their own expense. The working conditions were severe, and they had negative relations at work. The State and the Ministry of Health were criticized for inadequate implementation of institutional measures for COVID-19 pandemic management. Conclusions The study showed that dentists were motivated to participate in the management of pandemics and similar crisis situations, but in a negative work environment - where they were deployed without adequate training, preparation, and ensuring their basic needs and requirements were met - they lost this motivation, and experienced stress and feelings of inadequacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Ozkan
- Department of Health, Kocaeli Academy for Solidarity, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | | | - Zeliha Ocek
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology (IBE), Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
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12
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Kisiel MA, Lee S, Janols H, Faramarzi A. Absenteeism Costs Due to COVID-19 and Their Predictors in Non-Hospitalized Patients in Sweden: A Poisson Regression Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7052. [PMID: 37998283 PMCID: PMC10671172 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to estimate absenteeism costs and identify their predictors in non-hospitalized patients in Sweden. METHODS This cross-sectional study's data were derived from the longitudinal project conducted at Uppsala University Hospital. The mean absenteeism costs due to COVID-19 were calculated using the human capital approach, and a Poisson regression analysis was employed to determine predictors of these costs. RESULTS The findings showed that the average absenteeism cost due to COVID-19 was USD 1907.1, compared to USD 919.4 before the pandemic (p < 0.001). Notably, the average absenteeism cost for females was significantly higher due to COVID-19 compared to before the pandemic (USD 1973.5 vs. USD 756.3, p = 0.001). Patients who had not fully recovered at the 12-month follow-up exhibited significantly higher costs than those without symptoms at that point (USD 3389.7 vs. USD 546.7, p < 0.001). The Poisson regression revealed that several socioeconomic factors, including age, marital status, country of birth, educational level, smoking status, BMI, and occupation, along with COVID-19-related factors such as severity at onset, pandemic wave, persistent symptoms at the follow-up, and newly introduced treatment for depression after the infection, were significant predictors of the absenteeism costs. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that the mean absenteeism costs due to COVID-19 doubled compared to the year preceding the pandemic. This information is invaluable for decision-makers and contributes to a better understanding of the economic aspects of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A. Kisiel
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Seika Lee
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Primary Care Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Helena Janols
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Ahmad Faramarzi
- Department of Health Economics and Management, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 57147-83734, Iran
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Monteiro WF, Lima KJV, Ferreira DS, de Andrade LLC, Ramos FRS. Existing workloads among managers and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Meanings in the Amazon context. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292541. [PMID: 37796954 PMCID: PMC10553318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global COVID-19 pandemic has increased the concern and risks of health professionals exposed by acting on the front lines in combating and controlling the spread of the virus. This study aims at analyzing the workloads and their implications for the activities carried out by managers and health workers in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. METHOD This is a qualitative study, of the case study type, that integrates a macro research that deals with the experiences built during the confrontation of the pandemic of COVID-19 in the capital of the state of Amazonas, Brazil, the epicenter of the pandemic in the country. Data production resorted to documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews with 56 managers or professionals from the Manaus Health Care Network. The analytical process was supported by the resources of the Atlas.ti 8.0 software and the precepts of Thematic Networks analysis. RESULTS The thematic network "workloads" brought together three topics related to the experience of psychological, physiological and biological loads. Psychological workloads were strongly present in the work routine, being referred to in a more significant way. The sources that increase them are strongly related to work stress, dealing with suffering and death and excess demand on the service. Physiological loads were related to excessive working hours, staff shortages and activity overload. "Biological burdens" include exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, constant contact with infected individuals, and individual protection as key elements of this set. CONCLUSION The study showed that both managers and workers have work processes and environments with conditions that tend to generate workloads that harm their health and safety, as well as institutions and patient care. Therefore, there is a need for more effective organizational actions in workers' health surveillance, disease prevention, adequate working conditions, reducing workloads and promoting more resolute and less stressful work environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagner Ferreira Monteiro
- Department of Graduate Studies in Tropical Medicine, Tropical Medicine Foundation Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Kássia Janara Veras Lima
- Department of Graduate Studies in Tropical Medicine, Tropical Medicine Foundation Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Darlisom Sousa Ferreira
