scholarly journals Assessment of health system preparedness to deal with the second wave of COVID-19 in a remote tribal district Surguja, Chhattisgarh, India-April 2021

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 4456
Author(s):  
Amitabha Dan ◽  
Pushpendra Ram ◽  
Khyati Aroskar ◽  
Pragati B. Gaikwad ◽  
Achhelal R. Pasi
Keyword(s):  
Case Fatality ◽  
P Value ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Health Centres ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Test Of Significance ◽  
Second Wave

Background: Present study was conducted to assess the preparedness of the Surguja district to curtail COVID-19.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study from May 2020 to March 2021 through records of 2 primary health centres areas selected by convenient sampling (farthest and nearest to district headquarters). Data on existing facilities and logistics was from district headquarters. Preparedness was assessed through checklist. Observations were presented as rates, ratios and proportions. Standard error of difference between two proportions was used as test of significance and p value≤0.05 was considered significant.Results: For Surguja district population of 925938 (65% rural), overall attack rate was 1.15%, case fatality rate was 0.96% (102/10636); there was 1 DCH, 9 DCHC, 6 CHCs, 25 PHCs, 3 upgraded PHCs, 197 subcentres, 12 CCC, 01 RT-PCR laboratory and 228 COVID vaccination centres. There were 1151 isolation beds; 300 with oxygen support (26%); ICU beds 134 (11.60%) with 34 ventilators. Cumulative 258229 tests; antigen 67.90%, test positivity rate 4.10% (urban 8.2%, rural 1.7%).  This urban-rural difference in test positivity rate was statistically significant (p<0.001). Health care workers, 94.81% (12722/13418) had received one dose of vaccine with 53.36% (6789/13418) both doses. Above 45 years eligible population; 66.68% (154254/231331) received one dose of vaccine.Conclusions: Surveillance and management of COVID-19 were as per GOI guidelines issued. However, to enhance response we recommended strict implementation of appropriate behaviour in community, establishment of containment zones/facilities for high risk population in urban area blocks and increasing laboratories with RT-PCR testing in appropriate proportions.

scholarly journals Leptospira spp. seroprevalence in humans involved in a cross-sectional study in Garissa and Tana River Counties, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arithi Mutembei ◽  
Festus K. Mutai ◽  
Damaris Mwololo ◽  
John Muriuki ◽  
Mark Obonyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Fatality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
P Value ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Test Statistic ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tana River

AbstractIntroductionLeptospirosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic infection caused by spirochetes of Leptospira genus. Humans get infected through direct or indirect contact with urine of infected animals or environment. It accounts for more than 300,000 severe cases annually worldwide with case fatality rates of over 30%. Costs of diagnosis and treatment for human and animals, disruption of international trade of animals and products, reduced productivity and reproductivity in animals constitute economic importance. In Kenya, leptospirosis burden is significant but under-diagnosis and under-reporting affects the awareness of the disease. This study aimed to determine and compare the sero-prevalence and factors associated with Leptospira spp. in the two counties.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study that involved apparently healthy people of at least 5 years of age in randomly selected households in Garissa and Tana River Counties. Blood samples were collected and tested for Leptospira spp antibodies using IgM ELISA. Standardized structured questionnaires were administered to collect socio-demographic and exposure information. We calculated frequencies and proportions for categorical variables and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate association between sero-positivity and exposure factors. We used Wilcoxon test to evaluate statistical difference in sero-positivity for continuous variables and calculated test statistic (H) and p-value.ResultsA total of 952 subjects were recruited into the study – these included 482 persons from Garissa and 470 from Tana River. The overall sero-prevalence was 26% [(244/952); (CI: 23% to 29%)]. Garissa County had significantly higher Leptospira spp. seroprevalence (31%, n = 147; CI: 27% to 35%) compared to Tana River County (21 %, n = 97; CI: 17% to 25%). Being a female (OR=1.6, CI: 1.2-2.2) and engaging in pastoralism (OR=2.7, CI: 1.8-3.9) were significantly associated with higher odds of Leptospira spp. seropositivity compared to being a male or working in irrigated areas. The mean altitude of residence of sero-positive patients was 73m ± 21 SD (standard deviation) above sea level and that for sero-negative was 80m ± 22 SD (H=35, p-value = 0.00).ConclusionThis study determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for Leptospira spp. exposure in Garissa and Tana River Counties, Kenya. Females in pastoral communities experience high burden of the disease. Enhanced surveillance in humans and animals and further research is required to understand the complex and multifactorial drivers of leptospirosis transmission in the two Counties.

