scholarly journals DANGER! Crisis Health Workers at Risk

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5270
Author(s):  
Mason Harrell ◽  
Saranya A. Selvaraj ◽  
Mia Edgar
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factors ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Healthcare Needs

The occupational hazards of health workers (HWs) in standard work environments have been well defined in both the developed and developing world during routine working conditions. Less defined are the hazards to HWs during pandemics, epidemics, natural disasters, wars, conflicts, and other crises. How do crises affect the infrastructure of medical systems? What are the distinct needs of the patient population during crises? What are the peculiarities of the Crisis Health Worker (CHW)? What are the known CHWs’ occupational risks? What are the protective factors? By means of a PubMed search, we synthesized the most relevant publications to try to answer these questions. Failures of healthcare infrastructure and institutions include CHW shortages, insufficient medical supplies, medications, transportation, poorly paid health workers, security concerns, and the absence of firm guidance in health policy. Healthcare needs affecting the patient population and CHWs include crisis-induced injury and illness, hazardous exposures, communicable diseases, mental healthcare, and continuity of care for pre-crisis medical conditions. CHWs’ occupational hazards include supply deficiencies, infectious disease transmission, long working hours, staff shortages, financial reimbursements, mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, and inconsistent access to clean water, electricity, and Internet. CHWs suffer from injuries and illnesses that range from immediate, debilitating injuries to chronic, unforeseen effects like mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, anxiety, burnout, and even post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). Protective factors include personal traits such as adaptability and resilience as well as skills learned through structured education and training. Success will be achieved by constructively collaborating with local authorities, local health workers, national military, foreign military, and aid organizations.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on workload burden of a complex radiotherapy facility

2021 ◽  
Vol 126 (5) ◽  
pp. 717-721
Author(s):  
Giulio Francolini ◽  
Isacco Desideri ◽  
Giulia Stocchi ◽  
Lucia Pia Ciccone ◽  
Viola Salvestrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Treatment Delivery ◽  
Actual Time ◽  
Italian Government ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Observation Period

Abstract Background and purpose COVID-19 constitutes a worldwide threat, prompting Italian Government to implement specific measures on March 8, 2020, to protect patients and health workers from disease transmission. The impact of preventive measures on daily activity of a radiotherapy facility may hamper the ability to fulfill normal workload burden. Thus, we assessed the number of delivered treatments in a specific observation period after the adoption of preventive measures (since March 11 to April 24, 2020) and compared it with the corresponding period of the year 2019. Materials and methods Overall number of delivered fractions was related to actual time of platform daily activity and reported as a ratio between number of delivered fractions and activity hours (Fr/Hrs). Fr/Hrs were calculated and compared for two different periods of time, March 11–April 24, 2019 (Fr/Hrs1), and March 11–April 24, 2020 (Fr/Hrs2). Results Fr/Hrs1 and Fr/Hrs2 were 2.66 and 2.54 for year 2019 and 2020, respectively, for a Fr/Hrsratio of 1.07 (95% CI 1.03–1.12, p = 0.0005). Fr/Hrs1 was significantly higher than Fr/Hrs2 for SliR and PreciseR, with Fr/Hrsratio of 1.92 (95% CI 1.66–2.23, p < 0.0001) and 1.11 (95% CI 1.03–1.2, p = 0.003), respectively. No significant difference was reported for SynergyR and CyberknifeR with Fr/Hrsratio of 0.99 (95% CI 0.91–1.08, p = 0.8) and 0.9 (95% CI 0.77–1.06, p = 0.2), respectively. Fr/Hrs1 was significantly lower than Fr/Hrs2 for TomotherapyR, with Fr/Hrsratio of 0.88 (95% CI 0.8–0.96, p = 0.007). Conclusion Preventive measures did not influence workload burden performed. Automation in treatment delivery seems to compensate effectively for health workers number reduction.

scholarly journals Examining local perspectives on the influence of climate change on the health of Hamer pastoralists and their livestock in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Lumborg ◽  
Samuel Tefera ◽  
Barry Munslow ◽  
Siobhan M. Mor
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Grazing Lands

