scholarly journals Laboratory diagnosis and management of COVID-19 cases: creating a safe testing environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Titilayo Tosin Lekan-Agunbiade ◽  
Olalekan Isaiah Agunbiade
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Laboratory Safety ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Testing Environment ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background COVID-19 disease has had a profound impact worldwide since it was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Laboratory testing is crucial to prompt identification of positive cases, initiation of treatment and management strategies. However, medical scientists are vulnerable to infection due to the risk of exposure in the laboratory and the community. This study sought to determine the awareness of laboratory safety measures, assess the personal efforts of medical scientists in creating a safe laboratory environment for testing and examine the laboratory safety enabling factors. Methods The data used for the study were generated among medical scientists in Nigeria through an internet-broadcasted questionnaire and were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25). Results The majority of the respondents had a high awareness of laboratory safety measures (60.3%) and demonstrated good personal efforts in creating a safe laboratory testing environment (63%). The level of awareness of laboratory safety measures was significantly associated with respondents’ level of education (χ2 = 6.143; p = 0.046) and influences respondents’ efforts in creating a safe laboratory testing environment (p = 0.007). However, just a few respondents could convincingly attest to the availability of adequate and appropriate PPE with proper utilization training (45.1%), adequate rest and other welfare packages (45.8%) as well as access to appropriate Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and other essential equipment in their laboratories (48.8%). Furthermore, a significant association existed between the availability of laboratory safety enabling factors and respondents’ efforts in creating a safe environment for testing with the p-value ranging between < 0.0001 and 0.003. Conclusion This study revealed that despite the high awareness of safety measures and good personal efforts of the study participants in creating a safe laboratory-testing environment, there was poor availability of safety facilities, equipment, support and welfare packages required to enhance their safety. It is, therefore, crucial to provide necessary laboratory biosafety equipment and PPE in order not to compromise medical scientists’ safety as they perform their duties in COVID-19 pandemic response.

scholarly journals Laboratory Diagnosis and Management of Covid-19 Cases: Creating A Safe Testing Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Titilayo Tosin Lekan-Agunbiade ◽  
Olalekan Isaiah Agunbiade
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Laboratory Safety ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Testing Environment ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract BACKGROUNDCOVID-19 disease has had a profound impact worldwide since it was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Laboratory testing is crucial to prompt identification of positive cases, initiation of treatment and management strategies. However, medical scientists are vulnerable to infection due to the risk of exposure in the laboratory and the community. This study sought to determine the awareness of laboratory safety measures, assess the personal efforts of medical scientists in creating a safe laboratory environment for testing and examine the laboratory safety enabling factors.METHODSAn internet-broadcasted and validated questionnaire was developed to obtain data from 131 medical scientists in Nigeria. The data generated were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.RESULTSThe majority of the respondents had a high awareness of laboratory safety measures (60.3%, mean ± SD= 52.4 ±2.4) and demonstrated good personal efforts in creating a safe laboratory testing environment (63%, mean ± SD= 48.5±5.9). The level of awareness of laboratory safety measures was significantly associated with respondents’ level of education (χ2 = 6.143; p = 0.046) and influences respondents’ efforts in creating a safe laboratory testing environment (F-ratio = 7.529, p = 0.007).However, just a few respondents could convincingly attest to the availability of adequate and appropriate PPE with proper utilization training (45.1%), adequate rest and other welfare packages (45.8%) as well as access to appropriate Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and other essential equipment in their laboratories (48.8%). Furthermore, a significant association existed between the availability of laboratory safety enabling factors and respondents’ efforts in creating a safe environment for testing with the p-value ranging between <0.0001 to 0.003. CONCLUSION This study revealed that despite the high awareness of safety measures and good personal efforts of the study participants in creating a safe laboratory-testing environment, there was poor availability of safety facilities, equipment, support and welfare packages required to enhance their safety. It is, therefore, crucial to provide necessary laboratory biosafety equipment and PPE in order not to compromise medical scientists’ safety as they perform their duties in COVID-19 pandemic response.

