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Azizi H, Naghili B, Abbasi F, Haghiri L, Davtalab Esmaeili E. Prevalence of and risk factors for infectious disease syndromic symptoms among pilgrimage to Arba'een mass gathering religious in 2023. New Microbes New Infect 2024; 62:101477. [PMID: 39296361 PMCID: PMC11408858 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2024.101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is a growing participation of Shia Muslims, in the Arba'een pilgrimage every year. It is imperative to conduct a comprehensive study on the transmission of diseases among Arba'een pilgrims in order to identify and promptly respond to potential epidemics effectively. We aimed to assess the syndromic symptoms associated with infectious diseases and the prevalence of mask usage among patients visiting outpatient clinics during the Arba'een pilgrimage in Ira, in 2023. Methods In this descriptive-analytical study, 300 outpatients who sought medical care at outpatient clinics during the Arba'een pilgrimage were randomly selected. The study data and infectious disease syndromic symptoms were assessed using trained healthcare professionals. A multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the crude and Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of symptoms and risk factors associated with respiratory syndrome and flu-like symptoms with 95 % confidence intervals. Results The mean age of the participants was 39 years and 61 % of those were male. Out of 72 (24 %) of mask users, 41.6 % had changed masks in less than 8 h. The most common syndromic symptoms was Flu-like illness (53 %). In the final analysis, not wearing a mask AOR = 1.40 (1.1-9.8) and smoking AOR = 3.25 (1.1-9.5) both elevated the risk of the flu-like syndrome and severe respiratory disease symptoms. Conclusions Pilgrims are especially vulnerable to the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Therefore, performing a differential diagnosis in these people, including flu and COVID-19, is essential to prevent an outbreak during the Arba'een pilgrimage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosein Azizi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrouz Naghili
- Research Center For Health Management in Mass Gathering Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fariba Abbasi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Lotfali Haghiri
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Davtalab Esmaeili
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Singh Negi S, Sharma N, Mehmet Baskonus H. Dual-strain dynamics of COVID-19 variants in India: Modeling, analysis, and implications for pandemic control. Gene 2024; 926:148586. [PMID: 38782223 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
This study introduces a detailed compartmental model developed to understand the complex dynamics of COVID-19 transmission, focusing on the Delta and Omicron variants in India. The model tracks disease progression through different population compartments, considering factors like vaccination, time-dependent transmission, economic burden and COVID-19 death rates, loss of vaccine-induced immunity, and the transition of asymptomatic cases to recovery. The model is validated against established epidemiological knowledge and real-world data, emphasizing dynamic parameterization and accurate representation of immunity dynamics. The basic reproduction number for both variants is calculated, and sensitivity analysis for various parameters is conducted. Time-dependent parameters are estimated using the discrete inverse method. The study also explores the economic burden, impact of different types of masks, vaccine efficacy, and vaccine-induced immunity through numerical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Singh Negi
- Department of Mathematics, National Institute of Technology, Uttarakhand, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand 246174, India.
| | - Nitin Sharma
- Department of Mathematics, National Institute of Technology, Uttarakhand, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand 246174, India.
| | - Haci Mehmet Baskonus
- Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Harran University, 63190 Sanliurfa, Turkey.
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Peyravi A, Quecke E, Kosareva E, Dolez P, Doroshenko A, Smith S, Quemerais B, Hashisho Z. Evaluation of masks and mask material suitability for bioaerosol capture. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39365694 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2024.2394613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Non-medical masks such as disposable non-medical, commercially produced cloth, and homemade masks are not regulated like surgical masks. Their performance, in terms of filtration efficiency and breathability, is variable and unreliable. This research provides a quantitative evaluation of various non-medical masks, assesses their fabrics' potential for the reduction of transmission of bioaerosols such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and compares them to surgical masks and N95 filtering facepiece respirators. Using a testing line with a NaCl challenge aerosol, four types of commercial reusable cloth masks, two types of disposable non-medical masks, three types of surgical or N95 masks, and seven types of commonly available materials were tested individually and in combinations. The testing line and procedure were adapted from the ASTM F2299-03: Standard Test Method for Determining the Initial Efficiency of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks to Penetration by Particulates Using Latex Spheres testing method used for testing surgical masks. Filtration efficiencies at 0.15 µm particle diameter at a face velocity of 25 cm/sec for commercial cloth masks, disposable non-medical masks, surgical masks, commercial mask combinations, and homemade combinations ranged from 16-29%, 39-76%, 91-97%, 51-95%, and 45-94%, respectively. The pressure drop results for the different masks and material combinations were all under 3 mm H2O/cm2 except for one material configuration. This study builds on other research that looks at individual materials and masks by testing combinations alongside the individual masks and materials. With proper layering, household materials can achieve the filtration efficiency and low pressure drop requirements of surgical masks. The filtration capabilities of disposable and cloth mask fabrics vary considerably meaning that they are not a reliable or consistent facemask option, regardless of fit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Peyravi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emily Quecke
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elena Kosareva
- Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Patricia Dolez
- Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alexander Doroshenko
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephanie Smith
- Public Health Innovation and Decision Support, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bernadette Quemerais
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zaher Hashisho
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Silva EP, Rechotnek F, Lima AMO, da Silva ACP, Sequinel T, Freitas CF, Martins AF, Muniz EC. Design and fabrication strategies of molybdenum disulfide-based nanomaterials for combating SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory diseases: A review. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 163:213949. [PMID: 39002189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisangela P Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rechotnek
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Antônia M O Lima
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Sequinel
- Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology (FACET), Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Camila F Freitas
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Alessandro F Martins
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR, Brazil; Laboratory of Materials, Macromolecules, and Composites (LaMMAC), Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), Apucarana, PR, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Pittsburg State University (PSU), Pittsburg, KS, USA.
| | - Edvani C Muniz
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Teresina, PI, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, PR, Brazil
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Tuhkuri Matvejeff A, Laitinen A, Korhonen M, Oksanen LM, Geneid A, Sanmark E, Vuorinen V. Superspreading of SARS-CoV-2 at a choir rehearsal in Finland-A computational fluid dynamics view on aerosol transmission and patient interviews. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302250. [PMID: 39264883 PMCID: PMC11392323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of aerosol transmission and the importance of superspreading events. We analyzed a choir rehearsal in November 2020, where all participants, except one who had recently earlier recovered from COVID-19, were infected. We explore the risk factors for severe disease in this event and model the aerosol dispersion in the rehearsal room. MATERIALS AND METHODS Characteristics of participants were collected by interviews and supplemented with patient records. A computational simulation of aerosol distribution in the rehearsal room and the efficacy of potential safety measures was conducted using the Large-Eddy Simulation approach. Infection risk was studied by analyzing quanta emission and exposure with the Wells-Riley equation. RESULTS The simulation showed that airborne transmission likely explains this mass contagion event. Every singer was exposed to the virus in only 5 min from the beginning of the rehearsal, and maximum concentration levels were reached at 20 min the concentration levels started to approach a steady state after 20 min. Although concentration differences existed in the room, risk levels near (1 m) and far (5 m) from the aerosol source were similar for certain singers. Modeling indicated infection risk levels of 70-100% after one hour; the risk would have been considerably reduced by wearing high-filtration respirators. Age and pre-existing comorbidities predicted more severe disease. The high incidence of illness may be partly attributed to the relatively high median age of individuals. Additionally, those admitted to the hospital had multiple underlying health conditions that predispose them to more severe disease. CONCLUSIONS Airborne transmission and indoor space can explain this mass exposure event. High-filtration respirators could have prevented some infections. The importance of safety distances diminishes the longer the indoor event. The concept of safety distance is challenging, as our study suggests that long range airborne transmission may occur in indoor events with extended duration. We encourage informing the public, especially persons at risk, of safety measures during epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tuhkuri Matvejeff
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alpo Laitinen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Marko Korhonen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Lotta-Maria Oksanen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ahmed Geneid
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Enni Sanmark
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Vuorinen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
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Heida A, Maal-Bared R, Veillette M, Duchaine C, Reynolds KA, Ashraf A, Ogunseye OO, Jung Y, Shulman L, Ikner L, Betancourt W, Hamilton KA, Wilson AM. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) tool for modelling pathogen infection risk to wastewater treatment plant workers. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 260:121858. [PMID: 38936269 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) provide vital services to the public by removing contaminants from wastewater prior to environmental discharge or reuse for beneficial purposes. WWTP workers occupationally exposed to wastewater can be at risk of respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases. The study objectives were to: (1) quantify pathogens and pathogen indicators in wastewater aerosols near different WWTP processes/unit operations, (2) develop a QMRA model for multi-pathogen and multi-exposure pathway risks, and (3) create a web-based application to perform and communicate risk calculations for wastewater workers. Case studies for seven different WWTP job tasks were performed investigating infection risk across nine different enteric and respiratory pathogens. It was observed that the ingestion risk among job tasks was highest for "walking the WWTP," which involved exposure from splashing, bioaerosols, and hand-to-mouth contact from touching contaminated surfaces. There was also a notable difference in exposure risk during peak (5:00am-9:00am) and non-peak hours (9:00am- 5:00am), with risks during the peak flow hours of the early morning assumed to be 5 times greater than non-peak hours. N95 respirator usage reduced median respiratory risks by 77 %. The developed tool performs multiple QMRA calculations to estimate WWTP workers' infection risks from accidental ingestion or inhalation of wastewater from multiple pathogens and exposure scenarios, which can inform risk management strategies to protect occupational health. However, more data are needed to reduce uncertainty in model estimates, including comparative data for pathogen concentrations in wastewater during peak and non-peak hours. QMRA tools will increase accessibility of risk models for utilization in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Heida
