scholarly journals Frequency of Occupational Bloodborne Infections and Sharps Injuries among Polish Paramedics from Selected Ambulance Stations

Author(s):  
Maria Ganczak ◽  
Katarzyna Topczewska ◽  
Daniel Biesiada ◽  
Marcin Korzeń

To evaluate the prevalence of bloodborne infections (BBIs) and assess the incidence and selected risk factors for sharps injuries (SIs), a cross-sectional serosurvey was performed between December 2018 and October 2019 among 286 paramedics (76.5% males; mean age, 37 years) from 17 randomly selected ambulance stations in the West Pomeranian region of Poland. An ELISA system was used to detect anti-HBc, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV. HBV vaccination uptake was 95.6%; 7.3% (95% CI: 4.6–11.0%) paramedics were anti-HBc positive, and anti-HCV/anti-HIV seropositivity was not reported. Almost one-fourth of paramedics reported having had ≥1 SI during the preceding year (Me = 6.0, range 1–100). Most recent exposures primarily took place during an emergency procedure (76.7%), in an ambulance (45.2%), caused by hollow-bore needles (73.8%), and were not reported (50.0%). Additionally, 52.2% of paramedics reported needle recapping, and 52.6% did not use safety engineered devices (SEDs) at work. Mean knowledge score was low (2.6 ± 1.7); 3.4% had never participated in infection-control (IC) training, and those not trained were more likely to suffer a SI (odds ratio (OR) 4.64; p = 0.03). Due to frequent SIs, of which half are unreported, paramedics remain at risk of acquiring occupational BBIs. SI risk could be reduced by providing training on IC procedures, ensuring better compliance with safe work practices, and supplying more SEDs.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Gańczak ◽  
K Topczewska ◽  
M Korzen

Abstract Background Although paramedics constitute a group of medical professionals continually at risk for sharps injuries (SI), possibly resulting in occupationally acquired bloodborne infections (BBI), data on blood exposures in this group are rather scant. Objectives To assess the incidence and selected risk factors for SI and to estimate the prevalence of BBI among paramedics. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional serosurvey, with ELISA system used to detect anti-HBc/anti-HCV/anti-HIV, was conducted among paramedics from 10 randomly selected ambulance stations in West Pomerania, Poland, between December 2018-October 2019. Knowledge about infection-control procedures was assessed with the use of 10 multiple choice questions. Results Response rate: 93%. Among 286 participants (76.5% males, Me age 37 years, Me length of practice 14 years) 19.6% sustained ≥ 1 SI in the preceding year (Me = 6.0, range 1-100); 50.8% of incidents were not reported. Regarding the most recent SI - the most often it took place in an ambulance (45.9%), during an emergency procedure (76.3%) and was caused by a hollow-bore needle (60.7%); in 66.1% of cases the device did not have a safety feature. Risk factors for SI were as follows: 52.6% paramedics did not use safety engineered devices at work, 52.2% reported recapping a needle in the preceding year, 5.5% irregularly used gloves; 3.4% had never participated in infection control training. The mean knowledge score was 2.6. The lack of infection control training was associated with higher odds (OR 4.64) of a SI. HBV vaccination coverage was 95.6%. Anti-HBc were found in 7.3% participants, no anti-HCV/anti-HIV positive paramedics were recognized. Conclusions Frequent SI, about half of those unreported, are important risk factors which could contribute to occupational HBV infections reported among paramedics. The risk of SI could be reduced by supply with safety engineered devices, safe work practices and an adequate training in infection-control procedures. Key messages Most risk factors for sharps injuries among Polish paramedics are modifiable. Continuous exposure to sharps injuries should be taken into account while assessing paramedics’ risk for acquiring an occupational blood-borne infection.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 436-441
Author(s):  
Saba Haider ◽  
Noman Ul Haq ◽  
Sohail Riaz ◽  
Aqeel Nasim ◽  
Muhammad Saood ◽  
...  

