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Chen F, Xu QH. Disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practices among childcare facilities staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, China: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1335560. [PMID: 38638484 PMCID: PMC11024235 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1335560] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding disinfection and hand hygiene, along with associated influencing factors among childcare facilities staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, and to provide information for developing disinfection and hand hygiene strategies for childcare facilities. Methods A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Anhui Province residents in China in September 2020. In this study, 60 childcare facilities in two cities of Anhui Province were selected using the convenient sampling method for questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed through a web-based platform. The disinfection and hand hygiene KAP scores among childcare facilities staff were calculated, and their influencing factors were analyzed. The accuracy rates of knowledge, attitude, and practice of behavior were calculated and analyzed. Results A total of 1,029 participants were included in the study. The disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice ranged from approximately 5 to 23, 1 to 5, 3 to 13, respectively. The score of urban areas was higher than that of rural areas. Higher education levels and more years of working were associated with higher scores. Additionally, staff who received training or supervision had higher scores than those without. The categories with the lowest knowledge accuracy rate (46.3%), lowest attitude accuracy rate (4.2%), and "always" practice rate (5.3%) among childcare facility staff were all related to the question categories concerning the appropriate range of disinfectants for use. The accuracy rates of hand hygiene knowledge and attitude among the childcare facility staff were high (83.7%-99.6%), but the "always" practice rate was in the middle range (63.0%). Conclusion The disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge among childcare facilities staff was inadequate during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui. Continuous implementation of education and training, particularly in rural areas, is essential. Establishing a monitoring system to assess usage effectiveness and adverse reactions in China is critical. Interventions should focus on increasing compliance with hand hygiene practices. Further research should explore the training and intervention of disinfection and hand hygiene, the safety of disinfection measures, and more operational hand hygiene methods in childcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qing Hua Xu
- Anhui Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Graichen J, Stingl C, Pakarinen A, Rosio R, Terho K, Günther SA, Salanterä S, Staake T. Improving hand hygiene of young children with a digital intervention: a cluster-randomised controlled field trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6157. [PMID: 38486036 PMCID: PMC10940613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Contagious diseases that affect young children place a great burden on them and their families. Proper hand hygiene is an important measure to reduce the disease burden, however, its implementation in day care centres is challenging. This paper introduces a digital intervention to support independent and good handwashing among young children. The intervention leverages animated instructions triggered by water and soap use, together with a symbolic reward shown to children on a screen during and immediately after handwashing. We tested the intervention in a pre-registered, cluster-randomised controlled field trial in 4 day care centres in Finland and Germany with 162 children over 42 days. The intervention increased soaping time, used as a proxy for handwashing quality, by 5.30 s (+ 62%, p < 0.001). The effect occurs immediately at the onset of the intervention and is maintained throughout the intervention phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Graichen
- Department of Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany.
| | - Carlo Stingl
- Department of Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Anni Pakarinen
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Rosio
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kirsi Terho
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Sebastian A Günther
- Department of Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Sanna Salanterä
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Thorsten Staake
- Department of Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- Department of Management, Technology and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kim C, Yu J, Lee YG, Kim J, Bae S. Identifying behavior of long-distance virus transmission and mitigation performance from a COVID-19 outbreak of a daycare center. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113318. [PMID: 35461843 PMCID: PMC9022399 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
During the last two years, hundreds of millions of people in the world have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 due to recurrent waves and closed spaces. Daycare centers are critical infrastructures that cannot be replaced, even during the COVID-19 period. However, the existing settings in daycare centers may pose risks of inevitable close contact between teachers and children, as well as fomite and airborne transmission during care hours. Therefore, reinforced mitigation strategies have been applied in daycare centers to reduce potential indoor virus transfer in many countries. However, numerous outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported in daycare centers. Therefore, in this study, researchers focused on the risk and behavior of long-distance virus transmission based on the detected viruses on air purifier filter sampling in a daycare center outbreak in Korea. Various experiments of possible situations were conducted in nursing rooms based on field interviews. The experiments monitored the long-distance transmission behavior of aerosol-sized particles and visualized particle behavior at the daycare center. The results of this study revealed that long-distance virus transmission is possible under the current settings in the daycare center, and flush-out can be an important countermeasure with reinforced ventilation methods to prevent potential airborne spread in the daycare center. The results of air purifiers represented that air purifiers should be properly installed and operated in the daycare center to prevent airborne virus spread by airflow during occupied hours. The findings of this study will contribute to the understanding of airborne virus risk and the development of customized virus measures for daycare centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chul Kim
- Department of Building Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-Si, 10223, South Korea
| | - Jungyeon Yu
- Department of Building Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-Si, 10223, South Korea
| | - Yun Gyu Lee
- Department of Building Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-Si, 10223, South Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Chungcheong Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Daejeon, 35233, South Korea
| | - Sanghwan Bae
- Department of Building Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-Si, 10223, South Korea.