Low First Wave COVID-19 cases and health seeking behaviors across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
C.N. Ukaga ◽  
S.O. Sam-Wobo ◽  
R.H. Muhammed ◽  
H.O. Mogaji ◽  
O.A. Surakat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Routine Testing ◽  
Home Management ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Very High ◽  
Age Category

This study was carried out across the six geopolitical zones to assess knowledge and health seeking behaviors of Nigerians during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in order to understand the seemingly low cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Structured and pretested short questionnaires were employed to obtain information electronically and physically across the six geopolitical zones on socio-demographic characteristics of participants; the knowledge of participants on COVID-19 disease; availability and accessibility to testing and isolation centers in the communities, attitudes and health seeking behaviors. Atotal of 1023 respondents; 705 (68.9%) males and 318 (31.1%) females across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria participated in this study with 477(46.6%) within the 26-45 years age category, and 6(0.6%) above 66 years. Atotal of 985(96.3%) had heard about COVID-19 at the time of survey while a total of  859(84.0%) of the respondents were aware of the presence of COVID-19 laboratory testing centers. Across the geopolitical zones, majority of the respondents 487(47.6%) claimed there are no routine testing for COVID-19 at their community level, while 303 (29.6%) affirmed otherwise and 216(21.1%) did not know if there were routine testing going on or not. On health seeking behaviors across the  country, majority of the respondents 558(54.5%) affirmed they would visit the hospital as the first point of contact if the opportunitypresented itself, 244(23.9%) claimed they would call the NCDC toll line, 2(0.2%) said they would use prayers, while 1(0.1%) respectively claimed they would use home management strategies through visiting chemist stores and checking the internet for solutions. Findings from this study confirm that there is very high awareness of the COVID-19 disease across the country, and limited number of testing centers at the community level. The implications include the possibility of unreported COVID19 cases in the cities as well as in the  communities. Keywords: COVID-19, knowledge, health seeking behaviors, community level 

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MENTAL HEALTH AND CONCERNS REGARDING CURRICULUM IN FINAL YEAR MBBS STUDENTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 11-13
Author(s):  
Mruthyunjaya N ◽  
Vaibhavi PS ◽  
Vinod Kulkarni G
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
P Value ◽  
Medical Undergraduate ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
Study Participants

Background: The current SARS CoV-2 pandemic has affected the mental health of various sectors of the country while it has also jeopardised the education system. In this background the present study was done to explore the mental health of the nal year medical undergraduate students and their concerns regarding the curriculum. Materials and Methods:An online survey was conducted among the nal year MBBS students in India and psychiatric morbidity was measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. A total of 83 complete responses out of 130 were received and the data was assessed using SPSS software. Results: Out of the 83 study participants, about 34.9% were depressed, about 39.5% and 32.9% were having anxiety and stress, respectively. Sleep disturbances were signicantly associated with depressive symptoms (p value - 0.0001) and those with stress (p value - 0.01) while change in appetite was also signicantly associated with stress (p value - 0.01). Conclusion: The current pandemic has led to growing concerns in the educational sector especially medical education where MBBS students are facing psychological distress along with newer challenges in their academics like distant education as against traditional bedside teaching for acquiring clinical skills.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors amongst Teaching Staff of Juba University, South Sudan

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Amegovu Kiri Andrew ◽  
Mawadri Micheal ◽  
Mading James
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
South Sudan ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
P Value ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
The University ◽  
Study Participants