scholarly journals Needle Stick Injuries among Health Care Workers in AL-Madinah AL-Munawara Governmental Hospitals in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Omar Audah Albeladi ◽  
Sami saeed Almudaraa ◽  
Asma Awwad Alqusibri ◽  
Nader Moneer Alqerafi ◽  
Yazeed Saeed Alsenani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Average Score ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Needle Stick ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Needle Stick Injuries

BACKGROUND: Needle stick injuries are a dangerous occupational hazard that threatens health care workers with serious consequences in many cases. Because of inadequate reporting of these incidents, the true magnitude of the problem is unknown. The study&rsquo;s aim was to investigate the epidemiology of needle stick injuries (NSIs) among health care workers in Al Madinah Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A representative sample of health care workers (n=268) were randomly selected from emergency departments of three general hospitals in Al Madinah Al Munawara for a cross-sectional study, and 219 responded to a predesigned questionnaire reflecting exposure to NSI, reporting, post-exposure reactions, and knowledge about NSIs. RESULTS: Almost one third of the participating medical professionals 70 (32%) had been exposed to stick injury during work. One half of the needles (52.9%) were blood stained. Nurses are significantly more likely to have stick injury (38.6%) followed by physicians (30.4%) if compared to laboratory technicians (13.9%) at the p-value of less than 0.05. The main purposes during injuries were drawing blood sample 33 (47.1%), injection 31 (44.3%) and suturing 23 (32.9%). Almost all injured personnel (97.1%) cleaned the injury site immediately and thoroughly. Out of the injured personnel, 50 (71.4%) reported the incident to authorities. A significantly higher proportion of physicians (91.3%) achieved above average score if compared to both lab technicians (72.2%) and nurses (76.3%) at the p-value of less than 0.05. CONCLUSION: Occupational needle stick injuries are fairly common among health care workers at Al Madinah Al Munawara&rsquo;s governmental hospitals. In hospitals, deliberate efforts should be made to ensure adherence to safety guidelines governing needle stick injuries.

scholarly journals Pericarditis and myocarditis long after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross-sectional descriptive study in health-care workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rocio Eiros ◽  
Manuel Barreiro-Perez ◽  
Ana Martin-Garcia ◽  
Julia Almeida ◽  
Eduardo Villacorta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Beta Cell ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Alpha Beta

Background: Cardiac sequelae of past SARS-CoV-2 infection are still poorly documented. We conducted a cross-sectional study in health-care workers to report evidence of pericarditis and myocarditis after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods We studied 139 health-care workers with confirmed past SARS-CoV-2 infection (103 diagnosed by RT-PCR and 36 by serology). Participants underwent clinical assessment, electrocardiography, laboratory tests including immune cell profiling and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Pericarditis was diagnosed when classical criteria were present, and the diagnosis of myocarditis was based on the updated CMR Lake-Louise-Criteria. Results: Median age was 52 years (IQR 41-57), 100 (72%) were women, and 23 (16%) were previously hospitalized for Covid-19 pneumonia. At examination (10.4 [9.3-11.0] weeks after infection-like symptoms), all participants presented hemodynamic stability. Chest pain, dyspnoea or palpitations were observed in 58 (42%) participants; electrocardiographic abnormalities in 69 (50%); NT-pro-BNP was elevated in 11 (8%); troponin in 1 (1%); and CMR abnormalities in 104 (75%). Isolated pericarditis was diagnosed in 4 (3%) participants, myopericarditis in 15 (11%) and isolated myocarditis in 36 (26%). Participants diagnosed by RT-PCR were more likely to still present symptoms than participants diagnosed by serology (73 [71%] vs 18 [50%]; p=0.027); nonetheless, the prevalence of pericarditis or myocarditis was high in both groups (44 [43%] vs 11 [31%]; p=0.238). Most participants (101 [73%]) showed altered immune cell counts in blood, particularly decreased eosinophil (37 [27%]; p<0.001) and increased CD4-CD8-/loT alpha beta-cell numbers (24 [17%]; p<0.001). Pericarditis was associated with elevated CD4-CD8-/loT alpha beta-cell numbers (p=0.011), while participants diagnosed with myopericarditis or myocarditis had lower (p<0.05) plasmacytoid dendritic cell, NK-cell and plasma cell counts and lower anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibody levels (p=0.027). Conclusions: Pericarditis and myocarditis with clinical stability are frequent long after SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in presently asymptomatic subjects. These observations will probably apply to the general population infected and may indicate that cardiac sequelae might occur late in association with an altered (delayed) innate and adaptative immune response.

