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Padilha Silva J, Gonzaga AA, Gonçalves RSDSA, Tavares LF, Maciel ÁCC, Figueiredo-Ribeiro KMOB. Craniocervical Pain, Sleep Quality, Depressive Symptoms, and Physical Activity in Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic. Pain Manag Nurs 2024; 25:e230-e235. [PMID: 38429200 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.01.004] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increase in the workload and use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the connections between craniocervical structures, symptoms such as neck pain and temporomandibular symptoms could be influenced by the use of PPE. AIMS To assess the prevalence of craniocervical pain, sleep quality, physical activity, and depressive symptoms and relationship among craniocervical symptoms in healthcare workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Healthcare workers. SETTINGS An online questionnaire included a self-report of craniocervical pain intensity [orofacial pain, neck pain, and headache (Numerical Rating Scale)], sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire two items) and physical activity (self-report). METHODS The sample analysis was performed by descriptive statistics, the paired t-test was used to compare symptoms intensity before and during the pandemic. The relationship between dependent and independent samples was assessed through McNemar test, Pearson's chi-squared test, and Student's independent t-test. A value of p < .05 was adopted as statistical significance. RESULTS Overall, 147 participants replied the questionnaires. Headache, neck pain, and orofacial pain complaints increased during the pandemic in healthcare workers (p < 0.001). Craniocervical pain was correlated with poor sleep quality, probable depression, and physical activity during the pandemic (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Healthcare workers self-reported more craniocervical pain during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. In addition, poor sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and physical inactivity were associated with craniocervical symptoms during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Padilha Silva
- From the Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | - Anita Almeida Gonzaga
- From the Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Felipe Tavares
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Brazil
| | - Álvaro Campos Cavalcanti Maciel
- From the Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil; Postgraduate program in Physical Therapy (PPGFST), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | - Karyna Myrelly Oliveira Bezerra Figueiredo-Ribeiro
- From the Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil; Postgraduate program in Physical Therapy (PPGFST), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil.
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Sahebi A, Hasheminejad N, Shohani M, Yousefi A, Tahernejad S, Tahernejad A. Personal protective equipment-associated headaches in health care workers during COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:942046. [PMID: 36311638 PMCID: PMC9605797 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.942046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health Care Workers (HCWs) use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect themselves and prevent the transmission of the disease. The use of PPE, especially respiratory masks, has adverse consequences, including headaches, which have been secondary and unusual. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis study was to investigate the prevalence of PPE-associated headaches in HCWs during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The present review study was performed based on the PRISMA guideline. The protocol of the present study was registered in PROSPERO with the code CRD42022304437. Valid data resources such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Embase were used to identify and extract relevant studies. The searches were conducted between the beginning of 2020 and the end of January 2022. A random effects model was used for meta-analysis and I 2 index was used to investigate between-study heterogeneity. Data were analyzed using STATA ver. 14. Results A total of 539 articles were first identified through initial search and finally 26 final studies were selected to undergo the meta-analysis phase. According to the results of meta-analysis, the prevalence of headache after and before the use of PPE was 48.27% (95% CI: 40.20-56.34, I 2 = 99.3%, p = 0 < 001) and 30.47% (95% CI: 20.47-40.47, I 2 = 97.3%, p = 0 < 001), respectively. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of PPE-associated headache in HCWs was relatively high, so, the use of PPE during COVID-19 pandemic can be considered as one of the causes of headache. Therefore, management strategies such as regular screening of HCWs for headaches and regular rest periods without the use of PPE can be effective in reducing the prevalence of headaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sahebi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Naser Hasheminejad
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering and Safety at Work, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Shohani
