scholarly journals Healthcare workers high COVID-19 infection rate: the source of infections and potential for respirators and surgical masks to reduce occupational infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotta-Maria A. H. Oksanen ◽  
Enni Sanmark ◽  
Sampo Oksanen ◽  
Veli-Jukka Anttila ◽  
Jussi J. Paterno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
Occupational Infections

Objective: To analyse the work-related exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and trace the source of COVID-19 infections in tertiary hospitals healthcare workers in light of the used PPE and their ability to maintain social distances and follow governmental restrictions. Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Tertiary hospitals in Uusimaa region, Finland Participants: Of 1072 enrolled, 866 HCWs (588 nurses, 170 doctors and 108 laboratory and medical imaging nurses) from the Helsinki University Hospital completed the questionnaire by July 15th, 2020. The average age of participants was 42.4 years and 772 (89.0%) were women. The participants answered a detailed questionnaire of their PPE usage, ability to follow safety restrictions, exposure to COVID-19, the source of potential COVID-19 infection and both mental and physical symptoms during the first wave of COVID-19 in Finland. Main outcome measures: All participants with COVID-19 symptoms were tested with either RT-PCR or antibody tests. The infections were traced and categorised based on the location and source of infection. The possibility to maintain social distance and PPE usage during exposure were analyzed. Results: Of the HCWs that participated, 41 (4.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, marking a substantially higher infection rate than that of the general population (0.3%); 22 (53.6%) of infections were confirmed or likely occupational, including 7 (31.8%) from colleagues. Additionally, 5 (26.3%) of other infections were from colleagues outside the working facilities. 14 (63.6%) of occupational infections occurred while using a surgical mask. No occupational infections were found while using an FFP2/3 respirator and aerosol precautions while treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: While treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, HCWs should wear an FFP2/3 respirator and recommended PPE. Maintaining safety distances in the workplace and controlling infections between HCWs should be priorities to ensure safe working conditions.

Prevalence of Thyroid Diseases in an Occupationally Radiation Exposed Group: A Cross-Sectional Study in a University Hospital of Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Vimercati ◽  
Luigi De Maria ◽  
Francesca Mansi ◽  
Antonio Caputi ◽  
Giovanni M. Ferri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Thyroid Diseases ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposed Workers

Background: Thyroid diseases occur more frequently in people exposed to ionizing radiation, but the relationship between occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and thyroid pathologies still remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid diseases in healthcare workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation compared with a control group working at the University Hospital of Bari, Southern Italy, and living in the same geographical area, characterized by mild iodine deficiency. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study to investigate whether healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation had a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases. Four hundred and forty-four exposed healthcare workers (241 more exposed, or “A Category”, and 203 less exposed, or “B Category”) and 614 nonexposed healthcare workers were enrolled during a routine examination at the Occupational Health Unit. They were asked to fill in an anamnestic questionnaire and undergo a physical examination, serum determination of fT3, fT4 and TSH, anti-TPO ab and anti-TG ab and ultrasound neck scan. Thyroid nodules were submitted to fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated. Results: The prevalence of thyroid diseases was statistically higher in the exposed workers compared to controls (40% vs 29%, adPR 1.65; IC95% 1.34-2.07). In particular, the thyroid nodularity prevalence in the exposed group was approximately twice as high as that in the controls (29% vs 13%; adPR 2.83; IC95% 2.12-3.8). No statistically significant association was found between exposure to ionizing radiation and other thyroid diseases. Conclusion: In our study, mild ionizing radiation-exposed healthcare workers had a statistically higher prevalence of thyroid diseases than the control group. The results are likely due to a closer and more meticulous health surveillance programme carried out in the ionising radiation-exposed workers, allowing them to identify thyroid alterations earlier than non-exposed health staff.

scholarly journals Burnout among Portuguese healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivone Duarte ◽  
Andreia Teixeira ◽  
Luísa Castro ◽  
Sílvia Marina ◽  
Carla Ribeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Work Related ◽  
High Workload

Abstract Background During COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have had high workload and have been exposed to multiple psychosocial stressors. The aim of this study was to evaluate HCWs in terms of the relative contributions of socio-demographic and mental health variables on three burnout dimensions: personal, work-related, and client-related burnout. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire spread via social networks. A snowball technique supported by health care institutions and professional organizations was applied. Results A total of 2008 subjects completed the survey. Gender, parental status, marriage status, and salary reduction were found to be significant factors for personal burnout. Health problems and direct contact with infected people were significantly associated with more susceptibility to high personal and work-related burnout. Frontline working positions were associated with all three dimensions. Higher levels of stress and depression in HCWs were significantly associated with increased levels of all burnout dimensions. Higher levels of satisfaction with life and resilience were significantly associated with lower levels of all burnout dimensions. Conclusions All three burnout dimensions were associated with a specific set of covariates. Consideration of these three dimensions is important when designing future burnout prevention programs for HCWs.