scholarly journals Predictors of illness severity in COVID-19 cases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem A. AlDossary ◽  
Amani Alnimr ◽  
Reem Aljindan ◽  
Khaled Alkharsah ◽  
Ahmed Al-Qurayn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Fatality ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
P Value ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Cycle Threshold ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Epidemiological Features ◽  
First Case ◽  
Clinical Presentations

Abstract Background Multiple studies worldwide reported the clinical and epidemiological features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with limited reports form the Middle East area. Methods This is an observational study to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of 341 COVID-19 cases in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia over the first three months from reporting the first case in the country and identify factors associated with severity of the illness. Results The median age was 45 years and males were twice as affected as females (p value < 0.0001). The duration of viral shedding ranged from 9 to 36 days. The most common clinical presentations include fever, shortness of breath, cough, myalgia, sore throat, vomiting, and headache. Severe and critical cases were significantly higher in males compared to females (23% vs 8.7%), senior adults (> 65 years), Bengali ethnicity, and in patient with com-morbidities including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (p-value = 0.001). Furthermore, case fatality rate was found to be 10% and was significantly higher in male gender compared to female (13.8%vs 2.6%), and in Asian ethnicity (17.9%) compared to Arabs (6%) and African counterparts (0) (p-value = 0.002). No association was found between viral load represented by the RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values and severity of illness. Conclusion Age, gender and ethnicity are important predictors of COVID-19 severity while Cycle threshold (Ct) of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test cannot be used as a predictor of criticality of illness.

scholarly journals Analysis of COVID-19 Prevention Practices on Health Care Workers in Three Hospitals in Palembang

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-216
Author(s):  
Tamarakha Yumna ◽  
Nur Alam Fajar ◽  
Rico Januar Sitorus
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Care Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global concern. In this case, Health Care Workers (HCW) are at the front lines in dealing with the pandemic as they provide diagnosis, care, and treatment. However, their duties have directly placed them at the most at risk of infection. Mitigation and risk reduction are crucial for safeguarding HCWs' health as it prevents the spread of COVID-19. This research aimed to find out the practice of COVID-19 prevention and the correlation among practice and knowledge, attitudes, and personality traits of HCW in Palembang. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2021 on 255 HCW who have direct contact with patients. The number of respondents per hospital is taken proportionally according to the portion of HCW in each selected hospital. The instrument consisted of demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. It proves that it is reliable with Cronbach's alpha value of 0.7. The researchers used descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression. Overall, 65.2% of participants had good knowledge, 60% had a positive attitude, and 53.3% had good practice. Education (p-value 0.022) and attitude (p-value 0.000) of HCW were all influencing factor in practice. HCW who have a negative attitude are 5.413 times more to have bad practices than those who have a positive attitude (p-value<0.001;PR=5.413). However, training for HCW and further research are recommended to analyze the availability of personal protective equipment, adequate facilities, hospital policies, or other factors that can influence and motivate the practice of HCW.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices (KAP) and Misconceptions in the General Population of Katsina State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-37
Author(s):  
M. B. Isah ◽  
◽  
M. Abdulsalam ◽  
A. Bello ◽  
M. I Ibrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control Male ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Media Platform ◽  
Short And Long Term

Over six million cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported globally by the second quarter of 2020. This study assessed the COVID-19 related knowledge, attitudes, practices and misconceptions in Katsina state, Nigeria. The study is across-sectional survey of 722 respondents using an electronic questionnaire through the WhatsApp media platform. One thousand five hundred questionnaires were sent to the general public with a response rate of 48%. Among the respondents, 60% were men, and 56% held bachelor’s degree and above. The respondents have good knowledge of COVID-19 (80% correct rate on questions related to knowledge). Being more educated is associated with both higher average COVID-19 knowledge score and positive COVID-19 related practices. Overall, >70% of the respondents have a positive attitude towards successful COVID-19 control. Male were more likely than female (Fisher’s exact test P value < 0.05) to have recently attended a crowded place. Among the respondents, 83% held at least one misconception related to COVID-19. Respondents at all levels of education frequently chose to trust health unit and health care workers for relevant COVID-19 information. In conclusion, although there is high COVID-19 related knowledge among the respondents, misconceptions are widespread among them. These misconceptions have consequences on the short- and long-term control efforts against the disease and hence should be incorporated in targeted campaigns. Healthcare related personnel should be at the forefront of the campaign. Keywords: COVID-19; knowledge; attitude; practices; misconceptions; Nigeria

