1
|
Wong SC, Au AK, Lo JY, Ho PL, Hung IF, To KK, Yuen KY, Cheng VC. Evolution and Control of COVID-19 Epidemic in Hong Kong. Viruses 2022; 14. [PMID: 36423128 DOI: 10.3390/v14112519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hong Kong SAR has adopted universal masking, social distancing, testing of all symptomatic and high-risk groups for isolation of confirmed cases in healthcare facilities, and quarantine of contacts as epidemiological control measures without city lockdown or border closure. These measures successfully suppressed the community transmission of pre-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants or lineages during the first to the fourth wave. No nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection was documented among healthcare workers in the first 300 days. The strategy of COVID-19 containment was adopted to provide additional time to achieve population immunity by vaccination. The near-zero COVID-19 situation for about 8 months in 2021 did not enable adequate immunization of the eligible population. A combination of factors was identified, especially population complacency associated with the low local COVID-19 activity, together with vaccine hesitancy. The importation of the highly transmissible Omicron variant kickstarted the fifth wave of COVID-19, which could no longer be controlled by our initial measures. The explosive fifth wave, which was partially contributed by vertical airborne transmission in high-rise residential buildings, resulted in over one million cases of infection. In this review, we summarize the epidemiology of COVID-19 and the infection control and public health measures against the importation and dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 until day 1000.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bruce Metadata P, Ainscough K, Hatter L, Braithwaite I, Berry LR, Fitzgerald M, Hills T, Brickell K, Cosgrave D, Semprini A, Morpeth S, Berry S, Doran P, Young P, Beasley R, Nichol A. Prophylaxis in healthcare workers during a pandemic: a model for a multi-centre international randomised controlled trial using Bayesian analyses. Trials 2022; 23:534. [PMID: 35761370 PMCID: PMC9235209 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06402-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exposed the disproportionate effects of pandemics on frontline workers and the ethical imperative to provide effective prophylaxis. We present a model for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) that utilises Bayesian methods to rapidly determine the efficacy or futility of a prophylactic agent. METHODS We initially planned to undertake a multicentre, phase III, parallel-group, open-label RCT, to determine if hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) taken once a week was effective in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in healthcare workers (HCW) aged ≥ 18 years in New Zealand (NZ) and Ireland. Participants were to be randomised 2:1 to either HCQ (800 mg stat then 400 mg weekly) or no prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was time to Nucleic Acid Amplification Test-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. Secondary outcome variables included mortality, hospitalisation, intensive care unit admissions and length of mechanical ventilation. The trial had no fixed sample size or duration of intervention. Bayesian adaptive analyses were planned to occur fortnightly, commencing with a weakly informative prior for the no prophylaxis group hazard rate and a moderately informative prior on the intervention log hazard ratio centred on 'no effect'. Stopping for expected success would be executed if the intervention had a greater than 0.975 posterior probability of reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by more than 10%. Final success would be declared if, after completion of 8 weeks of follow-up (reflecting the long half-life of HCQ), the prophylaxis had at least a 0.95 posterior probability of reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by more than 10%. Futility would be declared if HCQ was shown to have less than a 0.10 posterior probability of reducing acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection by more than 20%. DISCUSSION This study did not begin recruitment due to the marked reduction in COVID-19 cases in NZ and concerns regarding the efficacy and risks of HCQ treatment in COVID-19. Nonetheless, the model presented can be easily adapted for other potential prophylactic agents and pathogens, and pre-established collaborative models like this should be shared and incorporated into future pandemic preparedness planning. TRIAL REGISTRATION The decision not to proceed with the study was made before trial registration occurred.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pepa Bruce Metadata
- grid.415117.70000 0004 0445 6830Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 7902, Newtown, Wellington 6242 New Zealand
| | - Kate Ainscough
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743University College Dublin - Clinical Research Centre at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lee Hatter
- grid.415117.70000 0004 0445 6830Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 7902, Newtown, Wellington 6242 New Zealand
| | - Irene Braithwaite
- grid.415117.70000 0004 0445 6830Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 7902, Newtown, Wellington 6242 New Zealand
| | | | | | - Thomas Hills
- grid.415117.70000 0004 0445 6830Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 7902, Newtown, Wellington 6242 New Zealand ,grid.414057.30000 0001 0042 379XAuckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathy Brickell
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743University College Dublin - Clinical Research Centre at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Cosgrave
- grid.6142.10000 0004 0488 0789National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland ,grid.412440.70000 0004 0617 9371University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Alex Semprini
- grid.415117.70000 0004 0445 6830Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 7902, Newtown, Wellington 6242 New Zealand
| | - Susan Morpeth
- grid.413188.70000 0001 0098 1855Counties Manukau District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Peter Doran
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743University College Dublin - Clinical Research Centre at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Young
- grid.415117.70000 0004 0445 6830Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 7902, Newtown, Wellington 6242 New Zealand
| | - Richard Beasley
- grid.415117.70000 0004 0445 6830Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 7902, Newtown, Wellington 6242 New Zealand
| | - Alistair Nichol
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743University College Dublin - Clinical Research Centre at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Monash University - Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1623.60000 0004 0432 511XDepartment of Intensive Care, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Galán MI, Velasco M, Casas ML, Goyanes MJ, Rodríguez-Caravaca G, Losa-García JE, Noguera C, Castilla V. Hospital-Wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in health care workers in a Spanish teaching hospital. Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed ) 2022; 40:302-309. [PMID: 35680348 PMCID: PMC9168001 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2020.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Methods Results Conclusions
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mª Isabel Galán
- Occupational Health Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Velasco
- Infectious Diseases and Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mª Luisa Casas
- Laboratory Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mª José Goyanes
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan E Losa-García
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Noguera
- Nurse Subdirector, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virgilio Castilla
- Medical Director, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wen L, Ou Z, Duan W, Zhu W, Xiao X, Zhang Y, Luo H, Cheng W, Lian W. Using a 5G network in hospitals to reduce nosocomial infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commun Med 2022; 2:51. [PMID: 35603312 PMCID: PMC9098528 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-022-00118-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Wen et al. discuss how implementing a 5G network in hospitals can be used to reduce nosocomial infections. Such systems can reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
5
|
Luceño-Moreno L, Talavera-Velasco B, Vázquez-Estévez D, Martín-García J. Mental Health, Burnout, and Resilience in Healthcare Professionals After the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Longitudinal Study. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e114-e123. [PMID: 34935681 PMCID: PMC8887683 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine whether there are differences in symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, levels of burnout and resilience in Spanish healthcare staff between the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and after it, depending on several demographic and work-related variables. METHODS A longitudinal study was conducted in April 2020 (T0), and July 2020 (T1). Symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, levels of resilience, along with demographic and work-related variables in 443 workers were assessed. RESULTS Symptoms and burnout were more pronounced at T0, whereas the levels of resilience were higher at T1. Being women, being young, holding a lower-level job, less years of experience, lower educational level, and/or working rotating shifts are associated with having more posttraumatic stress symptoms and burnout. CONCLUSION These variables would be considered in similar situations.
Collapse
|
6
|
Korona-Głowniak I, Mielnik M, Podgajna M, Grywalska E, Hus M, Matuska K, Wojtysiak-Duma B, Duma D, Glowniak A, Malm A. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers before the Vaccination in Poland: Evolution from the First to the Second Pandemic Outbreak. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19042319. [PMID: 35206504 PMCID: PMC8871845 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontline, struggling with the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To describe recent or past infections, the serological assays enabled the assessment of the immune response developed in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the period when testing was hardly available. In this study, we investigated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs in a Polish teaching hospital and the Regional Occupational Medicine Center after both the first and the second waves. ELISA-based tests for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG were used to determine immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in volunteer HCWs who worked in those institutions in May 2020 (208 participants aged 47.1 ± 12.5, 88% women) and in December 2020 (179 participants aged 45.2 ± 12.4, 86% woman). Risk factors for seropositivity were also assessed using a questionnaire filled out by all participants. We reported a significant increase in seroprevalence after the second wave (22.9%) compared with the first outbreak (2.4%) (OR 12.1; 95%CI 4.6–31.3; p < 0.0001). An association between IgG seroprevalence and severity of infections was noted. Furthermore, we demonstrated that amongst medical personnel, nurses exhibited a proportionally higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Moreover, given the high seroprevalence in non-clinical group of HCWs, we suggest that community transmission can play a superior role to workplace exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Korona-Głowniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Michał Mielnik
- Department of Hematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Martyna Podgajna
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Marek Hus
- Department of Hematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Katarzyna Matuska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Beata Wojtysiak-Duma
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (B.W.-D.); (D.D.)
| | - Dariusz Duma
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (B.W.-D.); (D.D.)
