scholarly journals Community engagement in the prevention and control of COVID-19: Insights from Vietnam

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0254432
Author(s):  
Bui Thi Thu Ha ◽  
La Ngoc Quang ◽  
Pham Quoc Thanh ◽  
Duong Minh Duc ◽  
Tolib Mirzoev ◽  
...  

Introduction Community engagement (CE) is an effective public health strategy for improving health outcomes. There is limited published knowledge about effective approaches to CE in ensuring effective responses to COVID-19 throughout lockdowns, travel restrictions and social distancing. In this paper, we contribute to bridging this gap by highlighting experience of CE in Vietnam, specifically focusing on migrant workers in Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional qualitative study design was used with qualitative data collection was carried out during August-October 2020. Two districts were purposefully selected from two large industrial zones. Data was collected using in-depth interviews (n = 36) with individuals and households, migrants and owners of dormitories, industrial zone factory representatives, community representatives and health authorities. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis approach. The study received ethics approval from the Hanoi University Institutional Review Board. Results The government’s response to COVID-19 was spearheaded by the multi-sectoral National Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19, chaired by the Vice Prime Minister and comprised different members from 23 ministries. This structure was replicated throughout the province and local levels and all public and private organizations. Different activities were carried out by local communities, following four key principles of infection control: early detection, isolation, quarantine and hospitalization. We found three key determinants of engagement of migrant workers with COVID-19 prevention and control: availability of resources, appropriate capacity strengthening, transparent and continuous communication and a sense of trust in government legitimacy. Discussion and conclusion Our results support the current literature on CE in infection control which highlights the importance of context and suggests that future CE should consider five key components: multi-sectoral collaboration with a whole-of-community approach to strengthen governance structures with context-specific partnerships; mobilization of resources and decentralization of decision making to encourage self-reliance and building of local capacity; capacity building through training and supervision to local institutions; transparent and clear communication of health risks and sensitization of local communities to improve compliance and foster trust in the government measures; and understanding the urgent needs ensuring of social security and engaging all parts of the community, specifically the vulnerable groups.

e-GIGI ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meilan M. Suleh ◽  
Vonny N. S. Wowor ◽  
Christy N. Mintjelungan

Abstract: Tooth extraction is one of the high risk actions that can cause cross-infection. Prevention and control of a cross-infection is needed in tooth extraction because the field of dentistry work contacts directly with blood and saliva. This was a descriptive observational study with a cross sectional design. There were 44 samples obtained by using purposive sampling method. This study aimed to determine the prevention and control of cross infection in dental extractions at the Dental Hospital PSPDG FK Unsrat. The results showed that the prevention and control of cross-infection pre-action tooth extraction was 37.4%. The prevention of cross infection control during dental extractions was 60.26%. The prevention of cross infection control after tooth extraction was 47.16%. In general, prevention and cross-infection control in dental extractions at the Dental Hospital PSDDG FK Unsrat was only done by 48.23%.Keywords: prevention and control of cross-infection, tooth extraction actionAbstrak: Ekstraksi gigi merupakan salah satu tindakan berisiko tinggi menyebabkan terjadinya infeksi silang. Pencegahan dan pengendalian infeksi silang sangat dibutuhkan pada tindakan ekstraksi gigi, karena bidang kerja kedokteran gigi berhubungan langsung dengan darah dan saliva. Jenis penelitian ini deskritif observasional dengan desain potong lintang. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling dengan jumlah 44 sampel. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pencegahan dan pengendalian infeksi silang pada tindakan ekstraksi gigi di Rumah Sakit Gigi dan Mulut PSPDG FK Unsrat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pencegahan dan pengendalian infeksi silang pra tindakan ekstraksi gigi dilakukan sebesar 37,4%. Pencegahan dan pengendalian infeksi silang selama tindakan ekstraksi gigi dilakukan sebesar 60,26%. Pencegahan dan pengendalian infeksi silang paska tindakan ekstraksi gigi dilakukan sebesar 47,16%. Secara umum, pencegahan dan pengendalian infeksi silang pada tindakan ekstraksi gigi di RSGM PSDDG FK Unsrat hanya dilakukan sebesar 48,23%.Kata kunci: pencegahan dan pengendalian infeksi silang, tindakan ekstraksi gigi.