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Atefeh Yousefi
- Department of Neurology, Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Tahernejad
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,*Correspondence: Somayeh Tahernejad
| | - Azadeh Tahernejad
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jokubaitis M, Timofejavaitė R, Braschinsky M, Zvaune L, Leheste AR, Gribuste L, Mattila P, Strautmane S, Dapkutė A, Ryliškienė K. Risk factors for development of personal protective equipment induced headache: e-survey of medical staff in Baltic states. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1016. [PMID: 35948960 PMCID: PMC9363870 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08412-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among medical personnel. The goal of this study was to determine the risk factors and frequency of PPE-induced headache during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods From January 25 to March 1, 2021, an anonymous online survey was undertaken in the Baltic states. Results In total, 2132 individuals participated. 52.3% experienced a PPE-induced headache. Usual onset time was between 2–3 h, lasting up to 1 h after PPE removal. The most common localization was in temporal and frontal regions. Headache usually occurred 2 to 3 days per week with an average pain score of 5.04 ± 1.80 points. Higher risk was associated with discomfort/pressure OR = 11.55, heat stress OR = 2.228, skin conditions OR = 1.784, long PPE use (duration 10-12 h) OR = 2,18, headache history prior PPE use OR = 1.207. Out of 52.3% respondents with PPE-induced headache, 45.5% developed de novo headache, whereas 54.5% had headache history. Statistically significant differences of PPE-induced headache between respective groups included severity (4.73 vs 5.29), duration (≥ 6 h 6.7% vs 8.2%), accompanying symptoms (nausea (19.3% vs 25.7%), photophobia (19.1% vs 25.7%), phonophobia (15.8% vs 23.5%), osmophobia (5.3% vs 12.0%)) and painkiller use (43.0% vs 61.7%). Conclusions Over half of the medical personnel reported headache while using PPE. The risk was higher in individuals with headache history, increased duration of PPE use and discomfort while using PPE. Predisposed individuals reported PPE-induced headache which persisted longer, was more intense and debilitating than in the respondents with de novo headache. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08412-5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Braschinsky
- Neurology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu, Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Linda Zvaune
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Laura Gribuste
- Department of Neurology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Paula Mattila
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sintija Strautmane
- Department of Neurology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia.,Faculty of Residency, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
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Dominguez-Moreno R, Venegas-Gómez VA, Zepeda-Gutiérrez LA, De La Rosa-Cuevas JJ, Hernández-Félix JH, Martos-Armendariz EO, Chiquete E, Vega-Boada F, Flores-Silva F, Cantú-Brito C. Headache related to personal protective equipment in healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: baseline and 6-month follow-up. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1945-1954. [PMID: 35716173 PMCID: PMC9206092 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01895-z] [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: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and aim Headaches related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) could affect performance at work in healthcare personnel. Our aim was to describe the prevalence and risk factors for headaches related to PPE, in the personnel of a specialized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tertiary hospital. Methods In this cross-sectional survey study, we invited healthcare workers from COVID-19 referral center in Mexico (May 22–June 19, 2020) to answer a standardized structure questionnaire on characteristics of new-onset PPE-related headache or exacerbation of primary headache disorder. Participants were invited regardless of whether they had a current headache to avoid selection bias. This is the primary analysis of these data. Results Two hundred and sixty-eight subjects were analyzed, 181/268 (67.5%) women, 177/268 (66%) nurses, mean age 28 years. The prevalence of PPE-related headache was 210/268 (78.4%). Independent risk factors were occupation other than physician (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.20–2.10), age > 30 years (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.25–5.14), and female sex (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.86–6.87). In the 6-month follow-up, 13.1% of subjects evolve to chronic headache, with stress as predictive risk factor. Conclusion The frequency of PPE-associated headache is high, and a subgroup could evolve to chronic headache. More studies are necessary to improve the knowledge about this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio Dominguez-Moreno
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México.
