scholarly journals Novel coronavirus seropositivity and related factors among healthcare workers at a university hospital: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aziz Ogutlu ◽  
Oguz Karabay ◽  
Unal Erkorkmaz ◽  
Ertugrul Guclu ◽  
Seher Sen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antibody Positivity ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background In this study, it is aimed to investigate the specific risk factors for the transmission of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers in different campuses of a university hospital and to reveal the risk factors for antibody positivity. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 2988 (82%) of 3620 healthcare workers in a university hospital participated. The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) antibody was investigated by taking serum to the healthcare workers who accepted for the COVID-19 antibody test. The antibody test results of the participants were evaluated according to the campus they work, their profession and their workplace. Statistical significance level was accepted as p < 0.05 in all analyzes. Results Of the antibody test results of the participants in this study, 108 (3.6%) were positive and 2880 (96.4%) were negative. Antibody positivity were higher in nurses than in other healthcare workers (p < 0.001). When examined according to work places, antibody positivity was higher in those working in intensive care compared to those working in other places (p < 0.001). Conclusions Healthcare workers are at the highest risk of being infected with COVID-19. Those who have a higher risk of infection among healthcare workers and those working in high-risk areas should be vaccinated early and take care to work with personal protective equipment during the pandemic period. Trial Registration: Retrospective permission was obtained from both the local ethics committee and the Turkish Ministry of Health for this study. (IRB No:71522473/050.01.04/370, Date: 05.20.2020

scholarly journals Novel coronavirus seropositivity and related factors among healthcare workers at a university hospital during the prevaccination period: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aziz Ogutlu ◽  
Oguz Karabay ◽  
Unal Erkorkmaz ◽  
Ertugrul Guclu ◽  
Seher Sen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antibody Positivity ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the specific risk factors for the transmission of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers in different campuses of a university hospital and to reveal the risk factors for antibody positivity. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 2988 (82%) of 3620 healthcare workers in a university hospital participated. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) antibody was investigated using serum from healthcare workers who underwent COVID-19 antibody testing. The antibody test results of the participants were evaluated based on their work campus, their profession and their workplace. The statistical significance level was p < 0.05 in all analyses. Results Of the participants in this study, 108 (3.6%) were antibody positive, and 2880 (96.4%) were negative. Antibody positivity rates were greater in nurses compared with other healthcare workers (p < 0.001). Regarding workplace, antibody positivity was greater in those working in intensive care compared to those working in other locations (p < 0.001). Conclusions Healthcare workers are at the highest risk of being infected with COVID-19. Those who have a higher risk of infection among healthcare workers and those working in high-risk areas should be vaccinated early and use personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Trial Registration: Retrospective permission was obtained from both the local ethics committee and the Turkish Ministry of Health for this study (IRB No:71522473/050.01.04/370, Date: 05.20.2020).

scholarly journals Risk factors for norovirus infection in healthcare workers during nosocomial outbreaks: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjell Torén ◽  
Linus Schiöler ◽  
Nancy P. Nenonen ◽  
Charles Hannoun ◽  
Anette Roth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Norovirus Gii

Abstract Background Norovirus outbreaks cause severe medico-socio-economic problems affecting healthcare workers and patients. The aim of the study was to investigate prevalence of norovirus infection and risk factors for infection in healthcare workers during nosocomial outbreaks. Methods A cross-sectional study of norovirus infections in healthcare workers was performed in seven outbreak wards in a large university hospital. Packs (swab for rectal sampling, and questionnaire) were posted to healthcare workers on notification of a ward outbreak. Rectal samples were examined with norovirus-specific real-time PCR. Replies from questionnaires were analysed using logistic regression models with norovirus genogroup (G)II positive findings as dependent variable. The results are expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses (1040 nucleotides) were used to characterize norovirus strains from healthcare workers. Cluster analyses included norovirus GII.4 strains detected in ward patients during the ongoing outbreaks. Results Of 308 packs issued to healthcare workers, 129 (42%) were returned. norovirus GII was detected in 26 healthcare workers (20.2%). Work in cohort care (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.4–16.3), work in wards for patients with dementia (OR 13.2, 95% CI 1.01–170.7), and having diarrhoea, loose stools or other gastrointestinal symptoms the last week (OR 7.7, 95% CI 2.5–27.2) were associated with increased norovirus prevalence in healthcare workers. Sequencing revealed norovirus GII.4 in healthcare workers samples, and strains detected in healthcare workers and ward patients during a given ward outbreak showed ≥ 99% similarity. Conclusion Norovirus positive findings in healthcare workers were strongly associated with symptomatic infection, close contact with sick patients, and dementia nursing.

