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Youssfi I, Mechergui N, Ziedi H, Mersni M, Chemingui S, Haouari W, Aouida D, Youssef I, Ladhari N. Work ability and mental health at return to work after COVID-19: A descriptive study among healthcare workers. Work 2024:WOR230352. [PMID: 38489207 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCW) may experience anxiety and prolonged work schedules during pandemics. The mental health status after a COVID-19 infection and the work ability of HCW are interesting criteria in assessing their fitness to work at the return to work (RTW) medical visit. OBJECTIVES To assess mental health and work ability after a COVID-19 infection among HCW at the RTW medical visit. METHODS An observational cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out among HCW of Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunisia infected with COVID-19 from September to December 2020. Anxiety and depression were screened using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). The perceived ability to work at RTW was measured using the Work Ability Index (WAI). RESULTS We included 531 HCW. The median age was 40 years. HCW belonged to surgical departments (36.9%) and were nurses (32.4%). The median delay to RTW was 15 days (IQR: 13-18). At the RTW medical visit, certain anxiety and depression were found in 36.5% and 33.3% of the patients respectively. The perceived work ability was evaluated as good to very good in 37.8% of cases. The delay to RTW increased proportionally with a better-perceived work ability (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION Our study described the perceived work ability and the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the HCW at the RTW medical visit after COVID-19 infection in the early stages of the pandemic. Specific strategies for RTW after COVID-19 should take into consideration the mental health and work ability of HCW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Youssfi
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Najla Mechergui
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medecine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hiba Ziedi
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mariem Mersni
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medecine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Siwar Chemingui
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wala Haouari
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dorra Aouida
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Youssef
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medecine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nizar Ladhari
- Department of Occupational Medecine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medecine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Nys E, Pauwels S, Ádám B, Amaro J, Athanasiou A, Bashkin O, Bric TK, Bulat P, Caglayan C, Guseva Canu I, Cebanu S, Charbotel B, Cirule J, Curti S, Davidovitch N, Dopelt K, Fikfak MD, Frilander H, Gustavsson P, Höper AC, Kiran S, Kogevinas M, Kudász F, Kolstad HA, Lazarevic SB, Macan J, Majery N, Marinaccio A, Mates D, Mattioli S, McElvenny DM, Mediouni Z, Mehlum IS, Merisalu E, Mijakoski D, Nena E, Noone P, Otelea MR, Pelclova D, Pranjic N, Rosso M, Serra C, Rushton L, Sandal A, Schernhammer ES, Stoleski S, Turner MC, van der Molen HF, Varga M, Walusiak-Skorupa J, Straif K, Godderis L. Recognition of COVID-19 with occupational origin: a comparison between European countries. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:694-701. [PMID: 37984917 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108726] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to present an overview of the formal recognition of COVID-19 as occupational disease (OD) or injury (OI) across Europe. METHODS A COVID-19 questionnaire was designed by a task group within COST-funded OMEGA-NET and sent to occupational health experts of 37 countries in WHO European region, with a last update in April 2022. RESULTS The questionnaire was filled out by experts from 35 countries. There are large differences between national systems regarding the recognition of OD and OI: 40% of countries have a list system, 57% a mixed system and one country an open system. In most countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as an OD (57%). In four countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as OI (11%) and in seven countries as either OD or OI (20%). In two countries, there is no recognition possible to date. Thirty-two countries (91%) recognise COVID-19 as OD/OI among healthcare workers. Working in certain jobs is considered proof of occupational exposure in 25 countries, contact with a colleague with confirmed infection in 19 countries, and contact with clients with confirmed infection in 21 countries. In most countries (57%), a positive PCR test is considered proof of disease. The three most common compensation benefits for COVID-19 as OI/OD are disability pension, treatment and rehabilitation. Long COVID is included in 26 countries. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 can be recognised as OD or OI in 94% of the European countries completing this survey, across different social security and embedded occupational health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Nys
- External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, IDEWE vzw, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Pauwels
- Centre Environment & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Balázs Ádám
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - João Amaro
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Athanasios Athanasiou
- Department of Labour Inspection, Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Osnat Bashkin
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
| | | | - Petar Bulat
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Serbian Institute of Occupational Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Cigdem Caglayan
