Are Dutch Hospitals Prepared for Chemical, Biological, or Radionuclear Incidents? A Survey Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 483-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc J.M. Mortelmans ◽  
Menno I. Gaakeer ◽  
Greet Dieltiens ◽  
Kurt Anseeuw ◽  
Marc B. Sabbe
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Radiation Detection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Preparedness ◽  
High Doses

AbstractIntroductionBeing one of Europe’s most densely populated countries, and having multiple nuclear installations, a heavy petrochemical industry, and terrorist targets, the Netherlands is at-risk for chemical, biological, or radionuclear (CBRN) incidents. Recent world and continental events show that this threat is real and that authorities may be underprepared.HypothesisThe hypothesis of this study is that Dutch hospitals are underprepared to deal with these incidents.MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed. All 93 Dutch hospitals with an emergency department (ED) were sent a link to an online survey on different aspects of CBRN preparedness. Besides specific hospital information, information was obtained on the hospital’s disaster planning; risk perception; and availability of decontamination units, personal protective equipment (PPE), antidotes, radiation detection, infectiologists, isolation measures, and staff training.ResultsResponse rate was 67%. Sixty-two percent of participating hospitals were estimated to be at-risk for CBRN incidents. Only 40% had decontamination facilities and 32% had appropriate PPE available for triage and decontamination teams. Atropine was available in high doses in all hospitals, but specific antidotes that could be used for treating victims of CBRN incidents, such as hydroxycobolamine, thiosulphate, Prussian blue, Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), or pralidoxime, were less frequently available (74%, 65%, 18%, 14%, and 42%, respectively). Six percent of hospitals had radioactive detection equipment with an alarm function and 22.5% had a nuclear specialist available 24/7 in case of disasters. Infectiologists were continuously available in 60% of the hospitals. Collective isolation facilities were present in 15% of the hospitals.Conclusion:There is a serious lack of hospital preparedness for CBRN incidents in The Netherlands.MortelmansLJM, GaakeerMI, DieltiensG, AnseeuwK, SabbeMB. Are Dutch hospitals prepared for chemical, biological, or radionuclear incidents? A survey study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(5):483–491.

scholarly journals Pharmacists’ Perception of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11541
Author(s):  
Tamara Al-Daghastani ◽  
Odate Tadros ◽  
Shereen Arabiyat ◽  
Deema Jaber ◽  
Husam AlSalamat
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Second Wave

Objectives: To analyze the role of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic, to measure pharmacists’ attitude toward COVID-19 safety measures (wearing masks, wearing gloves, isolation shield, good hygiene, etc.), and explore their perspectives regarding a second wave of the virus. Methods: This cross-sectional online survey study was conducted in Jordan during the COVID-19 outbreak in July 2020 to discuss Jordanian pharmacists’ awareness of safety at their workplace during the COVID-19 outbreak, their sources of information, and their predictions for COVID-19 vaccination. Results: The participants (n = 311) were all pharmacists mostly aged between 23–30 years old (45%) and female (83%). The primary source of information about COVID-19 was social networking (38.9%). Pharmacists were committed to social distancing (86.5%) and wearing masks (76.2%). They expressed levels of agreement to their role in decreasing COVID-19 spread (94.2%) and correcting false information (94.5%); they expressed levels of expectation toward concern about a second COVID-19 wave (83%) that would be more severe than the previous one (43.4%). Pharmacists expected that an influenza vaccine might be helpful in decreasing severity and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic (56.9%). Pharmacists expected COVID-19 vaccine development within 6 months of administering our study survey (84.9%) and that vaccination might be effective in preventing COVID-19 (93%) infection. Conclusion: Pharmacists expressed positive roles on COVID-19 spread through exemplary actions, self-commitment to protection measures, and public health awareness. Social media as a source of health information should be cautiously investigated, and pharmacists should always refer to evidence-based sources. The role of pharmacists is particularly important for the upcoming era of COVID-19 vaccination administration and awareness.

scholarly journals What are the barriers and facilitators of volunteering among healthcare students during the COVID-19 pandemic? A Saudi-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e042910
Author(s):  
Reem S AlOmar ◽  
Nouf A AlShamlan ◽  
Naheel A AlAmer ◽  
Fajar Aldulijan ◽  
Seereen AlMuhaidib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Moral Duties ◽  
Healthy Participants

