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Baranowski AM, Blank R, Maus K, Tüttenberg SC, Matthias JK, Culmann AC, Radbruch L, Richter C, Geiser F. 'We are all in the same boat': a qualitative cross-sectional analysis of COVID-19 pandemic imagery in scientific literature and its use for people working in the German healthcare sector. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1296613. [PMID: 38374972 PMCID: PMC10875073 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1296613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge to professional responders in healthcare settings. This is reflected in the language used to describe the pandemic in the professional literature of the respective professions. The aim of this multidisciplinary study was to analyze the linguistic imagery in the relevant professional literature and to determine the identification of different professional groups with it and its emotional effects. Method A list of 14 typical, widespread and differing imageries for COVID-19 in form of single sentences (e.g., "Until the pandemic is over, we can only run on sight.") were presented to 1,795 healthcare professionals in an online survey. The imageries had been extracted from a qualitative search in more than 3,500 international professional journals in medicine, psychology and theology. Ratings of agreement with these imageries and feelings about them were subjected to factor analysis. Results Based on the list of imageries presented, it was possible to identify three factors for high/low agreement by experiences, and two factors for high/low induced feelings. Broad agreement emerged for imageries on "fight against the crisis" and "lessons learned from the crisis", while imageries on "acceptance of uncontrollability" tended to be rejected. Imageries of "challenges" tended to lead to a sense of empowerment among subjects, while imageries of "humility" tended to lead to a sense of helplessness. Conclusion Based on the qualitative and subsequential quantitative analysis, several factors for imageries for the COVID-19 pandemic were identified that have been used in the literature. Agreement with imageries is mixed, as is the assessment of how helpful they are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M. Baranowski
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebecca Blank
- Systematic Theology and Hermeneutics, Faculty of Protestant Theology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katja Maus
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simone C. Tüttenberg
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia-K. Matthias
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna C. Culmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Radbruch
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Cornelia Richter
- Systematic Theology and Hermeneutics, Faculty of Protestant Theology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Franziska Geiser
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Zohn JH, Hovis S. The impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on risk factors for suicide in healthcare workers: A narrative review. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:224-241. [PMID: 36797214 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Worldwide, over 700,000 people die by suicide each year. Healthcare workers are more vulnerable to suicide risk factors than the general population. The global COVID-19 pandemic presents additional workplace and health concerns that relate to suicide risk factors in healthcare workers. It is important to recognise suicide risk factors in healthcare workers and to implement strategies to reduce these risk factors. OBJECTIVES This study describes the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on risk factors for suicide in healthcare workers and identifies evidence-based strategies and resources to reduce suicide risk factors in healthcare workers. DESIGN The authors conducted a thematic analysis and narrative review of the literature. METHODS Using health science databases, the authors searched the literature, selected and analyzed studies, identified themes, synthesised findings and created a narrative review. The STROBE checklist was used in this study. RESULTS Two themes were identified (1) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work-related suicide risk factors in healthcare workers; (2) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health-related suicide risk factors in healthcare workers. The pandemic has affected suicide risk factors in healthcare workers. Many studies discussed evidence-based strategies and resources that can be used to reduce suicide risk factors. CONCLUSION The global COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted suicide risk factors in healthcare workers. It is time for individuals and healthcare delivery systems to implement suicide risk prevention strategies to protect healthcare workers now and in the future. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This review increases awareness of the pandemic's impact on healthcare workers' risk factors for suicide and identifies evidence-based suicide risk prevention strategies and resources for healthcare workers. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Library services supported this research by generating search strategies and providing resources and tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Zohn
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Sophia Hovis
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
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3
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Veronesi G, Ferrario MM, Giusti EM, Borchini R, Cimmino L, Ghelli M, Banfi A, Luoni A, Persechino B, Di Tecco C, Ronchetti M, Gianfagna F, De Matteis S, Castelnuovo G, Iacoviello L. Systematic Violence Monitoring to Reduce Underreporting and to Better Inform Workplace Violence Prevention Among Health Care Workers: Before-and-After Prospective Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e47377. [PMID: 37955961 PMCID: PMC10682923 DOI: 10.2196/47377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring workplace violence (WPV) against health care workers (HCWs) through incident reporting is crucial to drive prevention, but the actual implementation is spotty and experiences underreporting. OBJECTIVE This study aims to introduce a systematic WPV surveillance in 2 public referral hospitals in Italy and assess underreporting, WPV annual rates, and attributes "before" (2016-2020) and "after" its implementation (November 2021 to 2022). METHODS During 2016-2020, incident reporting was based on procedures and data collection forms that were neither standardized between hospitals nor specific for aggressions. We planned and implemented a standardized WPV surveillance based on (1) an incident report form for immediate and systematic event notification, adopting international standards for violence definitions; (2) second-level root cause analysis with a dedicated psychologist, assessing violence determinants and impacts and offering psychological counseling; (3) a web-based platform for centralized data collection; and (4) periodic training for workforce coordinators and newly hired workers. We used data from incident reports to estimate underreporting, defined as an observed-to-expected (from literature and the "before" period) WPV ratio less than 1, and the 12-month WPV rates (per 100 HCWs) in the "before" and "after" periods. During the latter period, we separately estimated WPV rates for first and recurrent events. RESULTS In the "before" period, the yearly observed-to-expected ratios were consistently below 1 and as low as 0.27, suggesting substantial violence underreporting of up to 73%. WPV annual rates declined in 1 hospital (from 1.92 in 2016 to 0.57 in 2020) and rose in the other (from 0.52 to 1.0), with the divergence being attributable to trends in underreporting. Available data were poorly informative to identify at-risk HCW subgroups. In the "after" period, the observed-to-expected ratio rose to 1.14 compared to literature and 1.91 compared to the "before" period, consistently in both hospitals. The 12-month WPV rate was 2.08 (95% CI 1.79-2.42; 1.52 and 2.35 in the 2 hospitals); one-fifth (0.41/2.08, 19.7%) was due to recurrences. Among HCWs, the youngest group (3.79; P<.001), nurses (3.19; P<.001), and male HCWs (2.62; P=.008) reported the highest rates. Emergency departments and psychiatric wards were the 2 areas at increased risk. Physical assaults were more likely in male than female HWCs (45/67, 67.2% vs 62/130, 47.7%; P=.01), but the latter experienced more mental health consequences (46/130, 35.4% vs 13/67, 19.4%; P=.02). Overall, 40.8% (53/130) of female HWCs recognized sociocultural (eg, linguistic or cultural) barriers as contributing factors for the aggression, and 30.8% (40/130) of WPV against female HCWs involved visitors as perpetrators. CONCLUSIONS A systematic WPV surveillance reduced underreporting. The identification of high-risk workers and characterization of violence patterns and attributes can better inform priorities and contents of preventive policies. Our evaluation provides useful information for the large-scale implementation of standardized WPV-monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Veronesi
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Mario Ferrario
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Emanuele Maria Giusti
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Rossana Borchini
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Lisa Cimmino
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Monica Ghelli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers Compensations Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Banfi
- Struttura Complessa Qualità, Risk Management e Accreditamento, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandro Luoni
- School of Specialization in Occupational Medicine, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Benedetta Persechino
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers Compensations Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Tecco
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers Compensations Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Ronchetti
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers Compensations Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Gianfagna
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara De Matteis
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milano, Italy
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Rufai AD, Maryam M, Nura HA, Umar SM, Falmata GM, Salisu MM, Dauda D. KNOWLEDGE ON THE USE OF BIOSIMILARS IN HAEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES AMONGST HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA. West Afr J Med 2023; 40:S26. [PMID: 37978881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Haematological malignancies like other cancers are on the rise. With the improved understanding of the biology of cancers, various biological molecules (biologics and biosimilars) are being discovered and used as supportive and/or specific treatment options. These novel treatments have revolutionized the care of cancer patients and significantly improved survival. While biosimilars are widely available, their use is still limited in some low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Barriers to the use of biosimilars in cancer care include poor knowledge of stakeholders, financial disincentives, and unfavourable regulatory policies. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of healthcare workers (HCWs) at a tertiary hospital in Bauchi, Nigeria, before and after a structured training program on the use of biosimilars in haematological malignancies. Methodology Healthcare workers underwent a week-long training on biosimilars. Knowledge pre- and post-training were ascertained using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participant data were summarized as percentages in charts and tables and compared using the Z-test in Microsoft Excel 2016. P values≤0.05 were considered significant. Results One hundred and sixty-one (161) participants attended the training, with females constituting 56.5%. Participant knowledge of cancer and haematological malignancies was significantly higher after training (82.1% vs. 61.5%; Z = 4.1, p < 0.001). Similarly, post-test scores assessing knowledge of biologics and biosimilars used in haematological malignancies were significantly higher than pre-test scores (80.0% vs. 44.1%; Z= 6.6, p < 0.001). Conclusion Knowledge of biosimilars and their use in haematological malignancies was low amongst HCWs, but improved significantly after an educational program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdu Dachi Rufai
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
