Search

Background: This study evaluated Health Care Workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitude, perceived compliance, and potential influencing factors related to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards in the North Bank East region of The Gambia. Method: The study was an analytic cross-sectional study, conducted in 2021 using a multistage sampling technique. Thirteen health facilities were sampled from the North Bank East Region of The Gambia. The sample size was calculated using the Cochrane formula, based on a healthcare worker population of 408, with a 95% confidence interval. Adjustments were made for a 10% non-response rate and a compliance level of 50%. A final sample size of 218 was used for the study. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression were done at a 95% confidence limit and an alpha level of 0.05. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 218 healthcare workers, the majority demonstrated adequate knowledge (86.24%) and a positive attitude (78.4%) toward Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). About half (50.5%) of the HCWs did not comply with IPC standards. Good attitude of HCWs [aOR = 3.13, 95%CI: 1.17–8.41, p-value = 0.023], accessibility of Personal Protective Equipment [aOR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.01–5.38; p-value = 0.046], and monitoring of IPC practice [aOR = 3.95, 95%CI: 1.84–8.45; p-value = < 0.001] were independently associated with HCWs perceived compliance with IPC standards. Conclusion: Although 188 (86.24%) HCWs displayed adequate knowledge of IPC standards, perceived compliance remains insufficient in Gambian healthcare facilities. To address this, the Ministry of Health should prioritize educational campaigns, and regular training to reinforce HCW knowledge, ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) accessibility, and implement ongoing IPC practice monitoring among healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTW) are two multifactorial pathological conditions that have been increasing in prevalence worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate how various sociodemographic variables and healthy habits are associated with the presence or absence of MetS and HTW. Methodology: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a retrospective longitudinal study and a cross-sectional descriptive study, analyzing 44,939 healthcare workers with MS and HTW across four professional categories to evaluate the relationship between age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet using three diagnostic criteria. Descriptive analysis included categorical and quantitative variables, which were assessed through frequencies, Student's t-test, chi-square, and binary logistic regression models. Logistic regression and Cohen's kappa were used to evaluate associations and concordances. Age, sex, and lack of physical activity showed the strongest associations with MetS (OR: 2.65–2.84). The results highlight the importance of physical activity and other factors in metabolic prevention. Results: Age, sex, and physical activity were the variables most strongly associated with MetS and HTW across the three evaluated diagnostic criteria. The odds ratios revealed significant values: age (9.07–13.71 for MetS and 13.42 for HTW), sex (2.82–3.31 for MetS and 3.72 for HTW), and physical activity (2.65–2.84 for MetS and 2.40 for HTW). Conclusions: The risk of developing MetS and HTW among healthcare personnel is influenced by lifestyle habits, sex, and age, with the highest ORs observed in nursing assistants and orderlies. Future research that delves deeper into the causal relationship between lifestyle factors and the severity of MetS and HTW in healthcare personnel will improve understanding and facilitate the development of preventive activities to reduce their incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ugandan health authorities declared an outbreak of Ebola disease (EBOD), caused by the Sudan virus, in September 2022. A rapid review was conducted to update the Public Health Agency of Canada's guidelines for infection prevention and control measures for EBOD in healthcare settings to prepare for potential introduction of cases. Objective: Summarize the available evidence on personal protective equipment (PPE) use by healthcare workers (HCWs) to prevent exposure to and transmission of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs), including Ebola virus. Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed evidence published from July 2014-October 2022. Peer-reviewed primary studies and literature reviews, in English or French, reporting on PPE for VHFs and filoviruses in the healthcare context were eligible for inclusion. Literature review processes were conducted by two reviewers using DistillerSR® systematic review software and the Public Health Agency of Canada's Infection Prevention and Control Critical Appraisal Toolkit. An environmental scan of grey literature was also conducted to inform the rapid review. Results: The database search yielded 417 citations and 29 studies were considered eligible for critical appraisal. In total, 20 studies were included in the narrative synthesis of evidence. The evidence base was limited regarding comparative effectiveness of types of PPE for preventing exposure to and transmission of VHFs to HCWs. Four studies reported on exposure to and transmission of a VHF. Sixteen studies provided data on other relevant topics, such as simulated contamination and lab-based tests of PPE integrity. Conclusion: There is limited evidence with which to draw conclusions on the comparative effectiveness of PPE to prevent exposure to and transmission of VHFs to HCWs. Additional research is required to determine the optimal PPE to protect HCWs from exposure to and transmission of VHFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-acting injectable antiretrovirals (LAI-ARVs) for HIV prevention and treatment have been demonstrated in clinical trials to be non-inferior to daily oral medications, providing an additional option to help users overcome the challenges of daily adherence. Approval and implementation of these regimens in low- and middle-income settings have been limited. Method: This study describes the anticipated barriers and facilitators to implementing LAI-ARVs in Vietnam to inform future roll-out. From July to August 2022, we conducted 27 in-depth interviews with healthcare workers and public health stakeholders involved in HIV programs at national, provincial, and clinic levels across four provinces in Vietnam. The interviews followed a semi-structured questionnaire and were audio recorded. Data were analyzed using a rapid thematic analysis approach to identify facilitators and barriers to the adoption of LAI-ARVs. Results: In total, 27 participants from 4 provinces were interviewed including 14 (52%) men and 13 (48%) women. Participants median age was 48 years and they had 11.5 years of experience with HIV services and programs. Perceived user-level facilitators included the greater convenience of injectables in comparison to oral regimens, while barriers included the increased frequency of visits, fear of pain and side effects, and cost. Clinic-level facilitators included existing technical capacity to administer injections and physical storage availability in district health centers, while barriers included lack of space and equipment for administering injections for HIV-related services, concerns about cold chain maintenance for LAI-ART, and workload for healthcare workers. Health system-level facilitators included existing mechanisms for medication distribution, while barriers included regulatory approval processes and concerns about supply chain continuity. Conclusion: Overall, participants were optimistic about the potential impact of LAI-ARVs but highlighted important considerations at multiple levels needed to ensure successful implementation in Vietnam. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health workers directly involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with COVID-19 are at risk of developing mental health symptoms. Objective: The study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of healthcare workers at Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Tertiary Hospital in Jazan during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the relationship between QoL and stress, anxiety, and depression. Pandemic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare workers at Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Hospital in the Jazan. The study included a sample of 352 healthcare workers. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale questionnaire, SF-36, for QoL. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages were used. A chi-squared test was performed to compare categorical data. A one-way ANOVA was performed to compare the effect of disorder variables on QoL. Multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to discern the differences between the different groups of participants in QoL measures. Results: Our results showed a poor QoL among those with a chronic disease (p = 0.002), who worked in the COVID-19 department (p = 0.030) and those who experienced the death of relatives or friends due to COVID-19 (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Healthcare workers, particularly those with chronic diseases or who had lost relatives to COVID-19, exhibited significantly lower QoL levels, especially those working directly in COVID-19 departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant implications for healthcare workers (HWs), especially those that work in hospitals. This study evaluated health related quality of life (HRQOL) and its relationship with dyspnea approximately one year after COVID-19 infection in HWs. Methods: HWs with previous COVID-19 infections were interviewed, and the EuroQol five-dimensional three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) with a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate HRQOL. Self-reported clinical and sociodemographic data were also obtained. Data were stratified by the presence of self-reported dyspnea in the moment of the study interview. The association between self-reported dyspnea and HRQOL was evaluated by regression models, either unadjusted or adjusted for potential confounders (for age and sex, marital status, work category, number of comorbidities, and number of days between diagnosis and evaluation). Results: A total of 109 HWs were interviewed; the median number of days post COVID-19 diagnosis for this group was 400 (IIQ 25–75% 321–428). The majority were women (67.9%); the median age was 44 (IIQ 25–75% 38–52) years. Overall, the median EQ-5D-3L score was 0.79 (IIQ 25–75% 0.74–0.85), and the median VAS score was 80 (IIQ 25–75% 70–90). Self-reported dyspnea was indicated by 22 individuals (20.2%). Self-reported dyspnea was associated with lower EQ-5D-3L and VAS scores, both in adjusted and non-adjusted models. In addition, self-reported dyspnea was associated with more problems in carrying out usual activities in both the non-adjusted and adjusted models (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results underscore the long-term implications of COVID-19, based on persistent perceptions of self-reported dyspnea and its relationship with HRQOL in HWs. Future studies, with extended follow-up and the employment of cardiopulmonary and mental health testing, may help to elucidate the nature and extent of COVID-19 sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the public health system of the United Kingdom, the National Healthcare System (NHS), has encountered difficulties that have been acknowledged in research studies and public policy discussions, such as resignations and staff shortages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS healthcare workers were confronted with demanding circumstances, exacerbating the constraints of an already struggling system. With this, the authors of this paper aim to better understand the relationships between frustration at work, fear of infection, working hours, and the turnover intention of healthcare workers during the pandemic. This study employed a mixed-methods research approach, as a questionnaire survey was conducted along with an online self-administered interview questionnaire. Using mediation and moderated mediation analyses, it was found that the indirect effect of frustration at work through fear of infection on turnover intention was positively significant. Working hours moderated the mediation effect of fear of infection on the relationship between frustration at work and turnover intention. Surprisingly, the conditional indirect effect of frustration at work on turnover intention through fear of infection was the strongest among those with short working hours. This evidence was supplemented with qualitative results that enhance the understanding of why healthcare workers want to leave the system and the actions that can be taken on the organisational and policy fronts to address this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract China witnessed an Omicron COVID-19 outbreak at the end of 2022. During this period, medical crowding and enormous pressure on the healthcare systems occurred, which might result in the occurrence of occupational burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aims to investigate the prevalence of occupational burnout and associated mental conditions, such as depressive symptoms, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, perceived social support, resilience, and mindfulness among HCWs of the Chinese mainland during the Omicron COVID-19 outbreak, and to explore the potential risk and protective factors influencing occupational burnout of HCWs. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs working in the Chinese mainland from January 5 to February 9, 2023. A total of 6552 participants were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, occupational burnout, depressive symptoms, anxiety, PTSD, perceived social support, resilience, and mindfulness by online questionnaires. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe the participants’ demographic characteristics. Univariate-Multivariate analyses were used to determine the influencing factors of occupational burnout. The results showed that the prevalence of occupational burnout and associated mental disorders, such as depressive symptoms, anxiety, and PTSD in HCWs were 44.56%, and 70.75%, 47.87%, and 37.49%, respectively. Older age, female gender, higher income, more doses of COVID-19 vaccine, a higher level of mindfulness, resilience, and perceived social support were protective factors of occupational burnout. Working as nurses, in a department currently taking charge of the treatment of COVID-19 patients, perceived high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to work, perceived high work intensity, and a higher level of anxiety and depressive symptoms were risk factors of occupational burnout. Tailored interventions on perceived social support, resilience, and mindfulness should be implemented to alleviate occupational burnout and associated mental disorders among HCWs.