Prevalence of Thyroid Diseases in an Occupationally Radiation Exposed Group: A Cross-Sectional Study in a University Hospital of Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Vimercati ◽  
Luigi De Maria ◽  
Francesca Mansi ◽  
Antonio Caputi ◽  
Giovanni M. Ferri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Thyroid Diseases ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposed Workers

Background: Thyroid diseases occur more frequently in people exposed to ionizing radiation, but the relationship between occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and thyroid pathologies still remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid diseases in healthcare workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation compared with a control group working at the University Hospital of Bari, Southern Italy, and living in the same geographical area, characterized by mild iodine deficiency. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study to investigate whether healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation had a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases. Four hundred and forty-four exposed healthcare workers (241 more exposed, or “A Category”, and 203 less exposed, or “B Category”) and 614 nonexposed healthcare workers were enrolled during a routine examination at the Occupational Health Unit. They were asked to fill in an anamnestic questionnaire and undergo a physical examination, serum determination of fT3, fT4 and TSH, anti-TPO ab and anti-TG ab and ultrasound neck scan. Thyroid nodules were submitted to fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated. Results: The prevalence of thyroid diseases was statistically higher in the exposed workers compared to controls (40% vs 29%, adPR 1.65; IC95% 1.34-2.07). In particular, the thyroid nodularity prevalence in the exposed group was approximately twice as high as that in the controls (29% vs 13%; adPR 2.83; IC95% 2.12-3.8). No statistically significant association was found between exposure to ionizing radiation and other thyroid diseases. Conclusion: In our study, mild ionizing radiation-exposed healthcare workers had a statistically higher prevalence of thyroid diseases than the control group. The results are likely due to a closer and more meticulous health surveillance programme carried out in the ionising radiation-exposed workers, allowing them to identify thyroid alterations earlier than non-exposed health staff.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum dyspareunia at three months post- delivery in Sudanese women

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2724
Author(s):  
Inas Mohamed Elhassan Abd. Alkareem ◽  
Mohamed Ahmed A/Gadir Ounsa ◽  
Elsadig Yousif Mohamed ◽  
Elsadig Mohamed ◽  
Sawsan Abdalla
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Scar Tissue ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Normal Vaginal Delivery ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ethical Approval

Background: Postpartum dyspareunia affects many women following childbirth: however, the extent of the problem is difficult to estimate. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia and to estimate its risk factors.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the National Ribat University Hospital, Sudan. The study was carried out on women attended the refer clinics of obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics departments in the hospital. The sample size was calculated as 380. The data were collected by a pre-tested questionnaire along with a clinical examination of the vulva and vagina after obtaining the ethical approval. The SPSS was used to analyze the data.Results: The prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia in women attended the National Ribat University hospital was 42.6 %. Regarding age, 8 (61.5%) of women less than 20 years of age experienced dyspareunia, 102 (46.4%) and 52 (35.4%) of women whose age was 20-29 years; and more than 29 years experienced the condition. One hundred forty (51.7%) of women who delivered by normal vaginal delivery developed postpartum dyspareunia. Eight (72.7%), 8 (12.5%) and 6 (17.6%) of women delivered by Operative vaginal, Elective C/S and Emergency C/S developed postpartum dyspareunia respectively. One hundred forty-eight (62.4%), 153 (51.3%) women who had decircumcision and episiotomy in last delivery had postpartum dyspareunia respectively. Forty-six (93.3%), fifty-three (86.9%) and 60 (87%) women who had infected episiotomy, scar tissue at episiotomy and tight interoitus developed the condition respectively.Conclusions: The prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia in women attended the National Ribat University hospital was 42.6 %. Regarding age, 8 (61.5%) of women less than 20 years of age experienced dyspareunia, 102 (46.4%) and 52 (35.4%) of women whose age was 20-29 years; and more than 29 years experienced the condition. One hundred forty (51.7%) of women who delivered by normal vaginal delivery developed postpartum dyspareunia. Eight (72.7%), 8 (12.5%) and 6 (17.6%) of women delivered by Operative vaginal, Elective C/S and Emergency C/S developed postpartum dyspareunia respectively. One hundred forty-eight (62.4%), 153 (51.3%) women who had decircumcision and episiotomy in last delivery had postpartum dyspareunia respectively. Forty-six (93.3%), fifty-three (86.9%) and 60 (87%) women who had infected episiotomy, scar tissue at episiotomy and tight interoitus developed the condition respectively.

scholarly journals HBV and HCV serological markers in patients with the hepatosplenic form of mansonic schistosomiasis

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéfferson Luis de Almeida Silva ◽  
Veridiana Sales Barbosa de Souza ◽  
Tatiana Aguiar Santos Vilella ◽  
Ana Lúcia C. Domingues ◽  
Maria Rosângela Cunha Duarte Coêlho
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Serological Markers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

CONTEXT: Blood transfusion is one of the major risk factors for the transmission of the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses. However, there are no reports describing the endoscopic transmission of these viruses in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of serological markers of HBV and HCV in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis and evaluate the possible risk factors associated with these infections. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 patients with hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis who attended a university hospital in Recife, Northeastern Brazil, from February to August 2008. The patients answered a standardized questionnaire about risk factors. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-HBc total, anti-HBs, HBsAg, and anti-HCV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence was 30% for anti-HBc total and/or HBsAg and 7.4% for anti-HCV. There was a higher frequency of the serological markers in females and in patients aged .50 years. A significant association was detected between the presence of anti-HCV and the receipt of six or more blood transfusions. There was no association of history and number of digestive endoscopies with the serological markers analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a higher prevalence of serological markers for HBV and a lower prevalence of anti-HCV. Our results indicate that females and patients of an advanced age are the most affected categories and that patients that received multiple transfusions are at a higher probability of HCV infection.