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding cervical cancer and its prevention among nurses working in different hospitals of Quetta, Pakistan. Methodology: The cross sectional, descriptive study was conducted by using structured questionnaire in different hospitals of Quetta from January to September 2016. Convenient sampling technique was applied by targeting all the nurses working in different hospitals of Quetta city. Study questionnaire was developed and tested for validity and reliability. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis tests, p<0.05) were used to assess the significance among study variables and were performed by using IBM SPSS v.20. Results: Out of 415 distributed questionnaires 324 were returned (response rate of 78%). The mean Age of respondents was 28.18 ±9.5 years. Majority (n=127, 43.3%) of participants were interns and had no or less than one year of experience (n=128, 43.7%) with negative family history of any cancer (n=275, 93.9%). Mean knowledge score was 18.52±4.84with majority (n=258, 88.1%) had adequate knowledge regarding cervical cancer. Respondent sage, current area of practice, qualification, Institute of degree and past family history were contributing factors (p > 0.05) in adequate knowledge in this study. The results also reviled that not only 68.3% (n=200) and 65.5% (n=192) respondents knew that cervical cancer is vaccine preventable and availability of the vaccine for it. Conclusions: Nurses working in different hospitals of Quetta city had better understanding of the disease cervical cancer and its prevention. Yet many of the respondent are not aware of it vaccine and its availability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Audu Onyemocho ◽  
Agwa Moses ◽  
Aboh Kisani ◽  
Omole Namben Victoria ◽  
Anejo-Okopi Joseph

Objective: Rabies, one of the oldest and fatal infectious diseases known to human race, is transmitted by infected dogs. The global target of zero dog-mediated rabies human deaths has been set for 2030; however, the realization of this goal poses challenges in most low-income countries where rabies is endemic due to weak surveillance. Dogs have been increasingly deployed for domestic uses over the years, especially for security purposes. This study assessed the assessment of knowledge and practice of vaccination of dogs against rabies by dog owners. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was employed to study 400 dog owners in Makurdi metropolis through multistage sampling techniques. Sighting of valid dog vaccination card was used as criteria for current vaccination. Bivariate analysis was carried out to establish the relationship between the respondent knowledge of rabies and dog vaccination with significant value set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 31 (Â ± 0.8) years, majority of them had tertiary and secondary education (40.0% and 39.0%, respectively), 26.0% were traders, and 50.0% were married. Overall, 73.0% of the respondents had good knowledge score, 61.0% had seen at least a rabid dog in their life time, and 74.0% have a history of dog vaccination, but evidence of up to date vaccination of dogs by owners was seen in only 18.0% of all the vaccination cards sighted. The relationship between the educational status of the respondents, their knowledge score, and their dog vaccination was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge of rabies among dog owners in Makurdi was good, but the practice of dog vaccination was poor. Educational status was a good predictor of practice. Awareness campaign on dog vaccination should be strengthened and adequate measures should be put in place at the veterinary hospitals in Makurdi for vaccination of dogs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Harsono . ◽  
Bagoes Widjanarko ◽  
Priyadi Nugraha Prabamurti