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de Vroege L, van den Broek A. Post-pandemic self-reported mental health of mental healthcare professionals in the Netherlands compared to during the pandemic - an online longitudinal follow-up study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1221427. [PMID: 37465168 PMCID: PMC10351868 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1221427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The mental health of professionals was under pressure during- and post-pandemic. Initially, the focus was mainly on the health workers in the hospitals, but over time the pressure shifted to other sectors, including mental health care. An increase in workload and decrease in mental health of healthcare professionals in mental health care can lead to a decrease in the available care capacity. In an earlier online survey of mental health professionals, 1,300 professionals from a large number of mental healthcare institutions were involved. In this study, conducted in September 2021, about half of the respondents reported increased levels of stress. Feelings of anxiety, anger, and sadness were also increasingly experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, 4.2% replied that they were considering resigning their jobs. One of the recommendations of this previous study was to monitor these professionals repeatedly to be able to make an estimate of the stress and vision of work during the course of the pandemic and afterwards. Following this recommendation, the online survey was repeated. The aim of the current online longitudinal follow-up study was to re-evaluated mental status of healthcare workers. 510 healthcare workers participated in this follow-up survey. The reported mental health complaints were significantly higher during compared to post-pandemic. Respondents were less able to maintain work/life balance during the pandemic and even reported a shift to work. However, the majority of respondents indicated that they had restored this balance post-pandemic. Moreover, more sick leave was reported post-pandemic than during the pandemic and more frequent absences post-pandemic. This highlights the importance of focusing on resilience over training and career.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars de Vroege
- Tranzo Department, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- GGz Breburg, Breda, Netherlands
| | - Anneloes van den Broek
- Tranzo Department, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- GGz Breburg, Breda, Netherlands
- Department of Post Academic Psychology Training and Education, Breburg Academy, GGz Breburg, Tilburg, Netherlands
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Mushcab H, Al-Tawfiq JA, Babgi A, Ghamdi M, Amir A, Sheikh SS, Darwisheh A, AlObaid A, Masuadi E, AlFattani A, Qahtani S, Al Sagheir A. Longevity of Immunoglobulin-G Antibody Response Against Nucleocapsid Protein Against SARS-CoV-2 Among Healthcare Workers. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:3407-3416. [PMID: 37283943 PMCID: PMC10239621 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s400365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the latest pandemic and the most significant challenge in public health worldwide. Studying the longevity of naturally developed antibodies is highly important clinically and epidemiologically. This paper assesses the longevity of antibodies developed against nucleocapsid protein amongst our health-care workers. Methods This longitudinal cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital, Saudi Arabia. Anti-SARSsCoV-2 antibodies were tested among health-care workers at three-point intervals (baseline, eight weeks, and 16 weeks). Results Of the 648 participants, 112 (17.2%) tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) by PCR before the study. Of all participants, 87 (13.4%) tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, including 17 (2.6%) participants who never tested positive for COVID-19 using rt-PCR. Out of the 87 positive IgG participants at baseline, only 12 (13.7%) had remained positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by the end of the study. The IgG titer showed a significant reduction in values over time, where the median time for the confirmed positive rt-PCR subgroup from infection to the last positive antibody test was 70 (95% CI: 33.4-106.5) days. Conclusion Health-care workers are at high risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and contracting an asymptomatic infection is not unlikely. Developing and sustaining natural immunity differs from one person to another, while the rate of positive IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 wanes over time. Clinicaltrialsgov Identifier NCT04469647, July 14, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Mushcab
- Research Office, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality and Patient Safety Departments, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, Indiana, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amani Babgi
- Nursing Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Ghamdi
- Population Health Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrazack Amir
- Office of Academic Affairs, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa S Sheikh
- Pathology Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Darwisheh
- Laboratory Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar AlObaid
- Laboratory Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad Masuadi
- Medical Education Department, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej AlFattani
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Qahtani
- Wellness Institute, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al Sagheir
- Research Office, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
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Holzmann-Littig C, Stadler D, Popp M, Kranke P, Fichtner F, Schmaderer C, Renders L, Braunisch MC, Assali T, Platen L, Wijnen-Meijer M, Lühnen J, Steckelberg A, Pfadenhauer L, Haller B, Fuetterer C, Seeber C, Schaaf C. Locating Medical Information during an Infodemic: Information Seeking Behavior and Strategies of Health-Care Workers in Germany. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111602. [PMID: 37297742 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a flood of-often contradictory-evidence. HCWs had to develop strategies to locate information that supported their work. We investigated the information-seeking of different HCW groups in Germany. METHODS In December 2020, we conducted online surveys on COVID-19 information sources, strategies, assigned trustworthiness, and barriers-and in February 2021, on COVID-19 vaccination information sources. Results were analyzed descriptively; group comparisons were performed using χ2-tests. RESULTS For general COVID-19-related medical information (413 participants), non-physicians most often selected official websites (57%), TV (57%), and e-mail/newsletters (46%) as preferred information sources-physicians chose official websites (63%), e-mail/newsletters (56%), and professional journals (55%). Non-physician HCWs used Facebook/YouTube more frequently. The main barriers were insufficient time and access issues. Non-physicians chose abstracts (66%), videos (45%), and webinars (40%) as preferred information strategy; physicians: overviews with algorithms (66%), abstracts (62%), webinars (48%). Information seeking on COVID-19 vaccination (2700 participants) was quite similar, however, with newspapers being more often used by non-physicians (63%) vs. physician HCWs (70%). CONCLUSION Non-physician HCWs more often consulted public information sources. Employers/institutions should ensure the supply of professional, targeted COVID-19 information for different HCW groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Holzmann-Littig
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- TUM Medical Education Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - David Stadler
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Popp
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kranke
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Falk Fichtner
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinic and Polyclinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmaderer
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Lutz Renders
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Christoph Braunisch
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Tarek Assali
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Louise Platen
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marjo Wijnen-Meijer
- TUM Medical Education Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Lühnen
- Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Clinic for Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anke Steckelberg
- Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lisa Pfadenhauer
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology-IBE, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Haller
- Institute of AI and Informatics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelia Fuetterer
- Institute of AI and Informatics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Seeber
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinic and Polyclinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Schaaf
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Fadda M, Bezani K, Amati R, Fiordelli M, Crivelli L, Albanese E, Suggs LS, Caiata-Zufferey M. Decision-making on COVID-19 vaccination: A qualitative study among health care and social workers caring for vulnerable individuals. SSM Qual Res Health 2022; 2:100181. [PMID: 36267682 PMCID: PMC9561372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In January 2021, the Swiss government introduced the first COVID-19 vaccines and prioritized allocation to at-risk individuals and professionals working with them. Despite this opportunity, vaccine uptake among staff employed in retirement homes and institutes for people with disabilities was suboptimal. This study aimed to capture real-time decision-making about COVID-19 vaccine among staff employed in nursing homes and institutes for people with disabilities in Southern Switzerland. We conducted semi-structured phone-interviews with 25 staff employed in retirement homes and institutes for people with disabilities between February and May 2021, i.e., when participants had to decide whether they wanted to adhere to the priority vaccination programme. Among participants, 21 either signed up for the COVID-19 vaccination or were fully or partly vaccinated at the time of the interview. For most participants, the vaccination choice was a challenging process: information appeared to be lacking and conflicting; numerous moral principles were at stake and contradictory; the way vaccination was organized clashed with the health values to which respondents had been previously exposed; finally, the fear of discrimination for those who decided not to get vaccinated loomed over the vaccination choice. Participants decided for or against vaccination based on principles, traditions, emotions, and a reflexive assessment of the personal vs. collective benefit of the vaccination, the latter being the most common within the investigated sample. This study shows that deciding to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is a nuanced process and that individuals cannot simply be categorized as "novax" or "provax" based on their vaccination decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fadda
- Institute of Public Health, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland,Corresponding author
| | - Kleona Bezani
- Institute of Public Health, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Amati
- Institute of Public Health, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maddalena Fiordelli
- Institute of Public Health, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Luca Crivelli
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Via Violino 11, 6928, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Emiliano Albanese
- Institute of Public Health, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - L. Suzanne Suggs
- Institute of Public Health, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Caiata-Zufferey
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Via Violino 11, 6928, Manno, Switzerland
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Kittang BR, Blomberg B, Sævik M, Olofsson JS, Bergen Covid-Research Group, Langeland N, Cox RJ. SARS CoV-2 Infection among Health Care Workers from Different Health Care Facilities in Western Norway: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional Study. Viruses 2022; 14. [PMID: 36560656 DOI: 10.3390/v14122652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Comparative data on COVID-19 among health care workers (HCWs) in different health care settings are scarce. This study investigated the rates of previous COVID-19 among HCWs in nursing homes, hospitals and a municipal emergency room (ER). Methods: We prospectively included 747 HCWs: 313 from nursing homes, 394 from hospitals and 40 from the ER. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity and self-reported RT-PCR positivity prior to inclusion. Information regarding age, sex and exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection was collected. Results: A total of 4% (11/313) of nursing home HCWs and 6% (28/434) of HCWs in hospitals/the ER tested positive by serology and/or RT-PCR (p = 0.095). Fewer HCWs in nursing homes had occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 compared to those in hospitals/the ER (16% vs. 48%, p < 0, 001), but nursing homes had a higher proportion of HCWs with occupational exposure using partial/no PPE (56% vs. 19%, p < 0.001). Nevertheless, no significant differences in the risk for COVID-19 were found in relation to the rate of occupational exposure (p = 0.755) or use of inadequate PPE (p = 0.631). Conclusions: Despite a small sample size, the risk for COVID-19 among HCWs did not appear to be related to the type of health care facility, rates of occupational exposure or use of PPE.
