Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Frontline Healthcare Workers in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quratul-Ain Zafar
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers in Pakistan in terms of psychological factors emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at different hospitals across Pakistan and data collection was carried out from 15th June 2020 till 15th August 2020. Material and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study aiming to compare the levels of burnout and emotional distress between frontline COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 healthcare workers. Any physician, nurse, and other healthcare workers were recruited from emergency care units and Covid-19 care units (target group), and non-COVID-19 care units (control group). Participation was voluntary and participants had to complete self-reported questionnaires and scales. A mixed-mode data collection was carried out, either in paper or web-based form to ensure maximum participation. Results: The independent t-test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding depression, stress, and insomnia. The study group showed higher scores for these factors than the control group. Chi-square test of association revealed significant scores of burnout and professional fulfillment in both groups. There was a higher prevalence of burnout in the study group than in the control group. Conclusion: This study concludes that there was a significant psychosocial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the frontline healthcare workers measured in terms of emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout.

Prevalence of Thyroid Diseases in an Occupationally Radiation Exposed Group: A Cross-Sectional Study in a University Hospital of Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Vimercati ◽  
Luigi De Maria ◽  
Francesca Mansi ◽  
Antonio Caputi ◽  
Giovanni M. Ferri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Thyroid Diseases ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposed Workers

Background: Thyroid diseases occur more frequently in people exposed to ionizing radiation, but the relationship between occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and thyroid pathologies still remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid diseases in healthcare workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation compared with a control group working at the University Hospital of Bari, Southern Italy, and living in the same geographical area, characterized by mild iodine deficiency. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study to investigate whether healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation had a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases. Four hundred and forty-four exposed healthcare workers (241 more exposed, or “A Category”, and 203 less exposed, or “B Category”) and 614 nonexposed healthcare workers were enrolled during a routine examination at the Occupational Health Unit. They were asked to fill in an anamnestic questionnaire and undergo a physical examination, serum determination of fT3, fT4 and TSH, anti-TPO ab and anti-TG ab and ultrasound neck scan. Thyroid nodules were submitted to fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated. Results: The prevalence of thyroid diseases was statistically higher in the exposed workers compared to controls (40% vs 29%, adPR 1.65; IC95% 1.34-2.07). In particular, the thyroid nodularity prevalence in the exposed group was approximately twice as high as that in the controls (29% vs 13%; adPR 2.83; IC95% 2.12-3.8). No statistically significant association was found between exposure to ionizing radiation and other thyroid diseases. Conclusion: In our study, mild ionizing radiation-exposed healthcare workers had a statistically higher prevalence of thyroid diseases than the control group. The results are likely due to a closer and more meticulous health surveillance programme carried out in the ionising radiation-exposed workers, allowing them to identify thyroid alterations earlier than non-exposed health staff.

Stigmatization of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1379-1383
Author(s):  
M. F. Khalid ◽  
M. Alam ◽  
F. Rehman ◽  
R. Sarfaraz
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Collection Data ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

Aim: To study stigmatization of healthcare workers due to COVID-19 pandemic Methodology: Using a cross-sectional study, a total of 134 healthcare workers were approached at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. An interview based, pre-tested, semi-constructed questionnaire consisting of both open and close ended questions were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Out of 134 healthcare workers, 40.3% were male and 59.7% were female. Distribution among doctors and nurses was 60.4% and 39.6% respectively. 51.5% of healthcare workers felt stigmatized due to working in the COVID-19 pandemic. 69.4% of healthcare workers knew of other people who faced similar stigmatization due to their exposure to COVID-19. Almost each age group and specialty faced such stigmatization. Conclusion: This study helped in understanding the stigma healthcare workers had to face during COVID-19 Pandemic which lead to significant distress and suffering for the healthcare workers. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, stigmatization, healthcare workers

scholarly journals Can the Pessary Use Modify the Vaginal Microbiological Flora? A Cross-sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (04) ◽  
pp. 169-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suelene Coelho ◽  
Paulo Giraldo ◽  
Juliana Florentino ◽  
Edilson Castro ◽  
Luiz Brito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaginal Discharge ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Pelvic Organ ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaginal Pessary ◽  
Genital Ulcers

