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Milambo JPM, Ndirangu J, Mangala S, Simba H, Kabego L. Incidence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers during the first and second wave in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a descriptive study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:519. [PMID: 37553564 PMCID: PMC10408040 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08494-4] [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: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline of response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting HCWs is of paramount importance to the World Health Organization (WHO). Outbreak investigation which is based on a critical assessment of core components of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs allows for the identification of different sources of exposure to the COVID-19 virus and for informing additional IPC recommendations. To date, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is categorized as a high-risk country due to weaknesses in the health system, low capacity for diagnosis, socioeconomic characteristics of the population, and insufficient vaccination coverage. AIM To investigate the burden of COVID-19 among HCWs and identification of IPC gaps to reduce HCWs-associated infection at different levels (facilities, communities, and points of entry) following the WHO strategy for IPC program implementation during the first to the third wave of the pandemic. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the DRC National Department of Health (NDOH) database and WHO questionnaire suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases among HCWs from 10/03/2020 to 22/06/2021. The investigation was conducted by a trained IPC response team to identify the sources of the exposures. The questionnaire included demographics, profession, types of interaction between HCWs and patients, and community-based questions regarding family members and other behaviors. These variables were assessed using a multimodal strategy framework. Knowledge and adherence to IPC gaps using WHO guidelines were performed for each COVID-19-positive or suspected HCW. WHO rapid Scorecard dashboard was conducted for evaluating healthcare facilities (HCFs) performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Cumulative incidence of positive HCWs was 809 /35,898(2.2%) from the first to the third wave of COVID-19 among 6 provinces of DRC. The distribution of the HCWs infected by COVID-19 was predominated by nurses (42%), doctors (27%), biologists (8%), environmental health practitioners (5%), interns (3%), and other categories (15%). Other categories included nutritionists, physiotherapists, midwives, pharmacists, and paramedics. The investigation revealed that about 32% of HCWs were infected from household contacts, 11% were infected by HCFs, 35% were infected in the community and 22% were infected from unknown exposures. The mean score of IPC performance for all evaluated HCFs was 27/42(64%). This shows that IPC performance was moderate. Lower or minimal performance was noted in the implementation of the IPC program at the national and facility level, triage and screening, isolation handwashing and multimodal strategies of hand hygiene, PPE availability, and rationale, waste segregation, waste disposal, sterilization, and training of HCWs. CONCLUSION This study revealed that the prevalence of HCWs who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus was high among frontline healthcare workers from 6 provinces of DRC. A high prevalence of nosocomial infection was correlated with insufficient IPC adherence in the context of COVID-19. Strategies to strengthen IPC capacity building and provide HCWs with sufficient PPE stocks and budgets may improve IPC performance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This will further allow for adherence to WHO recommendations for successful program implementation to minimize COVID-19 transmission in HCFs, communities, and public gatherings. And this may be transferable to other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Paul Muambangu Milambo
- Division of Public Health, University of Free State, Bloenfontein, South Africa.