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10
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Mushcab H, Al-Tawfiq JA, Ghamdi M, Babgi A, Amir A, Sheikh SS, Darwisheh A, Alobaid A, Jebakumar AZ, Qahtani S, Al Sagheir A. A Cohort Study of Seroprevalence of Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:4393-4406. [PMID: 35974896 PMCID: PMC9375977 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s369755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nature of the healthcare workers’ jobs standing at the frontline against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) puts them at a higher risk of unknowingly contracting the disease and potentially contributing to the spread. This study aims to assess the overall positive seroconversion prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. Methods This is a longitudinal cohort study of healthcare workers at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH). JHAH is a tertiary hospital located in Dhahran serving patients in several districts in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited between June and December 2020. Each participant had a serology blood test and completed the World Health Organization’s risk factor assessment questionnaire. Results This study included 682 participants working in JHAH, representing 15.7% of our population. Out of the 682 participants, 15.2% had a positive SARS-CoV-2 rt-PCR before taking part in the study. However, only 87 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, a prevalence of 12.7% of all participants. Out of the 87 positives for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 17 participants never tested positive for COVID-19 rt-PCR, a prevalence of 2.9%. Moreover, not properly using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water after the risk of body fluid exposure and wearing personal protective equipment when indicated were found to be statistically significant to having a positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Conclusion Positive seroconversion rate was considerably low during the first wave of COVID-19 amongst JHAH’s healthcare workers and similar to other healthcare organizations in Saudi Arabia. Seropositivity correlated significantly with following infection prevention and control recommendations. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT04469647.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Mushcab
- Research Office, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit - Specialty Internal Medicine, and Quality and Patient Safety Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.,Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Infectious Disease Division, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammed Ghamdi
- Population Health Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Babgi
- Clinical Practice Education & Research, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrazack Amir
- Office of Academic Affairs, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa S Sheikh
- Pathology Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Darwisheh
- Laboratory Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Alobaid
- Laboratory Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arulanantham Zechariah Jebakumar
- Vice Deanship of Postgraduate Studies Research, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Qahtani
- Wellness Institute, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al Sagheir
- Research Office, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Schmiedhofer M, Derksen C, Dietl JE, Häussler F, Louwen F, Hüner B, Reister F, Strametz R, Lippke S. Birthing under the Condition of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Interviews with Mothers, Partners, and Obstetric Health Care Workers. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19031486. [PMID: 35162509 PMCID: PMC8835455 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary containment measures challenge obstetric care. Support persons were excluded while protection measures burdened and disrupted the professionals' ability to care and communicate. The objective of this study was to explore the first-hand experience of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mothers, their partners, and obstetric professionals regarding birth and obstetric care in a university hospital. METHODS To answer the descriptive research questions, we conducted a qualitative content analysis using a data triangulation approach. We carried out 35 semi-structured interviews with two stratified purposive samples. Sample one consisted of 25 mothers who had given birth during the pandemic and five partners. Sample two included 10 obstetric professionals whose insights complemented the research findings and contributed to data validation. Participants were recruited from the study sample of a larger project on patient safety from two German university hospitals from February to August 2021. The study was approved by two ethics committees and informed consent was obtained. RESULTS Mothers complied with the rules, but felt socially isolated and insecure, especially before transfer to the delivery room. The staff equally reported burdens from their professional perspective: They tried to make up for the lack of partner and social contacts but could not live up to their usual professional standards. The exclusion of partners was seen critically, but necessary to contain the pandemic. The undisturbed time for bonding in the maternity ward was considered positive by both mothers and professionals. CONCLUSION The negative effects of risk mitigation measures on childbirth are to be considered carefully when containment measures are applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Schmiedhofer
- German Coalition for Patient Safety (Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit), 10179 Berlin, Germany; (J.E.D.); (F.H.); (R.S.)
- Department of Psychology & Methods, Jacobs University Bremen GmbH, 28759 Bremen, Germany; (C.D.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Christina Derksen
- Department of Psychology & Methods, Jacobs University Bremen GmbH, 28759 Bremen, Germany; (C.D.); (S.L.)
| | - Johanna Elisa Dietl
- German Coalition for Patient Safety (Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit), 10179 Berlin, Germany; (J.E.D.); (F.H.); (R.S.)
- Department of Psychology & Methods, Jacobs University Bremen GmbH, 28759 Bremen, Germany; (C.D.); (S.L.)
| | - Freya Häussler
- German Coalition for Patient Safety (Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit), 10179 Berlin, Germany; (J.E.D.); (F.H.); (R.S.)
| | - Frank Louwen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Beate Hüner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (B.H.); (F.R.)
| | - Frank Reister
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany; (B.H.); (F.R.)
| | - Reinhard Strametz
- German Coalition for Patient Safety (Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit), 10179 Berlin, Germany; (J.E.D.); (F.H.); (R.S.)
- Wiesbaden Business School, Rhein Main University of Applied Science, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Sonia Lippke
- Department of Psychology & Methods, Jacobs University Bremen GmbH, 28759 Bremen, Germany; (C.D.); (S.L.)
