scholarly journals Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk among Healthcare Workers of an Italian University Hospital

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1495
Author(s):  
Alberto Modenese ◽  
Loretta Casolari ◽  
Giorgia Rossi ◽  
Elena Della Vecchia ◽  
Francesca Glieca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Occupational Factors ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Diseases ◽  
The University

We report the results of a study on the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in about 6000 workers of the University Hospital of Modena, Northern Italy, in the period March 2020–January 2021, and the relations with some individual and occupational factors. Overall, in healthcare workers (HCW) the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 during the period was 13.8%. Results confirm the role of overweight and obesity as significant risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma, also proved to be significantly associated with the infection rate. Considering occupational factors, the COVID-19 risk was about threefold (OR: 2.7; 95% CI 1.7–4.5) greater in nurses and nurse aides than in non-HCW, and about double (OR: 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–3.2) in physicians. Interestingly, an association was also observed between infection risk and nightshifts at work (OR: 1.8; 95% CI 1.4–2.3), significantly related to the total number of shifts in the whole eleven-month period. Even if the vaccination campaign has now greatly modified the scenario of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCW, the results of this study can be useful for further development of health and policy strategies to mitigate the occupational risk related to the new variants of coronavirus, and therefore the evolution of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Antimeningococcal Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Workers in an Italian University Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittorio Gattini ◽  
Marco Napoletano ◽  
Alessandra Bonotti ◽  
Aldo Mignani ◽  
Francesca Cosentino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Educational Qualification ◽  
Imaging Department ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
High Level ◽  
The University

Introduction: Following an outbreak of meningococcal epidemic in 2015 and 2016 in Tuscany, we registered a higher demand for antimeningococcal vaccination (anti-Men ACWY) by Healthcare Workers of the University Hospital of Pisa [Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP)]. The purpose of this work is to analyze and discuss data on vaccination coverage resulting from this vaccination campaign.Materials and Methods: We conducted a monocentric study about anti-Men vaccination in the healthcare workers of the AOUP following the outbreak of meningococcal meningitis that occurred mainly in the population of the Tuscan provinces of Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, and Florence. The variables under examination were age, sex, educational qualification, and job profile. Department healthcare workers were vaccinated with two types of conjugated tetravalent vaccines for the A, C, Y, and W135 strains. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.Results: The total population of the workers in AOUP was 7,188 subjects; the population considered in the study was 5,889. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 2,423 subjects (41.1%) underwent anti-Men vaccination. Women, older HCWs, those with a lower educational qualification, doctors, and the HCWs of the maternal and child department, and imaging department recorded a statistically significant better vaccine compliance.Discussion: The AOUP, implementing the program of the Tuscany Region of vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis, has contributed to reduce the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease. Some critical issues remain in the compliance of some sections of the population, despite the high level of adherence recorded in this case, probably also due to the great media coverage of the event.

scholarly journals Obesity in Pregnancy – Implications on Pregnancy Events

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (B) ◽  
pp. 1157-1161
Author(s):  
Lilia Koleva ◽  
Victoria Spasova ◽  
Marieta Popova ◽  
Valentina Petkova ◽  
Milen Dimitrov
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Preterm Births ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
The University ◽  
Maternal Overweight

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are serious health problems in most developed countries. The percentage of young women with excessive weight who get pregnant continues to grow every year. This raises a concern about the risks of the mother and the baby during pregnancy and after birth. AIM: This study aims to determine health risk for overweight mothers and especially the risk for preterm birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective and retrospective study taking place in the outpatient clinic of the University Hospital “Maichin Dom”. Our study included 105 pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 as a case group and 91 pregnant women with BMI within normal limits as a control group. RESULTS: Mean BMI in the case group was 34.79 ± 3.71 kg/m2 and 20.20 ± 2.24 kg/m2 in the control group. Among 105 women in the case group, we registered 24.8% (n = 26) who gave birth before term. Preterm births among 91 women in the control group were registered in 17.6% (n = 16) patients. We found a significant correlation between increased BMI and the risk of increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, we found comorbidities in 43.8% of cases and 24.2% of controls. CONCLUSION: Maternal overweight and obesity during pregnancy are associated with increased risks of preterm delivery and complications of pregnancy. Extra efforts should be made to help women lose weight before this important period of life.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Protective Measures on Healthcare Workers During Covid-19 Pandemic in Tertiary University Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Protective Measures