| | - Venny A Venegas-Gómez
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Luis Asdruval Zepeda-Gutiérrez
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Juan José De La Rosa-Cuevas
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Jorge Humberto Hernández-Félix
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Edgar Omar Martos-Armendariz
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Erwin Chiquete
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Felipe Vega-Boada
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Fernando Flores-Silva
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Carlos Cantú-Brito
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de Mexico, México
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Mahalingam K, Surbhi, Balaji A, Ganesh R, Daniel RA, Aggarwal R, Soni KD, Singh AK, Khanna P, Gupta V, Trikha A. Is it a challenging task to work with personal protective equipment in a COVID-19 ICU: Findings from a hospital-based cross-sectional study from north India. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:1935-1942. [PMID: 35800524 PMCID: PMC9254845 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1937_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for healthcare workers to remain protected against infection. The present study was undertaken to evaluate challenges faced by the healthcare workers while using level 3 PPE. Methods This hospital-based study was conducted among resident doctors selected by convenience sampling method using a pretested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire after getting informed consent from the participants to collect data on the somatic, psychological, and technical problems faced while working in PPE. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done between outcome variables and other independent variables to check for the association. Results Of the total, 252 resident doctors completed the survey, their age ranged from 22 to 36 years with 140 (55.6%) males and 112 (44.4%) females. One-twenty-nine (51.2%) residents were trained to work in ICU, 73 (29%) participants used PPE ≤10 times and the rest 179 (71%) used PPE more than 10 times. The difficulties faced were as follows: visual impairment (n = 244, 96.8%), headache (n = 226, 89.6%), breathing difficulty (n = 216, 85.7%), hearing impairment (n = 201, 79.8%), sweating (n = 242, 96%), and fear of being infected (n = 156,61.9%). Two-thirty-six (93.6%) participants felt that overall work quality reduced due to PPE. Headache, hunger, urge to micturate, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and need to change the timing of medication or diet were higher with increased duration of work with PPE. Conclusion A longer duration of work is associated with headache, hunger, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. More research has to be done to improve the PPE to reduce problems like visual impairment, skin irritation, sweating, and breathing difficulty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Mahalingam
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Surbhi
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Akshaya Balaji
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Ragul Ganesh
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Roy Arokiam Daniel
- Department of Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Richa Aggarwal
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Kapil Dev Soni
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Akhil Kant Singh
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Puneet Khanna
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Viney Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Anjan Trikha
- Department of Anaethesia and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
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Owen C, Seddon C, Clarke K, Bysouth T, Johnson D. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of dentists in Wales. Br Dent J 2022; 232:44-54. [PMID: 35031746 PMCID: PMC8758985 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-021-3756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on dentistry across Wales. Dentists were facing significant levels of psychological distress prior to the pandemic, so it was important to monitor dentists' mental health during this unprecedented challenge. Aims To gain both an understanding of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has been having on the mental health of dentists working in Wales, as well as understanding the levels of stress the pandemic has caused. We also aimed to understand the specific causes of stress. Results High levels of stress were found, with 82% of respondents saying stress levels in the dental team have increased noticeably. Three-quarters of respondents have gone to work despite not feeling mentally well enough. Working conditions and financial pressures caused by the pandemic have directly impacted the mental health of many dentists. As a result, they have been using both adaptive and maladaptive coping methods to cope with the stress of the pandemic, with over one-third of respondents drinking alcohol more frequently than before the pandemic. Conclusions The pandemic has had a profound impact on the professional lives of dentists working in Wales. Their interactions with patients and colleagues have been greatly affected, as well as their work and working conditions. These have all substantially contributed to increased stress levels. Without significant improvements to the working conditions of dentists, as well as continued psychological support, large-scale burnout in the future is not only possible, but likely. Provides detailed information of the stressors dentists dealt with during the pandemic and looks at how many dentists cannot cope with the stress of their job during the pandemic. Looks at the maladaptive coping methods dentists have used over the course of the pandemic, such as alcohol and nicotine products, as well as the adaptive coping methods dentists have used, such as walks and mindfulness. Discusses how many dentists went to work despite not feeling mentally well enough to do so, plus looks at the impact the pandemic has had on dentists' sleep. Looks at the working conditions dentists in Wales are facing due to the pandemic and the way different aspects of dentistry have been affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie Owen
