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Ben Said S, Jaballah R, Yaakoubi H, Ben Salah H, Youssef R, Mzid N, Kacemi M, Trabelsi I, Ben Ayed A, Ben Ayed S, Boukadida L, Zorgati A, Boukef R. Canine olfactory detection and its relevance for the medical identification of patients with COVID-19. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38889329 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2363887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath or sweat represents a potential non-invasive and rapid diagnostic tool for respiratory diseases. OBJECTIVE To determine if trained dogs can reliably identify the odour associated with COVID19. METHODS This is a monocentric prospective study carried out in the Emergency Department (ED) of a university hospital fromJulyto November 2021.Axillary sweat samples from all patients were collected bytwo trained health care professionals. The samples were collected in the form of sterile gauze swabs placed under the armpits for at least 4 h for each patient.Then, Tubes wereshiftedto the double-blind dog training centre for VOC detection by two individuals. RESULTS Dogs were tested using a total of 129 axillary sweat samples; 69 of the 107 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 based on their odours had a positive PCR/Antigen test and 19 of the 22 patients who were tested negative for COVID-19 by the dogs had a negative PCR test. The sniffer dog infection detection method had a sensitivity of 95.83% and a specificity of 33.33%. The PPV was 64.49% and the NPVwas 86.36%. The measurement of the intensity of the connection between the two variables (disease/sign) was very strong (Q = 0.84). This link is statistically significant (X2 = 19.13) with a probability p ≤ 0.001. CONCLUSION Overall, the use of trained detection dogs as a screening method for SARS-CoV-2 is an interesting avenue of research that warrants further exploration and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Ben Said
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Rahma Jaballah
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Hajer Yaakoubi
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Houda Ben Salah
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Rym Youssef
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Nouhel Mzid
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Marouen Kacemi
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Imen Trabelsi
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ali Ben Ayed
- K9 Dog Center Security And Training, sousse, Tunisia
| | - Saed Ben Ayed
- K9 Dog Center Security And Training, sousse, Tunisia
| | - Lotfi Boukadida
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Asma Zorgati
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Riadh Boukef
- Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
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Packer S, Patrzylas P, Smith I, Chen C, Wensley A, Nsonwu O, Dack K, Turner C, Anderson C, Kwiatkowska R, Oliver I, Edeghere O, Fraser G, Hughes G. COVID-19 cluster surveillance using exposure data collected from routine contact tracing: The genomic validation of a novel informatics-based approach to outbreak detection in England. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 3:e0000485. [PMID: 38662648 PMCID: PMC11045073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Contact tracing was used globally to prevent onwards transmission of COVID-19. Tracing contacts alone is unlikely to be sufficient in controlling community transmission, due to the pre-symptomatic, overdispersed and airborne nature of COVID-19 transmission. We describe and demonstrate the validity of a national enhanced contact tracing programme for COVID-19 cluster surveillance in England. Data on cases occurring between October 2020 and September 2021 were extracted from the national contact tracing system. Exposure clusters were identified algorithmically by matching ≥2 cases attending the same event, identified by matching postcode and event category within a 7-day rolling window. Genetic validity was defined as exposure clusters with ≥2 cases from different households with identical viral sequences. Exposure clusters were fuzzy matched to the national incident management system (HPZone) by postcode and setting description. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to determine cluster characteristics associated with genetic validity. Over a quarter of a million (269,470) exposure clusters were identified. Of the eligible clusters, 25% (3,306/13,008) were genetically valid. 81% (2684/3306) of these were not recorded on HPZone and were identified on average of one day earlier than incidents recorded on HPZone. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that exposure clusters occurring in workplaces (aOR = 5·10, 95% CI 4·23-6·17) and education (aOR = 3·72, 95% CI 3·08-4·49) settings were those most strongly associated with genetic validity. Cluster surveillance using enhanced contact tracing in England was a timely, comprehensive and systematic approach to the detection of transmission events occurring in community settings. Cluster surveillance can provide intelligence to stakeholders to support the assessment and management of clusters of COVID-19 at a local, regional, and national level. Future systems should include predictive modelling and network analysis to support risk assessment of exposure clusters to improve the effectiveness of enhanced contract tracing for outbreak detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Packer
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Patrzylas
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iona Smith
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cong Chen
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Wensley
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kyle Dack
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlie Turner
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Isabel Oliver
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Obaghe Edeghere
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Fraser
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Hughes
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