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, 502 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Rasha Maal-Bared
- Bellevue Research and Testing Laboratory, CDM Smith, 14432 SE Eastgate Way Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98007, USA
| | - Marc Veillette
- Department of biochemistry, microbiology and bioinformatics, Université Laval, Canada Research Chair on Bioaerosols, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- Department of biochemistry, microbiology and bioinformatics, Université Laval, Canada Research Chair on Bioaerosols, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- Department of Community, Environment, & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ahamed Ashraf
- Department of Community, Environment, & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Olusola O Ogunseye
- Department of Community, Environment, & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yoonhee Jung
- Department of Community, Environment, & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lester Shulman
- Central Virology Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel; School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Luisa Ikner
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Agricultre, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Walter Betancourt
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Agricultre, Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Amanda M Wilson
- Department of Community, Environment, & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Viera L. Effect of Face Mask on Lowering COVID-19 Incidence in School Settings: A Systematic Review. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2024. [PMID: 38867139 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of COVID-19 resulted in a substantial loss of education because of global school closures. Face masks are a potential measure to restrain the COVID-19 spread; therefore, this paper evaluated the effectiveness of face masks in reducing COVID-19 incidence in school settings. METHODS A systematic review was conducted by searching the literature in the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register and the World Health Organization COVID-19 global literature. Data were summarized in tabular forms, and the findings were presented as narrative synthesis. RESULTS A total of 15,709 records were retrieved. The screening and selection led to the inclusion of 12 observational and 2 quasi-experimental studies. Nine studies were conducted in different states, counties, or districts of the United States, and the remaining 5 were reported from Germany, Finland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The results of 10 out of 14 studies favored mask use in reducing school COVID-19 incidence. Three studies found no link between mask use and COVID-19 incidences, whereas 1 quasi-experimental study noted a higher COVID-19 incidence with mask use in students aged 6-11 years than no use of mask among preschool children aged 3-5 years. CONCLUSION Mask mandates may lessen the incidence of respiratory infectious diseases in school settings during a pandemic; more well-designed studies are warranted to clarify further the evidence regarding mask use in school settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Viera
- Evidence-Based Healthcare, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Fasehun OO, Adedoyin O, Iheagwara C, Ofuase-Lasekan IH, Manandhar S, Akoto NA, Ajani T, Nwume CG, Green JT, Okobi OE. COVID-19 Vaccination Rates and Predictors of Vaccine Uptake Among Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Insights From the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. Cureus 2024; 16:e59230. [PMID: 38813301 PMCID: PMC11132902 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates and predictors of vaccine uptake among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the United States are unknown. In light of this, we assessed COVID-19 vaccination rates in this population and evaluated predictors of vaccine uptake. Methods Using 2022 survey data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 1486 adults with COPD who responded with "yes/no" to whether they had received the COVID-19 vaccine were identified, including those who had received booster doses. A chi-square test was used to ascertain differences between those who had received the vaccine and those who had not, as well as between those who had received booster doses and those who had not. A logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Results A total of 1195 individuals among 1486 respondents with chronic pulmonary disease (78.4%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19, and 789/1195 (62.5%) had received booster shots. The majority of individuals were aged 65 years and above, exceeded the 1+ threshold for the ratio of family income to poverty (RFIP), and were covered by insurance. Positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccination were as follows: age 40 - 64 years (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.31 - 4.19; p=0.004) and 65 years and above (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.36 - 2.72; p<0.001), RFIP threshold of ≥1 (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.42 - 2.88; p<0.001), having a college degree (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.92 - 3.26, p=0.016), and being insured (OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.46 - 6.66, p=0.003). The current smoking habit negatively predicted the uptake (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33 - 0.87, p=0.012). The positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccination boosters were as follows: age 40 - 64 years (OR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.39 - 5.30, p=0.003) and 65 years and above (OR: 4.85, 95% CI: 2.45 - 9.58, p<0.001). Being from the non-Hispanic (NH) black ethnicity negatively predicted receiving the COVID-19 booster (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36 - 0.85, p=0.007). Conclusions While COVID-19 vaccination rates are fairly satisfactory in COPD patients, the uptake of booster vaccines is relatively lower in this population. Socioeconomic and behavioral factors are associated with poor vaccine uptake, and targeted interventions should be implemented to address these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyinlola O Fasehun
- Internal Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Knapp Medical Center, Weslaco, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Natalie A Akoto
- Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, USA
| | - Taiwo Ajani
- Internal Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, NGA
| | - Chuka G Nwume
- Family Medicine, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, NGA
| | | | - Okelue E Okobi
- Family Medicine, Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus, Miami, USA
- Family Medicine, Medficient Health Systems, Laurel, USA
- Family Medicine, Lakeside Medical Center, Belle Glade, USA
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Yu G, Garee M, Ventresca M, Yih Y. How individuals' opinions influence society's resistance to epidemics: an agent-based model approach. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:863. [PMID: 38509526 PMCID: PMC10953238 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18310-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protecting public health from infectious diseases often relies on the cooperation of citizens, especially when self-care interventions are the only viable tools for disease mitigation. Accordingly, social aspects related to public opinion have been studied in the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of opinion-related factors on disease spread still requires further exploration. METHODS We propose an agent-based simulation framework incorporating opinion dynamics within an epidemic model based on the assumption that mass media channels play a leading role in opinion dynamics. The model simulates how opinions about preventive interventions change over time and how these changes affect the cumulative number of cases. We calibrated our simulation model using YouGov survey data and WHO COVID-19 new cases data from 15 different countries. Based on the calibrated models, we examine how different opinion-related factors change the consequences of the epidemic. We track the number of total new infections for analysis. RESULTS Our results reveal that the initial level of public opinion on preventive interventions has the greatest impact on the cumulative number of cases. Its normalized permutation importance varies between 69.67% and 96.65% in 15 models. The patterns shown in the partial dependence plots indicate that other factors, such as the usage of the pro-intervention channel and the response time of media channels, can also bring about substantial changes in disease dynamics, but only within specific ranges of the dominant factor. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal the importance of public opinion on intervention during the early stage of the pandemic in protecting public health. The findings suggest that persuading the public to take actions they may be hesitant about in the early stages of epidemics is very costly because taking early action is critical for mitigating infectious diseases. Other opinion-related factors can also lead to significant changes in epidemics, depending on the average level of public opinion in the initial stage. These findings underscore the importance of media channels and authorities in delivering accurate information and persuading community members to cooperate with public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geonsik Yu
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, Grant St, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA
| | - Michael Garee
- Air Force Institute of Technology, Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, 45433, OH, USA
| | - Mario Ventresca
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, Grant St, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Purdue University, Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA
| | - Yuehwern Yih
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, Grant St, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA.
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Yang LX, Lin CY, Zhan WZ, Chiang BA, Chang EC. Why Do We Not Wear Masks Anymore during the COVID-19 Wave? Vaccination Precludes the Adoption of Personal Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions: A Quantitative Study of Taiwanese Residents. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:301. [PMID: 38399588 PMCID: PMC10890679 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study examined whether the decline in people's adoption of personal NPIs (e.g., mask wearing) results from the preclusion by vaccination. This study also incorporates the concepts of risk perception and the risk-as-feelings model to elucidate the possible mechanisms behind this preclusion. Materials and Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys (N = 462 in Survey 1 and N = 505 in Survey 2) were administered before and during the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Taiwan. The survey items were designed to measure participants' perceived severity of COVID-19, worry about COVID-19, intention to adopt personal NPIs, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. Utilizing the risk perception framework, we conducted multigroup SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) to construct the optimal structural model for both samples. Results and Conclusions: The multigroup SEM results showed that worry (i.e., the emotional component of risk perception) fully mediates the influence of the perceived severity of COVID-19 (i.e., the cognitive component of risk perception) on the intention to adopt NPIs in both surveys [z = 4.03, p < 0.001 for Survey 1 and z = 2.49, p < 0.050 for Survey 2]. Before the outbreak (i.e., Survey 1), people's attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines showed no significant association with their worry about COVID-19 [z = 0.66, p = 0.508]. However, in Survey 2, following the real outbreak of COVID-19, people's attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines negatively predicts their worry about COVID-19 [z = -4.31, p < 0.001], indirectly resulting in a negative effect on their intention to adopt personal NPIs. This suggests the occurrence of the Peltzman effect. That is, vaccination fosters a sense of safety, subsequently diminishing alertness to COVID-19, and thus reducing the intention to adopt personal NPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Xieng Yang
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei 11605, Taiwan; (W.-Z.Z.); (B.-A.C.); (E.-C.C.)
- Research Center for Mind, Brain, and Learning, National Chengchi University, Taipei 11605, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yuan Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK;
- Centre of Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Wan-Zhen Zhan
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei 11605, Taiwan; (W.-Z.Z.); (B.-A.C.); (E.-C.C.)
| | - Bo-An Chiang
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei 11605, Taiwan; (W.-Z.Z.); (B.-A.C.); (E.-C.C.)
| | - En-Chi Chang
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei 11605, Taiwan; (W.-Z.Z.); (B.-A.C.); (E.-C.C.)