- Department of Health and Prevention, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Health Emergencies Programme, WHO, African Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| | - James Ndirangu
- Division of Public Health, University of Free State, Bloenfontein, South Africa
| | - Samuel Mangala
- Department of Health and Prevention, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Hannah Simba
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landry Kabego
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Comparison of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes using archival medical records before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a facility-based, retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:31. [PMID: 36647021 PMCID: PMC9841139 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05291-w] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little research has been conducted on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on either birth outcomes or the ability of archival medical records to accurately capture these outcomes. Our study objective is thus to compare the prevalence of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), congenital microcephaly, and neonatal bloodstream infection (NBSI) before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). METHODS We conducted a facility-based retrospective cohort study in which identified cases of birth outcomes were tabulated at initial screening and subcategorized according to level of diagnostic certainty using Global Alignment of Immunization Safety Assessment in pregnancy (GAIA) definitions. Documentation of any birth complications, delivery type, and maternal vaccination history were also evaluated. The prevalence of each birth outcome was compared in the pre-COVID-19 (i.e., July 2019 to February 2020) and intra-COVID-19 (i.e., March to August 2020) periods via two-sample z-test for equality of proportions. RESULTS In total, 14,300 birth records were abstracted. Adverse birth outcomes were identified among 22.0% and 14.3% of pregnancies in the pre-COVID-19 and intra-COVID-19 periods, respectively. For stillbirth, LBW, SGA, microcephaly, and NBSI, prevalence estimates were similar across study periods. However, the prevalence of preterm birth in the intra-COVID-19 period was significantly lower than that reported during the pre-COVID-19 period (8.6% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the level of diagnostic certainty declined slightly across all outcomes investigated from the pre-COVID-19 to the intra-COVID-19 period. Nonetheless, diagnostic certainty was especially low for certain outcomes (i.e., stillbirth and NBSI) regardless of period; still, other outcomes, such as preterm birth and LBW, had moderate to high levels of diagnostic certainty. Results were mostly consistent when the analysis was focused on the facilities designated for COVID-19 care. CONCLUSION This study succeeded in providing prevalence estimates for key adverse birth outcomes using GAIA criteria during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, DRC. Furthermore, our study adds crucial real-world data to the literature surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and neonatal services and outcomes in Africa.
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Abed Alah MTT, Abdeen S, Selim N, Tayar E, Bougmiza I. Occupational Prevention of COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings: Compliance and Perceived Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment. J Patient Saf 2022; 18:747-755. [PMID: 36458999 PMCID: PMC9696679 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs) to comply with infection prevention and control precautions such as the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for their safety and the safety of patients. In this study, we aimed to assess HCWs' compliance with the appropriate use of PPE in primary healthcare settings in Qatar along with its associated factors and explore their perceived effectiveness of different PPE items in protecting against COVID-19 infection. METHODS A Web-based survey was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021 targeting all clinical HCWs under the umbrella of Primary Health Care Corporation. RESULTS A total of 757 HCWs completed the survey, and most were between 30 and 39 years of age (50.2%), females (62.7%), and nurses (35.3%). Eighty eight percent of participants believed that PPE could provide high or very high protection against COVID-19. About one-half (53%) were found to be fully compliant with PPE use during patient interactions with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, whereas three-quarters (76.3%) were fully compliant while performing aerosol-generating procedures. Healthcare workers' age, nationality, health center region, area of work, clinical experience, frequency of interaction with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the perceived effectiveness of PPE were significant predictors of full compliance with PPE. Shortage of PPE was the commonest reported barrier to appropriate use. CONCLUSIONS Despite HCWs' high perceived effectiveness for PPE in protecting against COVID-19 infection, their full compliance rate with using PPE was moderate and needs further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sami Abdeen
- From the Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)
| | - Nagah Selim
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elias Tayar
- From the Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
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Elshaer N, Agage H. Nurses' perception and compliance with personal protective equipment and hand hygiene during the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2022; 97:14. [PMID: 35978230 PMCID: PMC9385233 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-022-00109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers' (HCWs) compliance with infection prevention and control (IPC) measures during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial to reducing the spread of infection to their colleagues, families, and community. This study assessed the risk perception and compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, hand hygiene, and specific IPC measures and explored the factors associated with compliance among nurses during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt. METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Alexandria Main University Hospital (AMUH) in Alexandria city from May to August 2021, where 354 nurses were included with a response rate of 94.9%. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS The overall compliance with PPE usage, hand hygiene, and IPC measures was 81.9%. The mean risk perception score was 40.9 ± 3.3. More than 95% of nurses were aware of the high risk of COVID-19 infection at their workplace, the serious consequences of the disease, and the risk that can be minimized by using PPE, whereas a relatively low percentage of nurses believed that the risk of COVID-19 infection could be reduced by using a surgical mask (19.2%) or gloves (50.5%). Good compliance was independently predicted by risk perception (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.13, 1.39), and knowledge about PPE usage and hand hygiene (OR = 3.53; 95%CI = 2.40, 5.19). Facilitators of compliance with the PPE usage were attending suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases in their hospital ([Formula: see text] = 9.82), comfort to use the PPE ([Formula: see text] = 9.16), availability of PPE ([Formula: see text] = 8.96), hospital policy ([Formula: see text] = 8.74), and senior compliance ([Formula: see text] = 6.5). CONCLUSIONS Nurses at AMUH reported high risk perceptions. The rate of compliance with PPE usage, hand hygiene, and IPC measures was 81.9%. The personal risk perception and knowledge about the PPE usage and hand hygiene are the keys to improving compliance in a healthcare facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Elshaer
