Influencing factors associated with facial skin problems due to wearing masks during COVID-19 in China (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigui Yang ◽  
Chenyang Huang ◽  
Qingmiao Sun ◽  
Daixi JIang ◽  
Xiaobao Zhang ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Background: Wearing a mask is one of the most effective measures to prevent COVID-19 virus infection and it is not yet clear what potential factors may be associated with facial skin problems while wearing masks. OBJECTIVE Objective: seek most suitable mask-wearing habits for public to avoid facial skin problem. METHODS Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through online and offline questionnaires on patterns of mask wearing and facial skin problems during COVID-19 from May 30-July 1, 2020. Multivariable regression was used to explore the potential factors associated with skin problems. We also recruited 19 subjects and compared the differences in their facial microbiomes before and after wearing masks. RESULTS Results: A total of 4385 valid questionnaires were finally analyzed and 1323 (33.1%) participants reported having facial skin problems while wearing masks. The risk factors associated with skin problems were having a history of facial skin problems (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 2.80-3.76), facial skin allergies (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.20-1.56), face washing frequency (≥3 times per day) (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.07-2.43), daily sleep time <6 hours (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.81-3.13), and average time spent wearing masks uninterruptedly ≥6 hours (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.24-2.25). The analysis of the facial microbiome revealed that the abundance of Prevotella and Hemophilus decreased, and the functional pathway associated with cytochrome c was more predominant with the prolongation of wearing time. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: The habit of wearing a mask and life behavior affect the occurrence of skin damage. Suitable mask types and mask-wearing habits should be recommended to avoid facial skin problems. CLINICALTRIAL NA

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yehong Zhou ◽  
Junjie Zhang ◽  
Wenwen Wu ◽  
Man Liang ◽  
Qiang-Song Wu

Abstract Background There are no pharmacological interventions currently available to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or to treat COVID-19. The development of vaccines against COVID-19 is essential to contain the pandemic. we conducted a cross-sectional survey of Shanghai residents to understand residents’ willingness to be vaccinated with any future COVID-19 vaccines and take measures to further improve vaccination coverage. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using self-administered anonymous questionnaires from 1 July to 8 September 2020. The main outcome was willingness of participants, and any children or older individuals living with them, to receive future COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore potential factors associated with vaccination willingness. Results A total of 1071 participants were asked about their willingness to receive future COVID-19 vaccines, for themselves and at least 747 children and 375 older individuals (≥60 years old) living with them. The highest proportion of expected willingness to vaccinate was among participants (88.6%), followed by children (85.3%) and older individuals (84.0%). The main reasons for reluctance to vaccinate among 119 participants were doubts regarding vaccine safety (60.0%) and efficacy (28.8%). Participants with a self-reported history of influenza vaccination were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines for themselves [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.82], their children (adjusted OR = 2.08; 95%CI: 1.30–3.33), and older individuals in their household (adjusted OR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.14–3.99). Participants with older individuals in their families were less willing to vaccinate themselves (adjusted OR = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.40–0.87) and their children (adjusted OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.38–0.89). Conclusions Participants were more reluctant to accept COVID-19 vaccines for older individuals living with them. The presence of older individuals in the home also affected willingness of participants and their children to be vaccinated.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yehong Zhou ◽  
Junjie Zhang ◽  
Wenwen Wu ◽  
Man Liang ◽  
Qiangsong Wu

Abstract Background There are no pharmacological interventions currently available to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 or to treat COVID-19. The development of vaccines against COVID-19 is essential to contain the pandemic. we conducted a cross-sectional survey of Shanghai residents to understand residents' willingness to be vaccinated with any future COVID-19 vaccines and take measures to further improve vaccination coverage. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using self-administered anonymous questionnaires from 1 July to 8 September 2020. The main outcome was willingness of participants, and any children or older individuals living with them, to receive future COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore potential factors associated with vaccination willingness. Results A total of 1,071 participants were asked about their willingness to receive future COVID-19 vaccines, for themselves and at least 747 children and 375 older individuals (≥ 60 years old) living with them. The highest proportion of willingness to vaccinate was among adults (88.9%), followed by children (85.3%) and older individuals (84.0%). The main reasons for reluctance to vaccinate among 119 participants were doubts regarding vaccine safety (60.0%) and efficacy (28.8%). Participants with a self-reported history of influenza vaccination were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines for themselves [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–2.82], their children (adjusted OR = 2.08; 95%CI: 1.30–3.33), and older individuals in their household (adjusted OR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.14–3.99). Participants with older individuals in their families were less willing to vaccinate themselves (adjusted OR = 0.59; 95%CI: 0.40–0.87) and their children (adjusted OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.38–0.89). Conclusions Participants were more reluctant to accept COVID-19 vaccines for older individuals living with them. The presence of older individuals in the home also affected willingness of participants and their children to be vaccinated.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takaaki Kobayashi ◽  
Yuka Nishina ◽  
Hana Tomoi ◽  
Ko Harada ◽  
Kyuto Tanaka ◽  
...  

