scholarly journals Awareness and Impact of Hydroxychloroquine / Chloroquine prophylaxis among the Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An observational study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silky Dhamija ◽  
Yayati Joshi ◽  
Amar Nandhakumar
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Adequate Research ◽  
Morbid Conditions

Abstract Background Various modalities are under study for prevention and treatment of novel coronavirus. One such modality is use of Hydroxychloroquine/Choloroquine. The objective of survey was to understand the awareness and impact of HCQ/CQ prophylaxis among the health care workers (HCWs) including surgeons and anaesthetists.Methods A web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted for HCWs globally. Participation was voluntary and confidentiality was maintained by making participants' information anonymous. The questionnaire consisted of 28 items. Data were tabulated in excel, and descriptive statistics were performed. Results Survey was taken by 344 HCWs from all over the world. 98% participants heard about the use of HCQ/CQ prophylaxis against COVID 19 infection. 301 HCWs knew about the side effects of HCQ/CQ. 54 1% participants agree there is not adequate research done. 122 participants took HCQ/CQ prophylaxis. Out of 29 5% participants who received the medicine from hospital under hospital protocol, 66 7% were given medication without baseline investigations and 30 5% HCWs were not even briefed about the drug and its side effects by the hospitals. 36 2% participants developed side effects. 8 7% HCWs were tested for COVID19 out of 344 participants.Conclusion The drug taken by HCWs was without adequate evidence, prior investigations, supervision and follow-up. Most of the participants self prescribed the drug. No separate guidelines were stated for people who had co-morbid conditions. Hospitals neither conducted baseline investigations and nor briefed HCWs about HCQ/CQ. These are some serious concerns we are looking into as who will be answerable in case of adverse events.

scholarly journals Side Effects of mRNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccine: Nationwide Phase IV Study among Healthcare Workers in Slovakia

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 873
Author(s):  
Abanoub Riad ◽  
Barbora Hocková ◽  
Lucia Kantorová ◽  
Rastislav Slávik ◽  
Lucia Spurná ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Phase Iv

mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines such as BNT162b2 have recently been a target of anti-vaccination campaigns due to their novelty in the healthcare industry; nevertheless, these vaccines have exhibited excellent results in terms of efficacy and safety. As a consequence, they acquired the first approvals from drug regulators and were deployed at a large scale among priority groups, including healthcare workers. This phase IV study was designed as a nationwide cross-sectional survey to evaluate the post-vaccination side effects among healthcare workers in Slovakia. The study used a validated self-administered questionnaire that inquired about participants’ demographic information, medical anamneses, COVID-19-related anamnesis, and local, systemic, oral, and skin-related side effects following receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine. A total of 522 participants were included in this study, of whom 77% were females, 55.7% were aged between 31 and 54 years, and 41.6% were from Banska Bystrica. Most of the participants (91.6%) reported at least one side effect. Injection site pain (85.2%) was the most common local side effect, while fatigue (54.2%), headache (34.3%), muscle pain (28.4%), and chills (26.4%) were the most common systemic side effects. The reported side effects were of a mild nature (99.6%) that did not require medical attention and a short duration, as most of them (90.4%) were resolved within three days. Females and young adults were more likely to report post-vaccination side effects; such a finding is also consistent with what was previously reported by other phase IV studies worldwide. The role of chronic illnesses and medical treatments in post-vaccination side effect incidence and intensity requires further robust investigation among large population groups.

scholarly journals Myths, beliefs, and conspiracies about COVID-19 Vaccines in Sindh, Pakistan: An online cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qamar Abbas ◽  
Fatima Mangrio ◽  
Sunil Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Polio Vaccination ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract Background Pakistan has already encountered intense opposition to polio vaccination due to myths and misinformation, now the unfavorable opinions of COVID-19 vaccinations among the population would have catastrophic consequences for attempts to end the pandemic. Methods A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the general population of Sindh, Pakistan in January 2021. 31 items based on vaccines availability, safety, and myths, the questionnaire was designed and randomly distributed through a google form link. Results were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square tests. Results A total of 774 responses were recorded from 23 districts of Sindh, Pakistan. The majority of participants (n=00, 00.0%) were not aware of the presence of the COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan. Results found the significant relationship of conspiracies and myths with an education level of participants, to make Muslims infertile, illiterate showed (Yes n=45, No=27) while postgraduate (Yes n=11, No=88) (χ2 = 109.6, P> 0.000). Participants showed doubt about the safety of vaccines, (Yes n= 464, 59.9%, No= 310, 40.1%). Other responses related to side effects of the vaccine were also highly significant, participants showed that vaccine side effects (Yes n= 462, 59.7%, No= 312, 40.3%), Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not get vaccinated (Yes n= 468, 59.8%, No= 311, 40.1%) and people with underlying conditions should not get vaccinated (True n= 389, 50.3%, False= 385, 49.7%). Conclusion The proportion of varying public doubts in vaccines’ safety and efficacy and the presence of myths, conspiracies will be a major barrier to vaccine uptake.