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Maassel N, Saccary A, Solomon D, Stitelman D, Xu Y, Li F, Christison-Lagay E, Dodington J. Firework-related injuries treated at emergency departments in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2018-2019. Inj Epidemiol 2021; 8:65. [PMID: 34758871 PMCID: PMC8579722 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-021-00358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite a national decrease in emergency department visits in the United States during the first 10 months of the pandemic, preliminary Consumer Product Safety Commission data indicate increased firework-related injuries. We hypothesized an increase in firework-related injuries during 2020 compared to years prior related to a corresponding increase in consumer firework sales. Methods The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried from 2018 to 2020 for cases with product codes 1313 (firework injury) and narratives containing “fireworks”. Population-based national estimates were calculated using US Census data, then compared across the three years of study inclusion. Patient demographic and available injury information was also tracked and compared across the three years. Firework sales data obtained from the American Pyrotechnics Association were determined for the same time period to examine trends in consumption. Results There were 935 firework-related injuries reported to the NEISS from 2018 to 2020, 47% of which occurred during 2020. National estimates for monthly injuries per million were 1.6 times greater in 2020 compared to 2019 (p < 0.0001) with no difference between 2018 and 2019 (p = 0.38). The same results were found when the month of July was excluded. Firework consumption in 2020 was 1.5 times greater than 2019 or 2018, with a 55% increase in consumer fireworks and 22% decrease in professional fireworks sales. Conclusions Firework-related injures saw a substantial increase in 2020 compared to the two years prior, corroborated by a proportional increase in consumer firework sales. Increased incidence of firework-related injuries was detected even with the exclusion of the month of July, suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted firework epidemiology more broadly than US Independence Day celebrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Maassel
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Abbie Saccary
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daniel Solomon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Stitelman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yunshan Xu
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fangyong Li
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily Christison-Lagay
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James Dodington
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Nabe-Nielsen K, Christensen KB, Fuglsang NV, Larsen I, Nilsson CJ. The effect of COVID-19 on schoolteachers' emotional reactions and mental health: longitudinal results from the CLASS study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 95:855-865. [PMID: 34661723 PMCID: PMC8522178 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01806-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose We investigated schoolteachers’ emotional reactions to COVID-19 and mental health during three phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. We further analyzed if teachers, who belonged to a COVID-19 risk group, had more emotional reactions and poorer mental health than “non-risk” groups. Methods We collected questionnaire data in May, June, and November–December 2020 and used data from 2665 teachers at public schools (871 individuals participated in all three surveys). Participants reported their fear of infection, fear of transmission of infection to their home or pupils, perceived burnout and stress, and worries about their ability to manage the working conditions. We included information about COVID-19 risk group status, gender, age, organization of teaching (physical presence or remote teaching), and the pupils’ grade. We estimated prevalence ratios and took repeated measures into account. Results Emotional reactions and poor mental health increased significantly with 27–84% from May to November–December 2020. Teachers, who were particularly vulnerable to the adverse consequences of COVID-19, had the highest prevalence of fear of infection and poor mental health. Conclusion Teachers play a crucial role in a society’s response to a pandemic. Yet, the dual role of teaching and virus control along with concerns regarding the health consequences of an infection may contribute to the observed increase in emotional reactions to COVID-19 and poor mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Karl Bang Christensen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Inge Larsen
- Danish Unions of Teachers, Vandkunsten 12, 1467, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Juul Nilsson
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sweeney-Reed CM, Wolff D, Hörnschemeyer S, Faßhauer H, Haase A, Schomburg D, Niggel J, Kabesch M, Apfelbacher C. Feasibility of a surveillance programme based on gargle samples and pool testing to prevent SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in schools. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19521. [PMID: 34593887 PMCID: PMC8484445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98849-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
School closures have a negative impact on physical and mental well-being, and education, of children and adolescents. A surveillance programme to detect asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection could allow schools to remain open, while protecting the vulnerable. We assessed the feasibility of a programme employing gargle samples and pool testing of individually extracted RNA using rRT-qPCR in a primary and a secondary school in Germany, based on programme logistics and acceptance. Twice a week, five participants per class were selected to provide samples, using an algorithm weighted by a risk-based priority score to increase likelihood of case detection. The positive response rate was 54.8% (550 of 1003 pupils). Logistics evaluation revealed the rate-limiting steps: completing the regular pre-test questionnaire and handing in the samples. Acceptance questionnaire responses indicated strong support for research into developing a surveillance programme and a positive evaluation of gargle tests. Participation was voluntary. As not all pupils participated, individual reminders could lead to participant identification. School-wide implementation of the programme for infection monitoring purposes would enable reminders to be given to all school pupils to address these steps, without compromising participant anonymity. Such a programme would provide a feasible means to monitor asymptomatic respiratory tract infection in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Sweeney-Reed