Penerapan perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat pada tatanan rumah tangga di Indonesia pada tahun 2015, baru mencapai 55%. Padahal dari sisi perilaku per indikator idealnya diatas 80%. Faktor risiko timbulnya Penyakit Tidak Menular(PTM) antara lain karena gaya hidup seperti merokok, obesitas, inaktivitas, peminum alcohol dan narkoba. Lemahnya upaya preventif dan promotif dalam upaya kesehatan masyarakat (UKM) disebabkan salah satunya oleh distribusi tenaga promotif preventif di Puskesmas masih belum merata.. Keberadaan tenaga kontrak Promotor Kesehatan di Puskesmas diharapkan mampu menjawab kekurangan tenaga promotif preventif di Kabupaten Indramayu. Namun keberadaan mereka menjadi prokontra sehingga dapat berpengaruh pada kinerja dalam pelayanan promosi kesehatan di Puskesmas.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kinerja tenaga kontrak promotor kesehatan dalam pelayanan promosi kesehatan Puskesmas di Kabupaten Indramayu. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan rancangan studi cross sectional. Besar sampel adalah 35 orang. Analisis data secara univariat, bivariat dengan Chi square dan multivariat dengan regresi logistik. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa kinerja tenaga kontrak promotor kesehatan dalam pelayanan promosi kesehatan Puskesmas di Kabupaten Indramayu sebagian besar responden berkinerja tinggi (51,4%). Hasil uji statistic menunjukan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan (p=000), kemampuan diri (p=0,000), persepsi beban kerja (p=0,011), motivasi (p=0,010), imbalan (p=0,024) dan sarana prasarana (p=0,001) dengan kinerja tenaga kontrak promotor kesehatan dalam pelayanan promosi kesehatan Puskesmas di Kabupaten Indramayu. Faktor yang memiliki pengaruh paling kuat terhadap kinerja tenaga kontrak promotor kesehatan adalah faktor pengetahuan dengan nilai Odds Ratio (OR=17,84 95% CI=1,99-149,5) dan kemampuan diri (OR=17,36 95% CI=1,4-220). Rekomendasi pada penelitian ini adalah perlu adanya pelatihan e-learning dan in-house training, pembinaan tenaga kontrak, dan penyediaan sarana prasarana promosi kesehatan. Abstract The application of clean and healthy life behavior at household order in Indonesia in 2015, had just reached 55%. From the behavior side, where every indicator should be above 80% as the ideal one. The weakness of preventive and promotion effort in accordance with the community health efforts, one of the reasons is because the distribution of the health preventive and promotion agent into the community health centre is not all totally covered yet. The presence of the out-sourcing health promoter agent in the community’s health center is expected to be able to supply the lack of health preventive and promotion agent in Indramayu. However, their presence become pros and cons, which can influence to the performance in theservice of health promotion in community’s health centre. This research aimed to analyze the elements which influence their performance to carry out health promotion service in every community’s health centre in Indramayu. Type of observational study with cross sectional design.The population in this study amounted to 105 people, consisting of 35 contract workers, 35 heads of Puskesmas, and 35 co-workers contract workers.The sampling technique is purposive sampling in total population or saturated sampling, so the same sample size is 105 people. The data are analyzed by univariat, bivariat method with Chi square and multivariate with logistic regression. The results of this study indicate that the performance of health promotion contract workers in health promotion service of Puskesmas in Indramayu Regency most of the respondents are high performers (51.4%). Based on the test of Chi-Square, it shows that the elements related to the out-sourcing health promoter in carrying out the health champagne service at community’s health centre in Indramayu are knowledge (score p=000), self ability (p=0,000), duty perception (p=0,011), motivation (p=0,010), reward (p=0,024), means and infrastructures (0,001). The most influence factors to the performance to the out-sourcing health promoter in carrying out the health champagne service at community’s health centre are knowledge factor (p=0,009) with the OR score=17,84 95% CI=1,99-149,5.Therefore, as the recommendation, the training for the candidates of health promoters, e-learning, in-house training, and also the out-sourcing coaching as well, and providing means and infrastructures of health promotion.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bashayer Hassan Shuaib ◽  
Rahaf Hisham Niazi ◽  
Ahmed Haitham Abduljabbar ◽  
Mohammed Abdulraheem Wazzan