scholarly journals Preparedness of Healthcare Workers towards Handling COVID-19 Outbreak in the Gambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 36-42
Author(s):  
Joseph W Jatta ◽  
Jean Claude Romaric Pingdwindé Ouédraogo ◽  
Yusupha Sanyang ◽  
Daniel Nebongo ◽  
Tahir Ahmed Touray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that began in Wuhan, China rapidly became a public health concern and a challenge for healthcare systems globally.  In the wake of the first confirmed case in The Gambia, concerns were raised in some quarters about the health system's preparedness to handle the outbreak. Therefore, we aimed to assess health personnel's knowledge and preparedness in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak in The Gambia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires distributed online through social media. Descriptive, bivariate, and binary logistic analyses were done using SPSS Version 22. Results: We obtained 333 valid responses. Most participants reported that their health facility has some form of preparedness; however, only a small proportion reported enough PPEs in the health facility. About half (50.5%) showed good knowledge of COVID-19. There was a statistically significant difference among the professions regarding their reaction if they were found positive of COVID-19 (p=0.006). There was a significant association between health professions [other professions (Odds ratio [OR]=0.2, 95% Confidence interval [CI]:0.04–0 .9; p=0.038)] and overall knowledge of COVID-19. Conclusion: Our findings showed some form of preparedness towards COVID-19 among healthcare workers. However, many aspects, such as the availability of PPEs and their proper use and knowledge, need improvement. Thus, training and an adequate supply of equipment are required to better respond to upcoming COVID-19 waves and future outbreaks. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-03-SI-5 Full Text: PDF

scholarly journals Worries and concerns among healthcare workers during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic: a web-based cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Sahashi ◽  
Hirohisa Endo ◽  
Tadafumi Sugimoto ◽  
Takeru Nabeta ◽  
Kimitaka Nishizaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Family Work ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) treating and caring for patients with emerging infectious diseases often experience psychological distress. However, the psychological impact and behavior change of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among HCWs are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the worries and concerns of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn this cross-sectional survey, a web-based questionnaire was distributed among HCWs working in hospitals or clinics across Japanese medical facilities from April 20 to May 1, 2020. The questionnaire comprised items on demographics, worries and concerns, perceptions regarding the sufficiency of information, and behavioral changes pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA total of 4386 HCWs completed the survey; 1648 (64.7%) were aged 30-39 years, 2379 (54.2%) were male, and 782 (18.1%) were frontline HCWs, directly caring for patients with COVID-19 on a daily basis. 3500 HCWs (79.8%) indicated that they were seriously worried about the pandemic. The most frequent concern was the consequence of becoming infected on their family, work, and society (87.4%). Additionally, the majority (55.5%) had restricted social contact and almost all HCWs endorsed a shortage in personal protective equipment (median, 8/9 (interquartile range; 7-9) on a Likert scale). There was no significant difference in the degree of worry between frontline and non-frontline HCWs (8/9 (7-9) vs. 8/9 (7-9), p=0.25). Frontline HCWs, compared to non-frontline HCWs, were more likely to have the need to avoid contact with families and friends (24.8% vs. 17.8%, p<0.001) and indicated that they cannot evade their professional duty during the COVID-19 pandemic (9/9 (7-9) vs. 8/9 (6-9), p<0.001). Further, the extremely low proportion of frontline HCWs reported that they would take a leave of absence to avoid infection (1.2%).ConclusionsBoth frontline and non-frontline HCWs expressed comparable concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Because HCWs, especially frontline HCWs, reported that they cannot be obliged to do avoid their duty, effective mental health protection strategies should be developed and implemented for HCWs.

scholarly journals Generalized anxiety disorder, depressive symptoms and sleep quality during COVID-19 epidemic in China: a web-based cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeen Huang ◽  
Ning Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based