| | - Andrzej Glowniak
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Clinical Department of Electrocardiology, SPSK-4 University Hospital, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Malm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Knežević D, Petković M, Božić L, Miljuš N, Mijović B, Aćimović J, Djaković-Dević J, Puhalo-Sladoje D, Mašić S, Spaić D, Todorović N, Pilipović-Broćeta N, Petrović V, Bokonjić D, Stojiljković MP, Škrbić R. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among primary healthcare workers in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia & Herzegovina: A cross-sectional study. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2022; 69:18-26. [PMID: 35156939 DOI: 10.1556/030.2022.01706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCW) in primary healthcare centres in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, are on the first combat line with COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among HCW at the primary healthcare centres and to analyse the risk exposure to COVID-19, clinical signs and vaccination status. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCW at the selected primary healthcare centres between 19 March and 30 April 2021. Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 1,023 HCW (mean age 45 years; 71% female) were included in the study. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 69.5% of all participants. There was a significant difference in seropositivity among primary healthcare centres from different geographical regions. As many as 432 (42%) of all participants had confirmed COVID-19 symptoms before the study and, 84.8% of them were seropositive. This study showed that 702 primary HCW were vaccinated with any of these vaccines: Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Pfizer/Biontech. High titre of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was found amongst those who received one (92.6%) or both (97.2%) doses of vaccines. In this study, we report high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among HCW in primary healthcare in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina during the third pandemic wave.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darija Knežević
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miroslav Petković
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ljiljana Božić
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nataša Miljuš
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Biljana Mijović
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jela Aćimović
- 3 Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jelena Djaković-Dević
- 3 Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dragana Puhalo-Sladoje
- 4 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Srdjan Mašić
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dragan Spaić
- 2 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nevena Todorović
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nataša Pilipović-Broćeta
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Verica Petrović
- 5 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Family Medicine, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dejan Bokonjić
- 6 University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Foča, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Miloš P Stojiljković
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ranko Škrbić
- 1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, The Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lucaccioni H, Costa C, Duque MP, Balasegaram S, Sá Machado R. Risk of COVID-19 in Health Professionals: A Case-Control Study, Portugal. Port J Public Health 2022; 39:137-144. [PMID: 37753314 PMCID: PMC9059035 DOI: 10.1159/000519472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health professionals face higher occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to estimate the risk of COVID-19 test positivity in health professionals compared to non-health professionals. Methods We conducted a test-negative case-control study using Portuguese national surveillance data (January to May 2020). Cases were suspected cases who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; controls were suspected cases who tested negative. We used multivariable logistic regression modelling to estimate the odds ratio of a positive COVID-19 test (RT-PCR; primary outcome), comparing health professionals and non-health professionals (primary exposure), and adjusting for the confounding effect of demographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics, and the modification effect of the self-reported epidemiological link (i.e., self-reported contact with a COVID-19 case or person with COVID-19-like symptoms). Results Health professionals had a 2-fold higher risk of a positive COVID-19 test result (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.69-2.11). However, this association was strongly modified by the self-report of an epidemiological link such that, among cases who did report an epidemiological link, being a health professional was a protective factor (aOR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.98). Conclusion Our findings suggest that health professionals might be primarily infected by unknown contacts, plausibly in the healthcare setting, but also that their occupational exposure does not systematically translate into a higher risk of transmission. We suggest that this could be interpreted in light of different types and timing of exposure, and variability in risk perception and associated preventive behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Lucaccioni
- Division of Epidemiology and Statistics, Directorate-General of Health (DGS), Lisbon, Portugal
- European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cristina Costa
- Division of Epidemiology and Statistics, Directorate-General of Health (DGS), Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Unit, ACeS Oeste Norte, ARS LVT, Lisbon, Portugal
- National School of Public Health (ENSP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana Perez Duque
- Division of Epidemiology and Statistics, Directorate-General of Health (DGS), Lisbon, Portugal
- European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- Public Health Unit, ACeS Porto Ocidental, ARS Norte, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Rita Sá Machado
- Division of Epidemiology and Statistics, Directorate-General of Health (DGS), Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lutrick K, Groom H, Fowlkes AL, Groover KD, Gaglani M, Rivers P, Naleway AL, Nguyen K, Herring M, Dunnigan K, Phillips A, Parker J, Mayo Lamberte J, Prather K, Thiese MS, Baccam Z, Tyner H, Yoon S. COVID-19 vaccine perceptions and uptake in a national prospective cohort of essential workers. Vaccine 2022; 40:494-502. [PMID: 34906392 PMCID: PMC8665770 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.11.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In a multi-center prospective cohort of essential workers, we assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) by vaccine intention, prior SARS-CoV-2 positivity, and occupation, and their impact on vaccine uptake over time. METHODS Initiated in July 2020, the HEROES-RECOVER cohort provided socio-demographics and COVID-19 vaccination data. Using two follow-up surveys approximately three months apart, COVID-19 vaccine KAP, intention, and receipt was collected; the first survey categorized participants as reluctant, reachable, or endorser. RESULTS A total of 4,803 participants were included in the analysis. Most (70%) were vaccine endorsers, 16% were reachable, and 14% were reluctant. By May 2021, 77% had received at least one vaccine dose. KAP responses strongly predicted vaccine uptake, particularly positive attitudes about safety (aOR = 5.46, 95% CI: 1.4-20.8) and effectiveness (aOR = 5.0, 95% CI: 1.3-19.1). Participants' with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were 22% less likely to believe the COVID-19 vaccine was effective compared with uninfected participants (aOR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64-0.96). This was even more pronounced in first responders compared with other occupations, with first responders 42% less likely to believe in COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.40-0.84). Between administrations of the two surveys, 25% of reluctant, 56% reachable, and 83% of endorser groups received the COVID-19 vaccine. The reachable group had large increases in positive responses for questions about vaccine safety (10% of vaccinated, 34% of unvaccinated), and vaccine effectiveness (12% of vaccinated, 27% of unvaccinated). DISCUSSION Our study demonstrates attitudes associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and a positive shift in attitudes over time. First responders, despite potential high exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were more vaccine reluctant. CONCLUSIONS Perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine can shift over time. Targeting messages about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness in reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and illness severity may increase vaccine uptake for reluctant and reachable participants.
Collapse
Key Words
- fda, u.s. food and drug administration
- cdc, centers for disease control and prevention
- eua, emergency use authorization
- kap, knowledge, attitudes, and practices
- heroes, arizona healthcare, emergency response and other essential workers surveillance recover study and research on the epidemiology of sars-cov-2 in essential response personnel
- h-r, heroes-recover
- hcp, health care personnel
- fw, frontline workers
- ppe, personal protective equipment
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Lutrick
- Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine - Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 655 N Alvernon Way, Suite 228, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| | - Holly Groom
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Ashley L Fowlkes
- Epidemiology Prevention Branch, Influenza Division, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | | | - Manjusha Gaglani
- Baylor Scott and White Health, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States.
| | - Patrick Rivers
- Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine - Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
| | - Allison L Naleway
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Kimberly Nguyen
- Assessment Branch, Immunization Services Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | | | - Kayan Dunnigan
- Baylor Scott and White Health, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States.
| | - Andrew Phillips
- Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Joel Parker
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
| | - Julie Mayo Lamberte
- Epidemiology Prevention Branch, Influenza Division, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | | | - Matthew S Thiese
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
| | - Zoe Baccam
- St. Luke's Infectious Disease Associates, St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth, MN, United States.
| | - Harmony Tyner
- Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
| | - Sarang Yoon
- St. Luke's Infectious Disease Associates, St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth, MN, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bueno de Mesquita PJ, Delp WW, Chan WR, Bahnfleth WP, Singer BC. Control of airborne infectious disease in buildings: Evidence and research priorities. Indoor Air 2022; 32:e12965. [PMID: 34816493 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in variants likely to be more readily transmitted through respiratory aerosols, underscoring the increased potential for indoor environmental controls to mitigate risk. Use of tight-fitting face masks to trap infectious aerosol in exhaled breath and reduce inhalation exposure to contaminated air is of critical importance for disease control. Administrative controls including the regulation of occupancy and interpersonal spacing are also important, while presenting social and economic challenges. Indoor engineering controls including ventilation, exhaust, air flow control, filtration, and disinfection by germicidal ultraviolet irradiation can reduce reliance on stringent occupancy restrictions. However, the effects of controls-individually and in combination-on reducing infectious aerosol transfer indoors remain to be clearly characterized to the extent needed to support widespread implementation by building operators. We review aerobiologic and epidemiologic evidence of indoor environmental controls against transmission and present a quantitative aerosol transfer scenario illustrating relative differences in exposure at close-interactive, room, and building scales. We identify an overarching need for investment to implement building controls and evaluate their effectiveness on infection in well-characterized and real-world settings, supported by specific, methodological advances. Improved understanding of engineering control effectiveness guides implementation at scale while considering occupant comfort, operational challenges, and energy costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - William W Delp
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Wanyu R Chan
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - William P Bahnfleth
- Department of Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brett C Singer