Introduction Vaginal pessary is used as a conservative treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Some studies have shown that common complaints of its use may include vaginal discomfort and increased vaginal discharge. Scant information is available about the microflora status after using this device. Objective To determine if the usage of vaginal pessary can interfere with the vaginal environment. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from March of 2014 to July of 2015 including 90 women with POP. The study group was composed of 45 women users of vaginal pessary and 45 nom-users. All enrolled women answered a standardized questionnaire and were subjected to a gynecological exam to collect vaginal samples for microbiological evaluation under optic microscopy. Clinical and microbiological data were compared between study and control groups. Results Vaginal discharge was confirmed in 84% of the study group versus 62.2% in the control group (p < 0.01); itching was reported in 20 and 2.2%, respectively (p < .05); genital ulcers were only found in the pessary group (20%). There was no difference with regard to the type of vaginal flora. Bacterial vaginosis was prevalent in the study group (31.1% study group versus 22.2% control group), (p =.34). Conclusion Women using vaginal pessaries for POP treatment presented more vaginal discharge, itching and genital ulcers than non-users.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Podocalyxin level in pre-eclampsia with severe features' patients: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 3255
Author(s):  
Ahmed F. Amin ◽  
Hisham Abou-Taleb ◽  
Mustafa Gamal ◽  
Marwa M. Thabet ◽  
Nashwa Azoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Women Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Background: This study aims to evaluate the level of podocalyxin (PCX) in preeclampsia with severe features patients and correlate it with the results of laboratory tests.Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study conducted in Assiut Women Health Hospital between April and October 2018.  The study included 60 patients divided into two groups; Group (A): 30 patients diagnosed to have preeclampsia with severe features and Group (B): 30 patients as normal control group. Complete laboratory investigations with measurements of the PCX level was performed for all study participants.Results: No statistically significant difference between the study group and control group according to blood urea (p= 0.339) and serum creatinine (p= 0.801).There was statistically significant difference between the study group and control group according to PCX level (p= 0.001); the mean PCX was 3340.0 ± 2394.6 in the study group versus 1083.5±1400.2 in the control group. Univariate analysis revealed podocalyxin was not correlated with clinical data or laboratory investigations.Conclusions: Podocalyxin levels were significantly elevated in preeclampsia.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and reported practice regarding donning and doffing of personal protective equipment among frontline healthcare workers against COVID-19 in Nepal: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
pp. e0000066
Author(s):  
Sagar Pandey ◽  
Sujan Poudel ◽  
Ashok Gaire ◽  
Ritu Poudel ◽  
Prabin Subedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Rate ◽  
P Value ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Background Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection with a high rate of transmission primarily via airborne route and direct contact. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a proven and effective way to prevent COVID-19 spread in healthcare settings. This study was done aiming to assess the knowledge, attitude, and reported practice, and identify the associated factors regarding donning and doffing of PPE among frontline healthcare workers in Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from 25th April to 30th July 2021 among 205 frontline healthcare workers of Nepal selected randomly from among the contacts of the investigators. A structured self-administered questionnaire prepared in google form was used as a study tool and shared via social media to the participants to obtain information on socio-demographic and workplace characteristics along with their knowledge, attitude, and reported practice regarding donning and doffing of PPE. Result A total of 79.5% of participants had satisfactory knowledge while 75.6% had satisfactory practice scores regarding donning and doffing of PPE. Factors such as the profession of the participants (p-value = 0.048), their workplace (p-value = 0.005), provision of PPE at workplace (p-value = 0 .009), and availability of designated space at workplace for methodical donning and doffing of PPE (p-value = 0.010) were significantly associated with satisfactory knowledge score whereas availability of designated space at workplace for donning and doffing of PPE was significantly associated with good practice score (p-value = 0.009). Conclusion This study demonstrated an overall good knowledge, attitude, and reported practice regarding donning and doffing of PPE among frontline healthcare workers in Nepal. However, the reported shortcomings like poor knowledge regarding the sequence of donning and doffing and corresponding flawed practice behaviors need to be addressed.

scholarly journals Falsified Drugs in the Opinion of Patients Diagnosed with Cardiovascular Diseases—Nationwide and Cross-Sectional Study on the Example of EU-Member Country

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3823
Author(s):  
Damian Świeczkowski ◽  
Szymon Zdanowski ◽  
Piotr Merks ◽  
Miłosz Jaguszewski
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Falsified Medicines

Background: In light of a falsified medications pandemic, understanding the patient perspective on falsified medicines is warranted. Our study aimed to investigate the perspectives regarding falsified medicines among patients with cardiovascular diseases. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted based on a questionnaire: (i) Respondents suffering from cardiovascular diseases and (ii) respondents not being chronically ill. Only participants below 50 years of age were included. Results: We enrolled 1200 respondents total, 800 in the study group and 400 in the control group (in cooperation with a professional public opinion research center). The vast majority of participants agreed that community pharmacies are the only place that ensures the secure purchasing of non-falsified drugs (67.01% study group and 65.25% control group; p < 0.01). The majority of respondents were convinced that purchasing medications on the Internet is associated with a higher risk of receiving falsified drugs. Patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases and those with “non-satisfactory financial situation” had significantly decreased likelihoods of obtaining a high score in general knowledge on falsified medications (OR = 0.64 and OR = 0.58, respectively). Conclusions: Awareness of the risks associated with falsified drugs among patients with cardiovascular diseases remains high but still insufficient.

scholarly journals Frontline Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge, Perception and Risk Prevention Practices Regarding COVID-19 in Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula ◽  
Vijay R. Raghavan ◽  
Akbar Ahmadi ◽  
Dipankar Srirag ◽  
Vijay Kumar Chattu
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Risk Prevention ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Positive Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Knowledge ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
And Control

(1) Background: As of 13 December 2020, Afghanistan reported around 48,952 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1960 deaths. Lack of knowledge and perceptions among healthcare workers (HCWs) can pose challenges to disease control. Therefore, targeted, timely assessment of knowledge and perceptions are needed to address practices that might hinder efforts to stop the spreading of COVID-19 in Afghanistan. This study aimed to assess COVID-19-related knowledge, perceptions, and risk prevention practices (KPP) among frontline HCWs in Afghanistan; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the support of field teams who were deployed in Afghanistan, surveyed from 14 to 22 April 2020 in eight provinces in Afghanistan with varying cumulative incidence of COVID-19 cases. A 28-item KPP survey instrument was adapted from other internationally validated questionnaires related to COVID-19. (3) Results: The survey was conducted among 213 frontline HCWs engaged in screening and treating COVID-19 patients. Survey results indicated that basic awareness of COVID-19 was 100% across all the participants. Knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 transmission, symptoms, incubation period and complications associated with COVID-19 are comprehensive and high (>90%), except available treatment for COVID-19 (84%). HCWs’ perceptions towards the prevention and control of COVID-19 were positive. However, only 63% believed that the use of N-95 face masks and disposable and fluid-resistant gowns (76%) could prevent COVID-19 transmission. This survey showed high knowledge and positive perception (72%), and only 48% of frontline HCWs had shown risk prevention practices. Addressing their perceptions and placing additional focus on practices across all health facilities is recommended as a preparedness measure.

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