scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 infection, risk perception, behaviour, and preventive measures at schools in Berlin, Germany, during the early post-lockdown phase: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Hommes ◽  
Welmoed van Loon ◽  
Marlene Thielecke ◽  
Igor Abramovich ◽  
Sascha Lieber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
School Level ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Specific Igg

AbstractBackgroundBriefly before the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany, schools closed in mid-March 2020 for six weeks. Following re-opening, schools gradually resumed operation at a reduced level for nine weeks preceding the summer holidays.AimDuring this phase, we conducted a situational assessment in schools among students and teachers as to infection status, symptoms, affective, behavioural, educational issues, and preventive measures.MethodsAt twenty-four randomly selected primary and secondary schools, one class each was examined. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and capillary blood samples were collected to assess SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) and specific IgG (ELISA), respectively. Medical history, household and schooling characteristics, leisure time activities, fear of infection, risk perception, hand hygiene, physical distancing, and facemask wearing were assessed.ResultsAmong 535 participants (385 students, 150 staff), one teenager was SARS-CoV-2 infected (0.2%), and seven individuals exhibited specific IgG (1.3%); 16% reported symptoms upon examination, and 48% in the preceding 14 days. Compared to before the pandemic, the proportion of leisure time spent as screen-time increased, and the majority of primary school students reported reduced physical activity. Fear of infection and risk perception were relatively low, but acceptance of adapted health behaviours was high. Governmental preventive measures were adequately implemented, with primary schools performing better than secondary schools.ConclusionIn this phase of rare infection and low seroreactivity, individual and school-level infection prevention and control measures were largely adhered to. Nevertheless, vigilance, continued and proactive preventive measures, and well-rehearsed reaction options are essential to cope with increasing pandemic activity.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Risk Perception, Behaviour and Preventive Measures at Schools in Berlin, Germany, during the Early Post-Lockdown Phase: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2739
Author(s):  
Franziska Hommes ◽  
Welmoed van Loon ◽  
Marlene Thielecke ◽  
Igor Abramovich ◽  
Sascha Lieber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
School Level ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Igg

Briefly before the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany, schools closed in mid-March 2020. Following re-opening, schools resumed operation at a reduced level for nine weeks. During this phase, we aimed at assessing, among students and teachers, infection status, symptoms, individual behaviour, and institutional infection prevention measures. Twenty-four primary and secondary school classes, randomly selected across Berlin, were examined. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and capillary blood samples were collected to determine SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) and specific IgG (ELISA), respectively. Medical history, household characteristics, leisure activities, fear of infection, risk perception, hand hygiene, facemask wearing, and institutional preventive measures were assessed. Descriptive analysis was performed. Among 535 participants (385 students, 150 staff), one teenager was found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (0.2%), and seven individuals exhibited specific IgG (1.3%). Compared to pre-pandemic times, screen time (e.g., TV, gaming, social media) increased, and the majority of primary school students reported reduced physical activity (42.2%). Fear of infection and risk perception were relatively low, acceptance of adapted health behaviors was high. In this post-lockdown period of low SARS-CoV-2 incidence in Berlin, individual and school-level infection prevention measures were largely adhered to. Nevertheless, vigilance and continued preventive measures are essential to cope with future pandemic activity.

The COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey in England: Protocol and participation profile for a prospective, observational cohort study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Elizabeth Halliday ◽  
Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo ◽  
William E Oswald ◽  
Joanna Sturgess ◽  
Elizabeth Allen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Student Participation ◽  
Observational Cohort Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
School Level ◽  
Prospective Observational Cohort Study ◽  
Observational Cohort

UNSTRUCTURED One of the most debated questions in the COVID-19 pandemic has been the role of schools in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey (SIS) aims to provide much-needed evidence addressing this, and to investigate how transmission within, and from, schools could be mitigated through implementation of school COVID-19 control measures. Here we describe the study protocol and participation. SIS is a multisite, prospective, observational cohort study conducted in a stratified random sample of primary and secondary schools in selected local authorities in England. Six bio-behavioural surveys were planned among participating students and staff during the 2020/21 academic year, starting in November 2020. Key measurements are SARS-CoV-2 virus prevalence, assessed by nasal swab polymerase chain reaction; anti-SARS-CoV-2 (nucleocapsid protein) antibody prevalence and conversion, assessed in finger-prick-blood for staff and oral-fluid for students; student and staff school attendance rates; feasibility and acceptability of school-level implementation of SARS-CoV-2 control measures; and investigation of selected school outbreaks. During SIS, a total of 22,609 individuals: 1,902 staff and 4,674 students from 59 primary schools and 5,874 staff and 10,159 students from 97 secondary schools participated in at least one survey. Staff and student participation rates were 44.9% and 16.3% in primary schools and 30.1% and 15.0% in secondary schools. While primary student participation increased over time and secondary student participation remained reasonably consistent, staff participation declined across rounds, especially for secondary staff (41.9% in Round 1 and 21.8% in Round 6). While staff participation overall was generally reflective of the eligible staff population, student participation was higher in schools with low absenteeism, a lower proportion of students eligible for free school meals and from schools in the least deprived locations (in primary schools 20.5% participants were from schools in the least deprived quintile compared with 12.9% of eligible students). SIS aims to improve understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and control measures in schools across a range of settings in England, serving to inform national guidance and public health policy for educational settings.