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess the volunteering of undergraduate health students and interns in the Ministry of Health (MOH) services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, its motivational factors and barriers, as well as their risk perception of COVID-19.DesignA cross-sectional study.ParticipantsFrom 12 to 21 May 2020, an online survey was sent to all undergraduate health students and interns in the KSA. This included questions on demographics, volunteering status, risk perception of COVID-19, as well as motivations and barriers towards volunteering.ResultsIn a convenience sample of 6016 students and interns across KSA, 1824 (30.31%) have volunteered with the MOH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering was more likely among older participants, from the College of Medicine, those with self-perceived at risk of COVID-19 infection and those with self-perceived healthy participants. Females, those who did not think that students had moral duties to volunteer, those who were at risk of seasonal influenza and those with self-perceived at risk of hospitalisation from COVID-19 were less likely to volunteer. Patriotism, gaining experience, assisting when able and religious rewards all were reported as major motivators to volunteer. Non-volunteering participants reported that lack of interest, protocol and knowledge, as well as issues related to their personal health and transportation were the main barriers to volunteering.ConclusionsAbout one-third of undergraduate health students and interns volunteered during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in KSA. Moral values were the most important motivations among volunteers. Efforts to encourage heath students and interns to volunteer and providing those with appropriate educational programmes are recommended.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Health of K-12 Students Engaged in Emergency Remote Education and In-Person Schooling: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8564
Author(s):  
Daniel Acosta ◽  
Yui Fujii ◽  
Diana Joyce-Beaulieu ◽  
K. D. Jacobs ◽  
Anthony T. Maurelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
School Level ◽  
Remote Education ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Anxiety Depression

As online classes became the norm in many countries as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the concern for child and adolescent mental health became an issue of concern. This study evaluates the differences in the psychosocial status of school children based on engagement in in-person or Emergency Remote Education (ERE) and assessed the prevalence and predictors of symptom-derived risk levels for anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). Cross-sectional data were collected from students at a Florida K-12 school and their household members through an online survey conducted in October 2020 (n = 145). No significant difference was found between ERE and in-person learning for risk of anxiety, depression, or OCD. Prevalence of students presenting as at risk for anxiety, depression, and OCD was 42.1%, 44.8%, and 41.4%. Several student factors (e.g., child sex, school level) and parental factors (e.g., parental COVID-19 attitudes) were associated with students presenting as at risk for anxiety, depression, or OCD; child’s participation in sports was protective against all three outcomes. Participation in sports was found to be protective against risk of anxiety (aOR = 0.36, CI = 0.14–0.93), depression (aOR = 0.38, CI= 0.15–0.93), and OCD (aOR = 0.31, CI = 0.11–0.85).

scholarly journals Acceptable health and ageing: results of a cross-sectional study from Hungary

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Márta Péntek ◽  
Job van Exel ◽  
László Gulácsi ◽  
Valentin Brodszky ◽  
Zsombor Zrubka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health States ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Descriptive System

Abstract Background We aimed to investigate the acceptability of imperfect health states in relation to age in Hungary and analyse its determinants. Results are contrasted to age-matched actual population health scores and to findings from a previous study in The Netherlands. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was performed. The same survey questions were applied as in a previous study in The Netherlands in order to enable inter-country comparisons. The descriptive system of the EQ-5D-3L health status questionnaire was used to assess the acceptability of moderate and severe health problems at ages from 30 to 80 by 10-year age-groups. Descriptive statistics were performed and linear regression analysis was used to investigate the determinants of acceptability. Results Altogether 9281 (female 32.8%) were involved with mean age 36.0 years and EQ-5D-3L index score of 0.852 (SD 0.177). Acceptability of health problems increased with age, differed per health domain and with severity of the problems. Except for ‘Self-care’, moderate health problems were acceptable by the majority from age 70 and acceptability scores were lower than EQ-5D-3L population norms from that age. The lowest average acceptability age was found in the ‘Anxiety/depression’ and dimension the highest in the ‘Self-care’ dimension. Respondents’ age, current health, and lifestyle were significant determinants (R2: 0.041–0.130). With a few minor exceptions in some health dimensions, acceptability levels and patterns were strikingly similar to the Dutch findings. Conclusion In Hungary, acceptability of health problems increases with age and the majority found severe problems never acceptable. Views on acceptability of health problems seem to be fairly generalizable across European countries with different health and economic indicators.