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Related to COVID-19 Prevention among Health Care Workers in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 44-61
Author(s):  
Oche M. Oche ◽  
Habibullah Adamu ◽  
Musa Yahaya ◽  
Ismail A. Raji ◽  
Hudu Garba Illo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Appropriate Practices

Aims: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to coronavirus pandemic among health care workers in Sokoto metropolis of Sokoto State, Nigeria.  Study Design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sokoto metropolis, northwest Nigeria between July and October 2020 Methodology: Four hundred and twenty-seven respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected manually using a self-administered questionnaire entered into the computer for analysis using IBM SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and frequencies of the various variables were tabulated. Results: The mean age was 35.16+- 9.25 years, with those aged 30-39 years constituting 38% of the respondents. There were 53.2% males, 47.3% nurses, and 27.2% doctors, and 71.6% of the respondents were from tertiary health institutions, out of which 42% had 1-5 years of work experience. Up to 99% were aware of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), and overall, 78.2% had good knowledge, and 91% of all the respondents had positive attitudes towards the pandemic (p-value 0.001). Overall, 68.4% of the health workforce had appropriate practices towards preventing COVID-19, and 83% were willing to be posted to isolation centers with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 amongst the health workforce in Sokoto with significant positive attitudes towards the pandemic and appropriate practices towards preventing the pandemic and willingness to work in isolation centers to support the prevention of the pandemic.

PERBANDINGAN RUMUS JOHNSON DAN RUMUS RISANTO DALAM MENENTUKAN TAKSIRAN BERAT JANIN PADA IBU HAMIL DENGAN BERAT BADAN BERLEBIH

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-27
Author(s):  
Leo Jumadi Simanjuntak ◽  
Patrick Anando Simanjuntak
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Estimated Fetal Weight

Background: Estimated fetal weight (EFW) is important to determine mode of delivery. The use of estimated fetal weight based on fundal height has been widely used, but the use on overweight mothers is still limited. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the Johnson’s and Risanto’s formula in estimating fetal weight on overweight mothers. Method: The design used was cross-sectional, conducted at Mitra Sejati, Herna, and Methodist Sussana Wesley hospital on November 2019 until January 2020. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare EFW mean differences between Johnson’s and Risanto’s to actual birth weight. Paired t-test was used to compare EFW mean differences between Johnson’s and Risanto’s. Results: There were 103 overweight pregnant mothers fulfilling study criteria. The BMI mean was 31,26 ± 5l,54 kg/m2. Both Johnson’s and Risanto’s formula had no significant mean difference compare to actual birth weight, of 332,45 gram on Johnson’s (p value = 0,070) and 298,57 gram on Risanto’s (p value = 0,863). The mean difference between Risanto’s formula and actual birth weight was significantly lower than Johnson’s (mean difference = 33,88 gram, p value = 0,01). Conclusions: EFW measurement using Johnson’s and Risanto’s formula based on fundal height can be applied and used properly by health care workers. Risanto’s formula was more accurate to estimate fetal weight than Johnson’s in overweight mothers.   Latar belakang: Menentukan taksiran berat janin (TBJ) adalah penting bagi penolong persalinan untuk menentukan jenis persalinan. Pengukuran TBJ menggunakan tinggi fundus uterus merupakan metode yang banyak digunakan, namun penggunaan pada ibu hamil dengan berat badan berlebih masih terbatas. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan membandingkan rumus Johnson dan rumus Risanto dalam menentukan TBJ pada ibu hamil dengan berat badan berlebih. Metode: Desain penelitian adalah potong lintang, data diambil di RSU Mitra Sejati, RSU Herna, dan RSU Methodist Sussana Wesley pada November 2019 – Januari 2020. Dilakukan uji Mann-Whitney untuk membandingkan perbedaan rerata TBJ dengan rumus Johnson dan Risanto dengan berat badan lahir. Uji-t berpasangan digunakan untuk membandingkan perbedaan rerata TBJ dengan rumus Johnson dan Risanto. Hasil: Didapatkan 103 ibu hamil yang memenuhi kriteria penelitian dengan rerata IMT 31,26 ± 5l,54 kg/m2. Terdapat perbedaan rerata TBJ rumus Johnson dan rumus Risanto dibandingkan berat badan lahir sebesar 332,45 gram dan 298,57 gram. Tidak terdapat perbedaan rerata bermakna antara penghitungan TBJ menggunakan rumus Johnson dengan berat badan lahir (p = 0,070) dan rumus Risanto dengan berat badan lahir (p = 0,863). Perbedaan selisih TBJ Risanto dengan berat badan lahir lebih rendah dibandingkan selisih TBJ Johnson dengan berat badan lahir, yaitu sebesar 33,88 gram dan bermakna secara statistik (p = 0,01). Kesimpulan: Pengukuran TBJ menggunakan rumus Johnson dan rumus Risanto dapat diterapkan dan digunakan dengan baik oleh tenaga medis. Rumus Risanto memiliki tingkat ketepatan yang lebih baik dibandingkan rumus Johnson dalam menentukan TBJ pada ibu hamil dengan berat badan berlebih.