Background Healthcare workers have played a crucial role in preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the heightened risk of infection and intense work schedules have not only induced occupational burnout among them but also significantly impacted their mental health and lifestyles. A large number of foreign studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unreasonable diet, reduced exercise, irregular work and rest, and decreased sleep quality among HCWs, increasing the risk of overweight and obesity. Despite this, research on weight and lifestyle changes among Chinese healthcare workers during the pandemic is limited, and the key lifestyle factors contributing to these weight changes remain unclear. Objective To analyze the predictors of overweight and obesity in Chinese healthcare workers by constructing a Bayesian network model, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of overweight and obesity. Methods In August 2022, Chinese healthcare workers in 100 medical institutions from five provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities were randomly sampled, and the questionnaire (Cronbach's α=0.820, AVCR=63.55%) was prepared by the researchers to collect data. All respondents were required to scan QR code generated by the "Wenjuanxing" to answer the e-questionnaire and submit. The "bnlearn" package of R 4.3.0 software was used to construct a Bayesian network model, and Netica 6.09 software was used for Bayesian network risk prediction. Results The study surveyed a total of 20 261 healthcare workers, of whom females accounted for 67.57% (13 690/20 261) ; The average age was (40.2±9.2) years old; 73.28% (14 848/20 261) had a college or undergraduate education level. In 2019 and 2022, the overweight/obesity rates were 43.06% (8 726/20 261) and 45.71% (9 262/20 261), respectively. From 2019 to 2022, 12.64% (1 458/11 535) of survey respondents' BMI changed from underweight/normal to overweight/obese. The Bayesian network model included a total of 15 nodes, and the amount of consumption of vegetables and fruits, breakfast frequency, alcohol drinking, and appetite were the parent nodes of BMI changing from underweight/normal to overweight/obesity, and when there were "a reduction" in the consumption of vegetables and fruits, "no change" in frequency of eating breakfast, alcohol drinking consumption "no change", and "a great increase" in the appetite the risk of BMI changing from underweight/normal to overweight/obese was the highest (75.00%). And when there were "a great increase" in consumption of vegetables and fruits, "an increase" in the frequency of eating breakfast, "never or rarely" in alcohol drinking and "a reduction" in appetite, the risk of becoming overweight/obese was the lowest (2.04%) . Conclusion Consumption of vegetables and fruits, eating breakfast frequently, drinking alcohol and appetite are the direct predictors of overweight/obesity of Chinese healthcare workers. During the epidemic of major infectious diseases such as the COVID-19, on the premise of ensuring the normal operation of medical and health institutions, a reasonable rotation system is implemented to provide psychological support and lifestyle behavior intervention services, which is conducive to the prevention and control of obesity of healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine (i) if work-to-family conflicts (WtFC) and family-to-work conflicts (FtWC) are associated with sickness absence due to mental disorders and (ii) whether these associations are different among health and social care (HSC) employees compared to other municipal employee sectors. METHODS: The Helsinki Health Study survey data collected in 2017 among 19–39-year-old female municipal employees (N=2557) were prospectively linked to administrative Social Insurance Institution of Finland register data on long-term sickness absence due to mental disorders (SA-MD) covering a follow-up of up to five years. The associations of WtFC and FtWC and SA-MD were analyzed using Cox regression models stratified by employment sector (HSC, education, other), adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related covariates. RESULTS: Of HSC employees, 16% had SA-MD during the follow-up, which surpassed the figures for employees in education (12%) and other (11%) sectors. In the HSC sector, the youngest employees had the highest prevalence of SA-MD and, among HSC employees, prior SA-MD was the most common. In Kaplan–Meier curves, the steepest increase in SA-MD was observed for HSC employees. WtFC [hazard ratio (HR) 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–2.45] and FtWC (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.32–2.40) were associated with SA-MD among HSC employees. The associations were rather similar for employees in education and other sectors. Adjusting for work-related factors and health history somewhat attenuated the associations. CONCLUSIONS: Better possibilities to combine work and family life might aid in preventing SA-MD in all employment sectors.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a job-exposure matrix (JEM) specific to healthcare workers, JEM Soignances, based on self-reported data. METHODS: The JEM was constructed using data from healthcare workers within the CONSTANCES cohort (N=12 489). Job titles and sectors of activity (eg, hospital activities) defined occupational groups. We assessed 24 exposures covering organizational, psychosocial, physical, chemical and biological factors. Several methods (group-based frequency, CART, random forest, extreme gradient boosting machine) were applied using a 70% training sample. Performance was evaluated on the remaining 30% using area under the ROC curve (AUC) and Cohen’s Kappa (κ). Two alternative JEM were proposed using only job titles or adding healthcare establishment size and type (public/private) to define occupational groups. RESULTS: All methods offered similar discriminatory power (AUC). We selected the group-based frequency method as it was the most understandable and easiest to implement. Of the 24 included exposures, 15 demonstrated satisfactory performance, with nine showing good discriminatory power and fair-to-moderate agreement, such as physical effort at work (AUC=0.861, κ=0.556), ionizing radiation exposure (AUC=0.865, κ=0.457), carrying heavy loads (AUC=0.840, κ=0.402), shift work (AUC=0.807, κ=0.383), and formaldehyde exposure (AUC=0.847, κ=0.289). The remaining nine exposures mainly showed poor-to-moderate discriminatory power and poor agreement. Compared to JEM Soignances, the job title-only JEM performed poorly, while the one incorporating healthcare establishment size and type showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: JEM Soignances provides good internal performance and validity. Future research will assess its external validity by comparing it with existing JEM and examining its predictive validity regarding known associations between exposures and health outcomes (eg, long working hours and strokes).