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Huguet-Torres A, Castro-Sánchez E, Capitán-Moyano L, Sánchez-Rodríguez C, Bennasar-Veny M, Yáñez AM. Personal protective measures and settings on the risk of SARS-COV-2 community transmission: a case-control study. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1327082. [PMID: 38259788 PMCID: PMC10801386 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1327082] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, nurses of primary health care has been an important role in Spain. Even so, the data obtained in the tracing have been scarcely used to investigate the possible mechanisms of transmission. Few studies focused on community transmission, evaluating the effectiveness of individual protective measures and exposure environment. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the association between individual protective measures and SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community and to compare secondary attack rates in different exposure settings. Methods A case-control study from contact tracing of SARS-CoV-2 index patients. COVID-19 contact tracing was led by nurses at the COVID-19 Coordinating Centre in Majorca (Spain). During the systematic tracing, additional information for this study was collected from the index patient (social-demographic variables, symptoms, the number of close contacts). And also, the following variables from their close contacts: contact place, ventilation characteristics mask-wearing, type of mask, duration of contact, shortest distance, case-contact relationship, household members, and handwashing, the test result for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic. Close contacts with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 were classified as "cases" and those negative as "controls." Results A total of 1,778 close contacts from 463 index patients were identified. No significant differences were observed between the sexes but between age groups. Overall Secondary Attack Rate (SAR) was 24.0% (95% CI: 22.0-26.0%), 36.9% (95% CI: 33.2-40.6%) in closed spaces without ventilation and 50.7% (95% CI: 45.6-55.8%) in exposure time > 24 h. A total of 49.2% of infections occurred among household members. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that open-air setting (OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.27-0.71), exposure for less than 1 h (OR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.11-0.32), and wearing a mask (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85) had a protective effect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the community. Conclusion Ventilation of the space, mask-wearing and shorter exposure time were associated with a lower risk of transmission in the community. The data obtained allowed an assessment of community transmission mechanisms and could have helped to improve and streamline tracing by identifying close contacts at higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Huguet-Torres
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Research Group on Global Health, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Enrique Castro-Sánchez
- Research Group on Global Health, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- College of Business, Arts, and Social Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Capitán-Moyano
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Research Group on Global Health, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Cristian Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Research Group on Global Health, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Palma, Spain
| | - Miquel Bennasar-Veny
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Research Group on Global Health, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Research Group on Global Health and Lifestyle, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aina M Yáñez
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Research Group on Global Health, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Research Group on Global Health and Lifestyle, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
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Padoan A, Cosma C, Di Chiara C, Furlan G, Gastaldo S, Talli I, Donà D, Basso D, Giaquinto C, Plebani M. Clinical and Analytical Performance of ELISA Salivary Serologic Assay to Detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG in Children and Adults. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:6. [PMID: 38247570 PMCID: PMC10801479 DOI: 10.3390/antib13010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Saliva is a promising matrix with several purposes. Our aim is to verify if salivary anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody determination is suitable for monitoring immune responses. One hundred eighty-seven subjects were enrolled at University-Hospital Padova: 105 females (56.1%) and 82 males (43.9%), 95 (50.8%) children and 92 (49.2%) adults. Subjects self-collected saliva using Salivette; nineteen subjects collected three different samples within the day. A serum sample was obtained for all individuals. The N/S anti-SARS-CoV-2 salivary IgG (sal-IgG) and serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG (ser-IgG) were used for determining anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The mean (min-max) age was 9.0 (1-18) for children and 42.5 (20-61) for adults. Of 187 samples, 63 were negative for sal-IgG (33.7%), while 7 were negative for ser-IgG (3.7%). Spearman's correlation was 0.56 (p < 0.001). Sal-IgG and ser-IgG levels were correlated with age but not with gender, comorbidities, prolonged therapy, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, or time from last COVID-19 infection/vaccination. The repeatability ranged from 23.8% (7.4 kAU/L) to 4.0% (3.77 kAU/L). The linearity of the assay was missed in 4/6 samples. No significant intrasubject differences were observed in sal-IgG across samples collected at different time points. Sal-IgG has good agreement with ser-IgG. Noninvasive saliva collection represents an alternative method for antibody measurement, especially in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Padoan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.); (D.B.); (M.P.)
- UOC of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- QI.LAB.MED, Spin-off of the University of Padova, 35011 Padova, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cosma
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.); (D.B.); (M.P.)
- UOC of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- QI.LAB.MED, Spin-off of the University of Padova, 35011 Padova, Italy;
| | - Costanza Di Chiara
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (S.G.); (D.D.); (C.G.)