scholarly journals Implementation of COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Primary and Secondary Schools Following Reopening of Schools in Autumn 2020; A Cross-Sectional Study of Parents' and Teachers' Experiences in England

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahin Amin-Chowdhury ◽  
Marta Bertran ◽  
Meaghan Kall ◽  
Georgina Ireland ◽  
Felicity Aiano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
School Staff ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Returning To School

Objective The main objective was to assess implementation of and ease of implementation of control measures in schools as reported by staff and parents. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Staff and parents/guardian participants in the 132 primary schools and 20 secondary schools participating in sKIDs and sKIDsPLUS surveillances. Main outcome measure Prevalence of control measures implemented in Autumn 2020, parental and staff perception of ease of implementation and acceptability of conducting school surveillance studies. Results In total, 56/152 (37%) schools participating in Public Health England's sKIDs study of COVID in schools accepted the invitation to participate in the survey. By 28 December 2020, 1,953 parent and 986 staff respondents had completed the online questionnaire. While more than half the parents were positive about their children returning to school, roughly a third reported being a little anxious. 90% and 82% of primary and secondary school parents were either completely or partly reassured by the preventive measures implemented in their schools. Among staff, 80% of primary staff and 87% of secondary school staff felt that they were at higher risk of COVID-19 because of their profession; only 52% of primary school staff and 38% of secondary school staff reportedly felt safe. According to the teaching staff, most preventive measures were well-implemented apart from requiring 2-metre distancing between staff. For students, maintaining the 2-metre distance was reported to be particularly difficult. By extension, secondary schools also struggled to maintain small groups at all times or ensuring that the same staff were assigned to each student group (a problem also commonly reported by parents). Conclusions Variable implementation of infection control measures was reported by staff and parents. Whilst the majority were not worried about returning to school, some parents and staff, were concerned about returning to school and the risks posed to children, staff and household members.

scholarly journals Illness absenteeism rates in primary and secondary schools in 2013–2014 in England: was there any impact of vaccinating children of primary-school age against influenza?

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (16) ◽  
pp. 3412-3421 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. K. GREEN ◽  
N. BROUSSEAU ◽  
N. ANDREWS ◽  
L. SELBY ◽  
R. PEBODY
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Level ◽  
First Year ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Indirect Impact ◽  
Influenza Activity ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Primary School Age

SUMMARYA phased introduction of routine influenza vaccination of healthy children was recommended in the UK in 2012, with the aim of protecting both vaccinated children and the wider population through reducing transmission. In the first year of the programme in 2013–2014, 4- to 11-year-olds were targeted in pilot areas across England. This study assesses if this was associated with school absenteeism, an important societal burden of influenza. During the spring 2014 term when influenza predominantly circulated, the proportion of absence sessions due to illness was compared between vaccination pilot and non-pilot areas for primary schools (to measure overall impact) and secondary schools (to measure indirect impact). A linear multilevel regression model was applied, adjusting for clustering within schools and potential school-level confounders, including deprivation, past absenteeism, and ethnicity. Low levels of influenza activity were reported in the community in 2013–2014. Primary schools in pilot areas had a significantly adjusted decrease in illness absenteeism of 0·05% relative to non-pilot schools; equivalent to an average of 4 days per school. In secondary schools, there was no significant indirect impact of being located in a pilot area on illness absenteeism. These insights can be used in conjunction with routine healthcare surveillance data to evaluate the full benefits of such a programme.