Obesity is a significant contributing factor in the development of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, osteoarthritis and certain cancer accounting for 2.8 million worldwide deaths annually. Recent global figures indicate that the prevalence of obesity is not just a problem of the developed countries but is also on the increase in the developing world, with over 115 million people suffering from obesity-related problems (WHO). In Africa, 8% of adults above 20 years are obese and 27% overweight (Steyn & Mchiza, 2014), Lack of empirical data remains an obstacle in monitoring the magnitude of current and future trends of overweight and obesity in sub Saharan Africa including South Sudan. This study investigated the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors among teaching staff; a case at University of Juba in South Sudan (Rep). A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 196 study participants drawn from various Colleges and faculties of Juba University using multi-stage systematic random sampling of 1st selecting the College, department and 2nd stage was the selection of participants using the exiting staff list obtained from the University administration. Key variables collected includes weight/kg, height, age, sex, physical activities, feeding habits and income of the study participants, which was used to determine the prevalence of obesity and associated risk factors. STATA version 12 was used to data analyze. Chi-square statistics were used to compare equality of distribution of obesity. Out of the 196 participants, 18.4% were males (160/196) and 81.6% were females (36/196). The mean age of the participant was estimated at 37 ± 8.5 years. Prevalence of Obesity (BMI> or=30) and Overweight (BMI >25 to <=30) among teaching staff was 4.1% and 10.2%, respectively. Of those found overweight/or obese, 20% were females (4/20) and  80% were males (16/20). While the age specific prevalence indicates obesity is highest among 35-44yrs (50%), followed by 45-55 yrs+ (37.5%) and 12.5% among 25-34yrs age groups. Age was found to be associated with obesity (P-value=0.0337, p<0.05)).Meal frequency was noted to be twice a day. Walking is the main physical activities for both males and females (97.5%) and nearly half of the participants (44.9%) had incomes 7500 South Sudan Pounds (SSP) an equivalent of $1000. Income levels was associated with BMI levels (P-value=0.0222; p<0.05). However, low prevalence of obesity among teaching staff at the University of Juba is not yet of an immediate public health concern, however, earlier preventive and control measures is required as most of the staff leads sedentary lifestyle. This study recommends public awareness intervention on dietary intake and physical exercises among others in schools and institutions at all levels to curtail an otherwise gradual rise in obesity and overweight in the near future. 

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Physical Activity among Medical Students of Jazan University: A Cross-Sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Husam Eldin Elsawi Khalafalla ◽  
Mohamed Salih Mahfouz ◽  
Muath Hassan Ibrahim Najmi ◽  
Sayyaf Abdullah Mohammad Najmi ◽  
Qasem Ali Yahya Arishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The University ◽  
Study Participants

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is one of the most important factors that affect human health; it reduces the chances of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and depression.OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to measure prevalence of physical activity and to determine the factors affecting the level of physical activity among medical student in Jazan University.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of medical colleges of Jazan University. A random sample of 419 was determined using most recent physical activity prevalence. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.RESULTS: There is a high prevalence of inactivity among study participants (88.1%). Females (91.7%) were more significantly (p value=0.013) inactive than males (83.8%). The most influential barrier perceived by participants is (heavy) academic work as well as lack of places for physical activity; the latter factor being more effective in hindering female students' physical activity.CONCLUSION: Results revealed that the inactivity rate was very high among medical students. The results of this study call for a well-planned intervention at the university level for improving the level of physical activity among university students.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of COVID-19 infection amongst workers in Primary Healthcare in Qatar

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari ◽  
Mariam AbdelMalik ◽  
Asma Ali Al-Nuaimi ◽  
Jazeel Abdulmajeed ◽  
Hamad Eid Al-Romaihi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Attack Rate ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Safety Training ◽  
P Value ◽  
Risk Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Risk Of Exposure