- Penta–Child Health Research, 35127 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Furlan
- QI.LAB.MED, Spin-off of the University of Padova, 35011 Padova, Italy;
| | - Stefano Gastaldo
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (S.G.); (D.D.); (C.G.)
| | - Ilaria Talli
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.); (D.B.); (M.P.)
- UOC of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (S.G.); (D.D.); (C.G.)
- Penta–Child Health Research, 35127 Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Basso
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.); (D.B.); (M.P.)
- UOC of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- QI.LAB.MED, Spin-off of the University of Padova, 35011 Padova, Italy;
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (S.G.); (D.D.); (C.G.)
- Penta–Child Health Research, 35127 Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.); (D.B.); (M.P.)
- UOC of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- QI.LAB.MED, Spin-off of the University of Padova, 35011 Padova, Italy;
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Prins H, Coyer L, De Angelis S, Bluemel B, Cauchi D, Baka A. Evaluation of mpox contact tracing activities and data collection in EU/EEA countries during the 2022 multicountry outbreak in nonendemic countries. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29352. [PMID: 38180437 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29352] [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] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
To control human-to-human mpox transmission during the 2022 outbreak, European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries conducted case investigation and contact tracing (CT). We aimed to provide an overview of CT activities, describe CT data collection practices, and identify related facilitators, barriers, and potential opportunities for improvement. Between April 03, 2023 and May 12, 2023, a survey was distributed to CT stakeholders in 30 EU/EEA countries, asking about mpox CT activities and data collection and requesting to rank enablers, barriers, and improvements for CT on a five-point Likert scale. The 139 respondents from 27 countries indicated having performed case investigations (96%, n = 133), backward CT (88%, n = 122), forward CT (87%, n = 121), and follow-up on contacts' outcomes (77%, n = 107). Sixty percent (n = 80/134) used standardized data collection forms and 73% (n = 91/124) used databases. The highest-rated enablers were clear guidelines (mean = 3.9), quick access to laboratory results (3.6), and sufficient expertise (3.6). Highly rated barriers were inability to contact contacts (3.0) or cases (2.5) and lack of staff (2.4). The most needed improvements were availability of staff (3.5), expertise on affected populations (3.4) and data reporting tools and systems (3.3). To improve CT of mpox and diseases with similar transmission patterns, EU/EEA countries should increase workforce capacity in public and sexual health, offer training on CT operations and communication with affected communities, and use common CT data collection tools and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrieke Prins
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany
| | - Liza Coyer
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- State Institute for Health II, Task Force for Infectious Diseases (GI), Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Munich, Germany
| | - Stefania De Angelis
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Section, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benjamin Bluemel
- STI, Blood-Borne Viruses and TB Section, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Cauchi
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Section, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agoritsa Baka
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Section, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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Chow BWK, Lim YD, Poh RCH, Ko A, Hong GH, Zou SWL, Cheah J, Ho S, Lee VJM, Ho MZJ. Use of a digital contact tracing system in Singapore to mitigate COVID-19 spread. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2253. [PMID: 37974135 PMCID: PMC10652620 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17150-0] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contact tracing has been essential to reducing spread of COVID-19. Singapore leveraged technology to assist with contact tracing efforts using a Bluetooth-based app and token platform called 'TraceTogether'. METHODS We reviewed the impact of this system during the country's Delta and Omicron waves (24 August 2021 to 17 February 2022) to identify differences in number of close contacts and time savings between full automation using TraceTogether alone as compared to manual contact tracing supplemented by TraceTogether. Characteristics of digital contact tracing app or token users were reviewed. Thereafter, the number of close contacts identified by manual and digital contact tracing methods, and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among contacts were analysed. The difference in time taken for identification of close contacts was also determined. FINDINGS Adoption rate for TraceTogether was high, with 93.3% of cases having a registered device. There was a 9.8 h (34.9%) reduction in time savings for close contacts to be informed using TraceTogether alone compared to manual contact tracing supplemented by TraceTogether. The proportion of close contacts automatically identified through TraceTogether alone and turned positive was 3.6%. For those identified through manual contact tracing supplemented by TraceTogether, this proportion was 12.5% and 6.2% for those served quarantine orders and health risk warnings respectively. INTERPRETATION The high adoption rate of 'TraceTogether' suggest that digital solutions remain a promising option to improve contact tracing in future epidemics. This may have been through its concurrent use with vaccine differentiated public health measures and policies which engender public trust. There is future potential for utilising such technology in managing communicable diseases to achieve good public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan W K Chow
- Preventive Medicine Residency Program, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Yi Ding Lim