Emergency Medical Services Providers’ Experiences and Attitudes Toward Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Saudi Arabia: a Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anas A. Khan
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
And Control

Abstract Objectives: This study explores the experiences and practices of emergency medical services (EMS) providers, as well as the motivations that underpin perceptions toward standard infection prevention and control (IPC). The current literature suggests that EMS providers have a low compliance level with preventive measures, with misperceptions about risks and self-justification of personal skills reported. Methods: The study used qualitative methods and conducted 2 distinct focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with both prehospital and inter-facility EMS providers. Data were thematically analyzed using the Framework approach. Results: The participants considered respiratory infections the most significant nosocomial risks. Lack of full disclosure of medical history to EMS providers was considered a significant threat. Beliefs about low effectiveness and harmful effects of the influenza vaccine, as well as low perceptions of influenza risks, were common. While apparent misperceptions contributed largely to the inappropriate use of preventive measures, the reliance on intuition and individual experiences was attributed to the inaccessibility of appropriate guidelines, and lack of formal IPC training programs. Conclusions: There is need to address EMS doubts and fears, improve IPC practices and awareness by institutionalizing IPC training programs, and ensure the design and accessibility of simplified and well-tailored IPC guidelines for EMS providers.

scholarly journals Youth gambling as risky business: An examination of risk perception and perception of skill and luck among Danish adolescents

2014 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Kristiansen ◽  
Sara Marie Jensen ◽  
Maria Camilla Trabjerg
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Irrational Beliefs ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Youth Gambling ◽  
Primary School Students ◽  
School Students ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Risky Business

This study reports the findings from a national survey on gambling behaviour among students in Danish primary schools, with a special emphasis on risk perception, perceptions of skill and luck, and irrational beliefs. Two thousand two hundred and twenty-three (2,223) primary school students ranging in age from 11 to 17 years completed a questionnaire containing a gambling screen (SOGS-RA) and items measuring gambling behaviour, social networks, and cognitive perceptions. The results showed that the more frequently the individual gambles, the less risky he or she perceives gambling to be. Compared to females, males were less likely to regard frequent gambling as a risky activity, and had more confidence in their own gambling skills. The implications of the findings for further research and preventive measures are discussed.

scholarly journals Transmission of community- and hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 in hospital settings in the UK: A cohort study

PLoS Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. e1003816
Author(s):  
Yin Mo ◽  
David W. Eyre ◽  
Sheila F. Lumley ◽  
Timothy M. Walker ◽  
Robert H. Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Transmission Pathways ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Background Nosocomial spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been widely reported, but the transmission pathways among patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) are unclear. Identifying the risk factors and drivers for these nosocomial transmissions is critical for infection prevention and control interventions. The main aim of our study was to quantify the relative importance of different transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital setting. Methods and findings This is an observational cohort study using data from 4 teaching hospitals in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, from January to October 2020. Associations between infectious SARS-CoV-2 individuals and infection risk were quantified using logistic, generalised additive and linear mixed models. Cases were classified as community- or hospital-acquired using likely incubation periods of 3 to 7 days. Of 66,184 patients who were hospitalised during the study period, 920 had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test within the same period (1.4%). The mean age was 67.9 (±20.7) years, 49.2% were females, and 68.5% were from the white ethnic group. Out of these, 571 patients had their first positive PCR tests while hospitalised (62.1%), and 97 of these occurred at least 7 days after admission (10.5%). Among the 5,596 HCWs, 615 (11.0%) tested positive during the study period using PCR or serological tests. The mean age was 39.5 (±11.1) years, 78.9% were females, and 49.8% were nurses. For susceptible patients, 1 day in the same ward with another patient with hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 was associated with an additional 7.5 infections per 1,000 susceptible patients (95% credible interval (CrI) 5.5 to 9.5/1,000 susceptible patients/day) per day. Exposure to an infectious patient with community-acquired Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) or to an infectious HCW was associated with substantially lower infection risks (2.0/1,000 susceptible patients/day, 95% CrI 1.6 to 2.2). As for HCW infections, exposure to an infectious patient with hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 or to an infectious HCW were both associated with an additional 0.8 infection per 1,000 susceptible HCWs per day (95% CrI 0.3 to 1.6 and 0.6 to 1.0, respectively). Exposure to an infectious patient with community-acquired SARS-CoV-2 was associated with less than half this risk (0.2/1,000 susceptible HCWs/day, 95% CrI 0.2 to 0.2). These assumptions were tested in sensitivity analysis, which showed broadly similar results. The main limitations were that the symptom onset dates and HCW absence days were not available. Conclusions In this study, we observed that exposure to patients with hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a substantial infection risk to both HCWs and other hospitalised patients. Infection control measures to limit nosocomial transmission must be optimised to protect both staff and patients from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals The Role of Health Literacy in COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors and Infection Risk Perception: Evidence from a Population-Based Sample of Essential Frontline Workers during the Lockdown in the Province of Prato (Tuscany, Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13386
Author(s):  
Vieri Lastrucci ◽  
Chiara Lorini ◽  
Marco Del Riccio ◽  
Eleonora Gori ◽  
Fabrizio Chiesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Attitudes And Practices