Due to repetitive exposure to COVID-19 patients, healthcare workers are always at a high risk of contracting COVID-19. Hence, a study of the COVID-19 profile among healthcare workers might minimize morbidity and mortality. We conducted a cross-sectional study using medical records of healthcare workers positive for COVID-19 treated at Udayana University Hospital from April to June 2020. We excluded the medical records with missing data. Afterward, we characterized the age, symptoms, gender, comorbidities, and other variables written on the existing medical records.Patients admitted mainly were at their peak age (33.75 ± 12.241 years old) and were primarily male (62.5%). Three main professions were a doctor (58.3%), nurse (28.2%), and laboratory analyst (8.3%). The mean interval between the onset of symptoms and testing was 3.54 days, with varied lengths of stay, at most about two weeks (18.67 ± 10.357 days). Most health workers experience symptoms such as fever (66.7%), cough (58.3%), sore throat (25%), chest tightness (25%), and cold (20.8%). Only hypertension (12.5%) and DM (8.3%) were comorbidities identified. Immense exposure to the virus does increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, fast recognition leads to more rapid diagnosis and treatment, preventing abundant virus replication and substantially shortening the isolation period (18.67 ± 10.357 days). With only relatively young healthcare workers stationed, severe conditions requiring ventilator use were seldom seen. Constant exposure to a highly contaminated environment with insufficient protection, exacerbated by the escalated number of COVID-19 patients, negatively impacted healthcare workers. Regular testing and testing as soon as symptoms appear can shorten the length of stay and reduce the risk of COVID-19 progressing to severe symptoms.

Abstract Background Covid-19 healthcare worker testing, isolation and quarantine policies had to balance risks to patients from the virus and from staff absence. The emergence of the Omicron variant led to dangerous levels of key-worker absence globally. We evaluated whether using two manufacturers’ lateral flow tests (LFTs) concurrently improved SARS-CoV-2 Omicron detection significantly and was acceptable to hospital staff. In a nested study, to understand risks of return to work after a 5-day isolation/quarantine period, we examined virus culture 5–7 days after positive test or significant exposure. Methods Fully-vaccinated Liverpool (UK) University Hospitals staff participated (February-May 2022) in a random-order, open-label trial testing whether dual LFTs improved SARS-CoV-2 detection, and whether dual swabbing was acceptable to users. Participants used nose-throat swab Innova and nose-only swab Orient Gene LFTs in daily randomised order for 10 days. A user-experience questionnaire was administered on exit. Selected participants gave swabs for viral culture on days 5–7 after symptom onset or first positive test. Cultures were considered positive if cytopathic effect was apparent or SARS-CoV-2 N gene sub-genomic RNA was detected. Results Two hundred and twenty-six individuals reported 1466 pairs of LFT results. Tests disagreed in 127 cases (8.7%). Orient Gene was more likely (78 cf. 49; OR: 2.1, 1.1–4.1; P = 0.03) to be positive. If Innova was swabbed second, it was less likely to agree with a positive Orient Gene result (OR: 2.7, 1.3–5.2; P = 0.005); swabbing first with Innova made no significant difference (OR: 1.1, 0.5–2.3; P = 0.85). Orient Gene positive Innova negative result-pairs became more frequent over time (OR: 1.2, 1.1–1.3; P

Abstract Background To ensure workforce stability in China’s healthcare system and maintain high-quality care, it is essential to comprehensively understand the interplay of factors contributing to turnover intention of healthcare workers. This study aims to examine the associations between potential factors and turnover intention in healthcare workers and explore the mediating effect of job satisfaction and work engagement in the association between them. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a random sample of 1060 healthcare workers working in 98 public medical institutions were recruited to rate their turnover intention in 2018 in Shenzhen, China. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, job-related factors, turnover intention, job satisfaction, work engagement, work stress and doctor-patient relationship of participants were collected. Pearson’s chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the association between these factor and turnover intention. Mediation analysis was used to explore the roles of potential mediators and moderators. Results The results showed that age (OR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.16 to 0.72), tenure (OR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.96 to 0.99), administrative positions (OR: 0.33, 95%CI: 0.16 to 0.63), and night shift frequency (OR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.26 to 2.67) were significantly associated with turnover intention. We identified the mediating effect of job satisfaction and work engagement in the relationship between administrative positions and turnover intention, while the suppressing effect in the relationship between professional titles and turnover intention. Additionally, we found that monthly income plays a moderating role in the relationship between work engagement and turnover intention, and in the association between professional titles and turnover intention. Conclusions Greater job satisfaction and engagement, along with reasonable remuneration, were found to be associated with lower turnover intention among healthcare workers. Employers should proactively monitor the dynamic interactions among these factors and then develop more tailored interventions in order to alleviate the ongoing loss of healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, increased physician workload has led to higher levels of interference between work and private life with increasing stress and job discontent. The objective of this paper was to study if the experience of work–life interference (WLI) is associated with a high risk of burnout and discontent with work (turnover intention and job dissatisfaction) the following year among physicians in Sweden. METHODS: The study applied data for 2021 and 2022 from the Longitudinal Occupational Health survey for Health Care professionals in Sweden study. The data comprised a representative sample of physicians (N=1575) working in Sweden. Descriptive analyses included frequencies and estimates of prevalence with Chi-square and McNemar tests. Analyses of association were assessed through logistic regression reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusting for demographics and work-related factors. RESULTS: Higher levels of WLI in 2021 were associated with 1.53 (95% CI 1.05–2.25) times higher odds of reporting a high risk of burnout, 2.06 (95% CI 1.68–2.54) times higher odds of reporting job dissatisfaction, and 1.72 (95% CI 1.47–2.00) times higher odds of reporting turnover intention in 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Experiencing WLI negatively affects mental well-being and work satisfaction among physicians in Sweden. This could ultimately impact the quality of care and necessitates further research to clarify the role of WLI among healthcare workers in Sweden.