- Neurocybernetics and Rehabilitation, Dept. of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Doreen Wolff
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Hörnschemeyer
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henriette Faßhauer
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Haase
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schomburg
- Institute of Biometry und Medical Informatics (IBMI), Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Niggel
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- MaganaMed GmbH, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Kabesch
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
- Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health System Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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7
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Reopening of Schools in the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Quality of Life of Teachers While Coping with This New Challenge in the North of Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157791. [PMID: 34360082 PMCID: PMC8345406 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study aims to analyze how teachers perceived their quality of life when coping with the reopening of schools after their closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was carried out with a total sample of 1633 teachers from the Department of Education of the Basque Autonomous Community (Northern Spain), all of the professionals working in different educational centers, from preschool education to university studies, with the average age of 42.02 years (SD = 10.40). Main Outcome Measures: For this purpose, the Spanish version of the WHOQOL-BREF was used. Results: The highest values of perceived quality of life were found in the dimension of psychological health, followed by the dimension of physical health, the social relations dimension, and finally, the environmental dimensions. The results also revealed significant differences depending on gender, age, having a chronic illness, or living with someone who has a chronic illness, employment security, and educational sector. Conclusion: The study shows that it is important to attend to teachers’ health and quality of life, especially older teachers, those with a chronic illness, caregivers, those with job insecurity, and those who teach in preschool education.
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Sanni UA, Offiong UM, Anigilaje EA, Airede KI, Imam A. A pre-COVID-19 assessment of aspects of the school health programme in some selected Nigerian primary schools: implications for school re-opening during the COVID-19 pandemic in developing country contexts. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1214. [PMID: 34167515 PMCID: PMC8223233 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures were part of the global public health response to limit community spread of the virus. In recent times, there has been an emphasis on safe school re-opening. This concept is likely to differ between developed and developing country settings. There are however no published studies on barriers hindering safe school re-opening within developing country contexts. This study evaluates aspects of the school health program (SHP) in some selected Nigerian schools that might relate to the pandemic control during school re-opening. METHODS In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of the SHP of 146 registered primary schools in Gwagwalada Area Council in Abuja, Nigeria. These schools provided services to about 54,562 students. We used direct observational methods and interviewer-administered questionnaires to assess the SHP of each school. We compare SHP characteristics that might relate to COVID-19 control in schools across government-owned (public) and privately-owned (private) schools using a pre-defined framework. RESULTS Public school to pupil ratios was more than six times that of private schools. Only 6.9% of all surveyed schools employed qualified health personnel. Although 8 in every 10 schools conducted health talks for communicable disease control, the use of temporary isolation and school-based immunization were low at 1.4 and 2.7% respectively. Pipe-borne water access was present in 4 of 10 schools, with public schools having more limited access than private schools (p = 0.009). Similarly, less proportion of public schools had access to soap for handwashing (p < 0.001). Adequate classroom ventilation was present in 63% of surveyed schools, with private schools having more limited ventilation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Overcrowding and infrastructural deficits within developing country contexts represent barriers to safe school re-opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. In these settings, there needs to be tailored and innovative strategies which consider local practical realities when designing the COVID-19 control programs during school re-opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman A Sanni
- Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi, Nigeria
| | - Uduak M Offiong
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel A Anigilaje
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, P.M.B 117, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Kareem I Airede
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, P.M.B 117, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Abdulazeez Imam
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Atlantic Boulevard, P.O. Box 273, Fajara, Gambia.