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Spencer S, Burrows C, Lacher SE, Macheledt KC, Berge JM, Ghebre RG. Framework for advancing equity in academic medicine and science: Perspectives from early career female faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prev Med Rep 2021; 24:101576. [PMID: 34692377 PMCID: PMC8523035 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-career female faculty, both physician scientists and basic researchers, have disproportionately experienced negative professional, financial, and personal consequences associated with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This career phase represents a critical time for establishing a network of mentors and collaborators, demonstrating professional independence, and balancing new teaching, research, and service duties while simultaneously navigating personal and familial responsibilities. Persistent gender inequality perpetuated by adherence to traditional gender roles place early-career women faculty at a further disadvantage. Women in academic medicine and research do not attain promotion, leadership positions, and other established markers of success at the same rate as their male counterparts. This disparity was the impetus for the creation of a Recruitment and Retention action group within the Center for Women in Medicine and Science (CWIMS) at the University of Minnesota Medical School (UMN). This perspective piece is written from the viewpoint of a group of female-identifying early-career faculty participating in a career development program for early-stage and newly appointed faculty at UMN, sponsored by the Recruitment and Retention CWIMS action group and our Office of Faculty Affairs. We describe areas of stress exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic: work, financial, and work-life well-being, and propose an adapted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) model to guide the response to future challenges within a faculty competency framework. We offer recommendations based on the DEI-competency framework, including opportunities for lasting positive change that can emerge from this challenging moment of our collective history.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sade Spencer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 3-212 McGuire Translational Research Facility, 2001 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Catherine Burrows
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 3-212 McGuire Translational Research Facility, 2001 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Sarah E. Lacher
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 3-212 McGuire Translational Research Facility, 2001 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Kait C. Macheledt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 3-212 McGuire Translational Research Facility, 2001 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Jerica M. Berge
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 3-212 McGuire Translational Research Facility, 2001 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Rahel G. Ghebre
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 3-212 McGuire Translational Research Facility, 2001 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Braun KM, Moreno GK, Buys A, Somsen ED, Bobholz M, Accola MA, Anderson L, Rehrauer WM, Baker DA, Safdar N, Lepak AJ, O’Connor DH, Friedrich TC. Viral Sequencing to Investigate Sources of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in US Healthcare Personnel. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e1329-e1336. [PMID: 33857303 PMCID: PMC8083259 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare personnel (HCP) are at increased risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We posit that current infection control guidelines generally protect HCP from SARS-CoV-2 infection in a healthcare setting. METHODS In this retrospective case series, we used viral genomics to investigate the likely source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCP at a major academic medical institution in the Upper Midwest of the United States between 25 March and 27 December 2020. We obtained limited epidemiological data through informal interviews and review of the electronic health record and combined this information with healthcare-associated viral sequences and viral sequences collected in the broader community to infer the most likely source of infection in HCP. RESULTS We investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection clusters involving 95 HCP and 137 possible patient contact sequences. The majority of HCP infections could not be linked to a patient or coworker (55 of 95 [57.9%]) and were genetically similar to viruses circulating concurrently in the community. We found that 10.5% of HCP infections (10 of 95) could be traced to a coworker. Strikingly, only 4.2% (4 of 95) could be traced to a patient source. CONCLUSIONS Infections among HCP add further strain to the healthcare system and put patients, HCP, and communities at risk. We found no evidence for healthcare-associated transmission in the majority of HCP infections evaluated. Although we cannot rule out the possibility of cryptic healthcare-associated transmission, it appears that HCP most commonly become infected with SARS-CoV-2 via community exposure. This emphasizes the ongoing importance of mask wearing, physical distancing, robust testing programs, and rapid distribution of vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina M Braun
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gage K Moreno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley Buys
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Somsen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Max Bobholz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Molly A Accola
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Laura Anderson
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William M Rehrauer
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David A Baker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nasia Safdar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alexander J Lepak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David H O’Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thomas C Friedrich
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abdolsalehi MR, Mahmoudi S, Badv RS, Pourakbari B, Mirnia K, Mahmoudieh Y, Mamishi S. SARS-CoV-2 transmission among health care workers in Iran: an urgent need for early identification and management. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:e100821195494. [PMID: 35135466 DOI: 10.2174/1871526521666210810124359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION By increasing the rate of COVID-19, particularly in developing countries such as Iran, high numbers of frontline service providers, including doctors and nurses, die and makes frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) more vulnerable to the psychological disorders, fear and anxiety of secondary transmission to others, especially their family members. In this study, we aimed to report the incidence of COVID-19 infection among HCWs in an Iranian referral pediatrics hospital between April 2020 and July 2020. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this retrospective cross-sectional study, HCWs and hospital staff working at Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results were evaluated between April 2020 and July 2020. RESULTS Sixty-one out of the 1085 personnel (5.6%) including 14 pediatricians (23%), 24 nurses (39%), 9 paramedics (15%), and 14 HCWs without direct patient contact (23%) had a nasopharyngeal specimen positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test. The mean age was 39.8±10.6 years. Eleven cases (18%) had underlying diseases such as hypertension and asthma. The most common symptoms were fatigue (67%, n=41), dry cough (61%, n=37), fever (52%, n=32), headache (46%, n=28), dyspnea (43%, n=24), anosmia (28%, n=17), chills (26%, n=16), sore throat (26%, n=16), gastrointestinal symptoms (23%, n=14), and productive cough (3%, n=2). Eleven cases (18%) showed lung involvement in their chest X-rays and/or CT scans. Eighteen cases (29.5%) had lymphopenia, and 20 individuals (33%) had a high level of C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION In conclusion, in the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, a substantial proportion of HCWs with fever, respiratory, and other prevalent symptoms including fatigue and headache were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, implementation of infection prevention measures, isolation of confirmed HCWs, disinfection of the environment, and regular COVID-19 prevention training for HCWs are strongly recommended for the wellbeing of health workers and minimizing the spread of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Abdolsalehi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
| | - Shima Mahmoudi
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
| | - Reza Shervin Badv
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
| | - Babak Pourakbari
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
| | - Keyvan Mirnia
- Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
| | - Yasmine Mahmoudieh
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley. United States
| | - Setareh Mamishi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shamshirgaran SM, Aminisani N, Abasi H, Mollanoroozy E, Mohammad Malekzadeh M, Fazel H, Ghasemi A, khorashadizade F, Moshar-Movahed G, Alimardani AS, Gholami A. Risk assessment of coronavirus disease 2019 among healthcare workers in Neyshabur, 2020. Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/20101058211028854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the world, healthcare workers have been exposed to this virus due to their important roles and responsibilities in the care and treatment of patients with COVID-19. In this regard, doing risk assessments in healthcare centres helps significantly to control and reduce COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 risk and its association with clinical symptoms among healthcare workers in Neyshabur. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 healthcare workers of Neyshabur medical centres in 2020. In order to collect the data, a checklist consisting of three sections of demographic variables, risk assessment and clinical symptoms was used. Statistical analyses were performed by using the STATA software version 14. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: The mean ± standard deviation age of the study population was 34.2 ± 8.4 years. Out of 483 participants, 55 (11.4%) were identified as high-risk exposure category, 52 (10.8%) as medium-risk category and 77 (15.9%) as low-risk category. According to multiple logistic regression models, it was observed that cough (odds ratio (OR)=2.2; P=0.001), running nose (OR=3.3; P<0.001), suffocation (OR=3.2; P<0.001), shivering (OR=3.4; P=0.001), nausea (OR=3.3; P=0.001), vomiting (OR=7.2; P=0.025), diarrhoea (OR=3.0; P=0.001), muscular pain (OR=2.1; P=0.005), joint pain (OR=2.2; P=0.005) and fatigue (OR=2.1; P=0.003) were significantly associated with risk assessment. Conclusions: The findings showed that more than one-fifth of studied healthcare workers were at high or medium-risk exposure of COVID-19. Cough and fatigue had the most frequencies in healthcare workers with high or medium-risk exposure, and also, vomiting and shivering had a stronger association with risk assessment status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nayyereh Aminisani
- Healthy Ageing Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Hamid Abasi
- Public Health Department, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Ensiyeh Mollanoroozy
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | | | - Hadi Fazel
- Basic Sciences Department, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghasemi
- Healthy Ageing Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Fatemeh khorashadizade
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Ghasem Moshar-Movahed
- 22 Bahman Teaching Hospital, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Amir Sadegh Alimardani
- 22 Bahman Teaching Hospital, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Ali Gholami
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jones-Bonofiglio K, Nortjé N, Webster L, Garros D. A Practical Approach to Hospital Visitation During a Pandemic: Responding With Compassion to Unjustified Restrictions. Am J Crit Care 2021; 30:302-311. [PMID: 33870412 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2021611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence-based resources have been sought to support decision-making and strategically inform hospitals' policies, procedures, and practices. While greatly emphasizing protection, most guiding documents have neglected to support and protect the psychosocial needs of frontline health care workers and patients and their families during provision of palliative and end-of-life care. Consequently, the stage has been set for increased anxiety, moral distress, and moral injury and extreme moral hazard. A family-centered approach to care has been unilaterally relinquished to a secondary and nonessential role during the current crisis. This phenomenon violates a foundational public health principle, namely, to apply the least restrictive means to achieve good for the many. Instead, there has been widespread adoption of utilitarian and paternalistic approaches. In many cases the foundational principles of palliative care have also been neglected. No circumstance, even a global public health emergency, should ever cause health care providers to deny their ethical obligations and human commitment to compassion. The lack of responsive protocols for family visitation, particularly at the end of life, is an important gap in the current recommendations for pandemic triage and contingency planning. A stepwise approach to hospital visitation using a tiered, standardized process for responding to emerging clinical circumstances and individual patients' needs should be considered, following the principle of proportionality. A contingency plan, based on epidemiological data, is the best strategy to refocus health care ethics in practice now and for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Jones-Bonofiglio
- Kristen Jones-Bonofiglio is an assistant professor, School of Nursing, and director of the Centre for Health Care Ethics, Lakehead University, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nico Nortjé
- Nico Nortjé is an assistant professor, critical care and respiratory care, and a clinical ethicist, Section of Integrated Ethics in Cancer Care, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; a research affiliate, Centre for Health Care Ethics, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; and professor extraordinaire, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Laura Webster
- Laura Webster is director of the bioethics program, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, and affiliate faculty, Department of Bioethics and Humanities, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Daniel Garros