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health, Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Hesham Agage
- Medical student in the last grade, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Mohamad N, Pahrol MA, Shaharudin R, Md Yazin NKR, Osman Y, Toha HR, Mustapa N, Mohamed Z, Mohammad A, Ismail R. Compliance to Infection Prevention and Control Practices Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:878396. [PMID: 35923958 PMCID: PMC9340217 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.878396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of contracting coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in their workplace. Infection prevention guidelines and standard operating procedures were introduced to reduce risk of exposure and prevent transmission. Safe practices during interaction with patients with COVID-19 are crucial for infection prevention and control (IPC). This study aimed to assess HCWs' compliance to IPC and to determine its association with sociodemographic and organizational factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 at public healthcare facilities in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. HCWs who were involved with COVID-19-related works were invited to participate in the online survey. The questionnaire was adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) Interim Guidance: WHO Risk Assessment and Management of Exposure of Healthcare Workers in the Context of COVID-19. Respondents were categorized as compliant or non-compliant to IPC. A total of 600 HCWs involved in COVID-19-related works participated in the survey. Most of them (63.7%) were compliant to IPC as they responded to all items as “always, as recommended” during interaction with patients with COVID-19. The multivariate analysis showed that non-compliance was significantly associated with working in the emergency department (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.07–9.31), working as laboratory personnel (AOR = 15.13; 95% CI = 1.36–168.44), health attendant (AOR = 4.42; 95% CI = 1.74–11.24), and others (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI = 1.1–12.01), as well as work experience of more than 10 years (AOR = 4.71; 95% CI = 1.28–17.27). The odds of non-compliance among respondents without adequate new norms and personal protective equipment training were 2.02 (95% CI = 1.08–3.81) more than those with adequate training. Although most of the respondents complied to IPC protocols, compliance status differed according to department, work category, and years of service. Ensuring adequate training that will hopefully lead to behavioral change is crucial to prevent breach in IPC and thus minimize the risk of exposure to and transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Mohamad
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Nadia Mohamad
| | - Muhammad Alfatih Pahrol
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Rafiza Shaharudin
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | | | - Yelmizaitun Osman
- Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Kelantan State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Haidar Rizal Toha
- Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Johor State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Normazura Mustapa
- Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Melaka State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Zuraida Mohamed
- Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Negeri Sembilan State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Seremban, Malaysia
| | - Azyyati Mohammad
- Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Negeri Sembilan State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Seremban, Malaysia
| | - Rohaida Ismail
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
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The Willingness of the Healthcare Professionals Working in Healthcare Institutions to Accept the First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine in Jordan: A National Survey. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071138. [PMID: 35891302 PMCID: PMC9322749 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Health workers play an important part as role models, advocates for vaccination, vaccinators and educators in a community. Furthermore, they are at high risk of being infected with COVID-19 as they are on the frontlines. Thus, this study purposed to determine the willingness of the healthcare professionals working in healthcare institutions to accept the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Jordan. A cross-sectional design and a convenience-sampling method were used to recruit the study population from different healthcare sectors. A web-based survey was used to collect data. Findings showed that 1594 healthcare professionals responded and 74% of them were aged less than 45 years. Almost 65% of the respondents were registered nurses and 68.4% of them were married. A total of 94.9% of the participants heard about the COVID-19 vaccine, but only 56.5% of them had had the opportunity to attend lectures/discussions about COVID-19 vaccine. Official government websites were the primary source of obtaining information about COVID-19 (36.3%). The willingness of acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine was 63%. There were positive correlations between vaccine acceptance and compliance toward COVID-19 infection control precautions (r = 0.119, p < 0.01), knowledge about COVID-19 (r = 0.256, p < 0.01), age (r = 0.170, p < 0.01), and years of experience (r = 0.105, p < 0.01). Furthermore, age, knowledge, and compliance were significant predictors of the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, it is necessary to develop specific interventions for healthcare professionals with low acceptance rates and take into consideration the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing the refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine by healthcare professionals.
