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Onishi K, Nojima M. Comparison of the inward leakage rate between N95 filtering facepiece respirators and modified surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environ Health Prev Med 2024; 29:8. [PMID: 38369324 PMCID: PMC10898862 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00303] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to shortage of surgical and N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) during the COVID-2019 pandemic, various masks were developed to prevent infection. This study aimed to examine the inward leakage rate (ILR) of sealed face masks and modified surgical masks using a quantitative fit test and compared it with the ILR of unmodified N95 FFRs. METHODS We conducted paired comparisons of ILRs of bent nose-fit wire masks, double masks, and N95 FFRs from October to December 2021. To measure the protective effectiveness of masks, participants wore masks, and the number of particles outside and inside the mask were measured. The ILR was based on the percentage of particles entering the mask using a fit tester. RESULTS We enrolled 54 participants (20 men and 34 women) in this study. The median ILR for surgical masks without and with a W-shaped bend in the nose-fit wire were 96.44% and 50.82%, respectively. The nose-fit wire adjustment reduced the ILR of surgical masks by a mean of 28.57%, which was significantly lower than the ILR without adjustment (P < 0.001). For double masks, with surgical or polyurethane masks on top of the W-shaped mask, the ILR did not differ significantly from that of N95. Although the filtration performance of double surgical masks matched that of N95 masks, their ILR was notably higher, indicating that double masks do not provide equivalent protection. CONCLUSIONS Wearing N95 masks alone is effective in many cases. However, surgical mask modifications do not guarantee consistent effectiveness. Properly selected, sealed masks with a good fit overcome leakage, emphasizing their crucial role. Without evidence, mask-wearing may lead to unexpected infections. Education based on quantitative data is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunari Onishi
- Division of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke’s International University, 3-6-2 Tsukiji Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Masanori Nojima
- Center for Translational Research, The Institute of Medical Science Hospital, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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Drouard SHP, Ahmed T, Amor Fernandez P, Baral P, Peters M, Hansen P, Hashemi T, Sieleunou I, Iyabode Ogunlayi M, Karibwami AD, Ruel Bergeron J, Montufar Velarde EE, Yansane ML, Wesseh CS, Mwansambo C, Nzelu C, Uddin H, Tassembedo M, Shapira G. Availability and use of personal protective equipment in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288465. [PMID: 37459298 PMCID: PMC10351736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Availability and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is of particular importance in Low and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) where disease outbreaks other than COVID-19 are frequent and health workers are scarce. This study assesses the availability of necessary PPE items during the COVID-19 pandemic at health facilities in seven LMICs. METHODS Data were collected using a rapid-cycle survey among 1554 health facilities in seven LMICs via phone-based surveys between August 2020 and December 2021. We gathered data on the availability of World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended PPE items and the use of items when examining patients suspected to be infected with COVID-19. We further investigated the implementation of service adaptation measures in a severe shortage of PPE. RESULTS There were major deficiencies in PPE availability at health facilities. Almost 3 out of 10 health facilities reported a stock-out of medical masks on the survey day. Forty-six percent of facilities did not have respirator masks, and 16% did not have any gloves. We show that only 43% of health facilities had sufficient PPE to comply with WHO guidelines. Even when all items were available, healthcare workers treating COVID-19 suspected patients were reported to wear all the recommended equipment in only 61% of health facilities. We did not find a statistically significant difference in implementing service adaptation measures between facilities experiencing a severe shortage or not. CONCLUSION After more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall availability of PPE remained low in our sample of low and middle-income countries. Although essential, the availability of PPE did not guarantee the proper use of the equipment. The lack of PPE availability and improper use of available PPE enable preventable COVID-19 transmission in health facilities, leading to greater morbidity and mortality and risking the continuity of service delivery by healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tashrik Ahmed
- Global Financing Facility for Women, Children, and Adolescents
| | | | - Prativa Baral
- Global Financing Facility for Women, Children, and Adolescents
| | - Michael Peters
- Global Financing Facility for Women, Children, and Adolescents
| | - Peter Hansen
- Global Financing Facility for Women, Children, and Adolescents
| | - Tawab Hashemi
- Global Financing Facility for Women, Children, and Adolescents
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Helal Uddin
- Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Gil Shapira
- World Bank Group, Washington, DC, United States of America
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3