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9
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Sweeney-Reed CM, Wolff D, Niggel J, Kabesch M, Apfelbacher C. Pool Testing as a Strategy for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks in Schools: Protocol for a Feasibility Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e28673. [PMID: 33979297 PMCID: PMC8166266 DOI: 10.2196/28673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School closures are a widely implemented strategy for limiting infection spread in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The negative impact of school closures on children and young people is increasingly apparent, however. OBJECTIVE We aim to evaluate the feasibility of an infection monitoring program in schools to enable targeted quarantining to replace school closures. The program is currently being implemented in two model schools in Magdeburg, Germany, within the framework of the Study of Coronavirus Outbreak Prevention in Magdeburg Schools (Studie zur Ausbruchsvermeidung von Corona an Magdeburger Schulen [STACAMA]). METHODS Five pupils per class are pseudorandomly selected twice a week and asked to provide a gargle sample over a 16-week evaluation period. RNA is extracted from each sample individually in a laboratory and pooled according to school class for real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) analysis. Immediate individual sample testing will be carried out in the case of a positive pool test. Individual RNA extraction prior to pooling and application of rRT-PCR result in high test sensitivity. Testing will be performed in strict adherence to data protection standards. All participating pupils will receive a 16-digit study code, which they will be able to use to access their test. RESULTS When the study commenced on December 2, 2020, 520 (52%) pupils and their families or guardians had consented to study participation. The study was suspended after four test rounds due to renewed school closures resulting from rising regional infection incidence. Testing resumed when schools reopened on March 8, 2021, at which time consent to participation was provided for 54% of pupils. We will quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the logistics and acceptability of the program. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study should inform the design of infection surveillance programs in schools based on gargle samples and a PCR-based pool testing procedure, enabling the identification of aspects that may require adaptation before large-scale implementation. Our focus on each step of the logistics and on the experiences of families should enable a robust assessment of the feasibility of such an approach. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/28673.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Sweeney-Reed
- Neurocybernetics and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Doreen Wolff
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Niggel
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- MaganaMed GbmH, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Kabesch
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
- Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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10
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School opening during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Public acceptance of wearing fabric masks in class. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2021; 2:100115. [PMID: 33817681 PMCID: PMC8007211 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2021.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Policy decisions regarding mask wearing in schools in times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will likely be made despite a lack of scientific data. Public acceptance is therefore an important indicator to inform the communication activities that accompany the introduction of a new policy. The goal was to assess acceptance and relevant target groups for communication activities. Study design Cross-sectional online survey embedded in the regular German COVID-19 monitoring. Methods Besides sociodemographic information, trust in institutions, knowledge about COVID-19 and protective behaviors, as well as risk perceptions, we assessed public acceptance of school-related mask policies of parents and non-parents (total N = 957). Results In the absence of mandatory mask policies in schools in Germany in August 2020, the general agreement with mask wearing in school was low. Those living in bigger cities or communities – where class sizes are usually larger – agreed more with mask wearing in class; those who felt a greater risk, had greater trust in institutions, or felt higher self-efficacy in fighting the outbreak also wanted children to wear a mask in class. Women were more likely than men to disagree with mask wearing in class. Agreement was highest that policies should uniformly apply for all institutions within a state/province and should not be regulated at the school level or federal/country level. Conclusions Implementing mask policies in school will require intense communication. Acceptance of these policies from teachers and pupils should be considered as well. Women seem to be an important target group as they supported mask wearing in class less than men. Women’s roles in controlling infectious diseases in school should therefore receive special attention and support. Parents rather want teachers than children to wear masks. Those living in bigger cities or communities agreed more with masks in class. Women were more likely than men to disagree with mask wearing in class.
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Theiß K, Simon A, Graf N, Rohrer T. Management of the First COVID-19 Wave in 45 Pediatric Practices in Saarland. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2021; 83:258-264. [PMID: 33723829 PMCID: PMC8136419 DOI: 10.1055/a-1384-0568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund
Das Saarland ist in der ersten Welle der COVID-19-Pandemie eines der am stärksten betroffenen Bundesländer. Niedergelassene Kinder- und Jugendärzte sind für pädiatrische Patienten und ihre Familien erste Ansprechpartner.
Fragestellung
Darstellung der Herausforderungen und Maßnahmen zur Aufrechterhaltung der Patientenversorgung sowie der Zusammenarbeit während der COVID-19-Pandemie.
Methoden
Internet-basierte Befragung der niedergelassenen Kinder- und Jugendärzte sowie papierbasierte Befragung von nicht-ärztlichem Assistenzpersonal der Kinder- und Jugendarztpraxen im Saarland.