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Lotfi M, Sheikhalipour Z, Zamanzadeh V, Aghazadeh A, Zadi Akhuleh O. Observance of preventive standards against COVID-19 transmission in operating rooms: A cross-sectional study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 25:100212. [PMID: 34423144 PMCID: PMC8372441 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcorm.2021.100212] [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: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Due to the highly contagious innate of the novel coronavirus, the surgical team is exposed to the disease during surgical care of patient with confirmed covid-19. Therefore, the necessary measures should be taken to protect surgical caregivers. This study was conducted to determine the status of compliance with the preventive standards against covid-19 transmission in the operating room. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 183 surgical team members working in hospitals affiliated to Tabriz university of medical sciences in 2020. Participants were selected by stratified random sampling. The required data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire according to the standard protocols of SAGES, EAES and AORN. In the first part of this questionnaire, the level of compliance with the standards of using personal protective equipment (PPE) was evaluated and in the second part, the level of compliance with the preventive strategies in the operating room was evaluated in three phases of Pre, Intra and Post-operative. The data was analyzed using SPSS16. Results preventive standards observance against COVID-19 was in moderate (55.3 ± 10.5) level and The level of compliance with the standards of using PPE by the surgical team was favorable (61.8 ± 8.1). There was a statistically significant relationship between the level of compliance with the standards of using PPE and the type of specialty (P = 0.004). Conclusion According to the results, the level of compliance with the principles of standards in applying protective measures against covid-19 was not favorable, so the operating room personnel is exposed to COVID-19 and the necessary measures and improvements should be considered in compliance with standards in operating room.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Lotfi
- PhD of Nursing, Associate professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing & Operating Room, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Sheikhalipour
- PhD of Nursing, Assistant professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Zamanzadeh
- PhD of Nursing, full professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmadmirza Aghazadeh
- PhD of Biostatistics, Associate professor, Department of Basic sciences, Paramedical Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Omid Zadi Akhuleh
- MSc of surgical technology, Instructor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing & Operating Room, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz- Shariati St., Tabriz, Iran
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Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Selim N, Hamdani D, Radwan E, Sharaf N, Al-Katheeri H, Bougmiza I. Compliance and barriers to the use of infection prevention and control measures among health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar: A national survey. J Nurs Manag 2021; 29:2401-2411. [PMID: 34351012 PMCID: PMC8420516 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13440] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess health care workers' compliance with infection prevention and control measures in different health care sectors in Qatar during COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND Being the first line of defense against COVID-19 infection, health care workers are particularly at increased risk of getting infected. Compliance with infection prevention and control measures is essential for their safety and the safety of patients. METHODS A web-based national survey was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021 targeting all health care workers in governmental, semi-governmental, and private health care sectors. RESULTS Of 1757 health care workers, 49.9% were between 30-39 years of age, majority (47.5%) were nurses. Participants reported a significant increase in the median self-rated compliance scores during the pandemic compared to before it (p<0.001). During the pandemic, 49.7% of health care workers were fully compliant with personal protective equipment (PPE) use, 83.1% were fully compliant with hand hygiene. Overall, 44.1% were fully compliant with infection prevention and control measures (PPE and hand hygiene). Nationality, health sector, profession, and frequency of interactions with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases were significantly associated with compliance with overall infection prevention and control measures. The most reported barriers were work overload, and shortages of PPE and handwashing agents. CONCLUSIONS Compliance of health care workers with infection prevention and control measures needs further improvement. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Frequent quality checks, provision of adequate supplies, and behavior change interventions are recommended strategies for hospital and nursing administrators to improve health care workers' compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Sami Abdeen
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Nagah Selim
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dhouha Hamdani
