The Utilization of Protective Face Masks among Polish Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic: Do We Pass the Exam?

Relevant personal protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic include face masks, possibly decreasing the risk of infection among the general population and healthcare workers (HCW) if utilized properly. The aim of the study was to assess whether different Polish HCW utilize face masks according to the 2020 World Health Organization guidance (WHO) criteria. This cross-sectional study included 1156 respondents who participated in an internet survey evaluating mask-related behaviors. All the WHO criteria were complied with by 1.4% of participants, regardless of medical profession, specialty or place of employment. HCW mostly adhered to criterion 1 (C1; strict covering of the face and mouth with the mask; 90.8%), C4 (washing/disinfecting the hands after touching/taking off the mask; 49%) and C3 (taking off the mask properly without touching the anterior surface; 43.4%), whereas C2 (avoidance of touching the mask with hands) was complied with least commonly (6.8%). HCW with mask-induced itch (31.6%) complied to C2 less often (odds ratio 0.53; p = 0.01). The study reveals that Polish HCW rarely adhere to all the 2020 WHO guidance criteria on the use of masks, whereas the adherence to particular criteria is variable and may be associated with the presence of skin-related conditions and other factors. Better compliance with the recommendations in the future is necessary to increase personal safety of HCW and prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Download Full-text

Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Perception among the Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9121627 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1627

Author(s):

Adil Abalkhail ◽

Ilias Mahmud ◽

Fahad A. Alhumaydhi ◽

Thamer Alslamah ◽

Ameen S. S. Alwashmi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Primary Source ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Government ◽

Health Organization

Hand hygiene is among the most important factors of infection control in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers are the primary source of hospital-acquired infection. We assessed the current state of hand hygiene knowledge, perception, and practice among the healthcare workers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, we used the hand hygiene knowledge and perception questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. Knowledge and perceptions were classified into good (80–100%), moderate (60–79%), and poor (<60% score). The majority of the healthcare workers had moderate knowledge (57.8%) and perception (73.4%) of hand hygiene. Males were less likely to have moderate/good knowledge compared to females (OR: 0.52, p < 0.05). Private healthcare workers were less likely (OR: 0.33, p < 0.01) to have moderate/good perceptions compared to the government healthcare workers. Healthcare workers who received training on hand hygiene were more likely to have good/moderate perception (OR: 3.2, p < 0.05) and to routinely use alcohol-based hand rubs (OR: 3.8, p < 0.05) than the ones without such training. Physicians are more likely (OR: 4.9, p < 0.05) to routinely use alcohol-based hand rubs than technicians. Our research highlighted gaps in hand hygiene knowledge, perception and practice among healthcare workers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia and the importance of training in this regard.

Download Full-text

Role of Personal Protective Measures in Prevention of COVID-19 Spread Among Physicians in Bangladesh: a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine ◽

10.1007/s42399-020-00471-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (10) ◽

pp. 1733-1739 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Md. Musab Khalil ◽

Md Mashiul Alam ◽

Mostafa Kamal Arefin ◽

Mamunur Rashid Chowdhury ◽

Muhammad Rezeul Huq ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Comparative Study ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Baseline Information ◽

Health Organization ◽

Risk Assessment And Management

Abstract This study aims to determine the role of personal protective measures in the prevention of COVID-19 spread among the physicians working at different health facilities in Bangladesh. This hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from May to June 2020. A total of 98 COVID-19 positive physicians and 92 COVID-19 negative physicians (physicians with no symptoms of COVID-19 or who tested negative) were enrolled. The questionnaire was adapted from a tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for risk assessment and management of exposure of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19. Data were collected from the respondents online using Google forms. There was no significant difference in baseline information between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative physicians. The physicians, who were unaware of direct participation in COVID-19 patient care, had higher odds of being COVID-19 positive (OR = 4.018; CI: 1.532–10.535). Additionally, the physicians, who were unaware of the COVID-19 status while performing the aerosol-generated procedure (AGP), had a higher chance of being COVID-19 positive (OR = 2.522; CI: 1.020–6.233). Using face shields/goggles (OR = 0.437; CI:0.228–0.837) and regular decontamination of the patient’s surroundings (OR = 0.392; CI:0.176–0.873) while usual take care of patients and use of N95 masks while performing AGP (OR = 0.372; CI:0.159–0.873) had protective roles against COVID-19 among the physicians. The physicians who had reused the medical gown had two times more chances of being tested positive for COVID-19 than those who had not reused it (OR = 2.3; CI:1.251–4.259). The use of face shields/goggles and N95 masks and decontamination of the patient’s surroundings may give protection against COVID-19. Additionally, reusing medical gowns should be avoided as much as possible.