scholarly journals Hand hygiene knowledge, perception and practice of healthcare workers in a Turkish university hospital intensive care unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (08) ◽  
pp. 744-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uluhan Sili ◽  
Pinar Ay ◽  
Huseyin Bilgin ◽  
Seyhan Hidiroglu ◽  
Volkan Korten
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Compliance Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
World Health ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: While improvement of hand hygiene (HH) compliance is considered as the best approach to reduce healthcare-associated infections, the instructional interventions in HH among healthcare workers of intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital was not successful enough. The following study was conducted to evaluate HH knowledge, perception, practice and effectiveness of the trainings among healthcare workers of ICU in our hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the ICU containing 8 medical and 16 surgical beds with 284 filled questionnaires about HH knowledge and 1187 observed opportunities for HH compliance. Results: Overall observed HH compliance rate was 40.6%; lowest compliance was 21.7% for “before clean/aseptic procedure” indication and highest compliance was 68.6% for “after touching a patient” indication. Although > 90% healthcare workers correctly identified the World Health Organization’s five indications for HH, 82 – 85% failed to recognize non-indications, i.e. when it was not necessary to perform HH. Our study showed that 15.1% of healthcare workers neither received nor felt the need for HH training. Conclusions: Despite regular HH trainings, healthcare workers could not differentiate when HH was not required which suggested failure to understand HH rationale. This may explain poor HH compliance rates. A systematic study is needed in order to find out the reasons behind of this noncompliance and improve HH training methods for educating healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Investigation on the Loss of Taste and Smell and Consequent Psychological Effects: A Cross-Sectional Study on Healthcare Workers Who Contracted the COVID-19 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa Dudine ◽  
Claudia Canaletti ◽  
Fabiola Giudici ◽  
Alberta Lunardelli ◽  
Giulia Abram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Taste And Smell

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between psychological distress and taste and sense of smell dysfunctions on healthcare workers (HCW) who contracted the COVID-19 infection in the midst of the disease outbreak. Reports of sudden loss of taste and smell which persist even after recovery from COVID-19 infection are increasingly recognized as critical symptoms for COVID-19 infections. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study on COVID-19 HCW (N = 104) who adhered to respond to a phone semistructured interview addressing the virus symptoms and associated psychological distress. Data were collected from June to September 2020. Findings confirm the association between experienced taste/olfactory loss and emotional distress and suggest that dysfunctions of taste and smell correlate positively with anxiety and depression. Furthermore, their psychological impact tends to persist even after the recovery from the disease, suggesting the need for appropriate psychological interventions to prevent people from developing more serious or long-lasting psychological disorders and, as far as HCW, to reduce the risk of work-related distress.

scholarly journals Perception and attitude of healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia with regard to Covid-19 pandemic and potential associated predictors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa A. Abolfotouh ◽  
Adel F. Almutairi ◽  
Ala'a A. BaniMustafa ◽  
Mohamed A. Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Movement Restriction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Concern ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background . Healthcare workers (HCWs) face considerable mental and physical stress caring for patients with Covid-19. They are at higher risk of acquiring and transmitting this virus. Perception and attitude of HCWs in Saudi Arabia regarding Covid-19 were evaluated in comparison with MERS outbreak. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, HCWs at three tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia were surveyed via email, by a concern scale about Covid-19 pandemic during 15-30 April, 2020. Concerns of disease severity, governmental efforts to contain it and disease outcomes were assessed using 32 concern-statements in five distinct domains. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify predictors of high concern scores. Results. A total of 844 HCW responded to the survey. Their average age was 40.4±9.5 years, 40.3% were nurses, 58.2% had direct patient contact, and 77.3% were living with family members and/or others. The majority of participants (72.1%) had an overall concern score of 55 or less out of a maximum score of 96 points. Three-fourth of respondents felt at risk of contracting Covid-19 infection at work, 69.1% felt threatened if a colleague contracted Covid-19, 69.9% felt obliged to care for patients infected with Covid-19 while 27.7% did not feel safe at work using the standard precautions. Nearly all HCWs believed that the government should isolate patients with Covid-19 in specialized hospitals (92.9%), agreed with travel restriction to/from areas affected by Covid-19 (94.7%) and felt safe government implemented curfew and movement restriction periods (93.6%). Predictors of high concern scores were; HCWs of Saudi nationality (p<0.001), younger age (p=0.003), undergraduate education (p=0.044), living with others (p=0.003) working in the western region (p=0.003) and direct contact with patients (p=0.018). In comparison with MERS outbreak, HCWs reported significantly higher mean scores about Covid-19 pandemic for overall concern (45.9 versus 40.3, p<0.001). Conclusions. The current study highlights the high concern among HCWs about Covid-19 and identifies the predictors of those with highest concern levels. To minimize the potential negative impact of those concerns on the performance of HCWs during pandemics, measures are necessary to enhance their protection and to minimize the psychological effect of the perceived risk of infection.