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12
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Savvas S, Goh AMY, Batchelor F, Doyle C, Wise E, Tan E, Panayiotou A, Malta S, Winbolt M, Clarke P, Burton J, Low LF, Loi SM, Fairhall A, Polacsek M, Stiles J, Muliadi F, Chau N, Scherer S, Ames D, Sousa TV, Dow B. Promoting Independence Through quality dementia Care at Home (PITCH): a research protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:949. [PMID: 34930422 PMCID: PMC8687633 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05906-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Home care service providers are increasingly supporting clients living with dementia. Targeted and comprehensive dementia-specific training for home care staff is necessary to meet this need. This study evaluates a training programme delivered to care staff (paid personal carers) of clients living with dementia at home. Methods This study is a pragmatic stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial (SW-CRT). Home care workers (HCWs) from seven home care service providers are grouped into 18 geographical clusters. Clusters are randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group receives 7 h of a dementia education and upskilling programme (Promoting Independence Through quality dementia Care at Home [PITCH]) after baseline measures. The control group receives PITCH training 6 months after baseline measures. This approach will ensure that all participants are offered the program. Home care clients living with dementia are also invited to participate, as well as their family carers. The primary outcome measure is HCWs’ sense of competence in dementia care provision. Discussion Upskilling home care staff is needed to support the increasing numbers of people living with dementia who choose to remain at home. This study uses a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial to evaluate a training programme (PITCH) for dementia care that is delivered to front-line HCWs. Trial registration anzctr.org.au; ACTRN12619000251123. Registered on 20 February 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Savvas
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Anita M Y Goh
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Colleen Doyle
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Erica Wise
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Esther Tan
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anita Panayiotou
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sue Malta
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Lee-Fay Low
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha M Loi
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Meg Polacsek
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Benetas, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jay Stiles
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Fenny Muliadi
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nadia Chau
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - David Ames
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Briony Dow
- The National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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13
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Wang W, Balfe P, Eyre DW, Lumley SF, O'Donnell D, Warren F, Crook DW, Jeffery K, Matthews PC, Klerman EB, McKeating JA. Time of Day of Vaccination Affects SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses in an Observational Study of Health Care Workers. J Biol Rhythms 2021; 37:124-129. [PMID: 34866459 PMCID: PMC8825702 DOI: 10.1177/07487304211059315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global crisis with unprecedented challenges for public health. Vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 have slowed the incidence of new infections and reduced disease severity. As the time of day of vaccination has been reported to influence host immune responses to multiple pathogens, we quantified the influence of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination time, vaccine type, participant age, sex, and days post-vaccination on anti-Spike antibody responses in health care workers. The magnitude of the anti-Spike antibody response is associated with the time of day of vaccination, vaccine type, participant age, sex, and days post-vaccination. These results may be relevant for optimising SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders and Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Balfe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David W Eyre
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sheila F Lumley
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Denise O'Donnell
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Fiona Warren
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Derrick W Crook
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katie Jeffery
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philippa C Matthews
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth B Klerman
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders and Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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14
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Al Mayahi ZK, Al Kindi N, Al Shaqsi N, Al Hattali N, Al Hattali A, Salim K, Beatty M. Non-Respiratory Droplet Transmission of COVID-19 in the Isolation Ward of a Secondary Hospital in Oman: A Return to Isolation Basics. Infect Dis Clin Pract (Baltim Md) 2021; 29:e371-e375. [PMID: 34803345 PMCID: PMC8594384 DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Front-line health care workers are among the most vulnerable groups at risk for acquiring COVID-19, yet the exact mechanisms of how infections occur in health care settings are yet to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayid K Al Mayahi
- Disease Surveillance and Control Department, General Directorate for Health services, MOH, South Batinah Governorate, Rustaq, Oman
| | - Nawal Al Kindi
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, MOH, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nasser Al Shaqsi
- Disease Surveillance and Control Department, General Directorate for Health services, MOH, South Batinah Governorate, Rustaq, Oman
| | - Noaman Al Hattali
- Disease Surveillance and Control Department, General Directorate for Health services, MOH, South Batinah Governorate, Rustaq, Oman
| | - Azza Al Hattali
- Disease Surveillance and Control Department, General Directorate for Health services, MOH, South Batinah Governorate, Rustaq, Oman
| | - Khalid Salim
- Disease Surveillance and Control Department, General Directorate for Health services, MOH, South Batinah Governorate, Rustaq, Oman
| | - Mark Beatty
- Epidemiology and Public Health Consulting, LLC, Everett, Washington, United States
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15
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Chandrasingh S, George CE, Inbaraj LR. Are hospitals epicentres of COVID19 transmission? Findings of serial serosurveys among healthcare workers from a tertiary hospital in South India. Indian J Med Microbiol 2021; 40:141-143. [PMID: 34774341 PMCID: PMC8579239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a serial cross-sectional study and used blood bank donors serosurvey and the ICMR serosurvey reports for comparison. Seroprevalence was 0% among HCWs (n-211) and blood bank donors (n-210) during the first phase while ICMR serosurvey reported 0.5% among general population in the district at the same time. In phase 2, we estimated a seroprevalence of 9.2% as compared to 18.8% among general population. Seroprevalence among HCWs was comparable to that of the general population during both phases. We postulate that good infection control policies and practice can provide safe working environment without additional risk to HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolin Elizabeth George
- Division of Community Health and Family Medicine, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560024, India
| | - Leeberk Raja Inbaraj
- Division of Community Health and Family Medicine, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560024, India.
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16
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Kumar-M P, Mohindra R, Bhalla A, Shafiq N, Suri V, Kumari D, Pandey AK, Gupta A, Gupta PC, Patil A, Kakkar AK, Malhotra S. System for administering and monitoring hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for COVID-19 in accordance with a national advisory: preliminary experience of a tertiary care institute in India. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1331-1339. [PMID: 33781166 PMCID: PMC8054489 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1909476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was one of the earliest drugs to be recommended for tackling the COVID-19 threat leading to its widespread usage. We provide preliminary findings of the system, established in a tertiary care academic center for the administration of HCQ prophylaxis to healthcare workers (HCW) based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advisory. METHODS A dedicated clinical pharmacology and internal medicine team screened for contraindications, administered informed consent, maintained compliance and monitored for adverse events. RESULTS Among the 194 HCWs screened for ruling out contraindications for prophylaxis, 9 were excluded and 185 were initiated on HCQ. A total of 55 adverse events were seen in 38 (20.5%) HCWs out of which 70.9%, 29.1% were mild and moderate & none were severe. Before the completion of therapy, a total of 23 participants discontinued. Change in QTc interval on day 2 was 5 (IQR: -3.75, 11) ms and the end of week 1 was 15 ms (IQR: 2, 18). Out of the 5 HCW who turned positive for COVID-19, 2 were on HCQ. CONCLUSION HCQ prophylaxis was found to be safe and well tolerated in HCW when administered after appropriate screening and with monitoring for adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar-M
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Ritin Mohindra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashish Bhalla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Nusrat Shafiq
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Vikas Suri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Deepa Kumari
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Avaneesh Kumar Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Department of Cardiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Parul Chawla Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Amol Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Kakkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Samir Malhotra
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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17
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Magaña-Guerrero FS, Trujillo DH, Buentello-Volante B, Aguayo-Flores JE, Melgoza-González EA, Hernández J, Jiménez-Martínez MC, Pérez-Tapia SM, Garfias Y. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among the Health Care Staff of an Ophthalmological Reference Centre, a Cross Sectional Study. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2021; 29:483-490. [PMID: 34530684 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.1974493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a considerable risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2; among them, HCWs from ophthalmology departments are more prone to develop severe symptoms. In Mexico City, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs is 30%. The present work aims to describe the seroprevalence among HCWs at an Ophthalmological Reference Centre in Mexico City. METHODS A self-report questionnaire, RT-PCR test and detection of serum IgG/IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were performed among HCWs at the Institute of Ophthalmology "Conde de Valenciana". RESULTS A total of 169 HCWs participated in the study. None of the participants declared severe symptoms, and only 15% showed three or more symptoms. The results showed that 32% of the participants were RT-PCR+ (54/169), and 20% (35/169) presented IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Thirteen percent of the RT-PCR+ subjects were IgG positive, and 7.6% of the RT-PCR- participants were IgG positive. The presence of three or more symptoms correlated with the presence of IgG antibodies, as well as Ct values of < 32 (p < 0,05). CONCLUSION Most of the HCW cohort showed mild symptoms, and 69% of the RT-PCR+ participants did not show IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence was significantly associated with the presentation of COVID-19-associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Hinojosa Trujillo
- Laboratorio De Inmunología, Centro De Investigación En Alimentación Y Desarrollo, A.c, Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico
| | - Beatriz Buentello-Volante
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde De Valenciana Foundation. Chimalpopoca, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Eduardo Aguayo-Flores
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde De Valenciana Foundation. Chimalpopoca, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jesús Hernández
- Laboratorio De Inmunología, Centro De Investigación En Alimentación Y Desarrollo, A.c, Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico
| | - María C Jiménez-Martínez
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde De Valenciana Foundation. Chimalpopoca, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma De México. Avenida Universidad 3000Col. Cd. Universitaria , Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sonia Mayra Pérez-Tapia
- Unit of R&d in Bioprocesses (Udibi), Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yonathan Garfias
- Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde De Valenciana Foundation. Chimalpopoca, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma De México. Avenida Universidad 3000Col. Cd. Universitaria , Mexico City, Mexico
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18
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Zangoue M, Safari H, Royce SG, Zangooie A, Rezapour H, Zangouei A, Fereidouni M. The high level of adherence to personal protective equipment in health care workers efficiently protects them from COVID-19 infection. Work 2021; 69:1191-1196. [PMID: 34421000 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring and spreading the COVID-19 infection; using personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection in HCWs. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 IgG, IgM antibodies among HCWs as well as identifying the factors associated with this seroprevalence. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed from July to August 2020 on healthcare workers at two COVID-19 referral hospitals of Birjand University of Medical Sciences. The level of COVID-19 IgG and IgM antibodies in sera was measured by commercial qualitative ELISA kits. RESULTS In total, 192 individuals participated in the study: physicians (31.25%), nurses (30.2%). 84.2% of participants had contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases and among them 42.9 % of had close contact with COVID-19 patients for more than 3 months, and 31% reported close contact with more than 50 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Mask and gloves were the most frequently used personal protective equipment (PPE) with 92.4% and 77.2% of usage. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study showed high level of adherence to the use of PPE among HCWs as well as very low prevalence of seropositivity for of COVID-19 antibodies, hence confirming the effectiveness of PPE in protecting HCWs among COVVID-19 and possibly any other similar infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Zangoue
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Safari
- Departement of Immunology, TorbatJam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran
| | - Simon G Royce
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Alireza Zangooie
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hadis Rezapour
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amirsadra Zangouei
- Student Research Committee, Facultyof Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fereidouni
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, BirjandUniversity of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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19
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Farfour E, Amiel C, Lecuru M, Zia-Chahabi S, Jolly E, Mazaux L, Simonin P, Cornily M, Catherineau A, Pascreau T, Vasse M. SARS-CoV-2 screening of asymptomatic health care workers: experience of a General hospital. Ann Biol Clin (Paris) 2021; 79:325-30. [PMID: 34526289 DOI: 10.1684/abc.2021.1664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Health care workers (HCWs) are at major risk to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 and transmit the virus to the patients. Furthermore, travels are a major factor in the diffusion of the virus. We report our experience regarding the screening of asymptomatic HCWs returning from holidays, following the issue of a national guideline on 08/20/2020. The organization of the occupational health department and the clinical laboratory was adapted in order to start the screening on August, 24, 2020. All HCWs tested for SARS-CoV-2 the week before and 4 weeks after the implementation of the screening were included. The mean number of tests was analyzed per working day and working week. Overall, 502 (31.4%) HCWs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 during the study period. The mean number of HCWs tested per working day was 27.1. HCWs accounted for 36.9% (n = 167) and 11.2% (n = 84) of the tests performed in the 1st and the 4th week following the implementation of the guidelines. The number of tests performed each week in HCWs increased by at least 20-fold after the implementation of the guidelines. No asymptomatic HCW was tested positive. Screening of asymptomatic HCWs was poorly effective in the context of low circulation of the virus. We suggest giving priority to infection prevention and control measures and screening of symptomatic subjects and asymptomatic contacts.