A Study of Hospital Disaster Preparedness in South Yemen

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waheeb Nasr Naser ◽  
Pier Luigi Ingrassia ◽  
Salem Aladhrae ◽  
Wegdan Ali Abdulraheem
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Private Hospitals ◽  
Comprehensive Strategy ◽  
Hospital Preparedness ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Hospital Disaster Preparedness

AbstractIntroductionDespite emphasis by disaster experts on the importance of disaster preparedness, disaster management in Yemen has attracted only a little attention. Most of the efforts have focused on post-disaster relief activities rather than the pre-disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Hospitals have a crucial role in emergency response and should be prepared. Thus, the aim of this study was intended to assess the hospital preparedness of Aden Capital, South Yemen against disasters.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2016. The sample was all Aden City facilities with a total number of 10 hospitals: five public and five private hospitals. A survey was done by using the World Health Organization (WHO; Geneva, Switzerland) standards checklist 2011.ResultsThe overall preparedness of Aden City hospitals to disasters fell at the unacceptable level of readiness, with an average mean of 46.6 (SD = 38.31; range 24-82). Of 10 hospitals, two ranked insufficient while eight hospitals were at unacceptable levels of preparedness.ConclusionAll hospitals were noted grossly unprepared for potential disasters. Therefore, it is recommended that greater efforts be invested in creating a comprehensive strategy and national or local guidelines to establish an emergency management system based on the anticipated hazard and the needed resources.NaserWN, IngrassiaPL, AladhraeS, AbdulraheemWA. A study of hospital disaster preparedness in South Yemen. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):133–138.

scholarly journals Public perspectives on social distancing and other protective measures in Europe: a cross-sectional survey study during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karien Meier ◽  
Toivo Glatz ◽  
Mathijs C Guijt ◽  
Marco Piccininni ◽  
Merel van der Meulen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Social Distancing

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe extent to which people implement government-issued protective measures is critical in preventing further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Our study aimed to evaluate the public belief in the effectiveness of protective measures, the reported implementation of these measures in daily life, and to identify communication channels used to acquire relevant information on COVID-19 in European countries.DesignA cross-sectional online survey available in multiple languages was disseminated on social media starting March 19th, 2020. After five days, we computed descriptive statistics for countries with more than 500 respondents. Each day, we compiled and categorized community containment measures enacted in each country by stringency (stage I-IV). Response collection continued for one week to explore possible dynamics as containment strategies intensified.ParticipantsIn total, 9,796 adults responded, of whom 8,611 resided in the Netherlands (stage III), 604 in Germany (stage III), and 581 in Italy (stage IV). An additional 1,365 respondents completed the survey in the following week.ResultsParticipants indicated support for governmental measures related to avoiding social gatherings, selective closure of public places, and hand hygiene and respiratory measures (range for all measures: 95.0%-99.7%). Respondents from the Netherlands were less likely to consider a complete social lockdown effective (59.2%), compared to respondents in Germany (76.6%) or Italy (87.2%). Italian residents did not only apply enforced social distancing measures more frequently (range: 90.2%-99.3%, German and Dutch residents: 67.5%-97.0%), but also self-initiated hygienic and social distancing behaviors (range: 36.3%-96.6%, German and Dutch residents: 28.3%-95.7%). Respondents largely reported being sufficiently informed about the COVID-19 outbreak and about behaviors to avoid infection (range across countries: 90.2%-91.1%). Information channels most commonly reported included television (range: 53.0%-82.0%), newspapers (range: 31.0%-63.0%), official health websites (range: 39.0%-54.1%), and social media (range: 40.0%-55.8%). We observed no major changes in answers over time.ConclusionsIn European countries, the degree of public belief in the effectiveness of protective measures was high and residents reported to be sufficiently informed by various communication channels. In March 2020, implementation of enacted and self-initiated measures differed between countries and were highest among Italian respondents, who were subjected to the most elaborate measures of social lockdown and greatest COVID-19 burden in Europe.

scholarly journals Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear preparedness of public hospitals in Riyadh