Background: A novel coronavirus “SARS-CoV-2” causes the disease COVID-19. A high transmission rate within healthcare workers was reported. We aimed to determine effect of our protective measures on infection rate, related risk factors and measures that can be taken among healthcare professionals in our university hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to analyse the data of infected healthcare providers. Demographic data of the patients, computed tomography (CT) scan findings, laboratory parameters and any symptoms related with Covid-19 disease were recorded. The real‐time reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results were evaluated. Results: The infection rate was 3.8% (143 of 3700 healthcare workers). Of 143 infected healthcare workers, 91 were female and 52 were male. Mean age of these patients was 32.5±8.6 years (Table 1). First PCR tests of 99 symptomatic healthcare staff were positive. Second tests of 84 of them were negative. The most common symptom was dry cough (47 patients, 32.8%). Treatment of 117 healthcare staff has been completed and they returned to work. Mortality or intensive care unit stay have not been observed. Conclusion: The transmission rate was relatively low in our university hospital. Our protective measures of increased awareness of personal protection, adherence to algorithms, supportive attitudes of hospital management, proper preparation and intervention play a critical role in reducing infection risk for healthcare workers. Public Interest Summary. Corona Virus (COVID 19) pandemic may continue for more time. To prevent its spread within health workers personnel, should follow a strict preventive measure. Increased awareness of personal protection equipment, adherence to algorithms, supportive attitudes of hospital management, proper preparation and intervention play a critical role in reducing infection risk for healthcare workers. Supportive behaviours of hospital administration and managers are essential to increase the enthusiasm of the staff. The Ministry of Health (MOH) should design a flexible working hours system and prevent long working hours under extreme pressure. All meetings are better to be held with a teleconference to prevent face-to-face transmission.

Nasal and Hand Carriage ofStaphylococcus aureusin Staff at a Department for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery: Endogenous or Exogenous Source?

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 686-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Tammelin ◽  
Fia Klötz ◽  
Anna Hambræus ◽  
Elisabeth Ståhle ◽  
Ulrika Ransjö
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cardiovascular Surgery ◽  
Nasal Carriage ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Point Prevalence Study ◽  
Moderate Rate ◽  
Hand Antisepsis ◽  
The University ◽  
Exogenous Source

AbstractObjective:To investigate the rates ofStaphylococcus aureuscarriage on the hands and in the noses of healthcare workers (HCWs) and the relatedness ofS. aureusisolates found in the two sites.Design:Point-prevalence study.Setting:Department for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the University Hospital of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden.Subjects and Methods:Samples were obtained from 133 individuals, 18 men and 115 women, using imprints of each hand on blood agar and a swab from the nose.S. aureusisolates were identified by standard methods and typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.Results:S. aureuswas found on the hands of 16.7% of the men and 9.6% of the women, and in the noses of 33.3% of the men and 17.4% of the women. The risk ratio forS. aureuscarriage on the hands with nasal carriage was 7.4 (95% confidence interval, 2.7 to 20.2;P< .001). Among the 14 HCWs carryingS. aureuson their hands, strain likeness to the nasal isolate was documented for 7 (50%).Conclusions:Half of the HCWs acquiredS. aureuson the hands from patients or the environment and half did so by apparent self-inoculation from the nose. Regardless of the source of contamination, good compliance with hand hygiene is needed from all HCWs to protect patients from nosocomial infections. The moderate rate ofS. aureuscarriage on hands in this setting could be the result of the routine use of alcoholic hand antisepsis.

The role of selected risk factors for development of oesophageal cancer

Open Medicine ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-40
Author(s):  
Helena Kollárová ◽  
Kateřina Azeem ◽  
Silvie Magnusková ◽  
Hana Tomášková ◽  
Jarmila Ševčíková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Oesophageal Cancer ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
The University