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Olry de Labry-Lima A, Bermúdez-Tamayo C, Martinez-Olmos J, Martin-Ruiz E. The use of masks to protect against respiratory infections: An umbrella review. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2021; 39:436-444. [PMID: 34446392 PMCID: PMC8382596 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.08.002] [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: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global health emergency caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in a huge challenge at all levels. The use of masks may reduce the spread of the infection by minimising the excretion of Flügge droplets. The objective of this study was to compile the evidence available on the use of masks in relation to respiratory infections. METHODOLOGY An umbrella review (review of systematic reviews) was conducted. Two reviewers independently carried out the screening process, data extraction and data analysis. Discrepancies were resolved with a third reviewer, and the assessment of the risk of bias of the studies was carried out using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The Rayyan QCRI program was used for the screening process. RESULTS A total of eight systematic reviews were included. The studies analysed the use of masks in the general population, in long-term care facilities, in hospitals and at mass gatherings, and compared the effectiveness thereof in preventing infection. The results of this review revealed that the use of masks is associated with a protective effect against respiratory infections in healthcare facilities, in long-term care facilities and at mass gatherings. CONCLUSIONS In light of the results, it seems reasonable to recommend the use of masks to the general population, but this use should be accompanied by a training programme to improve compliance, as not using them properly may increase the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Olry de Labry-Lima
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada. Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain,Corresponding author
| | - Clara Bermúdez-Tamayo
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada. Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain,CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
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El-Sokkary RH, Khater WS, El-Kholy A, Mohy Eldin S, Gad DM, Bahgat S, Negm EEM, El Kholy JA, Mowafy S, Mahmoud E, Mortada EM. Compliance of healthcare workers to the proper use of personal protective equipment during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:1404-1410. [PMID: 34344624 PMCID: PMC8317453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In limited resource settings, compliance to proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use is challenging. This study aims to characterize the pattern of PPE use among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the first wave of coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19) in Egypt and to determine the factors associated with compliance to the proper use of PPE. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among Egyptian HCWs using an online self-administered questionnaire. Participants were classified as “Compliant” or “Non-compliant” according to their score. Results A total of 404 responses were analyzed, with a mean age of 36.6 ± 8.4 years, and 56.4% were females. Non-compliant HCWs represented 53.2% of participants. The majority reported shortage in N95 respirators (91.3%) and practiced extended PPE use (88.1%). Better compliance to proper PPE use was reported: females (51.3%, p = 0.05), Physicians (54.2 %, p = 0.005), medical specialities (34.7 %, p < 0.001), <10 years’ work experience (42.9%, p = 0.05) and working > eight hours/day (71.3%, p < 0.001). The significant predictors for compliance were; receiving prior training on the proper use of PPE (OR: 4.59, CI: 2.22–9.47, p ≤ 0.001), exposure to COVID-19 patients (OR: 2.75, CI: 1.19–6.35, p = 0.02) and performing procedures that pose HCWs at a high risk of exposure to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (OR: 2.21, CI: 1.04–4.71, p = 0.04). The high percentage of non-compliant HCWs turns on a warning signal. Increase the availability of PPE, prioritize their use, provide more focus on training of HCWs and monitor their compliance is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab H El-Sokkary
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Walaa S Khater
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amani El-Kholy
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Doaa M Gad
- Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Shereen Bahgat
- Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Essam E M Negm
- Anesthesia & Surgical Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Jehan A El Kholy
- Anesthesia & Surgical Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Infection Prevention and Control Department, Dar Al Fouad Hospital, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif Mowafy
- Anesthesia & Surgical Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Eman Mahmoud
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufeya University, Shibin el Kom, Egypt
| | - Eman M Mortada