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Richard C H Poh
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Amy Ko
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Guo Hao Hong
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Steffen W L Zou
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Joshua Cheah
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Shaowei Ho
- Government Technology Agency, Prime Minister's Office, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Vernon J M Lee
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marc Z J Ho
- Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Udeagu CCN, Gbedemah M, Pitiranggon M, Feldman S, Cordoba E, Goldenberg S, Keeley C, Blaney K, Vora NM, Long T. Integrating Contact Tracers Into Point-of-Care Testing Workflow to Accelerate the Tracing of People With Exposure to COVID-19, August-December 2020, New York City. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:708-717. [PMID: 37290128 PMCID: PMC10373849 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001748] [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: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We assessed the timeliness of contact tracing following rapid-positive COVID-19 test result at point-of-care testing (POCT) sites in New York City (NYC). DESIGN Interviewed case-patients to elicit exposed contacts and conducted COVID-19 exposure notifications. SETTINGS Twenty-two COVID-19 POCT sites in NYC, the 2 NYC international airports, and 1 ferry terminal. PARTICIPANTS Case-patients with rapid-positive COVID-19 test results and their named contacts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We quantified the proportions of interviewed individuals with COVID-19 and notified contacts and assessed the timeliness between the dates of the rapid-positive COVID-19 test results and the interviews or notifications. RESULTS In total, 11 683 individuals with rapid-positive COVID-19 test results were referred for contact tracing on the day of their diagnosis; 8878 (76) of whom were interviewed within 1 day of diagnosis, of whom 5499 (62%) named 11 486 contacts. A median of 1.24 contacts were identified from each interview. The odds of eliciting contacts were significantly higher among individuals reporting COVID-19 symptoms than among persons with no symptoms (51% vs 36%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.70) or living with 1 or more persons than living alone (89% vs 38%; aOR = 12.11; 95% CI, 10.73-13.68). Among the 8878 interviewed case-patients, 8317 (94%) were interviewed within 1 day of their rapid-positive COVID-19 test results and 91% of contact notifications were completed within 1 day of contact identification. The median interval from test result to interview date and from case investigation interview to contact notification were both 0 days (IQR = 0). CONCLUSIONS The integration of contact tracers into COVID-19 POCT workflow achieved timely case investigation and contact notification. Accelerated contact tracing can be used to curb COVID-19 transmission during local outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chi N. Udeagu
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Misato Gbedemah
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Masha Pitiranggon
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Samantha Feldman
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Evette Cordoba
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Shifra Goldenberg
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Chris Keeley
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Kathleen Blaney
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Neil M. Vora
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
| | - Theodore Long
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, New York (Mss Udeagu, Pitiranggon, and Blaney and Dr Vora); New York City Test & Trace Corps, New York City, New York (Mss Udeagu, Gbedemah, Pitiranggon, Feldman, Goldenberg, Keeley, and Blaney and Drs Cordoba, Vora, and Long); and New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, New York City, New York (Mss Gbedemah, Feldman, Goldenberg, and Keeley and Drs Cordoba and Long)
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Paulo MS, Peyroteo M, Maia MR, Pries C, Habl C, Lapão LV. Impacts of public health and social measures on COVID-19 in Europe: a review and modified Delphi technique. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1226922. [PMID: 37719729 PMCID: PMC10501783 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1226922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 led countries to implement a set of public health and social measures (PHSMs) attempting to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study aims to review the existing literature regarding key results of the PHSMs that were implemented, and to identify the PHSMs considered to have most impacted the epidemiological curve of COVID-19 over the last years during different stages of the pandemic. Methods The PHSM under study were selected from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), supplemented by topics presented during the Rapid Exchange Forum (REF) meetings in the scope of the Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) project (H2020). The evidence- based review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify which reviews have already been published about each PHSMs and their results. In addition, two modified Delphi panel surveys were conducted among subject matter experts from 30 European countries to uphold the results found. Results There were 3,212 studies retrieved from PubMed, 162 full texts assessed for eligibility and 35 included in this PHSMs summary. The measures with clearest evidence on their positive impact from the evidence-based review include social distancing, hygiene measures, mask measures and testing policies. From the modified Delphi panel, the PHSMs considered most significant in the four periods analyzed were case isolation at home, face coverings, testing policy, and social distancing, respectively. Discussion The evidence found has significant implications for both researchers and policymakers. The study of PHSMs' impact on COVID-19 illustrates lessons learned for future pan- and epidemics, serving as a contribution to the health systems resilience discussion. These lessons, drawn from both the available scientific evidence and the perspectives of relevant subject matter experts, should also be considered in educational and preparedness programs and activities in the public health space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Silva Paulo