Ergebnisse
Inhaber von 85% sowie Assistenzpersonal aus 81% der Praxen nahmen teil. Für 71% der Praxisinhaber bzw. 48% des Assistenzpersonals bestand ein erhöhtes persönliches Ausfallrisiko als Risikogruppenangehörige oder aufgrund von Betreuungsverpflichtungen. Es kam aber nur zu wenigen tatsächlichen Ausfällen. 85% halten die Hygiene- und Arbeitsschutzempfehlungen für sinnvoll, aber nur 32% stand bei Pandemiebeginn die notwendige Schutzausrüstung zur Verfügung. 89% der Praxen haben Ihr Praxis- und Patientenmanagement in der Pandemie umgestellt. Es wird ein deutlicher Verbesserungsbedarf in der Pandemievorbereitung (77%) und -bewältigung (61%), aber auch in der Zusammenarbeit mit dem öffentlichen Gesundheitswesen (59%) sowie mit Kindertagesstätten und Schulen (77%) gesehen.
Schlussfolgerung
Die erste Welle der Pandemie hat die Praxen vor erhebliche Herausforderungen gestellt, die durch betrieblich-funktionelle Umstrukturierung und -organisation bewältigt wurden. Jedoch wird eine bessere Pandemievorbereitung und Unterstützung bei der Bewältigung einschl. verbesserter Zusammenarbeit mit den Gesundheitsämtern und Kinderbetreuungseinrichtungen gefordert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Theiß
- Kinder- und Jugendmedizin,Kinder- und Jugendarztpraxis Theiß, St. Ingbert, Deutschland
| | - Arne Simon
- Klinik für Pädiatrische Onkologie und Hamätologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes und Medizinische Fakultät der Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg, Deutschland
| | - Norbert Graf
- Kinder- und Jugendmedizin,Kinder- und Jugendarztpraxis Theiß, St. Ingbert, Deutschland
| | - Tilman Rohrer
- Kinder- und Jugendmedizin,Kinder- und Jugendarztpraxis Theiß, St. Ingbert, Deutschland
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12
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Heudorf U, Steul K, Walczok A, Gottschalk R. [Children and COVID-19-Data from mandatory reporting and results of contact person testing in daycare centers and schools in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, August-December 2020]. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2021; 169:322-334. [PMID: 33678906 PMCID: PMC7922714 DOI: 10.1007/s00112-021-01134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In face of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the question that children are also drivers of this pandemic and that groups, classes, or the entire facility should be closed when severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurs in schools or daycare centers is always implied. These questions were investigated using the mandatory reporting data in Frankfurt am Main and the extensive testing of contact persons (CP) in schools and daycare centers after the occurrence of an index case. METHOD The reporting data were taken from SurvStat. The index cases from daycare centers and schools were isolated and the CPs were offered PCR testing for SARS-CoV‑2 on a voluntary basis, regardless of whether symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV‑2 had occurred or not. Deep nasal/pharyngeal swabs were collected by paramedics on behalf of the public health department of the city of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and tested according to established standards at two accredited institutes. RESULTS From March to 31 December 2020, 22,715 COVID-19 cases were reported in Frankfurt, including 1588 (7.6%) SARS-CoV‑2 detections in children 14 years and younger. Thus, approximately half as many SARS-CoV‑2 detections were reported in children up to 14 years of age than would have corresponded to their proportion in the population. In autumn 2020, the increase in incidence in children over the weeks followed the increase in incidence in the general population, the age-related incidence of children remained below the incidence in the general population.From week 35 to week 52, index cases were reported from 143 daycare centers and 75 schools. As a result, 7915 CPs were tested. In daycare centers, SARS-CoV‑2 was detected in 4.5% of adult CPs and 2.5% of child CPs and in schools SARS-CoV‑2 was detected in 0.9% of adult CPs and 2.5% of student CPs tested. On average, less than 1 CP tested positive per index case. The rate of positive findings increased with increasing incidence in the overall population. No major outbreak occurred. DISCUSSION Regarding the level and timing of age-related incidences among children in Frankfurt am Main, there was no evidence that children were the drivers of the pandemic. Only a small percentage of the examined CPs in schools and daycare centers tested positive for SARS-CoV‑2. In the absence of evidence of intense transmission in the facilities, CP attendance can/should continue under hygiene conditions and there is no need to close entire groups, classes, or even facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursel Heudorf
