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Wagner A, Keles K, Preiser C, Neunhöffer AT, Soeder J, Schwille-Kiuntke J, Rieger MA, Rind E. Assessing Attitudes and Participation Regarding a Pilot COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Program in Southern Germany Considering the Occupational Health Perspective-A Mixed Methods Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1082. [PMID: 37376471 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This mixed methods study retrospectively assessed attitudes and participation of employees, occupational health personnel, and key personnel regarding the rollout of a pilot COVID-19 workplace vaccination program in five German companies in May/June 2021 in Baden-Württemberg (Southern Germany) by combining survey data and qualitative interviews. A total of 652 employees completed a standardized questionnaire and we conducted ten interviews with occupational health personnel and key personnel with other professional backgrounds organizing the pilot workplace vaccination program. Survey data were analyzed descriptively and interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Employees participated widely in COVID-19 vaccinations at their workplaces, and most employees (n = 608; 93.8%) had a full COVID-19 immunization at the time of the survey. The main advantages of the pilot COVID-19 workplace vaccination program were seen in the flexible and time-saving vaccination offer as well as the trust in and long-standing relationship with occupational health physicians. The main disadvantage of the pilot vaccination offer was increased workload for occupational health personnel, especially during the roll-out phase of the program. The pilot COVID-19 workplace vaccination program was predominantly positively assessed, and the important role of occupational health services in managing the COVID-19 pandemic was highlighted. The main criticisms of the COVID-19 workplace vaccination program related to the high organizational and administrative burden. Findings from our study can support the development of future programs for the administration of generally recommended vaccination in the workplace setting in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Wagner
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kamil Keles
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christine Preiser
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna T Neunhöffer
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jana Soeder
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane Schwille-Kiuntke
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Monika A Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Esther Rind
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Alfonsi V, Scarpelli S, Gorgoni M, Couyoumdjian A, Rosiello F, Sandroni C, Corsi R, Pietrantonio F, De Gennaro L. Healthcare Workers after Two Years of COVID-19: The Consequences of the Pandemic on Psychological Health and Sleep among Nurses and Physicians. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1410. [PMID: 36674167 PMCID: PMC9859438 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has challenged the health workforce worldwide. In this cross-sectional study with a retrospective assessment, we explored the impact of the pandemic on mental health and sleep among a sample of Italian nurses and medical doctors. A total of 287 healthcare workers (212 nurses and 75 physicians) completed a web survey on socio-demographic, psychological, and sleep-related aspects referring to the period before the pandemic and to the present period of February to June 2022. Comparisons between nurses and physicians revealed that the former had greater distress in response to the pandemic. Consistently, the multivariate analysis of covariance showed that even if both groups were negatively impacted by the pandemic, nurses presented a greater worsening over time regarding several psychological and sleep symptoms. Furthermore, we observed that working on the frontline represented an additional risk factor for nurses. In line with previous evidence, we also found that personal experiences with COVID-19 are significant predictors of the current health status. Our results underscore the urgent need for preventive programs among healthcare operators to increase their coping skills and prevent the long-term consequences of chronic stress, especially for high-risk professionals. Specific attention should also be devoted to programs to improve sleep quality and reduce sleep-related traumatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Alfonsi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Scarpelli
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gorgoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Rosiello
- Internal Medicine Department, Ospedale dei Castelli, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 6, Ariccia, 00040 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Sandroni
- UOC Professione Infermieristica, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 6, Albano, 00041 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Corsi
- Direzione Sanitaria Aziendale, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 6, Albano, 00041 Rome, Italy
| | - Filomena Pietrantonio
- Internal Medicine Department, Ospedale dei Castelli, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 6, Ariccia, 00040 Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Economics, St. Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