- Department of Public Health, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Irina Guseva Canu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Serghei Cebanu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova
| | | | - Jolanta Cirule
- Occupational and Radiation Medicine Center, Paul Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Stefania Curti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Southern, Israel
| | - Keren Dopelt
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Metoda Dodic Fikfak
- Institute of Occupational Traffic and Sports Medicine, Ljubljana University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Heikki Frilander
- Occupational Medicine Team, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Per Gustavsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anje Christina Höper
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT Norges arktiske universitet, Tromso, Norway
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Sibel Kiran
- School of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Koc Universitesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ferenc Kudász
- National Center for Public Health, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Henrik A Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sanja Brekalo Lazarevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jelena Macan
- Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nicole Majery
- Service de Santé au travail Multisectoriel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Epidemiology Unit, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Dana Mates
- National Institute of Public Health, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefano Mattioli
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Damien Martin McElvenny
- Insitute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Zakia Mediouni
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eda Merisalu
- Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Dragan Mijakoski
- Institute of Occupational Health of RNM-Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
- Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius, University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Evangelia Nena
- Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Peter Noone
- Occupational Health Department, HSE Dublin North East, Lourdes Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Daniela Pelclova
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nurka Pranjic
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Clinic of Occupational Pathology and Toxicology, University Institute of Primary Health, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mark Rosso
- Occupational Health and Safety Authority, Pieta, Malta
| | - Consol Serra
- Centre of Research in Occupational Health, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health Network (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lesley Rushton
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Abdulsamet Sandal
- Occupational Diseases Clinic, Ankara Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Eva S Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sasho Stoleski
- Institute of Occupational Health of RNM-Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
- Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius, University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Michelle C Turner
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre of Research in Occupational Health, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health Network (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Henk F van der Molen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marek Varga
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Medical Faculty of P. J. Šafarik University and University Hospital of Louis Pasteur, Kosice, Slovakia
| | | | - Kurt Straif
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lode Godderis
- External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, IDEWE vzw, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre Environment & Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Faiyazuddin M, Sophia A, Ashique S, Gholap AD, Gowri S, Mohanto S, Karthikeyan C, Nag S, Hussain A, Akhtar MS, Bakht MA, Ahmed MG, Rustagi S, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Salas-Matta LA, Mohanty A, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Sah R. Virulence traits and novel drug delivery strategies for mucormycosis post-COVID-19: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264502. [PMID: 37818370 PMCID: PMC10561264 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264502] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of a fatal black fungus infection after the resurgence of the cadaverous COVID-19 has exhorted scientists worldwide to develop a nutshell by repurposing or designing new formulations to address the crisis. Patients expressing COVID-19 are more susceptible to Mucormycosis (MCR) and thus fall easy prey to decease accounting for this global threat. Their mortality rates range around 32-70% depending on the organs affected and grow even higher despite the treatment. The many contemporary recommendations strongly advise using liposomal amphotericin B and surgery as first-line therapy whenever practicable. MCR is a dangerous infection that requires an antifungal drug administration on appropriate prescription, typically one of the following: Amphotericin B, Posaconazole, or Isavuconazole since the fungi that cause MCR are resistant to other medications like fluconazole, voriconazole, and echinocandins. Amphotericin B and Posaconazole are administered through veins (intravenously), and isavuconazole by mouth (orally). From last several years so many compounds are developed against invasive fungal disease but only few of them are able to induce effective treatment against the micorals. Adjuvant medicines, more particularly, are difficult to assess without prospective randomized controlled investigations, which are challenging to conduct given the lower incidence and higher mortality from Mucormycosis. The present analysis provides insight into pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, underlying fungal virulence, and growth mechanisms. In addition, current therapy for MCR in Post Covid-19 individuals includes conventional and novel nano-based advanced management systems for procuring against deadly fungal infection. The study urges involving nanomedicine to prevent fungal growth at the commencement of infection, delay the progression, and mitigate fatality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Faiyazuddin