Author(s):  
Jacinta Chinyere Elo-Ilo ◽  
Chioma Chetachukwu Ajator ◽  
Dorothy Amauche Ezeagwuna ◽  
Ahoma Victor Mbanuzuru ◽  
Chioma Phyllis Nnamani

Background and Aim: Healthcare workers have the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection due to the nature of their occupation which daily exposes them to infectious agents/people with COVID-19. The study aimed to determine the knowledge of healthcare workers towards COVID-19 infection prevention strategies and factors that affect infection prevention against COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study conducted in a tertiary health institution. One hundred and ninety-five participants were recruited consecutively into the study. Data was collected using a 13-question semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The knowledge, perceptions and factors contributing to COVID-19 infection, prevention and control (IPC) were measured. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. The test of significance was set at p-value <0.05. Results: The knowledge of COVID-19 Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) was 31.8%, 63.6% of the participants were aware of IPC program at the hospital but majority (74.9%) had not received any training. There was no significant association between knowledge of COVID-19 IPC and sociodemographic characteristics. Less than half of the participants (37.4%) had a good perception of the hospital’s readiness for COVID-19 pandemic, 52.8% reported that breeching IPC rules can cause an outbreak of COVID-19 in the hospital. Lack of resources to fulfil Infection, Prevention and Control need is the single most important contributory factor to the spread of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: The knowledge of COVID-19 infection, prevention and control was poor in the study and the majority of the healthcare workers had not received any training regarding Infection, Prevention and Control. Therefore, there is need for the hospital management with the financial backup from the government to train healthcare workers on Infection prevention and control strategies.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yushi Mo ◽  
Yan Luo ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Dewei Xiao ◽  
Shuqing Liu ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND In face of the sudden epidemic of COVID-19, strict prevention and control measures had been urgently carried out all over China. Because of the long-term home quarantine, all kinds of people were affected by it. OBJECTIVE In order to understand the mental health of children during the pandemic of COVID-19, this study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of emotional and behavioral problems of children aged 1-11 in Guizhou. METHODS Based on the online survey platform, the survey link was pushed through Wechat in April 2020. Electronic questionnaires were used to investigate children's demographic characteristics, emotional or behavioral problems. RESULTS A total of 3505 valid questionnaires were received from 9 prefectures and cities in Guizhou Province. 39.67% of the children in the 1-2-year-old group had emotional problems. 17.63% of the children agd 3-5 years had behavioral or emotional problems. And 23.57% of the children agd 6-11 years havd behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS During the home quarantine period of prevention and control of COVID-19, even young children were adversely affected. The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in children was high, which was mainly manifested as anxiety, difficulty in concentration and sleep problems.


2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110127
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Faisal Sultan

Background: Patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities during outbreaks hinges on a prompt infection prevention and control response. Physicians leading these programmes have encountered numerous obstacles during the pandemic. Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate infection prevention and control practices and explore the challenges in Pakistan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and administered a survey to physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes at 18 hospitals in Pakistan. Results: All participants implemented universal masking, limited the intake of patients and designated separate triage areas, wards and intensive care units for coronavirus disease 2019 patients at their hospitals. Eleven (61%) physicians reported personal protective equipment shortages. Staff at three (17%) hospitals worked without the appropriate personal protective equipment due to limited supplies. All participants felt overworked and 17 (94%) reported stress. Physicians identified the lack of negative pressure rooms, fear and anxiety among hospital staff, rapidly evolving guidelines, personal protective equipment shortages and opposition from hospital staff regarding the choice of recommended personal protective equipment as major challenges during the pandemic. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the challenges faced by physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes in Pakistan. It is essential to support infection prevention and control personnel and bridge the identified gaps to ensure patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities.


