Search

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.

Background: We investigated the clinical manifestation and severity of COVID-19 infection represented as a composite outcome (hospital or ICU admission, or in-hospital death) among infected fully vaccinated HCWs, the RT-PCR test Ct value (Cycle Threshold) of positive fully vaccinated HCWs, and we measure the interval from the second vaccine to acquiring the infection. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in different regions at (16) Ministry of Defense Health Services (MODHS) hospitals. Data were restricted to fully vaccinated (minimum of 2 doses) HCWs who had a confirmed positive PCR test and employed in MODHS hospitals from August 2021 to March 2022. Results: A total of 45862 HCWs were vaccinated as of Aug 2021. Of these 1253 participants met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The average age of infected HCWs was 35.27 years (SD = ± 8.10) of which 57% were females. The HCWs were employed as doctors (24%), nurses (33%), and other (43%). The most administered vaccine type was mRNA (44%) followed by Adenovirus Viral Vector (39%) and mixed vaccine (17%). The incidence of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough (BT) infection among HCWs was observed at 2.73% (m-RNA 3.19%, Viral Vector 2.83% and mixed 1.87%). Conclusion: the overall COVID-19 (BT) infection incidence proportion was (2.73%), with the Mixed vaccine group showing the lowest (BT) incidence proportion (1.87%). The most commonly reported symptoms among (BT) infections were cough (51%), sore throat (51%), fever (47%), headache (31%), and runny nose (23%), with overall (6%) asymptomatic (BT) infections. We had (1%) hospital admissions, Zero ICU admission, and Zero deaths. our finding may indicate that infection affecting fully vaccinated patients were less severe and mostly affected the upper respiratory tract.

Introduction Healthcare-associated infection affects more than 100 million patients annually. Healthcare workers’ poor adherence to standard infection prevention and control procedures can result in many negative consequences, ranging from disability to death. Methods A facility-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2021 among 379 healthcare workers selected using a stratified random sampling technique. All types of healthcare providers except pharmacy professionals were included in the study. Standardization and validation of the study tool were performed ahead of data collection. Multivariable regression was used to assess the variables associated with adherence. Results The study found that 60.2% of healthcare workers (95% CI, 55.1–65.2) had good adherence to infection prevention practices, and 68.7% and good knowledge of infection prevention practices. Training on infection prevention methods (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04–2.72), availability of water supply at hand washing station (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI, 1.62–5.31), and attitude toward infection prevention (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI, 1.65–4.24) were identified as predictors of adherence to infection prevention and control procedures. Conclusion More than half of the participants had good adherence to infection prevention guideline practices. In-service infection prevention training, a consistent water supply at the hand washing station, and a positive attitude of participants were associated with good adherence to infection prevention practices.

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine confidence among healthcare personnel in the safety net sector of the United States and Puerto Rico. This study aimed to examine the extent to which increased knowledge and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy were associated with healthcare workers’ COVID-19 vaccination status and their recommendation of the vaccine to all patients. Methods Online survey data were collected from health care workers working in Free and Charitable Clinics across the United States and Federally Qualified Health Centers in Puerto Rico. The survey consisted of 62 questions covering various demographic measures and constructs related to healthcare workers’ vaccination status, beliefs, and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination. Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis, were conducted to identify the factors associated with the COVID-19 vaccine status and recommendations among healthcare personnel. Results Among the 2273 respondents, 93% reported being vaccinated against COVID-19. The analysis revealed that respondents who believed that COVID-19 vaccines were efficacious and safe were three times more likely to be vaccinated and twice as likely to recommend them to all their patients. Respondents who believed they had received adequate information about COVID-19 vaccination were 10 times more likely to be vaccinated and four times more likely to recommend it to all their patients. Conclusions The study results indicate that healthcare workers’ confidence in COVID-19 vaccines is closely tied to their level of knowledge, positive beliefs, and attitudes about vaccine safety and efficacy. The study emphasizes the significance of healthcare workers feeling well informed and confident in their knowledge to recommend the vaccine to their patients. These findings have important implications for the development of strategies to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence among healthcare workers and increase vaccine uptake among patients.

Background: Even though a few years have passed since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, information regarding certain aspects of the disease, such as post-infection immunity, is still quite limited. This study aimed to evaluate post-infection protection and COVID-19 features among healthcare workers (HCWs), during three successive surges, as well as the rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection, reactivation, re-positivity, and severity.Methods: This cross-sectional population-level observational study was conducted from 20 April 2020 to 18 February 2021. The study population included all HCWs in public or private hospitals in Fars Province, Southern Iran. The infection rate was computed as the number of individuals with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests divided by the total number of person-days at risk. The re-infection was evaluated after 90 days. Results: A total of 30,546 PCR tests were performed among HCWs, of which 13,749 (61.94% of total HCWs) were positive. Considering the applied 90-day threshold, there were 44 (31.2%) cases of reactivation and relapse, and 97 (68.8% of infected and 1.81% of total HCWs) cases of reinfection among 141 (2.64%) diagnosed cases who experienced a second episode of COVID-19. There was no significant difference in symptoms (P=0.65) or the necessity for ICU admission (P=0.25). The estimated protection against repeated infection after a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was 94.8% (95% CI=93.6-95.7).Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 re-positivity, relapse, and reinfection were rare in the HCW population. After the first episode of infection, an estimated 94.8% protection against recurring infections was achieved.