- Daniel Garros is a clinical professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, and a member of the Ethics Committee and senior attending physician in the pediatric intensive care unit, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lutrick K, Ellingson KD, Baccam Z, Rivers P, Beitel S, Parker J, Hollister J, Sun X, Gerald JK, Komatsu K, Kim E, LaFleur B, Grant L, Yoo YM, Kumar A, Mayo Lamberte J, Cowling BJ, Cobey S, Thornburg NJ, Meece JK, Kutty P, Nikolich-Zugich J, Thompson MG, Burgess JL. COVID-19 Infection, Reinfection, and Vaccine Effectiveness in a Prospective Cohort of Arizona Frontline/Essential Workers: The AZ HEROES Research Protocol. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e28925. [PMID: 34057904 PMCID: PMC8386365 DOI: 10.2196/28925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Arizona Healthcare, Emergency Response, and Other Essential workers Study (AZ HEROES) aims to examine the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 illness among adults with high occupational exposure risk. OBJECTIVE Study objectives include estimating incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in essential workers by symptom presentation and demographic factors, determining independent effects of occupational and community exposures on incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, establishing molecular and immunologic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in essential workers, describing the duration and patterns of rRT-PCR-positivity, and examining post-vaccine immunologic response. METHODS Eligible participants include Arizona residents aged 18-85 years who work at least 20 hours per week in an occupation involving regular direct contact (within three feet) with others. Recruitment goals are stratified by demographic characteristics (50% aged 40 or older, 50% women, and 50% Hispanic or American Indian), by occupation (40% healthcare personnel, 30% first responders, and 30% other essential workers), and by prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (with up to 50% seropositive at baseline). Information on sociodemographics, health and medical history, vaccination status, exposures to individuals with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, use of personal protective equipment, and perceived risks are collected at enrollment and updated through quarterly surveys. Every week, participants complete active surveillance for COVID-19-like illness (CLI) and self-collect nasal swabs. Additional self-collected nasal swab and saliva specimens are collected in the event of CLI onset. Respiratory specimens are sent to Marshfield Laboratories and tested for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay. CLI symptoms and impact on work and productivity are followed through illness resolution. Serum specimens are collected every 3 months and additional sera are collected following incident rRT-PCR positivity and after each COVID-19 vaccine dose. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections will be calculated by person-weeks at risk and compared by occupation and demographic characteristics and by seropositivity status and infection and vaccination history. RESULTS The AZ HEROES study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enrollment began July 27, 2020 and as of May 1, 2021 a total of 3,165 participants have been enrolled in the study. CONCLUSIONS AZ HEROES is unique in aiming to recruit a diverse sample of essential workers and prospectively following strata of SARS-CoV-2 seronegative and seropositive adults. Survey results combined with active surveillance data on exposure, CLI, weekly molecular diagnostic testing, and periodic serology will be used to estimate the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, assess the intensity and durability of immune responses to natural infection and COVID-19 vaccination, and contribute to the evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. CLINICALTRIAL INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/28925.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Lutrick
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine - Tucson, 655 N Alvernon WaySuite 228, Tucson, US
| | | | - Zoe Baccam
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, US
| | - Patrick Rivers
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine - Tucson, 655 N Alvernon WaySuite 228, Tucson, US
| | - Shawn Beitel
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, US
| | - Joel Parker
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, US
| | - James Hollister
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, US
| | - Xiaoxiao Sun
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, US
| | - Joe K Gerald
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, US
| | | | | | | | - Lauren Grant
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, US
| | - Young M Yoo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, US
| | - Archana Kumar
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, US
| | | | | | - Sarah Cobey
- University of Chicago, Ecology and Evolution, Chicago, US
| | | | | | - Preeta Kutty
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, US
| | - Janko Nikolich-Zugich
- University of Arizona, College of Medicine - Tucson, 655 N Alvernon WaySuite 228, Tucson, US
| | | | - Jefferey L Burgess
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, US
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Louca P, Murray B, Klaser K, Graham MS, Mazidi M, Leeming ER, Thompson E, Bowyer R, Drew DA, Nguyen LH, Merino J, Gomez M, Mompeo O, Costeira R, Sudre CH, Gibson R, Steves CJ, Wolf J, Franks PW, Ourselin S, Chan AT, Berry SE, Valdes AM, Calder PC, Spector TD, Menni C. Modest effects of dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from 445 850 users of the COVID-19 Symptom Study app. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2021; 4:149-157. [PMID: 34308122 PMCID: PMC8061565 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2021-000250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dietary supplements may ameliorate SARS-CoV-2 infection, although scientific evidence to support such a role is lacking. We investigated whether users of the COVID-19 Symptom Study app who regularly took dietary supplements were less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. DESIGN App-based community survey. SETTING 445 850 subscribers of an app that was launched to enable self-reported information related to SARS-CoV-2 infection for use in the general population in the UK (n=372 720), the USA (n=45 757) and Sweden (n=27 373). MAIN EXPOSURE Self-reported regular dietary supplement usage (constant use during previous 3 months) in the first waves of the pandemic up to 31 July 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by viral RNA reverse transcriptase PCR test or serology test before 31 July 2020. RESULTS In 372 720 UK participants (175 652 supplement users and 197 068 non-users), those taking probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins or vitamin D had a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 14% (95% CI (8% to 19%)), 12% (95% CI (8% to 16%)), 13% (95% CI (10% to 16%)) and 9% (95% CI (6% to 12%)), respectively, after adjusting for potential confounders. No effect was observed for those taking vitamin C, zinc or garlic supplements. On stratification by sex, age and body mass index (BMI), the protective associations in individuals taking probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins and vitamin D were observed in females across all ages and BMI groups, but were not seen in men. The same overall pattern of association was observed in both the US and Swedish cohorts. CONCLUSION In women, we observed a modest but significant association between use of probiotics, omega-3 fatty acid, multivitamin or vitamin D supplements and lower risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. We found no clear benefits for men nor any effect of vitamin C, garlic or zinc. Randomised controlled trials are required to confirm these observational findings before any therapeutic recommendations can be made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panayiotis Louca
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Murray
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kerstin Klaser
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mark S Graham
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mohsen Mazidi
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily R Leeming
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ellen Thompson
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ruth Bowyer
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David A Drew
- Clinical & Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Long H Nguyen
- Clinical & Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jordi Merino
- Clinical & Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria Gomez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Olatz Mompeo
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ricardo Costeira
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carole H Sudre
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Gibson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Claire J Steves
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Paul W Franks
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew T Chan
- Clinical & Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah E Berry
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ana M Valdes
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
- Division of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
| | - Philip C Calder
- Human Development & Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cristina Menni
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gur-Arie R, Katz MA, Hirsch A, Greenberg D, Malosh R, Newes-Adeyi G, Davidovitch N, Rosenthal A. "You Have to Die Not to Come to Work": A Mixed Methods Study of Attitudes and Behaviors regarding Presenteeism, Absenteeism and Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Personnel with Respiratory Illness in Israel, 2016-2019. Vaccine 2021; 39:2366-2374. [PMID: 33789798 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare personnel (HCP) have an increased risk of exposure to influenza and other respiratory pathogens. Increased presenteeism, decreased absenteeism, and low uptake of the influenza vaccine can contribute to the spread of influenza among HCP in healthcare settings. We used a mixed methods approach to investigate attitudes and behaviors of HCP in Israel towards influenza vaccination, presenteeism, and absenteeism. METHODS The study took place over three influenza seasons (2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019) at the largest hospital in southern Israel. We administered a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) questionnaire and conducted semi-structured interviews with HCP who had been recently ill with respiratory symptoms. The KAP questionnaire included closed-ended questions about attitudes and behaviors regarding influenza, working while sick, and influenza vaccination. The interviews investigated HCP's perceptions of influenza infection and attitudes about absenteeism, presenteeism, and the influenza vaccine. RESULTS We conducted 74 semi-structured interviews over three influenza seasons. Four HCP were interviewed twice, in separate seasons for different illness episodes. The 70 individuals interviewed included 16 physicians, 45 nurses or technicians, and 9 administrative staff. The median age was 42.5 years (range: 25-60), and most (79%) were female. Half (50%) got vaccinated against influenza before their illness episode. In interviews, most HCP said they come to work while sick (presenteeism) due to a strong personal work ethic and an institutional culture that discourages taking sick leave (absenteeism). HCP expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine as well as concern that the influenza vaccine causes severe illness. DISCUSSION Over three influenza seasons in Israel, HCP cited a number of reasons for working while sick, and doubted the usefulness of influenza vaccine. Addressing reasons for presenteeism and vaccine hesitancy among HCP is crucial to protect HCP and patients from influenza virus infection and other viral respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gur-Arie
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Mark A Katz
- Chief Physician's Office, Clalit Health Services, Clalit Research Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Public Health, Medical School for International Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Avital Hirsch
- Chief Physician's Office, Clalit Health Services, Clalit Research Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Greenberg
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ryan Malosh
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Nadav Davidovitch
- Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Anat Rosenthal
- Department of Health Systems Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shehab M, Shuaibi S, Qadhi I, Alfadhli A. Effectiveness of inspectors' team in increasing compliance with personal protective equipment use and reducing COVID19 infection spread among healthcare workers. Infect Prev Pract 2021; 3:100137. [PMID: 34316577 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2021.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCW) were amongst the front-liners in the mission to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and thus bore a huge risk of infection. Therefore, personal protective equipment (PPE) is of vital importance. There are several methods described in the literature to increase compliance with PPE use and reduce occupational infections. One of those methods is the institution of PPE inspectors that ensure proper adherence to PPE protocols and ultimately improve the outcomes of many HCWs. Methods A team of PPE inspectors was introduced in a tertiary care university hospital, where they randomly evaluated and reinforced PPE use in accordance with the guidelines set by the local health authority. The study period was from the 10th of May 2020 until the 31st of August 2020. The evaluations were divided into three categories; appropriate, missing, or unnecessary use of PPE and were compared to trends in healthcare workers' COVID-19 infection rates. Results A total of 720 HCWs were evaluated from the 10th of May 2020 until the 31st of August 2020. The appropriate use of PPE increased from 56% to 89% during the study period. Meanwhile, the incidence of COVID-19 infection among HCWs, which has peaked to 31 cases per day on the 18th of May 2020, has been declining to below 5 cases per day towards the end of the study period. Conclusion PPE inspectors' team served a positive role in increasing compliance with PPE use and was associated with a reduction in the transmission of SARS-Cov-2 among HCWs.