- Policy and Committee Officer, Cardiff, Wales; 2Director of BDA Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
| | | | - Katrina Clarke
- Chair of Welsh Committee for Community Dentistry, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | | - David Johnson
- Former Chair of Welsh General Practitioners Committee, Cardiff, Wales, UK
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Romero JGDAJ, Salles-Neto FTD, Stuginski-Barbosa J, Conti PCR, Almeida-Leite CM. COVID-19 pandemic impact on headache in healthcare workers: a narrative review. HEADACHE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.48208/headachemed.2021.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pandemic of COVID-19, the potentially fatal disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, had caused intangible consequences on global health systems, economy, daily life, education, travel, leisure, work, and mental health. Its impact on mental and physical health, especially in health professionals, has been described. Objective: This study aimed to review and discuss the published evidence regarding the presence of headache on COVID-19 healthcare workers. Methods: In this review, we searched for all articles published in various data bases including PubMed / Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science and all original research studies, letters to editor, case reports, commentaries and reviews published in English, Portuguese or Spanish were searched. Two researchers independently analyzed published articles in order to include/exclude based on inclusion or exclusion criteria. Results: Thirteen articles were included. All studies included in this review were observational; eleven were cross-sectional studies, one was a prospective/cohort and one was a retrospective. Two studies evaluated psychological outcomes, mental health disorders and associated factors, one study investigated symptoms and causes of somatic symptom disorder and all other studies evaluated headaches associated with Personal Protective Equipment (PPI). Conclusions: The present review shows that COVID-19 pandemic has negative impact on physical and mental health in healthcare workers and headache has been associated to psychological stress and work overload during pandemic. Further studies are necessary to better investigate COVID-19 pandemic effects on headaches and other neurological conditions.
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Shawahna R. Knowledge, attitude, and use of protective measures against COVID-19 among nurses: a questionnaire-based multicenter cross-sectional study. BMC Nurs 2021; 20:163. [PMID: 34493274 PMCID: PMC8422377 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-021-00689-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During this pandemic, nurses have always been on the frontline and are probably the first healthcare providers to interact with patients presenting with symptoms of COVID-19. The main aim of this multicenter study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and use of protective measures against COVID-19 among nurses across the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) during the ongoing pandemic. Methods This was a questionnaire-based multicenter cross-sectional study that was conducted in the period between October 2020 to December 2020. The study tool tested knowledge (8-item), attitude (2-item), and use of protective measures against COVID-19 (3-item) among nurses. Associations between nurses’ characteristics and their knowledge, attitude, and use of protective measures were investigated using Student’s t-test, Analysis of Variance, and Pearson’s correlations. To control potentially confounding variables, predictors of higher knowledge, attitude, and use of protective measures were identified using multiple regression analyses. Results The study tool was complete by 455 nurses. The mean of knowledge, attitude, and use of protective measures scores were 75.7% (SD:12.4%), 75.1% (SD: 17.7%), and 91.6% (SD: 18.2%), respectively. Multiple linear regression models showed that high knowledge was predicted by being female (p-value = 0.004) and self-rating social status as high (p-value = 0.005). Higher attitude was predicted by being female (p-value = 0.005), self-rating academic achievements as high (p-value = 0.007), and having contracted COVID-19 (p-value = 0.001). Higher use of protective measures was predicted by self-rating academic achievements as high (p-value = 0.010). Conclusion Findings of this study suggested that nurses in the oPt had high knowledge, relatively optimistic attitude, and appropriately used protective measures against COVID-19 during the ongoing pandemic. Knowledge, attitude, and use of protective measures among nurses should continuously be updated as information unfold during the ongoing pandemic. More efforts are still needed to ensure protection of healthcare providers including nurses from contracting COVID-19. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-021-00689-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Building: 19, Office: 1340, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine. .,An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
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9
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Binsaleh NK, Bazaid AS, Aldarhami A, Sherwani S, Althomali OW. Awareness and Practice of COVID-19 Precautionary Measures Among Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1553-1560. [PMID: 34188482 PMCID: PMC8235946 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s317908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the backbone of the healthcare system and a skilled and healthy workforce is vital during a health crisis, such as the present coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of exposure to and transmission of the severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, HCWs should possess good knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 to protect not only themselves but also their colleagues, families and the larger community. Thus, the current study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of protective measures by HCWs in Saudi Arabia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify awareness of the disease, potential trends and associated predictors. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among HCWs about knowledge related to COVID-19 and practice of protective measures, such as social distancing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. A Fisher exact test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to investigate the level of association among variables. Results A total of 674 HCWs were recruited in the study (51.8% male, 42.7% aged 28–37 years old and 52% specialists). The Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) was the main source of knowledge for most of the HCWs (89%) followed by the WHO (44.5%) and social media (42.3%). Washing hands before touching the face was the most selected choice (97.9%) as a precautionary method to limit SARS-CoV2 transmission. Most of the HCWs (74.6%) scored low for staying at home while the majority (71.2%) showed a high practice of personal protective methods, with pharmacists and general physicians scoring the highest. Conclusion Saudi HCWs showed high knowledge and practice of protective measures for COVID-19. Good knowledge correlates with adoption of appropriate practices to prevent spread of infection. The current findings highlight the importance of interventions such as tailored education and training courses for those with low scores to improve overall knowledge and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif K Binsaleh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman S Bazaid
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdu Aldarhami
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Qunfudah Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Qunfudah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Subuhi Sherwani
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar W Althomali
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
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Ong JJY, Chan ACY, Bharatendu C, Teoh HL, Chan YC, Sharma VK. Headache Related to PPE Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2021; 25:53. [PMID: 34129112 PMCID: PMC8203491 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-021-00968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Personal protection equipment (PPE)-associated headache is an unusual secondary headache disorder that predominantly occurs in healthcare workers as a consequence of the donning of protective respirators, face masks and/or eyewear. The appreciation of this entity is important given the significant ramifications upon the occupational health of healthcare workers and could additionally have an impact on persons living with pre-existing headache disorder(s). RECENT FINDINGS There has been a renewed interest and recognition of PPE-associated headaches amongst healthcare professionals, largely brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has besieged healthcare systems worldwide. De novo PPE-associated headaches may present with migrainous or tension-type features and can be viewed as a subtype of external compression headache. The prognosis of the disorder is generally favourable, given that most headaches are short-lived without long-term sequalae. Several aetiologies have been postulated to account for the development of these headaches. Notably, these headaches can affect the occupational health and work performance of healthcare workers. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, probable etiopathogenesis, management and prognosis of PPE-associated headaches in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future directions for research and PPE development are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Y Ong
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Amanda C Y Chan
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Chandra Bharatendu
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hock Luen Teoh
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Yee Cheun Chan
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Division of Neurology, National University Hospital and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 10, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
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Im J, Kim J, Choeh JY. COVID-19: Were Public Health Interventions and the Disclosure of Patients' Contact History Effective in Upholding Social Distancing? Evidence from South Korea. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:705-712. [PMID: 33790569 PMCID: PMC7997587 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s303093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted a global-scale public health response. Social distancing, along with intensive testing and contact tracing, has been considered an effective vehicle to reduce new infections. In this study, we aimed to estimate the effect of South Korean public health measures on behavioral changes with respect to social distancing without a nationwide lockdown. The results of this study may provide insights to countries who are planning to relax their aggressive restrictions though still having an unflattened curve of infections. METHODS To estimate how the closure of educational and social welfare facilities and the disclosure of confirmed patients' contact history affected social distancing behaviors, we analyzed public transportation data in Seoul, Korea. For the modeling analysis, we used linear mixed-effects estimation. RESULTS Our estimation showed that the average daily number of bus passengers decreased by 21.8% in February 2020 as compared to the previous year with an additional decrease observed in the areas around educational and social welfare facilities. The highest drop in the daily number of passengers was observed in areas with religious facilities. We also found that individuals avoided areas that were proximate to or within the locations that constituted the confirmed patients' contact history. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that public health measures can lead people to practice social distancing. Among them, the measures that strongly encourage voluntary social distancing behaviors would play a critical role in suppressing the infections as it becomes increasingly difficult to continue imposing aggressive restrictions due to practical and economic reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongho Im
- Department of Applied Statistics, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jewoo Kim
- Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Joon Yeon Choeh
- Department of Software, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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