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Mogo ER, Shanawaz S, Ademola-Popoola O, Iqbal N, Aghedo O, Ademola M, Onyemaobi N, Eniayewun A, Ademusire B, Adaramola T, Ugwu A, Obi A, Lerno A, Nwagbara J, Uwimana A, Gbadamosi E, Adebisi A, Sako B. A strategic analysis of health behaviour change initiatives in Africa. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2202931. [PMID: 37129058 PMCID: PMC10155632 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2202931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changed health behaviours can contribute significantly to improved health. Consequently, significant investments have been channelled towards health behaviour change initiatives in Africa. Health behaviour change initiatives that address social, economic and environmental levers for behaviour change can create more sustained impact. OBJECTIVES Through a scoping study of the literature, we explored the literature on behaviour change initiatives in Africa, to assess their typologies. We explored whether the availability of initiatives reflected country demographic characteristics, namely life expectancy, gross domestic product (GDP), and population sizes. Finally, we assessed topical themes of interventions relative to frequent causes of mortality. METHODS We used the Behaviour Change Wheel intervention categories to categorise each paper into a typology of initiatives. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, we explored whether there was a correlation between the number of initiatives implemented in a country in the specified period, and socio-demographic indicators, namely, GDP per capita, total GDP, population size, and life expectancy. RESULTS Almost 64% of African countries were represented in the identified initiatives. One in five initiatives was implemented in South Africa, while there was a dearth of literature from Central Africa and western parts of North Africa. There was a positive correlation between the number of initiatives and GDP per capita. Most initiatives focused on addressing sexually transmitted infections and were short-term trials and/or pilots. Most initiatives were downstream focused e.g. with education and training components, while upstream intervention types such as the use of incentives were under-explored. CONCLUSION We call for more emphasis on initiatives that address contextual facilitators and barriers, integrate considerations for sustainable development, and consider intra-regional deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Neelam Iqbal
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Osazemen Aghedo
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitative Science, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Muili Ademola
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Nnenna Onyemaobi
- Department of Public Health, University of Ibadan Oyo State, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Adaobi Ugwu
- Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Adaora Obi
- Stobhill Hospital, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Binta Sako
- Tobacco and Other NCD risk factors Team, Universal health Coverage/Healthier Populations, Inter Country Support Team for West Africa, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, The Republic of the Congo
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12
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Aldous C, Kruger HG. Interrogating the lack of diversity of thought in the pandemic response that led to mistakes - holistic evidence-based approach to deal with future pandemics. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1310210. [PMID: 38192553 PMCID: PMC10771982 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1310210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), rapidly became a worldwide emergency. How it was managed garnered both commendation and vehement censure. This crisis profoundly affected healthcare, the economy, education, and public confidence in scientific endeavors. Our primary aim was to scrutinize the shortcomings in the pandemic management and to articulate a more effective strategy for handling prospective pandemics. We delved into the errors encountered in the COVID-19 response and posited a holistic, evidence-grounded approach for future pandemic mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Aldous
- Nelson R Mandela School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hendrik G. Kruger
- School of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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13
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Foster AA, Walls TA, Alade KH, Brown K, Gausche‐Hill M, Lin SD, Rose EA, Ruttan T, Shahid S, Sorrentino A, Stoner MJ, Waseem M, Saidinejad M. Review of pediatric emergency care and the COVID-19 pandemic. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e13073. [PMID: 38045015 PMCID: PMC10691296 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed new challenges in health care delivery for patients of all ages. These included inadequate personal protective equipment, workforce shortages, and unknowns related to a novel virus. Children have been uniquely impacted by COVID-19, both from the system of care and socially. In the initial surges of COVID-19, a decrease in pediatric emergency department (ED) volume and a concomitant increase in critically ill adult patients resulted in re-deployment of pediatric workforce to care for adult patients. Later in the pandemic, a surge in the number of critically ill children was attributed to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. This was an unexpected complication of COVID-19 and further challenged the health care system. This article reviews the impact of COVID-19 on the entire pediatric emergency care continuum, factors affecting ED care of children with COVID-19 infection, including availability of vaccines and therapeutics approved for children, and pediatric emergency medicine workforce innovations and/or strategies. Furthermore, it provides guidance to emergency preparedness for optimal delivery of care in future health-related crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. Foster
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Theresa A. Walls
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsThe Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Kiyetta H. Alade
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Kathleen Brown
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of PediatricsChildren's National HospitalWashington, DCUSA
| | - Marianne Gausche‐Hill
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineHarbor‐University of California Los Angeles Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PediatricsHarbor‐University of California Los Angeles Medical CenterLos AngelesUSA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sophia D. Lin
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and PediatricsWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Emily A. Rose
- Department of Emergency MedicineLos Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Timothy Ruttan
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical SchoolThe University of Texas at AustinUS Acute Care SolutionsCantonOhioUSA
| | - Sam Shahid
- Department of Clinical AffairsAmerican College of Emergency PhysiciansIrvingTexasUSA
| | - Annalise Sorrentino
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Michael J Stoner
- Division of Emergency MedicineDepartment of PediatricsNationwide Children's HospitalColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Muhammad Waseem
- Division of Emergency MedicineLincoln Medical CenterBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Mohsen Saidinejad
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineHarbor‐University of California Los Angeles Medical CenterLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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14
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Soltani R, Shamsi M, Moradi A. Determine the factors that affected COVID-19 prevention behaviors based on constructs of social cognition theory. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2312. [PMID: 37993854 PMCID: PMC10664475 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17209-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a universal challenge and novel disease is one of the core public health concerns. This study aimed to determine the factors that affected COVID-19 prevention behaviors (CPB) based on constructs of Social Cognition Theory (SCT). METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 426 participants referred to health centers of Arak from October 2021 to February 2022, and they were selected through a multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire which includes socio-demographic data (6 items), COVID-19 prevention behaviors (12 items), and SCT constructs related to COVID-19 (32 items). SPSS Ver-16 statistical software was used to analyze the data with one-way ANOVA, independent samples t-test, and multiple linear regressions. The significance level of α = 0.05 was considered for all tests. RESULTS The mean age was 37.8 years (SD = 12.2) and ranged from 17 to 81. According to the results, 51.2% had higher education and 52.6% of the participants were female. The mean (SD) of COVID-19 preventive behaviors was 43 (SD = 7.8) out of 60. There was statistical association between CPB and three constructs of SCT. Multiple regression showed that the outcomes expectations (β = 0.11, p < 0.001), self-regulation (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (β = 0.30, p < 0.001), age, gender, and history of COVID 19infection were associated with CPB and those described 61% of the variance of CPB. CONCLUSION Rendering to the result of this study constructs of SCT is the key predictor of participants' CPB. Hence, based on these predictors, effective interventions and healthy messages could be designed based on this predictor-outcomes expectations, self-regulation, social support, and self-efficacy which can be beneficial to improve healthy behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Soltani
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mohsen Shamsi
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
| | - Atefe Moradi
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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15
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Sreedevi A, Mohammad A, Satheesh M, Ushakumari A, Kumar A, Raveendran G, Narayankutty S, Gopakumar S, Rahman A, David S, Mathew MM, Nair P. Transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among household contacts of coronavirus disease 2019-positive patients: A community-based study in India. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2023; 17:e13196. [PMID: 38019705 PMCID: PMC10655783 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study identified the risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among household contacts of index patients and determined the incubation period (IP), serial interval, and estimates of secondary infection rate in Kerala, India. METHODS We conducted a cohort study in three districts of Kerala among the inhabitants of households of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction-positive coronavirus disease 2019 patients between January and July 2021. About 147 index patients and 362 household contacts were followed up for 28 days to determine reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction positivity and the presence of total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 on days 1, 7, 14, and 28. RESULTS The mean IP, serial interval, and generation time were 1.6, 3, and 3.9 days, respectively. The secondary infection rate at 14 days was 43.0%. According to multivariable regression analysis persons who worked outside the home were protected (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.85), whereas those who had kissed the coronavirus disease 2019-positive patients during illness were more than twice at risk of infection (aOR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.01-5.2) than those who had not kissed the patients. Sharing a toilet with the index patient increased the risk by more than twice (aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.42-4.64) than not sharing a toilet. However, the contacts who reported using masks (aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.4) were at a higher risk of infection in household settings. CONCLUSIONS Household settings have a high secondary infection rate and the changing transmissibility dynamics such as IP, serial interval should be considered in the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anil Kumar
- Amrita Institute of Medical SciencesKochiIndia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Prem Nair
- Amrita Institute of Medical SciencesKochiIndia
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16
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Halamicek R, Wiesmann C, Kröner R, Eber M, Bogdan C, Schubert DW. Influence of different treatment conditions on the filtration performance of conventional electret melt blown non-woven and novel nano FFP2 masks. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291679. [PMID: 37733804 PMCID: PMC10513275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To allow an efficient protection against viruses like the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is important to avoid their spreading by using filtering face pieces (FFP), which are categorized by different standards according to their filtration efficiency. In this study, we subjected six brands of FFP2 standard masks to three different conditions and subsequently analysed them for their filtration performance to evaluate potentials for reusability. The conditions comprised changes of temperature and air humidity, an exposure to isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and an autoclave sterilization. While four of six masks consisted of electrostatically treated melt blown non-wovens, two masks were fabricated using a nanofibrous multilayer system. Due to the absence of prior electrostatic treatment, the nano-masks did not show a significant change in filtration efficiency when discharged by IPA, unlike the melt blown nonwoven masks showing a significant decrease of filtration efficiency down to around 50% at a particle size of 0.3 μm. However, most melt blown masks maintained a sufficient filtration efficiency after all other treatments with even better results than the nanofibrous masks. This was particularly the case for the capacity to filter smallest particles/droplets with a size of around 0.1 μm, which is below the range of typical filtering standards and important for the retention of virally contaminated nano-aerosols or unattached viruses. After temperature/humidity variation and autoclave sterilization, melt blown masks were able to retain a filtration efficiency up to over 90% at 0.1 μm contrary to nano-masks showing a decrease down to around 70%. Based on their better filtration performance, lower price and potential reusability, we conclude that electret melt blown masks are the preferable type of FFP2 masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Halamicek