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Public Health Nursing, State University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - Flávia Regina Souza Ramos
- Department of Graduate Studies in Tropical Medicine, Tropical Medicine Foundation Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Public Health Nursing, State University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Nursing Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Dookeeram D, Hariharan S, Hambleton I, Ali K, Teelucksingh S, Ramsewak S, Dookeeram D, Maharaj SB. Experiences with SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in Trinidad and Tobago, a small island developing state: realities and opportunities. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 26:100589. [PMID: 37727866 PMCID: PMC10505969 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted significant global challenges that are expressed in a variety of socio-politico-economic scenarios, depending upon individual countries' preparedness and resilience. The impact COVID-19 in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), most of which are categorized as Lower and Middle-Income Countries, has been pronounced. Furthermore, many of these SIDS possess specific vulnerabilities to global threats. This paper contextualizes the experience of Trinidad and Tobago from some perspectives of geoeconomics, healthcare, and international relations. In many ways, the experience is similar to that of other SIDS with the inherent nuances of a post-colonial world. Trinidad and Tobago was ranked number one by the Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) "Lockdown rollback checklist: Do countries meet WHO recommendations for rolling back lockdown?". Despite the significant political support to combat the disease, by the end of 2022, the country had recorded over four thousand deaths and just over 50% of the population is vaccinated. This paper seeks to discuss the successes and challenges faced by this twin island state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Dookeeram
- Sangre Grande Hospital, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Trinidad and Tobago
- School of Pharmacy, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Ian Hambleton
- George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Barbados
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Kareema Ali
- Sangre Grande Hospital, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Samuel Ramsewak
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Sandeep Bhupendra Maharaj
- School of Pharmacy, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago
- Planetary Health Alliance, Boston, MA, USA
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Le T, Le TTB, Van Truong L, Luu MN, Tran Minh Duc N, Makram AM, Van Dat T, Huy NT. Knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding COVID-19-related prevention practice among residents in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1100335. [PMID: 37397719 PMCID: PMC10309564 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1100335] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vietnam was one of the countries pursuing the goal of "Zero-COVID" and had effectively achieved it in the first three waves of the pandemic. However, the spread of the Delta variant was outbreak first in Vietnam in late April 2021, in which Ho Chi Minh City was the worst affected. This study surveyed the public's knowledge, attitude, perception, and practice (KAPP) toward COVID-19 during the rapid rise course of the outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted from 30th September to 16th November 2021, involving 963 residents across the city. We asked residents a series of 21 questions. The response rate was 76.6%. We set a priori level of significance at α = 0.05 for all statistical tests. Results The residents' KAPP scores were 68.67% ± 17.16, 77.33% ± 18.71, 74.7% ± 26.25, and 72.31% ± 31, respectively. KAPP scores of the medical staff were higher than the non-medical group. Our study showed positive, medium-strong Pearson correlations between knowledge and practice (r = 0.337), attitude and practice (r = 0.405), and perception and practice (r = 0.671; p < 0.05). We found 16 rules to estimate the conditional probabilities among KAPP scores via the association rule mining method. Mainly, 94% confident probability of participants had {Knowledge=Good, Attitude=Good, Perception=Good}, as well as {Practice=Good} (in rule 9 with support of 17.6%). In opposition to around 86% to 90% of the times, participants had levels of {Perception=Fair, Practice=Poor} given with either {Attitude=Fair} or {Knowledge=Fair} (according to rules 1, 2, and rules 15, 16 with a support of 7-8%). Conclusion In addition to the government's directives and policies, citizens' knowledge, attitude, perception, and practice are considered one of the critical preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results affirmed the good internal relationship among K, A, P, and P scores creating a hierarchy of healthcare educational goals and health behavior among residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoa Le
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Trang T. B. Le
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Le Van Truong
- Traditional Medicine Hospital of Ministry of Public Security, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mai Ngoc Luu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Tran Minh Duc
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Truong Van Dat