Screening for Tuberculosis Infection in Spanish Healthcare Workers Comparison of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test with the Tuberculin Skin Test

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 876-883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Elisa Àlvarez-León ◽  
Elizabeth Espinosa-Vega ◽  
Évora Santana-Rodríguez ◽  
Jesús M. Molina-Cabrillana ◽  
Jose Luis Pérez-Arellano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Result ◽  
Tuberculin Skin Test ◽  
Skin Test ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Latent Tuberculosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Results

Objective.The risk of latent tuberculosis (LTBI) in healthcare workers (HCWs) is high. Until recently, the tuberculin skin test (TST) was the only diagnostic test available for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) test, was recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an alternative test for the diagnosis of LTBI in HCWs. The purpose of our study was to compare the TST and the QFT-G test in Spanish HCWs in order to improve procedures for the detection of LTBI.Methods.A cross-sectional study with blinded comparison of TST and QFT-G test results was carried out among 134 HCWs at an 800-bed Spanish university hospital. The level of interferon-7 production stimulated by the QFT-G test was measured. A concentration of at least 0.35 IU/mL was considered a positive result. An induration of at least 5 mm in non-BCG-vaccinated or at least 15 mm in BCG-vaccinated HCWs for the TST was considered positive.Results.Of the 134 HCWs included (mean age, 33.4 years; 101 [75.4%] women; 47 [35.1%] BCG vaccinated), the LTBI prevalence diagnosed with any test was 11.2% (95% confidence interval, 6.6%-18.1%), with the TST was 8.96%, and with the QFT-G test was 5.97% (nonsignificant differences). The QFT-G test value was higher in subjects with TST induration of at least 15 mm than in subjects with TST induration of less than 15 mm (P < .001). Overall agreement between the results of the two tests was found in 94% of HCWs (K = 0.56), but agreement was only 59% in HCWs who had a positive result for both tests. Disagreement was present in the results found for 5% of HCWs.Conclusions.Few studies have compared both tests in populations with high M. tuberculosis exposure but low BCG vaccination prevalence. Agreement between both tests is high, especially among negative Results. Studies are needed to clarify the reasons for disagreement and to establish the best TST and QFT-G test cutoff point.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Infection Status of Healthcare Workers in Wuhan During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (16) ◽  
pp. 2109-2113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lichun Zheng ◽  
Xiang Wang ◽  
Chongchong Zhou ◽  
Qin Liu ◽  
Shuang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
General Information ◽  
Infection Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
The Public ◽  
Substantial Risk

Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) at the frontline are facing a substantial risk of infection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Methods We acquired information and data on general information on and infection and death status of HCWs in Wuhan during the COVID-19 outbreak and completed statistical analyses. Results We obtained the data on 2457 infected cases among HCWs in Wuhan, China. More than half of the infected individuals were nurses (52.06%), whereas 33.62% of infected cases were doctors and 14.33% of cases were medical staff. In particular, the case infection rate of nurses (2.22%) was remarkably higher than that of doctors (1.92%). Most infected cases among HCWs were female (72.28%). A majority of the infected HCWs (89.26%) came from general hospitals, followed by specialized hospitals (5.70%) and community hospitals (5.05%). The case infection rate of HCWs (2.10%) was dramatically higher than that of non-HCWs (0.43%). The case fatality rate of HCWs (0.69%) was significantly lower than that of non-HCWs (5.30%). Conclusions The infection risk of HCWs is clearly higher than that of non-HCWs. HCWs play an essential role in fighting the pandemic. The analysis of the infection status of HCWs is essential to attract enough attention from the public, provide effective suggestions for government agencies, and improve protective measures for HCWs.