Background: The effectiveness of pandemic control measures requires a broad understanding from the population. This study aimed to evaluate the role played by health literacy (HL) in influencing the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and risk perception of essential frontline workers during the lockdown period. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a population-based sample of frontline workers from Prato Province (Italy). Data on knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 preventive measures and risk perception were collected. HL was measured with the HLS-EU-Q6 tool. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 751 people participated in this study, and 56% of the sample showed a sufficient level of HL. In the multivariate models, HL resulted in being positively correlated with both knowledge (beta 0.32 for sufficient HL, 0.11 for problematic HL) and attitudes (beta 0.33 for sufficient HL, 0.17 for problematic HL) towards the importance of COVID-19 preventive measures. The HL level was not associated with the adoption of preventive behaviors and COVID-19 risk perception. Conclusions: HL may play a key role in maintaining a high adherence to infection prevention behaviors and may be a factor to take into account in the implementation of public health interventions in pandemic times.

scholarly journals Exploring perspectives on COVID-19 risk, protective behavior and control measures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karwan M Amen ◽  
Kazhan I. Mahmood ◽  
Sherzad A. Shabu ◽  
Nazar Shabila
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Behavior ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
The People ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Understanding the public perception and behavior towards the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can help in mitigating the transmission of the infection. This study aimed to assess the perspectives of the people towards COVID-19, especially concerning the risk of the disease, adherence to protective measures, and the effectiveness of the imposed prevention and control measures. Methods An explorative study based on Q-methodology was conducted in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The study involved a purposively selected sample of 40 persons representing different educational, social, and economic levels. Forty-one statements were extracted that have covered various aspects of the impact of COVID-19 on the life of people, and different perceptions and uncertainties around it. We asked the participants to rank-order the 41 statements into a distribution on a nine point scale, ranging from “least agree” to “most agree." Data analysis involved a by-person factor analysis using PQMethod 2.35, which aimed to identify the main viewpoints. Results The analysis revealed three distinct viewpoints and one consensus perspective for the people’s perspectives about COVID-19. Viewpoint 1, confidence and obedience to protective measures, centers on compliance with the main protective measures, the seriousness of COVID-19, and the effectiveness of the government's preventive measures. Viewpoint 2, apprehensiveness and noncompliance, focuses on extremely worry about the disease and concerns about the government measures against COVID-19. Viewpoint 3, people’s inattentiveness, emphasizes the lack of awareness and adherence to protective measures by the people and ineffectiveness of the government’s preventive measures. Conclusion The primary aspects distinguishing the three viewpoints focus on risk perception, protective behavioral response, and government’s preventive measures. Risk perception can guide appropriate protective behavior, but not always. For strengthening the preventive measures, and compliance with protective behaviors, different approaches that can address the needs of different groups of people are required. The focus should be on increasing the risk awareness, reducing anxiety, and explaining the justification and effectiveness of the government's preventive measures.

scholarly journals Physiotherapists’ knowledge and the implementation of COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Wesam Saleh A. Al Attar ◽  
Mohamed A. Husain
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Western Pacific Region ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists are required to recognize their role in managing patients with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19), and to adopt preventive measures to limit transmission of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the perception, knowledge, and application of the preventive measures taken by physiotherapists in managing issues with confirmed or suspected patients suffering from COVID-19. METHODS: A self-administered survey comprising 15 questions was divided into four sections related to precautions when interacting with patients with COVID-19: (1) knowledge of the physiotherapy role, (2) knowledge of preventive measures to limit transmission of the virus, (3) practicing these measures, and (4) managing patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 456 physiotherapists from 139 countries participated in the study. Most physiotherapists were knowledgeable regarding their role in the management of COVID-19 patients (M = 94.3%; SD = 15.4) and the management of potential COVID-19 patients (M = 84.5%; SD = 20.1). The rating of knowledge and practices of preventive measures to limit transmission of COVID-19 were lower (M = 74.3%; SD = 25.7, and M = 62.5%; SD = 31.3, respectively). Participants from the European region (M = 83; SD = 15.8) had a higher score than participants from the Asia Western Pacific region (M = 78; SD = 18.49; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists are highly knowledgeable about their role in managing COVID-19 patients. Most of them are adopting preventive measures to limit the transmission of the disease. Yet, physiotherapists are required to enroll in medical education, training and infection control workshops and courses to remain updated with the recent advances in such fields.

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