Self-Reported Skin Disorders Among Health Care Workers

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 294-301
Author(s):  
Mohammed Mohammed Alhaji ◽  
Alice Lai ◽  
Lin Naing ◽  
Nik Ani Tuah
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Skin Disorder ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Latex Gloves ◽  
Brunei Darussalam ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
History Of

This study aimed to estimate the point prevalence and 1-year period prevalence of skin disorder symptoms (SDS) among health care workers (HCWs) and to explore the possible risk factors. A random sample of 400 HCWs from 13 government health centers in Brunei Darussalam self-administered an adapted Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002/SHORT). The point and 1-year prevalence of SDS were 12% and 19%, respectively. Having a history of SDS before the current job, exposure to SDS-exacerbating materials at the workplace, and having clinical roles were correlated for both prevalence estimates. Frequent handwashing and moderate use of latex gloves were associated with higher risk of SDS at 1-year. Female HCWs were more likely to report SDS. In multivariate analyses, only contact with SDS-exacerbating materials at the workplace, prejob SDS, and moderate glove usage were significant predictors of SDS.

Hypersensitivity to Latex in Health Care Workers: Report of Five Cases

1993 ◽  
Vol 109 (4) ◽  
pp. 731-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arie Rosen ◽  
David Isaacson ◽  
Mary Brady ◽  
Jacquelynne P. Corey
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Latex Allergy ◽  
Total Ige ◽  
Latex Gloves ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
History Of

Concern about transmission of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hepatitis has greatly increased the use of latex gloves. Latex allergy is a newly emerging problem with potential life-threatening sequelae among health care personnel. Patients are also at risk. We report on five cases of latex allergy in health care workers who were using latex gloves for variable lengths of time before their allergic reaction. All workers had a significant history of reactions to other allergens, including inhalants and food. Each individual had at least one systemic symptom that was directly attributed to latex exposure. Reactions to latex ranged from severe contact urticaria (all cases), bronchospasm (three cases), angioedema (two cases), and rhinorrhea (one case) to anaphylactic reactions that required immediate attention in three cases. Levels of specific IgE to latex (as measured by in vitro enzyme immunoassay) and total IgE were elevated in all five patients (total IgE > 100 kU/L). Long-term treatment included avoidance of latex, administration of antihistamines, and desensitization to other, nonlatex allergens. Health care workers should have increased awareness of latex allergy. At risk are health care workers with a history of other allergies and those with atopic dermatitis or eczema. In vitro testing may be useful, especially in persons with skin conditions such as eczema or urticaria or for persons with a history of systemic reactions to the latex allergen as reported in these five cases

Stepping up detection, response, preparedness and readiness measures for “COVID-19”- A Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1042-1047
Author(s):  
Khushbu Balsara ◽  
Deepankar Shukla
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Short Period ◽  
History Of ◽  
Detection Response ◽  
Care Worker

In a very short period of time, “COVID-19” has seized the consciousness globally by making remarkable changes in our day to day living and has superintended as a public health emergency globally. It has high radar of transmission, affecting an individual at work to frontline workers. The measures and planning for a response plays a key role from drawing up an emergency committee and this follows an equation which broadly deals with epidemiological to clinical history of the patient, management steps from isolation, screening, diagnostic assays for identification and treatment. The application of an organized plan with secure structure aids in better performance, increases efficacy of management and saves time. Also saves time for a health care worker to g through routine levels of channels of administration if already a familiar way of operation is known for such situations. Thus, planning and developing a ‘blueprint of approach’ towards management of patient while facing such situation is a must. This review provides an insight to the measures for detection, response and preparedness of the hospital and health care workers should largely be inclusive of; also highlights the measures to be taken at every step after coming in contact with a positive case of “COVID-19”.

scholarly journals Perceptions on Diet and Dietary Modifications during Postpartum Period Aiming at Attenuating Progression of GDM to DM: A Qualitative Study of Mothers and Health Care Workers

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thamudi D. Sundarapperuma ◽  
Champa J. Wijesinghe ◽  
Priyadarshika Hettiarachchi ◽  
Sudharshani Wasalathanthri
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Food Habits ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
History Of