- School of Pharmacy, Al – Karim University, Katihar, Bihar, India
- Nano Drug Delivery®, Raleigh-Durham, NC, United States
| | - A. Sophia
- PG & Research Department of Physics, Cauvery College for Women (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sumel Ashique
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Pandaveswar School of Pharmacy, Pandaveswar, West Bengal, India
| | - Amol D. Gholap
- Department of Pharmaceutics, St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar, Maharashtra, India
| | - S. Gowri
- PG & Research Department of Physics, Cauvery College for Women (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sourav Mohanto
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Yenepoya Pharmacy College & Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - C. Karthikeyan
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sagnik Nag
- Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Biosciences & Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Shabib Akhtar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Afroz Bakht
- Chemistry Department, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Yenepoya Pharmacy College & Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas—Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
- Faculties of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Luis Andres Salas-Matta
- Faculties of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Aroop Mohanty
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, India
| | | | - Ranjit Sah
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, India
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4
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Mastrodomenico M, Monaco MGL, Spacone A, Inglese E, Cioffi A, Fabiani L, Garzillo EM. SARS-CoV-2 Emergency Management in the ASL 1 Abruzzo Companies, Italy: An Autumn 2022 Cross-Sectional Investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5105. [PMID: 36982015 PMCID: PMC10049451 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065105] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a public health emergency that affects workplaces and forces employers to develop technical, organizational and procedural measures safeguarding workers' health, particularly 'fragile' ones. This research aimed to assess employers' adherence to the emergency measures planned by the Italian government to hinder COVID-19 during Autumn 2022. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Autumn 2022, with an 18-item questionnaire derived from the Italian State's governmental indications, sent by email to 51 companies of Marsica and Peligna Valley, L'Aquila, Southern Italy. RESULTS A total of 20 recruited companies (65% were micro-enterprises, belonging to the food and financial sector) responded to the questionnaire within a mean time of 18 days (±11.64), which was lower for medium- and large-sized companies as well as for banking sector ones (p < 0.05). As regards intervention strategies, sanitization (92.7% of positive answers) and specific training (83.3%) showed almost full compliance in contrast to working organization (47.5%) and social distancing (61.7%). The companies that reported managing fragility (50%) belong almost exclusively to the banking sector, with predominantly office-based tasks. CONCLUSIONS The study provided insight into critical issues relating to compliance with national legislative directives and the crucial role of occupational physicians as global advisors for all workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Mastrodomenico
- Corporate Service of Penitentiary Medicine, Abruzzo Local Health Unit No.1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Spacone
- Department of Prevention, Abruzzo Local Health Unit No.1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Enrica Inglese
- Department of Prevention, Abruzzo Local Health Unit No.1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Cioffi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Leila Fabiani
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Moe AMG, Eriksen MB, Schjølberg T, Haugen F. SARS-CoV-2 serological findings and exposure risk among employees in school and retail after first and second wave COVID-19 pandemic in Oslo, Norway: a cohort study. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2022; 35:537-547. [PMID: 35770786 PMCID: PMC10464784 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective was to characterize and compare SARS-CoV-2 serology among Norwegian school employees and retail employees, and describe preventive measures taken at the workplaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cohort of 238 school and retail employees was enrolled to an ambidirectional cohort study after the first COVID-19 pandemic wave. Self-reported exposure history and serum samples were collected at 10 schools and 15 retail stores in Oslo, Norway, sampled at 2 time-points: baseline (May-July 2020); and follow-up (January-March 2021). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies targeting both spike and nucleocapsid were detected by multiplex microsphere-based serological methods. RESULTS At baseline, 6 enrolled workers (5 in retail) presented with positive SARS-CoV-2 serology, higher than the expected 1% prevalence (3%, 95% CI: 1-6, p = 0.019). At followup, school and retail groups presented 11 new seropositive cases altogether, but groups were not significantly different, although exposure and preventive measures against viral transmission at workplaces were different between groups. Self-reported medical history of COVID-19 infection showed that all but one positive SARS-CoV-2 serological findings arising between baseline and follow-up had been diagnosed with virus testing. CONCLUSIONS Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 positive serology after the first wave was slightly higher than expected. Distribution of infection was not significantly different between the groups at baseline nor at follow-up, despite difference in exposure and protective measures. Nearly all new seropositive cases discovered between baseline and follow-up, had already been diagnosed, highlighting the importance of extensive viral testing among workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(5):537-47.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fred Haugen