Abstract Background Approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide face barriers in accessing inclusive healthcare due to disabilities, leading to worse health outcomes, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). However, there is a lack of training of healthcare workers about disability, both globally and in Uganda. Objectives To use mixed research methods to develop a comprehensive training program with standardisedelements for healthcare workers in Uganda, focusing on improving their knowledge, attitudes, and skills inproviding care for people with disabilities. Methods The Medical Research Council (MRC) approach was employed to guide the development of the training intervention. We conducted an umbrella review to gather relevant literature on disability training for healthcare workers. Interviews were conducted with international experts to gain insights and perspectives on the topic. Additionally, interviews were undertaken with people with disabilities and healthcare workers in Uganda to understand their experiences and needs. A participatory workshop was organised involving key stakeholders, to collaboratively design the training material based on the findings from these data sources. Results Eight review articles examined training programs for healthcare workers on disability. Training settings ranged from specialised clinical settings to non-clinical settings, and the duration and evaluation methods of the training varied widely. Lectures and didactic methods were commonly used, often combined with other approaches such as case studies and simulations. The impact of the training was assessed through healthcare worker reports on attitudes, knowledge, and self-efficacy. Interviews emphasised the importance of involving people with disabilities in the training and improving communication and understanding between healthcare providers and people with disabilities. Five themes for a training on disability for healthcare workers were generated through the workshop, including responsibilities and rights, communication, informed consent, accommodation, and referral and connection, which were used to guide the development of the curriculum, training materials and training approach. Conclusion This study presents a novel approach to develop a training program that aims to enhance healthcare services for people with disabilities in Uganda. The findings offer practical insights for the development of similar programs in LMICs. The effectiveness of the training program will be evaluated through a pilot test, and policy support is crucial for its successful implementation at scale.

Summary: Background: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are identified as high risk for Staphylococcus aureus infection, including MRSA. An outbreak of MRSA was identified when two patients experienced MRSA infection concurrently in a cardiothoracic high dependency unit with uncommon detection of MRSA previously and an established screening programme. Methods: An outbreak control team was convened and interventions applied including refresher training in hand and environmental hygiene, review of practice with regard to aseptic access of medical devices and consideration of antibiotic use in the unit. MRSA isolates were referred to the Irish National MRSA Reference Laboratory where spa typing assigned all isolates to t1597 and whole genome sequencing assigned them to multilocus sequence type ST72-MRSA-IV. Recovery of this strain from only this unit in Ireland and infrequent reporting in Europe prompted staff MRSA screening with two staff members found to harbour the outbreak strain. Despite successful decolonisation, recolonisation and further transmission to patients occurred. Conclusions: In the clinical unit in which this outbreak occurred, the usual control measures to prevent spread of MRSA were in place. Recent Joint Healthcare Infection Society and Infection Prevention Society Guidance does not recommend routine staff screening for MRSA but does support its consideration in an outbreak of an unusual strain. In total, 9 patients and 2 staff were affected by this outbreak. There were 4 infections and 3 deaths. Sustained outbreak closure was necessary to protect certain national clinical programmes and was achievable only when colonised staff were no longer working in the unit.

ObjectiveA 6-month longitudinal surveillance study of asymptomatic healthcare providers (HCP) was carried out at a large urban academic medical center in the United States to assess whether their job occupation with higher exposure risks to SARS-CoV-2 would equate with higher risk of contracting COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic before COVID-19 vaccines were available.MethodsA longitudinal cohort study design was used to collect and analyze immunological and virological monitoring data and self-report survey assessments of personal protective equipment (PPE) availability, adherence to infection control guidelines, and time spent on COVID-19 wards.ResultsAmong 289 eligible participants, SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk was high with 48-69% participants working in COVID-19 units and more than 30% of them caring for COVID-19 patients. However, the seroconversion rate was low with only 2.1% of participants developing humoral or cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionOur study findings suggest that, for this HCP cohort working at a large urban academic medical center, a low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection could be maintained under conditions of strict infection prevention protocols and reliable PPE availability.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, putting them at a higher risk of infection and disease than non-HCWs. We analysed the effects of government policies for the public and for HCWs on the likelihood of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and mortality among HCWs during the first 8 months of the pandemic in Jakarta province, the capital city and COVID-19 hotspot in Indonesia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using secondary data from the Jakarta provincial government from March to October 2020, which included sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms, comorbidities and COVID-19 diagnosis history for all cases. A generalized linear mixed-effect regression model was used to determine the effect of each month on the odds ratio (OR) of COVID-19 cases and deaths for HCW compared with non-HCW, assuming that monthly trends were influenced by varying government policies. RESULTS: A total of 894,487 suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases in health facilities in Jakarta province were analysed. The OR of confirmed cases for HCW was 2.04 (95% CI 2.00-2.08; p