- Department of Material Science, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Carolin Wiesmann
- Department of Material Science, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Richard Kröner
- Department of Material Science, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Matthias Eber
- Fiatec–Filter- und Aerosoltechnologie GmbH, Mainleus, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Christian Bogdan
- Mikrobiologisches Institut–Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Dirk W. Schubert
- Department of Material Science, Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
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17
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Sihota A, Barrett B, Bonell C, Chehade A, Dhaliwal J, Kani M, Kellar J, Kwong C, Ravinatarajan P, Schwartz KL, Smith S, Thiffault J, Woit C, Vaisman A. SARS-CoV-2 rapid diagnostic testing: Canadian consensus guidance for pharmacists. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2023; 156:128-136. [PMID: 37197090 PMCID: PMC10116221 DOI: 10.1177/17151635231164631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett Barrett
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo and
Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, Ontario
| | - Cameron Bonell
- Interior Health Authority and Faculty of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British
Columbia
| | | | | | | | - Jamie Kellar
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Conny Kwong
- Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd., Winnipeg,
Manitoba
| | | | - Kevin L. Schwartz
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Unity Health
Toronto, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario
| | | | | | | | - Alon Vaisman
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto,
Toronto, Ontario
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University
Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
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18
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Mirtaleb MS, Falak R, Heshmatnia J, Bakhshandeh B, Taheri RA, Soleimanjahi H, Zolfaghari Emameh R. An insight overview on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: Advantageous, pharmacology, mechanism of action, and prospective considerations. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109934. [PMID: 36867924 PMCID: PMC9968612 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has urged scientists to present some novel vaccine platforms during this pandemic to provide a rather prolonged immunity against this respiratory viral infection. In spite of many campaigns formed against the administration of mRNA-based vaccines, those platforms were the most novel types, which helped us meet the global demand by developing protection against COVID-19 and reducing the development of severe forms of this respiratory viral infection. Some societies are worry about the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine administration and the potential risk of genetic integration of inoculated mRNA into the human genome. Although the efficacy and long-term safety of mRNA vaccines have not yet been fully clarified, obviously their application has switched the mortality and morbidity of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the structural features and technologies used in producing of COVID-19 mRNA-based vaccines as the most influential factor in controlling this pandemic and a successful pattern for planning to produce other kind of genetic vaccines against infections or cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Sadat Mirtaleb
- Department of Energy and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), 14965/161, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Falak
- Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Jalal Heshmatnia
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behnaz Bakhshandeh
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ramezan Ali Taheri
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Zolfaghari Emameh
- Department of Energy and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), 14965/161, Tehran, Iran.
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19
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Kim J, Kwon KH. Trends in eyebrow makeup after COVID-19 and long-COVID era. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1181. [PMID: 37064315 PMCID: PMC10100688 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, which began in 2019, is threatening millions of people around the world. Coronavirus, a severe acute respiratory syndrome, made it mandatory to wear masks, it was carried out through public awareness and review of changes in cosmetics. Methods This literature review paper was written by referring to keywords such as "Eyebrow," "Permanent Make-up," "Microblading," "Make-up," and "COVID-19." The study selected a total of 485 references using representative journal search sites such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, RISS, DBPia, and CrossRef, of which a total of 43 papers were selected at the final stage from 2000 to 2022 using PRISMA flow diagram. Results With the wearing of a mask due to COVID-19, we are paying attention to the change in the makeup trend caused by the preference for easy eye makeup. Conclusions This narrative review understands that eyebrow makeup has a significant impact on human images due to changes in makeup methods after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to be used as important data for the rapidly growing semi-permanent makeup market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Kim
- Division of Beauty Arts Care, Department of Practical Arts, Graduate School of Culture and ArtsDongguk UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Changwon Branch, Minnot Beauty Academy Co.GyeongnamRepublic of Korea
- Main Branch, Seryeong Academy Co.GyeongnamRepublic of Korea
- French Needle Co.GyeongnamRepublic of Korea
| | - Ki Han Kwon
- College of General EducationKookmin UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
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20
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Bosman M, Esteve A, Gabbanelli L, Jordan X, López-Gay A, Manera M, Martínez M, Masjuan P, Mir L, Paradells J, Pignatelli A, Riu I, Vitagliano V. Stochastic simulation of successive waves of COVID-19 in the province of Barcelona. Infect Dis Model 2023; 8:145-158. [PMID: 36589597 PMCID: PMC9792425 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Analytic compartmental models are currently used in mathematical epidemiology to forecast the COVID-19 pandemic evolution and explore the impact of mitigation strategies. In general, such models treat the population as a single entity, losing the social, cultural and economical specificities. We present a network model that uses socio-demographic datasets with the highest available granularity to predict the spread of COVID-19 in the province of Barcelona. The model is flexible enough to incorporate the effect of containment policies, such as lockdowns or the use of protective masks, and can be easily adapted to future epidemics. We follow a stochastic approach that combines a compartmental model with detailed individual microdata from the population census, including social determinants and age-dependent strata, and time-dependent mobility information. We show that our model reproduces the dynamical features of the disease across two waves and demonstrates its capability to become a powerful tool for simulating epidemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bosman
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Corresponding author.
| | - A. Esteve
- Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED-CERCA), Barcelona, Spain
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Departament de Ciències Polítiques i Socials, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L. Gabbanelli
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X. Jordan
- i2CAT Foundation, Edifici Nexus (Campus Nord UPC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. López-Gay
- Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED-CERCA), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Geografia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - M. Manera
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Departament de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - M. Martínez
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - P. Masjuan
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ll.M. Mir
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Paradells
- i2CAT Foundation, Edifici Nexus (Campus Nord UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament d’Enginyeria Telemàtica, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. Pignatelli
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I. Riu
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V. Vitagliano
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- DIME, University of Genova, Via all’Opera Pia 15, 16145, Genova, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Genova, via Dodecaneso 33, 16146, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
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21
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Gomes da Silva P, Gonçalves J, Torres Franco A, Rodriguez E, Diaz I, Orduña Domingo A, Garcinuño Pérez S, March Roselló GA, Dueñas Gutiérrez CJ, São José Nascimento M, Sousa SI, Garcia Encina P, Mesquita JR. Environmental Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in a University Hospital during the COVID-19 5th Wave Delta Variant Peak in Castile-León, Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1574. [PMID: 36674328 PMCID: PMC9866319 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The dominant SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) became the main circulating variant among countries by mid 2021. Attention was raised to the increased risk of airborne transmission, leading to nosocomial outbreaks even among vaccinated individuals. Considering the increased number of COVID-19 hospital admissions fueled by the spread of the variant, with Spain showing the highest COVID-19 rates in mainland Europe by July 2021, the aim of this study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in different areas of a University Hospital in the region of Castile-León, Spain, during the peak of the 5th wave of COVID-19 in the country (July 2021). Air samples were collected from sixteen different areas of the Hospital using a Coriolis® μ air sampler. Surface samples were collected in these same areas using sterile flocked plastic swabs. RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR were performed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 21 air samples, only one was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, from the emergency waiting room. Of the 40 surface samples, 2 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, both from the microbiology laboratory. These results may be relevant for risk assessment of nosocomial infection within healthcare facilities, thus helping prevent and minimize healthcare staff's exposure to SARS-CoV-2, reinforcing the importance of always wearing appropriate and well-fit masks at all times and proper PPE when in contact with infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Gonçalves
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Andrés Torres Franco
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Elisa Rodriguez
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Israel Diaz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Antonio Orduña Domingo
- Microbiology Service, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Jesús Dueñas Gutiérrez
- Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Section, Valladolid University Clinical Hospital (HCUV), 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Sofia I.V. Sousa
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Garcia Encina
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, Valladolid University, Dr. Mergelina S/N., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 1800-412 Porto, Portugal
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22
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Ramadhan MV, Muchtar K, Nurdin Y, Oktiana M, Fitria M, Maulina N, Elwirehardja GN, Pardamean B. Comparative analysis of deep learning models for detecting face mask. PROCEDIA COMPUTER SCIENCE 2023; 216:48-56. [PMID: 36643177 PMCID: PMC9829426 DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2022.12.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The spread of Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) in Indonesia is still relatively high and has not shown a significant decrease. One of the main reasons is due to the lack of supervision on the implementation of health protocols such as wearing masks in daily activities. Recently, state-of-the-art algorithms were introduced to automate face mask detection. To be more specific, the researchers developed various kinds of architectures for the detection of masks based on computer vision methods. This paper aims to evaluate well-known architectures, namely the ResNet50, VGG11, InceptionV3, EfficientNetB4, and YOLO (You Only Look Once) to recommend the best approach in this specific field. By using the MaskedFace-Net dataset, the experimental results showed that the EfficientNetB4 architecture has better accuracy at 95.77% compared to the YOLOv4 architecture of 93.40%, InceptionV3 of 87.30%, YOLOv3 of 86.35%, ResNet50 of 84.41%, VGG11 of 84.38%, and YOLOv2 of 78.75%, respectively. It should be noted that particularly for YOLO, the model was trained using a collection of MaskedFace-Net images that had been pre-processed and labelled for the task. The model was initially able to train faster with pre-trained weights from the COCO dataset thanks to transfer learning, resulting in a robust set of features expected for face mask detection and classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Vickya Ramadhan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Kahlil Muchtar