scholarly journals Modifiable and Non-modifiable Risk Factors Association with Functional Dyspepsia

2021 ◽  
pp. 489-493
Author(s):  
Prem Kumar Maheshwari ◽  
Hassan Liaquat Memon ◽  
Kapeel Raja ◽  
Shaista Zeb ◽  
Kamran Ahmed Almani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Functional Dyspepsia ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Objective: To determine the frequency of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of functional dyspepsia in our population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study has been conducted department of gastroenterology of Isra University Hospital from February 2019 to January 2020. All the patients of all age groups presented with functional dyspepsia and either of gender were included in the study. Patients were interviewed regarding modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors like age, gender, smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption and stress. All the data was gathered via study proforma. Results: Total 200 cases of functional dyspepsia were studied for modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Mean age of the cases was 49.45+6.33 years. Most of the cases were more than 40 years of the age. Males were 64.5% and females were 40.5%. According to the ethnicity Sindhi and Punjabi were commonest as 40.5% and 35.0% respectively. Inadequate physical activity and smoking habits were highly prevalent as 57.5% and 36.0% respectively. Conclusion: As per study conclusion age more than thirty years, male gender, ethnicity of Sindhi and Punjabi, smoking and inadequate physical activity were observed to be highly prevalent modifiable and non-modifiable risk factor of the functional dyspepsia.

scholarly journals Knowledge, perception and practices regarding novel coronavirus among sample of Ghanaian healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1072
Author(s):  
Dorcas Serwaa ◽  
Anthony Baffour Appiah ◽  
Richard Wodag-Seme ◽  
Charles Nkansah ◽  
Selasie Ahiatrogah
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: Healthcare workers’ have increased risk of contracting the deadly COVID-19 pandemic due to their exposures to infected persons and their specimens. Ghana, like many other countries, has felt the devastating effects of this virus; it was therefore prudent to assess the levels of knowledge, perception and practice of Ghanaian healthcare providers on the current pandemic.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study enlisted 979 healthcare workers’ in Ghana from 1st Apr to 20th Nov, 2020, via self-reported questionnaire. SPSS version 22.0 was used for the analysis. Responses were summarized using frequency and proportions. A chi-square test was utilized to test for association at significant level of p <0.05.Results: Out of the 979 healthcare workers recruited, 56.4% had good knowledge and 59.5% displayed good perception on the novel COVID-19 while 63.1% of them effectively practiced the expected precautionary measures. Age (p=0.001), gender (p=0.034) and profession (p<0.001) significantly affected the practice of precautionary measure among the health personnel. The respondents’ perceptions towards the pandemic were significantly linked to their age (p<0.001), gender (p=0.043), profession (p<0.001), type of occupation (p=0.001) and source of information (p=0.006). Also, knowledge significantly related to good practices but did not influence the perception of HCWs.Conclusions: The current study identifies that more than half of HCWs in Ghana have sufficient knowledge, perception, and practice of precautionary measures; however, it elucidates some significant concerns about the knowledge gap in this COVID-19 outbreak. There is an obvious need for progressive in-service training programs for the health workers to broaden their scopes on the risks and preventive measures. 

scholarly journals Prevalence and Risk Factors of CoronaVac Side Effects: An Independent Cross-Sectional Study among Healthcare Workers in Turkey

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2629
Author(s):  
Abanoub Riad ◽  
Derya Sağıroğlu ◽  
Batuhan Üstün ◽  
Andrea Pokorná ◽  
Jitka Klugarová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a serious threat to mass vaccination strategies that need to be accelerated currently in order to achieve a substantial level of community immunity. Independent (non-sponsored) studies have a great potential to enhance public confidence in vaccines and accelerate their uptake process. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study for the side effects (SE) of CoronaVac was carried out in February 2021 among Turkish healthcare workers who were recently vaccinated. The questionnaire inquired about local and systemic SEs that occurred in the short-term, within four weeks, following vaccination. Results: A total of 780 healthcare workers were included in this study; 62.5% of them experienced at least one SE. Injection site pain (41.5%) was the most common local SE, while fatigue (23.6%), headache (18.7%), muscle pain (11.2%) and joint pain (5.9%) were the common systemic SEs. Female healthcare workers (67.9%) were significantly more affected by local and systemic SEs than male colleagues (51.4%). Younger age, previous infection, and compromised health status (chronic illnesses and regular medicines uptake) can be associated with an increased risk of CoronaVac SEs; Conclusions: The independent research shows a higher prevalence of CoronaVac SEs than what is reported by phase I–III clinical trials. In general, the results of this study confirm the overall safety of CoronaVac and suggest potential risk factors for its SEs. Gender-based differences and SEs distribution among age groups are worth further investigation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document