Author(s):  
Hala A Amer ◽  
Ibrahim A Alowidah ◽  
Chasteffi Bugtai ◽  
Barbara M. Soule ◽  
Ziad A Memish

Abstract Background: King Saud Medical City (KSMC) is a quaternary care center based in the center of the capital city, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and is one of the key Ministry of Health (MoH) facilities dedicated to the care of COVID-19 patients in the central region. Methods: A comprehensive surge plan was promptly launched in mid-March 2020 to address the pandemic and then expanded in a phase-wise approach. Supporting the capacity of the infection prevention and control department (IPCD) was one of the main pillars of KSMC surge plan. Task force Infection Control teams have been formulated to tackle the different aspects of pandemic containment processes. The challenges and measures undertaken by the IPC team have been described. Conclusion: Realizing the more prominent role of infection prevention and control staff as frontline responders to public health emergencies like COVID-19, a solid infection prevention and control system at the healthcare setting supported by qualified and sufficient manpower, a well-developed multidisciplinary team approach, electronic infrastructure and efficient supply utilization is required for effective crisis management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ailiana Santosa ◽  
Yue Zhang ◽  
Lars Weinehall ◽  
Genming Zhao ◽  
Na Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Failure to promote early detection and better management of hypertension will contribute to the increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to assess the gender differences in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, together with its associated factors, in China and Sweden. Methods We used data from two cross-sectional studies: the Västerbotten Intervention Program in northern Sweden (n = 25,511) and the Shanghai survey in eastern China (n = 25,356). We employed multivariable logistic regression to examine the socio-demographics, lifestyle behaviours, and biological factors associated with the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. Results Men had a higher prevalence of hypertension (43% in Sweden, 39% in China) than their female counterparts (29 and 36%, respectively). In Sweden, men were less aware of, less treated for, and had less control over their hypertension than women. Chinese men were more aware of, had similar levels of treatment for, and had less control over their hypertension compared to women. Awareness and control of hypertension was lower in China compared to Sweden. Only 33 and 38% of hypertensive Chinese men and women who were treated reached the treatment goals, compared with a respective 48 and 59% in Sweden. Old age, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, a family history of hypertension or cardiovascular diseases, low physical activity and overweight or obesity were found to increase the odds of hypertension and its diagnosis. Conclusions This study shows the age and gender differences in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among adults in China and Sweden. Multisectoral intervention should be developed to address the increasing burden of sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity and diabetes, all of which are linked to the prevention and control of hypertension. Development and implementation of the gender- and context-specific intervention for the prevention and control of hypertension facilitates understanding with regard to the implementation barriers and facilitators.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Maia Alves da Silva ◽  
Maria Alix Leite Araújo ◽  
Raimunda Magalhães da Silva ◽  
Roumayne Fernandes Vieira Andrade ◽  
Heber José de Moura ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of family health strategy professionals regarding the prevention and control of the vertical transmission of syphilis. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from August to October 2009. A questionnaire was used, with its correct answers being in line with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. Univariate analysis was carried out, with frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation. A total of 269 professionals participated, 44.7% had 6 to 10 years of experience in the FHS, and 60% of the questions regarding their knowledge were answered correctly: 75.8% were aware of the request period of the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test; 78.1% of the alternative drug for the treatment for pregnant women allergic to penicillin, 55.1% of the request period for VDRL for cure and control, and 50.2% of the conduct with a sexual partner. It was concluded that healthcare professionals are unaware of the appropriate actions for the prevention and control of congenital syphilis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Fatma Lestari ◽  
Abdul Kadir ◽  
Muhammad Idham ◽  
Fahrul Azwar ◽  
Ganis Ramadhany ◽  
...  

People’s behaviors can affect the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Public behaviors, including proper personal hygiene and healthy life practices, the use of appropriate masks, and the application of good disinfectants, have an important role in human health and protection towards prevention and control of COVID-19 spread. This study aims to perform a survey of public behavior and best practices related to COVID-19 prevention and control among Indonesian communities. A cross-sectional study was designed to collect information using an online survey. Respondents were gathered from 34 provinces in Indonesia through the Indonesia National Safety and Health Council network and Universities network. Respondents voluntarily submitted their response to a predesigned online questionnaire. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS 24.0. A total of 771 respondent subjects (male 386; female 385) were recruited. The results show that 96% of participants implement positive behavior of personal hygiene, including wearing a mask when going outside their house, and almost 67.3% of respondents sprayed a disinfectant in their house. The majority of participants hold a door handle (37.2%) and desk (28.1%) at a frequency of more than six times a day. There were 8.2% of participants implementing good personal hygiene, including hand-washing at least once a day and maximum of more than six times after going to the toilet. At-risk behaviors were conducted by respondents in which they touched part of their face at a frequency of once during an hour. It was identified that males are less likely to perform better hand hygiene as opposed to females. In conclusion, the study showed that positive behavior of personal hygiene related to COVID-19 has been implemented among Indonesian communities. This result suggests that positive behavior based on community-based prevention and control needs to be continually maintained in order to prevent and control COVID-19 spread.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stelios Iordanou ◽  
Nicos Middleton ◽  
Elizabeth Papathanassoglou ◽  
Lakis Palazis ◽  
VASILIOS RAFTOPOULOS