Download Full-text

Perceptions, Knowledge, and Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Among Social Media Users: Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/19913 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (9) ◽

pp. e19913 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Khawla F Ali ◽

Simon Whitebridge ◽

Mohammad H Jamal ◽

Mohammad Alsafy ◽

Stephen L Atkin

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Social Media ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Older Subjects ◽

And Behaviors ◽

Health Organization

Background Social media is one of the most rapid and impactful ways of obtaining and delivering information in the modern era. Objective The aim of this study was to rapidly obtain information on public perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors related to COVID-19 in order to identify deficiencies in key areas of public education. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, a survey web link was posted on the social media and messaging platforms Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp by the study investigators. Participants, aged ≥18 years, filled out the survey on a voluntary basis. The main outcomes measured were knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, protective measures against COVID-19, and source(s) of information about COVID-19. Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the effects of age, gender, underlying illness, and working or studying in the health care industry on the perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19 and getting vaccinated. Results A total of 5677 subjects completed the survey over the course of 1 week. “Fever or chills” (n=4973, 87.6%) and “shortness of breath” (n=4695, 82.7%) were identified as the main symptoms of COVID-19. Washing and sanitizing hands (n=4990, 87.9%) and avoiding public places and crowds (n=4865, 85.7%) were identified as the protective measures most frequently used against COVID-19. Social media was the most utilized source for information on the disease (n=4740, 83.5%), followed by the World Health Organization (n=2844, 50.1%). Subgroup analysis revealed that younger subjects (<35 years), males, and those working or studying in health care reported a higher perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19, whereas older subjects, females, and those working or studying in non–health care areas reported a lower perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19. Similar trends were observed for vaccination against COVID-19, with older subjects, females, and those working or studying in non–health care sectors reporting a lower likelihood of vaccinating against COVID-19. Conclusions Our results are indicative of a relatively well-informed cohort implementing appropriate protective measures. However, key knowledge deficiencies exist with regards to vaccination against COVID-19, which future efforts should aim at correcting.

Download Full-text

Utility of world heart federation and modified World Health Organization echocardiographic diagnostic criteria of subclinical rheumatic heart disease in children of Manipur, India

International Journal of Advances in Medicine ◽

10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20191151 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 412

Author(s):

Rajendra Singh Thangjam ◽

Rothangpui . ◽

Anil Irom ◽

Rameshchandra Th ◽

Sivasubramanian Ramakrishnan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prevalence Rate ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Who Criteria ◽

Prevalence Studies ◽

Eastern State ◽

North Eastern ◽

Health Organization

Background: A comparative prevalence studies using modified WHO and more stringent criteria of WHF2012 have not been conducted in this part of the country and so authors felt necessary to conduct such study in this North-eastern state of India.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 3600 children aged 5-15 years (11.07±2.86, 51.90% male) from randomly selected schools of Manipur were examined clinically and by 2D colour doppler echocardiography.Results: Only one case of Clinical RHD with a combination of MR and AS was found, (prevalence of 0.28/1000) [CI: 0.04-1.97). Echocardiography detected 3 cases of definite subclinical (prevalence rate of 0.83/1000 (CI: 0.27-2.58], 14 cases of borderline subclinical RHD (prevalence rate of 3.9)/1000 (CI: 2.30-6.56) befitting WHF 2012 criteria, and 61 cases of borderline subclinical RHD befitting modified WHO criteria (prevalence rate of 16.9/1000)[ CI1.3-2.1].On follow up to 5 years, among the 3 cases with definite subclinical RHD, 2 had worsened and 1 remained non- progressive, while among the 14 subclinical borderline cases, 2 normalized, 6 remained non-progressive and 6 children were lost to follow up.Conclusions: Prevalence of RHD using echocardiography is several folds higher compared to clinical examination alone. While the number is reduced by about half using WHF criteria. However, the important of WHO criteria cannot simply be neglected, as all the subclinical cases by WHF criteria remains non-progressive, while one case of subclinical defined by WHO worsen on follow up.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, perception and implementation of personal protective measures by citizens during the COVID-19 outbreak in Northern Cyprus: a cross-sectional survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-45269/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Azze Buket Yilmaz ◽

Emrah Guler ◽

Buket Baddal

Keyword(s):

Hand Hygiene ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Northern Cyprus ◽