IntroductionIn the context of recurrent surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections, a detailed characterization of antibody persistence over a 6-month period following vaccine booster dose is necessary to crafting effective public health policies on repeat vaccination.MethodsTo characterize the SARS-CoV-2 antibody profile of a healthcare worker population over a 6-month period following mRNA vaccination and booster dose. 323 healthcare workers at an academic medical center in Orange County, California who had completed primary vaccination and booster dose against SARS-CoV-2 were recruited for the study. A total of 690 blood specimens over a 6-month period were collected via finger-stick blood and analyzed for the presence of antibodies against 9 SARS-CoV-2 antigens using a coronavirus antigen microarray.ResultsThe primary outcome of this study was the average SARS-CoV-2 antibody level as measured using a novel coronavirus antigen microarray. Additional outcomes measured include levels of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 variants including Delta, Omicron BA.1, and BA.2. We also measured SARS-CoV-2 neutralization capacity for a subset of the population to confirm correlation with antibody levels. Although antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 wane throughout the 6-month period following a booster dose, antibody levels remain higher than pre-boost levels. However, a booster dose of vaccine based on the original Wuhan strain generates approximately 3-fold lower antibody reactivity against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 as compared to the vaccine strain. Despite waning antibody levels, neutralization activity against the vaccine strain is maintained throughout the 6-month period.DiscussionIn the context of recurrent surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections, our data indicate that breakthrough infections are likely driven by novel variants with different antibody specificity and not by time since last dose of vaccination, indicating that development of vaccinations specific to these novel variants is necessary to prevent future surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Objective: COVID-19 disease has recently affected the whole world and caused drastic changes in people's lives with its emergence. Hospitals and healthcare personnel are among the most affected sides. Our study aimed to demonstrate the effects of the pandemic on healthcare workers regarding changes in their perceived stress and burnout levels. Methods: 110 individuals, including physicians, nurses, and auxiliary personnel working in a neurosurgery clinic, were involved in the study. Demographic information form, Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS), and Maslach Burnout Index (MBI) were used during the data collection phase. Results: No difference was found between PSS and MBI scales between females and males. Higher MBI points were seen in workers who desire to change their occupations. Married participants had higher MBI personal accomplishment scores than single participants. An increase in education level was associated with higher PSS scores. Participants who found their payments unsatisfactory had higher stress and burnout levels. Conclusion: Findings of higher occupational burnout among physicians and nurses than auxiliary personnel have been consistent with previous research. A similar case is also present for lower perceived stress levels among married participants when compared to singles. This finding, which has also been demonstrated in other studies, can be explained by fewer responsibilities for singles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high prevalence of psychological problems observed among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID‐19 pandemic called for interventions to safeguard their mental health. We assessed the effectiveness of a 6‐week online mindfulness‐based intervention in improving well‐being and reducing stress among HCWs in Sri Lanka. Eighty HCWs were recruited and randomised into two groups: waitlist‐control (WLC) and intervention groups. In the intervention, 1‐hour online sessions were conducted at weekly intervals and participants were encouraged to do daily home practice. Stress and well‐being were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention using the Perceived Stress Scale and WHO‐5 Well‐being Index, respectively. One‐way analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the effectiveness, in both intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and complete‐case (CC) analyses. A significantly greater improvement in well‐being occurred in the intervention arm compared to WLC on both ITT (p =.002) and CC analyses (p <.001), with medium‐to‐large effect sizes (partial η2 =.117–.278). However, the reduction in stress following the intervention was not significant compared to the WLC group on both ITT (p =.636) and CC analyses (p =.262). In the intervention arm, the median number of sessions attended by participants was 3. Low adherence to the intervention may have contributed to the apparent non‐significant effect on stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global state of emergency due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This study aimed to determine the attitudes of healthcare workers in various Iraqi health institutions towards treating patients with COVID-19. Additionally, it aimed to identify the most important reasons behind preventing them from doing their job. Methods: Between Nov. 2021 to Dec. 2022, we conducted a self-administered cross-sectional survey of 207 healthcare worker participants. The data were collected using a questionnaire that included three parts. The first part included sociodemographic data, the second part aimed to assess the participants’ information concerning how they dealt with this pandemic, and the third part was designed to identify the participants’ attitudes. The statistic data were analysed by using (SPSS), 25.0/ IBM Crop., Armonk, NY. The scientific content of the questionnaire items was taken from the online literature as well as updated information on the WHO website. Results: The results study revealed that 135 (65.22%) of the participants were willing to receive and treat COVID-19 patients in hospitals and private clinics. While 72 (34.78%) of the study participants showed their unwillingness to treat infected patients. The most crucial reasons behind their reluctance were the fear of transmission of infection and the lack of protective equipment. Conclusion: The study concluded that the participants’ willingness was good. This was indicated by their positive attitudes toward carrying out their medical duties and commitment to providing health care and treatment for COVID-19 patients. There is an urgent need to reduce psychological and physical stress as well as the pressures that health workers suffer from because they are facing large numbers of daily infections. This reduction is achieved via training, continuous education and equipping hospitals with the latest protective supplies to confront epidemics and pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the clinical manifestation and severity of COVID-19 infection represented as a composite outcome (hospital or ICU admission, or in-hospital death) among infected fully vaccinated HCWs, the RT-PCR test Ct value (Cycle Threshold) of positive fully vaccinated HCWs, and we measure the interval from the second vaccine to acquiring the infection. A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in different regions at (16) Ministry of Defense Health Services (MODHS) hospitals. Data were restricted to fully vaccinated (minimum of 2 doses) HCWs who had a confirmed