scholarly journals A multidimensional cross-sectional analysis of COVID-19 seroprevalence among a police officer cohort: The PoliCOV-19 study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parham Sendi ◽  
Rossella Baldan ◽  
Marc Thierstein ◽  
Nadja Widmer ◽  
Peter Gowland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Serum Antibody ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Serological Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neutralization Capacity ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Antibody Titres ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Sectional Analysis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in employees of the Cantonal Police Bern, Switzerland; to investigate individual and work-related factors associated with seropositivity; and to assess the neutralizing capacity of the antibodies of seropositive study participants. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study. SETTING: Wearing face masks was made mandatory for employees of the police during working hours at the rise of the second wave of the pandemic in mid-October 2020. Protests and police fieldwork provided a high exposure environment for SARS-CoV-2 infections. The investigation was performed prior to initiation of a vaccine programme. Study participants were invited for serological testing of SARS-CoV-2 and to complete questionnaires on sociodemographic, work and health-related questions. PARTICIPANTS: 978 police personnel working in four different geographic districts, representing 35% of the entire staff, participated from February to March 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in February to March 2021, geographic and work-related risk factors for seropositivity, and serum neutralization titres towards the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (expressing D614G) and the alpha and beta variants. RESULTS: Seroprevalence was 12.9% (126 of 978 employees). It varied by geographic region within the canton; ranged from 9% to 13% in three regions, including the city; and was 22% in Bernese Seeland/Jura. Working in the latter region was associated with higher odds for seropositivity (odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.28 to 4.44, P=0.006). Job roles with mainly office activity were associated with a lower risk of seropositivity (0.33, 0.14 to 0.77, P=0.010). Most seropositive employees (67.5%) reported having had coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 3 months or longer prior to serological testing, and the proportion of agreement between positive nasopharyngeal test results and seroconversion was 95% to 97%. Among reported symptoms, new loss of smell or taste was the best discriminator for seropositivity (odds ratio 52.4, 30.9 to 89.0, P<0.001). Compliance with mask wearing during working hours was 100%, and 45% of all seropositive versus 5% of all seronegative participants (P<0.001) reported having had contact with a proven COVID-19 case living in the same household. The level of serum antibody titres correlated well with neutralization capacity. Antibodies derived from natural SARS-CoV-2 infection effectively neutralized the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (expressing D614G), but were less effective against the alpha and beta variants. A regression model demonstrated that anti-spike antibodies had higher odds for neutralization than did anti-nucleocapsid protein antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalence in the pre-vaccinated police cohort was similar to that reported in the general population living in the same region. The high compliance with mask wearing and the low proportion of seroconversion after contact with a presumed or proven COVID-19 case during working hours imply that personal protective equipment is effective and that household contacts are the leading transmission venues. The level of serum antibody titres, in particular that of anti-spike antibodies, correlated well with neutralization capacity. Low antibody titres were not effective against the alpha and beta variants.

scholarly journals A multidimensional cross-sectional analysis of COVID-19 seroprevalence among a police officer cohort: The PoliCOV-19 study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parham Sendi ◽  
Rossella Baldan ◽  
Marc Thierstein ◽  
Nadja Widmer ◽  
Peter Gowland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Antibody ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Serological Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Neutralization Capacity ◽  
Cross Sectional Analysis ◽  
Antibody Titres ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background Protests and police fieldwork provides a high exposure environment for SARS-CoV-2 infections. In this cross-sectional analysis, we investigated the seroprevalence among a police cohort, and sociodemographic, work and health-related factors associated with seropositivity. Methods Study participants were invited for serological testing of SARS-CoV-2 and to complete online questionnaires. Serum neutralization titres towards the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (expressing D614G) and the alpha and beta variants were measured in seropositive study participants. Results 978 police personnel representing 35% of the entire staff participated from February to March 2021. The seroprevalence was 12.9%. It varied by geographic region within the canton; ranged from 9% to 13.5% in three regions, including the city; and was 22% in Bernese Seeland/Jura with higher odds for seropositivity (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.28–4.44, P=0.006). Job roles with mainly office activity were associated with a lower risk of seropositivity (0.33, 0.14–0.77, P=0.010). Most seropositive employees (67.5%) reported having had COVID-19 three months or longer prior to serological testing. Selfreported compliance with mask wearing during working hours was 100%; 45% of all seropositive versus 5% of all seronegative participants (P&lt;0.001) reported having had contact with a proven COVID-19 case living in the same household prior to serological testing. The level of serum antibody titres correlated with neutralization capacity. Antibodies derived from natural SARS-CoV-2 infection effectively neutralized the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, but were less effective against the alpha and beta variants. Conclusions The seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of police officers was comparable to that reported in the general population, suggesting that the personal protective equipment of the police is effective, and that household contacts are the leading transmission venues. The level of serum antibody titres, in particular that of anti-spike antibodies, correlated well with neutralization capacity. Low antibody titres acquired from natural infection were not effective against variants.