Collapse
|
20
|
Cheng VC, Wong SC, Tong DW, Chuang VW, Chen JH, Lee LL, To KK, Hung IF, Ho PL, Yeung DT, Chung KL, Yuen KY. Multipronged infection control strategy to achieve zero nosocomial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases among Hong Kong healthcare workers in the first 300 days of the pandemic. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021;:1-10. [PMID: 33736729 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Nosocomial outbreaks leading to healthcare worker (HCW) infection and death have been increasingly reported during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objective: We implemented a strategy to reduce nosocomial acquisition. Methods: We summarized our experience in implementing a multipronged infection control strategy in the first 300 days (December 31, 2019, to October 25, 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic under the governance of Hospital Authority in Hong Kong. Results: Of 5,296 COVID-19 patients, 4,808 (90.8%) were diagnosed in the first pandemic wave (142 cases), second wave (896 cases), and third wave (3,770 cases) in Hong Kong. With the exception of 1 patient who died before admission, all COVID-19 patients were admitted to the public healthcare system for a total of 78,834 COVID-19 patient days. The median length of stay was 13 days (range, 1–128). Of 81,955 HCWs, 38 HCWs (0.05%; 2 doctors and 11 nurses and 25 nonprofessional staff) acquired COVID-19. With the exception of 5 of 38 HCWs (13.2%) infected by HCW-to-HCW transmission in the nonclinical settings, no HCW had documented transmission from COVID-19 patients in the hospitals. The incidence of COVID-19 among HCWs was significantly lower than that of our general population (0.46 per 1,000 HCWs vs 0.71 per 1,000 population; P = .008). The incidence of COVID-19 among professional staff was significantly lower than that of nonprofessional staff (0.30 vs 0.66 per 1,000 full-time equivalent; P = .022). Conclusions: A hospital-based approach spared our healthcare service from being overloaded. With our multipronged infection control strategy, no nosocomial COVID-19 in was identified among HCWs in the first 300 days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.
Collapse
|
21
|
Kramer V, Papazova I, Thoma A, Kunz M, Falkai P, Schneider-Axmann T, Hierundar A, Wagner E, Hasan A. Subjective burden and perspectives of German healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 271:271-281. [PMID: 32815019 PMCID: PMC7437642 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-020-01183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCW) face tremendous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the subjective burden, views, and COVID-19 infection status of HCWs. The aim of this work was to evaluate the subjective burden, the perception of the information policies, and the agreement on structural measures in a large cohort of German HCW during the COVID-19 pandemic. This country-wide anonymous online survey was carried out from April 15th until May 1st, 2020. 25 content-related questions regarding the subjective burden and other dimensions were evaluated. We evaluated different dimensions of subjective burden, stress, and perspectives using 5-point Likert-scale questions. Moreover, the individual COVID-19 infection status, the amount of people infected in circle of friends and acquaintances and the hours working overtime were assessed. A total of 3669 HCWs provided sufficient responses for analyses. 2.8% of HCWs reported to have been tested positive for COVID-19. Nurses reported in principle higher ratings on all questions of subjective burden and stress than doctors and other hospital staff. Doctors (3.6%) and nurses (3.1%) were more likely to be tested positive for COVID-19 than other hospital staff (0.6%, Chi (2) 2 = 17.39, p < 0.0005). HCWs who worked in a COVID-19 environment reported higher levels of subjective burden and stress compared to all other participants. Working in a COVID-19 environment increased the likelihood to be tested positive for COVID-19 (4.8% vs. 2.3%, Chi (1) 2 = 12.62, p < 0.0005) and the severity of the subjective burden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses experience more stress than doctors. Overall, German HCWs showed high scores of agreement with the measures taken by the hospitals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Kramer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, BKH Augsburg, Dr.-Mack-Str. 1, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Irina Papazova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Thoma
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, BKH Augsburg, Dr.-Mack-Str. 1, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Kunz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Anke Hierundar
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Elias Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, BKH Augsburg, Dr.-Mack-Str. 1, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mizukoshi A, Nakama C, Okumura J, Azuma K. Assessing the risk of COVID-19 from multiple pathways of exposure to SARS-CoV-2: Modeling in health-care settings and effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical interventions. Environ Int 2021; 147:106338. [PMID: 33401172 PMCID: PMC7758024 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the risk of COVID-19 infection in a healthcare worker (HCW) from multiple pathways of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a health-care setting of short distance of 0.6 m between the HCW and a patient while caring, and evaluated the effectiveness of a face mask and a face shield using a model that combined previous infection-risk models. The multiple pathways of exposure included hand contact via contaminated surfaces and an HCW's fingers with droplets, droplet spray, and inhalation of inspirable and respirable particles. We assumed a scenario of medium contact time (MCT) and long contact time (LCT) over 1 day of care by an HCW. SARS-CoV-2 in the particles emitted by coughing, breathing, and vocalization (only in the LCT scenario) by the patient were considered. The contribution of the risk of infection of an HCW by SARS-CoV-2 from each pathway to the sum of the risks from all pathways depended on virus concentration in the saliva of the patient. At a virus concentration in the saliva of 101-105 PFU mL-1 concentration in the MCT scenario and 101-104 PFU mL-1 concentration in the LCT scenario, droplet spraying was the major pathway (60%-86%) of infection, followed by hand contact via contaminated surfaces (9%-32%). At a high virus concentration in the saliva (106-108 PFU mL-1 in the MCT scenario and 105-108 PFU mL-1 in the LCT scenario), hand contact via contaminated surfaces was the main contributor (41%-83%) to infection. The contribution of inhalation of inspirable particles was 4%-10% in all assumed cases. The contribution of inhalation of respirable particles increased as the virus concentration in the saliva increased, and reached 5%-27% at the high saliva concentration (107 and 108 PFU mL-1) in the assumed scenarios using higher dose-response function parameter (0.246) and comparable to other pathways, although these were worst and rare cases. Regarding the effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical interventions, the relative risk (RR) of an overall risk for an HCW with an intervention vs. an HCW without intervention was 0.36-0.37, 0.02-0.03, and <4.0 × 10-4 for a face mask, a face shield, and a face mask plus shield, respectively, in the likely median virus concentration in the saliva (102-104 PFU mL-1), suggesting that personal protective equipment decreased the infection risk by 63%->99.9%. In addition, the RR for a face mask worn by the patient, and a face mask worn by the patient plus increase of air change rate from 2 h-1 to 6 h-1 was <1.0 × 10-4 and <5.0 × 10-5, respectively in the same virus concentration in the saliva. Therefore, by modeling multiple pathways of exposure, the contribution of the infection risk from each pathway and the effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 were indicated quantitatively, and the importance of the use of a face mask and shield was confirmed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Mizukoshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan.
| | - Chikako Nakama
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan.
| | - Jiro Okumura
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan.
| | - Kenichi Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Elbqry MG, Elmansy FM, Elsayed AE, Mansour B, Tantawy A, Eldin MB, Sayed HH. Effect of COVID-19 stressors on healthcare workers’ performance and attitude at Suez Canal university hospitals. Middle East Curr Psychiatry 2021. [PMCID: PMC7835443 DOI: 10.1186/s43045-021-00084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 is an emerging respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus effect on 10-20% of total healthcare workers and was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This study was designed to assess effect of COVID-19 stressors on healthcare workers’ performance and attitude. A descriptive cross sectional research design was used. A convenient sample (all available healthcare workers) physicians “112,”, nurses “183,” pharmacists “31,” and laboratory technicians “38” was participated to conduct aim of the study. Utilize the study with two tools; online self-administrated questionnaire to assess level of knowledge, attitude, and infection control measures regarding coronavirus disease 2019 and COVID-19 stress scales to assess the varied stressors among healthcare workers. Results More than three quarter of the studied participants had satisfactory level of knowledge and infection control measures. Approximately all of the studied participants had positive attitude regarding COVID-19. A total of 57.4% of the studied medical participants had moderate COVID-19 psychological stress levels, while 49.1% of the studied paramedical participants had moderate COVID-19 psychological stress levels. But less than one quarter had severe COVID-19 psychological stress levels. There is a significant correlation between COVID-19 psychological stressor levels and satisfactory level of knowledge among medical participants. Conclusion/implications for practice Most of healthcare workers had satisfactory level of knowledge, infection control measures, and positive attitude regarding COVID-19. Most of them had moderate COVID-19 psychological stress levels.
