Risk factors for sharps injuries and the prevalence of blood borne infections among paramedics

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Gańczak ◽  
K Topczewska ◽  
M Korzen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elisa System ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Sharps Injuries ◽  
Anti Hiv

Abstract Background Although paramedics constitute a group of medical professionals continually at risk for sharps injuries (SI), possibly resulting in occupationally acquired bloodborne infections (BBI), data on blood exposures in this group are rather scant. Objectives To assess the incidence and selected risk factors for SI and to estimate the prevalence of BBI among paramedics. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional serosurvey, with ELISA system used to detect anti-HBc/anti-HCV/anti-HIV, was conducted among paramedics from 10 randomly selected ambulance stations in West Pomerania, Poland, between December 2018-October 2019. Knowledge about infection-control procedures was assessed with the use of 10 multiple choice questions. Results Response rate: 93%. Among 286 participants (76.5% males, Me age 37 years, Me length of practice 14 years) 19.6% sustained ≥ 1 SI in the preceding year (Me = 6.0, range 1-100); 50.8% of incidents were not reported. Regarding the most recent SI - the most often it took place in an ambulance (45.9%), during an emergency procedure (76.3%) and was caused by a hollow-bore needle (60.7%); in 66.1% of cases the device did not have a safety feature. Risk factors for SI were as follows: 52.6% paramedics did not use safety engineered devices at work, 52.2% reported recapping a needle in the preceding year, 5.5% irregularly used gloves; 3.4% had never participated in infection control training. The mean knowledge score was 2.6. The lack of infection control training was associated with higher odds (OR 4.64) of a SI. HBV vaccination coverage was 95.6%. Anti-HBc were found in 7.3% participants, no anti-HCV/anti-HIV positive paramedics were recognized. Conclusions Frequent SI, about half of those unreported, are important risk factors which could contribute to occupational HBV infections reported among paramedics. The risk of SI could be reduced by supply with safety engineered devices, safe work practices and an adequate training in infection-control procedures. Key messages Most risk factors for sharps injuries among Polish paramedics are modifiable. Continuous exposure to sharps injuries should be taken into account while assessing paramedics’ risk for acquiring an occupational blood-borne infection.

scholarly journals Frequency of Occupational Bloodborne Infections and Sharps Injuries among Polish Paramedics from Selected Ambulance Stations

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Maria Ganczak ◽  
Katarzyna Topczewska ◽  
Daniel Biesiada ◽  
Marcin Korzeń
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Emergency Procedure ◽  
The West ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elisa System ◽  
Hbv Vaccination ◽  
Safe Work ◽  
Bloodborne Infections ◽  
Sharps Injuries ◽  
Anti Hiv

To evaluate the prevalence of bloodborne infections (BBIs) and assess the incidence and selected risk factors for sharps injuries (SIs), a cross-sectional serosurvey was performed between December 2018 and October 2019 among 286 paramedics (76.5% males; mean age, 37 years) from 17 randomly selected ambulance stations in the West Pomeranian region of Poland. An ELISA system was used to detect anti-HBc, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV. HBV vaccination uptake was 95.6%; 7.3% (95% CI: 4.6–11.0%) paramedics were anti-HBc positive, and anti-HCV/anti-HIV seropositivity was not reported. Almost one-fourth of paramedics reported having had ≥1 SI during the preceding year (Me = 6.0, range 1–100). Most recent exposures primarily took place during an emergency procedure (76.7%), in an ambulance (45.2%), caused by hollow-bore needles (73.8%), and were not reported (50.0%). Additionally, 52.2% of paramedics reported needle recapping, and 52.6% did not use safety engineered devices (SEDs) at work. Mean knowledge score was low (2.6 ± 1.7); 3.4% had never participated in infection-control (IC) training, and those not trained were more likely to suffer a SI (odds ratio (OR) 4.64; p = 0.03). Due to frequent SIs, of which half are unreported, paramedics remain at risk of acquiring occupational BBIs. SI risk could be reduced by providing training on IC procedures, ensuring better compliance with safe work practices, and supplying more SEDs.

scholarly journals Analysis of risk factors for occupationally acquired HBV, HCV, HIV infections in Polish paramedics

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Topczewska ◽  
Maria Gańczak
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Exposure Risks ◽  
Anti Hiv