scholarly journals Reported Neighborhood Traffic and the Odds of Asthma/Asthma-Like Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Multi-Racial Cohort of Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
Sarah Commodore ◽  
Pamela L. Ferguson ◽  
Brian Neelon ◽  
Roger Newman ◽  
William Grobman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Education ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Traffic Density ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Child Health Outcomes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Asthma in children poses a significant clinical and public health burden. We examined the association between reported neighborhood traffic (a proxy for traffic-related air pollution) and asthma among 855 multi-racial children aged 4–8 years old who participated in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohort. We hypothesized that high neighborhood traffic density would be associated with the prevalence of asthma. Asthma/asthma-like symptoms (defined as current and/or past physician diagnosed asthma, past wheezing, or nighttime cough or wheezing in the past 12 months) was assessed by parental report. The relationship between neighborhood traffic and asthma/asthma-like symptoms was assessed using logistic regression. The prevalence of asthma/asthma-like symptoms among study participants was 23%, and 15% had high neighborhood traffic. Children with significant neighborhood traffic had a higher odds of having asthma/asthma-like symptoms than children without neighborhood traffic [adjusted OR = 2.01 (95% CI: 1.12, 3.62)] after controlling for child’s race-ethnicity, age, sex, maternal education, family history of asthma, play equipment in the home environment, public parks, obesity and prescribed asthma medication. Further characterization of neighborhood traffic is needed since many children live near high traffic zones and significant racial/ethnic disparities exist.

scholarly journals Cannabis use and work-related injuries: a cross-sectional analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 570-577
Author(s):  
J C Zhang ◽  
N Carnide ◽  
L Holness ◽  
P Cram
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Cannabis User ◽  
Occupational Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Cross Sectional Analysis ◽  
Work Related Injury ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Although the association of cannabis use with automobile accidents has been well-studied, the impact of cannabis on workplace safety and injuries is less clear. Aims The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between work-related injury and cannabis use in the past year. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2013–16) of working individuals. We used multiple logistic regression modelling to calculate the odds of experiencing a work-related injury (defined as non-repetitive strain injury) among workers who reported using cannabis more than once during the prior 12 months as compared to non-users. We repeated the analysis among participants working in high injury risk occupational groups only. Results Among the 136 536 working participants, 2577 (2%) had a work-related injury in the last 12 months. Of these 2577 who had a work-related injury, 4% also reported being a cannabis user in the same period. We found no association between past-year cannabis use and work-related injury (odds ratio for work injury among users 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.66–0.99). The association was unchanged in the subgroup analysis limited to high injury risk occupational groups. Conclusions We found no evidence that cannabis users experienced higher rates of work-related injuries. While awaiting prospective studies, occupational medicine practitioners should take a risk-based approach to drafting workplace cannabis policies.

scholarly journals Association of Working Hours and Patient Safety Competencies with Adverse Nurse Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 4083
Author(s):  
Youn-Jung Son ◽  
Eun Kyoung Lee ◽  
Yukyung Ko
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nursing Leaders ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Nurse Outcomes

The environment of health organizations can determine healthcare quality and patient safety. Longer working hours can be associated with nurses’ health status and care quality, as well as work-related hazards. However, little is known about the association of hospital nurses’ working hours and patient safety competencies with adverse nurse outcomes. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, convenience sampling was employed to recruit 380 nurses from three tertiary care hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from May to June 2016. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to identify the association of working hours and patient competencies with adverse nurse outcomes among 364 participants selected for analysis. Most nurses worked over 40 h/week. Working hours (β = 0.202, p < 0.001) had the strongest association with adverse nurse outcomes. Low perceived patient safety competencies (β = −0.179, p = 0.001) and frequently reporting patient safety accidents (β = 0.146, p = 0.018) were also correlated with adverse nurse outcomes. Nursing leaders should encourage work cultures where working overtime is discouraged and patient safety competencies are prioritized. Further, healthcare managers must formulate policies that secure nurses’ rights. The potential association of overtime with nurse and patient outcomes needs further exploration.

scholarly journals Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Electrical, Telecommunication and Instrument Mechanics of Armed forces

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-27
Author(s):  
Dave Roli ◽  
Irani Ali ◽  
Vikram Neekhra
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorder ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Smoking Control ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder

Background: Modern defence system has a significant role of electrical, electronic and instrument technicians in armed forces. Despite their intensive role, little is known about work-related musculoskeletal disorder in these technicians. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of the work-related musculoskeletal disorder in defence personnel involved in electrical and electronic maintenance and repairs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for 3 years, in Electrical, telecom and instrument defence technicians (N = 164). Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Effect of age, working hours, work experience, Basal metabolic index and type of job on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was investigated using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 119 (72.56%) respondents reported work-related musculoskeletal disorder with 53.04% multiples & 19.51% single work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Simultaneous presence of neck, shoulder and upper back work-related musculoskeletal disorder were observed. Highest rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was in neck (44.44%), followed by shoulder (27.16%), ankle/ foot (14.81%), elbow/ forearm (12.96%), low back (11.72%) and wrist/ finger (9.87%). Neck (44%) related work-related musculoskeletal disorder were highest across all job crafts. Work experience (p = 0.012; OR = 0.87; 95% CI – 0.78- 0.97), working hours (p  = 0.031; OR= 1.73, 95% CI – 0.58-5.12) smoking (p = 0.00 ; OR = 5.3,  95 % CI = 4.3 – 8.48) and job crafts like electrician (p = 0.434; OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.08-3.31) and telecom mechanics (p = 0.026; OR = 1.26, 95% CI  =0.74 – 2.15) were significantly associated as risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Conclusion: High prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was observed in electrical, telecommunication & instrument mechanics, with higher multiple work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Working hours, work experience, job craft and smoking were highly associated with a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. We suggest suitable ergonomic intervention and awareness program along with smoking control drive to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