BACKGROUND Radiology now plays a major role to diagnose, monitoring, and management of several diseases; numerous diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures involve exposure to ionizing radiation. Radiology now plays a major role to diagnose, monitoring, and management of several diseases; numerous diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures involve exposure to ionizing radiation. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to discover and compare the awareness level of radiation doses, protection issues, and risks among radiology staff in Jeddah hospitals. METHODS A cross-sectional survey containing 25 questions on personal information and various aspects of radiation exposure doses and risks was designed using an online survey tool and the link was emailed to all radiology staff in eight tertiary hospitals in Jeddah. The authors were excluded from the study. A P-value of < .05 was used to identify statistical significance. All analyses were performed using SPSS, version 21. RESULTS Out of 156 participants the majority 151 (96.8%) had poor knowledge score, where the mean scores were 2.4±1.3 for doses knowledge, 2.1±1.1for cancer risks knowledge, 2.3±0.6 for general information, and 6.7±1.9 for the total score. Only 34.6% of the participants were aware of the dosage of a single-view chest x-ray, and 9.0% chose the right answer for the approximate effective dose received by a patient in a two-view. 42.9% were able to know the correct dose of CT abdomen single phase. There is a significant underestimation of cancer risk of CT studies especially for CT abdomen where only 23.7% knew the right risk. A p-value of <0.05 was used to identify statistical significance. No significant difference of knowledge score was detected regarding gender (P =.2) or work position (P=.66). CONCLUSIONS Our survey results show considerable inadequate knowledge in all groups without exception. We recommended a conscientious effort to deliver more solid education and obtain more knowledge in these matters and providing periodic training courses to teach how to minimize the dose of radiation and to avoid risk related. CLINICALTRIAL not applicable


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Sonam Yoezer ◽  
Thinley Phuntsho ◽  
Phurb Dorji

Abstract Background The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women’s understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan’s largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as ‘good’ (≥80%), ‘satisfactory’ (60–79%) and ‘poor’ (< 60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics was tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge ('good’ versus ‘satisfactory’ and ‘poor’ combined) were assessed with odds ratios using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had ‘good’ knowledge, 245 (58.1%) had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge and 157 (37.2%) had ‘poor’ knowledge. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 women (20.3%) could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having ‘good’ level of knowledge. Conclusions Most pregnant women had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 510
Author(s):  
Lauren Périères ◽  
Fabienne Marcellin ◽  
Gora Lo ◽  
Camelia Protopopescu ◽  
El Ba ◽  
...  

Detailed knowledge about hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination coverage and timeliness for sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. We used data from a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018–2019 in the area of Niakhar, Senegal, to estimate coverage, timeliness, and factors associated with non-adherence to the World Health Organisation-recommended vaccination schedules in children born in 2016 (year of the birth dose (BD) introduction in Senegal) and 2017–2018. Vaccination status was assessed from vaccination cards, surveillance data, and healthcare post vaccination records. Among 241 children with available data, for 2016 and 2017–2018, respectively, 31.0% and 66.8% received the BD within 24 h of birth (BD schedule), and 24.3% and 53.7% received the BD plus at least two pentavalent vaccine doses within the recommended timeframes (three-dose schedule). In logistic regression models, home birth, dry season birth, and birth in 2016 were all associated with non-adherence to the recommended BD and three-dose schedules. Living over three kilometres from the nearest healthcare post, being the firstborn, and living in an agriculturally poorer household were only associated with non-adherence to the three-dose schedule. The substantial proportion of children not vaccinated according to recommended schedules highlights the importance of considering vaccination timeliness when evaluating vaccination programme effectiveness. Outreach vaccination activities and incentives to bring children born at home to healthcare facilities within 24 h of birth, must be strengthened to improve timely HBV vaccination.


Author(s):  
Hashim A. Mahdi ◽  
Hamza M. Assaggaf ◽  
Mohammad Alfelali ◽  
Omar B. Ahmed ◽  
Radi Alsafi ◽  
...  