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia,Telematics Research Center (TRC) Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Yudha Nurdin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Maulisa Oktiana
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Maya Fitria
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Novi Maulina
- Microbiology Department, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | | | - Bens Pardamean
- Bioinformatics and Data Science Research Center, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, 11480, Indonesia,Computer Science Department, BINUS Graduate Program – Master of Computer Science Program, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, 11480, Indonesia
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23
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Yum S. The COVID-19 Response in North America. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e320. [PMID: 36522684 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In our Information Technology (IT) based societies, social media plays an important role in communications and social networks for COVID-19. This study explores social responses for COVID-19 in North America, which is the most severe continent affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employs social network analysis for Twitter among the US, Canada, and Mexico. This study finds that the 3 countries show different characteristics of social networks for COVID-19. For example, the Prime Minister plays the second most important role in the Canadian networks, whereas the Presidents play the most significant role in them, in the US, and Mexico. WHO shows a pivotal effect on social networks of COVID-19 in Canada and the US, whereas it does not affect them in Mexico. Canadians are interested in COVID-19 apps, the American people criticize the president and administration as incompetent in terms of COVID-19, and the Mexican people search for COVID-19 cases and the pandemic in Mexico. This study shows that governments and disease experts should understand social networks and communications of social network services, to develop effective COVID-19 policies according to the characteristics of their country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungil Yum
- Design, Construction, and Planning, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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24
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Amput P, Wongphon S. Impacts of surgical mask wearing on cardiopulmonary fitness using a six-minute walk test among older adults with hypertension. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY : CJRT = REVUE CANADIENNE DE LA THERAPIE RESPIRATOIRE : RCTR 2022; 58:187-190. [PMID: 36506637 PMCID: PMC9682935 DOI: 10.29390/cjrt-2022-045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aims to investigate the impacts of surgical mask wearing on cardiopulmonary fitness using a six-minute walk test (6MWT) among older adults with hypertension. Methods The 45 older adults with hypertension volunteers were recruited and randomized into a no mask wearing condition and a surgical mask wearing condition. All volunteers were investigated through submaximal exercise testing using a 6MWT. Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured before and after performing a 6MWT. Results The results indicate post performance on the 6MWT for both the with and without surgical mask conditions significantly increased systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) when compared to before performing a 6MWT. However, surgical masks resulted in no differences to systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, and 6MWT distance when compared to no masks. In contrast, the surgical mask condition significantly increased perceived exertion when compared with the no mask condition (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study indicates that surgical masks did not have an impact on cardiopulmonary fitness in older adults with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patchareeya Amput
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand,Unit of Excellent of Physical Fitness and Exercise, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Sirima Wongphon
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
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25
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Li Y, Cary-Brown S, Ochapa M, Rostampour S, Hawkins AS. Mask wearing on an HBCU campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-7. [PMID: 36194436 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2123245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Young adults of age 18-29 years old account for the most COVID-19 cases in the US, and ethnic groups were affected disproportionately. Correctly wearing a face mask remains a critical intervention for COVID-19 mitigation. The study aimed to examine how well Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) residents adhered to mask wearing during the pandemic. Methods: We conducted an observational study on an urban HBCU campus and the neighborhoods in Maryland for 13 weeks in spring 2021. Results: Of 1926 (1126 on campus; 800 off campus) persons observed, 89.8% wore masks, with 83.5% covering their mouths and noses. The HBCU campus showed better mask adherence than neighborhoods (92.0% vs. 86.7%). The most common improper mask wearing was nose out, followed by only-on-chin. Cloth and surgical masks were worn the most. Conclusion: The HBCU campus and neighborhood settings presented a high rate of facemask use during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejin Li
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sierra Cary-Brown
- Public Health Program, School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Monica Ochapa
- Public Health Program, School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara Rostampour
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anita Smith Hawkins
- Public Health Program, School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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26
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Levy AG, Thorpe A, Scherer LD, Scherer AM, Drews FA, Butler JM, Burpo N, Shoemaker H, Stevens V, Fagerlin A. Misrepresentation and Nonadherence Regarding COVID-19 Public Health Measures. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2235837. [PMID: 36215070 PMCID: PMC9552890 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.35837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance The effectiveness of public health measures implemented to mitigate the spread and impact of SARS-CoV-2 relies heavily on honesty and adherence from the general public. Objective To examine the frequency of, reasons for, and factors associated with misrepresentation and nonadherence regarding COVID-19 public health measures. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study recruited a national, nonprobability sample of US adults to participate in an online survey using Qualtrics online panels (participation rate, 1811 of 2260 [80.1%]) from December 8 to 23, 2021. The survey contained screening questions to allow for a targeted sample of one-third who had had COVID-19, one-third who had not had COVID-19 and were vaccinated, and one-third who had not had COVID-19 and were unvaccinated. Main Outcomes and Measures The survey assessed 9 different types of misrepresentation and nonadherence related to COVID-19 public health measures and the reasons underlying such behaviors. Additional questions measured COVID-19-related beliefs and behaviors and demographic characteristics. Results The final sample included 1733 participants. The mean (SD) participant age was 41 (15) years and the sample predominantly identified as female (1143 of 1732 [66.0%]) and non-Hispanic White (1151 of 1733 [66.4%]). Seven hundred twenty-one participants (41.6%) reported misrepresentation and/or nonadherence in at least 1 of the 9 items; telling someone they were with or about to be with in person that they were taking more COVID-19 preventive measures than they actually were (420 of 1726 [24.3%]) and breaking quarantine rules (190 of 845 [22.5%]) were the most common manifestations. The most commonly endorsed reasons included wanting life to feel normal and wanting to exercise personal freedom. All age groups younger than 60 years (eg, odds ratio for those aged 18-29 years, 4.87 [95% CI, 3.27-7.34]) and those who had greater distrust in science (odds ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.05-1.23]) had significantly higher odds of misrepresentation and/or nonadherence for at least 1 of the 9 items. Conclusions and Relevance In this survey study of US adults, nearly half of participants reported misrepresentation and/or nonadherence regarding public health measures against COVID-19. Future work is needed to examine strategies for communicating the consequences of misrepresentation and nonadherence and to address contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gurmankin Levy
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Middlesex Community College, Middletown, Connecticut
| | - Alistair Thorpe
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Laura D. Scherer
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Denver Center for Innovation, Denver, Colorado
| | - Aaron M. Scherer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City
| | - Frank A. Drews
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Science, Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jorie M. Butler
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Nicole Burpo
- Department of Research, Office of Science Operations, American Heart Association, Dallas, Texas
| | - Holly Shoemaker
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Vanessa Stevens
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Angela Fagerlin
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, Utah
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27
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McLeod RS, Hopfe CJ, Bodenschatz E, Moriske HJ, Pöschl U, Salthammer T, Curtius J, Helleis F, Niessner J, Herr C, Klimach T, Seipp M, Steffens T, Witt C, Willich SN. A multi-layered strategy for COVID-19 infection prophylaxis in schools: A review of the evidence for masks, distancing, and ventilation. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13142. [PMID: 36305077 PMCID: PMC9827916 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Implications for the academic and interpersonal development of children and adolescents underpin a global political consensus to maintain in-classroom teaching during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In support of this aim, the WHO and UNICEF have called for schools around the globe to be made safer from the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Detailed guidance is needed on how this goal can be successfully implemented in a wide variety of educational settings in order to effectively mitigate impacts on the health of students, staff, their families, and society. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current scientific evidence and emerging standards in relation to the use of layered prevention strategies (involving masks, distancing, and ventilation), setting out the basis for their implementation in the school environment. In the presence of increasingly infectious SARS-Cov-2 variants, in-classroom teaching can only be safely maintained through a layered strategy combining multiple protective measures. The precise measures that are needed at any point in time depend upon a number of dynamic factors, including the specific threat-level posed by the circulating variant, the level of community infection, and the political acceptability of the resultant risk. By consistently implementing appropriate prophylaxis measures, evidence shows that the risk of infection from in-classroom teaching can be dramatically reduced. Current studies indicate that wearing high-quality masks and regular testing are amongst the most important measures in preventing infection transmission; whilst effective natural and mechanical ventilation systems have been shown to reduce infection risks in classrooms by over 80%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S McLeod
- Institute for Building Physics, Services and Construction, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Christina J Hopfe
- Institute for Building Physics, Services and Construction, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Eberhard Bodenschatz
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Gottingen, Germany
- Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Pöschl
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Caroline Herr
- Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Martin Seipp
- Technical University of Central Hesse, Giessen, Germany
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28