Background: Few studies have assessed how mobile messenger apps affect COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We created a COVID-19 vaccine information chatbot in a popular messenger app in Japan to answer commonly asked questions. Methods: LINE is the most popular messenger app in Japan. Corowa-kun, a free chatbot, was created in LINE on February 6, 2021. Corowa-kun provides instant, automated answers to frequently asked COVID-19 vaccine questions. In addition, a cross-sectional survey assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was conducted via Corowa-kun during April 5 to 12, 2021. Results: A total of 59,676 persons used Corowa-kun during February to April 2021. Of them, 10,192 users (17%) participated in the survey. Median age was 55 years (range 16 to 97), and most were female (74%). Intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine increased from 59% to 80% after using Corowa-kun (p < 0.01). Overall, 20% remained hesitant: 16% (1,675) were unsure, and 4% (364) did not intend to be vaccinated. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy were: age 16 to 34 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 3.0-4.6, compared to age ≥ 65), female sex (OR = 2.4, Cl: 2.1-2.8), and history of another vaccine side-effect (OR = 2.5, Cl: 2.2-2.9). Being a physician (OR = 0.2, Cl: 0.1-0.4) and having received a flu vaccine the prior season (OR = 0.4, Cl: 0.3-0.4) were protective. Conclusions: Corowa-kun reduced vaccine hesitancy by providing COVID-19 vaccine information in a messenger app. Mobile messenger apps could be leveraged to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.


2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 435-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasir Waheed ◽  
Umar Saeed ◽  
Sher Zaman Safi ◽  
Waqas Nasir Chaudhry ◽  
Ishtiaq Qadri

Abstract Background: In Pakistan, most patients with Hepatitis B and C have history of facial and armpit shaving from barbers. Objective: Evaluate the awareness and risk factors associated with barbers in transmission of Hepatitis B and C. Subjects and methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the twin capital cities of Pakistan between January and July 2009. Five hundred and eight barbershops were surveyed. Results: Out of 508 barber shops, 99.8% and 98.2% were washing their razor with water and water plus antiseptic solution, respectively, while 99.8% were using new blades. Only 39.6% knew that hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were viral diseases, 26.6% knew that it can lead to cancer, 90.7% thought that hepatitis could be transferred by blade sharing, 47.8% knew that a vaccine for HBV was available, and 43.0% had education beyond the primary level. None of the barbers used a new or washed apron/towel on every customer. Conclusion: In Pakistan, a small number of barbers are shaving clients with an old style razor with a permanent blade. There is moderate awareness about the various modes of transmission of hepatitis among the barbers, and most of them don’t know about vaccination. A predominant number of them are considering interferon treatment as a vaccine for hepatitis B and C.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Shuvo ◽  
T.R. Siddiqui ◽  
M. R. Hoque ◽  
N. Begum ◽  
D. R. Paul ◽  
...  