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Wozniak H, Benzakour L, Moullec G, Buetti N, Nguyen A, Corbaz S, Roos P, Vieux L, Suard JC, Weissbrodt R, Pugin J, Pralong JA, Cereghetti S. Mental health outcomes of ICU and non-ICU healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study. Ann Intensive Care 2021; 11:106. [PMID: 34245380 PMCID: PMC8271328 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-021-00900-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive care workers are known for their stressful work environment and for a high prevalence of mental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mental health, well-being and changes in lifestyle among intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare workers (HCW) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare these results with those of HCW in other hospital units. Another objective was to understand which associated factors aggravate their mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS This cross-sectional survey collected socio-demographic data, lifestyle changes and mental health evaluations as assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 items (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 items (PHQ-9), the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) from the 28th May to 7th July 2020. The study was carried out at Geneva University Hospitals, a group of eight public hospitals in Switzerland. ICU HCW were analyzed for mental health outcomes and lifestyles changes and then compared to non-ICU HCW. A series of linear regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with mental health scores. RESULTS A total of 3461 HCW were included in the study, with 352 ICU HCW. Among ICU HCW, 145 (41%) showed low well-being, 162 (46%) symptoms of anxiety, 163 (46%) symptoms of depression and 76 (22%) had peritraumatic distress. The mean scores of GAD-7, PHQ-9 and WHO-5 were worse in ICU HCW than in non-ICU HCW (p < 0.01). Working in the ICU rather than in other departments resulted in a change of eating habits, sleeping patterns and alcohol consumption (p < 0.01). Being a woman, the fear of catching and transmitting COVID-19, anxiety of working with COVID-19 patients, work overload, eating and sleeping disorders as well as increased alcohol consumption were associated with worse mental health outcomes. CONCLUSION This study confirms the suspicion of a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, peritraumatic distress and low well-being during the first COVID-19 wave among HCW, especially among ICU HCW. This allows for the identification of associated risk factors. Long-term psychological follow-up should be considered for HCW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Wozniak
- Intensive Care Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Lamyae Benzakour
- Psychiatric Liaison and Crisis Intervention Service, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Grégory Moullec
- School of Public Health, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Niccolò Buetti
- Infection Control Program and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alice Nguyen
- School of Public Health, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sandrine Corbaz
- Personnel Health Service, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Arc School of Health, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Roos
- Arc School of Health, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Laure Vieux
- Personnel Health Service, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Claude Suard
- Personnel Health Service, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rafaël Weissbrodt
- School of Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Valais-Wallis, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Pugin
- Intensive Care Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jacques A Pralong
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Pulmonary Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sara Cereghetti
- Intensive Care Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Scohy A, Gruson D, Simon A, Kabamba-Mukadi B, De Greef J, Belkhir L, Rodriguez-Villalobos H, Robert A, Yombi JC. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care workers of a teaching hospital in Belgium: self-reported occupational and household risk factors for seropositivity. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 100:115414. [PMID: 34082266 PMCID: PMC8098032 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among health care workers (HCWs) and to assess self-reported risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 3255 HCWs were included and the overall seroprevalence was 7.8%. The likelihood of seropositivity was higher in participants reporting any COVID-19 symptoms within the last 4 months (OR 8.32, 95% CI 5.83-11.88, P < 0.001). Being a female HCW (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11–2.32, P < 0.01), having a cohabitant who was infected with SARS-CoV-2 (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.78–3.66 P < 0.001) or a cohabitant who was a nursing home caregiver (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.59–8.65, P = 0.002) were independently associated with an increased risk of seropositivity. Working in a COVID-19 unit (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.21–2.23, P < 0.001) and being exposed to a SARS-CoV-2 infected co-worker (OR 1.30,95% CI 0.97–1.74, P = 0.016) resulted in higher seropositivity rate. Even if in-hospital exposure may play a significant role, increased infection risk is most likely attributable to household contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Scohy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damien Gruson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Simon
- Prevention and infection control, Centres hospitaliers Jolimont, Haine-Saint-Paul, Belgium
| | - Benoît Kabamba-Mukadi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien De Greef
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leïla Belkhir
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annie Robert
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean Cyr Yombi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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22
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Shehab M, Shuaibi S, Qadhi I, Alfadhli A. Effectiveness of inspectors' team in increasing compliance with personal protective equipment use and reducing COVID19 infection spread among healthcare workers. Infect Prev Pract 2021; 3:100137. [PMID: 34316577 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2021.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCW) were amongst the front-liners in the mission to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and thus bore a huge risk of infection. Therefore, personal protective equipment (PPE) is of vital importance. There are several methods described in the literature to increase compliance with PPE use and reduce occupational infections. One of those methods is the institution of PPE inspectors that ensure proper adherence to PPE protocols and ultimately improve the outcomes of many HCWs. Methods A team of PPE inspectors was introduced in a tertiary care university hospital, where they randomly evaluated and reinforced PPE use in accordance with the guidelines set by the local health authority. The study period was from the 10th of May 2020 until the 31st of August 2020. The evaluations were divided into three categories; appropriate, missing, or unnecessary use of PPE and were compared to trends in healthcare workers' COVID-19 infection rates. Results A total of 720 HCWs were evaluated from the 10th of May 2020 until the 31st of August 2020. The appropriate use of PPE increased from 56% to 89% during the study period. Meanwhile, the incidence of COVID-19 infection among HCWs, which has peaked to 31 cases per day on the 18th of May 2020, has been declining to below 5 cases per day towards the end of the study period. Conclusion PPE inspectors' team served a positive role in increasing compliance with PPE use and was associated with a reduction in the transmission of SARS-Cov-2 among HCWs.