Factors Influencing a University Hospital Nurses’ Intentions to Leave the Unit, Organisation and Profession: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-250
Author(s):  
Hatice Çamveren ◽  
Gülseren Kocaman
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Intent To Leave ◽  
Nurse Managers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Powerful Predictor ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related

Nurses’ organisational and professional attitudes play an important role in their intent to leave nursing, a serious problem worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the demographic and work-related characteristics, organisational-professional commitment, and job satisfaction, which are the predictors of nurses’ intent to leave their unit, organisation and profession. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 335 nurses working at a university hospital in Turkey. The multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the study data. While job satisfaction was the more powerful predictor of intent to leave the unit than were the commitment variables, affective commitment to the organisation was the more powerful predictor of intent to leave the organisation, and affective commitment to the profession was the more powerful predictor of intent to leave the profession. Different dimensions of commitment and job satisfaction are the predictors of intent to leave the unit, organisation and profession. The present study provided useful evidence for nurse managers and policy makers.

scholarly journals Intensive care unit professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: social and work-related variables, COVID-19 symptoms, worries, and generalized anxiety levels

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-241
Author(s):  
Fernando J. García-Hedrera ◽  
Fernanda Gil-Almagro ◽  
F. Javier Carmona-Monge ◽  
Cecilia Peñacoba-Puente ◽  
Patricia Catalá-Mesón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Anxiety Levels

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 outbreak has been identified as a pandemic and global health emergency. It presents as a severe acute respiratory disease. The rapid dissemination of the disease created challenges for healthcare systems and forced healthcare workers (HCWs) to deal with many clinical and nonclinical stresses. The aim of our research is to describe work conditions, symptoms experienced by HCWs, worries about contagion, and generalized anxiety symptoms and compare those findings across regions in Spain. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey. Critical care units throughout Spain were included. The sample comprised HCWs working in intensive care units from March to May 2020. We assessed work variables, physical symptoms, worries about contagion, and anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder-7 questionnaire). Results: The final sample comprised 448 surveys. Among the respondents, 86.9% (n=389) were nursing professionals, and 84.8% (n=380) were women. All participants cared for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during the study period. Workload during the pandemic in Madrid was judged to be higher than in other regions (P<0.01). The availability of personal protective equipment was found to be higher in Cataluña. The most frequently experienced symptom was headaches (78.1%). Worries about self-infection and the possibility of infecting others received mean scores of 3.11 and 3.75, respectively. Mean scores for generalized anxiety levels were 11.02, with 58.7% of the professionals presenting with generalized anxiety syndrome during the assessment. Conclusions: In this study, we found high levels of anxiety among HCWs caring directly for COVID-19 patients, which could produce long-term psychological alterations that still need to be assessed.

scholarly journals Perception and attitude of healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia with regard to Covid-19 pandemic and potential associated predictors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa A. Abolfotouh ◽  
Adel F. Almutairi ◽  
Ala'a A. BaniMustafa ◽  
Mohamed A. Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Movement Restriction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Concern ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background. Healthcare workers (HCWs) face considerable mental and physical stress caring for patients with Covid-19. They are at higher risk of acquiring and transmitting this virus. This study aims to assess perception and attitude of HCWs in Saudi Arabia with regard to Covid-19, and to identify potential associated predictors. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, HCWs at three tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia were surveyed via email with an anonymous link, by a concern scale about Covid-19 pandemic during 15-30 April, 2020. Concerns of disease severity, governmental efforts to contain it and disease outcomes were assessed using 32 concern statements in five distinct domains. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of high concern scores. Results. A total of 844 HCW responded to the survey. Their average age was 40.4±9.5 years, 40.3% were nurses, 58.2% had direct patient contact, and 77.3% were living with others. The majority of participants (72.1%) had overall concern scores of 55 or less out of a maximum score of 96 points, with an overall mean score of 48.5±12.8 reflecting moderate level of concern. Three-fourth of respondents felt at risk of contracting Covid-19 infection at work, 69.1% felt threatened if a colleague contracted Covid-19, 69.9% felt obliged to care for patients infected with Covid-19 while 27.7% did not feel safe at work using the standard precautions available. Nearly all HCWs believed that the government should isolate patients with Covid-19 in specialized hospitals (92.9%), agreed with travel restriction to and/or from areas affected by Covid-19 (94.7%) and felt safe the government implemented curfew and movement restriction periods (93.6%). Predictors of high concern scores were; HCWs of Saudi nationality (p<0.001), younger age (p=0.003), undergraduate education (p=0.044), living with others (p=0.003) working in the western region (p=0.003) and direct contact with patients (p=0.018). Conclusions. This study highlights the high concern among HCWs about Covid-19 and identifies the predictors of those with highest concern levels. To minimize the potential negative impact of those concerns on the performance of HCWs during pandemics, measures are necessary to enhance their protection and to minimize the psychological effect of the perceived risk of infection.

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