scholarly journals Covid-19 as occupational disease in healthcare workers: a brief review of cases in the Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Croatia

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-243
Author(s):  
Hrvoje Lalić
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Disease ◽  
Occupational Medicine ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Work Organisation ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Clinical Hospital ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
Prospective Monitoring

Abstract The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a tremendous impact on every facet of private life and work organisation in virtually all social and economic sectors worldwide. People who stand on the first line of defence are healthcare workers (HCWs) risking exposure to infected patients. However, even though they are often affected by COVID-19 and associated somatic and mental health problems, COVID-19 as a new illness was not immediately acknowledged as occupational disease. This is why several groups of HCWs contacted their occupational medicine physicians in 2020 with a request to register the infection with SARS-CoV-2 as occupational disease. In an attempt to support their appeals and show that hospital workers have a high occupational risk of COVID-19, this study presents COVID-19 incidence and symptoms in 100 employees working at 11 clinics of the Clinical Hospital Centre (CHC) Rijeka, Croatia from 1 June to end December 2020. All of them were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and took sick leave, which lasted 13.6±2.6 days in average. This study also looks into the role of occupational medicine physicians in prospective monitoring of acute and long-acting consequences of COVID-19 that might occur in HCWs.

Computed tomography in diagnosis of silicosis

2019 ◽  
pp. 39-41
Author(s):  
Alina S. Kovaleva ◽  
Igor V. Bukhtiyarov ◽  
Natalya S. Serova ◽  
Tatyana B. Burmistrova
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Evidence Based Medicine ◽  
Occupational Disease ◽  
Occupational Medicine ◽  
Occupational Diseases ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Based Medicine

Respiratory system diseases are one of the main problems in contemporary occupational medicine and exceed one fifth of all occupational diseases. Objective of the review was search and analysis of literature on diagnosis of silicosis as an important occupational disease of respiratory organs, by computed tomography and high-resolution computed tomography, from evidence-based medicine viewpoint.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Post-Traumatic Symptomatology among Dental Healthcare Workers in Russia: Results of a Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sarapultseva ◽  
Alena Zolotareva ◽  
Igor Kritsky ◽  
Natal’ya Nasretdinova ◽  
Alexey Sarapultsev
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Stress Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection has increased the risk of mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and healthcare workers (HCWs) are at greater risk than other occupational groups. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to explore the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among dental HCWs in Russia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The survey was carried out among 128 dental HCWs from three dental clinics of Ekaterinburg, Russia. The mean age of the sample was 38.6 years. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self-Report (PSS-SR); subjective distress was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The results indicated that 20.3–24.2% HCWs had mild to extremely severe symptoms of psychological distress, and 7.1–29.7% had clinical symptoms of PTSD. No differences between females and males were revealed. HCWs working directly with patients had significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms and the risk of PTSD development compared to those working indirectly, whereas older HCWs had significantly higher levels of both psychological distress and PTSD symptoms compared to younger HCWs. Thus, dental HCWs are at high risk for psychological distress and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Depression among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3406
Author(s):  
Beatriz Olaya ◽  
María Pérez-Moreno ◽  
Juan Bueno-Notivol ◽  
Patricia Gracia-García ◽  
Isabel Lasheras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Common Mental Health Problems