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Rahayuwati L, Mutyara K, Nugraha RR, Khatiwada M, Dochez C, Kartasasmita C. COVID-19 Vaccine Perspective Among University Lecturers and Students: A Qualitative Study of Pre Implementation of Vaccination. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:1619-1629. [PMID: 37325125 PMCID: PMC10266379 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s416123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The determinants of vaccine preferences and hesitancy varied by time and place. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the perspective of a COVID-19 vaccine among university-based groups. Methodology This qualitative research involved lecturers and students, and a selection of online focused group discussion was conducted based on the following criteria, including representatives of the health and non-health faculties, with at least 8 attendees in lecturer groups, and 8 participants in student groups. Results This study is described in 8 themes covering various issues about COVID-19 vaccine, such as views on COVID-19 vaccine, fake news, vaccine implementation by government. Conclusion The assessment of vaccine perspective shows that although awaited by some people, it also creates contradictions. This is due to the massive amount of information available regarding the vaccine descriptions. The role of the government as the main policy maker is to provide the right information and to make the right decisions about vaccines and vaccination implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laili Rahayuwati
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Kuswandewi Mutyara
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, 45363, Indonesia
| | | | - Madan Khatiwada
- Network for Education and Support in Immunisation (NESI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Carine Dochez
- Network for Education and Support in Immunisation (NESI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Cissy Kartasasmita
- Department of Pediatric, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, 40161, Indonesia
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Pietrantonio F, Vinci A, Maurici M, Ciarambino T, Galli B, Signorini A, La Fazia VM, Rosselli F, Fortunato L, Iodice R, Materazzo M, Ciuca A, Cicerchia LCM, Ruggeri M, Manfellotto D, Rosiello F, Moriconi A. Intra- and Extra-Hospitalization Monitoring of Vital Signs-Two Sides of the Same Coin: Perspectives from LIMS and Greenline-HT Study Operators. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5408. [PMID: 37420575 PMCID: PMC10305521 DOI: 10.3390/s23125408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, due to the epidemiological transition, the burden of very complex patients in hospital wards has increased. Telemedicine usage appears to be a potential high-impact factor in helping with patient management, allowing hospital personnel to assess conditions in out-of-hospital scenarios. METHODS To investigate the management of chronic patients during both hospitalization for disease and discharge, randomized studies (LIMS and Greenline-HT) are ongoing in the Internal Medicine Unit at ASL Roma 6 Castelli Hospital. The study endpoints are clinical outcomes (from a patient's perspective). In this perspective paper, the main findings of these studies, from the operators' point of view, are reported. Operator opinions were collected from structured and unstructured surveys conducted among the staff involved, and their main themes are reported in a narrative manner. RESULTS Telemonitoring appears to be linked to a reduction in side-events and side-effects, which represent some of most commons risk factors for re-hospitalization and for delayed discharge during hospitalization. The main perceived advantages are increased patient safety and the quick response in case of emergency. The main disadvantages are believed to be related to low patient compliance and an infrastructural lack of optimization. CONCLUSIONS The evidence of wireless monitoring studies, combined with the analysis of activity data, suggests the need for a model of patient management that envisages an increase in the territory of structures capable of offering patients subacute care (the possibility of antibiotic treatments, blood transfusions, infusion support, and pain therapy) for the timely management of chronic patients in the terminal phase, for which treatment in acute wards must be guaranteed only for a limited time for the management of the acute phase of their diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Pietrantonio
- Internal Medicine Unit, Castelli Hospital, Asl Roma 6, 00072 Rome, Italy
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine, St. Camillus University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Antonio Vinci
- Local Health Authority Roma 1, 00193 Rome, Italy;
- Doctoral School in Nursing Science and Public Health, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Maurici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Ciarambino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Barbara Galli
- Casa Circondariale Rebibbia, Nuovo Complesso Prison, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Signorini
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine, St. Camillus University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Vincenzo Mirco La Fazia
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David’s Medical Center, Austin, TX 78705, USA;
- Department of Systems Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francescantonio Rosselli
- Cardiology and Coronary Intensive Therapy Unit, San Francesco di Paola Hospital, 87027 Paola, Italy;
| | | | - Rosa Iodice
- Studio Legale Fortunato, 00100 Roma, Italy; (L.F.)
| | - Marco Materazzo
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgical Science, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, 00100 Rome, Italy;
- PhD Program in Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ciuca
- Department of Infectious Disease and Public Health, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | | | - Matteo Ruggeri
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine, St. Camillus University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (M.R.)
- National Centre for Health Technology Assessment, National Health Institute, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Manfellotto
- UOC Medicina Interna, Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy;
- “Centro Studi” FADOI, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Rosiello
- Internal Medicine Unit, Castelli Hospital, Asl Roma 6, 00072 Rome, Italy
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine, St. Camillus University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (M.R.)