- Community, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt; Health Sciences Department, Health Sciences & Rehabilitation College, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Lin CW, Hsu YC, Wu CC, Chen TJ, Hwang SJ. In-kind donations to healthcare facilities during COVID-19: Experiences from a large medical center in northern Taiwan. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:704-708. [PMID: 33990516 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In early 2020, a global outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused high mortality rates and public panic. Worldwide demand for personal protective equipment has risen, with diminishing supplies and shortages reported. During the pandemic, charitable donations have been made by the public, aimed at helping medical staff. Based on the open data, we investigate the charitable in-kind donations received by a large medical center in northern Taiwan (Taipei Veterans General Hospital [TPEVGH]) in Taiwan during the pandemic. METHODS The period of investigation was the first half of the year 2020. TPEVGH has received various public donations. The list of donations published on the hospital's official website was analyzed. The variables in the analysis were donation category, donation percentage, number of donations, and total donation amount. RESULTS Most in-kind donations were food and beverages (55.1%), with a monetary value of 3 124 510 New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) (24.3%). Medical equipment accounted for the second-highest number of items (34.8%) but was the highest monetary value (70.6%; 9 275 945 of 12 875 855 NTD). Daily necessities accounted for the lowest number of items (10.1%) and had a total monetary value of 475 400 NTD (3.7%). Over two-thirds were beverages (68.4%), all of which were bottles or cans for easy storage. Despite only five items (13.2%) being juice, the donation size was the largest, accounting for nearly half (47.1%) of the total monetary value. Only one item was fruit, which was high-class organic apples. The monetary value of this item was the highest (7.8%) among all donated food. Most donated snacks were biscuits. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, most public donations to TPEVGH were food and daily necessities. While every donation should be appreciated, accepting high volumes of donations might incur donation management problems. Further research could be focused on managerial aspects, for example, quality and safety checking, storage, and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Wei Lin
- Supply Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ya-Chuan Hsu
- Department of Family Medicine, Kinmen Hospital, Kinmen, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Long-Term Care, National Quemoy University, Kinmen, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Cheng Wu
- Supply Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzeng-Ji Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Big Data Center, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shinn-Jang Hwang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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6
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Albeladi FI, Alluli MM, Daghriri KA, Almalki YH, Wafi MY, Otaif FA, Sulays ZY, Hakami AA, Alharbi AA, Alhazmi AH. Level of Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures Among Health Care Workers in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2021; 13:e15969. [PMID: 34336461 PMCID: PMC8315785 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic caused by a virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Health-care workers (HCWs) are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, different infection control strategies have been used to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Our study aims to assess the level of adherence of HCWs to the preventive measures against COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. METHODS An observational study was carried out using data collected by a self-administrated dual-language (Arabic and English) online questionnaire directed to HCWs in Saudi Arabia to measure the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. All HCWs involved in patient care in Saudi Arabia were included in this study. RESULTS A total of 214 HCWs were included in the study (median age = 30 years; 62% male). Among all the participants, 65% of HCWs were in direct contact with COVID-19 patients, and 18% were diagnosed with COVID-19. The level of overall adherence to mask use was 82%. HCWs were committed to wearing gloves, gowns, and goggles with a percent of 95%, 85%, and 68%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that HCWs in Saudi Arabia have an acceptable level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures during the pandemic. Larger studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of these preventive measures in reducing the transmission of respiratory microbes between HCWs and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mousa Y Wafi
- College of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, SAU
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7
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Personal Protective Equipment for Endoscopy in Low-Resource Settings During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance From the World Gastroenterology Organisation. J Clin Gastroenterol 2020; 54:833-840. [PMID: 32909973 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Performance of endoscopic procedures is associated with a risk of infection from COVID-19. This risk can be reduced by the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). However, shortage of PPE has emerged as an important issue in managing the pandemic in both traditionally high and low-resource areas. A group of clinicians and researchers from thirteen countries representing low, middle, and high-income areas has developed recommendations for optimal utilization of PPE before, during, and after gastrointestinal endoscopy with particular reference to low-resource situations. We determined that there is limited flexibility with regard to the utilization of PPE between ideal and low-resource settings. Some compromises are possible, especially with regard to PPE use, during endoscopic procedures. We have, therefore, also stressed the need to prevent transmission of COVID-19 by measures other than PPE and to conserve PPE by reduction of patient volume, limiting procedures to urgent or emergent, and reducing the number of staff and trainees involved in procedures. This guidance aims to optimize utilization of PPE and protection of health care providers.