- National Institute of Occupational Health STAMI, Oslo, Norway
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6
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Rosengren A, Lundberg CE, Söderberg M, Santosa A, Edqvist J, Lindgren M, Åberg M, Gisslén M, Robertson J, Cronie O, Sattar N, Lagergren J, Brandén M, Björk J, Adiels M. Severe COVID-19 in people 55 and older during the first year of the pandemic in Sweden. J Intern Med 2022; 292:641-653. [PMID: 35612518 PMCID: PMC9348046 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to many contacts is the main risk factor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, while risk of serious disease and death is chiefly determined by old age and comorbidities. Relative and population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of multiple medical and social exposures for COVID-19 outcomes have not been evaluated among older adults. OBJECTIVES We describe the effect of multiple exposures on the odds of testing positive for the virus and of severe disease (hospital care or death) and PAFs in Swedish citizens aged 55 years and above. METHODS We used national registers to follow all citizens aged 55 years and above with respect to (1) testing positive, (2) hospitalization, and (3) death between 31 January 2020 and 1 February 2021. RESULTS Of 3,410,241 persons, 156,017 (4.6%, mean age 68.3 years) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while 35,999 (1.1%, mean age 76.7 years) were hospitalized or died (12,384 deaths, 0.4%, mean age 84.0 years). Among the total cohort, the proportion living without home care or long-term care was 98.8% among persons aged 55-64 and 22.1% of those aged 95 and above. After multiple adjustment, home care and long-term care were associated with odds ratios of 7.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.8-9.1) and 22.5 (95% CI 19.6-25.7) for mortality, with PAFs of 21.9% (95% CI 20.9-22.9) and 33.3% (95% CI 32.4-34.3), respectively. CONCLUSION Among Swedish residents aged 55 years and above, those with home care or long-term care had markedly increased risk for COVID-19 death during the first year of the pandemic, with over 50% of deaths attributable to these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Rosengren
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Department of Medicine, Geriatrics and Emergency Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Östra Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina E Lundberg
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mia Söderberg
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ailiana Santosa
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jon Edqvist
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Lindgren
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Department of Medicine, Geriatrics and Emergency Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Östra Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Åberg
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Regionhälsan, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Gisslén
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Josefina Robertson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ottmar Cronie
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Naveed Sattar
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jesper Lagergren
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Brandén
- Stockholm University Demography Unit (SUDA), Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute for Analytical Sociology (IAS), Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Jonas Björk
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Clinical Studies Sweden, Forum South, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Martin Adiels
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Bartolomeo N, Giotta M, Tafuri S, Trerotoli P. Impact of Socioeconomic Deprivation on the Local Spread of COVID-19 Cases Mediated by the Effect of Seasons and Restrictive Public Health Measures: A Retrospective Observational Study in Apulia Region, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811410. [PMID: 36141682 PMCID: PMC9517341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal association between socioeconomic deprivation and the incidence of COVID-19 and how this association changes through the seasons due to the existence of restrictive public health measures. A retrospective observational study was conducted among COVID-19 cases that occurred in the Apulia region from 29 February 2020 to 31 December 2021, dividing the period into four phases with different levels of restrictions. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was applied to test the independent effect of deprivation on the incidence of COVID-19, taking into account age, sex, and regional incidence as possible confounding effects and covariates, such as season and levels of restrictions, as possible modifying effects. The highest incidence was in areas with a very high deprivation index (DI) in winter. During total lockdown, no rate ratio between areas with different levels of DI was significant, while during soft lockdown, areas with very high DI were more at risk than all other areas. The effects of social inequalities on the incidence of COVID-19 changed in association with the seasons and restrictions on public health. Disadvantaged areas showed a higher incidence of COVID-19 in the cold seasons and in the phases of soft lockdown.