This study aimed to assess hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Al Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. Using a self-administered electronic questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among domestic residents, who visited the mosque between 31 July and 3 August 2020. Participants’ demographic data, hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practices were collected. Four hundred participants aged 18–65 (median 36) years completed the survey, of which 215 (53.8%) were female. The visitors’ mean knowledge score about hand hygiene was 6.4 (± standard deviation (SD) 1.35) of total 12. Most participants (392, 98%) were aware of the role of hand hygiene in preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); nevertheless, 384 (96%) said hand hygiene lowers body immunity and 316 (79%) thought <60% alcohol is sufficient for hand disinfection. Males had a higher knowledge score than females (6.46 (±1.41) vs. 6.14 (±1.27), p = 0.02) and, visitors who had no formal education scored higher than those with post-graduate education (6.88 (±1.45) vs 5.73 (±1.12), p = 0.01). Washing hands with soap and water was the predominant method practiced after a meal (365, 91.7%), after toilet visit (354, 88.5%), after touching a surface (262, 65.7%), after waste disposal (332, 83.2%), and when hands were visibly dirty (357, 89.5%). Al Madinah visitors had moderate knowledge about hand hygiene, but demonstrated some knowledge gaps and negligence in practice that are crucial to curb the spread of COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-hui Jin ◽  
Li-Ming Tan ◽  
Khalid S. Khan ◽  
Tong Deng ◽  
Chao Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background CPGs are not uniformly successful in improving care and several instances of implementation failure have been reported. Performing a comprehensive assessment of the barriers and enablers is key to developing an informed implementation strategy. Our objective was to investigate determinants of guideline implementation and explore associations of self-reported adherence to guidelines with characteristics of participants in China. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey, using multi-stage stratified typical sampling based on China's economic regional divisions (the East, the Middle, the West and the Northeast). 2–5 provinces were selected from each region. 2–3 cities were selected in each province, and secondary and tertiary hospitals from each city were included. We developed a questionnaire underpinned by recommended methods for the design and conduct of self-administered surveys and based on conceptual framework of guideline use, in-depth related literature analysis, guideline development manuals, related behavior change theory. Finally, multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression to produce adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results The questionnaire consisted of four sections: knowledge of methodology for developing guidelines; barriers to accessing guideline; barriers to guideline implementation; and methods for improving guideline implementation. There were 1732 participants (87.3% response rate) from 51 hospitals. Of these, 77.2% reported to have used guidelines frequently or very frequently. The key barriers to guideline use were lack of education or training (46.2%), and overly simplistic wording or overly broad scope of recommendations (43.8%). Level of adherence to guidelines was associated with geographical regions (the northeast P < 0.001; the west P = 0.02; the middle P < 0.001 compared with the east), hospital grades (P = 0.028), length of practitioners’ practice (P = 0.006), education background (Ph.D., P = 0.027; Master, P = 0.002), evidence-based medicine skills acquired in work unit (P = 0.012), and medical specialty of practitioner (General Practice, P = 0.006; Surgery, P = 0.043). Conclusion Despite general acknowledgement of the importance of guidelines, the use of guidelines was not as frequent as might have been expected. To optimize the likelihood of adherence to guidelines, guideline implementation should follow an actively developed dissemination plan incorporating features associated with adherence in our study.


Author(s):  
M.K. Sreelakshmi ◽  
Suneesh Kuruvilla ◽  
Ramanarayanan Subramaniam ◽  
Pooja Latti ◽  
Ramanarayanan Venkitachalam

Abstract Background: Chengannur, a town in the south Indian state of Kerala, was 1 of the worst affected towns during the floods of 2018. Post-flood, Kerala state was under the threat of many infectious diseases including leptospirosis, but did not report any leptospirosis infections. Objectives: This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) Assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the prevention of leptospirosis among the flood affected population and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) of Chengannur; and (2) Analyze the factors responsible for and contributing to leptospirosis control in the area post flood. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire based observational study was conducted among 2 groups: the flood affected population, and ASHA. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts. Part A contained the socio-demographic information. Part B contained questions on assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the prevention, and control of leptospirosis. Part C was only for the ASHA involved. Results: The final sample size was 331 (244 from the general population and 87 ASHAs). With respect to knowledge, attitude, and practice, the responses were dichotomized into correct and wrong responses. The mean knowledge score was 9.01 ± 1.08 (maximum score of 10), mean attitude score was of 3.61 ± 0.55 (maximum score of 4) and the mean practice score was 4.12 ± 1.05 (maximum score of 5). Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude scores did not significantly differ between the general population and ASHA, but the practice score showed a higher score among the ASHA, all of which could have probably contributed to the prevention of a leptospirosis outbreak in the region.


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