Abstract Background: Device-associated health care-associated infections (DA-HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety, particularly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a bundle of infection control measures to reduce DA-HAIs in the ICU of a General Hospital in the Republic of Cyprus, over a three-year period. Methods: We studied 599 ICU patients with length of stay (LOS) for at least 48 hours. Our prospective cohort study was divided into three surveillance phases. VAP, CLABSI, and CAUTI incidence rates, LOS and mortality were calculated before, during and after the infection prevention and control program. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the number of DA-HAI events during the surveillance periods, associated with DA-HAIs prevention efforts. In 2015 (prior to program implementation), the baseline DA-HAIs instances were 43: 16 VAP (10.1/1000 Device Days), 21 (15.9/1000DD) CLABSIs and 6 (2.66/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=198). During the second phase (2016), CLABSIs prevention measures were implemented and the number of infections were 24: 14 VAP (12.21/1000DD), 4 (4.2/1000DD) CLABSIs & 6 (3.22/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=184). During the third phase (2017), VAP and CAUTI prevention measure were again implemented and the rates were 6: (3 VAP: 12.21/1000DD), 2 (1.95/1000DD) CLABSIs & 1 (0.41/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=217). There was an overall reduction of 87% in the total number of DA-HAIs instances for the period 01/01/15 to 31/12/17. Conclusions: The significant overall reduction in DA-HAI rates, indicates that a comprehensive infection control program can affect DA-HAI rates.


2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Buckley ◽  
Muthu Dharmasena ◽  
Angela Fraser ◽  
Charles Pettigrew ◽  
Jeffery Anderson ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTCarpets and other soft surfaces have been associated with prolonged and reoccurring human norovirus (HuNoV) outbreaks. Environmental hygiene programs are important to prevent and control HuNoV outbreaks. Despite our knowledge of HuNoV transmission via soft surfaces, no commercially available disinfectants have been evaluated on carpets. Our aim was to adapt a current standardized method for virucidal testing by assessing two disinfection technologies, silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) and steam vapor, against one HuNoV surrogate, feline calicivirus (FCV), on wool and nylon carpets. First, we evaluated the effect of both technologies on the appearance of carpet. Next, we evaluated the efficacy of SDC in suspension and the efficacy of SDC and steam vapor against FCV on a glass surface, each with and without serum. Lastly, we tested both technologies on two types of carpet, wool and nylon. Both carpets exhibited no obvious color changes; however, SDC treatments left a residue while steam vapor left minor abrasions to fibers. SDC in suspension and on glass reduced FCV by 4.65 log10and >4.66 log10PFU, respectively, but demonstrated reduced efficacy in the presence of serum. However, SDC was only efficacious against FCV on nylon (3.62-log10PFU reduction) and not wool (1.82-log10PFU reduction). Steam vapor reduced FCV by >4.93 log10PFU on glass in 10 s and >3.68 log10PFU on wool and nylon carpet carriers in 90 s. There was a limited reduction of FCV RNA under both treatments compared to that of infectivity assays, but RNA reductions were higher in samples that contained serum.IMPORTANCEHuman noroviruses (HuNoV) account for ca. 20% of all diarrheal cases worldwide. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea and vomit, with both known to contribute to transmission. The prevention and control of HuNoV are difficult because they are environmentally resilient and resistant to many disinfectants. Several field studies have linked both hard and soft surfaces to HuNoV outbreaks. However, many disinfectants efficacious against HuNoV surrogates are recommended for hard surfaces, but no commercially available products have demonstrated efficacy against these surrogates on soft surfaces. Our research objectives were to evaluate liquid and steam-based technologies in suspension and on hard surface carriers in addition to adapting and testing a protocol for assessing the virucidal effects of disinfection technologies on carpet carriers. These results will inform both the government and industry regarding a standard method for evaluating the virucidal effects of disinfectants on carpet while demonstrating their efficacy relative to suspension and hard-surface tests.


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