scholarly journals Perilaku Tes HIV pada Laki-Laki yang Berhubungan Seks dengan Laki-Laki (LSL) di Provinsi Bali

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Putu Krisna Saputra ◽  
Bagoes Widjanarko
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
P Value ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Voluntary Counseling And Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
History Of

ABSTRACTMen who have sex with men (MSM) is a high risk population in infected with HIV and AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) . Based on data from the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) in 2011 found that HIV prevalence among MSM is between 2.4 % to 17 % . Based on data from the Gaya Dewata Foundation , the number of new MSM reached in 2013 amounted to 1,322 people . However , the number of HIV tests among MSM in 2013 only amounted to 874. While the number of new HIV cases among MSM in 2013 amounted to 118 cases , this number increased by two times in 2011, which is amounted to 50 cases. This research is a quantitative study with cross sectional approach. The number of respondents 110 people choosen by purposive sampling technique.Quantitative data collection techniques through interviews with the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis with frequency distribution, using the chi-square bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. The results showed that the variables associated with HIV testing behavior among MSM in Bali Province is the type of place to stay and history of STIs . Multivariate analysis showed that a history of STIs ( p value = 0.005 ) is the variable that has the most significant effect on the behavior of HIV testing in MSM in Bali Province with OR of 3.400. HIV testing in MSM behavior quite well. The majority of respondents had an HIV test within 0-6 months ago. Most respondents did last HIV test in Denpasar. Forms of HIV tests performed by the respondent is entirely voluntary counseling and testing ( VCT ) as well as all respondents knew of his HIV test results.Keywords: MSM, HIV Testing, Bali

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Preventive Measures in Keeping Low Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Health Care Workers in a Referral Children’s Hospital in Southern Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-124
Author(s):  
Désirée Caselli ◽  
Daniela Loconsole ◽  
Rita Dario ◽  
Maria Chironna ◽  
Maurizio Aricò
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Children's Hospital ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Children’S Hospital ◽  
Second Wave

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic now represents a major threat to public health. Health care workers (HCW) are exposed to biological risk. Little is currently known about the risk of HCW operating in pediatric wards for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim is to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCW in a third-level children’s hospital in Southern Italy. An observational cohort study of all asymptomatic HCW (physician, technicians, nurses, and logistic and support operators) was conducted. HCW were screened, on a voluntary basis, for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swab performed during the first wave of COVID-19. The study was then repeated, with the same modalities, at a 7-month interval, during the “second wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the initial screening between 7 and 24 April 2020, 525 HCW were tested. None of them tested positive. At the repeated screening, conducted between 9 and 20 November 2020, 627 HCW were tested, including 61 additional ones resulting from COVID-emergency recruitment. At this second screening, eight subjects (1.3%) tested positive, thus being diagnosed as asymptomatic carriers of SARS-CoV-2. They were one physician, five nurses, and two HCW from the logistic/support services. They were employed in eight different wards/services. In all cases, the epidemiological investigation showed convincing evidence that the infection was acquired through social contacts. The study revealed a very low circulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCW tested with RT-PCR. All the infections documented in the second wave of epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 were acquired outside of the workplace, confirming that in a pediatric hospital setting, HCW education, correct use of personal protective equipment, and separation of the COVID-patient pathway and staff flow may minimize the risk derived from occupational exposure.

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