AbstractThis study explores the perceived influence of climate change on the health of Hamer pastoralists and their livestock in south-western Ethiopia. A combination of focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted with Hamer communities as well as local health workers, animal health workers and non-governmental organisation (NGO) staff. Thematic framework analysis was used to analyse the data. Reductions in rangeland, erratic rainfall, recurrent droughts and loss of seasonality were perceived to be the biggest climate challenges influencing the health and livelihoods of the Hamer. Communities were travelling greater distances to access sufficient grazing lands, and this was leading to livestock deaths and increases in ethnic violence. Reductions in suitable rangeland were also precipitating disease outbreaks in animals due to increased mixing of different herds. Negative health impacts in the community stemmed indirectly from decreases in livestock production, uncertain crop harvests and increased water scarcity. The remoteness of grazing lands has resulted in decreased availability of animal milk, contributing to malnutrition in vulnerable groups, including children. Water scarcity in the region has led to utilisation of unsafe water sources resulting in diarrhoeal illnesses. Further, seasonal shifts in climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria were also acknowledged. Poorly resourced healthcare facilities with limited accessibility combined with an absence of health education has amplified the community’s vulnerability to health challenges. The resilience and ambition for livelihood diversification amongst the Hamer was evident. The introduction of camels, increase in permanent settlements and new commercial ideas were transforming their livelihood strategies. However, the Hamer lack a voice to express their perspectives, challenges and ambitions. There needs to be collaborative dynamic dialogue between pastoral communities and the policy-makers to drive sustainable development in the area without compromising the values, traditions and knowledge of the pastoralists.

Review of the impact Covid-19 has on the Psychosocial factors affecting Well-Being

2021 ◽  
pp. 3404-3408
Author(s):  
Sheila Menon FBSCH ◽  
Vidya Bhagat
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the psychosocial factors that effect people globally. Particularly affected are children, students and health workers and the common symptoms identified are stress, anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, the various security measures implemented to ensure public safety have adversely affected relationships between people. This study directs public awareness to the value of psychotherapeutic support. Tele-therapy can be offered easily to people both at home or in the workplace, providing both cost effective and time sensitive solutions during times of crisis. The current review article provides an overview of the importance of maintaining psychological well-being during a pandemic and the identifies the role that empathetic communication has on wellbeing. The literature review was completed using electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Scopus databases using the keywords covid-19, affected groups, affected relationships, psychology and its technological interventions, negative effects of pandemic so on.

Author response for "Burnout, depersonalization, and anxiety contribute to post‐traumatic stress in frontline health workers at COVID‐19 patient care, a follow‐up study"

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Adán Miguel‐Puga ◽  
Davis Cooper‐Bribiesca ◽  
Francisco José Avelar‐Garnica ◽  
Luis Alejandro Sanchez‐Hurtado ◽  
Tania Colin‐Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Author Response ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
Post Traumatic

scholarly journals Estimating the burden of United States workers exposed to infection or disease: a key factor in containing risk of COVID-19 infection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marissa G. Baker ◽  
Trevor K. Peckham ◽  
Noah S. Seixas
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Septic Tank ◽  
Risk Response ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exposed Workers

AbstractIntroductionWith the global spread of COVID-19, there is a compelling public health interest in quantifying who is at increased risk of disease. Occupational characteristics, such as interfacing with the public and being in close quarters with other workers, not only put workers at high risk for disease, but also make them a nexus of disease transmission to the community. This can further be exacerbated through presenteeism, the term used to describe the act of coming to work despite being symptomatic for disease. Understanding which occupational groups are exposed to infection and disease in the workplace can help to inform public health risk response and management for COVID-19, and subsequent infectious disease outbreaks.MethodsTo estimate the burden of United States workers exposed to infection and disease in the workplace, national employment data (by Standard Occupational Classification) maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was merged with BLS O*NET survey data, which ranks occupations with particular physical, ergonomic, and structural exposures. For this analysis, occupations reporting exposure to infection or disease more than once a month was the focus.ResultsBased on our analyses, approximately 10% (14.4 M) of United States workers are employed in occupations where exposure to disease or infection occurs at least once per week. Approximately 18.4% (26.7 M) of all United States workers are employed in occupations where exposure to disease or infection occurs at least once per month. While the majority of exposed workers are employed in healthcare sectors, other occupational sectors also have high proportions of exposed workers. These include protective service occupations (e.g. police officers, correctional officers, firefighters), office and administrative support occupations (e.g. couriers and messengers, patient service representatives), education occupations (e.g. preschool and daycare teachers), community and social services occupations (community health workers, social workers, counselors), and even construction and extraction occupations (e.g. plumbers, septic tank installers, elevator repair).ConclusionsThe large number of persons employed in a wide variety of occupations with frequent exposure to infection and disease underscore the importance of all workplaces developing risk response plans for COVID-19. This work also serves as an important reminder that the workplace is a key locus for public health interventions, which could protect both workers and the communities they serve.