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 transmission was significant amongst Healthcare workers worldwide.AimThis study aims to estimate the risk of exposure for COVID-19 across Primary Healthcare workers in the State of Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to study the burden of COVID-19 among staff working at PHCC during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 1 to October 31, 2020.Results1,048 (87.4%)of the infected HCWs belonged to the age group below 45 years, and 488 (40.7%) HCWs were females. 450 (37.5%) were HCWs clinical staff working in one of the 27 PHCC HCs; Despite the increased patient footfall and risk environment, the COVID HCs had an attack rate of 10.1%, which is not significantly different from the average attack rate of 8.9% among staff located in other HCs (p-value =0.26). Storekeepers, engineering & maintenance staff, housekeeping staff, support staff, and security staff (outsourced positions) had the highest positivity rates, 100%, 67.2%, 47.1%, 32.4%, and 29.5% respective positivity rates.ConclusionsThe elevated risk of infection amongst outsourced healthcare workers can be explained by environmental factors such as living conditions. On the other hand, better containment within clinical healthcare workers can be attributed to strict safety training and compliance with preventative measures which is recommended to be implemented across all settings.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF LIPID PROFILE AMONG PATIENTS OF NON-DIABETIC CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AT TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr Bakul Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Renal Disease ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Chronic Renal Disease ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Study Participant ◽  
P Value ◽  
Additional Risk Factor ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Various studies have shown the association between dyslipidemia and cardio-vascular risk among patients of chronic renal disease but the association non-significant than patients with normal renal function. There was lack of evidence exists because patients with chronic renal disease were excluded from the major clinical studies where the association with that target dyslipidemia treatment was being evaluated Material & Methods: The present prospective study was conducted among the patients of Chronic Kidney Disease above 18 years of age and diagnosed on the basis of history, detailed clinical examination, and biochemical and sonological examination based upon National Kidney Foundation (NKF) criteria were enrolled into the study. Clearance from hospital ethics committee was taken before start of study. Written informed consent was taken from each study participant. Results:  In the present study out of total study participants of chronic kidney disease 46% were in the 3rd stage of CKD, 38% were in the 4th stage of CKD and 16% were in the 5th stage of CKD. Out of total study participants of chronic kidney disease, 82% were managed by conservative treatment and 18% were being managed by hemodialysis. Out of total study participants of chronic kidney disease, 38% had normal lipid profile while 62% patients had dyslipidemia. We found statistically significant (p value < 0.05) association between dyslipidemia and hemodialysis and association between dyslipidemia and stages of chronic kidney disease was statistically non- significant (p value > 0.05). Conclusion:  We concluded from the present study that dyslipidemia is significantly associated as an additional risk factor in patients of Chronic Kidney Disease. We found significant association of hemodialysis with abnormal lipid profile. Key words: Chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, hemodialysis.

scholarly journals Prevalence and associated factors of home delivery among women at Jimma town, Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 114-119
Author(s):  
Aynalem Yetwale ◽  
Eneyew Melkamu ◽  
Workiltu Ketema
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Home Delivery ◽  
P Value ◽  
Southwest Ethiopia ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Jimma Town ◽  
Institutional Delivery Service

Background: Maternal and child mortality and morbidity are higher during childbirth in developing countries compared to developed countries. Institutional delivery service utilization is indispensable to improve maternal and child health.However, the proportion of women utilizing institutional delivery service in Ethiopia is very low. In addition, little is known about factors contributing to home delivery. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of home delivery and associated risk factors at Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed on 423 study participants. Data were collected by semi-structured questionnaire through face to face interview. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. After cleaning and checking completeness of collected data, data was entered into Epi data version 3.3.1 software and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to find out the association between explanatory and response variables. Explanatory variables which fulfill the assumption of logistic regression and had a P-value less than 0.25 from bi-variable logistic regression were considered for the multivariable logistic regression model. The strength of association was evaluated using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare significant associations. Results: The prevalence of home delivery in this study was 36.64% (n=155/423 and it had significant association with illiteracy AOR=2.7 [(95%CI); (1.37-5.43)], multi-gravida AOR=2.12 [(95%CI); (1.09-4.10)], history of antenatal care (ANC) follow up AOR=4.15 [(95%CI); (2.57-6.70)] and husband educational status AOR=13.5 [(95%CI); (2.86-63.62)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of home delivery in this study was high compared to world health organizational recommendation. Educational status of the mother, gravida, antenatal care follow up and husband educational status were factors that had a significant association. Women empowerment through educational opportunities, increase antenatal care follow up and male involvement in maternal health service are recommended

scholarly journals The serious eye inflammation of post intraocular Avastin injection

