scholarly journals healthcareCOVID: a national cross-sectional observational study identifying risk factors for developing suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in UK healthcare workers

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10891
Author(s):  
Justin Kua ◽  
Reshma Patel ◽  
Eveliina Nurmi ◽  
Sarah Tian ◽  
Harpreet Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Composite Endpoint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Primary Composite Endpoint ◽  
Frequency Of Contact ◽  
Regular Contact

Objective To establish the prevalence, risk factors and implications of suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among healthcare workers in the United Kingdom (UK). Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting UK-based primary and secondary care. Participants Healthcare workers aged ≥18 years working between 1 February and 25 May 2020. Main outcome measures A composite endpoint of laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, or self-isolation or hospitalisation due to suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Results Of 6,152 eligible responses, the composite endpoint was present in 1,806 (29.4%) healthcare workers, of whom 49 (0.8%) were hospitalised, 459 (7.5%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and 1,776 (28.9%) reported self-isolation. Overall, between 11,870 and 21,158 days of self-isolation were required by the cohort, equalling approximately 71 to 127 working days lost per 1,000 working days. The strongest risk factor associated with the presence of the primary composite endpoint was increasing frequency of contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE): ‘Never’ (reference), ‘Rarely’ (adjusted odds ratio 1.06, (95% confidence interval: [0.87–1.29])), ‘Sometimes’ (1.7 [1.37–2.10]), ‘Often’ (1.84 [1.28–2.63]), ‘Always’ (2.93, [1.75–5.06]). Additionally, several comorbidities (cancer, respiratory disease, and obesity); working in a ‘doctors’ role; using public transportation for work; regular contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients; and lack of PPE were also associated with the presence of the primary endpoint. A total of 1,382 (22.5%) healthcare workers reported lacking access to PPE items while having clinical contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Conclusions Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 was more common in healthcare workers than in the general population and is associated with significant workforce implications. Risk factors included inadequate PPE, which was reported by nearly a quarter of healthcare workers. Governments and policymakers must ensure adequate PPE is available as well as developing strategies to mitigate risk for high-risk healthcare workers during future COVID-19 waves.

scholarly journals healthcareCOVID: A national cross-sectional observational study identifying risk factors for developing suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in UK healthcare workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Kua ◽  
Reshma Patel ◽  
Eveliina Nurmi ◽  
Sarah Tian ◽  
Harpreet Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Composite Endpoint ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Frequency Of Contact ◽  
Regular Contact ◽  
Study Setting

Objective To establish the prevalence and risk factors for the development of suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United Kingdom (UK). Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting UK-based primary and secondary care. Participants HCWs aged ≥18 years working between 1 February and 25 May 2020. Main outcome measures A composite endpoint of laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, or self-isolation or hospitalisation due to suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Results Of 6152 eligible responses, the composite endpoint was present in 1806 (29.4%) HCWs, of whom 49 (0.8%) were hospitalised, 459 (7.5%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and 1776 (28.9%) reported self-isolation. The strongest risk factor associated with the presence of the primary composite endpoint was increasing frequency of contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE): ″Never″ (reference), ″Rarely″ (adjusted odds ratio 1.06, (95% confidence interval: 0.87 to 1.29)), ″Sometimes″ (1.7 (1.37 to 2.10)), ″Often″ (1.84 (1.28 to 2.63)), ″Always″ (2.93, (1.75 to 5.06)). Additionally, several comorbidities (cancer, respiratory disease, and obesity); working in a ′doctors′ role; using public transportation for work; regular contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients; and lack of PPE were also associated with the presence of the primary endpoint. 1382 (22.5%) HCWs reported lacking access to PPE items while having clinical contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Overall, between 11,870 and 21,158 days of self-isolation were required by the cohort, equalling approximately 71 to 127 working days lost per 1000 working days. Conclusions Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 was more common in HCWs than in the general population. Risk factors included inadequate PPE, which was reported by nearly a quarter of HCWs. Governments and policymakers must ensure adequate PPE is available as well as developing strategies to mitigate risk for high-risk HCWs during future COVID-19 waves.

scholarly journals Socioenvironmental criteria and postoperative complications in ambulatory surgery in a French university hospital: a prospective cross-sectional observational study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e036795
Author(s):  
Sorina-Dana Mihailescu ◽  
Isabelle Maréchal ◽  
Denis Thillard ◽  
André Gillibert ◽  
Vincent Compère
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Emergency Department Visit ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Ambulatory Surgery ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional

BackgroundAmbulatory surgery lowers hospitalisation costs, shortens the time to return to work but requires caution regarding socioenvironmental risk factors for complications and rehospitalisation.MethodsThis was a single-centre prospective cross-sectional observational study conducted in a university hospital centrein January 2017. The primary objective was to assess the rate of conversion from ambulatory surgery to conventional hospitalisation or emergency department visit within 30 days following discharge from ambulatory unit. Secondary objectives were to describe the socioenvironmental characteristics of outpatients and to identify risk factors for severe postoperative complications.Results598 outpatients were included. The most represented surgical specialties were ophthalmology (23.5%), gynaecology (19%) and orthopaedics (17.7%). Patients’ mean age was 50.8 years (SD, 19.8) and the male/female sex ratio was 0.68. There were 22 (3.68%, 95% CI 2.32% to 5.52%) severe complications, including 11 (1.84%, 95% CI 0.92% to 3.27%) conversions to conventional hospitalisation and 11 (1.84%) conversions to emergency department visit, 3 of which led to readmission. Regarding socioenvironmental characteristics, 116 outpatients (19.7%) lived alone but were not isolated and 15 (2.6%) lived alone and were socially isolated. Following ambulatory surgery, 9 outpatients (1.6%) returned home on foot, 20 (3.4%) by public transportation and 8 (1.4%) drove home; 133 outpatients (13.7%) were alone the first night following surgery. Severe complication rates were not significantly different according to socioenvironmental subgroups.ConclusionIn our study, the prevalence of severe complications was low, conforming to the literature. The study was underpowered to estimate the effect of socioenvironmental variables.

scholarly journals Prevalence, risk factors and sources of anxiety among Emergency Department healthcare workers in Pakistan during COVID-19 pandemic: A single center survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Haroon ◽  
S. S. Owais ◽  
A. S. Khan ◽  
J. Amin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Nonparametric Tests ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Workers

Summary COVID-19 has challenged the mental health of healthcare workers confronting it world-wide. Our study identifies the prevalence and risk of anxiety among emergency healthcare workers confronting COVID-19 in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an Emergency Department using the Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and questions about sources of anxiety. Of 107 participants, 61.7% were frontline workers. The prevalence of anxiety was 50.5%. Nonparametric tests determined that nurses, younger and inexperienced staff, developed significant anxiety. Multivariate ordinal regression determined independent risk factors for developing anxiety were younger age (OR 2.11, 95% CI 0.89–4.99) and frontline placement (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.33–1.66). Significant sources of stress were fear of infecting family (P = 0.003), lack of social support when the health care providers were themselves unwell (P = 0.02) and feelings of inadequate work performance (P = 0.05). Our study finds that HCWs’ anxiety is considerable. Appropriate measures for its alleviation and prevention are required.

A SURVEY TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS COVID-19 AMONGST NHS HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT A TERTIARY HEALTH BOARD IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

2021 ◽  
pp. 81-84
Author(s):  
Poorwa Roy ◽  
Praveen Davuluri ◽  
Nandini Roy
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Attitude Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
High Knowledge

Background and aim: The world is currently facing a public health emergency in the form of COVID-19 pandemic. United Kingdom conrmed it's initial cases in February 2020 and since then the NHS (National Health Services) and its healthcare workers have been working diligently to ght this pandemic facing unprecedented challenges. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) survey was conducted using a questionnaire among healthcare professionals belonging to an NHS University Health Board in Wales, UK. The responses were assessed and relevant statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: Atotal of 208 frontline NHS Workers participated in the study. Mean knowledge score in the study was 87.83%. Majority (67.79%) of the participants had a high knowledge score. Knowledge scores were found to have a positive association with age. The general attitude among the participants was found to be optimistic with a mean attitude score of 69.87%. Practices varied amongst the participants with 77.5% reporting regular use of the mask at work. Conclusion: This study reects that majority of healthcare professionals had a sound knowledge and understanding about the pandemic with an optimistic attitude towards its control. Majority of them have been implementing safe practices at workplace.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Demographical Characteristic and Central Obesity with Hypertension

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Desy Amanda ◽  
Santi Martini
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Obesity Status ◽  
Observational Study Design ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia was 25,80% in 2013 found in people aged above 18 years old. One of the risk factors is obesity. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the demographical characteristic and central obesity with the risk of hypertension in the health center of Sidoarjo. Methods: This analytical observational study design was cross sectional. There were 50 respondents selected through accidental sampling. The independent variables of this study were respondents’ characteristic and central obesity status. However, the dependent variable was hypertension. Overall, respondents were divided into two groups based on sex (female and male) and age (> 59 years old and ≤ 59 years old). Data were analyzed with chi-square statistical analysis. Results: Respondents with central obesity had a higher risk to get hypertension, with majority male respondents aged above 59 years old. Conclusion: There was a correlation between age and hypertension (p = 0,01), sex and hypertension (p = 0,04), also between central obesity status and hypertension (p = 0,01). 

scholarly journals The relationship between psychosocial risk factors, burnout and quality of life among primary healthcare workers in rural Guangdong province: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Obiri Asante ◽  
Meng Jie Li ◽  
Jing Liao ◽  
Yi Xiang Huang ◽  
Yuan Tao Hao
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Guangdong Province ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Developing Cities