Background. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global concern. GDM mothers have a 7-fold relative risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in their later life. User-friendly and culturally acceptable dietary interventions can minimize this risk. Therefore, this study aims at exploring the perceptions of GDM mothers and health care workers regarding factors that influence postpartum dietary practices aimed at attenuating the trajectory from GDM to DM. Methods. The study was conducted in selected MOH areas in three districts of Sri Lanka. Six focus group discussions were conducted with thirty mothers with a history of GDM and six in-depth interviews with six health care workers. The phenomenon of interest was to obtain inputs of two stakeholder groups on healthy food habits of GDM mothers during the postpartum period. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data. Data were coded using the analytical framework, abstracted from transcripts, and summarized verbatim in Microsoft Excel in a matrix comprised of one row per participant and one column per code. Finally, the matrix was reviewed intensely and themes were generated. Results. Overall, seven themes emerged from both cases: (1) myths and traditions specific to the postpartum period, (2) lack of motivation, (3) time pressure, (4) financial barriers, (5) negligence of mothers and families, (6) lack of awareness regarding GDM and its postpartum dietary recommendations, and (7) cultural barriers. Conclusions. This study provides an insight into the existing knowledge, common practices, and attitudes regarding food habits among postpartum mothers with a history of GDM. Since the postpartum period is unique, identifying barriers is crucial when introducing dietary modification protocols in order to prevent or attenuate the progression of GDM to T2DM in these mothers. The knowledge gained will be used to introduce feasible, scientifically sound, and culturally acceptable postpartum dietary recommendations for GDM mothers.

Health-Care Workers’ Perception of Patients’ Suicide Intention and Factors Leading to It: A Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei-Hum Wee ◽  
Norhayati Ibrahim ◽  
Suzaily Wahab ◽  
Uma Visvalingam ◽  
Seen Heng Yeoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Risk Minimization ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
History Of ◽  
Suicidal Patients

This study explored health-care workers’ perception of patients’ suicide intention and their understanding of factors leading to particular interpretations. Semistructured face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 32 health-care workers from a general hospital in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis. The health-care workers were found to have four types of perceptions: to end life, not to end life, ambivalence about intention, and an evolving understanding of intention. Factors leading to their perceptions of patients’ suicide intention were patient demographics, health status, severity of ideation/attempt, suicide method, history of treatment, moral character, communication of suicide intention, affective/cognitive status, availability of social support, and health-care workers’ limited knowledge of patients’ condition/situation. Insufficient knowledge and negative attitudes toward suicidal patients led to risk minimization and empathic failure, although most health-care workers used the correct parameters in determining suicide intention.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) among Health Care Workers in Three Health Facilities of Yaounde, Center Region of Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Philippe Salomon Nguwoh ◽  
Akenji Blaise Mboringong ◽  
Joseph Fokam ◽  
Christian Ngounouh Taheu ◽  
Ibrahima Halilou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
History Of

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and has subsequently become a worldwide pandemic. During the pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) were very exposed to COVID-19 infected patients. The aim of this study was to determine seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) among HCWs in three health facilities of Yaounde. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 368 HCWs was conducted from January 18th to February 13th, 2021, in three health facilities located in city of Yaounde. Data of study participants were collected by face-to-face interviews using standard questionnaire. Blood samples were collected in labelled dry tubes and analyzed using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) cassettes (Abbott PanbioTMCOVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device). The data collected was analyzed using Epi info version 7. Any value of p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age was 30.25 (SD±10.43) years old, range from 21 to 72 years old. Overall, the positivity rates of IgM, IgG and IgM+IgG were 6.79% (n=25), 17.93% (n=66) and 1.09% (n=4) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that, the rate of IgM positivity was highest in laboratory personnel (χ2= 7.99, p=0.3) and IgG (χ2= 8.50, p=0.29), IgM+IgG (χ2= 1.92, p=0.26) respectively in pharmacy and clinical personnel. The clinical signs such as fever (˃38°C) or history of fever was statistically significant with IgM (χ2=11.71, p= 0.0006) while, sore throat was statistically significant associated with IgM (χ2= 14.3, p= 0.0008) and IgG (χ2= 6.33, p= 0.04). Conclusion: The results of this study reveal a high seroprevalence of circulation of the virus in hospital milieu in Yaounde suggesting the continuation of the COVID-19 « Track-Test-Treat » system to break the chain of transmission.