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariana Peyroteo
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- LASI, Laboratório Associado de Sistemas Inteligentes, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mélanie R. Maia
- UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- LASI, Laboratório Associado de Sistemas Inteligentes, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cara Pries
- Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (Austrian National Public Health Institute), Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Habl
- Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (Austrian National Public Health Institute), Vienna, Austria
| | - Luís Velez Lapão
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- LASI, Laboratório Associado de Sistemas Inteligentes, Guimarães, Portugal
- WHO Collaborating Center for Health Workforce Policy and Planning, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Haltaufderheide J, Viero D, Krämer D. Cultural Implications Regarding Privacy in Digital Contact Tracing Algorithms: Method Development and Empirical Ethics Analysis of a German and a Japanese Approach to Contact Tracing. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45112. [PMID: 37379062 PMCID: PMC10365635 DOI: 10.2196/45112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital contact tracing algorithms (DCTAs) have emerged as a means of supporting pandemic containment strategies and protecting populations from the adverse effects of COVID-19. However, the impact of DCTAs on users' privacy and autonomy has been heavily debated. Although privacy is often viewed as the ability to control access to information, recent approaches consider it as a norm that structures social life. In this regard, cultural factors are crucial in evaluating the appropriateness of information flows in DCTAs. Hence, an important part of ethical evaluations of DCTAs is to develop an understanding of their information flow and their contextual situatedness to be able to adequately evaluate questions about privacy. However, only limited studies and conceptual approaches are currently available in this regard. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a case study methodology to include contextual cultural factors in ethical analysis and present exemplary results of a subsequent analysis of 2 different DCTAs following this approach. METHODS We conducted a comparative qualitative case study of the algorithm of the Google Apple Exposure Notification Framework as exemplified in the German Corona Warn App and the Japanese approach of Computation of Infection Risk via Confidential Locational Entries (CIRCLE) method. The methodology was based on a postphenomenological perspective, combined with empirical investigations of the technological artifacts within their context of use. An ethics of disclosure approach was used to focus on the social ontologies created by the algorithms and highlight their connection to the question about privacy. RESULTS Both algorithms use the idea of representing a social encounter of 2 subjects. These subjects gain significance in terms of risk against the background of a representation of their temporal and spatial properties. However, the comparative analysis reveals 2 major differences. Google Apple Exposure Notification Framework prioritizes temporality over spatiality. In contrast, the representation of spatiality is reduced to distance without any direction or orientation. However, the CIRCLE framework prioritizes spatiality over temporality. These different concepts and prioritizations can be seen to align with important cultural differences in considering basic concepts such as subject, time, and space in Eastern and Western thought. CONCLUSIONS The differences noted in this study essentially lead to 2 different ethical questions about privacy that are raised against the respective backgrounds. These findings have important implications for the ethical evaluation of DCTAs, suggesting that a culture-sensitive assessment is required to ensure that technologies fit into their context and create less concern regarding their ethical acceptability. Methodologically, our study provides a basis for an intercultural approach to the ethics of disclosure, allowing for cross-cultural dialogue that can overcome mutual implicit biases and blind spots based on cultural differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joschka Haltaufderheide
- Medical Ethics With Focus on Digitization, Joint Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Davide Viero
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Krämer
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Kearney PM, Stamenic D, Gajewska K, O'Sullivan MB, Doyle S, O'Reilly O, Buckley CM. Cross-sectional survey of compliance behaviour, knowledge and attitudes among cases and close contacts during COVID-19 pandemic. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2023; 5:100370. [PMID: 36817733 PMCID: PMC9930406 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives A key public health intervention is self-isolation for cases and restriction of movement for contacts. This study aimed to identify predictors of compliance behaviour and describe knowledge and attitudes among cases and contacts identified by the national Contact Management Programme to inform the global public health response. Study design Secondary data analysis of anonymised cross-sectional survey data on national sample of cases and close contacts. Methods A sample of 1000 cases and 1000 contacts was calculated to estimate compliance within a margin of error of 3% with 95% confidence. A telephone survey administered by trained interviewers collected information on socio-demographics, compliance behaviours, knowledge, and attitudes to COVID-19 from cases and close contacts. Data analysis included chi-squared statistics and multivariable logistic regression. Results Most cases and contacts complied with public health guidance with similar characteristics in those who did and did not comply. Reasons for non-compliance included exercise, medical appointment, shopping, and work. Cases and contacts reported high levels of understanding about symptoms of COVID-19 and satisfaction with available information. Conclusion Achieving high compliance with public health guidance is feasible and requires political leadership, policy changes and practical solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M. Kearney