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23
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Song LH, Hoan NX, Bang MH, Kremsner PG, Velavan TP. Viral and serological testing of SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers and patients in Vietnam. Lancet Reg Health West Pac 2021; 8:100113. [PMID: 33681829 PMCID: PMC7923908 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Le Huu Song
- 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Viet Nam.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Viet Nam.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Mai Hong Bang
- 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Viet Nam.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Viet Nam.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Viet Nam.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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24
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Singh A. Prolonged Use of n95 Mask a Boon or Bane to Healthcare Workers During Covid-19 Pandemic. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 74:2853-2856. [PMID: 33520688 PMCID: PMC7831687 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02396-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, referred to as SARS-COV 2, originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Since many Health Care Workers (HCW) and general public lost their lives. The only thing which can prevent from being infected is social distancing and wearing of mask (N95) and wearing of mask has its own adverse effects. This is a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur from April 2020 to August 2020. The most common symptoms of wearing mask were headache, nasal dryness, eye dryness and acne for which extra precautions to be taken to deal with these conditions during COVID–19 pandemic. HCW should wear mask to prevent from exposing but while using the mask there are certain prerequisites which has to be followed to prevent from not only thr COVD – 19 but also the complications of prolonged use of N95 mask.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avaneesh Singh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, HIMS, Ataria, Sitapur, U.P India
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25
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Kantele A, Lääveri T, Kareinen L, Pakkanen SH, Blomgren K, Mero S, Patjas A, Virtanen J, Uusitalo R, Lappalainen M, Järvinen A, Kurkela S, Jääskeläinen AJ, Vapalahti O, Sironen T. SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, spring 2020: Serosurvey, symptoms and risk factors. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 39:101949. [PMID: 33321195 PMCID: PMC7833655 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Exposure, risks and immunity of healthcare workers (HCWs), a vital resource during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, warrant special attention. Methods HCWs at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, filled in questionnaires and provided serum samples for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody screening by Euroimmun IgG assay in March–April 2020. Positive/equivocal findings were confirmed by Abbott and microneutralization tests. Positivity by two of the three assays or RT-PCR indicated a Covid-19 case (CoV+). Results The rate of CoV(+) was 3.3% (36/1095) and seropositivity 3.0% (33/1095). CoV(+) was associated with contact with a known Covid-19 case, and working on a Covid-19-dedicated ward or one with cases among staff. The rate in the Covid-19-dedicated ICU was negligible. Smoking and age <55 years were associated with decreased risk. CoV(+) was strongly associated with ageusia, anosmia, myalgia, fatigue, fever, and chest pressure. Seropositivity was recorded for 89.3% of those with prior documented RT-PCR-positivity and 2.4% of those RT-PCR-negative. The rate of previously unidentified cases was 0.7% (8/1067) and asymptomatic ones 0% (0/36). Conclusion Undiagnosed and asymptomatic cases among HCWs proved rare. An increased risk was associated with Covid-19-dedicated wards. Particularly high rates were seen for wards with liberal HCW-HCW contacts, highlighting the importance of social distancing also among HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kantele
- Infectious Diseases, Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland; Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Meilahti Vaccine Research Center, MeVac, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Tinja Lääveri
- Infectious Diseases, Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Kareinen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sari H Pakkanen
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Meilahti Vaccine Research Center, MeVac, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karin Blomgren
- Meilahti Vaccine Research Center, MeVac, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sointu Mero
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu Patjas
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Meilahti Vaccine Research Center, MeVac, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenni Virtanen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Geosciences and Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija Lappalainen
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Clinical Microbiology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Asko Järvinen
- Infectious Diseases, Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Kurkela
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Clinical Microbiology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Anne J Jääskeläinen
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Clinical Microbiology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Clinical Microbiology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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26
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Erdem H, Lucey DR. Healthcare worker infections and deaths due to COVID-19: A survey from 37 nations and a call for WHO to post national data on their website. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 102:239-241. [PMID: 33130210 PMCID: PMC7598357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel R Lucey
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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27
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Sharma AR, Batra G, Kumar M, Mishra A, Singla R, Singh A, Singh RS, Medhi B. BCG as a game-changer to prevent the infection and severity of COVID-19 pandemic? Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2020; 48:507-517. [PMID: 32653224 PMCID: PMC7332934 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 is changing with country wise and depend on universal immunization policies. COVID-19 badly affects countries that did not have universal immunization policies or having them only for the selective population of countries (highly prominent population) like Italy, USA, UK, Netherland, etc. Universal immunization of BCG can provide great protection against the COVID-19 infection because the BCG vaccine gives broad protection against respiratory infections. BCG vaccine induces expressions of the gene that are involved in the antiviral innate immune response against viral infections with long-term maintenance of BCG vaccine-induced cellular immunity. COVID-19 cases are reported very much less in the countries with universal BCG vaccination policies such as India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Israel, Japan, etc. as compared to without BCG implemented countries such as the USA, Italy, Spain, Canada, UK, etc. BCG vaccine provides protection for 50–60 years of immunization, so the elderly population needs to be revaccinated with BCG. Several countries started clinical trials of the BCG vaccine for health care workers and elderly people. BCG can be uses as a prophylactic treatment until the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Sharma
- Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Neurology, India
| | - G Batra
- Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Neurology, India
| | - M Kumar
- Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Pharmacology, India
| | - A Mishra
- Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Pharmacology, India
| | - R Singla
- Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Pharmacology, India
| | - A Singh
- Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Pharmacology, India
| | - R S Singh
- Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Pharmacology, India
| | - B Medhi
- Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India; Department of Pharmacology, India.
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28
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Saurabh K, Ranjan S. Preparedness, perceived impact and concerns of health care workers in a teaching hospital during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:4247-4251. [PMID: 33110840 PMCID: PMC7586576 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_799_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Coronavirus Disease 2019 is a new threat to human lives worldwide. Preparedness of institutions during epidemic outbreak has a pivotal role in saving lives and preventing further spread. At the same time, these pandemics impact badly on professional and personal life of Health care workers. The objective of this study is to find the opinion of Health care workers regarding their level of preparedness, concerns and perceived impact related to this pandemic outbreak. Materials and Methods: In this study, random samples of doctors and nurses was provided with a self-administered questionnaire regarding their preparedness, work and non-work related concerns and impact on their lives during Covid-19 outbreak. Results: Most of the Health Care Workers believed that their institute preparation to fight Covid-19 pandemic is better than prior to onset of this crisis (P < 0.001). Work related stress was seen more commonly in nurses whereas higher frequency of non-work related stress was observed among doctors. Nurses (75.55%) faith in their employer was more than doctors faith (46.66%) regarding their medical needs. There was more acceptance of hydroxychloroquine as a prophylactic drug for Covid-19 in doctors compared to nurses (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Though this institute was more prepared at the time of pandemic spread, substantial opportunity of improvement remains. The consistency of work and non work related anxiety and stress in health care workers is very high in present study group. Concerns and risks of Health Care Workers should be addressed ethically and adequately by strengthening safety measures and building trust in the system they work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Saurabh
- Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Bettiah, Bihar, India
| | - Shilpi Ranjan
- Department of Community Medicine, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India
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29