Background: There is evidence of a high psychological toll from the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers. This paper was aimed at conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting levels of depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 and estimating the pooled prevalence of depression. Methods: We searched for cross-sectional studies listed on PubMed from 1 December 2019 to 15 September 2020 that reported prevalence of depression in healthcare workers, nurses, medical doctors, and COVID-19 frontline professionals. The pooled proportions of depression were calculated with random effects models. Results: We identified 57 studies from seventeen countries. The pooled prevalence of depression in healthcare workers was 24% (95% CI: 20%−28%), 25% for nurses (95% CI: 18%−33%), 24% for medical doctors (95% CI: 16%−31%), and 43% for frontline professionals (95% CI: 28%−59%). Conclusions: The proportion of depression in nurses and medical doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that found in the general population as previously reported in other meta-analyses conducted with smaller numbers of studies. Importantly, almost half of the frontline healthcare workers showed increased levels of depression. There is need for a comprehensive, international response to prevent and treat common mental health problems in healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Versha Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Mental Condition ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has heavily burdened, and in many cases overwhelmed, healthcare systems including healthcare workers. The novel COVID-19 started from Wuhan in mainland China. Since then it has affected most of the nations and continents because of its rapid spread. Most commonly affected are the healthcare professionals who are working on the frontline. The COVID-19 epidemic has mushroomed globally, disrupting the existence of millions It is a generalized mental condition occurring without any trigger or stimulus. Various symptoms of depression are: anxious, sad and empty feelings, hopelessness, guilt and may be sense of helplessness, restless attitude, irritation, and lack of interest in various hobbies and activities and were once considered relax able and which are used to provide pleasure. Furthermore, healthcare workers reported mental health problems putatively associated with healthcare workers’ occupational activities during and up until years after epidemics, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress, burnout, depression and anxiety. As for lack of material, a high percentage of professionals are getting infected for not having adequate personal protection equipment (PPE) and not using it properly, having to re-use in many occasions equipment which is only recommended for one-time utilization. During work performed by healthcare workers, several pressure elements from different sources may impact on keeping optimal conditions for a healthy working environment, and because of the saturation of the sanitary facilities due to the high level of virus infection, the health of these professionals has been obviously affected. While the main focus is concentrated on laboratory testing, finding the disease cure and prevention of transmission, all individuals are undergoing a plethora of psychological problems while adjusting to current lifestyles and disease fear. In current study, an attempt has been made to find out the impact of this pandemic situation on psychological well-being of healthcare and non-healthcare workers. Our study has reported identical findings to those reported by numerous investigators working across the globe. The present paper has outlined the stressors which the frontline health care professionals have faced including fear of spreading disease to co-workers and members of the family, irregular sleep patterns, abrupt work cycles, and lack of adequate training skills in dealing with such a novel situation.

First the Pandemic then the Tsunami: COVID-19 and Its Impact on Mental Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keng Chuan SOH ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Behavioural Patterns

Introduction: COVID-19 has undeniably and profoundly impacted everyday lives of the general public. One particular emphasis is the mental wellbeing of populations. This review serves to examine the mental health impact of the current pandemic. Methods: A review of the literature on PubMed was conducted, drawing from systematic reviews and large population studies about mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The content was synthesized with the writer’s experience of daily life across different perspectives. Certain demographic sub-groups were examined, such as those under home quarantine or isolation, those who had contracted COVID-19, those with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, as well as healthcare workers and medical students. Results: Psychological well-being was adversely affected by the pandemic, although there is some controversy about the magnitude of this impact which is likely in relation to the timeline of the pandemic’s progression. Behavioural patterns such as spending habits during lockdowns might provide an early indication of mental health problems. Those who had contracted COVID-19 were found to have heightened levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms and depressive symptoms. Healthcare workers and medical students have faced comparable levels of anxiety, depressed mood and insomnia. The final results of some of the systematic reviews are still pending. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted everyday life. If not already thecase, there is likely to be an anticipated tsunami of mental health concerns. This wouldmake a strong case for the anticipatory need of increased resource allocation to allowmental health services to meet this demand.

scholarly journals The functioning of rescue workers in life tasks: development of a test

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-46
Author(s):  
Heilwine Bakker ◽  
Marc van Veldhoven ◽  
Tony Gaillard ◽  
Remy Hertogs ◽  
Margot Feenstra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Positive Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rescue Workers ◽  
Life Tasks

Purpose Since policemen have a highly demanding job, they have a high risk of developing mental health problems, which may have a negative influence on their private life. The purpose of this paper is to present a new questionnaire for measuring the functioning of rescue workers in life tasks outside of work. Design/methodology/approach The internal consistency, factor structure and concurrent validity of this life tasks test (LTT) were examined in a group of 108 policemen. Findings The test measures perceived effectiveness in the following five domains: social life, maintaining mental health, household and finance, giving meaning and maintaining positivity. Cronbach’s α was acceptable for two scales (>0.60) and good for the other three (>0.70). The hypothesized five-factor structure of the LTT was corroborated in a confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was examined by correlating the scores on the LTT with two established questionnaires, one for personality characteristics and one for work characteristics and work stress. All LTT scales, with the exception of social life, showed significant correlations with social support, workload and personality. Research limitations/implications This provides support for the concurrent validity of the questionnaire. Practical uses and future research are discussed. Practical implications The items are close to everyday clinical practice. It adds valuable information to the commonly used questionnaires on mental health complaints. The test may also provide insight on which life tasks domains are functioning well and which are in need of attention to improve the effectiveness. Social implications In both preventive and curative mental health support, it is important to enhance the effectiveness in life tasks, because it works as a buffer for the adversity of rescue work. Moreover, it gives rescue workers mastery of their personal life, makes self-management stronger, as well as it gives feelings of confidence and positive energy. Originality/value This is the first questionnaire to be designed and implemented for rescue workers.