Abstract Background In light of the ongoing monkeypox (MPOX) epidemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been in contact with various diseases. Therefore, they should take appropriate preventive and control measures to maintain their health. This study assessed Egyptian HCWs’ intentions to take MPOX vaccines. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using social media platforms between September 27 and November 4, 2022. An anonymous online survey using the 5C scale was conducted using convenience and snowball sampling methods to assess the five psychological antecedents of vaccination (i.e., confidence, constraints, complacency, calculation, and collective responsibility). Results A total of 399 HCWs with a mean age of 32.6 ± 5.7 participated in this study. Of them, 89.7% were female. The five C psychological antecedents of vaccination were as follows: 55.9% were confident about vaccination, 50.6% were complacent, 56.6% experienced constraints, 60.7% calculated the risk and benefit, and 58.4% had collective responsibility. Multivariate analysis showed that high income level and having information about MPOX were significant predictors of confidence in the MPOX vaccines (adjusted odds ratio ((AOR) = 4.19, 95% CI (1.12– 15.59), P = 0.032). Participants aged 31–45 years and 19–30 years showed significant association (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI (0.85–7.15), P = 0.096) and (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI (1.39–12.64), P = 0.011), respectively. Having an idea about the MPOX vaccines significantly predicted the complacency domain (AOR = 3.77, 95%CI (1.47–9.65, P = 0.006). Moreover, precollege/undergraduate education and having an idea about MPOX vaccination were significant predictors of the constraint domain (AOR = 1.81.95% CI (1.09–2.99, P = 0.020), (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI (1.05–6.95, P = 0.038), respectively). Female sex, having a diploma, postgraduate studies, and having an idea about MPOX vaccine significantly predicted calculation domain (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI (1.05–4.04, P = 0.035), (AOR = 3.98,95% CI (1.33–11.87, P = 0.013), (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI (1.25–3.26, P = 0.004) & (AOR = 2.75. 95% CI (1.05–7.18, P = 0.039), respectively. The only significant predictor of collective responsibility was having a diploma and postgraduate studies (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI (1.21–9.78, P = 0.020), (AOR = 1.90,95% CI (1.17–3.09, P = 0.009). Conclusions Efforts to control MPOX should focus on promoting protective measures such as the vaccination of HCWs as well as raising their awareness about the updated information regarding the virus and the approved vaccines.

Aim: Assessing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial in understanding the durability of humoral immune response due to vaccination and the post-pandemic era. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate IgG antibody seroprevalence, IgG levels, and long-term durability responses after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in HCWs. Methods: The cross-sectional study recruited HCWs aged ≥ 18 years, vaccinated at least once, and without autoimmune diseases at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar. Antibody titers against spike protein, nucleocapsid protein, and spike-nucleocapsid conjugate were quantified using dried blood spot (DBS) samples and multi-antigen profiling (xMAP) technology to measure seroprevalence. Results: The results showed that there was a total of 103 participants with the majority being female (59.22%), ≤ 40-year-old (87.38%), nurses (56.31%), had no comorbidities (88.35%), and were infected with COVID-19 (70.87%). A significant proportion received three times vaccination (76.7%), while 102 of 103 (99.03%) showed seropositivity. IgG showed the highest mean antibody titers for spike protein [10,819.38 ± 2,554.23 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI)] in the first 6–12 months after the last vaccinations. Meanwhile, the IgG titer (MFI) showed a long duration over 30 months. Vaccine significantly influenced spike protein antibody levels, with the highest observed in the group receiving a combination of two inactivated vaccines followed by two messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HCWs showed a sustained humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 for over 24 months post-vaccination. The type and combination of vaccines administered were significantly correlated with the IgG antibody levels, suggesting the long-term efficacy of the vaccination regimens. The application of DBS and xMAP technology in the study facilitated the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of immune persistence following vaccination.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine the role of job satisfaction, job performance, and continuance commitment in the relationship between psychological resilience and stress management among healthcare workers at İstanbul province public hospitals, in Turkey. Methods: As the data collection and analysis method in this research, a cross-sectional study design was used on a sample of 848 healthcare workers. A simple random sampling method was used to collect data. Data were evaluated using IBM’s statistical program SPSS Statistics 26.0 and Hayes Process Macro statistical program. In the research, data were examined using frequency analysis, explanatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Result: The research’s findings indicate that stress management, psychological resilience, job satisfaction, and job performance are significantly correlated. There is no statistically significant correlation between continuance commitment and other variables. Discussion: The psychological resilience of health workers is effective on job performance. It is emphasized that the job performance of health workers can help them to have a better level of psychological resilience both personally and professionally. Healthcare workers with high job performance tend to have a more positive relationship with their jobs, which may increase their capacity to cope with stress. Stress management is very important, as healthcare professionals do not accept mistakes and have high risks while providing services. For this reason, stress management practices can be developed to alleviate the difficulties of working conditions in institutions and increase psychological resilience.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the independent and interactive effects of changes in overtime and night shifts on burnout among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Nurses working in an Italian university hospital (N=317) completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory in September 2019 and again in December 2020. Based on hospital administrative data, changes in overtime and night shifts in the same years were categorized into three groups each. Linear regressions were used to estimate 2020 burnout differences between exposure groups, controlling for 2019 burnout levels, demographic and work-related characteristics, and to test the interaction between the two exposures. RESULTS: Nurses in the onset of high overtime group had higher emotional exhaustion [4.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74−6.92], depersonalization (2.10, 95% CI 0.49−3.71), and poor personal accomplishment (2.64, 95% CI 0.55−4.74) compared to stable low overtime nurses. Nurses in the increase in night shifts group had lower emotional exhaustion (-4.49, 95% CI -7.46− -1.52) compared to no night shift nurses. Interaction analyses revealed that this apparently paradoxical effect was limited to stable low overtime nurses only. Moreover, increases in night shifts were associated with higher depersonalization and poor personal accomplishment in nurses in the stable high overtime group. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in overtime is an independent risk factor for burnout among nurses, highlighting the need for specific regulations and actions to address it. Long-standing guidelines for the assignment of night shifts might have contributed to attenuate the impact of their increase on nurses’ mental health.

Occupational use of cleaning products can cause asthma in healthcare workers but the cleaning agents responsible are not yet known. This study aimed to identify respiratory and other hazards in cleaning products on the National Health Service (NHS) supply chain online catalogue and used in the NHS. Information on cleaning products, their composition, and H-statements that identified hazard characteristics of chemical substances in them was obtained from chemical safety data sheets (SDSs). Furthermore, a quantitative structure-activity relationship model and a published asthmagen list were used to identify potential additional respiratory hazards. 473 cleaning products and 229 substances were identified. SDSs reported only 4 respiratory sensitizers but an additional 51 were suggested by the other 2 methods. In contrast, 25 respiratory irritants were identified using SDSs and only one from the asthmagen list. This comprehensive overview of cleaning agents' hazards has potential use in future risk assessment and epidemiological studies.