scholarly journals Control of Aedes aegypti in a remote Guatemalan community vulnerable to dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus: Prospective evaluation of an integrated intervention of web-based health worker training in vector control, low-cost ecological ovillantas, and community engagement

F1000Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 598
Author(s):  
Gerard Ulibarri ◽  
Angel Betanzos ◽  
Mireya Betanzos ◽  
Juan Jacobo Rojas
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Worker Training ◽  
Integrated Intervention

Objective: To study the effectiveness of an integrated intervention of health worker training, a low-cost ecological mosquito ovitrap, and community engagement on Aedes spp. mosquito control over 10 months in 2015 in an urban remote community in Guatemala at risk of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus transmission. Methods: We implemented a three-component integrated intervention consisting of: web-based training of local health personnel in vector control, cluster-randomized assignment of ecological ovillantas or standard ovitraps to capture Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs, and community engagement to promote participation of community members and health personnel in the understanding and maintenance of ovitraps for mosquito control. The intervention was implemented in local collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Programme, and in international collaboration with the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico. Findings: Eighty percent of the 25 local health personnel enrolled in the training programme received accreditation of their improved knowledge of vector control. Significantly more eggs were trapped by  ecological ovillantas than standard ovitraps over the 10 month (42 week) study period (t=5.2577; p<0.05). Among both community members and health workers, the levels of knowledge, interest, and participation in community mosquito control and trapping increased. Recommendations for enhancing and sustaining community mosquito control were identified. Conclusion: Our three-component integrated intervention proved beneficial to this remote community at risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The combination of training of health workers, low-cost ecological ovillanta to destroy the second generation of mosquitoes, and community engagement ensured the project met local needs and fostered collaboration and participation of the community, which can help improve sustainability. The ovillanta intervention and methodology may be modified to target other species such as Culex, should it be established that such mosquitoes carry Zika virus in addition to Aedes.

scholarly journals Community Needs Assessments in a Student-Run Clinic serving a West Philadelphia Neighborhood

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Arenas ◽  
Dania D. Hallak ◽  
Rommell Noche ◽  
Gilberto Vila-Arroyo ◽  
Swathi Raman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pap Smear ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Needs Assessments ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Healthcare Interventions ◽  
Local Healthcare

ABSTRACTBackgroundWhile Community Needs Assessments (CNAs) are an important tool for Student-Run Clinics (SRCs) to understand local communities’ healthcare needs, few studies have evaluated CNAs and their impact on care provided at SRCs.ObjectiveEvaluate results from two CNAs of an SRC in East Parkside, Philadelphia to better comprehend (1) community awareness and opinions regarding the SRC and (2) local healthcare concerns and access.Methods58 and 105 East Parkside residents were surveyed in 2011 and 2015 respectively. The results were analyzed to quantify various health-related measures in the community.ResultsResults showed high rates of hypertension, asthma, and diabetes. Rates of pap-smear and hypertension screening matched national averages while mammograms and colonoscopies were below national rates. Both CNAs showed that less than 40% of community members were aware of the clinic’s existence.ConclusionsCNAs can provide valuable insights regarding local health needs which can inform future healthcare interventions.

scholarly journals Potential for community based surveillance of febrile diseases: Feasibility of self-administered rapid diagnostic tests in Iquitos, Peru and Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. e0009307
Author(s):  
Amy C. Morrison ◽  
Julia Schwarz ◽  
Jennie L. Mckenney ◽  
Jhonny Cordova ◽  
Jennifer E. Rios ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Phnom Penh ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
At Home