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Conley TD, Piemonte JL, Shukla I, Mangla A, Mateti N, Tariq S. Monogamy as protection against COVID-19?: Non-monogamy stigma and risk (Mis)perception. ANALYSES OF SOCIAL ISSUES AND PUBLIC POLICY : ASAP 2022; 22:ASAP12325. [PMID: 36246084 PMCID: PMC9538616 DOI: 10.1111/asap.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 public health messages largely communicated that Americans were "safer at home." Implicit in this advice are messages about protections ostensibly also offered by monogamy-that having more relationships is always more dangerous than having fewer relationships and that closer relationships are always safer-from a disease transmission perspective-than unfamiliar relationships. These heuristics may have led people to discount other COVID-19 dangers (such as spending more time with others of unknown infection status) and to ignore COVID-specific safety measures (such as mask-wearing, and ventilation). We conducted three studies in which we used experimental vignettes to assess people's perceptions of COVID-risky targets in monogamous relationships with a close, committed partner versus targets who were described as non-monogamous with casual partners but relatively COVID-safe. Participants perceived monogamous-but-COVID-riskier targets as more responsible and safer from COVID-19. Non-monogamy stigma seems to extend analogously to COVID-19 risk. Public health messages that fail to attend to the specifics and nuances of close relationships risk contributing to this stigma and ultimately undermining the goals of reducing the spread of infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri D. Conley
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | | | - Ishita Shukla
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Ananya Mangla
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Nainika Mateti
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Soha Tariq
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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29
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Çarikci S, Ateş Sari Y, Özcan EN, Baş SS, Tuz K, Ünlüer NÖ. An Investigation of temporomandibular pain, headache, and fatigue in relation with long-term mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Cranio 2022:1-10. [PMID: 36155108 DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2022.2126916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of long-term mask use on temporomandibular pain, headache, and fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic period via a survey. METHODS The survey was sent online, and symptoms associated with mask use, perception of mask discomfort, temporomandibular dysfunction, fatigue, headache, and trigger points of temporomandibular joint were evaluated. RESULTS For the study, 909 people were screened. Head, neck, face, throat, ear, and jaw pain, cheek tension, teeth clamping, acne, mask trace, palpitation, and voice and sleep disorders were different between groups (p < 0.05). The individuals' temporomandibular dysfunction and fatigue were different between groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Long-term mask use can cause many symptoms, such as headache, jaw pain, and fatigue. Furthermore, increased mask-wearing time can trigger all these symptoms. The authors recommend relaxing breaks and exercises for neck, jaw, and face muscles along with the use of appropriate masks to minimize negative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Çarikci
- Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Ateş Sari
- Faculty of Health Science, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Nur Özcan
- Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Vocational School of Health Services, Karaman, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Seda Baş
- Faculty of Health Science, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kübra Tuz
- Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Havza Vocational School, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Nezehat Özgül Ünlüer
- Faculty of Health Science, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
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30
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Yoon J, Kim J, Lee J, Hong SP, Park S, Jeong YW, Lee C, Oh SG. Fabrication of antiviral nanofibers containing various Cu salts and ZnO nanorods by electrospinning. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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31
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Curran ET. Maintaining safe office spaces to minimise risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Infect Dis Health 2022; 27:142-148. [PMID: 35473679 PMCID: PMC8977437 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted within offices. Traditional respiratory transmission modes have undergone reassessment and a new paradigm has emerged. This paradigm needs examining prior to identifying control measures to prevent office acquired infections (OAI). METHODS An ongoing assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 transmission literature, including international public health guidance, began 30/1/2020 and continued to submission 7/2/2022. The evidence for the established respiratory transmission paradigm (either droplet or aerosols) and that of a newly emerging paradigm (aerosol and/or droplets) were explored. Based on the new paradigm control measures needed to minimise OAI were produced. RESULTS The old paradigm of respiratory transmission of being either droplet or airborne cannot be evidenced. SARS-CoV-2 is emitted in virus laden particles that can be inhaled and/or sprayed on facial mucous membranes (Airborne being the dominant route). Office hygiene measures include: minimising the opportunities for the virus to enter the building. Reducing the susceptibility of people to the virus. Minimising exposure risks within offices, and optimising success in deployment. CONCLUSION Standard office hygiene precautions are needed to reduce OAI risks from SARS-CoV-2. Efforts should focus on enabling the smooth functioning of the office whilst minimising risks that the virus will transmit therein. This includes: local risk assessments as transmission risks vary based on building design, ventilation, capacity, and ways of working. Additionally, using experts to optimise ventilation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evonne T Curran
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens, Glasgow, Scotland G4 OBA, UK.
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32
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Tesfaldet YT, Ndeh NT. Public face masks wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comprehensive analysis is needed for potential implications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 7:100125. [PMID: 37520802 PMCID: PMC9271010 DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Face mask-wearing as a public health measure has been practiced since the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak. Extensive research has shown that face masks are an effective non-pharmaceutical measure to contain the spread of respiratory infections. However, recent studies indicate that face masks release microplastics and other contaminants that have adverse health effects on humans. This communication reviews the evidence for face mask as a potential source of contaminants capable of adversely affecting human health. The benefits of face masks in reducing the transmission of SARS-Cov-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and seasonal communicable diseases were addressed. In addition, the risk of inhaling microplastics and organic contaminants, as well as the associated exposure level, were discussed. Finally, the potential research gaps that need to be addressed were outlined to provide a holistic view of the problem. This communication has illustrated that face mask-wearing as a public health measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 could be a potential risk factor for human health. Very few studies have been done on microplastics, organic pollutants, and trace metal inhalation from surgical masks. However, future work providing a comprehensive understanding of the risk and exposure levels needs to be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacob T Tesfaldet
- International Program in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nji T Ndeh
- International Program in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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33
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Cheng S, Hao W, Wang Y, Wang Y, Yang S. Commercial Janus Fabrics as Reusable Facemask Materials: A Balance of Water Repellency, Filtration Efficiency, Breathability, and Reusability. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:32579-32589. [PMID: 35794731 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c09544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Facemasks as personal protective equipment play a significant role in helping prevent the spread of viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A desired reusable fabric facemask should strike a balance of water repellency, good filtration efficiency (FE), breathability, and mechanical robustness against washing cycles. Despite significant efforts in testing various commercial fabric materials for filtration efficiency, few have investigated fabric performance as a function of the fiber/yarn morphology and wettability of the fabric itself. In this study, we examine commercial fabrics with Janus-like behaviors to determine the best reusable fabric facemask materials by understanding the roles of morphology, porosity, and wettability of the fabric on its overall performance. We find that the outer layer of the diaper fabric consisted of laminated polyurethane, which is hydrophobic, has low porosity (∼5%) and tightly woven yarn structures, and shows the highest overall FE (up to 54%) in the submicron particle size range (0.03-0.6 μm) among the fabrics tested. Fabric layers with higher porosity lead to lower-pressure drops, indicating higher breathability but lower FE. Tightly woven waterproof rainwear fabrics perform the best after 10 washing cycles, remaining intact morphologically with only a 2-5% drop in the overall FE in the submicron particle size range, whereas other knitted fabric layers become loosened and the laminated polyurethane thin film on the diaper fabric is wrinkled. In comparison, the surgical masks and N95 respirators made from nonwoven polypropylene (PP) fibers see over a 30% decline in the overall FE after 10 washing cycles. Overall, we find that tightly woven Janus fabrics consisting of a low porosity, a hydrophobic outer layer, and a high porosity and hydrophilic inner layer offer the best performance among the fabrics tested as they can generate a high overall FE, achieve good breathability, and maintain fabric morphology and performance over multiple washing cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Weixing Hao
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri 65409, United States
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri 65409, United States
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 3231 Walnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Jamiruddin MR, Meghla BA, Islam DZ, Tisha TA, Khandker SS, Khondoker MU, Haq MA, Adnan N, Haque M. Microfluidics Technology in SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis and Beyond: A Systematic Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:649. [PMID: 35629317 PMCID: PMC9146058 DOI: 10.3390/life12050649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
With the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, new technologies are being implemented for more rapid, scalable, and sensitive diagnostics. The implementation of microfluidic techniques and their amalgamation with different detection techniques has led to innovative diagnostics kits to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, antigens, and nucleic acids. In this review, we explore the different microfluidic-based diagnostics kits and how their amalgamation with the various detection techniques has spearheaded their availability throughout the world. Three other online databases, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were referred for articles. One thousand one hundred sixty-four articles were determined with the search algorithm of microfluidics followed by diagnostics and SARS-CoV-2. We found that most of the materials used to produce microfluidics devices were the polymer materials such as PDMS, PMMA, and others. Centrifugal force is the most commonly used fluid manipulation technique, followed by electrochemical pumping, capillary action, and isotachophoresis. The implementation of the detection technique varied. In the case of antibody detection, spectrometer-based detection was most common, followed by fluorescence-based as well as colorimetry-based. In contrast, antigen detection implemented electrochemical-based detection followed by fluorescence-based detection, and spectrometer-based detection were most common. Finally, nucleic acid detection exclusively implements fluorescence-based detection with a few colorimetry-based detections. It has been further observed that the sensitivity and specificity of most devices varied with implementing the detection-based technique alongside the fluid manipulation technique. Most microfluidics devices are simple and incorporate the detection-based system within the device. This simplifies the deployment of such devices in a wide range of environments. They can play a significant role in increasing the rate of infection detection and facilitating better health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bushra Ayat Meghla
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; (B.A.M.); (D.Z.I.); (T.A.T.)
| | - Dewan Zubaer Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; (B.A.M.); (D.Z.I.); (T.A.T.)
| | - Taslima Akter Tisha
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; (B.A.M.); (D.Z.I.); (T.A.T.)
| | - Shahad Saif Khandker
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh; (S.S.K.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Mohib Ullah Khondoker
- Department of Community Medicine, Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Savar, Dhaka 1344, Bangladesh;
| | - Md. Ahsanul Haq
- Gonoshasthaya-RNA Molecular Diagnostic & Research Center, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh; (S.S.K.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Nihad Adnan
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; (B.A.M.); (D.Z.I.); (T.A.T.)