positive PCR test and employed in MODHS hospitals from August 2021 to March 2022. A total of 45862 HCWs were vaccinated as of Aug 2021. Of these 1253 participants met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The average age of infected HCWs was 35.27 years (SD = ± 8.10) of which 57% were females. The HCWs were employed as doctors (24%), nurses (33%), and other (43%). The most administered vaccine type was mRNA (44%) followed by Adenovirus Viral Vector (39%) and mixed vaccine (17%). The incidence of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough (BT) infection among HCWs was observed at 2.73% (m-RNA 3.19%, Viral Vector 2.83% and mixed 1.87%). the overall COVID-19 (BT) infection incidence proportion was (2.73%), with the Mixed vaccine group showing the lowest (BT) incidence proportion (1.87%). The most commonly reported symptoms among (BT) infections were cough (51%), sore throat (51%), fever (47%), headache (31%), and runny nose (23%), with overall (6%) asymptomatic (BT) infections. We had (1%) hospital admissions, Zero ICU admission, and Zero deaths. our finding may indicate that infection affecting fully vaccinated patients were less severe and mostly affected the upper respiratory tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the differences in satisfaction levels after septorhinoplasty between patients who are healthcare workers and those who are not. The study includes patients who underwent primary septorhinoplasty surgery, divided into two groups: healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers. The Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire was administered to the patients at the 6th postoperative month. Among the 37 patients, 18 were healthcare workers, and 19 were non-healthcare workers. The mean Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation score for healthcare workers at the 6th postoperative month was 75.69 ± 16.06, while in the non-healthcare worker group, the ROE scores were 60.31 ± 27.69. The findings from our study indicated that individuals in the healthcare profession exhibited significantly greater satisfaction rates following septorhinoplasty in comparison to those in the non-healthcare worker group, with a statistically significant difference noted (p: 0.046). Having more knowledge about septorhinoplasty surgery and its complications among healthcare workers may allow for more realistic expectations regarding the surgical intervention. Simultaneously, it may facilitate better communication with the surgeon and the expression of expectations. Clinicians should pay attention not only to the patient's intellectual level but also to their health literacy in communication with the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Waste Management Practices have garnered growing interest in hospitals, research facilities, and laboratories over the past few years. However, there seems to be noticeable absence of a comprehensive understanding regarding research on waste management practices in health facilities among healthcare workers. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers in Ethiopia. Methods: The search was performed by using the Web of Science (WoS) database, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. To assess the presence of publication bias, by using funnel plots, contour-enhanced funnel plots, trim and fill analysis, and Begg and Egger regression test. A significance level of P ⩽.05 was used to indicate potential publication bias. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistics. Results: From retrieved original studies, 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of n = 5260 healthcare workers. The pooled prevalence of waste management practices in Ethiopia was 52.86% (95% CI = 51.57, 54.15), with significant heterogeneity observed between studies (I 2 = 97.0%; P ⩽.001). Sub-group analysis based on regional distribution in Ethiopia revealed that the highest prevalence of waste management practices was observed in Southern Nation and Nationalities and People's Region with 61.9% (95% CI = 52.953, 64.449). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of waste management practices among healthcare workers in Ethiopia was notably low. Training and the presence of guidelines were significantly associated with waste management practices. The healthcare facilities have improved access to and availability of policies related to waste management and the Ministry of Health promotes their use through various means, including training for healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine confidence among healthcare personnel in the safety net sector of the United States and Puerto Rico. This study aimed to examine the extent to which increased knowledge and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy were associated with healthcare workers' COVID-19 vaccination status and their recommendation of the vaccine to all patients. Methods: Online survey data were collected from health care workers working in Free and Charitable Clinics across the United States and Federally Qualified Health Centers in Puerto Rico. The survey consisted of 62 questions covering various demographic measures and constructs related to healthcare workers' vaccination status, beliefs, and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination. Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis, were conducted to identify the factors associated with the COVID-19 vaccine status and recommendations among healthcare personnel. Results: Among the 2273 respondents, 93% reported being vaccinated against COVID-19. The analysis revealed that respondents who believed that COVID-19 vaccines were efficacious and safe were three times more likely to be vaccinated and twice as likely to recommend them to all their patients. Respondents who believed they had received adequate information about COVID-19 vaccination were 10 times more likely to be vaccinated and four times more likely to recommend it to all their patients. Conclusions: The study results indicate that healthcare workers' confidence in COVID-19 vaccines is closely tied to their level of knowledge, positive beliefs, and attitudes about vaccine safety and efficacy. The study emphasizes the significance of healthcare workers feeling well informed and confident in their knowledge to recommend the vaccine to their patients. These findings have important implications for the development of strategies to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence among healthcare workers and increase vaccine uptake among patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have shown increased adherence to infection control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a need to assess their adherence to and attitude toward COVID-19 guidelines after being vaccinated. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the adherence to and attitudes toward the adherence to COVID-19 guidelines among HCWs who have been vaccinated. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional design was employed. One hundred and eight participants were recruited via email from a medical center in the Midwest United States. The participants completed online surveys measuring the level of adherence to and attitudes toward the adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. The response rate was 5.4%. Findings: Most participants were female (73.1%) and white (82.4%). The participants adhered to COVID-19 guidelines 79.7% of the time. The most frequently followed guidelines were performing hand hygiene, wearing a respirator or well-fitting mask in areas where patients may be present, and wearing eye protection when entering the room for a patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. The least performed precautions were performing COVID-19 testing after exposure to a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case and maintaining social distancing. There was a significant decrease in the perceived importance of adherence to COVID-19 precautions post-vaccination (p <.001, 95% CI [−0.78, −0.35]). Conclusions: The increased perception of safety after receiving COVID-19 vaccination may negatively influence HCWs' adherence to COVID-19 precautionary guidelines. Continuous education and monitoring of HCWs' safety practices are important to influence HCWs' attitudes to adhere to COVID-19 precautions, particularly after vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the serological response to SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers at a hospital in Turkey using kits from four different companies. Methods: The study included 120 healthcare workers who received the Sinovac vaccine at a Turkish hospital. Serum samples were collected from these participants who had received the Sinovac vaccine at a median of 1 month after administration of the second dose. Samples were tested using the Abbott SARSCoV-2 IgG II Quant, Beckman Coulter Access SARS-CoV-2 IgG, Maglumi 2019-nCoV IgG, and Siemens Advia Centaur SARS-CoV-2 IgG test kits. In the presented comparative study, the results of the different immunoassay analyzers were compared. Relationships among the results were evaluated by comparing the levels of antibodies against spike proteins. Results: The results of the antibody analyses differed according to the kits that were used. The Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant test was positive for 44.17% and negative for 55.83% of the participants, the Access SARS-CoV-2 IgG test was positive for 80.83% and negative for 19.17%, the Maglumi 2019-nCoV IgG test was negative for 55% and positive for 45%, and the Advia Centaur SARS-CoV-2 IgG test was positive for 88.83% and negative for 11.67%. The number of participants who tested positive when the Abbott kit was used differed significantly compared to other analysis kits (p<0.0001). The difference between the Beckman Coulter and Maglumi kits was not significant (p>0.37), but the difference between the Maglumi and Siemens kits was significant, with the positivity rate of the Siemens kit being significantly higher (p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study has confirmed that serological tests produced by different manufacturers can be used to identify individuals exposed to the COVID-19 virus and to assess the exposure rate of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare workers (HCWs), who are at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, treated COVID-19 patients under many types of stress for over a year. As an external motivating factor, incentives could be important for HCWs dealing with COVID-19. However, there has been no research regarding the change in the consciousness of HCWs during the unrelenting waves of COVID-19. Therefore, we conducted a survey of HCWs during different waves of COVID-19 (the second and fourth waves in Japan). An open web-based survey was conducted among HCWs who wore PPE while treating COVID-19 patients. The first survey of HCWs in Japan was conducted from August 27 to September 9, 2020, while the second survey was conducted from April 7 to May 10, 2021, during the second and fourth waves, respectively. The first and second surveys had 157 and 125 participants, respectively. There were no significant differences in the characteristics of the participants in the first and second survey groups regarding the types of occupation, age, sex, or full-time status. The percentage of HCWs who required financial incentives to maintain motivation remained high (88.5% vs. 82.7%). In addition, most frontline HCWs hope for regular SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing, which will be provided free of charge, as a necessary incentive. External motivating factors, such as financial and other incentives, were important to maintain the motivation of HCWs during the second and fourth waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• COVID-19 vaccination varies among healthcare workers by sociodemographic factors. • Healthcare professional role predictive of primary series, but not booster, uptake. • Need for continual monitoring of characteristics of vaccinated healthcare workers. Identify characteristics of healthcare personnel (HCP) who did not have timely initiation of the COVID-19 primary series, as well as HCP who did not receive a booster vaccine. Characteristics of HCP enrolled in a COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study between 12/28/2020–12/01/2022 were compared by timing of receipt of 1st mRNA dose, and by receipt of a booster dose. Data for this retrospective cohort analysis came from HCP working at a large healthcare system in Monroe County, New York, and included standardized questionnaires and verified vaccination status. HCP were categorized by whether they received their 1st mRNA COVID-19 vaccine between 12/14/2020–03/30/2021 (earlier) or 04/01/2021–09/28/2021 (later) based on timing of local vaccine eligibility and mandates, and by whether they received a 3rd mRNA booster dose by 12/01/22. Logistic regression models were run to identify characteristics of HCP who had later 1st dose receipt or did not receive a booster. 3,375 HCP were enrolled. Of these, 86.8 % had early initiation of their 1st COVID-19 vaccine, and 85.0 % received a booster dose. Low education, low household income, younger age (<50), non-White race and public health insurance were all significant predictors of later receipt of 1st dose and lack of uptake of a booster. However, advanced professional role was only found to be a significant predictor of early 1st dose receipt. Continual monitoring of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCP to identify those less likely to receive new booster doses will be crucial to support targeted vaccine campaigns in this important population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the challenging and often high-stress environment of emergency departments (EDs), healthcare workers (HCWs) frequently encounter a concerning issue of workplace violence (WPV). This study delves into the effects of WPV management and safety on the emotional well-being of ED HCWs. Methods: Data collected between 15 March 2023 and 15 May 2023 from 186 HCWs across Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Adult EDs are analyzed. The survey includes the Safety and Confidence Scale (SCS) to gauge HCWs' perceptions of violence and the Job-Related Emotional Exhaustion Scale (JREES). Results: Key findings highlight the prevalence of various forms of WPV in the ED, such as verbal violence (77.4%), threats, and