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Cox‐Ganser JM, Henneberger PK, Weissman DN, Guthrie G, Groth CP. COVID‐19 test positivity by occupation using the Delphi US COVID‐19 trends and impact survey, September–November 2020. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:721-730. [PMID: 35790017 PMCID: PMC9350248 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background The potential for work to be a risk factor for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) was recognized early in the pandemic based on the likelihood of work‐related differences in exposures to COVID‐19 in different occupations. Due to intense demands of the pandemic, implementation of recommendations to collect information on occupation in relation to COVID‐19 has been uneven across the United States. The objective of this study was to investigate COVID‐19 test positivity by occupation. Methods We analyzed data collected from September 8 to November 30, 2020, by the Delphi Group at Carnegie Mellon University US COVID‐19 Trends and Impact Survey, offered daily to a random sample of US‐based Facebook users aged 18 years or older, who were invited via a banner in their news feed. Our focus was ever testing positive for COVID‐19 in respondents working outside the home for pay in the past 4 weeks. Results The major occupational groups of “Production", "Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance,” “Construction and extraction,” “Healthcare support,” and “Food preparation and serving” had the five highest test positivity percentages (16.7%–14.4%). Highest detailed occupational categories (28.6%–19.1%) were “Massage therapist,” “Food processing worker,” “Bailiff, correctional officer, or jailer,” “Funeral service worker,” “First‐line supervisor of production and operating workers,” and “Nursing assistant or psychiatric aide.” Differences in test positivity by occupation remained after adjustment for age, gender, and pre‐existing medical conditions. Conclusion Information on differences in test positivity by occupation can aid targeting of messaging for vaccination and testing and mitigation strategies for the current and future respiratory infection epidemics and pandemics. These results, obtained before availability of COVID‐19 vaccines, can form a basis for comparison to evaluate impacts of vaccination and subsequent emergence of viral variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M. Cox‐Ganser
- Respiratory Health Division Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia USA
| | - Paul K. Henneberger
- Respiratory Health Division Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia USA
| | - David N. Weissman
- Respiratory Health Division Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia USA
| | - Garret Guthrie
- Respiratory Health Division Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health West Virginia University Morgantown West Virginia USA
| | - Caroline P. Groth
- Respiratory Health Division Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Morgantown West Virginia USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health West Virginia University Morgantown West Virginia USA
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9
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Impact of COVID-19 emergency on the psychological well-being of susceptible individuals. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11152. [PMID: 35778530 PMCID: PMC9247931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic has exerted an unprecedented psychological impact on the world population, and its effects on mental health are a growing concern. The present study aims to evaluate psychological well-being (PWB) during the COVID-19 crisis in university workers with one or more diseases likely to increase the risk of severe outcomes in the event of SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined as susceptible. 210 susceptible employees of an Italian University (aged 25–71 years) were recruited during the COVID-19 second wave (October–December 2020). A group comprising 90 healthy university employees (aged 26–69 years) was also recruited. The self-report Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI) was used to assess global PWB and the influence on six sub-domains: anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, self-control, general health, and vitality. We applied non-linear dimension-reduction techniques and regression methods to 45 variables in order to assess the main demographic, occupational, and general-health-related factors predicting PWB during the COVID-19 crisis. PGWBI score was higher in susceptible than in healthy workers, both as total score (mean 77.8 vs 71.3) and across almost all subscales. Age and jobs involving high social interaction before the pandemic were inversely associated with the PWB total score, general health, and self-control subscores. The current data suggest no decline in PWB during the second wave of COVID-19 health emergency in susceptible individuals of working age. Critically, higher risk for mental-health issues appears to be inversely related to age, particularly among individuals deprived of their previous level of social interaction at work.