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Soeder J, Neunhöffer AT, Wagner A, Preiser C, Rebholz B, Montano D, Schmitz N, Kauderer J, Papenfuss F, Klink A, Alsyte K, Rieger MA, Rind E. Assessing Differences in Attitudes toward Occupational Safety and Health Measures for Infection Control between Office and Assembly Line Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Baseline Data from a Repeated Employee Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:614. [PMID: 36612934 PMCID: PMC9819385 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In our study, we investigated possible differences across occupational groups regarding employees’ perceived work-related risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2, attitudes toward technical, organisational, and personal occupational safety and health (OSH) measures for infection control, and factors associated with this attitude. We analysed baseline data (10 August to 25 October 2020) from a repeated standardised online survey distributed at a worldwide leading global supplier of technology and services in Germany. 2144 employees (32.4% women; age (mean ± SD): 44 ± 11 years) who worked predominantly remotely (n = 358), at an on-site office (n = 1451), and assembly line/manufacturing (n = 335) were included. The work-related SARS-CoV-2 risk of infection differed between office employees working remotely and on-site (mean ± SD = 2.9 ± 1.5 vs. 3.2 ± 1.5; Mann-Whitney-U-Test: W = 283,346; p < 0.002; ε2 = 0.01) and between on-site office and assembly line/manufacturing employees (3.8 ± 1.7; W = 289,174; p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.02). Attitude scores toward technical OSH-measures differed between remote and on-site office (4.3 ± 0.5 vs. 4.1 ± 0.6; W = 216,787; p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.01), and between on-site office and assembly line/manufacturing employees (3.6 ± 0.9; W = 149,881; p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.07). Findings were similar for organisational and personal measures. Affective risk perception, COVID-19-specific resilience, and information about COVID-19-related risks were associated with the employees’ attitudes. To promote positive attitudes, it seems to be important to consider occupational-group-specific context factors when implementing OSH-measures for infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Soeder
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna T. Neunhöffer
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anke Wagner
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christine Preiser
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rebholz
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Diego Montano
- Department of Population-Based Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Norbert Schmitz
- Department of Population-Based Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johanna Kauderer
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, P.O. Box 10 60 50, 70049 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Falko Papenfuss
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, P.O. Box 10 60 50, 70049 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Antje Klink
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, P.O. Box 10 60 50, 70049 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Karina Alsyte
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, P.O. Box 10 60 50, 70049 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Monika A. Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Esther Rind
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Preventive Measures for SARS-CoV-2 in the Workplace and Vaccine Acceptance: Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Workers in Southern Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111872. [DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: this study investigated the preventive measures implemented in the workplace and evaluated knowledge, attitudes and adherence behaviors regarding SARS-CoV-2 routes of transmission and preventive measures in a group of workers. (2) Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2021 among 501 workers in the Campania region, in Southern Italy. (3) Results: 80.5% of respondents declared that their company had implemented the main COVID-19 preventive measures, and 54.7% of respondents knew SARS-CoV-2 routes of transmission along with the main preventive measures. Moreover, 34.2% were highly concerned about contracting SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace and transmitting it to family. Adherence to all preventive measures in the workplace involved 42.5% of respondents. The results of the multivariate logistic regression model revealed that significant determinants of adherence to all preventive measures in the workplace were being female, working not as a manager or office employee, cohabiting with someone that received a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, knowing SARS-CoV-2 routes of transmission and the related main preventive measures, being highly concerned of contracting SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace and transmitting it to family and believing that COVID-19 vaccine offers high protection against disease. At the time of the survey, 47.5% of respondents had already received COVID-19 vaccine. Among unvaccinated respondents, 11.8% expressed unwillingness to get vaccinated for COVID-19. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlighted a good awareness about COVID-19 prevention and underlined a good propensity to get vaccinated among workers. Therefore, there is the need that preventive measures should be prioritized in the working context.