insults (68.8%), with patients and their relatives identified as the primary perpetrators. Male HCWs scored significantly higher on the Violence Management and Safety (VMS) scale compared to their female counterparts. Conclusions: In summary, within the demanding ED setting, this study sheds light on the profound impact of WPV on HCWs' emotional exhaustion and their overall sense of safety. It underscores the urgent need to build trust and bolster support mechanisms to alleviate emotional exhaustion among HCWs. Addressing WPV in the ED is paramount for the mental well-being of healthcare workers, particularly when faced with violence from patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though a few years have passed since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, information regarding certain aspects of the disease, such as post-infection immunity, is still quite limited. This study aimed to evaluate post-infection protection and COVID-19 features among healthcare workers (HCWs), during three successive surges, as well as the rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) reinfection, reactivation, re-positivity, and severity. Methods: This cross-sectional population-level observational study was conducted from 20 April 2020 to 18 February 2021. The study population included all HCWs in public or private hospitals in Fars Province, Southern Iran. The infection rate was computed as the number of individuals with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests divided by the total number of person- days at risk. The re-infection was evaluated after 90 days. Results: A total of 30,546 PCR tests were performed among HCWs, of which 13,749 (61.94% of total HCWs) were positive. Considering the applied 90-day threshold, there were 44 (31.2%) cases of reactivation and relapse, and 97 (68.8% of infected and 1.81% of total HCWs) cases of reinfection among 141 (2.64%) diagnosed cases who experienced a second episode of COVID-19. There was no significant difference in symptoms (P=0.65) or the necessity for ICU admission (P=0.25). The estimated protection against repeated infection after a previous SARS- CoV-2 infection was 94.8% (95% CI=93.6-95.7). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 re-positivity, relapse, and reinfection were rare in the HCW population. After the first episode of infection, an estimated 94.8% protection against recurring infections was achieved. A preprint version of this manuscript is available at DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-772662/v1 (https://www.researchsquare.com/ article/rs-772662/v1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent increase in workload and stress experienced by healthcare workers (HCW) is a significant global concern. Mindfulness enables one to be aware of emotions, thoughts, and present moment experiences. Objectives: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the correlates between smoking, occupational stress, and mindful awareness levels, among HCWs within the private healthcare sector. This study was conducted at a tertiary-level university-affiliated hospital in Istanbul between January – February 2023. 208 HCW participated, yielding a response rate of 20%. The participants were requested to complete a 61-item questionnaire consisting of demographics, General Work Stress Scale(GWS), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Test to Assess the Psychological Dependence on Smoking (TAPDS). Results: Smokers had significantly higher levels of mean GWS scores than nonsmokers. The mean MAAS scores of smokers were the lowest in the group with the highest scores of psychological dependence; it was highest in the group with the lowest scores. A negative correlation was found between general work stress and mindful awareness levels and between psychological dependence on smoking and mindfulness levels. HCWs aged 45 and older had significantly lower general stress than others. Conclusion: This study showed that the general work stress levels of smoker HCWs were higher than those of nonsmokers. Mindful awareness level was the lowest in the group, with the highest scores in psychological dependence on smoking. There was a negative correlation between psychological dependence on smoking and both work stress and mindful awareness levels. This study demonstrated that high work stress and low mindful awareness levels are not only related to each other but also to high psychological dependence on smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand eczema (HE) is a common condition seen in medical facilities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of vitamin D on skin inflammation are diverse. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between vitamin D levels in healthcare workers as determined by serum 25(OH)D and the severity of HE. In Indonesia, between September and October of 2022, a cross-sectional design was employed for this analytical descriptive study. The hand eczema severity index was used to determine the severity of HE. Out of the 44 healthcare workers who had HE, the findings indicated that 29 had mild HE, 11 had moderate HE, and 4 had severe HE. Subjects with mild, moderate, and severe HE had mean serum 25(OH)D levels of 17.85 ng/mL, 16.45 ng/mL, and 17.87 ng/mL, respectively, falling into the vitamin D deficiency category. Serum 25(OH)D levels and the severity of HE did not significantly correlate (r=-0.056; p=0.359). Serum 25(OH)D levels did not significantly differ between subjects with mild, moderate, and severe HE. The degree of HE was not negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide face barriers in accessing inclusive healthcare due to disabilities, leading to worse health outcomes, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). However, there is a lack of training of healthcare workers about disability, both globally and in Uganda. Objectives: To use mixed research methods to develop a comprehensive training program with standardisedelements for healthcare workers in Uganda, focusing on improving their knowledge, attitudes, and skills inproviding care for people with disabilities. Methods: The Medical Research Council (MRC) approach was employed to guide the development of the training intervention. We conducted an umbrella review to gather relevant literature on disability training for healthcare workers. Interviews were conducted with international experts to gain insights and perspectives on the topic. Additionally, interviews were undertaken with people with disabilities and healthcare workers in Uganda to understand their experiences and needs. A participatory workshop was organised involving key stakeholders, to collaboratively design the training material based on the findings from these data sources. Results: Eight review articles examined training programs for healthcare workers on disability. Training settings ranged from specialised clinical settings to non-clinical settings, and the duration and evaluation methods of the training varied widely. Lectures and didactic methods were commonly used, often combined with other approaches such as case studies and simulations. The impact of the training was assessed through healthcare worker reports on attitudes, knowledge, and self-efficacy. Interviews