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Garzillo EM, Cioffi A, Carta A, Monaco MGL. Returning to Work after the COVID-19 Pandemic Earthquake: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084538. [PMID: 35457407 PMCID: PMC9024882 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has disrupted life and work habits and has produced landmark changes worldwide. This systematic review aimed to analyse the management of Return to Work (RTW) by work organisations following the virus spread. Methods: A selection of 2477 papers, using string research on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus from January 2020 to October 2021, were analysed. Results: Fifty-one articles were finally included, and the results obtained were discussed from three different points of view. Twenty articles concerning ‘Remodelling of Work Organization’ proposed some model strategies for resumption to work. Twenty-one papers, including ‘Clinical Evaluation of Workers’, mostly explored the psychosocial impact of returned workers. Finally, twelve articles explored the best ‘Testing Strategies related to RTW’. Despite the heterogeneity of included articles, several interesting approaches have emerged in managing RTW. Conclusions: The reported experiences could help to develop an RTW model for COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arcangelo Cioffi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Carta
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Lourdes Monaco
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-8123946
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11
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Vahedi-Nouri B, Tavakkoli-Moghaddam R, Hanzálek Z, Dolgui A. Workforce planning and production scheduling in a reconfigurable manufacturing system facing the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS 2022; 63:563-574. [PMID: 35502167 PMCID: PMC9046071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2022.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the manufacturing sector has been experiencing unprecedented issues, including severe fluctuation in demand, restrictions on the availability and utilization of the workforce, and governmental regulations. Adopting conventional manufacturing practices and planning approaches under such circumstances cannot be effective and may jeopardize workers' health and satisfaction, as well as the continuity of businesses. Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) as a new manufacturing paradigm has demonstrated a promising performance when facing abrupt market or system changes. This paper investigates a joint workforce planning and production scheduling problem during the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging the adaptability and flexibility of an RMS. In this regard, workers' COVID-19 health risk arising from their allocation, and workers' preferences for flexible working hours are incorporated into the problem. Accordingly, first, novel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Constraint Programming (CP) models are developed to formulate the problem. Next, exploiting the problem's intrinsic characteristics, two properties of an optimal solution are identified. By incorporating these properties, the initial MILP and CP models are considerably improved. Afterward, to benefit from the strengths of both improved models, a novel hybrid MILP-CP solution approach is devised. Finally, comprehensive computational experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed models and extract useful managerial insights on the system flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behdin Vahedi-Nouri
- School of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zdeněk Hanzálek
- IID-CIIRC, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic
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Liu J, Zheng T, Xia W, Xu S, Li Y. Cold chain and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission: a review for challenges and coping strategies. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:50-65. [PMID: 35658108 PMCID: PMC9047647 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2021-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since June 2020, the re-emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemics in parts of China was linked to the cold chain, which attracted extensive attention and heated discussions from the public. According to the typical characteristics of these epidemics, we speculated a possible route of transmission from cold chain to human. A series of factors in the supply chain contributed to the epidemics if the cold chain were contaminated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), such as temperature, humidity, personal hygiene/protection, and disinfection. The workers who worked in the cold chain at the receiving end faced a higher risk of being infected when they were not well protected. Facing the difficult situation, China put forward targeted and powerful countermeasures to block the cold chain-related risk. However, in the context of the unstable pandemic situation globally, the risk of the cold chain needs to be recognized and evaluated seriously. Hence, in this review, we reviewed the cold chain-related epidemics in China, analyzed the possible mechanisms, introduced the Chinese experience, and suggested coping strategies for the global epidemic prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tongzhang Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Wei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Blair A, Pan SY, Subedi R, Yang FJ, Aitken N, Steensma C. Social inequalities in COVID-19 mortality by area and individual-level characteristics in Canada, January to July/August 2020: Results from two national data integrations. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2022; 48:27-38. [PMID: 35273467 PMCID: PMC8856826 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v48i01a05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite early reports of social determinants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) burden, national Canadian reporting on COVID-19 inequalities has been limited. The objective of this study is to describe inequalities in COVID-19 mortality in Canada using preliminary data, as part of the Pan-Canadian Health Inequalities Reporting Initiative. METHODS Two provisional Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database integrations were used. Data concerning deaths between January 1 and July 4, 2020, among private-dwelling residents were linked to individual-level data from the 2016 short-form Census, and disaggregated by sex and low-income status, dwelling type, household type and size. Data concerning deaths between January 1 and August 31, 2020 linked to 2016 Census area data were disaggregated by sex and neighbourhood ethno-cultural composition quintiles (based on the proportion of residents who are recent immigrants, visible minorities, born outside of Canada, with no knowledge of English or French), income quintiles and urban residence. The COVID-19 age-standardized mortality rate (per 100,000 population) differences and ratios between groups were estimated. RESULTS As of July/August 2020, apartment dwellers, residents of urban centres, neighbourhoods with the highest ethno-cultural composition or lowest income experienced 14 to 30 more COVID-19-related deaths/100,000 compared with reference groups (residents of single-detached homes, outside of urban centres, with lowest ethno-cultural concentration or highest income, respectively). Per 100,000 population, sex/gender inequalities were also larger in these four groups (11 to 18 more male than female deaths) than in the reference groups (two to four more male than female deaths). CONCLUSION These findings highlight how populations facing socioeconomic disadvantage have experienced a higher overall burden of deaths. Areas for future research are discussed to guide health equity-informed pandemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Blair
- Social Determinants of Health Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Montréal, QC
| | - Sai Yi Pan
- Social Determinants of Health Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | | | | | | | - Colin Steensma
- Social Determinants of Health Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Montréal, QC
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Pharmacological Adherence Behavior Changes during COVID-19 Outbreak in a Portugal Patient Cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031135. [PMID: 35162159 PMCID: PMC8835016 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Concerns, behaviours, and beliefs influence how people deal with COVID-19. Understanding the factors influencing adherence behaviour is of utmost importance to develop tailored interventions to increase adherence within this context. Hence, we aimed to understand how COVID-19 affected adherence behaviour in Portugal. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 1 March and 3 April 2021. Descriptive statistics were performed, as well as univariable and multivariable regression models. Of the 1202 participants, 476 who were taking at least one medication prescribed by the doctor were selected. Of these, 78.2% were female, and the mean age was 40.3 ± 17.9 years old. About 74.2% were classified as being highly adherent. During the pandemic, 8.2% of participants reported that their adherence improved, while 5.9% had worsened adherence results. Compared with being single, widowers were 3 times more prone to be less adherent (OR:3.390 [1.106–10.390], p = 0.033). Comorbid patients were 1.8 times (OR:1.824 [1.155–2.881], p = 0.010) more prone to be less adherent. Participants who reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted their adherence were 5.6 times more prone to be less adherent, compared with those who reported no changes (OR:5.576 [2.420–12.847], p < 0.001). None of the other variables showed to be significantly associated with pharmacological adherence.
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Matisāne L, Paegle L, Eglīte M, Akūlova L, Linde AA, Vanadziņš I, Mietule I, Lonska J, Litavniece L, Arbidāne I, Rozentāle S, Grīntāle I. Reasons for Low Protection of Vulnerable Workers from COVID-19-Results from the Quantitative and Qualitative Study on Working Life in Latvia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105188. [PMID: 34068240 PMCID: PMC8153152 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Several individual factors like older age and chronic diseases have been linked with more severe symptoms often leading to hospitalization and higher mortality from COVID-19. Part of adults with such factors is still active in the workforce. The objective of the study was to identify measures taken by the employer to protect them and to investigate reasons for low protection of vulnerable workers during the 1st wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Answers from 1000 workers collected via web-survey and results from 10 focus group discussions were analyzed. Only 31.5% of respondents mentioned that their employer had identified existing vulnerable groups and offered specific measures to protect them. Moving vulnerable workers away from the workplace was the most frequent measure (e.g., transfer to the back-office without contact with clients, telework, paid vacations, paid downtime). Most employers do not see elderly workers and workers with chronic diseases as risk groups, thus are not specifically protecting them. Instead, several employers have included workers critical for business continuity in their risk group. Others had not taken measures because of the lack of information due to general data protection regulation. Poor communication and lack of interest of employers to ask their workers if they need special protection is the topic to be addressed at the national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Matisāne
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (L.P.); (M.E.); (L.A.); (A.A.L.); (I.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Linda Paegle
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (L.P.); (M.E.); (L.A.); (A.A.L.); (I.V.)