Abstract Background Paramedics constitute a group of professionals constantly exposed to potentially infectious biological material through close contacts with patients, possibly resulting in occupationally acquired infections. Objectives To assess the prevalence and to analyze selected risk factors for occupationally acquired HBV, HCV and HIV infections among Polish paramedics. Methods Between December 2018-April 2019 a cross-sectional sero-survey was conducted in 6 randomly selected ambulance stations in the West Pomeranian region of Poland with the use of an anonymous questionnaire. Serum samples were assessed for anti-HBc total, anti-HCV, anti-HIV with the use of 3rd-generation testing methods. Results Response rate was 83%; 141 participants (82% males, median age 33 years, median length of practice 11.9 years) agreed to participate. Anti-HBc were found in 7% participants, none of infected individuals was aware of an infection; no anti-HCV/anti-HIV positive paramedics were recognized. Risk factors for occupationally acquired infections were as follows: 5.1% paramedics were not vaccinated against HBV, 18.3% sustained ≥ 1 sharps injury in the preceding year (44.4% of incidents were not reported), 95.6% irregularly used masks/goggles, 6.2% used gloves irregularly (the lack of availability was the most commonly stated reason), 5.1% had never participated in infection control training, 61.6 % did not use safety engineered devices at work, 52.2% reported recapping a needle in the last 12 months. The risk of a single exposure to HBV was correctly defined by 40.2 % of participants, to HCV - by 33.0%, to HIV - by 28.3%. Conclusions Most risk factors for occupationally acquired blood-borne infections among Polish paramedics are modifiable. Unsatisfactory knowledge about the occupational exposure risks and poor compliance with infection-control procedures call for better risk recognition and assessment to reduce HBV, HCV and HIV infections in this group of health professionals. Key messages Paramedics showed detectable markers of HBV infection; individuals with not recognized occupationally acquired infection could be a source of infection for patients. Existing policies should be reinforced, and better surveillance for occupational risks should be instituted to minimize occupational blood borne infections among paramedics.

Injury and infection in dental clinics: Risk factors and prevention

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 609-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Al-Zoughool ◽  
Zaina Al-Shehri
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Direct Exposure ◽  
Previous Infection ◽  
Control Procedures

Needlestick and sharp instrument injuries are common in dental practice and present the risk of direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens, including hepatitis B virus. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the risk factors of injury and infection in three types of dental clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 274 male and 241 female dentists completed a structured questionnaire on demographic factors, compliance with infection control practices, and past exposure to injury and infection hazards. Dentists with more years of professional experience were significantly less likely to report having had an injury in the past (unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 0.48, 0.27–0.87 and 0.38, 0.16–0.89 for dentists with 10–20 years and for those with over 20 years of experience, respectively). Greater compliance with infection control procedures was associated with significantly fewer reports of previous infection (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12–0.84). Experience of occupational safety training was not associated with a lower rate of injury or infection. Greater occupational safety knowledge and compliance with infection control management practices contribute to a reduced risk of injury and infection among dentists. More focused and specialized training on infection control and occupational safety is needed for all practicing dentists and dental students.

scholarly journals Knowledge of Women on Early Symptoms of Cancer in Rural and Urban Areas of Mangalore

2012 ◽  
Vol 02 (01) ◽  
pp. 03-07
Author(s):  
Sonia Jacob ◽  
Fatima D'Silva
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Urban Women ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Early Symptoms

AbstractA descriptive cross sectional survey design was adopted for the study to assess and compare the level of knowledge of women on early symptoms of cancer. The sample consisted of 200 women, 100 from urban area of Jeppu and 100 from rural area of Natekal PHC. Stratified Sampling technique was used for selection of the samples. The data was collected by a demographic pro forma and a knowledge questionnaire which consisted of 23 multiple choice and 11 dichotomous (Yes/No) questions.Reliability of the tool was assessed using split half method and the reliability coefficient was found to be 0.9.Though the overall knowledge score of urban women was comparatively higher (38.26) than their rural counterparts (34.79), It was encouraging to note that rural women (53.6%) had better knowledge regarding risk factors and etiology of cancer when compared to urban women (51.02%).In India cancer related mortality is very high due to lack of awareness of the early symptoms leading to delayed screening and increased exposure rate of the risk factors. Nurses play a significant role in the disease prevention and health promotion of patients with cancer. Educational programs on healthful living with cost effective and motivating teaching strategies can be undertaken for the community so as to curb the mortality and morbidity associated with cancer

scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Osteoporosis and its Risk Factors among Female University Students in Mirpur Azad Kashmir: A Questionnaire Based Cross Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol V (I) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Husna Khalid ◽  
Muhammad Rauf ul Hassan ◽  
Iqra Aurangzeb Khan ◽  
Huma Farooq ◽  
Zafar Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
University Students ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Structured Education ◽  
Azad Kashmir