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen C, Zhu C, Yan D, Liu H, Li D, Zhou Y, Fu X, Wu J, Ding C, Tian G, Lan L, Liu X, Huang C, Hecht R, Li L, Yang S. The epidemiological and radiographical characteristics of asymptomatic infections with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 104:458-464. [PMID: 33444755 PMCID: PMC7833455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The role of asymptomatic infections in the transmission of COVID-19 have drawn considerable attention. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to summarize the epidemiological and radiographical characteristics of asymptomatic infections associated with COVID-19. Methods Data on the epidemiological and radiographical characteristics of asymptomatic infections were extracted from the existing literature. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals were then calculated using a random effects model. Results A total of 104 studies involving 20,152 cases were included. The proportion of asymptomatic individuals among those with COVID-19 was 13.34% (10.86%–16.29%), among which presymptomatic and covert infections accounted for 7.64% (4.02%–14.04%) and 8.44% (5.12%–13.62%), respectively. The proportions of asymptomatic infections among infected children and healthcare workers were 32.24% (23.08%–42.13%) and 36.96% (18.51%–60.21%), respectively. The proportion of asymptomatic infections was significantly higher after 2020/02/29 than before (33.53% vs 10.19%) and in non-Asian regions than in Asia (28.76% vs 11.54%). The median viral shedding duration of asymptomatic infections was 14.14 days (11.25–17.04). A total of 47.62% (31.13%–72.87%) of asymptomatic infections showed lung abnormalities, especially ground-glass opacity (41.11% 19.7%–85.79%). Conclusions Asymptomatic infections were more commonly found in infected children and healthcare workers and increased after 2020/02/29 and in non-Asian regions. Chest radiographical imaging could be conducive to the early identification of asymptomatic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Changtai Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Danying Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Hongchao Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Danfeng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yuqing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xiaofang Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Cheng Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Guo Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Lei Lan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Chenyang Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Robert Hecht
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China.
| | - Shigui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Galán MI, Velasco M, Casas ML, Goyanes MJ, Rodríguez-Caravaca G, Losa-García JE, Noguera C, Castilla V. Hospital-Wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in health care workers in a Spanish teaching hospital. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2020; 40:S0213-005X(20)30418-3. [PMID: 33485676 PMCID: PMC7833995 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hospital-wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is rarely explored and can identify areas of unexpected risk. We determined the seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in all health care workers (HCW) at a hospital. METHODS Cross-sectional study (14-27/04/2020). We determined SARS-CoV-2 IgG by ELISA in all HCW including external workers of a teaching hospital in Madrid. They were classified by professional category, working area, and risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. RESULTS Among 2919 HCW, 2590 (88,7%) were evaluated. The mean age was 43.8 years (SD 11.1), and 73.9% were females. Globally, 818 (31.6%) workers were IgG positive with no differences for age, sex or previous diseases. Of these, 48.5% did not report previous symptoms. Seropositivity was more frequent in high- (33.1%) and medium- (33.8%) than in low-risk areas (25.8%, p=0.007), but not for hospitalization areas attending COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients (35.5 vs 38.3% p>0.05). HWC with a previous SARS-CoV2 PCR-positive test were IgG seropositive in 90.8%. By multivariate logistic regression analysis seropositivity was significantly associated with being physicians (OR 2.37, CI95% 1.61-3.49), nurses (OR 1.67, CI95% 1.14-2.46), nurse assistants (OR 1.84, CI95% 1.24-2.73), HCW working at COVID-19 hospitalization areas (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.22-2.40), non-COVID-19 hospitalization areas (OR 1.88, CI95% 1.30-2.73), and at the Emergency Room (OR 1.51, CI95% 1.01-2.27). CONCLUSIONS Seroprevalence uncovered a high rate of infection previously unnoticed among HCW. Patients not suspected of having COVID-19 as well as asymptomatic HCW may be a relevant source for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mª Isabel Galán
- Occupational Health Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Velasco
- Infectious Diseases and Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mª Luisa Casas
- Laboratory Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mª José Goyanes
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan E Losa-García
- Preventive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Noguera
- Nurse Subdirector, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virgilio Castilla
- Medical Director, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chibwana MG, Jere KC, Kamng'ona R, Mandolo J, Katunga-Phiri V, Tembo D, Mitole N, Musasa S, Sichone S, Lakudzala A, Sibale L, Matambo P, Kadwala I, Byrne RL, Mbewe A, Henrion MYR, Morton B, Phiri C, Mallewa J, Mwandumba HC, Adams ER, Gordon SB, Jambo KC. High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in health care workers but relatively low numbers of deaths in urban Malawi. Wellcome Open Res 2020. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16188.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In low-income countries, like Malawi, important public health measures including social distancing or a lockdown have been challenging to implement owing to socioeconomic constraints, leading to predictions that the COVID-19 pandemic would progress rapidly. However, due to limited capacity to test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, there are no reliable estimates of the true burden of infection and death. We, therefore, conducted a SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey amongst health care workers (HCWs) in Blantyre city to estimate the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in urban Malawi. Methods: We recruited 500 otherwise asymptomatic HCWs from Blantyre City (Malawi) from 22nd May 2020 to 19th June 2020 and serum samples were collected from all participants. A commercial ELISA was used to measure SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in serum. Results: A total of 84 participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The HCWs with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody results came from different parts of the city. The adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 12.3% [CI 8.2 - 16.5]. Using age-stratified infection fatality estimates reported from elsewhere, we found that at the observed adjusted seroprevalence, the number of predicted deaths was eight times the number of reported deaths. Conclusions: The high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs and the discrepancy in the predicted versus reported deaths suggests that there was early exposure but slow progression of COVID-19 epidemic in urban Malawi. This highlights the urgent need for development of locally parameterised mathematical models to more accurately predict the trajectory of the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa for better evidence-based policy decisions and public health response planning.
Collapse
|
27
|
Moschella P, Liao W, Litwin A, Foulk J, Anthony J, Player M, Chang J, Cole C. Repeated vaporised hydrogen peroxide disinfection of 3M 1860 N95 mask respirators does not degrade quantitative fit performance. Br J Anaesth 2021; 126:e125-7. [PMID: 33485628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
28
|
Wong SC, Leung M, Tong DW, Lee LL, Leung WL, Chan FW, Chen JH, Hung IF, Yuen KY, Yeung DT, Chung KL, Cheng VC. Infection control challenges in setting up community isolation and treatment facilities for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Implementation of directly observed environmental disinfection. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 42:1037-45. [PMID: 33280617 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.1355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: Extensive environmental contamination by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported in hospitals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We report our experience with the practice of directly observed environmental disinfection (DOED) in a community isolation facility (CIF) and a community treatment facility (CTF) in Hong Kong. Methods: The CIF, with 250 single-room bungalows in a holiday camp, opened on July 24, 2020, to receive step-down patients from hospitals. The CTF, with 500 beds in open cubicles inside a convention hall, was activated on August 1, 2020, to admit newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients from the community. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and cleaning staff received infection control training to reinforce donning and doffing of personal protective equipment and to understand the practice of DOED, in which the cleaning staff observed patient and staff activities and then performed environmental disinfection immediately thereafter. Supervisors also observed cleaning staff to ensure the quality of work. In the CTF, air and environmental samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 for SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-PCR. Patient compliance with mask wearing was also recorded. Results: Of 291 HCWs and 54 cleaning staff who managed 243 patients in the CIF and 674 patients in the CTF from July 24 to August 29, 2020, no one acquired COVID-19. All 24 air samples and 520 environmental samples collected in the patient area of the CTF were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Patient compliance with mask wearing was 100%. Conclusion: With appropriate infection control measures, zero environmental contamination and nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to HCWs and cleaning staff was achieved.
Collapse
|
29
|
Quattrocchi A, Mamais I, Tsioutis C, Christaki E, Constantinou C, Koliou M, Pana ZD, Silvestros V, Theophanous F, Haralambous C, Stylianou A, Sotiriou S, Athanasiadou M, Kyprianou T, Demetriou A, Demetriou CA, Kolokotroni O, Gregoriou I, Paphitou N, Panos G, Kostrikis L, Karayiannis P, Petrikkos G, Agathangelou P, Mixides G, Siakallis G, Hadjihannas L, Palazis L, Vavlitou A, Matsentidou-Timiliotou C, Koukios D, Adamidi T, Frangopoulos F, Constantinou E, Nikolopoulos G. Extensive Testing and Public Health Interventions for the Control of COVID-19 in the Republic of Cyprus between March and May 2020. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3598. [PMID: 33171651 PMCID: PMC7695263 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly affected the well-being of individuals worldwide. We herein describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Republic of Cyprus during the first epidemic wave (9 March-3 May 2020). We analyzed surveillance data from laboratory-confirmed cases, including targeted testing and population screening. Statistical analyses included logistic regression. During the surveillance period, 64,136 tests (7322.3 per 100,000) were performed, 873 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed, and 20 deaths were reported (2.3%). Health-care workers (HCWs) represented 21.4% of cases. Overall, 19.1% of cases received hospital care and 3.7% required admission to Intensive Care Units. Male sex (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 3.04; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.97-4.69), increasing age (aOR: 1.56; 95%CI: 1.36-1.79), symptoms at diagnosis (aOR: 6.05; 95%CI: 3.18-11.50), and underlying health conditions (aOR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.31-3.31) were associated with hospitalization. For recovered cases, the median time from first to last second negative test was 21 days. Overall, 119 primary cases reported 616 close contacts, yielding a pooled secondary attack rate of 12% (95%CI: 9.6-14.8%). Three population-based screening projects, and two projects targeting employees and HCWs, involving 25,496 people, revealed 60 positive individuals (0.2%). Early implementation of interventions with targeted and expanded testing facilitated prompt outbreak control on the island.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Quattrocchi
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus; (A.Q.); (C.A.D.); (O.K.)
| | - Ioannis Mamais
- School of Sciences, European University, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Constantinos Tsioutis
- School of Medicine, European University, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.T.); (Z.-D.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Eirini Christaki
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (E.C.); (M.K.); (G.P.)
| | - Costas Constantinou
- Nicosia General Hospital, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.C.); (L.H.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Maria Koliou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (E.C.); (M.K.); (G.P.)