emphasised the importance of involving people with disabilities in the training and improving communication and understanding between healthcare providers and people with disabilities. Five themes for a training on disability for healthcare workers were generated through the workshop, including responsibilities and rights, communication, informed consent, accommodation, and referral and connection, which were used to guide the development of the curriculum, training materials and training approach. Conclusion: This study presents a novel approach to develop a training program that aims to enhance healthcare services for people with disabilities in Uganda. The findings offer practical insights for the development of similar programs in LMICs. The effectiveness of the training program will be evaluated through a pilot test, and policy support is crucial for its successful implementation at scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered a high‐risk group for developing hand eczema (HE), mainly owing to wet work and contact with allergens at work. To meta‐analyse the prevalence and incidence of HE in HCWs, as well as mapping the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and HE severity in HCWs. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses 2020 guidelines. Published literature from 2000 to 2022 was eligible based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 18 studies were included. Pooled life‐time, 1‐year and point prevalence of self‐reported HE in HCWs was 33.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.3–38.6), 27.4% (95% CI: 19.3–36.5) and 13.5% (95% CI: 9.3–18.4), respectively. AD prevalence was 15.4% (95% CI: 11.3–19.9). Overall, the majority of HCWs reported mild HE. One included study assessed HE incidence reporting 34 cases/1000 person years. Most studies scored low‐moderate using the New Ottawa Scale and the pooled point prevalence data showed broad CIs. In conclusion, the high prevalence of HE in HCWs underlines the increased risk and need for preventive measures for this professional group. There is, however, a need of further standardized high‐quality studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Job satisfaction of healthcare workers from conventional and university hospitals (or teaching hospitals) might be different due to several factors, for example medical staff required to carry out multiple clinical and teaching tasks simultaneously. Our study aimed to determine how the job satisfaction among healthcare workers in university hospitals is different from those in conventional hospitals. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted by using the validated and contextualized job satisfaction tool for the Vietnamese context to survey 216 healthcare workers at a university hospital in Vietnam from January to March 2020 with online Google forms. Results: The results indicated low overall job satisfaction (43.1%) in our study university hospital with the score cutoff of 80%. However, healthcare workers still reported high job satisfaction rates in certain aspects, such as personal empathy (70.8%), discipline, and reward (67.6%), co‐worker collaboration (65.3%), training and promotion (63%), workplace environment (57.4%), and salary and allowance (44.9%). Subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences in job satisfaction (p < 0.01) related to age (31 to 40‐year‐old), and job position with ORs 3.9, and 8.6 respectively. Conclusion: University hospitals need to improve the healthcare workers' job satisfaction. It is recommended that special human resource strategies should be developed focusing on keeping satisfying older healthcare staff by recognizing their contributions and providing appropriate benefits based on their positions in the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: During the pandemic process, healthcare workers are in a very high-risk group and constitute the group most affected by the process. This study was conducted to determine coronavirus phobia and burnout in healthcare workers during the pandemic process. Method: This descriptive study was conducted with 337 healthcare workers between June and December 2021. Research data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Coronavirus 19 Phobia Scale, and the Coronavirus Burnout Scale. Results: The mean age of participants in the study was 31.7±8.5; 69.97% of them were female, and 45.7% of them were nurses. The mean score of the Coronavirus Phobia Scale of the healthcare professionals was 49.46±15.83, and the mean score of the Coronavirus Burnout Scale was determined as 25.65±10.50. It was concluded that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the Coronavirus Phobia Scale of healthcare workers and the Coronavirus Burnout Scale (p<0.05). It was determined that coronavirus phobia and burnout were higher in women and in those who worked in the intensive care unit. Coronavirus phobia was higher in healthcare workers who had chronic diseases and whose family members were not diagnosed with COVID-19 (p<0.05). In addition, it was determined that coronavirus phobia and burnout were higher in nurses in doctors (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the coronavirus phobia and burnout levels of healthcare workers were low, and the burnout increased as the phobia level increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Madagascar, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic (CAR), with each experiencing multiple waves by mid-2022. This study aimed to evaluate immunity against SARS-CoV-2 strains Wuhan (W) and BA.2 (BA.2) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in these countries, focusing on vaccination and natural infection effects. Methods: HCWs' serum samples were analyzed for neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against W and BA.2 variants, with statistical analyses comparing responses between countries and vaccination statuses. Results: Madagascar showed significantly higher nAb titers against both strains compared to CAR and Cameroon. Vaccination notably increased nAb levels against W by 2.6-fold in CAR and 1.8-fold in Madagascar, and against BA.2 by 1.6-fold in Madagascar and 1.5-fold in CAR. However, in Cameroon, there was no significant difference in nAb levels between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Conclusion: This study highlights the complex relationship between natural and vaccine-induced immunity, emphasizing the importance of assessing immunity in regions with varied epidemic experiences and low vaccination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the article was to examine the relationship between healthcare workers' (HCW) antibody responses to the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and the division in which they are employed. Material and methods: Study data were obtained retrospectively from hospital medical records. 