- Department of Infectious Disease and Public Health, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
- Department of Hystological, Anatomical Sciences and Legal Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Moriconi
- Department of Business and Management, LUISS University, 00197 Rome, Italy;
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Wojczyk M, Niewiadomska E, Kowalska M. The Incidence Proportion of SARS-CoV-2 Infections and the Percentage of Deaths among Infected Healthcare Workers in Poland. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113714. [PMID: 37297910 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The incidence proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Poland is not exactly known. This study aims to present secondary epidemiological data identifying the scale of the spread of novel coronavirus infection and the estimation of vaccination coverage in selected professional groups of HCWs in Poland. (2) Methods: The secondary epidemiological data included both the number of infections and infection fatality rate (IFR) in individual occupational groups, which occurred throughout the observation period (January 2021-July 2022), both in the country and in individual voivodeship (administrative area). (3) Results: The incidence proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs was 16.48%. The highest percentage of infected workers concerned laboratory scientists (21.62%) and paramedics (18%). The highest frequency of infections among HCWs occurred in the province of Zachodnio-Pomorskie (18.9%). Due to COVID-19, 558 healthcare workers died during the analysed period, mostly nurses (n = 236) and doctors (n = 200). The results regarding the vaccination coverage of HCWs against COVID-19 indicate the highest percentage of vaccinated were among doctors (83.63%) and the lowest among physiotherapists (38.2%). (4) Conclusions: In general, the percentage of infections was high in Poland during the pandemic (16.48%). Significant territorial differences were observed in the frequency of infections, deaths, and percentage of vaccinated workers in individual voivodeships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Wojczyk
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Ewa Niewiadomska
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kowalska
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
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Dardas LA, Sallam M, Woodward A, Sweis N, Sweis N, Sawair FA. Evaluating Research Impact Based on Semantic Scholar Highly Influential Citations, Total Citations, and Altmetric Attention Scores: The Quest for Refined Measures Remains Illusive. PUBLICATIONS 2023; 11:5. [DOI: 10.3390/publications11010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The evaluation of scholarly articles’ impact has been heavily based on the citation metrics despite the limitations of this approach. Therefore, the quest for meticulous and refined measures to evaluate publications’ impact is warranted. Semantic Scholar (SS) is an artificial intelligence-based database that allegedly identifies influential citations defined as “Highly Influential Citations” (HICs). Citations are considered highly influential according to SS when the cited publication has a significant impact on the citing publication (i.e., the citer uses or extends the cited work). Altmetrics are measures of online attention to research mined from activity in online tools and environments. Aims: The current study aimed to explore whether SS HICs provide an added value when it comes to measuring research impact compared to total citation counts and Altmetric Attention Score (AAS). Methods: Dimensions was used to generate the dataset for this study, which included COVID-19-related scholarly articles published by researchers affiliated to Jordanian institutions. Altmetric Explorer was selected as an altmetrics harvesting tool, while Semantic Scholar was used to extract details related to HICs. A total of 618 publications comprised the final dataset. Results: Only 4.57% (413/9029) of the total SS citations compiled in this study were classified as SS HICs. Based on SS categories of citations intent, 2626 were background citations (29.08%, providing historical context, justification of importance, and/or additional information related to the cited paper), 358 were result citations (3.97%, that extend on findings from research that was previously conducted), and 263 were method citations (2.91%, that use the previously established procedures or experiments to determine whether the results are consistent with findings in related studies). No correlation was found between HICs and AAS (r = 0.094). Manual inspection of the results revealed substantial contradictions, flaws, and inconsistencies in the SS HICs tool. Conclusions: The use of SS HICs in gauging research impact is significantly limited due to the enigmatic method of its calculation and total dependence on artificial intelligence. Along with the already documented drawbacks of total citation counts and AASs, continuous evaluation of the existing tools and the conception of novel approaches are highly recommended to improve the reliability of publication impact assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latefa Ali Dardas
- Community Health Nursing Department, School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Amanda Woodward
- Lane Medical Library, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nadia Sweis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Narjes Sweis
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Faleh A. Sawair
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine and Periodontology, School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Deanship of the Scientific Research, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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20
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Abu Alhommos AK, AlSaad BA, AlRamadan HS, AlAlwan IA, Butayban LS, AlHamad RA, AlSalman ZA, El Hassan ELW. Knowledge of COVID-19 and Its Treatment Among Healthcare Worker in Al-Ahsa Region of Saudi Arabia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:2481-2492. [PMID: 36329926 PMCID: PMC9624203 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s382706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To find out how well healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia's eastern region knew about the novel coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19) in terms of its symptoms, transmission, and treatment. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Saudi Arabian region of Al-Ahsa. Between December 2020 and March 2021, a questionnaire was distributed in the main hospitals in the eastern region: King Fahad Hospital, Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Hospital, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center, and Maternity and Children's Hospital. Participants' knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and treatment was assessed using our developed questionnaire tool. The Student's t-test/ANOVA test was used to compare the mean knowledge scores of different demographic groups. Results A total of 300 HCWs participated in this study. Our study sample's mean knowledge score was 6.9 (SD = 2.1) out of 13 (53.1%), indicating a marginal degree of understanding. The duration of practice had a significant effect on the participants' knowledge of COVID-19. Senior and non-Saudi HCWs had a higher knowledge score than the rest of the groups (p ≤ 0.05). The majority of the participants were able to identify that COVID-19 is transmitted from human to human through respiratory droplets, populations at higher risk of developing severe complications, populations needing screening for COVID-19, main clinical symptoms of COVID-19, and were following the WHO guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusion According to our findings, HCWs only had marginal knowledge about the symptoms, transmission, and treatment of COVID-19. As our findings represent early investigation at the start of the pandemic, more research is needed to evaluate the degree of information gathered two years after the outbreak began. Furthermore, future research should identify knowledge gaps in the targeted population of HCWs and provide strategies to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Khaleel Abu Alhommos
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Clinical Pharmacy College, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bayan Ahmed AlSaad
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Clinical Pharmacy College, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hebah Saleh AlRamadan
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Clinical Pharmacy College, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Inass Ahmed AlAlwan
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Clinical Pharmacy College, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Layla Saleh Butayban
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Clinical Pharmacy College, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ruqaeya Abdullah AlHamad
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Clinical Pharmacy College, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - E L Walid El Hassan
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Clinical Pharmacy College, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Pandey BD, Ngwe Tun MM, Pandey K, Dumre SP, Nwe KM, Shah Y, Culleton R, Takamatsu Y, Costello A, Morita K. How an Outbreak of COVID-19 Circulated Widely in Nepal: A Chronological Analysis of the National Response to an Unprecedented Pandemic. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1087. [PMID: 35888175 PMCID: PMC9321054 DOI: 10.3390/life12071087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first COVID-19 case was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The first COVID-19 case in Nepal was reported in January 2020 in a Nepalese man who had returned from Wuhan to Nepal. This study aims to evaluate the government of Nepal's (GoN) response to the COVID-19 pandemic and explore ways to prevent COVID-19 and other pandemic diseases in the future. As of May 2022, a total of 979,140 cases and 11,951 deaths associated with COVID-19 have been reported in Nepal. To prevent the spread of the virus, the GoN initiated various preventive and control measures, including lockdown strategies. The effects of COVID-19 are expected to persist for many years; the best strategies a resource-limited country such as Nepal can implement to control pandemic diseases such as COVID-19 in the pre-vaccine stage are to increase testing, tracing, and isolation capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basu Dev Pandey
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Mya Myat Ngwe Tun
- Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (M.M.N.T.); (K.M.N.); (Y.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Kishor Pandey
- Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal;
| | - Shyam Prakash Dumre
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal;
| | - Khin Mya Nwe
- Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (M.M.N.T.); (K.M.N.); (Y.T.); (K.M.)
| | | | - Richard Culleton
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan;
| | - Yuki Takamatsu
- Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (M.M.N.T.); (K.M.N.); (Y.T.); (K.M.)
| | - Anthony Costello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
| | - Kouichi Morita
- Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (M.M.N.T.); (K.M.N.); (Y.T.); (K.M.)
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22
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The Impact of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers: An Italian Retrospective Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095205. [PMID: 35564600 PMCID: PMC9104723 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) played an essential role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL) and the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) developed a retrospective study to analyze and understand trends and characteristics of infections among HCWs during the first wave of the pandemic. Between May and September 2020, Italian Regions retrospectively collected anonymous data regarding HCWs infected from the beginning of the pandemic until 30 April 2020 from their administrative sources through a questionnaire asking for socio-demographic and occupational information about the characteristics of contagion and disease outcome. Almost 16,000 valid questionnaires were received. Logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effect of age, gender, geographical macro area, profession, and pre-existing health conditions on the likelihood of HCWs developing more severe forms of COVID-19 (at least hospitalization with mild symptoms). All predictor variables were statistically significant. HCWs at higher risk of developing a more severe disease were males (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.44–2.51), older than 60 years of age (OR: 6.00; 95% CI: 3.30–10.91), doctors (OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 2.22–9.02), working in Lombardy (OR: 55.24; 95% CI: 34.96–87.29) and with pre-existing health conditions (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.43–2.51). This study analyses the main reasons for the overload put on the National Health Service by the first wave of the pandemic and the risk of infection for HCWs by age, gender, occupational profile and pre-existing health conditions. Improved knowledge, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a tight vaccination campaign for HCWs strongly changed the trend of infections among HCWs, with substantial elimination of serious and fatal cases.
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