- MRE-Netz Rhein-Main, Frankfurt, c/o Gesundheitsamt Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Deutschland
| | - Katrin Steul
- Gesundheitsamt Frankfurt am Main, Breite Gasse 28, 60313 Frankfurt, Deutschland
| | - Antoni Walczok
- Gesundheitsamt Frankfurt am Main, Breite Gasse 28, 60313 Frankfurt, Deutschland
| | - Rene Gottschalk
- Gesundheitsamt Frankfurt am Main, Breite Gasse 28, 60313 Frankfurt, Deutschland
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Kotsiou OS, Pantazopoulos I, Papagiannis D, Fradelos EC, Kanellopoulos N, Siachpazidou D, Kirgou P, Mouliou DS, Kyritsis A, Kalantzis G, Saharidis GKD, Tzounis E, Gourgoulianis KI. Repeated Antigen-Based Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Estimating the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Prevalence from the Perspective of the Workers' Vulnerability before and during the Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1638. [PMID: 33572118 PMCID: PMC7915907 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No previous study has investigated the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and the changes in the proportion of positive results due to lockdown measures from the angle of workers' vulnerability to coronavirus in Greece. Two community-based programs were implemented to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and investigate if the prevalence changes were significant across various occupations before and one month after lockdown. METHODS Following consent, sociodemographic, clinical, and job-related information were recorded. The VivaDiag™ SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test was used. Positive results confirmed by a real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction for SARS-COV-2. RESULTS Positive participants were more likely to work in the catering/food sector than negative participants before the lockdown. Lockdown restrictions halved the new cases. No significant differences in the likelihood of being SARS-CoV-2 positive for different job categories were detected during lockdown. The presence of respiratory symptoms was an independent predictor for rapid antigen test positivity; however, one-third of newly diagnosed patients were asymptomatic at both time points. CONCLUSIONS The catering/food sector was the most vulnerable to COVID-19 at the pre-lockdown evaluation. We highlight the crucial role of community-based screening with rapid antigen testing to evaluate the potential modes of community transmission and the impact of infection control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania S. Kotsiou
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GAIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.P.); (N.K.); (D.S.); (P.K.); (D.S.M.); (A.K.); (K.I.G.)
| | - Ioannis Pantazopoulos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.P.); (N.K.); (D.S.); (P.K.); (D.S.M.); (A.K.); (K.I.G.)
| | - Dimitrios Papagiannis
- Public Health & Vaccines Lab, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GAIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Evangelos C. Fradelos
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GAIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
- Public Health & Vaccines Lab, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, GAIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Kanellopoulos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.P.); (N.K.); (D.S.); (P.K.); (D.S.M.); (A.K.); (K.I.G.)
| | - Dimitra Siachpazidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.P.); (N.K.); (D.S.); (P.K.); (D.S.M.); (A.K.); (K.I.G.)
| | - Paraskevi Kirgou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.P.); (N.K.); (D.S.); (P.K.); (D.S.M.); (A.K.); (K.I.G.)
| | - Dimitra S. Mouliou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.P.); (N.K.); (D.S.); (P.K.); (D.S.M.); (A.K.); (K.I.G.)
| | - Athanasios Kyritsis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.P.); (N.K.); (D.S.); (P.K.); (D.S.M.); (A.K.); (K.I.G.)
| | - Georgios Kalantzis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Thessaly, Leoforos Athinon, 8 Pedion Areos, 38334 Volos, Greece; (G.K.); (G.K.D.S.)
| | - Georgios K. D. Saharidis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Thessaly, Leoforos Athinon, 8 Pedion Areos, 38334 Volos, Greece; (G.K.); (G.K.D.S.)
| | | | - Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (I.P.); (N.K.); (D.S.); (P.K.); (D.S.M.); (A.K.); (K.I.G.)