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ali Alahmari ◽  
Anas A Khan
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Detection ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Biological Warfare Agents ◽  
Government Hospitals ◽  
Hospital Preparedness ◽  
Warfare Agents ◽  
Local Agencies

Abstract ObjectivesChemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents are those that involve chemical or biological warfare agents or toxic radiological or nuclear materials. These agents can cause disasters intentionally or accidentally. Hospitals play a crucial role in handling CBRN disasters. This study aimed to assess the CBRN preparedness of government hospitals in Riyadh.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across government hospitals in Riyadh, all government hospitals in Riyadh with more than 100 inpatient beds and an emergency department met the inclusion criteria. Hospital preparedness was assessed using an adaptation of the CBRNE Plan Checklist. Results were described in frequencies across several domains such as foundational considerations, planning, training and awareness, procedures, and modules for preparing for a biological incident, a chemical incident, and a radiological or nuclear incident.ResultsOf the 11 eligible hospitals, 10 participated in the study. Further, CBRN considerations were included in the disaster plans of 7 hospitals. Drills had been conducted in collaboration with local agencies in only 2 hospitals. The staff had been trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of exposure to class (A) biological agents in less than half of the hospitals. A majority of the hospitals had antidotes and prophylactics to manage chemical incidents, but only half of them had radiation detection instruments. Personal protective equipment was available in all hospitals, but rapid access to stockpiles of medications was available in only half of them.ConclusionGovernment hospitals in Riyadh demonstrated insufficient CBRN preparedness. Therefore, their staffs should be trained to manage CBRN emergencies, and local drills should be conducted to improve their preparedness.

Minerals Intake Distributions in a Large Sample of Iranian at-Risk Population Using the National Cancer Institute Method: Do They Meet Their Requirements?

2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 129-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Heidari ◽  
Awat Feizi ◽  
Leila Azadbakht ◽  
Nizal Sarrafzadegan
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
National Cancer Institute ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract. Background: Minerals are required for the body’s normal function. Aim: The current study assessed the intake distribution of minerals and estimated the prevalence of inadequacy and excess among a representative sample of healthy middle aged and elderly Iranian people. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the second follow up to the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS), 1922 generally healthy people aged 40 and older were investigated. Dietary intakes were collected using 24 hour recalls and two or more consecutive food records. Distribution of minerals intake was estimated using traditional (averaging dietary intake days) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) methods, and the results obtained from the two methods, were compared. The prevalence of minerals intake inadequacy or excess was estimated using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method, the probability approach and the tolerable upper intake levels (UL). Results: There were remarkable differences between values obtained using traditional and NCI methods, particularly in the lower and upper percentiles of the estimated intake distributions. A high prevalence of inadequacy of magnesium (50 - 100 %), calcium (21 - 93 %) and zinc (30 - 55 % for males > 50 years) was observed. Significant gender differences were found regarding inadequate intakes of calcium (21 - 76 % for males vs. 45 - 93 % for females), magnesium (92 % vs. 100 %), iron (0 vs. 15 % for age group 40 - 50 years) and zinc (29 - 55 % vs. 0 %) (all; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Severely imbalanced intakes of magnesium, calcium and zinc were observed among the middle-aged and elderly Iranian population. Nutritional interventions and population-based education to improve healthy diets among the studied population at risk are needed.

Does Dispositional Mindfulness Predict the Development of Grit?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buaphrao Raphiphatthana ◽  
Paul Jose ◽  
Karen Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Dispositional Mindfulness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Self Report Data ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
Mindfulness Facets

Abstract. Grit, that is, perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is a novel construct that has gained attention in recent years ( Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007 ). To date, little research has been performed with the goal of identifying the antecedents of grit. Thus, in order to fill this gap in the literature, self-report data were collected to examine whether mindfulness, a mindset of being-in-the-present in a nonjudgmental way, plays a role in fostering grittiness. Three hundred and forty-three undergraduate students completed an online survey once in a cross-sectional study, and of these, 74 students completed the survey again 4.5 months later. Although the cross-sectional analyses identified a number of positive associations between mindfulness and grit, the longitudinal analysis revealed that the mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and non-judging were the most important positive predictors of grit 4.5 months later. This set of findings offers implications for future grit interventions.

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