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland,Corresponding author
| | - Danko Stamenic
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | - Sarah Doyle
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Executive, HSE South, Ireland
| | - Orlaith O'Reilly
- Clinical Design and Innovation, Health Services Executive, Ireland
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Barnes-Josiah D, Kundeti H, Cramer D. Factors Influencing the Results of COVID-19 Case Outreach-Results From a California Case Investigation/Contact Tracing Program. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2022; 28:639-649. [PMID: 36070585 PMCID: PMC9555609 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001622] [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] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Considerable research has examined impacts of case investigation and contact tracing (CI/CT) programs on the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, but there are few reports on factors affecting the ability of these programs to obtain interviews and acquire key information. OBJECTIVE To investigate programmatic and case-specific factors associated with CI outcomes using data from the Public Health Institute's Tracing Health CI/CT program. Analyses were designed to detect variability in predictors of whether interviews and key information were obtained rather than quantify specific relationships. DESIGN Logistic regression models examined variability in the predictive value of interview timeliness and respondent characteristics on outreach outcomes and interview results. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Participants were members of a large California health care network with a positive laboratory test for COVID-19 and outreach from January 1 to July 31, 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the result of outreach attempts: completed interview, refused interview, or failure to reach the infected person. Secondary outcomes considered whether respondents provided information on symptom onset, employment, and contact information or a reason for declining to provide information, and whether resource support was requested or accepted. RESULTS Of 9391 eligible records, 65.6% were for completed interviews, 6.0% were refusals, and 28.3% were failed outreach. One-third of respondents (36.7%) provided information on contacts (mean = 0.97 contacts per respondent, 2.6 for those naming at least 1). Privacy concerns were the most common reasons for not providing contact information. Among respondent characteristics and interview timeliness, only race and number of symptoms showed statistically significant effects in all adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS Significant variation existed in outreach outcomes by subject characteristics and interview timeliness. CI/CT programs carefully focused to characteristics and needs of specific communities will likely have the greatest impact on the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Barnes-Josiah
- Correspondence: Debora Barnes-Josiah, PhD, MSPH, Tracing Health Program, Public Health Institute, 555 12th Street, Oakland, CA 94607 ()
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Kuroki M, Yamamoto K, Goldfinch S. Factors Influencing the Adoption of Voluntary Nonpharmaceutical Interventions to Control COVID-19 in Japan: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e34268. [PMID: 35916697 PMCID: PMC9348844 DOI: 10.2196/34268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trust in government is seen to facilitate crisis management and policy instrument adoption across numerous studies. However, in Japan, public support for government handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and trust in the government is low, yet the adoption of voluntary nondigital nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) is high. This is an important tension this study seeks to unravel. Objective The aim of this study is to understand the antecedents of nondigital NPI and tracking app adoption in the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Methods A commercial company was contracted to deliver an online survey of 1248 Japanese citizens in December 2020. A quota technique was used to deliver a sample representative in terms of gender, age, residence, income, and education. Results The adoption of voluntary nondigital NPIs is predicted by confidence in public health scientists and a favoring of infection control over reducing economic and social costs. A novel and unexpected finding is that trust in government does not predict nondigital NPI use. Perceived risk and knowledge of infection did not increase the use of nondigital NPIs. Education and income were not significant factors, although female and older respondents demonstrated greater compliance. For the adoption of a phone tracking app, trust in government is important, as is urban residence, albeit with a lower use of the app compared to nondigital NPIs. Conclusions Voluntary compliance in the adoption of nondigital NPIs—if skillfully led by trusted scientific experts and in accord with societal norms—can be effectively achieved. We provide evidence that trust in government is effective in encouraging the use of the Japanese tracking app. Moreover, the technical efficacy of digital initiatives and perceptions of such will unsurprisingly affect citizen support and use of digital tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kuroki
- School of Economics and Business Administration, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yamamoto
- Kamakura Women's University, Kamakura, Japan
- University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shaun Goldfinch
- Australia New Zealand School of Government, Melbourne, Australia
- Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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