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14
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Weigel R, Krüger C. Global child health in Germany - Time for action. Glob Health Action 2020; 13:1829401. [PMID: 33032497 PMCID: PMC7580723 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1829401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Child health is central to the SDG agenda. Universities in the UK and other European countries provide leadership in research and education for global child health to inform related policy and practice, but the German contribution is inadequate. German paediatricians and other child health professionals could make more substantial contributions to the debate at home and internationally, but lack opportunities for scholarship and research. We argue, that there is a momentum to advance global child health in academia and call on German universities to realise this potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weigel
- Friede Springer Endowed Professorship for Global Child Health, Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Carsten Krüger
- Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Paediatrics, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Hsg Bochum, Germany
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15
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Fang F, Chen Y, Zhao D, Liu T, Huang Y, Qiu L, Hao Y, Hu X, Yin W, Liu Z, Jin R, Ning Q, Cheung PT, Liu C, Shu S, Wang T, Luo X. Recommendations for the Diagnosis, Prevention, and Control of Coronavirus Disease-19 in Children-The Chinese Perspectives. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:553394. [PMID: 33224906 PMCID: PMC7674551 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.553394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since SARS-CoV-2 began infecting people by the end of 2019, of whom some developed severe pneumonia (about 5%), which could be fatal (case fatality ~3.5%), the extent and speed of the COVID-19 outbreak has been phenomenal. Within 2.5 months (by March 18, 2020) over 191,127 COVID-19 patients have been identified in 161 countries. By then, over 700 pediatric patients were confirmed to have COVID-19 in China, with only about 58 diagnosed elsewhere. By now, there are thousands of children and adolescents infected. Chinese pediatricians would like to share their experience on how these patients were managed in China and the key recommendations that had guided them in meeting the evolving challenges. A group of experts were summoned by the Chinese Pediatric Society and Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Pediatrics to extract informative data from a survey on confirmed COVID-19 pediatric patients in China. Consensus on diagnosis, management, and prevention of pediatric COVID-19 were drawn up based on the analysis of such data plus insights gained from the past SARS and MERS coronavirus outbreaks. Relevant cumulating experiences from physicians managing adult patients, expedited reports on clinical and scientific COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 data, and the National Health Committee guidelines on COVID-19 management were integrated into this proposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongchi Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tonglin Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongjian Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liru Qiu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolin Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Yin
- Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Huazhong University of Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhisheng Liu
- Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Huazhong University of Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Runming Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pik-to Cheung
- Virtus Medical Group, Pediatric Endocrinology, Genetics, and Metabolism, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chunfeng Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sainan Shu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianyou Wang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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16
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Heudorf U, Steul K, Gottschalk R. Sars-Cov-2 in children - insights and conclusions from the mandatory reporting data in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, March-July 2020. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2020; 15:Doc24. [PMID: 33214989 PMCID: PMC7656974 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: From the beginning of the corona pandemic until August 19, 2020, more than 21,989,366 cases have been reported worldwide - 228,495 in Germany alone, including 12,648 children aged 0-14. In many countries, the proportion of infected children in the total population is comparatively low; in addition, children often have no or milder symptoms and are less likely to transmit the pathogen to adults than the other way round. Based on the registration data in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the symptoms of children in comparison with adults and the likely routes of transmission are presented below. Materials and methods: The documentation of the mandatory reports includes personal data (name, date of birth, gender, place of residence), disease characteristics (date of report, date of onset of the disease, symptoms), possible contact persons (family, others) and i.a. possible activity or care in children's community facilities. All reports were viewed, especially with regard to likely transmission routes. Results: From March 1 to July 31, 2020, 1,977 infected people were reported, including 138 children between the ages of 0 and 14 years. Children had fewer and milder symptoms than adults. None of the children experienced severe respiratory symptoms or the need for ventilation. 62% of the children had no symptoms at all (19% adults), 5% of the children were hospitalized (24% adults), and none of the children died (3.8% adults). After excluding a cluster of 34 children from refugee accommodations and 14 children from a parish, 78% of the remaining 90 children had been infected by an adult within the family, and only 4% were likely to have a reverse transmission route. In 5.5% of cases, transmission in a community facility was likely. Discussion: The results of the registration data from Frankfurt am Main, Germany confirm the results published in other countries: Children are less likely to become infected, and if infected, their symptoms are less severe than in adults, and they are apparently not the main drivers of virus transmission. Therefore, scientific medical associations strongly recommend reopening schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursel Heudorf
- Public Health Department of the City of Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katrin Steul
- Public Health Department of the City of Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - René Gottschalk
- Public Health Department of the City of Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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17
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Simon A, Huebner J, Berner R, Munro APS, Exner M, Huppertz HI, Walger P. Measures to maintain regular operations and prevent outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in childcare facilities or schools under pandemic conditions and co-circulation of other respiratory pathogens. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2020; 15:Doc22. [PMID: 32974120 PMCID: PMC7492754 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
After the lockdown and the end of the summer holidays, day-cares and schools need to be reopened and (despite the continued circulation of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) kept open. The need for opening up arises from the right of children to education, participation, support and care. This is possible if appropriate hygiene measures are implemented and community transmission remains stable. In addition, the safety of educators, teachers and carers must be a priority and needs to be addressed by appropriate measures. Finally, the needs of families must also be taken into account. The following document describes in detail how these objectives can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Simon
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, University Clinics, Homburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Huebner
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard Berner
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alasdair P S Munro
- NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom.,NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Exner
- Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Peter Walger
- German Society of Hospital Hygiene, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Spitzer M. Masked education? The benefits and burdens of wearing face masks in schools during the current Corona pandemic. Trends Neurosci Educ 2020; 20:100138. [PMID: 32917303 PMCID: PMC7417296 DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2020.100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Face masks can prevent the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2, in particular as this spread can occur from people with no symptoms. However, covering the lower half of the face reduces the ability to communicate, interpret, and mimic the expressions of those with whom we interact. Positive emotions become less recognizable, and negative emotions are amplified. Emotional mimicry, contagion, and emotionality in general are reduced and (thereby) bonding between teachers and learners, group cohesion, and learning - of which emotions are a major driver. The benefits and burdens of face masks in schools should be seriously considered and made obvious and clear to teachers and students. The school's specific situation must also inform any decision regarding face mask use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Spitzer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ulm, Leimgrubenweg 12-14, D-89075 Ulm, Germany.