| | - Mainul Haque
- The Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sugai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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Pan JY, Liu D. Mask-wearing intentions on airplanes during COVID-19 - Application of theory of planned behavior model. TRANSPORT POLICY 2022; 119:32-44. [PMID: 35185300 PMCID: PMC8841390 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2022.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the air transport industry, forcing airlines to take measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crewmembers. Among the many protective measures, mask mandate onboard the airplane is an important one, but travelers' mask-wearing intentions during flight remain uninvestigated especially in the US where mask use is a topic of on-going debate. This study focused on the mask use of airline passengers when they fly during COVID-19, using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to examine the relationship between nine predicting factors and the mask-wearing intention in the aircraft cabin. A survey instrument was developed to collect data from 1124 air travelers on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), and the data was statistically analyzed using structural equation modeling and logistic regression. Results showed that attitude, descriptive norms, risk avoidance, and information seeking significantly influenced the travelers' intention to wear a mask during flight in COVID-19. Group analysis further indicated that the four factors influenced mask-wearing intentions differently on young, middle-aged, and senior travelers. It was also found that demographic and travel characteristics including age, education, income, and travel frequency can be used to predict if the airline passenger was willing to pay a large amount to switch to airlines that adopted different mask policies during COVID-19. The findings of this study fill the research gap of air travelers' intentions to wear a mask when flying during a global pandemic and provide recommendations for mask-wearing policies to help the air transport industry recover from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu Pan
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
| | - Dahai Liu
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
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Schimmoller BJ, Trovão NS, Isbell M, Goel C, Heck BF, Archer TC, Cardinal KD, Naik NB, Dutta S, Daniel AR, Beheshti A. Covid-19 Exposure Assessment Tool (CEAT): Easy-to-use tool to quantify exposure based on airflow, group behavior, and infection prevalence in the community. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.03.02.22271806. [PMID: 35291295 PMCID: PMC8923112 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.02.22271806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 Exposure Assessment Tool (CEAT) allows users to compare respiratory relative risk to SARS-CoV-2 for various scenarios, providing understanding of how combinations of protective measures affect exposure, dose, and risk. CEAT incorporates mechanistic, stochastic and epidemiological factors including the: 1) emission rate of virus, 2) viral aerosol degradation and removal, 3) duration of activity/exposure, 4) inhalation rates, 5) ventilation rates (indoors/outdoors), 6) volume of indoor space, 7) filtration, 8) mask use and effectiveness, 9) distance between people, 10) group size, 11) current infection rates by variant, 12) prevalence of infection and immunity in the community, 13) vaccination rates of the community, and 14) implementation of COVID-19 testing procedures. Demonstration of CEAT, from published studies of COVID-19 transmission events, shows the model accurately predicts transmission. We also show how health and safety professionals at NASA Ames Research Center used CEAT to manage potential risks posed by SARS-CoV-2 exposures. Given its accuracy and flexibility, the wide use of CEAT will have a long lasting beneficial impact in managing both the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as a variety of other scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Schimmoller
- Signature Science LLC, Austin, TX, 78759, USA
- COVID-19 International Research Team
- Lead Contacts
| | - Nídia S. Trovão
- COVID-19 International Research Team
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Chirag Goel
- COVID-19 International Research Team
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Benjamin F. Heck
- Bastion Technologies, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Tenley C. Archer
- COVID-19 International Research Team
- Biomea Fusion, Inc. Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - Klint D. Cardinal
- Leidos, Inc., NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Neil B. Naik
- Leidos, Inc., NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Som Dutta
- COVID-19 International Research Team
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84332, USA
| | - Ahleah Rohr Daniel
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- COVID-19 International Research Team
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Lead Contacts
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37
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Chiera S, Cristoforetti A, Benedetti L, Nollo G, Borro L, Mazzei L, Tessarolo F. A Simple Method to Quantify Outward Leakage of Medical Face Masks and Barrier Face Coverings: Implication for the Overall Filtration Efficiency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3548. [PMID: 35329234 PMCID: PMC8955475 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Face masking proved essential to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections in indoor environments, but standards and literature do not provide simple quantitative methods for quantifying air leakage at the face seal. This study reports an original method to quantify outward leakage and how wearing style impacts on leaks and filtration efficiency. The amount of air leakage was evaluated on four medical masks and four barrier face coverings, exploiting a theoretical model and an instrumented dummy head in a range of airflows between 30 and 160 L/min. The fraction of air leaking at the face seal of the medical masks and barrier face coverings ranged from 43% to 95% of exhaled air at 30 L/min and reduced to 10-85% at 160 L/min. Filter breathability was the main driver affecting both leak fraction and total filtration efficiency that varied from 5% to 53% and from 15% to 84% at 30 and 160 L/min, respectively. Minor changes were related to wearing style, supporting indications on the correct mask use. The fraction of air leaking from medical masks and barrier face coverings during exhalation is relevant and varies according to design and wearing style. The use of highly breathable filter materials reduces air leaks and improve total filtration efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Chiera
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (A.C.); (L.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Alessandro Cristoforetti
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (A.C.); (L.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Luca Benedetti
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (A.C.); (L.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Giandomenico Nollo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (A.C.); (L.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Luca Borro
- 3DLab, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Francesco Tessarolo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (A.C.); (L.B.); (G.N.)
- Healthcare Research and Innovation Program (IRCS-FBK-PAT), Bruno Kessler Foundation, 38123 Trento, Italy
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Kountouras J, Gialamprinou D, Kotronis G, Papaefthymiou A, Economidou E, Soteriades ES, Vardaka E, Chatzopoulos D, Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou M, Papazoglou DD, Doulberis M. Ofeleein i mi Vlaptin-Volume II: Immunity Following Infection or mRNA Vaccination, Drug Therapies and Non-Pharmacological Management at Post-Two Years SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:309. [PMID: 35208631 PMCID: PMC8874934 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The persistence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered research into limiting transmission, morbidity and mortality, thus warranting a comprehensive approach to guide balanced healthcare policies with respect to people's physical and mental health. The mainstay priority during COVID-19 is to achieve widespread immunity, which could be established through natural contact or vaccination. Deep knowledge of the immune response combined with recent specific data indicates the potential inferiority of induced immunity against infection. Moreover, the prevention of transmission has been founded on general non-pharmacological measures of protection, albeit debate exists considering their efficacy and, among other issues, their socio-psychological burden. The second line of defense is engaged after infection and is supported by a plethora of studied agents, such as antibiotics, steroids and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, antiviral medications and other biological agents that have been proposed, though variability in terms of benefits and adverse events has not allowed distinct solutions, albeit certain treatments might have a role in prevention and/or treatment of the disease. This narrative review summarizes the existing literature on the advantages and weaknesses of current COVID-19 management measures, thus underlining the necessity of acting based on the classical principle of "ofeleein i mi vlaptin", that is, to help or not to harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Kountouras
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54652 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece; (A.P.); (E.V.); (D.C.); (M.T.-C.); (M.D.)
| | - Dimitra Gialamprinou
- Second Neonatal Department and NICU, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece;
| | - Georgios Kotronis
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Aghios Pavlos of Thessaloniki, 55134 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece;
| | - Apostolis Papaefthymiou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54652 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece; (A.P.); (E.V.); (D.C.); (M.T.-C.); (M.D.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larisa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larisa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Economidou
- School of Economics and Management, Healthcare Management Program, Open University of Cyprus, Nicosia 12794, Cyprus; (E.E.); (E.S.S.)
| | - Elpidoforos S. Soteriades
- School of Economics and Management, Healthcare Management Program, Open University of Cyprus, Nicosia 12794, Cyprus; (E.E.); (E.S.S.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology (EOME), Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elisabeth Vardaka
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54652 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece; (A.P.); (E.V.); (D.C.); (M.T.-C.); (M.D.)
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Chatzopoulos
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54652 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece; (A.P.); (E.V.); (D.C.); (M.T.-C.); (M.D.)
| | - Maria Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54652 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece; (A.P.); (E.V.); (D.C.); (M.T.-C.); (M.D.)
- Midwifery Department, School of Healthcare Sciences, University of West Macedonia, Koila, 50100 Kozani, Central Macedonia, Greece
| | - Dimitrios David Papazoglou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Michael Doulberis
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54652 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece; (A.P.); (E.V.); (D.C.); (M.T.-C.); (M.D.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland
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How South African Families Protected Themselves during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14031236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’—‘Coronavirus Disease 2019’ (COVID-19)—in Wuhan City, the People’s Republic of China on 31 December 2019. To curb the spread of the virus, various containment measures were introduced. However, no study has explored how families protected themselves during the pandemic. Therefore, this study explored how families protected themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic using a qualitative exploratory design. Thirty-one adult participants, representing families in the Western Cape province of South Africa, were virtually interviewed. The sampling approach was both convenient and snowball. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results show that families followed and adapted to the mainstream protection measures as implemented by the South African government but in addition believed that adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions would protect them from contracting the virus. Therefore, the government and other stakeholders should support families in making it easier to protect themselves during the current and future pandemic(s).