Public Areas ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Aim: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has generated over 8 000 000 cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide and has led to the implementation of strict measures in all countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and implementation status of personal protective measures (PPMs) by ordinary citizens in Northern Cyprus and their access to personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 outbreak.Subject and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on internet-based survey. A total of 406 participants were recruited between May 1 and 4, 2020 via authors’ networks to complete a questionnaire. Participants were asked to indicate how often they implemented the five PPMs recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), their daily frequency of hand hygiene events, their COVID-19 knowledge as well as the availability of PPE in their hometown.Results: The prevalence of the five PPMs ranged from 65.0% to 95.6%, with the highest being hand hygiene and the lowest being avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Hand hygiene events were recorded to be more than 10 per day in 47.3% of the participants. Gloves (86.2%), surgical masks (52.2%), and cloth face masks (47.3%) were the most commonly used PPE in public areas. The majority of the responders were aware of the incubation time (90.4%) and indirect route of viral transmission (89.7%), whereas knowledge of droplet (72.2%) and aerosol transmission (43.6%) were lower. Knowledge was gained mainly through social media and TV.Conclusion: Overall, citizens implemented protective measures effectively and were strictly coherent to government-induced curfew and self-isolation measurements with a high public awareness.

Download Full-text

Perceptions, Knowledge, and Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Among Social Media Users: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19913 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Khawla F Ali ◽

Simon Whitebridge ◽

Mohammad H Jamal ◽

Mohammad Alsafy ◽

Stephen L Atkin

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Social Media ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Older Subjects ◽

And Behaviors ◽

Health Organization

BACKGROUND Social media is one of the most rapid and impactful ways of obtaining and delivering information in the modern era. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to rapidly obtain information on public perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors related to COVID-19 in order to identify deficiencies in key areas of public education. METHODS Using a cross-sectional study design, a survey web link was posted on the social media and messaging platforms Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp by the study investigators. Participants, aged ≥18 years, filled out the survey on a voluntary basis. The main outcomes measured were knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, protective measures against COVID-19, and source(s) of information about COVID-19. Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the effects of age, gender, underlying illness, and working or studying in the health care industry on the perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19 and getting vaccinated. RESULTS A total of 5677 subjects completed the survey over the course of 1 week. “Fever or chills” (n=4973, 87.6%) and “shortness of breath” (n=4695, 82.7%) were identified as the main symptoms of COVID-19. Washing and sanitizing hands (n=4990, 87.9%) and avoiding public places and crowds (n=4865, 85.7%) were identified as the protective measures most frequently used against COVID-19. Social media was the most utilized source for information on the disease (n=4740, 83.5%), followed by the World Health Organization (n=2844, 50.1%). Subgroup analysis revealed that younger subjects (<35 years), males, and those working or studying in health care reported a higher perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19, whereas older subjects, females, and those working or studying in non–health care areas reported a lower perceived likelihood of acquiring COVID-19. Similar trends were observed for vaccination against COVID-19, with older subjects, females, and those working or studying in non–health care sectors reporting a lower likelihood of vaccinating against COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Our results are indicative of a relatively well-informed cohort implementing appropriate protective measures. However, key knowledge deficiencies exist with regards to vaccination against COVID-19, which future efforts should aim at correcting.

Download Full-text

Covid-19, Anxiety, and Hopelessness: Quality of Life among Healthcare Workers in Turkey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-501343/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Selda MERT ◽

Ayfer PEKER KARATOPRAK ◽

Yeliz DEMİRHAN ◽

Canan BAYDEMİR ◽

Berrin ÇETİNARSLAN ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

World Health ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

World Health Organization Quality ◽

Protective Measures ◽

Health Related ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Object: To investigate the effect of anxiety and hopelessness on the quality of life of healthcare workers.Methods: This cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted between August 31 - September 30, 2020, with 729 healthcare workers in Turkey. The Sociodemographic Information Form, the Turkish version of the Shorter Version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF-TR), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) were used for data collection.Results: The study showed that hopelessness, the weekly working time, fatigue, and the workload experienced by healthcare workers negatively affected their quality of life, and those who needed knowledge on various issues to improve their skills had lower quality of life and higher anxiety and hopelessness levels. Conclusion: Protective measures should be taken for the health of healthcare workers against the adverse effects of the intense anxiety, hopelessness, and workload during the pandemic period. To achieve sustainable success in the provision of health services, healthcare workers must be psychologically healthy. Therefore, taking protective measures to improve the resilience of healthcare workers in all health-related areas should be a priority.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Operational Readiness of Prehospital Emergency Department of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Encountering COVID-19 Epidemic in 2020

Health in Emergencies & Disasters Quarterly ◽

10.32598/hdq.6.4.35.3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 217-224