scholarly journals Is Repetitive Workload a Risk Factor for Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in Surgical Device Mechanics? A Cross-Sectional Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Lotter ◽  
Tobias Lieb ◽  
Viktor Breul ◽  
Jochen Molsner
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Surgical Device ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
And Control

To assess the prevalence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among surgical device mechanics compared to a control group, a total of 70 employees were included and assigned to three occupational groups (grinders, packers, and control). Personal factors, work exposure, manual skill, and complaints were assessed by two self-administered questionnaires and an industry test. WMSDs were diagnosed in a standardised clinical examination. The two-one-sided t-tests (TOST) procedure was used to test the clinical equivalence of the respective grinding and packaging groups vs. the control group in terms of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Thirty-nine study participants (56%) experienced at least one WMSD at the elbow, forearm, and/or wrist, mainly with signs of epicondylitis and nerve entrapment at the medial elbow. The risk of grinders developing upper extremity WMSD was about 2.5-times higher and packers had an 8.6-fold higher risk of a clinically relevant DASH > 29 compared to the control group. However, these differences were not statistically significant. The groups were also proven to be clinically equivalent in terms of DASH score. Surgical device mechanics do not seem to have worse DASH values or be at higher risk of upper limb WMSDs compared to a control group. This is the first study to analyse and compare different workplaces in this industry that are also common in other industries.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of Stress Levels in Professionals Performing Work from Home in it Industry during COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 106-115
Author(s):  
K. Dhruv Kiran ◽  
G. Sridevi ◽  
S. Preetha
Keyword(s):  
Working Hours ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Tension Stress ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
It Professionals ◽  
It Industry ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
Study Participants

Background:  Stress is a feeling that comes from emotional and physical tension. Stress can come from any thought that makes you feel sad, angry or nervous. It is a natural feeling of not being able to cope with specific demands and events. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand.  Negative responses to challenges can have an adverse effect on the health and happiness of the person who is undergoing stress. IT industry is a filed that poses lot of stress on the workers due to the peer pressures, working hours and work stress. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the stress among IT professionals who are working from home. Materials and Methods: The study design involves a cross-sectional study was done among IT professionals to evaluate the stress among IT professionals who are undergoing work from              home admist the COVID- 19 Pandemic situation (6 months duration). A study involved a self-developed questionnaire consisting of 27 questions to assess the stress level of IT people              working in IT industry for more than 2 years. This questionnaire was circulated in Google forms and 137 people responded for the survey, out of which 123 participants were undergoing work from home. Results: Out of 137 study participants, 18.25% of them were female and 81.75% of them were male. 25.55% participants were of age group 18 - 35 and 74.45% participants were of age group 35 -50. 90.51% participants are IT professionals and out of those 86.86% of participants are doing work from home. 72.26% of the participants feel that they are stressed too much due to work from home, and 27.47% of the participants feel that they are not that much stressed due to work from home. 45.99% of participants are more stressed, 28.47% of them are moderately stressed, 13.14% of them are lightly stressed and 12.41% of them are not stressed. Conclusion: Thus, the study concluded an innovative finding that IT professionals experienced severe stress due to high peer pressures, home environments and were more prone to psychosomatic disorders.

scholarly journals Women and Men Were Proportionally Represented Among Speakers at Major National Neurology Conferences in 2017

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mollie McDermott ◽  
James F. Burke ◽  
Haley McCalpin ◽  
Anita V. Shelgikar ◽  
Douglas J. Gelb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Disproportionate Representation ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Us ◽  
Medical School Graduation ◽  
School Graduation ◽  
Sectional Analysis

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether speaking roles at five major neurology conferences in 2017 show disproportionate representation by men.MethodsThis study consisted of two cross-sectional analyses. In the first part, we compared speaker characteristics across meetings and by gender using descriptive statistics. In the second part, we linked presenters to the American Medical Association (AMA) Masterfile. For the primary analysis in the second part using linked AMA speaker data, we built models to estimate the influence of gender on speaker roles.Results1493 speakers were identified and included in our cross-sectional analysis. Women made up 28% of presenters from the US and 18% of presenters from other countries. After adjusting for years from medical school graduation and subspecialty, no effect of gender on speaker activity was observed (odds ratio [OR] for women 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-1.07).ConclusionsFactors aside from national conference speaking activity should be investigated to better understand sex differences in rank at top-ranked academic neurology programs.

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