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Factors Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccination Status of Higher Education Students: Results of an Online Cross-Sectional Survey at Six Universities in Southwestern Germany. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091433. [PMID: 36146511 PMCID: PMC9505187 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study explored factors associated with the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination acceptance among higher education students in southwestern Germany. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey at six state-approved higher education institutions (HEIs) between July and November 2021. In addition to descriptive analyses, univariate as well as multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. A total of 6556 higher education students aged 18 years and older participated in our survey; 91.4% of participating students had been vaccinated against COVID-19 at least once. The factors that significantly contributed to the explanation of higher education students’ vaccination status in the multivariate analysis (area under curve—AUC = 0.94) were variables on the perception of the virus SARS-CoV-2 (affective risk perception: Adjusted odds ratio—aOR = 1.2; perception of the outbreak as a media-hype: aOR = 0.8), attitudes towards personal (aOR = 0.7) and study-related (aOR = 0.8) health and safety measures to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination (preservation of own health: aOR = 1.3; confidence in vaccine safety: aOR = 1.7; supporting higher education through vaccination: aOR = 1.2; own contribution to the containment of the pandemic: aOR = 1.7). The findings target assisting HEIs in returning to face-to-face teaching after previous semesters of online teaching.
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Couarraze S, Delamarre L, Marhar F, Quach B, Jiao J, Avilés Dorlhiac R, Saadaoui F, Liu ASI, Dubuis B, Antunes S, Andant N, Pereira B, Ugbolue UC, Baker JS, Clinchamps M, Dutheil F. The major worldwide stress of healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic - the international COVISTRESS survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257840. [PMID: 34614016 PMCID: PMC8494302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated an upheaval in society and has been the cause of considerable stress during this period. Healthcare professionals have been on the front line during this health crisis, particularly paramedical staff. The aim of this study was to assess the high level of stress of healthcare workers during the first wave of the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS The COVISTRESS international study is a questionnaire disseminated online collecting demographic and stress-related data over the globe, during the pandemic. Stress levels were evaluated using non-calibrated visual analog scale, from 0 (no stress) to 100 (maximal stress). RESULTS Among the 13,537 individuals from 44 countries who completed the survey from January to June 2020, we included 10,051 workers (including 1379 healthcare workers, 631 medical doctors and 748 paramedical staff). The stress levels during the first wave of the pandemic were 57.8 ± 33 in the whole cohort, 65.3 ± 29.1 in medical doctors, and 73.6 ± 27.7 in paramedical staff. Healthcare professionals and especially paramedical staff had the highest levels of stress (p < 0.001 vs non-healthcare workers). Across all occupational categories, women had systematically significantly higher levels of work-related stress than men (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and stress level (r = -0.098, p < 0.001). Healthcare professionals demonstrated an increased risk of very-high stress levels (>80) compared to other workers (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.87-2.41). Paramedical staff risk for very-high levels of stress was higher than doctors' (1.88, 1.50-2.34). The risk of high levels of stress also increased in women (1.83, 1.61-2.09; p < 0.001 vs. men) and in people aged <50 (1.45, 1.26-1.66; p < 0.001 vs. aged >50). CONCLUSIONS The first wave of the pandemic was a major stressful event for healthcare workers, especially paramedical staff. Among individuals, women were the most at risk while age was a protective factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Couarraze
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, University Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- UMR EFTS, Université Toulouse 2 –Jean Jaurès, Toulouse, France
| | - Louis Delamarre
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, University Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Fouad Marhar
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Toulouse, CHU Toulouse, France
| | - Binh Quach
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Physical Education and Health, Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Physical Education and Health, Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Foued Saadaoui
- King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, College of Sciences and Theoretical Studies, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andy Su-I Liu
- University of Taipei, Exercise and Health Science, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Benoït Dubuis
- Université de Genève, UNIGE, Fondation INARTIS, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Antunes
- ISPA—Instituto Universitário, Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses, APPsyCI—Applied Psychology Research Center Capabilities & Inclusion, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nicolas Andant
- University Hospital of Clermont Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clinical Research and Innovation Direction—Biostatistics, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- University Hospital of Clermont Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clinical Research and Innovation Direction—Biostatistics, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ukadike C. Ugbolue
- University of the West of Scotland, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Physical Education and Health, Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Maëlys Clinchamps
- University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Preventive and Occupational Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Preventive and Occupational Medicine, WittyFit, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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