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Gordo DGM, Espigolan R, Bresolin T, Fernandes Júnior GA, Magalhães AFB, Braz CU, Fernandes WB, Baldi F, Albuquerque LG. Genetic analysis of carcass and meat quality traits in Nelore cattle1. J Anim Sci 2020; 96:3558-3564. [PMID: 30007290 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for carcass and meat quality traits, as well as their genetic correlations using pedigree and genomic information. A total of 3,716; 3,702; 3,439; 3,705; and 3,714 records of 12th-13th rib LM area (LMA), backfat thickness (BF), HCW, marbling score (MARB), and Warner-Bratzler peak shear force (WBSF), respectively, were used. Animals were genotyped with BovineHD BeadChip and GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Indicus HD - GGP75Ki panel. The (co)variance components were estimated by Bayesian inference using a multitrait ssGBLUP analysis. The animal model included fixed effects of contemporary group (defined by the combination of farm and year of birth, and management group at yearling) and age of animal at slaughtering as a covariate (linear). Direct additive genetic and residual effects were fitted as random. The posterior means and SD of heritabilities for LMA, BF, HCW, MARB, and WBSF were 0.28 (0.03), 0.21 (0.04), 0.21 (0.04), 0.12 (0.04), and 0.11 (0.03), respectively. The posterior means for genetic correlations between LMA and meat quality were positive and moderate with MARB (0.38 ± 0.12) and negative with WBSF (-0.47 ± 0.12). Low genetic correlations were estimated between BF and WBSF (-0.03 ± 0.16) and between HCW and MARB (-0.04 ± 0.14), indicating that these traits are not controlled by the same set or linked genes. Carcass traits (LMA, BF, and HCW) presented moderate heritability providing quick response to the selection purpose. The estimates of heritability for meat quality traits (MARB and WBSF) were low and indicate that the rate of genetic improvement for these traits would be slow. Genetic correlations indicated that selection for carcass traits would not be strongly antagonistic for improving meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gustavo M Gordo
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Espigolan
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Tiago Bresolin
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Gerardo A Fernandes Júnior
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana F B Magalhães
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila U Braz
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Willian Bruno Fernandes
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Baldi
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucia G Albuquerque
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, Animal Science Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
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D'Ettorre G, Vullo A, Pellicani V, Ceccarelli G. Preliminary assessment of rotating shiftwork risk in a twenty-four hours hospital department. Ann Ig 2019; 30:297-306. [PMID: 29895047 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2018.2221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety and health of healthcare workers employed in twenty-four-hour hospital wards and exposed to rotational shiftwork (RS), including night shift, is an hot topic of international literature; in fact shift workers incur increased rates of burnout, accidents and injuries, absenteeism and, consequently, reduced work efficiency than non-shift workers. The aims of the present study were: 1) to analyze the occupational risk associated with RS in healthcare sector and 2) to detect the consequent interventions effective in minimizing RS risk. METHODS The authors designed a questionnaire entitled Rotating Shiftwork Questionnaire (RSQ) which is made up of two sections: 1) Sentinel Events; 2) Risk Factors. The authors used the RSQ to evaluate the RS-Risk among homogeneous groups employed in a twenty-four-hour hospital department. RESULTS Results. The authors found a medium level of risk among all homogeneous groups. The analysis led to suggest organizational interventions for reducing the sources of RS-risk among healthcare workers. CONCLUSION The proposed questionnaire revealed effective in approaching the assessment of RS-risk; the findings were also useful in prioritizing and implementing strategic interventions aimed to moderate the occupational risk related to RS.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D'Ettorre
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Unit of Occupational Prevention and Protection, Local Health Authority, Brindisi, Italy
| | - A Vullo
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - V Pellicani
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Authority, Lecce, Italy
| | - G Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Go MS, Kwon SH, Kim SB, Kim DS. The Developmental Characteristics for the Head Capsule Width of Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Larvae and Determination of the Number of Instars. J Insect Sci 2019; 19:5362660. [PMID: 30794729 PMCID: PMC6386115 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iez010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the number of instars of Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) larvae by comparing their head capsule widths (HCW) published in previous studies, as well as additional laboratory experiments. Larvae of M. alternatus showed repeated molting in the laboratory. Most larvae ceased their development at the 10th instar stage. Frequency distributions of HCW for the first, second, and third instar larvae were clearly separated while those of the fourth through 11th instar larvae largely overlapped between successive instars in our results. The HCW values for the first, second, and third instar larvae directly measured for each instar in our study indicated that they were more precise than those of previous reports based on field-collected HCW which might have missed HCW of the first instar larvae or wrongly determined HCW for some instars. Unlike the reports of four instars of previous studies, M. alternatus larvae passed five instars in the field, which was confirmed by the discovery of five pairs of mandibles in the feeding gallery and pupal chamber. Also, the comparative study for the frequency distributions of HCW revealed that most M. alternatus larvae passed five instars. Consequently, the average sizes of HCW for their first, second, and third instar larvae are newly suggested to be 0.896 ± 0.069, 1.291 ± 0.131, and 1.707 ± 0.165 mm (mean ± SD) .
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong Su Go
- Major of Plant Resources Science and Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Soon Hwa Kwon
- Major of Plant Resources Science and Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
- Citrus Research Institute, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Bin Kim
- Major of Plant Resources Science and Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Dong-Soon Kim
- Major of Plant Resources Science and Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
- The Research Institute for Subtropical Agriculture and Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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Soltanipoor M, Kezic S, Sluiter J, Holman R. Statistical analysis plan for the Healthy Hands Project; single centre cluster-randomised clinical trial of a skin care program for the prevention of contact dermatitis in health care workers. Trials 2018; 19:421. [PMID: 30081929 PMCID: PMC6080425 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Healthy Hands Project (HHP) is a randomised clinical trial aiming to determine the effectiveness of an intervention program in the prevention of hand dermatitis in healthcare workers (HCWs). The intervention is comprised of placing dispensers with hand creams on wards combined with continuous electronic monitoring of cream consumption and regular feedback to HCWs. The clinical severity (HECSI score) was used as the primary outcome and natural moisturising factor (NMF) levels as the secondary outcome. The study protocol for the cluster-randomised controlled trial of HHP was published in Trials in 2017. This article describes the detailed statistical analysis plan for the HHP trial. METHODS/DESIGN The HHP is a single-centre, cluster-randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups and blinded outcome assessment. This update article presents (1) the descriptive statistics of the primary and secondary outcomes, (2) the statistical models used for the analysis of the main outcomes, (3) sensitivity analyses on the effect of observed exposure to wet work, (4) handling of missing data including sensitivity analysis and (5) an updated power calculation. This statistical analysis plan was written prior to unblinding of the study. DISCUSSION This paper presents a comprehensive statistical analysis plan for the data resulting from the HHP trial. It supports transparency in reporting by clarifying differences between the previously published protocol and the proposed actual statistical analyses. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register (NTR), identification number NTR5564 . Registered on 2 November 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Soltanipoor
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sanja Kezic
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Sluiter
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca Holman
- Clinical Research Unit, Academic Medical Centre, PO Box 22660, 1100, DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Tarabay R, El Rassi R, Dakik A, Harb A, Ballout RA, Diab B, Khamassi S, Akl EA. Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, values, preferences, and feasibility in relation to the use of injection safety devices in healthcare settings: a systematic review. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2016; 14:102. [PMID: 27412354 PMCID: PMC4944234 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-016-0505-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adopting technologies such as injection safety devices in healthcare settings can enhance injection safety. Developing guidelines for appropriate adoption of such technologies need to consider factors beyond evidence for their health effects. The objective of this study is to systematically review the published literature for evidence among healthcare workers and patients about knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, values, preferences, and feasibility in relation to the use of injection safety devices in healthcare settings. Methods We included both qualitative and quantitative studies conducted with the general public, patients, and healthcare workers, administrators, or policy makers. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL and CENTRAL. We used a duplicate and independent approach to title and abstract screening, full text screening, data abstraction and risk of bias assessment. Results Out of a total of 6568 identified citations, we judged fourteen studies as eligible for this systematic review. All these studies were surveys, conducted with healthcare workers in high-income countries. We did not identify any qualitative study, or a study of the general public, patients, healthcare administrators or policy makers. We did not identify any study assessing knowledge, or values assigned to outcomes relevant to injection safety devices. Each of the included studies suffered from methodological limitations, which lowers our confidence in their findings. Based on the findings of six studies, the injection safety devices were generally perceived as easy to use and as an improvement compared with conventional syringes. Some of these studies reported few technical problems while using the devices. In three studies assessing perceived safety, the majority of participants judged the devices as safe. Two studies reported positive perceptions of healthcare workers regarding patient tolerance of these injection safety devices. One study found that less than half the nurses felt comfortable using the insulin pens. Findings from four studies assessing preference and satisfaction were not consistent. Conclusions This systematic review identified evidence that injection safety devices are generally perceived as easy to use, safe, and tolerated by patients. There were few reports of technical problems while using the devices and some discomfort by nurses using the insulin pens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12955-016-0505-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abeer Dakik
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Rami A Ballout
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Elie A Akl