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Mezones-Holguin E, Al-Kassab-Córdova A, Herrera-Añazco P, Benites-Zapata VA, Toro-Huamanchumo CJ, Flores-Gavino A, Muñoz Del Carpio-Toia A, Rodríguez-Morales AJ. Frequency of Correct Mask Use Among Pedestrians in High-Flow Indoor Public Spaces: A Multicenter Analysis in the First and Second Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Peru. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319221134851. [PMID: 36348573 PMCID: PMC9647236 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221134851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Our study aimed to describe the variation in the frequency of correct mask
use among pedestrians in the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic
in high-flow indoor public spaces from different geographic and social
settings in Peru. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional exploratory study among pedestrians in Lima
(the capital city) and other coastal and highland cities in Peru.
Pedestrians were directly observed by trained medical students in 2
high-flow indoor areas at different times in November 2020 (first wave) and
October 2021 (second wave). Primary outcomes included the frequencies of
mask use and correct use. We applied multinomial logistic models and
estimated crude and adjusted relative prevalence ratios for sex, age,
obesity, and location. Additionally, we used binomial generalized linear
models to estimate prevalence ratios in crude and adjusted models. Results: We included 1996 participants. The frequency of mask use was similar in both
years: 96.9% in 2020 and 95.5% in 2021. However, the frequency of correct
mask use significantly decreased from 81.9% (95% CI, 79.4-84.3) in 2020 to
60.3% (95% CI, 57.2-67.3) in 2021. In 2020, we observed an increase in the
probability of misuse in the cities of Lima (aRP: 1.42;
P = .021) and Chiclayo (aPR: 1.62,
P = .001), whereas, in 2021, we noted an increase in the
probability of misuse in the cities of Lima (aRP: 1.72;
P < .001) and Piura (aPR: 1.44;
P < .001). Conclusions: The correct mask use decreased during the second wave, although no
significant overall variations were observed in mask use in pedestrians
between both periods. Also, we found regional differences in correct mask
use in both periods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Percy Herrera-Añazco
- Universidad San Juan Bautista, Lima, Peru.,Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI), EsSalud, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | | | - Alfonso J Rodríguez-Morales
- Latin American Network of COVID-19 Research (LANCOVID), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia.,Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
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Hrudey SE, Bischel HN, Charrois J, Chik AHS, Conant B, Delatolla R, Dorner S, Graber TE, Hubert C, Isaac-Renton J, Pons W, Safford H, Servos M, Sikora C. Wastewater Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Canada. Facets (Ott) 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2022-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 RNA is a relatively recent adaptation of long-standing wastewater surveillance for infectious and other harmful agents. Individuals infected with COVID-19 were found to shed SARS-CoV-2 in their faeces. Researchers around the world confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments could be detected and quantified in community wastewater. Canadian academic researchers, largely as volunteer initiatives, reported proof-of-concept by April 2020. National collaboration was initially facilitated by the Canadian Water Network. Many public health officials were initially skeptical about actionable information being provided by wastewater surveillance even though experience has shown that public health surveillance for a pandemic has no single, perfect approach. Rather, different approaches provide different insights, each with its own strengths and limitations. Public health science must triangulate among different forms of evidence to maximize understanding of what is happening or may be expected. Well-conceived, resourced, and implemented wastewater-based platforms can provide a cost-effective approach to support other conventional lines of evidence. Sustaining wastewater monitoring platforms for future surveillance of other disease targets and health states is a challenge. Canada can benefit from taking lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to develop forward-looking interpretive frameworks and capacity to implement, adapt, and expand such public health surveillance capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve E. Hrudey
- Professor Emeritus, Analytical & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G3 Canada
| | - Heather N. Bischel
- Associate Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Jeff Charrois
- Senior Manager, Analytical Operations and Process Development Teams, EPCOR Water Services Inc, Edmonton, AB T5K 0A5 Canada
| | - Alex H. S. Chik
- Project Manager, Wastewater Surveillance Initiative, Ontario Clean Water Agency, Mississauga, ON L5A 4G1 Canada
| | - Bernadette Conant
- Past Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Water Network, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Rob Delatolla
- Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Sarah Dorner
- Professor, Civil, Geological & Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, PQ H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Tyson E. Graber
- Associate Scientist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1 Canada
| | - Casey Hubert
- Professor, Campus Alberta Innovates Program Chair in Geomicrobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Judy Isaac-Renton
- Professor Emerita, Dept. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Calgary, AB, T2N 3V9 Canada
| | - Wendy Pons
- Professor, Bachelor of Environmental Health Program Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, ON N2P 2N6 Canada
| | - Hannah Safford
- Associate Director of Science Policy, Federation of American Scientists, Arlington, VA 22205 USA
| | - Mark Servos
- Professor & Canada Research Chair, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Christopher Sikora
- Medical Officer of Health, Edmonton Region, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4 Canada
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Collatuzzo G, Mansour I, Ciocan C, Ditano G, Godono A, Rossello P, Coggiola M, Pira E, Boffetta P, Working Group on Sars-CoV-2 prevention. Effectiveness of prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among unvaccinated Italian healthcare workers. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2022; 113:e2022050. [PMID: 36475504 PMCID: PMC9766841 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v113i6.13577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the association between personal protective equipment (PPE) use and SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS We analyzed occupational surveillance contact forms followed by a PCR test notified between March and September 2020 by Italian HCWs. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for positive PCR based on HCWs and contacts characteristics were calculated through multivariable logistic regression models. When multiple contacts were potentially effective for a PCR test, they were weighted by the inverse of their number. RESULTS Overall, 4,883 contacts reported by 2,952 HCWs were analyzed, and 224 contacts among 144 HCWs had positive PCR. No difference was found according to sex, age, employment, or job title, except for an OR of 0.30 (95%CI 0.11-0.78) for resident physicians, compared to administrative staff. The ORs for use of surgical mask were 0.59 (95%CI=0.40-0.86) for use only by HCW, 0.49 (95%CI=0.22-1.07) only by the infected person, and 0.40 (95%CI=0.27-0.60) by both, compared to use by neither. Use of other PPEs was not associated with infection, while the OR for hand sanitation was 0.61 (95%CI=0.40-0.93). HCWs reporting fever, cough, and asthenia had a higher risk of infection. CONCLUSIONS Use of surgical masks was associated with a 40-60% lower risk of infection, especially when both HCWs and infected individuals used them. Our results quantify the role played by mask use and hand sanitation in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in high-risk circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Collatuzzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,G.C. and I.M. equally contributed to this work and share first authorship
| | - Ihab Mansour
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy,G.C. and I.M. equally contributed to this work and share first authorship
| | - Catalina Ciocan
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ditano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Godono
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Rossello
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maurizio Coggiola
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Pira
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Working Group on Sars-CoV-2 prevention
- Working group on Sars-CoV-2 prevention: Michele Caniglia, Denis Longo, Carlotta Castagneris, Erminia Citino, Vittorio Accardo, Alessandro Beneduce, Gianvito Pellecchia, Giuseppe Clemente, Massimiliano Victor Leone, Nicolò Milanesio, Roberto Frammartino, Marco Clari, Ida Marina Raciti, Elena Olivero, Carlo Silvestre
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Perdomo D. Should coronavirus policies remain in place to prevent future paediatric influenza deaths? JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2021; 48:medethics-2021-107982. [PMID: 34969776 PMCID: PMC8720637 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The 2019-2020 to 2020-2021 influenza seasons in the USA saw a dramatic 99.5% decrease in paediatric mortality, with only one influenza death recorded during the latter season. This decrease has been attributed to a substantial reduction in transmission, resulting from the various restrictive measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, onset March 2020. The relative disappearance of influenza raises specific policy questions, such as whether these measures should be kept in place after COVID-19 transmission reaches acceptable levels or herd immunity is achieved. Given the nature of these measures as liberty restricting, it is worth discussing their intended outcome and what values they promote. Do these measures in fact promote health, or simply give the comfort of safety while undermining long-term health and individual liberties? I argue that the year-long endurance of the pandemic well into 2021 may have flattened our value landscape into one where health reigns supreme. Discussions are underway regarding whether we should modify previously accepted health risks, such as the risk of contracting influenza. In this paper, I attempt to clarify the values that motivate our policies and discuss how our present historical context has appreciated the value of health. I also provide an analysis of various pandemic policies and their relation to influenza paediatric deaths. Ultimately, the cost of certain measures on values such as education, socialisation and liberty, among others, is too high to justify their use beyond regulating the spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianela Perdomo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Cheng C, Wang HY, Chau CL. Mental health issues and health disparities amid COVID-19 outbreak in China: Comparison of residents inside and outside the epicenter. Psychiatry Res 2021; 303:114070. [PMID: 34217100 PMCID: PMC8219946 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has exerted an impact on not only individuals who have contracted the virus but also the general public. This study compared the mental health condition of residents in the epicenter province of Hubei with that of other Chinese residents during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak, and to examine emerging issues revolving around health disparities in disease prevention. A survey was administered in February 2020 to 433 Chinese adults spanning 28 regions across China. Participants residing in Hubei reported lower levels of affective and cognitive well-being than those in other regions. Perceived behavioral control and healthy lifestyle maintenance were associated with both dimensions of well-being and sleep quality for all participants. Income level was positively associated with facemask use and healthy lifestyle maintenance. These results indicate that Hubei residents reported poorer mental health than those of other regions, but perceived behavioral control and healthy lifestyle maintenance correlate with better mental health across regions. The likelihood of undertaking preventive measures for COVID-19 tends to be greater among residents with higher income, reflecting the need to address the oft-neglected concerns of health disparities in preventing this highly contagious novel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Cheng
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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