Abstract Background China has been severely affected by COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) since December, 2019. This study aimed to assess the population mental health burden during the epidemic, and to explore the potential influence factors. Methods Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 7,236 self-selected volunteers assessed with demographic information, COVID-19 related knowledge, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Center for Epidemiology Scale for Depression (CES-D), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regressions were used to identify influence factors associated with mental health problem. Results Of the total sample analyzed, the overall prevalence of GAD, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality were 35.1%, 20.1%, and 18.2%, respectively. Young people reported a higher prevalence of GAD and depressive symptoms than older people ( P <0.001). Compared with other occupational group, healthcare workers have the highest rate of poor sleep quality ( P <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (< 35 years) and times to focus on the COVID-19 (≥ 3 hours per day) were associated with GAD, and healthcare workers were associated with poor sleep quality. Conclusions Our study identified a major mental health burden of the public during COVID-19 epidemic in China. Young people, people who spent too much time on the epidemic, and healthcare workers were at high risk for mental illness. Continuous surveillance and monitoring of the psychological consequences for outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide.

scholarly journals Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in previously undiagnosed health care workers in New Jersey, at the onset of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily S. Barrett ◽  
Daniel B. Horton ◽  
Jason Roy ◽  
Maria Laura Gennaro ◽  
Andrew Brooks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Risk Difference ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCW) are presumed to be at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to occupational exposure to infected patients. However, there has been little epidemiological research to assess these risks. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of HCW (n = 546) and non-healthcare workers (NHCW; n = 283) with no known prior SARS-CoV-2 infection who were recruited from a large U.S. university and two affiliated university hospitals. In this cross-sectional analysis of data collected at baseline, we examined SARS-CoV-2 infection status (as determined by presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in oropharyngeal swabs) by healthcare worker status and role. Results At baseline, 41 (5.0%) of the participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, of whom 14 (34.2%) reported symptoms. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was higher among HCW (7.3%) than in NHCW (0.4%), representing a 7.0% greater absolute risk (95% confidence interval for risk difference 4.7, 9.3%). The majority of infected HCW (62.5%) were nurses. Positive tests increased across the two weeks of cohort recruitment in line with rising confirmed cases in the hospitals and surrounding counties. Conclusions Overall, our results demonstrate that HCW had a higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection than NHCW. Continued follow-up of this cohort will enable us to monitor infection rates and examine risk factors for transmission.

Knowledge and Attitude towards 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Among Health Care Workers in Tripoli, Libya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Atia ◽  
Mohammed Abdo
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
International Health ◽  
Educational Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Educational Training Program

Abstract The rising incidence of COVID-19 continues to cause distress, worry, and fear amongst the public, mostly for healthcare workers, as they are the most vulnerable individuals at risk of contracting this new SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. This study measured levels of knowledge and attitude regarding COVID-19 among health care workers in Libya. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Libya between April 22 and June 16, 2020 using online pre-validate questionnaire. We obtained 272 valid participants from 28.7% nurses, 25.3% physicians, 34.2% pharmacists, and 11.8% other health care workers. The majority of respondents (54.4%) were from the western part of Libya, and most of participants (41.2%) used international health websites as a source of information. Most of the participants (89.3%) perceived that they had adequate knowledge about COVID-19, and (95.6%) of respondents affirmed that COVID-19 can be life-threatening disease. All participants agreed that the transmission of COVID-19 can be prevented by using standard and isolation precautions given by the health care authorities. In addition, most participants had good attitude toward the adequate information about COVID-19 in Libyan society. Readiness for the pandemic were low among government institutions as spotted from this study. Therefore, an effective educational training program should be implemented to ensure maintenance of appropriate practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Healthcare Workers’ Willingness to Receive Influenza Vaccination in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey in Southern Italy

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 766
Author(s):  
Gabriella Di Giuseppe ◽  
Concetta P. Pelullo ◽  
Andrea Paolantonio ◽  
Giorgia Della Polla ◽  
Maria Pavia
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
To Receive

This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate hospital healthcare workers’ (HCWs) willingness to receive the influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the related determinants, since it is plausible that the two epidemics will coexist in future winters. Overall, 68% out of 490 participants expressed their willingness to receive influenza vaccination in the 2020/21 season, with 95% of those ever and 45.8% of those never vaccinated in the previous six influenza seasons. Belief that influenza vaccine is useful in distinguishing influenza symptoms from those of COVID-19 and that the influenza vaccine is useful to prevent influenza in hospital settings, willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, having no concern about influenza vaccine side effects, concern about the possibility to transmit influenza to hospitalized patients, and influenza vaccination in previous years were all predictors of willingness to receive influenza vaccination. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a relevant increase in the willingness to undergo influenza vaccination was reported. Therefore, interventions focused primarily on enabling factors are needed to promote the adherence to influenza vaccination in future seasons among HCWs.

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