Relationship Between Time-Based Work-Life Conflict and Burnout

2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Brauchli ◽  
Georg F. Bauer ◽  
Oliver Hämmig
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Insurance Company ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Work Conflict ◽  
Work Life Conflict

This study investigates whether and how time-based work-to-life conflict and time-based life-to-work conflict are related to burnout among Swiss employees. The sample consisted of 6,091 female and male employees of four large-scale Swiss enterprises in various economic sectors (healthcare, banking, insurance, and logistics) and occupational groups (bankers, insurance company employees, nurses, physicians, technical staff, administrative staff, baggage handlers, etc.). Participants completed an extensive questionnaire relating to specific work and general life conditions, the integration of work and private life, health, and socioeconomic factors. Employees reported greater time-based work-to-life conflict than time-based life-to-work conflict. Regression analyses indicated that time-based work-to-life conflict appeared to be strongly associated with burnout. Time-based life-to-work conflict seems to be a weaker, but equally significant predictor of burnout. The present study contributes to the research literature on work-life conflict in Switzerland and its association with burnout. Since the results suggest a strong association between time-based work-to-life conflict and burnout, intervention strategies that help to mitigate such conflict may also reduce burnout.

scholarly journals Risk Perception, Unhealthy Behavior, and Anxiety Due to Viral Epidemic Among Healthcare Workers: The Relationships With Depressive and Insomnia Symptoms During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jukab Lee ◽  
Hyuk Joo Lee ◽  
Youjin Hong ◽  
Yong-Wook Shin ◽  
Seockhoon Chung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Unhealthy Behavior ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Sex Perception

We aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health problems and unhealthy behaviors among healthcare workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online survey, we collected data on healthcare workers' perception regarding COVID-19 exposure in a work unit. Workers' depression, insomnia, and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Insomnia Severity Index, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, respectively. Work-related stress and anxiety in response to the viral epidemic were measured using the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-9 (SAVE-9) scale. We found that work-related stress and anxiety in response to the viral epidemic was associated with female sex, perception of the workplace as being dangerous, and depressive symptoms. Unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and drinking as coping behaviors during the pandemic, were associated with male sex, young age, depression, and insomnia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to closely observe the patterns of work-related stress and anxiety reactions among healthcare workers to reduce their burnout.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a mobile phone-based intervention to reduce mental health problems in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial (PsyCovidApp trial) (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Antònia Fiol-DeRoque ◽  
Maria Jesús Serrano-Ripoll ◽  
Rafael Jiménez ◽  
Rocío Zamanillo-Campos ◽  
Aina María Yáñez-Juan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Psychotropic Medications ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND The global health emergency generated by the COVID-19 pandemic is posing an unprecedented challenge to healthcare workers (HCWs), who are facing heavy workloads under psychologically difficult situations. OBJECTIVE This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational mobile Health (mHealth) intervention to reduce mental health problems in HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We carried out a blinded randomized controlled trial. HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients in Spain were randomly assigned (1:1) by a computer-generated randomization sequence to the PsyCovidApp intervention (App targeting emotional skills, healthy lifestyle behavior, burnout, and social support) or a control App (general recommendations about mental healthcare). Data collection was conducted telephonically at baseline and two weeks. The primary endpoint was a composite of depression, anxiety, and stress. Secondary endpoints were insomnia, burnout, posttraumatic stress, self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and stress. Differences between groups were analyzed using general linear modeling, according to an intention-to-treat protocol. RESULTS Between 14 May and 25 July 2020, 482 HCWs were randomly assigned to PsyCovidApp (n=248) or the control App (n=234). At two weeks, complete outcome data were available for 436 (91%) HCWs. No significant differences were observed between the groups at two weeks in the primary outcome (standardized mean difference -0.04 [95% CI -0.11 to 0.04]; p=0.15) and in the rest of the outcomes. In our prespecified subgroup analyses, we observed significant (p<0.05) improvements among HCWs consuming psychotropic medications in the primary outcome, and posttraumatic stress, insomnia, anxiety, and stress. Similarly, among HCWs receiving psychotherapy, we observed improvements in the primary outcome, insomnia, anxiety, and stress. CONCLUSIONS In HCWs assisting COVID-19 patients in Spain, PsyCovidApp, compared with a control App, reduced mental health problems at two weeks only among HCWs receiving psychotherapy or psychotropic medications. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04393818

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