- Health care Quality Management and Patient Safety Department, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Doha, Qatar
| | - Eman Radwan
- Health care Quality Management and Patient Safety Department, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Doha, Qatar
| | - Nahla Sharaf
- Health care Quality Management and Patient Safety Department, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Doha, Qatar
| | - Huda Al-Katheeri
- Department of Strategic Planning and Performance, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar.,Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Tunisia
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El-Sokkary RH, Khater WS, El-Kholy A, Mohy Eldin S, Gad DM, Bahgat S, Negm EEM, El Kholy JA, Mowafy S, Mahmoud E, Mortada EM. Compliance of healthcare workers to the proper use of personal protective equipment during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:1404-1410. [PMID: 34344624 PMCID: PMC8317453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In limited resource settings, compliance to proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use is challenging. This study aims to characterize the pattern of PPE use among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the first wave of coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19) in Egypt and to determine the factors associated with compliance to the proper use of PPE. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among Egyptian HCWs using an online self-administered questionnaire. Participants were classified as “Compliant” or “Non-compliant” according to their score. Results A total of 404 responses were analyzed, with a mean age of 36.6 ± 8.4 years, and 56.4% were females. Non-compliant HCWs represented 53.2% of participants. The majority reported shortage in N95 respirators (91.3%) and practiced extended PPE use (88.1%). Better compliance to proper PPE use was reported: females (51.3%, p = 0.05), Physicians (54.2 %, p = 0.005), medical specialities (34.7 %, p < 0.001), <10 years’ work experience (42.9%, p = 0.05) and working > eight hours/day (71.3%, p < 0.001). The significant predictors for compliance were; receiving prior training on the proper use of PPE (OR: 4.59, CI: 2.22–9.47, p ≤ 0.001), exposure to COVID-19 patients (OR: 2.75, CI: 1.19–6.35, p = 0.02) and performing procedures that pose HCWs at a high risk of exposure to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (OR: 2.21, CI: 1.04–4.71, p = 0.04). The high percentage of non-compliant HCWs turns on a warning signal. Increase the availability of PPE, prioritize their use, provide more focus on training of HCWs and monitor their compliance is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab H El-Sokkary
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Walaa S Khater
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amani El-Kholy
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Doaa M Gad
- Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Shereen Bahgat
- Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Essam E M Negm
- Anesthesia & Surgical Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Jehan A El Kholy
- Anesthesia & Surgical Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Infection Prevention and Control Department, Dar Al Fouad Hospital, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif Mowafy
- Anesthesia & Surgical Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Eman Mahmoud
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufeya University, Shibin el Kom, Egypt
| | - Eman M Mortada
- Community, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt; Health Sciences Department, Health Sciences & Rehabilitation College, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Kaplan AK, Sahin MK, Parildar H, Adadan Guvenc I. The willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine and affecting factors among healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study in Turkey. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14226. [PMID: 33864328 PMCID: PMC8250279 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While discussions on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines continue, healthcare professionals' attitudes and their growing fear and anxiety during the pandemic process are not yet fully known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and affecting factors in healthcare professionals. METHODS This was a cross-sectional online survey conducted in 1574 healthcare professionals consisting of physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and healthcare personnel in Turkey in December 2020. Demographic, attitudinal, and Fear of COVID-19 Scale scores of healthcare professionals were investigated in this survey. RESULTS About 84.6% of healthcare professionals declared willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine whenever possible. Most physicians (90.4%) stated to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, while 66.5% of nurses, 73.9% of healthcare personnel, also preferred to have it as soon as the vaccine was available. Factors affecting the willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine were found to be advanced age, male gender, working in a primary health care center, living with family, having a child, having a chronic disease, having high Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FC-19S) scores. While the group with the highest vaccine rejection rate was nurses with 33.5%, FC-19S scores were significantly higher in nurses who wanted to be vaccinated. In multivariate regression analyses, factors related to the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine were identified as advanced age, routine adult vaccination, no history of COVID-19, and recommendation of the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION A high proportion of healthcare professionals declared their willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, and hence, this will play a leading role in optimizing the vaccination rate of the entire population while combating the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Askin Keskin Kaplan
- Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineMaltepe UniversityIstanbulTurkey
| | - Mustafa Kursat Sahin
- Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineOndokuz Mayis UniversitySamsunTurkey
| | - Hulya Parildar
- Department of Family MedicineIzmir Tepecik Training and Research HospitalSaglik Bilimleri UniversityIzmirTurkey
| | - Isil Adadan Guvenc
- Department of OtolaryngologyFaculty of MedicineCigli Training and Research HospitalBakircay UniversityIzmirTurkey
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Alhumaid S, Al Mutair A, Al Alawi Z, Alsuliman M, Ahmed GY, Rabaan AA, Al-Tawfiq JA, Al-Omari A. Knowledge of infection prevention and control among healthcare workers and factors influencing compliance: a systematic review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:86. [PMID: 34082822 PMCID: PMC8173512 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00957-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures among healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for effective IPC. Compliance with IPC measures has critical implications for HCWs safety, patient protection and the care environment. AIMS To discuss the body of available literature regarding HCWs' knowledge of IPC and highlight potential factors that may influence compliance to IPC precautions. DESIGN A systematic review. A protocol was developed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis [PRISMA] statement. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Proquest, Wiley online library, Medline, and Nature) were searched from 1 January 2006 to 31 January 2021 in the English language using the following keywords alone or in combination: knowledge, awareness, healthcare workers, infection, compliance, comply, control, prevention, factors. 3417 papers were identified and 30 papers were included in the review. RESULTS Overall, the level of HCW knowledge of IPC appears to be adequate, good, and/or high concerning standard precautions, hand hygiene, and care pertaining to urinary catheters. Acceptable levels of knowledge were also detected in regards to IPC measures for specific diseases including TB, MRSA, MERS-CoV, COVID-19 and Ebola. However, gaps were identified in several HCWs' knowledge concerning occupational vaccinations, the modes of transmission of infectious diseases, and the risk of infection from needle stick and sharps injuries. Several factors for noncompliance surrounding IPC guidelines are discussed, as are recommendations for improving adherence to those guidelines. CONCLUSION Embracing a multifaceted approach towards improving IPC-intervention strategies is highly suggested. The goal being to improve compliance among HCWs with IPC measures is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Alhumaid
- Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abbas Al Mutair
- Research Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Dhahran Street, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia. .,College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
| | - Zainab Al Alawi
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Murtadha Alsuliman
- Department of Pharmacy, Hereditary Blood Diseases Centre, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gasmelseed Y Ahmed
- Research Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Dhahran Street, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.,Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Awad Al-Omari
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Research Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Meng Z, Wang M, Zhao Z, Zhou Y, Wu Y, Guo S, Li M, Zhou Y, Yang S, Li W, Ying B. Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Severe COVID-19: A Case-Control Study in China. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:663145. [PMID: 34113636 PMCID: PMC8185163 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.663145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Predicting the risk of progression to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could facilitate personalized diagnosis and treatment options, thus optimizing the use of medical resources. Methods: In this prospective study, 206 patients with COVID-19 were enrolled from regional medical institutions between December 20, 2019, and April 10, 2020. We collated a range of data to derive and validate a predictive model for COVID-19 progression, including demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and cytokine levels. Variation analysis, along with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Boruta algorithms, was used for modeling. The performance of the derived models was evaluated by specificity, sensitivity, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), Akaike information criterion (AIC), calibration plots, decision curve analysis (DCA), and Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Results: We used the LASSO algorithm and logistic regression to develop a model that can accurately predict the risk of progression to severe COVID-19. The model incorporated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), interleukin (IL)-6, expectoration, fatigue, lymphocyte ratio (LYMR), aspartate transaminase (AST), and creatinine (CREA). The model yielded a satisfactory predictive performance with an AUC of 0.9104 and 0.8792 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The final model was then used to create a nomogram that was packaged into an open-source and predictive calculator for clinical use. The model is freely available online at https://severeconid-19predction.shinyapps.io/SHINY/. Conclusion: In this study, we developed an open-source and free predictive calculator for COVID-19 progression based on ALT, IL-6, expectoration, fatigue, LYMR, AST, and CREA. The validated model can effectively predict progression to severe COVID-19, thus providing an efficient option for early and personalized management and the allocation of appropriate medical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirui Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Minjin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongzhao Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuo Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengjiao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanbing Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuyu Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Binwu Ying
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Suppan M, Abbas M, Catho G, Stuby L, Regard S, Achab S, Harbarth S, Suppan L. Impact of a Serious Game (Escape COVID-19) on the Intention to Change COVID-19 Control Practices Among Employees of Long-term Care Facilities: Web-Based Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e27443. [PMID: 33685854 PMCID: PMC7996198 DOI: 10.2196/27443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at high risk of complications and death following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In these facilities, viral transmission can be facilitated by shortages of human and material resources, which can lead to suboptimal application of infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures. To improve the dissemination of COVID-19 IPC guidelines, we developed a serious game called "Escape COVID-19" using Nicholson's RECIPE for meaningful gamification, as engaging serious games have the potential to induce behavioral change. OBJECTIVE As the probability of executing an action is strongly linked to the intention of performing it, the objective of this study was to determine whether LTCF employees were willing to change their IPC practices after playing "Escape COVID-19." METHODS This was a web-based, triple-blind, randomized controlled trial, which took place between November 5 and December 4, 2020. The health authorities of Geneva, Switzerland, asked the managers of all LTCFs under their jurisdiction to forward information regarding the study to all their employees, regardless of professional status. Participants were unaware that they would be randomly allocated to one of two different study paths upon registration. In the control group, participants filled in a first questionnaire designed to gather demographic data and assess baseline knowledge before accessing regular online IPC guidelines. They then answered a second questionnaire, which assessed their willingness to change their IPC practices and identified the reasons underlying their decision. They were then granted access to the serious game. Conversely, the serious game group played "Escape COVID-19" after answering the first questionnaire but before answering the second one. This group accessed the control material after answering the second set of questions. There was no time limit. The primary outcome was the proportion of LTCF employees willing to change their IPC practices. Secondary outcomes included the factors underlying participants' decisions, the domains these changes would affect, changes in the use of protective equipment items, and attrition at each stage of the study. RESULTS A total of 295 answer sets were analyzed. Willingness to change behavior was higher in the serious game group (82% [119/145] versus 56% [84/150]; P<.001), with an odds ratio of 3.86 (95% CI 2.18-6.81; P<.001) after adjusting for professional category and baseline knowledge, using a mixed effects logistic regression model with LTCF as a random effect. For more than two-thirds (142/203) of the participants, the feeling of playing an important role against the epidemic was the most important factor explaining their willingness to change behavior. Most of the participants unwilling to change their behavior answered that they were already applying all the guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The serious game "Escape COVID-19" was more successful than standard IPC material in convincing LTCF employees to adopt COVID-19-safe IPC behavior. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/25595.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Suppan
- Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gaud Catho
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Simon Regard
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of the Surgeon General, Geneva Directorate of Health, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Achab
- Specialized Facility in Behavioral Addictions ReConnecte, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- WHO Collaborating Center in Training and Research in Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Harbarth
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Suppan
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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