| | - Zoi-Dorothea Pana
- School of Medicine, European University, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.T.); (Z.-D.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Valentinos Silvestros
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (V.S.); (F.T.); (C.H.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (I.G.); (E.C.)
| | - Fani Theophanous
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (V.S.); (F.T.); (C.H.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (I.G.); (E.C.)
| | - Christos Haralambous
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (V.S.); (F.T.); (C.H.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (I.G.); (E.C.)
| | - Androulla Stylianou
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (V.S.); (F.T.); (C.H.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (I.G.); (E.C.)
| | - Sotiroula Sotiriou
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (V.S.); (F.T.); (C.H.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (I.G.); (E.C.)
| | - Maria Athanasiadou
- Health Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (M.A.); (T.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Theopisti Kyprianou
- Health Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (M.A.); (T.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Anna Demetriou
- Health Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (M.A.); (T.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Christiana A. Demetriou
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus; (A.Q.); (C.A.D.); (O.K.)
| | - Ourania Kolokotroni
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus; (A.Q.); (C.A.D.); (O.K.)
| | - Ioanna Gregoriou
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (V.S.); (F.T.); (C.H.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (I.G.); (E.C.)
| | - Niki Paphitou
- American Medical Center, 1311 Nicosia, Cyprus; (N.P.); (G.M.)
| | - George Panos
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (E.C.); (M.K.); (G.P.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Patras University General Hospital, Medical School, University of Patras, 265 04 Patras, Greece
| | - Leontios Kostrikis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Peter Karayiannis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus; (P.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Georgios Petrikkos
- School of Medicine, European University, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.T.); (Z.-D.P.); (G.P.)
| | | | - George Mixides
- American Medical Center, 1311 Nicosia, Cyprus; (N.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Georgios Siakallis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus; (P.K.); (G.S.)
- Larnaca General Hospital, 6301 Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Linos Hadjihannas
- Nicosia General Hospital, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.C.); (L.H.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Lakis Palazis
- Nicosia General Hospital, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.C.); (L.H.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Anna Vavlitou
- Nicosia General Hospital, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.C.); (L.H.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | | | - Dimitris Koukios
- Limassol General Hospital, 3304 Limassol, Cyprus; (C.M.-T.); (D.K.)
| | - Tonia Adamidi
- Nicosia General Hospital, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.C.); (L.H.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Frangiskos Frangopoulos
- Nicosia General Hospital, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus; (C.C.); (L.H.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Elizabeth Constantinou
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus; (V.S.); (F.T.); (C.H.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (I.G.); (E.C.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sarfraz A, Sarfraz Z, Anwer A, Sarfraz M, Siddiq J. Availability, Use, and Satisfaction of Personal Protective Equipment Among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Low- and Middle-Income Countries. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:e657-64. [PMID: 32956236 DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the discrepancy among and within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) regarding PPE availability, use, and satisfaction. METHODS The study population consisted of healthcare workers from LMICs who partook in the questionnaire survey from March 1, 2020, until April 15, 2020. RESULTS In the bivariate analysis, gender (P = 0.05), HCWs (P < 0.01), and level of care (P < 0.01) were associated with the public or private sector (P < 0.05). Using multivariate analysis, PPE factors were associated with the health sector (p < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression model determined a Pearson's χ value of 706.736 (df = 726, P = -0.689) and a c-statistic of 0.592, indicating a good model. CONCLUSION In LMICs, huge discrepancies are present in PPE provision to HCWs, especially among the public healthcare sectors. Efforts at national and international levels ought to be addressed to protect frontline HCWs at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
Collapse
|
31
|
Tarabichi Y, Watts B, Collins T, Margolius D, Avery A, Gunzler D, Perzynski A. SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Serially Tested Emergency Medical Services Workers. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2020; 25:39-45. [PMID: 33026286 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2020.1831668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging research has examined the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in numerous settings, but a critical gap in knowledge is an understanding of the rate of infection among first responders. METHODS We conducted a prospective serial serologic survey by recruiting public first responders from Cleveland area emergency medical services agencies and fire departments. Volunteers submitted a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing and serum samples to detect the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 on two visits scheduled approximately 3 weeks apart. RESULTS 296 respondents completed a first visit and 260 completed the second. While 71% of respondents reported exposure to SARS-CoV-2, only 5.4% (95% CI 3.1-8.6) had positive serologic testing. No subjects had a positive PCR. On the first visit, eight (50%) of the test-positive subjects had no symptoms and only one (6.2%) sought healthcare or missed school or work. None of the subjects that tested negative on the first visit were positive on their second. CONCLUSIONS While our results show a relatively low rate of test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 amongst first responders, most were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. The potential risk of asymptomatic transmission both between first responders and from first responders to vulnerable patients requires more study.
Collapse
|
32
|
Tagashira Y, Takamatsu A, Hasegawa S, Uenoyama Y, Honda H. A survey of preparedness against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitals in Tokyo, Japan, with healthcare personnel with COVID-19 and in-facility transmission. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 42:746-50. [PMID: 33115548 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.1304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A questionnaire was distributed to hospitals in Tokyo (N = 38) regarding their preparedness against and in-facility transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of May 31, 2020, 284 HCP had contracted COVID-19, and in-facility COVID-19 transmission occurred at 13 hospitals, negatively impacting hospital functions and patient care.
Collapse
|
33
|
Taylor S, Landry CA, Rachor GS, Paluszek MM, Asmundson GJG. Fear and avoidance of healthcare workers: An important, under-recognized form of stigmatization during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 75:102289. [PMID: 32853884 PMCID: PMC7434636 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During past disease outbreaks, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been stigmatized (e.g., shunned, ostracized) by members in their community, for fear that HCWs are sources of infection. There has been no systematic evaluation of HCW stigmatization during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Non-HCW adults from the United States and Canada (N = 3551) completed an online survey, including measures of HCW stigmatization, COVID Stress Syndrome, and avoidance. RESULTS Over a quarter of respondents believed that HCWs should have severe restrictions placed on their freedoms, such as being kept in isolation from their communities and their families. Over a third of respondents avoided HCWs for fear of infection. Participation in altruistic support of HCWs (i.e., evening clapping and cheering) was unrelated to stigmatizing attitudes. Demographic variables had small or trivial correlations with HCW stigmatization. People who stigmatized HCWs also tended to avoid other people, avoid drug stores and supermarkets, and avoid leaving their homes. Factor analysis suggested that HCW stigmatization is linked to the COVID Stress Syndrome. CONCLUSION Fear and avoidance of HCWs is a widespread, under-recognized problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is associated with the COVID Stress Syndrome and might be reduced by interventions targeting this syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chibwana MG, Jere KC, Kamng'ona R, Mandolo J, Katunga-Phiri V, Tembo D, Mitole N, Musasa S, Sichone S, Lakudzala A, Sibale L, Matambo P, Kadwala I, Byrne RL, Mbewe A, Henrion MYR, Morton B, Phiri C, Mallewa J, Mwandumba HC, Adams ER, Gordon SB, Jambo KC. High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in health care workers but relatively low numbers of deaths in urban Malawi. Wellcome Open Res 2020. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16188.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In low-income countries, like Malawi, important public health measures including social distancing or a lockdown have been challenging to implement owing to socioeconomic constraints, leading to predictions that the COVID-19 pandemic would progress rapidly. However, due to limited capacity to test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, there are no reliable estimates of the true burden of infection and death. We, therefore, conducted a SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey amongst health care workers (HCWs) in Blantyre city to estimate the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in urban Malawi. Methods: We recruited 500 otherwise asymptomatic HCWs from Blantyre City (Malawi) from 22nd May 2020 to 19th June 2020 and serum samples were collected from all participants. A commercial ELISA was used to measure SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in serum. Results: A total of 84 participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The HCWs with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody results came from different parts of the city. The adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 12.3% [CI 8.2 - 16.5]. Using age-stratified infection fatality estimates reported from elsewhere, we found that at the observed adjusted seroprevalence, the number of predicted deaths was eight times the number of reported deaths. Conclusions: The high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs and the discrepancy in the predicted versus reported deaths suggests that there was early exposure but slow progression of COVID-19 epidemic in urban Malawi. This highlights the urgent need for development of locally parameterised mathematical models to more accurately predict the trajectory of the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa for better evidence-based policy decisions and public health response planning.