To assess the knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis and its risk factors among female university students in Mirpur Azad Kashmir. A cross-sectional study was carried out in female university students in Mirpur Azad Kashmir using a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis was assessed using OKAT (Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool) and descriptive analysis by using SPSS (version 25). Pearson Chi-Square test (p < 0.05) was used to assess significance.Mean age of the participants was 22.45 + 1.279 years. Mean total score was 11.86 + 3.3. The overall score of knowledge was moderate (68.8%). There was a significantly high difference about risk factors, complications, and preventive measures of osteoporosis between the two groups (p = 0.000). Discipline and family history of disease were significantly associated with overall knowledge score. This study concluded that overall knowledge of osteoporosis among female students was moderate. A well-structured education programs must be added to curriculum to prevent osteoporosis in later stages.

scholarly journals Public Knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdella Birhan YABEYU ◽  
Kaleab Haile ◽  
Yared Belay ◽  
Henok Tegegn
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
General Knowledge ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
One Way Anova

Aim: Awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) includes general knowledge of CKD and its risk factors. The current study aimed at assessing the public knowledge of CKD by using a validated tool. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The target population of this study was lay public, and health professionals were excluded from the study. Proportional numbers of study participants were included from each sub-city based on their total population size. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Frequencies, table’s percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to describe participants’ responses: Independent T-test and one way ANOVA statics was used to identify factors associated with public knowledge of CKD. Results: A total of 350 individuals were approached, 301 of whom completed and returned the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 86%. In this study, the mean (S.D.) knowledge score of participants was 11.12 (±4.21), with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 22. Concerning the distribution of the CKD knowledge score, half of the respondents score 11 and less. One way ANOVA revealed that educational level had a significant effect on knowledge of CKD. Respondents who had an educational background of degree had relatively higher knowledge scores than the other category participants (P-value= 0.015). An independent t-test was also performed but failed to reveal any association between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge score. Conclusions: The general knowledge level of the Ethiopian population about CKD and its risk factors is low. Currently, non-communicable disease such as diabetes and hypertension becomes public health concern and are one of the significant risk factors for CKD. As the study indicated, even these groups of populations were not adequately informed regarding their increased risk of developing CKD. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, public knowledge, Ethiopia

scholarly journals Knowledge, opinions, and practices related to oral cancer prevention and oral mucosal examination among dentists in Moldova, Belarus and Armenia: a multi-country cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Golburean ◽  
Maria Helene Hagen ◽  
Diana Uncuta ◽  
Marcela Tighineanu ◽  
Gayane Manrikyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prognostic Outcome ◽  
Available Information

Abstract Introduction Moldova, Belarus, and Armenia are post-Soviet countries with a high rate of heavy smokers and a relatively high age-standardized incidence of oral cancer. However, to our knowledge, there is lack of available information on dentists’ knowledge on prevention of oral cancer in the countries in question. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, opinions, and practices related to oral cancer prevention and oral mucosal examination among dentists in Moldova, Belarus, and Armenia. Methods This was a multi-country, cross-sectional study based on a self-administered questionnaire. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 3534 dentists (797 in Chisinau, Moldova, 1349 in Minsk, Belarus, and 1388 in Yerevan, Armenia). Dentists' knowledge about risk factors for oral cancer development and its clinical picture, current practices and opinions with regard to oral mucosal screening and oral cancer prevention, and their consistency to perform oral mucosal examination were assessed. A knowledge score ranging from 0 to 14 points was generated based on each dentist’s answer to the questionnaire. Results A total of 1316 dentists responded, achieving an overall response rate of 37.2% (34.5% in Moldova; 52.3% in Belarus; 24.2% in Armenia). Most dentists in the three countries correctly identified tobacco (83.8–98.2%) and prior oral cancer lesions (84.0–96.3%) as risk factors for oral cancer. Most dentists correctly identified leukoplakia as a lesion with malignant potential (68.7% in Moldova; 88.5% in Belarus; 69.9% in Armenia), while erythroplakia was identified by much fewer in all three countries. Less than 52% of dentists identified the tongue, rim of tongue, and floor of mouth as the most common sites for oral cancer. The mean knowledge score for all countries combined was 7.5 ± 2.7. The most commonly reported barriers to perform oral mucosal examination were lack of training, knowledge, and experience. Conclusions This study highlights the need for improved oral cancer-related education and training on oral mucosal examination for dentists in Moldova, Belarus, and Armenia. Such skills are essential to enhance oral cancer prevention and to improve the prognostic outcome by early detection.