AbstractA hospital-based analytical observational case-control study of 88 oesophageal cancer cases and 200 controls was conducted in the University Hospital Olomouc. A standardized questionnaire was used. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) are calculated by logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratios for tobacco smoking were 6.20 (95% CI 2.78–13.83), 10.64 (95% CI 3.46–32.72) and 3.53 (95% CI 1.26–9.88) for oesophageal cancer, for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and oesophageal adenocarcinoma, respectively. An inverse association with overweight and obesity was found in both histological types. In adenocarcinoma, there was a relatively strong positive association with a statistically significant result for alcohol consumption only in a group consuming more than 300 g of alcohol weekly; the OR was 5.81 (95% CI 1.17–28.84). The strong, statistically significant association was found in alcohol consumption regardless of histological type: the OR was 4.41 (95% CI 1.09–17.84). In a group with 20 or more X-ray exposures, there was a very strong statistically significant positive association. In vegetable consumption, an inverse association was found that was statistically significant only if more than 8 portions of vegetables were eaten weekly, ORs were 0.02–0.11.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Study of Viral and Bacterial Contamination of Hospital Pediatricians’ Mobile Phones

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2011
Author(s):  
Aymeric Cantais ◽  
Florence Grattard ◽  
Julie Gagnaire ◽  
Olivier Mory ◽  
Aurélie Plat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The University

Mobile phones (MPs) of healthcare workers (HCWs) may represent an important source of transmission of infectious agents. This longitudinal study documents the contamination of these tools. Ten MPs handled by senior pediatricians were sampled once a week during 23 weeks in three pediatric wards of the University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France. Cultures were performed for bacteria and multiplex PCR assays for a panel of respiratory and enteric viruses. A questionnaire on hygiene habits regarding phoning and care was filled-in by pediatricians before and after the study. From a total of 230 samples, 145 (63%) were contaminated by at least one pathogen. The MPs from emergency departments were the most impacted. Viruses were detected in 179 samples; bacteria were isolated in 59 samples. Contamination increased during the winter epidemic peak. A cross-contamination by Paracoccus yeei between hands and MPs of different HCWs was demonstrated. The communication of the study results influenced the hygiene behaviors. This study highlights the contamination of MPs by pathogens that are resistant in the environment, and its sustainability along the winter season. The role of MPs as vectors of nosocomial infection needs to be better investigated.

scholarly journals Dos fórmulas para calcular el IMC, y su relación con otros indicadores antropométricos en adultos

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Bauce
Keyword(s):  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Correlational Study ◽  
Calculation Formula ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
The University

Descriptive, prospective, transversal and correlational study, whose objective is to relate two formulas for calculating BMI, with other indicators, in a group of adults. METHODS: The sample is of 137 adult patients who attended consultation at the University Hospital of Caracas. The variables are: age, weight, size, BMI-Q, BMI-O, WC, WSI, WCWP and BFP. Averages, deviations, percentages and z-tests and Mann Whitney were obtained to compare averages and Median. RESULTS: Similar BMI-Q averages in both sexes, and older BMI-O in female sex. The two formulas for calculating BMI result in the highest percentage with BMI-O, higher overweight percentage with BMI-Q and significant (p<0.000) and percentages of Healthy Weight and Obesity equal. Equal averages, per group, of BFP for the two BMI formulas, and increase from Healthy Weight to Obesity. The Coefficient of Variation reveals more homogeneity in BMI-O (18.41% vs 25.21%). BMI-Q correlates with weight (0.91), WC (0.92) and WSI (0.93); IMC-O with weight (0.97), WC (0.83) and WCWI (0.90). Whitney's test reveals that averages by sex are significant (p<0,000), as are IPCC averages per sex (p<0.000). In addition, the BMI Oxford, WC, WSI and WCWI indicators have sensitivity of 92,3%, 92.3% and 92.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The BMI Oxford for its somewhat complicated calculation formula is not recommended to evaluate overweight and obesity, in adults.

scholarly journals A matrix for the evaluation of COVID-19 contact risk in healthcare workers: Technical note

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyfi Durmaz ◽  
Raika Durusoy
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Risk Classification ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Team Members ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Medium Risk ◽  
The University