Author(s):

Reza Habibi Saravi ◽

◽

Yahya Saleh Tabari ◽

Seyed Hosein Hoseini ◽

Fariba Ghasemi Hamedani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Services ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Medical Sciences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Good Level ◽

Operational Readiness ◽

The Face ◽

Prehospital Emergency ◽

Health Organization

Background: The ability to respond to any emergency before happening is a potential issue that manifests as operational readiness. This study aimed to evaluate the preparedness of prehospital emergency services of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in response to the epidemic of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in April 2020 using a translated standard checklist of the Pan American World Health Organization (PAHO). The list consists of four components of call management (6 items), first responders (operational codes with 3 items), medical transportation (including primary and interhospital with 16 items), and emergency medical services administration (including medical guidelines, human resources, and education with 11 items). Results: There were 168 operational logistics facilities and 555 personnel to cover organizational missions. Except for two items that scored half a point, the rest of the measures received total points (35 out of a maximum of 36 points with 97% of the total points). According to the complete scores, operational readiness was at a good level. Conclusion: The preparedness of the Center for Disaster Management and Medical Emergencies at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic has been at a good level. However, because of the continuation of the epidemic, strengthening the supply chain and empowering personnel are essential to sustainable readiness.

Download Full-text

Mask associated dermatosis: unmasking the challenges- a cross sectional study

International Journal of Research in Dermatology ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4529.intjresdermatol20212551 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 547

Author(s):

Ketki . ◽

Sonali Gupta ◽

Vijay Paliwal ◽

Rachita Mathur ◽

Deepak K. Mathur

Keyword(s):

Preventive Measure ◽

Face Mask ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Short Period ◽

The Face ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Health Organization

Background: The novel coronavirus, referred to as SARS-COV 2 causing COVID 19, has become a great health challenge to the mankind. After its origin from Wuhan, China, it spread all over the globe within a short period of time. World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID 19 as pandemic on 11th March, 2020. Aerosoles or droplets are the commonest mode of infection through respiratory tract making it mandatory to wear masks as a preventive measure.Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted over patients attending the out patients department of Dermatology. They were observed for presence of dermatosis over the face and categorized according to nature of dermatoses.Results: We observed 385 patients, 200 (52%) patients had new dermatoses and 185 (48%) patients noticed flare of existing dermatoses. The predominant new dermatoses were dermatophytosis, indentations, sweat induced dermatitis, urticaria, pressure urticaria developing with indentations, contact dermatitis to metal and other materials in 49 (24.5%%), 42 (21%), 42 (21%) ,38(19%), 19 (9.5%) and 10 (5%) cases respectively. The flared dermatoses were acne, rosacea , plane warts and molluscum contagiosum in 120 (64.8%), 24 (12.9%), 22 (11.9%) and 17 (9.2%) cases respectively. Koebnerisation of vitiligo and lichen planus was also seen in few subjects.Conclusions: The prolonged use of face mask may cause various infective and non infective facial dermatoses. In the current scenario, it is mandatory to wear face mask as a preventive measure hence it is important to wear the mask properly. However, care of the mask as well as breaks from the mask are important factors to avoid the development of mask associated dermatosis.

Download Full-text

Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Perception Among the Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

10.20944/preprints202110.0435.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Adil Abalkhail ◽

Ilias Mahmud ◽

Fahad A. Alhumaydhi ◽

Thamer Alslamah ◽

Ameen S S Alwashmi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Primary Source ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Government ◽

Health Organization

Hand hygiene is among the most important factors of infection control in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers are considered the primary source of hospital acquired infection. We assessed the current state of hand hygiene knowledge, perception and practice among the healthcare workers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study we used the hand hygiene knowledge and perception questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. Knowledge and perceptions were classified into good (80 – 100%), moderate (60 – 79%) and poor (<60% score). Majority of the healthcare workers had moderate knowledge (57.8%) and perception (73.4%) of hand hygiene. Males were less likely to have moderate/good knowledge compared to females (OR: 0.52, p<.05). Private healthcare workers were less likely (OR: 0.33, p<0.01) to have moderate/good perception compared to the government healthcare workers. Healthcare workers who received training on hand hygiene were 3.2 times likely (p<.05) to have good/moderate perception and 3.8 times likely (p<0.05) to routinely use alcohol-based hand-rub than the ones without such training. Physicians were 4.9 times likely (p<0.05) to routinely use alcohol-based hand-rub than the technicians. Our research highlighted gaps on hand hygiene knowledge and perception and practice among healthcare workers in Qassim and importance of training in this regard.

Download Full-text