Abstract Background Long-term deterioration in the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been reported during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Determining the impact of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates on the mental health of HCWs is essential to prepare for potential new pandemics. This study aimed to investigate the association of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms over 2 years among HCWs in 20 countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a multi-country serial cross-sectional study using data from the first and second survey waves of the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) global study. The HEROES study prospectively collected data from HCWs at various health facilities. The target population included HCWs with both clinical and non-clinical roles. In most countries, healthcare centers were recruited based on convenience sampling. As an independent variable, daily COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates were calculated using confirmed cases and deaths reported by Johns Hopkins University. These rates represent the average for the 7 days preceding the participants’ response date. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A multilevel linear mixed model (LMM) was conducted to investigate the association of depressive symptoms with the average incidence and mortality rates. Results A total of 32,223 responses from the participants who responded to all measures used in this study on either the first or second survey, and on both the first and second surveys in 20 countries were included in the analysis. The mean age was 40.1 (SD = 11.1), and 23,619 responses (73.3%) were from females. The 9323 responses (28.9%) were nurses and 9119 (28.3%) were physicians. LMM showed that the incidence rate was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.008, standard error 0.003, p = 0.003). The mortality rate was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.049, se = 0.020, p = 0.017). Conclusions This is the first study to show an association between COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms among HCWs during the first 2 years of the outbreak in multiple countries. This study’s findings indicate that additional mental health support for HCWs was needed when the COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates increase during and after the early phase of the pandemic, and these findings may apply to future pandemics. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04352634.