scholarly journals Serosurveillance of SARS CoV 2 among the healthcare workers of a tertiary care teaching institution in Central Kerala during the post lockdown phase

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aboobacker Mohamed Rafi ◽  
Maglin Monica Lisa Joseph Tomy ◽  
Ronnie Thomas ◽  
Chithra Valsan ◽  
U G Unnikrishnan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The United States ◽  
P Value ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
History Of

AbstractBackgroundKerala was the first state to have the confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country and it was first confirmed in Thrissur district on 30 January2020.Our institute being in the heart of the city had to take adequate measures to mitigate the spread and treat the required patients by keeping its staff safe & Healthy. The hallmark of COVID 19 infection is high infectivity, pre-symptomatic transmission and asymptomatic prevalence which could result in high cumulative numbers of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Kerala was the first state to confirm community transmission in July 2020.Health care workers being in the forefront in the war against COVID19 are very prone in acquiring the infection and are possible to be asymptomatic sources for cluster formation. Knowing the development of immunity as shown by the presence of anti COV2 antibodies in the population contributes to the epidemiological understanding of the disease. The intent of the study is to do an antibody testing in our hospital to find the serosurveillance of SARS CoV 2 among the healthcare workers in our hospital.AimTo estimate the seropositivity of SARS CoV 2 among the healthcare workers at Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, six months after revoking the lockdownMethodologyA cross sectional study among the health care workers of the medical college. Multistage Sampling was done with the hospital block as the first stage and departments as the second stage. In the final stage of sampling the test individuals were selected on a first come first served basis after the antibody test availability was declared open and free for all staff. A consent form and a Google form were given to all staff who volunteered for participating in the study. Each consented participant recruited into the investigation completed a questionnaire which covers details regarding demographics, exposure history, Residence & travel. Blood sample was collected and Anti-SARS COV2 IgG antibody testing which targets the Spike Protein 1(SP1) was done using the VITROS chemiluminescence platform (Orthoclinical diagnostics, USA). Sampling & testing ranged over a time frame from September 5th to December 15th, 2020ResultsJubilee Mission Medical College has 2785 working staff at the time of study. A total of 420 staff consented and their samples were tested. 37 staff members tested positive for COVID-19 antibody, yielding an overall prevalence of 8.75% (95% CI, 6.23–11.86). 86.5 % (32/37) of them were having a history of COVID-19 Antigen / RT PCR Positivity. We identified a statistically significant linear trend (p value =0.00001), between seropositivity and the degree of severity of COVID 19. Among the various factors which increase the risk of seroconversion, history of undergoing quarantine (p value < 0.001), contact with a confirmed case (p value = 0.002), contact with a caregiver for COVID 19 (p value =0.001) and history of Upper respiratory symptoms (p value =0.001), were found to be significantly associated with positive serology.ConclusionsThe overall seropositivity in the current study was found to be 8.75% which is comparable to seroprevalence studies conducted in the United States and Wuhan in China. The pattern of seropositivity across the different category of health workers observed in the present study showed a higher prevalence among nurses. This result is also in agreement with a recent published report from united states. Various measures advised by the national and state health authorities were adequately adhered to. Keeping track of the pattern of development of immunity in the community is part of understanding the illness and forecasting the spread. For the tested HCW, it will boost up morale by ending uncertainty. For the hospital administration it will help in decision making about relative focusing of interventions on patients in general and HCWs. By knowing the immunity status of HCWs, the Institution will be able to contribute authentically to the development of intervention strategies and guidelines from time to time, besides following the available guidelines. Being an educational institution, it is obligatory to train all the elements of care delivery to the future generation of health care workers. Getting experienced from a small but relevant sample was expected to facilitate larger community study envisaged in peripheral areas Jubilee served

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