Collapse
|
35
|
Sowerby LJ, Stephenson K, Dickie A, Lella FAD, Jefferson N, North H, De Siati RD, Maunsell R, Herzog M, Nandhan R, Trozzi M, Dehgani-Mobaraki P, Melkane A, Callejas C, Miljeteig H, Smit D, Reynoso DD, Moura JE, Hermansson A, Peer S, Burnell L, Fakhry N, Chiesa-Estomba C, Önerci Çelebi Ö, Karpischenko S, Sobol S, Sargi Z, Patel ZM. International registry of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons with COVID-19. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2020; 10:1201-1208. [PMID: 32735062 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has become clear that healthcare workers are at high risk, and otolaryngology has been theorized to be among the highest risk specialties for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to detail the international impact of COVID-19 among otolaryngologists, and to identify instructional cases. METHODS Country representatives of the Young Otolaryngologists-International Federation of Otolaryngologic Societies (YO-IFOS) surveyed otolaryngologists through various channels. Nationwide surveys were distributed in 19 countries. The gray literature and social media channels were searched to identify reported deaths of otolaryngologists from COVID-19. RESULTS A total of 361 otolaryngologists were identified to have had COVID-19, and data for 325 surgeons was available for analysis. The age range was 25 to 84 years, with one-half under the age of 44 years. There were 24 deaths in the study period, with 83% over age 55 years. Source of infection was likely clinical activity in 175 (54%) cases. Prolonged exposure to a colleague was the source for 37 (11%) surgeons. Six instructional cases were identified where infections occurred during the performance of aerosol-generating operations (tracheostomy, mastoidectomy, epistaxis control, dacryocystorhinostomy, and translabyrinthine resection). In 3 of these cases, multiple operating room attendees were infected, and in 2, the surgeon succumbed to complications of COVID-19. CONCLUSION The etiology of reported cases within the otolaryngology community appear to stem equally from clinical activity and community spread. Multiple procedures performed by otolaryngologists are aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and great care should be taken to protect the surgical team before, during, and after these operations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh J Sowerby
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kate Stephenson
- Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alexander Dickie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Federico A Di Lella
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Niall Jefferson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, John Hunter Adult and Children's' Hospitals, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah North
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Westmead and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Daniele De Siati
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Saint-Luc University Hospital, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rebecca Maunsell
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Michael Herzog
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Carl-Thiem-Klinikum, Cottbus, Germany
| | - Raghu Nandhan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Madras ENT Research Foundation, Chennai, India
| | - Marilena Trozzi
- Airway Surgery Unit, Pediatric Surgery Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki
- Association "Naso Sano" Onlus, Umbria Regional Registry of Volunteer Activities, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Gubbio-Gualdo Tadino Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antoine Melkane
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Claudio Callejas
- Department of Otolaryngology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Harald Miljeteig
- Norwegian Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nesttun, Norway
| | - Diane Smit
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Joao Eloi Moura
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ann Hermansson
- Department of Otolaryngology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Shazia Peer
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lisa Burnell
- ENT Morningside, Morningside Mediclinic, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicolas Fakhry
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille Conception, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Carlos Chiesa-Estomba
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Özlem Önerci Çelebi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sergei Karpischenko
- Department of Otolaryngology, Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech, First Pavlov State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Steven Sobol
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Zoukaa Sargi
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Zara M Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pan L, Wang C, Jin H, Li J, Yang L, Zheng Y, Wen Y, Tan BH, Loh XJ, Chen X. Lab-on-Mask for Remote Respiratory Monitoring. ACS Mater Lett 2020; 2:1178-1181. [PMID: 34192277 PMCID: PMC7447077 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialslett.0c00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A smart mask integrated with a remote, noncontact multiplexed sensor system, or "Lab-on-Mask" (LOM) is designed for monitoring respiratory diseases, such as the COVID-19. This LOM can monitor the heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and body temperature associated with symptoms of pneumonia caused by coronaviruses in real time. Because of this remote monitoring system, frontline healthcare staff can minimize the exposure they face from close contact with the patients and reduce the risks of being infected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Pan
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), Max
Planck—NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and
Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang
Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Cong Wang
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), Max
Planck—NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and
Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang
Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Haoran Jin
- Centre for Integrated Circuits and Systems, School of
Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological
University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jie Li
- School of Computer Science and Engineering,
Nanyang Technological University, 639798,
Singapore
| | - Le Yang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering,
Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2
Fusionopolis Way, 138634, Singapore
| | - Yuanjin Zheng
- Centre for Integrated Circuits and Systems, School of
Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological
University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yonggang Wen
- School of Computer Science and Engineering,
Nanyang Technological University, 639798,
Singapore
| | - Ban Hock Tan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Singapore
General Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, 169608,
Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering,
Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2
Fusionopolis Way, 138634, Singapore
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), Max
Planck—NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and
Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang
Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chibwana MG, Jere KC, Kamn’gona R, Mandolo J, Katunga-Phiri V, Tembo D, Mitole N, Musasa S, Sichone S, Lakudzala A, Sibale L, Matambo P, Kadwala I, Byrne RL, Mbewe A, Henrion MYR, Morton B, Phiri C, Mallewa J, Mwandumba HC, Adams ER, Gordon SB, Jambo KC. High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in health care workers but relatively low numbers of deaths in urban Malawi. medRxiv 2020:2020.07.30.20164970. [PMID: 32766597 PMCID: PMC7402052 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.30.20164970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income countries, like Malawi, important public health measures including social distancing or a lockdown have been challenging to implement owing to socioeconomic constraints, leading to predictions that the COVID-19 pandemic would progress rapidly. However, due to limited capacity to test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, there are no reliable estimates of the true burden of infection and death. We, therefore, conducted a SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey amongst health care workers (HCWs) in Blantyre city to estimate the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in urban Malawi. METHODS We recruited 500 otherwise asymptomatic HCWs from Blantyre City (Malawi) from 22nd May 2020 to 19th June 2020 and serum samples were collected from all participants. A commercial ELISA was used to measure SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in serum. RESULTS A total of 84 participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The HCWs with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody results came from different parts of the city. The adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 12.3% [CI 8.2 - 16.5]. Using age-stratified infection fatality estimates reported from elsewhere, we found that at the observed adjusted seroprevalence, the number of predicted deaths was eight times the number of reported deaths. CONCLUSIONS The high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs and the discrepancy in the predicted versus reported deaths suggests that there was early exposure but slow progression of COVID-19 epidemic in urban Malawi. This highlights the urgent need for development of locally parameterised mathematical models to more accurately predict the trajectory of the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa for better evidence-based policy decisions and public health response planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marah G. Chibwana
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Khuzwayo C. Jere
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Centre for Global Vaccine Research, Institute of Infection, Veterinary Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Raphael Kamn’gona
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jonathan Mandolo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Dumizulu Tembo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ndaona Mitole
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Samantha Musasa
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Simon Sichone
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Agness Lakudzala
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Lusako Sibale
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Prisca Matambo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Innocent Kadwala
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rachel L. Byrne
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Mbewe
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Marc Y. R. Henrion
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Morton
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Chimota Phiri
- Ministry of Health, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jane Mallewa
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Henry C Mwandumba
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emily R. Adams
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B. Gordon
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kondwani C. Jambo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Prakash G, Shetty P, Thiagarajan S, Gulia A, Pandrowala S, Singh L, Thorat V, Patil V, Divatia JV, Puri A, Pramesh CS. Compliance and perception about personal protective equipment among health care workers involved in the surgery of COVID-19 negative cancer patients during the pandemic. J Surg Oncol 2020; 122:1013-1019. [PMID: 32748476 PMCID: PMC7436474 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of getting infected while at work, for example, operating room (OR), hence it is pertinent that they don all the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the chance of getting infected. METHODS A COVID-19 specific briefing and debriefing form was created and used in the OR along with the World Health Organization surgical safety checklist to reinforce the use of appropriate PPE. An audit was subsequently done to understand the compliance to PPE use, followed by a survey based on the findings of the audit to understand the issues related to noncompliance. RESULTS The form was used in 183 out of the 238 (77%) surgeries performed during a months' time. The overall compliance for PPE usage was 96.3%. Noncompliance was seen most often for eye protection (45/567) (P = .01). The survey revealed that this was mostly among surgeons mainly due to discomfort, poor visibility, and frequent fogging. CONCLUSIONS Our HCW were adapting well to the new normal of donning appropriate PPE in the OR, except for the eye protection due to discomfort and visibility related issues. This is important to know so that necessary changes could be introduced to better the compliance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gagan Prakash
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Preethi Shetty
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shivakumar Thiagarajan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashish Gulia
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Saneya Pandrowala
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Lovedeep Singh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Veena Thorat
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vijaya Patil
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jigeeshu V Divatia
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ajay Puri
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - C S Pramesh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Individuals with asymptomatic or mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported to frequently transmit the disease even without direct contact. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been found at very high concentrations in swab and sputum samples from such individuals. OBJECTIVE To estimate the virus levels released from individuals with asymptomatic to moderate COVID-19 into different aerosol sizes by normal breathing and coughing, and to determine what exposure could result from this in a room shared with such individuals. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This mathematical modeling study combined the size-distribution of exhaled breath microdroplets for coughing and normal breathing with viral swab and sputum concentrations as approximation for lung lining liquid to obtain an estimate of emitted virus levels. Viral data were obtained from studies published as of May 20, 2020. The resulting emission data fed a single-compartment model of airborne concentrations in a room of 50 m3, the size of a small office or medical examination room. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Modeling was used to estimate the viral load emitted by individuals breathing normally or coughing, and the concentrations expected in the simulated room at different ventilation rates. RESULTS The mean estimated viral load in microdroplets emitted by simulated individuals while breathing regularly was 0.0000049 copies/cm3, with a range of 0.0000000049 to 0.637 copies/cm3. The corresponding estimates for simulated coughing individuals were a mean of 0.277 copies/cm3 per cough, with a range of 0.000277 to 36 030 copies/cm3 per cough. The estimated concentrations in a room with an individual who was coughing frequently were very high, with a maximum of 7.44 million copies/m3 from an individual who was a high emitter. However, regular breathing from an individual who was a high emitter was modeled to result in lower room concentrations of up to 1248 copies/m3. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this modeling study, breathing and coughing were estimated to release large numbers of viruses, ranging from thousands to millions of virus copies per cubic meter in a room with an individual with COVID-19 with a high viral load, depending on ventilation and microdroplet formation process. The estimated infectious risk posed by a person with typical viral load who breathes normally was low. The results suggest that only few people with very high viral load pose an infection risk in poorly ventilated closed environments. These findings suggest that strict respiratory protection may be needed when there is a chance to be in the same small room with an individual, whether symptomatic or not, especially for a prolonged period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Riediker
- Swiss Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Dai-Hua Tsai
- Swiss Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|