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8
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Olry de Labry-Lima A, Bermúdez-Tamayo C, Martinez-Olmos J, Martin-Ruiz E. The use of masks to protect against respiratory infections: an umbrella review. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2020; 39:S0213-005X(20)30262-7. [PMID: 33097294 PMCID: PMC7575638 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global health emergency caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in a huge challenge at all levels. The use of masks may reduce the spread of the infection by minimising the excretion of Flügge droplets. The objective of this study was to compile the evidence available on the use of masks in relation to respiratory infections. METHODOLOGY An umbrella review (review of systematic reviews) was conducted. Two reviewers independently carried out the screening process, data extraction and data analysis. Discrepancies were resolved with a third reviewer, and the assessment of the risk of bias of the studies was carried out using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The Rayyan QCRI program was used for the screening process. RESULTS A total of eight systematic reviews were included. The studies analysed the use of masks in the general population, in long-term care facilities, in hospitals and at mass gatherings, and compared the effectiveness thereof in preventing infection. The results of this review revealed that the use of masks is associated with a protective effect against respiratory infections in healthcare facilities, in long-term care facilities and at mass gatherings. CONCLUSIONS In light of the results, it seems reasonable to recommend the use of masks to the general population, but this use should be accompanied by a training programme to improve compliance, as not using them properly may increase the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Olry de Labry-Lima
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, España; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada. Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada, España; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España.
| | - Clara Bermúdez-Tamayo
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, España; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada. Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada, España; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España
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Saghafipour A. Indirect and Potential Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Public Health. J Res Health Sci 2020; 20:e00492. [PMID: 33169724 PMCID: PMC7585763 DOI: 10.34172/jrhs.2020.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
No abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abedin Saghafipour
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
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10
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Angrup A, Kanaujia R, Ray P, Biswal M. Healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries affected by COVID-19: Time to upgrade basic infection control and prevention practices. Indian J Med Microbiol 2020; 38:139-143. [PMID: 32883925 PMCID: PMC7709605 DOI: 10.4103/ijmm.ijmm_20_125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 as a pandemic has spanned across all continents. With the increasing numbers in cases worldwide, even the countries with the best of healthcare facilities are reeling under the burden of the disease. Therefore, in countries with limited access to resources and poor healthcare infrastructure, the low and middle-income countries (LMICs), limiting spread becomes even more challenging. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are severely hit by any outbreak and pandemics and face the lack of infrastructure and problem of overcrowding. Health facilities are compromised and almost exhausted at the time of emergency. There is disruption of normal supply chain, and consumables are not in sufficient quantity. In the current situation, rationalized use of available supplies is important. This paper presents the perspective on the basis of current literature on gaps in various infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies that are being followed currently in LMICs and suggestions for bridging these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Angrup
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rimjhim Kanaujia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pallab Ray
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Manisha Biswal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Gudi SK, Chhabra M, Undela K, Venkataraman R, Mateti UV, Tiwari KK, Nyamagoud S. Knowledge and beliefs towards universal safety precautions during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic among the Indian public: a web-based cross-sectional survey. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2020; 36:413-420. [PMID: 32837191 PMCID: PMC7334629 DOI: 10.1007/s40267-020-00752-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is considered the most serious global health threat in recent times. As there is a current lack of approved treatments and vaccines, universal safety precautions (USPs) must be taken to deal with this emergency. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and beliefs of the Indian public with regard to USPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted during March 2020. A 20-item self-administered questionnaire was developed, validated and distributed using Google Forms through social media networks. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing knowledge regarding COVID-19 USPs. Results Of the 1117 individuals who participated in the survey, the mean age was 28.8 ± 10.9 years, 32.9% had a post-graduate education, 45% had a professional job, and 40% belonged to the upper-middle economic class. Overall, the mean correct response scores were 63% for USP knowledge and 83% for USP beliefs. All the sociodemographic variables were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with the USP knowledge levels. Importantly, students were less likely to have a lower level of USP knowledge compared with the other occupations (odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.23-0.53; p < 0.001). Conclusion Although the knowledge and beliefs of the Indian public towards USPs are encouraging, there is a need for long-term educational interventions as the dynamics and severity of COVID-19 rapidly change. These findings could guide public health authorities to make and implement precautionary measures to combat this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Krishna Gudi
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 228 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1N7 Canada
| | - Manik Chhabra
- grid.418006.b0000 0004 1800 4675Department of Pharmacy Practice, Indo-Soviet Friendship College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab India
| | - Krishna Undela
- grid.411962.90000 0004 1761 157XDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education AND Research, Mysore, Karnataka India
| | - Rajesh Venkataraman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara, Karnataka India
| | - Uday Venkat Mateti
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Komal Krishna Tiwari
- grid.418280.70000 0004 1794 3160JSS College of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Mysore, Karnataka India
| | - Sanath Nyamagoud
- grid.411053.20000 0001 1889 7360Department of Pharmacy Practice, KLE University, Hubli, Karnataka India
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