Abstract Background Healthcare workers are often exposed to stressful working conditions at work which affect their quality of life. The study investigated the relationship between psychosocial risk factors, stress, burnout, and quality of life among primary healthcare workers in general medical practice in Qingyuan and Chaozhou cities in Guangdong province. Method The cross-sectional study was conducted in 108 primary health facilities including 36 community health centers (CHCs) across two developing cities in Guangdong province. A total of 873 healthcare workers completed the questionnaires. Quality of life was evaluated using The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and psychological risk factors were evaluated by the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). General quality of life and the quality of life domains were transformed into a score range from minimum 0 to 100 maximum. Higher scores indicated better quality of life and vice versa. Significant associations were verified using multiple regression analysis. Results Poor quality of life was observed in 74.6% of healthcare workers surveyed. General poor quality of life was significantly higher among workers who reported higher burnout (Beta = − 0.331, p < 0.001). In addition, workers with high levels of burnout, unmarried workers and female workers had a higher possibility of physical health. A greater risk of poor psychological health was observed among workers with high burnout, poor sense of community and those with lower educational levels. Workers who lacked social support, those with fewer possibilities for development had increased probability of poor quality of life in the social domain. Poor quality of life in the environmental domain was observed among workers who were dissatisfied with their jobs and workers with low salaries. Conclusions Primary healthcare workers in developing cities in China have a highly demanding and strained working environment and poor quality of life. Reducing job stress and improving work conditions may ultimately improve the well-being of primary healthcare workers.

scholarly journals EPICARDIALADIPOSE TISSUE THICKNESS IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS.

2020 ◽  
pp. 26-28
Author(s):  
Jayanta Saha ◽  
Kuntal Bhattacharyya ◽  
Shravan Kumar ◽  
Debarshi Jana
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
International Diabetes Federation ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional

INTRODUCTION Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of several cardiovascular risk factors, and is defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria (2001) or the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria (2005). 1, 2The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varies between 24.6 - 41% in different parts of Indian subcontinent and based on different criteria for metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVES To assess epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness by echocardiography in patients with metabolic syndrome, and find out if there is any association between EAT thickness and different cardiovascular risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in India among patients attending the Medicine and Cardiology out-patient department (OPD) during the study period of six months from May 2018 to October 2018. Patients satisfying the diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome as per the IDF criteria (2005) were included in the study, as there are separate cut off points for waist circumference for South Asian population. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting: Single centre study in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants: Initially 450 patients with metabolic syndrome as per International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria (2005) were screened. Patients having age above 65 years, deranged liver/renal function, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, malignancy, pregnancy, ascitis, poor echo window, history of endocrine disorders like Cushing Syndrome, glucocorticoid use, having any acute illness and those not giving consent were excluded. Final sample size was 397. For defining the normal EAT thickness in this geographic region, 50 age and gender matched healthy volunteers without any conventional cardiovascular risk factors (except age in some cases) acted as controls. Study period was six months. RESULT The mean value of EAT thickness in the control group was 2.97 (± 0.86) mm, hence the upper reference limit of EAT thickness in this study was taken as more than mean + 2SD, i.e. 4.69mm. Mean EAT thickness in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome was 5.48 ± 0.83 mm, which was significantly increased compared to controls. Taking 4.69mm as cut off, it was seen that 311 (78.34%) patients had increased EAT thickness >4.69mm. CONCLUSION Further studies with larger sample size and longitudinal design are required to establish the ability of EAT thickness to predict cardiovascular risk.

scholarly journals Prevalence and associated risk factors for diabetic retinopathy at first ophthalmological contact

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 118-124
Author(s):  
Bhavkaran Singh ◽  
Prempal Kaur ◽  
Jaspreet Singh ◽  
Parveen Grang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Duration Of Diabetes ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is now considered as a growing global public health concern due to cost associated with diabetic micro and macrovascular complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss. Accurate estimation of prevalence of DR among diabetic patients and associated risk factors are of crucial importance to plan and execute preventive strategies in the community. Aims and Objectives: The present cross sectional hospital based observational study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of DR in diabetic patients at their first ophthalmological contact and toevaluate associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional hospital based observational study, all diabetic patients visiting ophthalmology clinic for the first time after being diagnosed as diabetic were enrolled. After recording demographic data and biochemical findings, each patient was investigated for DR and correlated with associated risk factors. Results: Of 1699 patients, majority (68.9%) of them had come to ophthalmology clinic with complaint of decreased vision. Only 16.12 % (274) patients had been referred for retinal exam by treating physician. DR was prevalent in 242(16.98%) non-referred and 31(11.31%) referred patients. Mean age and mean duration of diabetes was significantly higher in non-referred patients. Vision threatening DR was also significantly higher in nonreferred patients. Prevalence of DR was significantly correlated with age at presentation, duration of diabetes, rural background, uncontrolled diabetes, systolic blood pressure and high BMI. Conclusion: Low referral by treating physician and lack of awareness among patient accounts for late presentation of diabetic patients to ophthalmologist. Beyond just developing strategies to promote screening programs for early detection and management of DR, education of the patients,comprehensive planning and coordination between ophthalmologist and physician can go a long way to decrease the economic and social burden of preventable blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

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