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have the potential to identify infectious diseases quickly, minimize disease transmission, and could complement and improve surveillance and control of infectious and vector-borne diseases during outbreaks. The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Joint Science and Technology Office (DTRA-JSTO) program set out to develop novel point-of-need RDTs for infectious diseases and deploy them for home use with no training. The aim of this formative study was to address two questions: 1) could community members in Iquitos, Peru and Phnom Penh, Cambodia competently use RDTs of different levels of complexity at home with visually based instructions provided, and 2) if an RDT were provided at no cost, would it be used at home if family members displayed febrile symptoms? Test kits with written and video (Peru only) instructions were provided to community members (Peru [n = 202]; Cambodia [n = 50]) or community health workers (Cambodia [n = 45]), and trained observers evaluated the competency level for each of the several steps required to successfully operate one of two multiplex RDTs on themselves or other consenting participant (i.e., family member). In Iquitos, >80% of residents were able to perform 11/12 steps and 7/15 steps for the two- and five-pathogen test, respectively. Competency in Phnom Penh never reached 80% for any of the 12 or 15 steps for either test; the percentage of participants able to perform a step ranged from 26–76% and 23–72%, for the two- and five-pathogen tests, respectively. Commercially available NS1 dengue rapid tests were distributed, at no cost, to households with confirmed exposure to dengue or Zika virus; of 14 febrile cases reported, six used the provided RDT. Our findings support the need for further implementation research on the appropriate level of instructions or training needed for diverse devices in different settings, as well as how to best integrate RDTs into existing local public health and disease surveillance programs at a large scale.

scholarly journals PERILAKU PENGGUNAAN ALAT PELINDUNG DIRI DAN PENULARAN PENYAKIT KULIT PADA PETUGAS TPS DI KECAMATAN SAWAHAN SURABAYA

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Ni Putu Rusmini
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Skin Disease ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Spearman Rank ◽  
The Government

ABSTRAKPetugas TPS atau petugas pengangkut sampah merupakan pekerja yang setiap harinya mengambil atau mengangkut sampah dari rumah ke rumah untuk dikumpulkan kemudian di pilah-pilah di TPS dan akan dikirimkan ke tempat pembuangan yang lebih besar yaitu Tempat Pembuangan Akhir (TPA). Sepanjang hari petugas TPS bekerja dengan sampah sehingga membuat mereka mempunyai risiko tinggi terkena penularan penyakit kulit, baik yang memiliki efek secara langsung maupun tidak langsung. Salah satu upaya yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengurangi resiko terkena penularan penyakit kulit adalah dengan menggunakan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) Kurangnya kesadaran, kepatuhan dan informasi tentang risiko bahaya, sebagian dari mereka tidak tidak menggunakan APD. APD yang kurang lengkap dapat memungkinkan kontak langsung dengan sampah sehingga mengakibatkan terjadinya gangguan kesehatan salah satunya yaitu menyebabkan penularan penyakit kulit. Jenis penelitian ini adalah analitik korelasi dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Data diuji dengan Spearman rank test. Pengumpulan data dengan cara observasi, wawancara dan kuesioner. Peneliti menggunakan metode total sampling. Hasil uji statistik menunjukkan p=0.00 (α<0.05) dan r=0.761, sehingga terdapat hubungan yang kuat antara perilaku pemakaian APD dengan penularan penyakit kulit pada petugas TPS. Oleh sebab itu, diharapkan program pemerintah dan petugas kesehatan dapat mendukung penggunaan APD sebagai upaya preventif terhadap penularan penyakit kulit pada petugas TPS.Kata kunci : sampah, petugas TPS, alat pelindung diri (APD), penularan penyakit kulitABSTRACTA garbage worker who take or hauling garbage from house to house and collected and then sorted into the TPS every day and will be sent to landfills larger is the final disposal (landfill). Throughout the day poll workers working with litter so as to make them have a higher risk of skin disease transmission, both of which have the effect of directly or indirectly. One effort that can be done to reduce the risk of skin disease transmission is to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Lack of awareness, compliance and information about the risk of harm, some of them not using PPE. APD incomplete can allow direct contact with garbage, which causes health problems one of which causes the skin disease transmission. This type of research is an analytic correlation with cross-sectional approach. Data were tested with Spearman rank test. The collection of data by means of observation, interviews and questionnaires. Researchers used total sampling method. Statistical analysis showed p = 0.00 (α <0,05) and r = 0.761, so there is a strong relationship between the behavior of the use of PPE with the skin disease transmission at the polling station officials. Therefore, it is expected the government programs and health workers can support the use of PPE as a preventative measure against the spread of skin disease at polling station officials.Keywords: garbage, garbage workers, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), skin disease transmission. DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT PDF >>

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