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19
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Merckx J, A. Labrecque J, S. Kaufman J. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by Children. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 117:553-560. [PMID: 32705983 PMCID: PMC7376445 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, children appear largely spared from the direct effects of disease, suggesting age as an important predictor of infection and severity. They remain, however, impacted by far-reaching public health interventions. One crucial question often posed is whether children generally transmit SARS-CoV-2 effectively. METHODS We assessed the components of transmission and the different study designs and considerations necessary for valid assessment of transmission dynamics. We searched for published evidence about transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by children employing a narrative review methodology through 25 June, 2020. RESULTS Transmission dynamics must be studied in repre - sentative pediatric populations with a combination of study designs including rigorous epidemiological studies (e.g. in households, schools, daycares, clinical settings) and laboratory studies while taking into account the social and socio-economic contexts. Viral load (VL) estimates from representative pediatric samples of infected children are missing so far. Currently available evidence suggests that the secondary attack rate stratified by age of the infector is lower for children, however this age pattern needs to be better quantified and understood. CONCLUSION A generalizable pediatric evidence base is urgently needed to inform policy making now, later when facing potential subsequent waves, and extending through a future in which endemicity alongside vaccination may become the enduring reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Merckx
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Jay S. Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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20
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Analysis of Gender-Dependent Personal Protective Behaviors in a National Sample: Polish Adolescents' COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165770. [PMID: 32785004 PMCID: PMC7459707 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
During the coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the basic strategy that is recommended to reduce the spread of the disease is to practice proper hand hygiene and personal protective behaviors, but among adolescents, low adherence is common. The present study aimed to assess the gender-dependent hand hygiene and personal protective behaviors in a national sample of Polish adolescents. The Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study was conducted in a group of 2323 secondary school students (814 males, 1509 females). Schools were chosen based on the random quota sampling procedure. The participants were surveyed to assess their knowledge and beliefs associated with hand hygiene and personal protection, as well as their actual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of respondents gave proper answers when asked about their knowledge. However, females displayed a higher level of knowledge (p < 0.05). Most of the respondents declared not leaving home, handwashing, using alcohol-based hand rub, avoiding contact with those who may be sick, and avoiding public places as their personal protective behaviors. They declared using face masks and gloves after the legal regulation requiring people to cover their nose and mouth in public places was enacted in Poland. Regarding the use of face masks and not touching the face, no gender-dependent differences were observed, while for all the other behaviors, females declared more adherence than males (p < 0.05). Females also declared a higher daily frequency of handwashing (p < 0.0001) and washing their hands always when necessary more often than males (68.2% vs. 54.1%; p < 0.0001). Males more often indicated various reasons for not handwashing, including that there is no need to do it, they do not feel like doing it, they have no time to do it, or they forget about it (p < 0.0001), while females pointed out side effects (e.g., skin problems) as the reason (p = 0.0278). Females more often declared handwashing in circumstances associated with socializing, being exposed to contact with other people and health (p < 0.05), and declared always including the recommended steps in their handwashing procedure (p < 0.05). The results showed that female secondary school students exhibited a higher level of knowledge on hand hygiene and personal protection, as well as better behaviors, compared to males. However, irrespective of gender, some false beliefs and improper behaviors were observed, which suggests that education is necessary, especially in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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