Background: Option B+ aims to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV by providing lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) to pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV (PBWHIV). Identifying and reengaging PBWHIV who disengage or fail to initiate ART is essential for the success of Option B+. However, the process is often suboptimal, leading to challenges such as misclassification of patients as lost to follow-up. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal for monitoring engagement, but little is known about their monitoring practices. This study aimed to explore how HCWs monitor women's engagement in Option B+ services. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in five high-volume health facilities in Lilongwe, Malawi. Thirty HCWs responsible for monitoring women in Option B+ were purposively selected as key informants. Semistructured interviews were conducted between March and June 2021. Thematic analysis employing deductive and inductive coding methods was utilized. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to map gaps, strategies, barriers, and facilitators of monitoring. Results: Monitoring was described as tracking a PBWHIV from HIV diagnosis to initiation of ART to subsequent ART visits for up to 2 years postpartum. The gaps included timing variations in tracing. No procedures to follow up formal transfer-outs or management of silent transfers during emergency ART refills were identified. Strategies identified included interfacility collaboration, record review, tracing, escorting women during initial visits, and self-reports. Technological innovations, such as WhatsApp groups, were highlighted as game changers in interfacility collaboration when tracking women's movements. Barriers included resource constraints (human and operational), poor work attitudes, and challenges faced by women (partner support, stigma, and HCW rapport). The facilitators included implementing partner support, leadership, and strategies such as education and tracing. Conclusion: Addressing resource constraints, women's relationship dynamics for self-management, HCWs' attitudes, and standardizing tracing protocols are crucial for effective monitoring. Leveraging instant messaging for clinic coordination may enhance tracing. Further research and interventions should target identified gaps to promote effective monitoring in similar settings. Plain Language Summary: Monitoring Engagement in Option B+ Program a strategy that provides lifelong Antiretroviral therapy to pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV: Understanding the Practices, Challenges, and Facilitators from the perspective of front-line Healthcare Workers in high volume urban health facilities in Lilongwe, Malawi This study investigates how HCWs monitor women's engagement in Option B+, which aims to prevent mothers from transmitting HIV to their children by providing lifelong ART during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Through interviews with 30 HCWs in Lilongwe, Malawi, the study reveals strategies such as collaboration, record review, tracing, and WhatsApp communication. Challenges include timing variations in tracing, resource constraints, negative attitudes, and difficulties faced by women. To enhance monitoring, addressing resource constraints, supporting women, improving HCWs' attitudes, and standardizing tracing protocols are crucial. Utilizing instant messaging for communication could improve tracing efforts. The study underscores the importance of addressing these issues to improve monitoring effectiveness and calls for further research and interventions to bridge identified gaps in similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To ensure workforce stability in China's healthcare system and maintain high-quality care, it is essential to comprehensively understand the interplay of factors contributing to turnover intention of healthcare workers. This study aims to examine the associations between potential factors and turnover intention in healthcare workers and explore the mediating effect of job satisfaction and work engagement in the association between them. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a random sample of 1060 healthcare workers working in 98 public medical institutions were recruited to rate their turnover intention in 2018 in Shenzhen, China. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, job-related factors, turnover intention, job satisfaction, work engagement, work stress and doctor-patient relationship of participants were collected. Pearson's chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the association between these factor and turnover intention. Mediation analysis was used to explore the roles of potential mediators and moderators. Results: The results showed that age (OR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.16 to 0.72), tenure (OR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.96 to 0.99), administrative positions (OR: 0.33, 95%CI: 0.16 to 0.63), and night shift frequency (OR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.26 to 2.67) were significantly associated with turnover intention. We identified the mediating effect of job satisfaction and work engagement in the relationship between administrative positions and turnover intention, while the suppressing effect in the relationship between professional titles and turnover intention. Additionally, we found that monthly income plays a moderating role in the relationship between work engagement and turnover intention, and in the association between professional titles and turnover intention. Conclusions: Greater job satisfaction and engagement, along with reasonable remuneration, were found to be associated with lower turnover intention among healthcare workers. Employers should proactively monitor the dynamic interactions among these factors and then develop more tailored interventions in order to alleviate the ongoing loss of healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Covid-19 healthcare worker testing, isolation and quarantine policies had to balance risks to patients from the virus and from staff absence. The emergence of the Omicron variant led to dangerous levels of key-worker absence globally. We evaluated whether using two manufacturers' lateral flow tests (LFTs) concurrently improved SARS-CoV-2 Omicron detection significantly and was acceptable to hospital staff. In a nested study, to understand risks of return to work after a 5-day isolation/quarantine period, we examined virus culture 5–7 days after positive test or significant exposure. Methods: Fully-vaccinated Liverpool (UK) University Hospitals staff participated (February-May 2022) in a random-order, open-label trial testing whether dual LFTs improved SARS-CoV-2 detection, and whether dual swabbing was acceptable to users. Participants used nose-throat swab Innova and nose-only swab Orient Gene LFTs in daily randomised order for 10 days. A user-experience questionnaire was administered on exit. Selected participants gave swabs for viral culture on days 5–7 after symptom onset or first positive test. Cultures were considered positive if cytopathic effect was apparent or SARS-CoV-2 N gene sub-genomic RNA was detected. Results: Two hundred and twenty-six individuals reported 1466 pairs of LFT results. Tests disagreed in 127 cases (8.7%). Orient Gene was more likely (78 cf. 49; OR: 2.1, 1.1–4.1; P = 0.03) to be positive. If Innova was swabbed second, it was less likely to agree with a positive Orient Gene result (OR: 2.7, 1.3–5.2; P = 0.005); swabbing first with Innova made no significant difference (OR: 1.1, 0.5–2.3; P = 0.85). Orient Gene positive Innova negative result-pairs became more frequent over time (OR: 1.2, 1.1–1.3; P < 0.001). Of individuals completing the exit questionnaire, 90.7% reported dual swabbing was easy, 57.1% said it was no barrier to their daily routine and 65.6% preferred dual testing. Respondents had more confidence in dual versus single test results. Viral cultures from days 5–7 were positive for 6/31 (19.4%, 7.5%-37.5%) and indeterminate for 11/31 (35.5%, 19.2%-54.6%) LFT-positive participants, indicating they were likely still infectious. Conclusions: Dual brand testing increased LFT detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen by a small but meaningful margin and was acceptable to hospital workers. Viral cultures demonstrated that policies recommending safe return to work ~ 5 days after Omicron infection/exposure were flawed. Key-workers should be prepared for dynamic self-testing protocols in future pandemics. Trial registration: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN47058442 (26 January 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present the first 14 years' data from 1 academic institution using the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's online Interactive Screening Program (ISP). The ISP probes suicide risk factors in healthcare workers, utilization of mental health services, levels of engagement, and seeks to reduce barriers to help-seeking. Design: Data from all healthcare system students, medical trainees, physicians, nurses, and staff who completed the ISP's online Stress and Depression Questionnaire between May 1, 2009, and April 30, 2023, were tabulated and analyzed for features related to burnout, depression, suicide risk, treatment, and engagement with program counselors. Results: 5368 individuals engaged in ISP screening. Findings included 39.9% experiencing depression symptoms, 53.9% symptoms of burnout, and 10% suicidal ideation. In this self-selecting group, medical students reported depression symptoms less than physicians in practice, nurses almost 3 times more than physicians, and females more than males. Suicide risk was indicated by multiple domains of distress, with 49.4% in the highest risk tier. At the time of completing the questionnaire, 13.1% were receiving counseling/therapy. After receiving feedback, more than one-quarter of all participants (27.6%) engaged with the program counselors, with an additional 941 individuals who were not already receiving counseling or therapy accepting referrals to mental health providers. Conclusion: The unattended high distress levels throughout the healthcare training and workforce demonstrated the need for safe screening and referral, while the level of engagement and referrals generated by the ISP attested to its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In light of the ongoing monkeypox (MPOX) epidemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been in contact with various diseases. Therefore, they should take appropriate preventive and control measures to maintain their health. This study assessed Egyptian HCWs' intentions to take MPOX vaccines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using social media platforms between September 27 and November 4, 2022. An anonymous online survey using the 5C scale was conducted using convenience and snowball sampling methods to assess the five psychological antecedents of vaccination (i.e., confidence, constraints, complacency, calculation, and collective responsibility). Results: A total of 399 HCWs with a mean age of 32.6 ± 5.7 participated in this study. Of them, 89.7% were female. The five C psychological antecedents of vaccination were as follows: 55.9% were confident about vaccination, 50.6% were complacent, 56.6% experienced constraints, 60.7% calculated the risk and benefit, and 58.4% had collective responsibility. Multivariate analysis showed that high income level and having information about MPOX were significant predictors of confidence in the MPOX vaccines (adjusted odds ratio ((AOR) = 4.19, 95% CI (1.12– 15.59), P = 0.032). Participants aged 31–45 years and 19–30 years showed significant association (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI (0.85–7.15), P = 0.096) and (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI (1.39–12.64), P = 0.011), respectively. Having an idea about the MPOX vaccines significantly predicted the complacency domain (AOR = 3.77, 95%CI (1.47–9.65, P = 0.006). Moreover, precollege/undergraduate education and having an idea about MPOX vaccination were significant predictors of the constraint domain (AOR = 1.81.95% CI (1.09–2.99, P = 0.020), (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI (1.05–6.95, P = 0.038), respectively). Female sex, having a diploma, postgraduate studies, and having an idea about MPOX vaccine significantly predicted calculation domain (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI (1.05–4.04, P = 0.035), (AOR = 3.98,95% CI (1.33–11.87, P = 0.013), (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI (1.25–3.26, P = 0.004) & (AOR = 2.75. 95% CI (1.05–7.18, P = 0.039), respectively. The only significant predictor of collective responsibility was having a diploma and postgraduate studies (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI (1.21–9.78, P = 0.020), (AOR = 1.90,95% CI (1.17–3.09, P = 0.009). Conclusions: Efforts to control MPOX should focus on promoting protective measures such as the vaccination of HCWs as well as raising their awareness about the updated information regarding the virus and the approved vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-term deterioration in the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been reported during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Determining the impact of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates on the mental health of HCWs is essential to prepare for potential new pandemics. This study aimed to investigate the association of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms over 2 years among HCWs in 20 countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a multi-country serial cross-sectional study using data from the first and second survey waves of the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) global study. The HEROES study prospectively collected data from HCWs at various health facilities. The target population included HCWs with both clinical and non-clinical roles. In most countries, healthcare centers were recruited based on convenience sampling. As an independent variable, daily COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates were calculated using confirmed cases and deaths reported by Johns Hopkins University. These rates represent the average for the 7 days preceding the participants' response date. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A multilevel linear mixed model (LMM) was conducted to investigate the association of depressive symptoms with the average incidence and mortality rates. Results: A total of 32,223 responses from the participants who responded to all measures used in this study on either the first or second survey, and on both the first and second surveys in 20 countries were included in the analysis. The mean age was 40.1 (SD = 11.1), and 23,619 responses (73.3%) were from females. The 9323 responses (28.9%) were nurses and 9119 (28.3%) were physicians. LMM showed that the incidence rate was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.008, standard error 0.003, p = 0.003). The mortality rate was significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.049, se = 0.020, p = 0.017). Conclusions: This is the first study to show an association between COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with depressive symptoms among HCWs during the first 2 years of the outbreak in multiple countries. This study's findings indicate that additional mental health support for HCWs was needed when the COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates increase during and after the early phase of the pandemic, and these findings may apply to future pandemics. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04352634. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed the incidence and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary healthcare institution in Central Anatolia. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted. From January 1 to June 30, 2024, HCWs who visited the personnel follow-up outpatient clinic were diagnosed with LTBI based on tuberculin skin test results. Demographic data, occupation, workplace and duration of employment, and risk factors for tuberculosis exposure inside and outside the workplace were compared between HCWs with and without LTBI. Results: A total of 101 HCWs participated in the study. LTBI was detected in 19 HCWs (19%). The median age of healthcare workers was 36 years, with the majority being nurses (40%) and university graduates (60%). There were no differences between LTBI and non-LTBI groups in terms of demographic data, occupational, and non-occupational tuberculosis contact risks. Examination of chest X-ray findings revealed that HCWs with LTBI had more abnormal findings, with a statistically significant difference in the rate of calcification (p=0.003). Among HCWs with LTBI, the use rate of filtering facepiece (FFP-3) masks when in contact with suspected or confirmed tuberculosis patients was lower (31% and 45%). Conclusion: This study identified latent tuberculosis in one out of every five healthcare workers. Routine examination and periodic chest X-rays for HCWs are crucial for predicting latent tuberculosis. Healthcare workers should be educated on the correct use of personal protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present research paper aims to examine the inter-relationship between organizational justice (Henceforth termed as OJ), psychological well-being at work (henceforth termed as PWBW) and organizational citizenship behavior (henceforth termed as OCB). More specifically, this paper attempts to critically analyze the mediating role of PWBW in the relationship between OJ and OCB. The study solely focuses on nurses working at private hospitals in Kerala, who are the largest group of healthcare personnel. Design/methodology/approach: Data collected from 308 nursing employees were analyzed by using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software. Findings: The outcomes of the analysis demonstrate that significant correlations exist between all the three key variables and their dimensions. Moreover, it has been found that the relationship between OJ and OCB is partially mediated by PWBW. Research limitations/implications: In the present healthcare scenario, just after the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a paramount need for the well-being of healthcare staff in order to improve the functioning of the healthcare system. Originality/value: The study enabled us to develop and provide an explanation as to how social exchange relationship works between OJ and OCB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, nurses and doctors served as the frontline healthcare workers. Consequently, mental health issues among healthcare workers can develop into significant health problems and impose a substantial social burden, particularly on nurses and doctors working in hospital settings. Objective:To analyze the prevalence and factors influencing anxiety levels among healthcare workers, specifically nurses and doctors, at Adam Malik General Hospital Medan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods:This study employed a cross-sectional design with bivariate analysis. Data were collected using the DASS-42 questionnaire, which was distributed to 114 participants comprising nurses and doctors working in both the COVID-19 emergency isolation and ward isolation units. Results:The findings revealed that 29 participants (25.4%) exhibited symptoms of anxiety, with the majority experiencing mild anxiety (13.2%). The nursing profession demonstrated the highest prevalence of anxiety disorders, with 33.3% of nurses reporting symptoms. Being a nurse was significantly associated with higher anxiety levels compared to being a doctor, and working in the emergency isolation room was significantly associated with higher anxiety levels compared to working in the isolation ward or both units (p