scholarly journals Prevalence and determinants of digital eye strain among school children during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Simon ◽  
Shalet Paul
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
School Children ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Viewing Distance ◽  
Digital Device ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Device Use

Background: Digital eye strain (DES) is an emerging public health problem due to continuous exposure to electronic gadgets and digital devices for educational, occupational or entertainment purposes, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Children are more vulnerable to DES, as they continue to attend online classes but are unaware of early symptoms of DES and do not complain till their vision deteriorates. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of DES among school children during this pandemic.Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 176 school children aged 12-16 years, studying in 8th, 9th and 10th standards of a randomly selected school in Kollam district of Kerala, using the validated computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVSQ), sent online via Google form to parents/guardians for recording their children’s pattern of digital device usage and DES symptoms.Results: The prevalence of DES among school children was 29.5%. Their commonest symptom was headache (n=125, 69.9%). The smartphone was the most commonly used digital device (n=159, 93.5%). The independent risk factors of DES were the preferred use of smart phone (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.846; 95% CI=1.371-5.906; p=0.005) and viewing distance of digital device <18 inches (AOR=2.762; 95% CI=1.331-5.731; p=0.006).Conclusions: This study has highlighted some of the risk factors associated with DES. A concerted effort is needed to raise awareness about DES by experts in the health and education sectors, along with parents and teachers, so that digital device use among children can be optimised.

scholarly journals Knowledge, beliefs and practices on antibiotic use and resistance among a group of trainee nurses in Sri Lanka

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathanki Jayaweerasingham ◽  
Sacheera Angulmaduwa ◽  
Veranja Liyanapathirana
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Communication Link ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Objectives Nurses are the main communication link for healthcare messages to hospitalized patients and also play a crucial role in preventing the emergence and spread antibiotic resistant bacteria through antibiotic stewardship and infection control programmes. This requires them to possess correct knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use and resistance. This study was carried out to identify the level of knowledge, attitude and practices on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance among student nurses. Results A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire with closed and open ended questions, among 199 student nurses at a government nurses training school in Sri Lanka. Scores and proportions were analysed with non-parametric methods and thematic analysis was done for the qualitative data. The study cohort had a mean knowledge score of 71.9% (SD 14). However, close to 40% believed that taking antibiotics will help to prevent cold from worsening and make recovery faster. Infection control was identified as the main method that nurses can engage in preventing antibiotic resistance. While the knowledge among our study cohort appeared to be good, some misbeliefs were present. Our findings can be used in developing the nursing curricula on antibiotic use and resistance.

KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF NURSES REGARDING INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES IN THE SELECTED HEALTH FACILITIES OF DELHI

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Mohan Lata ◽  
Dr. Ranjana Singh ◽  
Dr. Monika Rana ◽  
Dr. Suparna Ghosh Jerath
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Knowledge And Practice

Introduction :Universal precautions as defined by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is “a set of precautions or actions designed to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and other body fluids, blood borne pathogens when providing health care to a patient”. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of nurses on infection control measures in the selected health facilities of Delhi and identify the factors affecting their adoption of the practices. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional mixed method study. Quantitative data was collected from 159 nurses working in selected public hospitals, using a pre tested structured questionnaire and qualitative data was collected from key stakeholders using in depth interview guide. For analysis Stata version 14.2 was used. Result: The adequate knowledge (>80 percent score) was found in 71.7 percent nurses. There were also a few (1.3 percent) nurses who had poor level of knowledge. The adequate level of practice (>80 percent score) was found in 72.9 percent of participants. There were also few nurses (1.3 percent) whose practice level was poor. Further linear regression was done to look for determinants of knowledge and practice. The likelihood of knowledge score was significantly more among those who have seen SOPs and have attended training on infection control measures. Practice score was significantly more among those who have more knowledge and have attended training. The major barriers reported were understaffing, patient over load, record keeping and data entry and sometimes non-availability of adequate resources. Conclusion: It was found in the present study that knowledge and practice of infection control among nurses was adequate but needs to be improved further to provide a completely safe working environment for the study population and prevent them from the risk of occupational hazard. The need for extensive trainings, adequate staff patient ratio and for making the resources available are suggested

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