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Fathy Abdolmejed ◽  
Khalid Almajri ◽  
Ghamela Ali
Keyword(s):  
Pars Plana Vitrectomy ◽  
Statistical Study ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Causative Organism ◽  
P Value ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Pars Plana

Retrospective statistical study a collection of all patients with post intra vitreal injection (IVI) endophthalmitis in last 10 year period between 2010–2019 in eye department of Tobruk medical center -Tobruk and eye department of Alwahda hospital - Derna. We aim in this study to review the microbiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management strategies of post-intra vitreal injection endophthalmitis, by comparing our results with the different studies designs and treatment protocols. There were 9 patients of the after intra vitreal injections endophthalmitis cases. The age average is 70 years, 6 cases are females and 3 casees are male, all of them were practice post intravitreal Avastin injection endophthalmitis. There were 8 patients had Diabetes mellitus (DM), 2 patients had cardiovascular disease and 1 patient had hepatitis C as a systemic disease. The most common causative organism after intra vitreous injection endophthalmitis is Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) 100% from the 56% positive causative organisms and 44% are no detected microorganisms, the outcome of cases which managed with pars-plana-vitrectomy (PPV) improved significantly about 60 Letters (> 3 Lines) and cases managed without PPV > 15 Letters (> 3 Lines). The cases of post intraocular endophthalmitis which diagnosed and treated early with PPV give a good result and can save the vision. The cases of acute POE in the first 3 day had significant better function (P value = 0.02).

Level of physical activity and its correlates among health care workers in Ethiopia, 2019

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tigist Demssew Adane ◽  
Birhan Gebresillassie Gebregiorgis ◽  
Elda Mekonnen Nigussie ◽  
Abate Dargie Wubetu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background These days, engaging at sufficient regular physical activity strongly recommended for good health and physical functioning. Physical activity can increase the self-confidence of the health professionals and they would become fit for daily activities with patients. Knowing the level of physical activity can help health care professionals to plan for physical activity programs. This study aimed to measure the level of physical activity and associated factors among adult health professionals at Tirunesh Beijing general hospital.Objective The aim of this study was to assess the level of physical activity and associated factors among health care workers in Ethiopia, 2019.Methods Institution based cross-sectional study conducted level of physical activity and associated factors among health care workers in Ethiopia, 2019. Two hundred nighty seven adult health professionals were participated, which was a 97.4% response rate. The global physical activity questionnaire used to measure the level of physical activity. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses was done to affirm the variables characteristics. A predictor variable with a p-value of less than 0.2 exported to multivariate analysis. During multivariate analysis, statistical significance declared at a p-value of < 0.05.Results In general, the majority of the study participants, 89.2% (95% CI: 85.9-92.6) were achieved recommended levels of physical activity. Regarding the intensity of the physical activity, the overall mean time score was 518.4 mints per week or 2352.6 MET/week. For moderate-intensity physical activity, 83.5% of the study participants were physically active, (≥150 minutes/week). In the case of vigorous activity, about 32.7% of the study participants were physically active and engaged in vigorous physical activity (≥75 minutes /week). The study participants, who had self-motivation for physical activity, had a BMI of less than 25 kg/m2 and aged < 40 years were physically active.Conclusions Health care providers’ habit of physical activity improved as compared with the previous studies. However, the current level of physical activity of health professionals is not adequate. Health care providers’ age, body mass index and self-motivation attribute to physical activity. The level of physical activity can increase by enhancing staff motivation towards physical activity.

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