Background: Ecto-parasites namely ticks, lice and flea are important due to their blood sucking habit, skin damage and acting as vectors for various disease pathogens in both livestock and humans. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence and identify potential factors associated with ecto-parasitic infestations at Mymensingh sadar, Mymensingh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during July 2019 to June 2020. The data on risk factors was recorded using a questionnaire. Ecto-parasites were collected from randomly selected 173 goats and examined by preparing permanent slides. The potential factors were identified by univariable analysis. Main results: The overall prevalence of ectoparasitic infestation was 60.1% (104/173). The identified ecto-parasites were Damalinia caprae (83, 47.9%), Linognathus stenopsis (42, 24.3%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (36, 20.8%) and Ctenocephalides canis (16, 9.3%). Female (70.7%) goats were 2.9 times more prone to ecto-parasitic infestations than male goats (48.2%). Significantly highest infestations was recorded in adult goats (72.7%), followed by the young goats (52.7%) and the lowest in kids (46.3%). Also, prevalence was significantly (p< 0.001) higher in poor conditioned (76.4%) and anemic (72.9%) goats than that of good conditioned (34.3%) and non-anemic (44.2%) goats, respectively. Furthermore, acaricides /insecticides use in goats greatly influenced the prevalence of ecto-parasitic infestations. Prevalence was higher in those goats that never treated with acaricides and/or insecticides (70.78%) than those goats regularly treated with acaricides/insecticides (27.91%). Conclusions: A very high prevalence of ecto-parasitic infestation was recorded in goats of Mymensingh district. Farmers awareness should be increased to control ectoparasitic infestations especially in female, adult and goats with poor body condition.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong-chen Luo ◽  
Xu Liu ◽  
Anni Wang ◽  
Jian-qiong Li ◽  
Ze-hong Zheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background As the birth policy has been adjusted from one-child-one-couple to universal two-child-one-couple in China, there is an increasing number of women undergoing a second pregnancy after a previous cesarean section (CS). Undertaking an elective repeat CS (ERCS) has been taken for granted and has thus become a major contributor to the increasing CS rate in China. Promoting trial of labor after CS (TOLAC) can reduce the CS rate without compromising delivery outcomes. This study aimed to investigate Chinese obstetricians’ perspectives regarding TOLAC, and the factors associated with their decision-making regarding recommending TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS under the two-child policy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out between May and July 2018. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the obstetricians’ intention to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. The independent variables included sociodemographic factors and perceptions regarding TOLAC (selection criteria for TOLAC, basis underlying the selection criteria for TOLAC, and perceived challenges regarding promoting TOLAC). Results A total of 426 obstetricians were surveyed, with a response rate of ≥83%. The results showed that 31.0% of the obstetricians had no intention to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. Their decisions were associated with the perceived lack of confidence regarding undergoing TOLAC among pregnant women with a history of CS and their families (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.38–1.38); obstetricians’ uncertainty about the safety of TOLAC for pregnant women with a history of CS (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27–0.96), and worries about medical lawsuits due to adverse delivery outcomes (OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.07–0.31). The main reported challenges regarding performing TOLAC were lack of clear guidelines for predicting or avoiding the risks associated with TOLAC (83.4%), obstetricians’ uncertainty about the safety of TOLAC for women with a history of CS (81.2%), pregnant women’s unwillingness to accept the risks associated with TOLAC (81.0%) or demand for ERCS (80.7%), and the perceived lack of confidence (77.5%) or understanding (69.7%) regarding undergoing TOLAC among pregnant women and their families. Conclusion A proportion of Chinese obstetricians did not intend to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. This phenomenon was closely associated with obstetricians’ concerns about TOLAC safety and perceived attitudes of the pregnant women and their families regarding TOLAC. Effective measures are needed to help obstetricians predict and reduce the risks associated with TOLAC, clearly specify the indications for TOLAC, improve labor management, and popularize TOLAC in China. Additionally, public health education on TOLAC is necessary to improve the understanding of TOLAC among pregnant women with a history of CS and their families, and to improve their interactions with their obstetricians regarding shared decision making.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Sheng Zhu ◽  
Mei-Xian Zhang ◽  
Ching-Wen Chien ◽  
Wei-Ying Yang ◽  
Gui-Feng Shi ◽  
...  

Objective: We investigated whether there were sex differences in adverse reactions to an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among medical staff in China.Methods: From 24 February to 7 March 2021 an online cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-administered COVID-19 vaccine questionnaire among medical staff in Taizhou, China. In total, 1397 interviewees (1,107 women and 290 men) participated in the survey.Results: In our study, 178 (16.1%) women and 23 (7.9%) men reported adverse reactions following their first vaccination, and 169 (15.3%) women and 35 (12.1%) men reported adverse reactions following their second vaccination. After adjusting for confounding factors, adverse reactions to other vaccines, worry about adverse reactions, knowledge of the inactivated vaccine being used in the hospital, taking the vaccine for one's family proactively and receiving an influenza vaccination were significantly related to adverse reactions to both injections in women. In contrast, in men, concerns about adverse reactions independently increased the risk of adverse reactions following either vaccination, and a history of adverse reactions to other vaccines also increased the risk of adverse reactions to both injections.Conclusions: Sex differences in the frequency of reported adverse reactions to an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and potential factors were demonstrated in a sample of medical staff.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e022440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Eun Choi ◽  
Il Joon Moon ◽  
Sun-Young Baek ◽  
Seon Woo Kim ◽  
Yang-Sun Cho