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad-El-Solh Beirut, 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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Conte A, Quattrin R, Filiputti E, Cocconi R, Arnoldo L, Tricarico P, Delendi M, Brusaferro S. Promotion of flu vaccination among healthcare workers in an Italian academic hospital: An experience with tailored web tools. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12:2628-2633. [PMID: 27245587 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1186319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza causes significant mortality particularly among the elderly and high-risk groups. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupational exposure due to contact with patients. Aims of this study was to promote flu shot among HCWs through a multimedia campaign in a large North-Eastern Italian Hospital. METHODS The 2013/2014 flu vaccination multimedia campaign addressed to HCWs was developed by maintaining pre-existing tools (letters in pay slip and poster displayed in wards) and creating 4 on-line spots (30") delivered trough the hospital intranet. Campaign effectiveness was assessed in terms of changes in knowledge, attitude and practice comparing data of pre (10 items) and post test (20 items) survey on a randomized sample of HCWs. RESULTS Response rates were 92.6% (464/501) in pre-test and 83.2% (417/501) in post-test. 93.8% (391/417) of HCWs reported to awareness of the campaign to promote vaccination. Spots were seen by 59.6% (233/391) of HCWs. Some reasons for vaccine denial, "not believing in vaccine efficacy" (34.7% to 14.9%), "not considering flu as a serious problem" (from 24% to 12.6%), "thinking not to get sick" (28.7% to 18.2%) or "being against the vaccine" (32.7% to 21%), showed a statistically significant reduction after the exposure to the campaign. The "intention to get vaccinated in the next year" instead, raised effectively (13.1% to 36.6%). Vaccinated HCWs rate in 2013-2014 season was 7.6% (221/2910), and 5.6% (164/2910) in 2012-2013 (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS The multimedia campaign succeeded with regard to KAP outcomes, but the vaccination rate is still far from the goal of 90%. Due to their impact, especially on younger age groups, web tools deserve to be better studied as effective approach to convey health information among HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conte
- a Department of Medical and Biological Sciences , University of Udine , Udine , Italy
| | - Rosanna Quattrin
- b Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Santa Maria della Misericordia ," Udine , Italy
| | - Elisa Filiputti
- c Department of Human Sciences , University of Udine , Udine , Italy
| | - Roberto Cocconi
- b Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Santa Maria della Misericordia ," Udine , Italy
| | - Luca Arnoldo
- b Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Santa Maria della Misericordia ," Udine , Italy
| | | | - Mauro Delendi
- b Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Santa Maria della Misericordia ," Udine , Italy
| | - Silvio Brusaferro
- a Department of Medical and Biological Sciences , University of Udine , Udine , Italy
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Idris BJ, Inem V, Balogun M. Comparing the knowledge, attitude and practices of health care workers in public and private primary care facilities in Lagos State on Ebola virus disease. Pan Afr Med J 2015; 22 Suppl 1:19. [PMID: 26740847 PMCID: PMC4695533 DOI: 10.11694/pamj.supp.2015.22.1.6655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The West African sub-region is currently witnessing an outbreak of EVD that began in December 2013. The first case in Nigeria was diagnosed in Lagos, at a private medical facility in July 2014. Health care workers are known amplifiers of the disease. The study aimed to determine and compare EVD knowledge, attitude and practices among HCWs in public and private primary care facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods This was a comparative cross-sectional study. Seventeen public and private primary care facilities were selected from the 3 senatorial districts that make up Lagos State. 388 respondents from these facilities were selected at random and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results Proportion of respondents with good knowledge and practice among public HCWs was 98.5% and 93.8%; and among private HCW, 95.9% and 89.7%. Proportion of respondents with positive attitude was 67% (public) and 72.7% (private). Overall, there were no statistically significant differences between the knowledge, attitude and preventive practices of public HCWs and that of private HCWs, (p≤0.05). Conclusion Timely and intense social mobilization and awareness campaigns are the best tools to educate all segments of the community about public health emergencies. There exists significant surmountable gaps in EVD knowledge, negative attitude and sub-standard preventive practices that can be eliminated through continued training of HCW and provision of adequate material resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilqisu Jibril Idris
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Victor Inem
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Mobolanle Balogun
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria
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Musa S, Peek-Asa C, Young T, Jovanovic N. Needle Stick Injuries, Sharp Injuries and other Occupational Exposures to Blood and Body Fluids among Health Care Workers in a general hospital in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Int J Occup Saf Health 2015; 4:31-37. [PMID: 29082063 DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.9847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health Professional exposures of health care workers (HCW) to potentially infective blood and body fluids presents a serious health threat, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV transmission. This study was conducted to assess the risk for and reporting of needle stick injuries, sharp injuries and other occupational exposures of health care workers in a large healthcare center in Sarajevo. METHODS This cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2013. The study target population included all hospital health care workers who had a high potential for exposure. The estimated sample size was 48 physicians, 132 nurses/technicians and 30 auxiliary personnel. RESULT During their career, 124 (63.3%) HCW reported exposures to blood and body fluids. In total, needle stick injuries (66.1%) were the most common source of exposure, followed by contact with intact skin (12.1%) and cut with sharp object (11.3%). Only 43 (35.5%) reported any of these exposures to health authorities during their career. The odds of exposure to needle stick injuries and other occupational exposures to blood and bodily fluids were significantly higher among medical nurses/technicians (AOR=4.98, 95%CI=1.52-16,1) and auxiliary (AOR=4.30, 95% CI=1.07-17.34) personnel when compared to physicians. HCW in the operation room, intervention ambulance and laboratory (AOR=3.73, 95%CI=1.43-9.72) had higher odds of exposure than workers in the ambulatory departments. CONCLUSIONS Needle stick Injuries, Sharp Injuries and other Occupational Exposures to Blood and Body Fluids among health care workers are underestimated hazard. Especially, for HCW who work in operation room/interventional ambulance. There is a need for preventive programs for HCW and further work on the establishment of an effective surveillance system.
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Yousafzai MT, Qasim R, Khalil R, Kakakhel MF, Rehman SU. Hepatitis B vaccination among primary health care workers in Northwest Pakistan. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2014; 8:67-76. [PMID: 24899881 DOI: 10.12816/0006073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed hepatitis B vaccination and its determinants among health care workers (HCW) in rural Northwest Pakistan. METHODS This cross sectional study was conducted among 485 HCWs from both public and private clinics. Data about hepatitis B vaccination, socio-demographic, knowledge regarding modes of transmission of hepatitis B virus, perceived disease severity and benefits of vaccination was collected through questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS Prevalence of complete hepatitis B vaccination was 40% (among Physicians with MBBS/MD qualification; 86% and lowest among non-qualified Dispensers;16%). Also, prevalence was higher among HCWs from public Dispensaries (77%) than those working in private clinics (35%). Being MBBS/MD Physician (Adj. OR 26.60; 95%CI 9.27-73.23), Non-MBBS/MD Physician (Adj.OR 1.89; 95%CI 0.78-4.59), qualified Dispensers (Adj. OR 3.58; 95%CI 1.34-9.54) compared to non-qualified Dispensers, working in public clinics (Adj. OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.13-5.69) as compared to private, perceived disease threat after exposure to blood and body fluids (Adj. OR 1.11; 95%CI 1.03-1.19) and perceived benefits of hepatitis B vaccination (Adj. OR 1.13; 95%CI 1.09-1.19) were significant predictors of complete hepatitis B vaccination. CONCLUSION Improved perception of disease threat and benefits of vaccination and qualification of HCWs are associated with hepatitis B vaccination among Primary HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai
- The Aga Khan University, Dept of Community Health Science, Karachi, Pakistan ; Hamad Medical Corporation, Dept. of Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rubina Qasim
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan ; Indus Hospital, Dept. of NES, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rehana Khalil
- Baqai Medical University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Malka E, Streinu-Cercel A, Piţigoi D, Bacruban R. Management of accidental exposure to HCV, HBV and HIV in healthcare workers in Romania. Germs 2012; 2:137-41. [PMID: 24432275 DOI: 10.11599/germs.2012.1025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accidental blood exposure in healthcare workers is an important issue worldwide. We present a study which analyzed the route of exposure, the source of infection and the post-exposure prophylaxis treatment administered. METHOD We performed retrospective study of occupational exposure to HBV, HCV and HIV and the subsequent post-exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases "Prof.Dr. Matei Balş", Bucharest, Romania, from December 2002 to December 2011. RESULTS Sixty healthcare workers with a mean age of 36 reported an occupational exposure during a period of 9 years, 54 (90%) were females and 6 (10%) were males. 48 (80%) exposed healthcare workers were nurses, 7 (11.6%) were doctors and 5 (8.3%) were medical assisting staff. In 49 (81.6%) cases the exposure was percutaneous and in 11 (18.3%) cases the exposure was mucosal/corneal. Ten (16.6%) exposed healthcare workers had insufficient levels of antibody (HBsAb) response, (below 10 mIU/mL), 6 (10%) had titers between 11 and 500 mIU/mL, 31 (51.6%) between 501-1000 mIU/mL, and 13 (21.6%) above 1000 mIU/mL). DISCUSSION The exposure events analysis in this study yielded similar results compared to other previous parallel studies. Minimizing risks to HCWs for acquisition of blood-borne pathogens and correct and rapid post-exposure prophylaxis treatment in case of exposure should be an integral part of the infection control and occupational health programs in all healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Malka
- MD, Rabin Medical Center (RMC), Hasharon Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Anca Streinu-Cercel
- MD, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Infectious Diseases, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balş", Romania
| | - Daniela Piţigoi
- MD, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Epidemiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balş", Romania
| | - Rodica Bacruban
- MD, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Prof. Dr. Matei Balş", Romania
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