Abstract Detecting risky contacts and early isolation of healthcare workers who have been in contact with COVID-19 cases will increase the likelihood of limiting the spread of the infection. The aim of this technical note is to propose a reliable, fast-adaptable and easy-to-use matrix that accurately classifies risk for contact tracing of healthcare workers with COVID-19 patients. The researchers have created a matrix with the support of the literature and their experience within the university hospital surveillance team. This matrix enables a detailed High / Medium / Low Risk classification of contacts of healthcare workers with COVID-19 cases, covering many different contact situations encountered in a university hospital. The distinction between different contact risk categories implies different preventive measures: High-risk contacts are isolated at home for 7 days and return to work if they test PCR-negative on day 7; while medium and low risk contacts continue to work using masks, with medium-risk contacts tested on day 7, so it is important to standardize the classification among different interviewers. Three main headings have come to the fore in health worker contact risk classification: 1. Differences caused by the ventilation of the environment: Indoors, well ventilated indoors, outdoors. 2. Direct contact or material sharing. 3. Aerosol generating procedure (AGP). The matrix has been used effectively in 1169 risky contact interviews over a two-month period (24 August - 23 October 2020). It has been evaluated by two groups: the surveillance team using it routinely for contact tracing and by experts. The matrix is quickly adapted by new surveillance team members and is easy to use.

Effect of Educational Programs, Rigid Sharps Containers, and Universal Precautions on Reported Needlestick Injuries in Healthcare Workers

1991 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin C. Linnemann ◽  
Constance Cannon ◽  
Martha DeRonde ◽  
Bruce Lanphear
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
Universal Precautions ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
University Of Cincinnati ◽  
The University

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the effect of infection control programs on reported needlestick injuries in a general hospital.Design:Surveillance of all reported needlestick injuries at the University of Cincinnati Hospital was maintained by the infection control department for five years, from 1985 through 1989. Data on individual workers were collected, tabulated on a monthly basis, and reviewed continually to monitor trends in injuries. During this time, the effects of each of three new infection control programs on reported injuries were evaluated sequentially.Setting:A 700-bed general hospital that serves as the main teaching hospital of the University of cincinnati.Participants:All employees of University Hospital who reported to personnel health for management of needlestick injuries.Interventions:In 1986, an educational program to prevent injuries was initiated and continued throughout the surveillance period. In 1987, rigid sharps disposal containers were placed in all hospital rooms. In 1988, universal precautions were introduced with an intensive inservice.Results:Surveillance identified 1,602 needlestick injuries (320/year) or 104/1 ,000/ year. After the educational program began, reported injuries increased rather than decreased, and this was attributed to increased reporting. Subsequently, after installation of the new disposal containers, reported injuries returned to the levels seen prior to the educational program, but recapping injuries showed a significant decrease from 63/year to 30, or 20/1,000/year to 10. This decrease was observed in nurses but not in other healthcare workers. After universal precautions were instituted, total injuries increased slightly, but recapping injuries remained at 50% of the levels reported prior to the use of rigid sharps disposal containers.Conclusions: The three infection control programs failed to produce a major reduction in reported needlestick injuries, except for a decrease in recapping injuries associated with the placement of rigid sharps disposal containers in all patient rooms. These observations indicate that new approaches are needed to reduce needlestick injuries.

scholarly journals Concordance between the Different Cardiovascular Risk Scores in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis Arthritis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Gonzalez-Martin ◽  
Silvia Grande Morais ◽  
Sonia Pertega-Diaz ◽  
Teresa Seoane-Pillado ◽  
Vanesa Balboa-Barreiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Clinical Epidemiology ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
The University ◽  
Observational Descriptive Study ◽  
Risk Categories

Aim. To determine the cardiovascular risk and the concordance between the different scores in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods. Observational descriptive study of prevalence. Performed in the Rheumatology Service and the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit of the University Hospital Complex of A Coruña (Spain). Patients diagnosed with RA or PsA, older than 18 years of age were included. Measurements: sociodemographic, anthropometric variables of the disease, comorbidity, cardiovascular risk, and therapeutic management. Results. 151 subjects (75 RA and 76 PsA) were studied. The average age was 57.9 ± 12.2 years, 61.6% being women. The average of the Charlson index was 2.8 ± 1.5. 43% were overweight. 46.5% were classified as cardiovascular risk, and the average percentage was 33.3% by Framingham. The best agreement has been between Framingham and Dorica (k = 0.709; p<0.001), classifying more than 80% of the cases in the same risk categories. Conclusions. The most prevalent risk factors were overweight and obesity, followed by smoking and hypertension. The prevalence of patients with moderate/high cardiovascular risk varies according to the score used, the levels of concordance being the scores of Framingham and Dorica.

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