Background and aimsThere are gaps in knowledge about the values and preferences of healthcare workers (HCW) with respect to treatment of children and adolescents living with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. This study was carried out to identify these values and preferences as part of the evidence required to update World Health Organization (WHO) hepatitis C guidelines.MethodsAn online survey was designed and conducted during August/September 2021. Survey questions were developed to address two key questions about treatment of children and adolescents: who to treat, and which direct acting antiviral (DAA) regimens to use. The survey was circulated by the WHO to nine networks providing care to children and adolescents living with HCV infection, with respondents requested to cascade further within their networks.ResultsA total of 137 individuals from 38 countries responded to the survey. There was a trend toward higher preference for treating children of older age groups; 60% of respondents reported a strong preference for treating (i.e., stating they were very likely or likely to treat) children aged 3 to

ObjectiveWorkplace violence (WPV) poses a serious occupational risk. This study aims to explore the association between WPV from patients and the occurrence of insomnia, depression, and anxiety among healthcare workers.MethodsInformation about the WPV from patients was collected by a self-designed questionnaire. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used for the assessment of mental health. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between WPV from patients and insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate the mediation effect of depression and anxiety on the relationships between WPV from patients and insomnia.ResultsOf 10,413 included healthcare workers, 40.05% experienced verbal violence, 6.44% experienced physical violence from patients in the past year. There is a significant association between verbal violence and insomnia (OR = 1.780, 95% CI: 1.591–1.990), depression (OR = 1.823, 95% CI: 1.640–2.026), and anxiety (OR = 1.831, 95% CI: 1.606–2.087), as well as physical violence (insomnia: OR = 1.220, 95% CI: 1.002–1.481; depression: OR = 1.274, 95% CI: 1.052–1.540; anxiety: OR = 1.316, 95% CI: 1.058–1.630). Moreover, depression and anxiety mediated the relationship between WPV and insomnia, the mediated proportion was 62.21% in the association between verbal violence and insomnia, and 60.22% in the association between physical violence and insomnia.ConclusionsThe association between WPV from patients and heightened risks of mental health issues emphasizes the necessity of supportive work environments. Recognizing the mediating role of depression and anxiety stresses the significance of tailored mental health training for healthcare staff.

IntroductionPreventing depression among nurses is a critical issue from the perspective of occupational welfare, but associations between depressive symptoms in nurses and stress-coping strategies remain unclear.MethodsIn the present study, an epidemiological study was conducted based on a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Data obtained from 2,534 female nurses working at three general hospitals in Tokyo, Japan, were analyzed. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising 42 items, including depressive symptoms and stress-coping strategies, in addition to sociodemographic information and perceived mental stress.ResultsOur study showed that the emotional distraction strategy “Engaging in hobbies or relaxing” was negatively associated with both depressed mood and loss of interest. In addition, the problem-solving strategy “Making an effort to think optimistically” was negatively associated with loss of interest. Conversely, use of avoidant strategies was positively associated with both depressive symptoms.DiscussionOur findings may indicate the importance of focusing on types of coping styles when developing strategies to prevent depressive symptoms in nurses.

Background:Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) is a newly recognized condition reported by approximately 45% of individuals following COVID-19 infection. This syndrome is estimated to affect the health-related quality of life in 10–30% of affected individuals. Objective:To examine the characteristics of Post-COVID Syndrome among healthcare workers at Adam Malik Hospital. Methods:This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to healthcare workers at Adam Malik Hospital who had contracted COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022. Results:A total of 120 participants were included in the study. The sample was predominantly female (78.3%), with the youngest age group (19–30 years) comprising 37.5% of participants. Most participants had direct exposure to patient care (78.3%) and were confirmed COVID-19 positive in 2021 (42.5%). Notably, 45.0% of participants were unvaccinated, 20.9% had a history of hospitalization, and 78.3% experienced mild COVID-19 infections. Hypertension was identified as the most common comorbidity. Participants were categorized as experiencing Acute PCS (43.9%) or Chronic PCS (56.1%), with both groups exhibiting similar predominant symptoms, including fatigue, persistent cough, memory impairment, and cognitive difficulties. Statistically significant associations were identified between PCS and variables such as sex (p=0.004, OR=0.27), age (p=0.015, OR=4.46), severity of prior COVID-19 infection (p=0.040, OR=1.77), vaccination status (p

BackgroundHealth workers directly involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with COVID-19 are at risk of developing mental health symptoms.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of healthcare workers at Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Tertiary Hospital in Jazan during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the relationship between QoL and stress, anxiety, and depression. Pandemic.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare workers at Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Hospital in the Jazan. The study included a sample of 352 healthcare workers. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale questionnaire, SF-36, for QoL. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages were used. A chi-squared test was performed to compare categorical data. A one-way ANOVA was performed to compare the effect of disorder variables on QoL. Multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to discern the differences between the different groups of participants in QoL measures.ResultsOur results showed a poor QoL among those with a chronic disease (p = 0.002), who worked in the COVID-19 department (p = 0.030) and those who experienced the death of relatives or friends due to COVID-19 (p = 0.003).ConclusionHealthcare workers, particularly those with chronic diseases or who had lost relatives to COVID-19, exhibited significantly lower QoL levels, especially those working directly in COVID-19 departments.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among workers at medical institutions based on interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and compare it with that of workers at educational institutions and the general population. Methods: From March 2017 to December 2020, we used a cohort of workers from medical and educational institutions in Korea, who underwent IGRA as part of a national screening program for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). After connecting to the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database to detect for any actual cases of active TB, we estimated standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and the expected number of cases to compare the incidence of TB with that of the general population. Results: Significant disparities in TB incidence were revealed among workers in medical and educational institutions, based on IGRA results, age, and occupation. Individuals positive for IGRA in medical institutions displayed substantially higher SIR for TB, 7.19 (6.15–8.41), compared to counterparts in educational institutions, 3.69 (3.02–4.51). Comparing by age group, we see that the SIRs are higher in younger age groups compared to older ones, with 37.30 (28.11–49.50) and 11.89 (7.28–19.41) for IGRA-positive medical and education workers under 30 years of age, respectively. In the results by occupation within the medical institutions, nurses had the highest SIR at 14.17 (11.14–18.04). Conclusions: Healthcare workers in medical institutions are more likely to develop actual TB after a positive result of LTBI screening in Korea. Intensive management and surveillance programs should be reinforced.