| | - Maija Eglīte
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (L.P.); (M.E.); (L.A.); (A.A.L.); (I.V.)
| | - Lāsma Akūlova
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (L.P.); (M.E.); (L.A.); (A.A.L.); (I.V.)
| | - Asnate Anna Linde
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (L.P.); (M.E.); (L.A.); (A.A.L.); (I.V.)
| | - Ivars Vanadziņš
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (L.P.); (M.E.); (L.A.); (A.A.L.); (I.V.)
| | - Iveta Mietule
- Research Institute for Business and Social Processes, Rēzekne Academy of Technologies, Atbrivosanas Alley 115, LV-4601 Rezekne, Latvia; (I.M.); (J.L.); (L.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Jeļena Lonska
- Research Institute for Business and Social Processes, Rēzekne Academy of Technologies, Atbrivosanas Alley 115, LV-4601 Rezekne, Latvia; (I.M.); (J.L.); (L.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Lienīte Litavniece
- Research Institute for Business and Social Processes, Rēzekne Academy of Technologies, Atbrivosanas Alley 115, LV-4601 Rezekne, Latvia; (I.M.); (J.L.); (L.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Iluta Arbidāne
- Research Institute for Business and Social Processes, Rēzekne Academy of Technologies, Atbrivosanas Alley 115, LV-4601 Rezekne, Latvia; (I.M.); (J.L.); (L.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Sarmīte Rozentāle
- Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Cesu Street 4, LV-4201 Valmiera, Latvia; (S.R.); (I.G.)
| | - Ieva Grīntāle
- Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Cesu Street 4, LV-4201 Valmiera, Latvia; (S.R.); (I.G.)
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Messeri A, Bonafede M, Pietrafesa E, Pinto I, de’Donato F, Crisci A, Lee JKW, Marinaccio A, Levi M, Morabito M. A Web Survey to Evaluate the Thermal Stress Associated with Personal Protective Equipment among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3861. [PMID: 33917051 PMCID: PMC8067771 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18083861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic has been afflicting the planet for over a year and from the occupational point of view, healthcare workers have recorded a substantial increase in working hours. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), necessary to keep safe from COVID-19 increases the chances of overheating, especially during the summer seasons which, due to climate change, are becoming increasingly warm and prolonged. A web survey was carried out in Italy within the WORKLIMATE project during the summer and early autumn 2020. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate differences between groups. 191 questionnaires were collected (hospital doctor 38.2%, nurses 33.5%, other healthcare professionals 28.3%). The impact of PPE on the thermal stress perception declared by the interviewees was very high on the body areas directly covered by these devices (78% of workers). Workers who used masks for more than 4 h per day perceived PPE as more uncomfortable (p < 0.001) compared to the others and reported a greater productivity loss (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the study highlighted a high perception of thermal stress among healthcare workers that worn COVID-19-PPE and this enhances the need for appropriate heat health warning systems and response measures addressed to the occupational sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Messeri
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE-CNR), 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (M.M.)
- Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence (UNIFI), 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (E.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Emma Pietrafesa
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (E.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Iole Pinto
- Physical Agents Sector, Regional Public Health Laboratory, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Francesca de’Donato
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL ROMA 1, 00147 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alfonso Crisci
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE-CNR), 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Jason Kai Wei Lee
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore S117593, Singapore
- Global Asia Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore S119076, Singapore
- N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore S117456, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore S117456, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 117609, Singapore
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (E.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Miriam Levi
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Prevention, Central Tuscany Local Health Authority, 50135 Florence, Italy;
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE-CNR), 50019 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (M.M.)
- Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence (UNIFI), 50144 Florence, Italy
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