ObjectiveTo evaluate discrepancies prevalent between self-reported hearing difficulty (SHD) and audiometrically measured hearing loss (AHL) and factors associated with such discrepancies.DesignNationwide cross-sectional survey.SettingData from 2010 to 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ParticipantsWe included 14 345 participants aged ≥19 years who had normal tympanic membranes (mean age of 49 years).MeasuresSelf-reported hearing was assessed by asking participants whether they had difficulty in hearing. AHL was defined as >25 dB of mean hearing thresholds measured at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz in better ear. Underestimated hearing impairment (HI) was defined as having AHL without SHD. Likewise, overestimated HI was defined as having SHD without AHL. Prevalence of underestimated and overestimated HIs was determined. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to examine factors associated with such discrepancies compared with concordant HL.ResultsAmong 14 345 participants, 1876 (13.1%) had underestimated HI while 733 (5.1%) had overestimated HI. Multivariable models revealed that participants who had discrepancies between SHD and AHL were less likely to have older age (OR: 0.979, 95% CI: 0.967 to 0.991 for the underestimated HI, OR: 0.905, 95% CI: 0.890 to 0.921 for the overestimated HI) and tinnitus (OR: 0.425, 95% CI: 0.344 to 0.525 for the underestimated HI and OR 0.523, 95% CI: 0.391 to 0.699 for the overestimated HI) compared with those who had concordant HI. Exposure to occupational noise (OR: 0.566, 95% CI: 0.423 to 0.758) was associated with underestimated HI, and medical history of hypertension (OR: 1.501, 95% CI: 1.061 to 2.123) and depression (OR: 1.771, 95% CI: 1.041 to 3.016) was associated with overestimated HI.ConclusionAge, tinnitus, occupational noise exposure, hypertension and depression should be incorporated into evaluation of hearing loss in clinical practice.


Author(s):  
Oleksandr Neduzhko ◽  
Oleksandr Postnov ◽  
Ihor Perehinets ◽  
Jack DeHovitz ◽  
Michael Joseph ◽  
...  

In Ukraine, about one-third of identified HIV-positive individuals are not connected to care. We conducted a cross-sectional survey (n = 200) among patients registered at Odessa AIDS centers in October to December 2011. Factors associated with delayed enrollment in HIV care (>3 months since positive HIV test) were evaluated using logistic regression. Among study participants (mean age 35 ± 8.2 years, 47.5% female, 42.5% reported history of injecting drugs), 55% delayed HIV care enrollment. Odds of delayed enrollment were higher for those with lower educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-6.76), not feeling ill (aOR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.50-5.93), or not having time to go to the AIDS center (aOR: 3.89, 95% CI: 1.39-10.89); injection drug use was not associated with delayed enrollment. Programs linking HIV-positive individuals to specialized care should address enrollment barriers and include education on HIV care benefits and case management for direct linkage to care. HIV testing and treatment should be coupled to ensure a continuum of care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueyun Zeng ◽  
Mingjie Sui ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
Xinyu Qian ◽  
Wenfeng Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to assess the health utility of leukemia patients in China using the EQ-5D-5L, compare it with the population norms, and identify the potential factors associated with health utility. Methods A hospital based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three tertiary hospitals from July 2015 to February 2016. A total of 186 patients with leukemia completed the EQ-5D-5L and their health utility scores were calculated using the Chinese value set. EQ-5D-5L utility and dimensions scores of leukemia patients were compared with China’s population norms using Kruskal–Wallis test and chi square test. Potential factors associated with health utility were identified using Tobit regression. Results The mean EQ-5D-5L utility scores of patients with leukemia, grouped by either gender or age, were significantly lower than those of the general population (p < 0.001). The same results were found for individual dimensions of EQ-5D-5L, where leukemia patients reported more health problems than the general population (p < 0.001). The utility score of leukemia patients was found to be significantly related to medical insurance, religious belief, comorbidities, social support and ECOG performance status. Conclusion This study indicated that leukemia patients have worse health status compared to the general population of China and that multiple factors affect the health utility of the patients. The utility scores reported in this study could be useful in future cost-utility analysis.


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