ABSTRACTInfection-induced SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence has been studied worldwide. At Juntendo University Hospital (JUH) in Tokyo, Japan, we have consistently conducted serological studies using the blood residue of healthcare workers (HCWs) at annual health examinations since 2020. In this 2023 study (n = 3,594), N-specific seroprevalence (infection-induced) was examined while univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to compute ORs of seroprevalence with respect to basic characteristics of participants. We found that the N-specific seroprevalence in 2023 was 54.1%—a jump from 17.7% in 2022, and 1.6% in 2021—with 37.9% as non-PCR-confirmed asymptomatic infection cases. Those younger than 50 (adjusted OR = 1.62; p

Medical and dental professionals should continue to adhere to preventive measures after COVID-19 vaccination due to their increased risk of exposure to the virus, particularly as new variants emerge that may heighten their risk perception and susceptibility. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health among medical and dental professionals. In this cross-sectional study 410 medical and dental professionals were recruited from different medical and dental hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. The data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire comprising of three sections (socio-demographic, information of preventive behaviors performance against COVID-19 after vaccination, mental health status). A chi-square test and ordinal logistic regression were used for analysis. Post COVID-19 vaccination there was decrease in the frequency of use of hand washing, sanitizers (70.2%), and social distancing (60.5%), however greeting with a handshake (58.8%) and use of public transport (45.9%) seen upward trend among participants. Only face mask usage post-vaccination was statistically significant (p

Abstract Background Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is pivotal in decreasing the incidence of contagious infections in hospital settings. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding HCWs’ recommended vaccines among medical students and interns in Egypt. Methods A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, pilot-tested, and self-administered questionnaire among Egyptian medical students and interns. We invited 1332 participants to our survey using a systematic random sampling that included participants across nine medical schools in Egypt during the 2021–2022 academic year. Results Out of 1332 participants, 1141 completed our questionnaire with a response rate of 85.7%. Overall, 43% of the participants had intermediate knowledge (knew 2–3 HCWs’ recommended vaccines). Furthermore, 36.7% had received a booster dose of at least one of the HCWs’ recommended vaccines over the last 10 years, with only 6.1% having received all recommended vaccines. Hepatitis B vaccine was the most widely known (71%) and received (66.7%). Interns were more likely to know, receive, and recommend HCWs’ recommended vaccines. The majority (> 90%) agreed that vaccination is beneficial and safe, with a median score of eight (interquartile range [IQR: Q25-Q75]: 7–9) out of ten for vaccine efficacy and eight (IQR: 7–8) for safety. However, the median score for hesitancy was five (IQR: 2–7). The most common influential and limiting factors for vaccination were scientific facts (60.1%) and fear of vaccine side effects (44.9%). Conclusion Although medical students in Egypt have good knowledge of and attitudes towards vaccination, there is a gap in their practices. Interventions are needed to improve vaccination uptake among medical students in Egypt.

Abstract Background The World Health Organization has recommended a new method for HIV self-testing (HIVST) using oral fluid, intending to increase HIV testing rates, and linking individuals to medical care. Healthcare workers are chief health advocates in the community who need adequate knowledge and intention to use the newly recommended HIVST approach. However, studies on awareness and the intention to use oral fluid for HIV self-testing among Ethiopian healthcare workers are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess healthcare workers' knowledge of and intentions to use oral fluid for HIV self-testing in Hadiya Zone public hospitals in southern Ethiopia in 2022. Methods We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study among a sample of 352 healthcare workers from 1 to 30 June 2022. The data were entered into Epidata version 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. We used a logistic regression model with a 95% confidence interval for the interpretation of adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with P

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the association between long working hours, night work, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among young healthcare workers. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among healthcare workers in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan from 2002 to 2021. Other than physicians, all hospital employees aged 20–65 years with documented yearly working hours and an annual blood test including creatinine were eligible. We excluded participants with eGFR

Keini Buosi,1,&ast; Mehrsa Jalalizadeh,1,&ast; Aline Rosa Maia,2 Joseane Morari,2 Licio Augusto Velloso,2 Leonardo Oliveira Reis1,3 1Uroscience, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-872, Brazil; 2Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, 13083-864, Brazil; 3Immunoncology, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, PUC-Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13087-571, Brazil&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Leonardo Oliveira Reis, PUC-Campinas, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, ImmunOncology, Av. John Boyd Dunlop - Jardim Ipaussurama, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13034-685, Brazil, Tel/Fax +55 019 35217481, Email Reisleo@unicamp.brPurpose: To analyze the interfering effect of plasma from COVID-19 convalescent adults vaccinated or not with intradermal Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) on human macrophages.Methods: The BATTLE clinical trial (NCT04369794) was initiated in the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to study the safety and efficacy of BCG revaccination of COVID-19 convalescent adults. We measured the expression induction of eleven COVID-19-related genes in human macrophages cultured in plasma taken from 22 BCG vaccinated and 17 placebo patients at baseline and 45 days post-intervention. Subgroup analysis was based on gender, age, job type (healthcare worker [HCW] vs non-HCW), and the presence of anosmia/dysgeusia.Results: Compared to plasma from placebo counterparts, the plasma of BCG vaccinated patients increased the expression induction of interferon (IFN)β-1b (p = 0.042) in human macrophages. This increase was more pronounced in females and in healthcare workers (HCW) (p = 0.007 and 0.001, respectively). Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) expression induction was increased by plasma from BCG vaccinated females, young age group, and HCWs (p = 0.004, 0.011, and 0.040, respectively). Interleukin (IL)-10 induction increased by the plasma of young BCG recipients (p = 0.008). Induction of IL-6 expression increased by non-HCW BCG recipients plasma but decreased by HCW BCG recipients plasma (p = 0.005). Baseline plasma of patients who presented with anosmia/dysgeusia at the time of admission induced lower angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) compared to those without the symptom (0.76 vs 0.97, p = 0.004). ACE2 expression induction significantly increased by plasma of BCG recipients if they had anosmia/dysgeusia on admission (p = 0.028).Conclusion: The expressions of IFNβ-1b, IFITM3, IL-6, and IL-10 in human macrophages incubated with the plasma of COVID-19 convalescent patients were modulated by BCG. These modulations depended on subject-specific characteristics, including gender, age, clinical presentation (anosmia/dysgeusia), job type, and previous exposure to mycobacteria.Keywords: COVID, BCG, trained immunity, gender, age, healthcare worker, IFNs, ACE2

Abstract Introduction The rising worldwide concern of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) is alarming as it is associated with 80% of annual global mortality. NCD threat is rising due to, among others, the increasing ageing population, thus putting the efforts to promote health ageing at the forefront of many countries’ health agenda. Physical activity has been recognised as one of the significant factors in the pursuit of healthy ageing. Nevertheless, approximately one third of individuals in Malaysia are physically inactive. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among pre-retirement government healthcare workers. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2023 among pre-retirement government healthcare workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The sample size required was 233 and proportionate random sampling was used to recruit potential respondents who answered self-administered online questionnaires. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to measure the level of physical activity and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 29. Results A total of 214 complete responses were received from the 233 questionnaires distributed, giving a response rate of 91.8%. The prevalence of physical inactivity among pre-retirement healthcare workers was 39.7% as compare only 29.9% in general population. Significant predictors for physical inactivity included higher education levels (SPM, STPM, or certificate holders) (AOR = 13.4, 95% CI: 2.47–72.65), non-Malay ethinicity (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.23–18.38), personal barriers (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI:1.35–1.79), social barriers (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06–1.39), and physical environment barriers (AOR = 1.468, 95% CI: 1.221–1.765). Conclusion This study shows a worrying prevalence of physical inactivity among pre-retirement healthcare workers that is even higher than the general population in Malaysia. The findings highlight the importance of focusing the preventive strategies among non-Malay workers and those with lower education levels. It is also vital to address all the physical, social, and environmental barriers towards physical inactivity. By prioritising these factors, employers and stakeholders will be able to establish better workplace health promotion and address the issue of physical inactivity more efficiently.