90.8% of participants (n = 177) who had received 2 doses of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine but who had not had COVID-19 disease before and whose polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test positivity was not detected, without acquired or primary immunodeficiency and not using immunosuppressive drugs, and tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between 7 and 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine, were included in our study. The control group consisted of 9.2% (n = 18) unvaccinated individuals with the same characteristics. Results: The study included 177 people who received 2 doses of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and 18 people who had never been vaccinated, for a total of 195 HCWs. When the SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results of the participants were examined, it was found that 6.2% (n = 12) of the antibody level was negative, 24.1% (n = 47) was positive with a low antibody response between 1 and 10, and 69.7% (n = 136) was positive with a high antibody response. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) observed in the antibody level results of HCWs who received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Among HCWs who had received vaccinations, the rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG negativity was 2/177 (1%) and the rate of seroconversion was 175/177 (99%). Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 IgG negativity rate was 1% and the seroconversion rate was 99% in vaccinated HCWs. There was no statistically significant difference in the SARS-CoV-2 antibody results according to the occupations of the HCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of occupational noise on hearing loss among healthcare workers using audiometry. A longitudinal study was conducted with a six-month follow-up period in a hospital with 21 participants, divided into high-noise-exposure (HNE) and low-noise-exposure (LNE) groups. Mean noise levels were higher in the HNE group (70.4 ± 4.5 dBA), and hearing loss was measured using pure-tone audiometry at baseline and follow-up. The HNE group had significantly higher mean threshold levels at frequencies of 0.25 kHz, 0.5 kHz, 4.0 kHz, and an average of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz (all p-values < 0.05) after the follow-up period. After adjusting for confounding factors, the HNE group had significantly higher hearing loss levels at 0.25 kHz, 0.5 kHz, and average frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz compared to the LNE group at the second measurement. Occupational noise levels above 65 dBA over six months were found to cause significant threshold changes at frequencies of 0.25 kHz, 0.5 kHz, and an average of 0.5–4.0 kHz. This study highlights the risk of noise-induced hearing loss among healthcare workers and emphasizes the importance of implementing effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace. Regular monitoring and assessment of noise levels and hearing ability, along with proper use of personal protective equipment, are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of occupational noise exposure on the hearing health of healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAlarms are crucial in informing Healthcare Workers (HCWs) about critical patient needs, but unmanaged frequency and noise of alarms can de-sensitize medical staff and compromise patient safety. Alarm fatigue is identified as the major cause of the clinical alarm management problem. It occurs when the medical staff is overwhelmed by the number of clinical alarms.MethodsThe survey was conducted online using Google’s form-making tools from June to July 2023. There were three parts to the survey used in the study: a socio-demographic metric, the Alarm Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire (AFAQ), and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A significance level of 0.05 was used in the analysis.ResultsThe survey included 756 medical professionals from three European countries (Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland). The participants in the study were 42 years old on average, and they had 12 years of work experience. 603 out of 756 survey participants had poor sleep quality, 147 had good sleep quality, and 6 did not provide an answer. This study analyzed the alarm fatigue levels of respondents in every country. In the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, a statistically significant association (p = 0.039, p = 0.001, p

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between occupational stressors and common mental disorders (CMD) among "invisible" health workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Cross-sectional study including a probabilistic sample of 1,014 health workers from three municipalities in Bahia. CMDs were assessed using the SRQ-20. The Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) scale and the Demand-Control Model assessed occupational stressors. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple analysis to evaluate the association between the variables of interest. Results: The global prevalence of CMD was 39.9%; it was higher among CHA/EDCA (47.2%), followed by management and surveillance staff (38.6%), technicians (35.4%), and support/maintenance/cleaning staff (29.9%). The association between occupational stressors and CMD varied among occupations: 1. Excessive work commitment (EWC), effort-reward imbalance (ERI), and psychological demand were associated with CMD among support/maintenance/cleaning workers; 2. EWC and ERI were associated with CMD among CHA/EDCA; 3. EWC, ERI, and low control over work were associated with CMD among technicians; 4. Among management and surveillance workers, only ERI remained associated with CMD. Conclusions: Occupational stressors played a relevant role in mental illness, with variation between occupational strata, demanding attention, monitoring, and control.

BackgroundPreventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2_ infections in healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical for healthcare delivery. We aimed to estimate and characterize the prevalence and incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a US HCW cohort and to identify risk factors associated with infection.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal cohort study of HCWs at 3 Bay Area medical centers using serial surveys and SARS-CoV-2 viral and orthogonal serological testing, including measurement of neutralizing antibodies. We estimated baseline prevalence and cumulative incidence of COVID-19. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate associations of baseline factors with incident infections and evaluated the impact of time-varying exposures on time to COVID-19 using marginal structural models.ResultsA total of 2435 HCWs contributed 768 person-years of follow-up time. We identified 21 of 2435 individuals with prevalent infection, resulting in a baseline prevalence of 0.86% (95% confidence interval [CI], .53%-1.32%). We identified 70 of 2414 incident infections (2.9%), yielding a cumulative incidence rate of 9.11 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI, 7.11-11.52). Community contact with a known COVID-19 case was most strongly correlated with increased hazard for infection (hazard ratio, 8.1 [95% CI, 3.8-17.5]). High-risk work-related exposures (ie, breach in protective measures) drove an association between work exposure and infection (hazard ratio, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.3-4.8). More cases were identified in HCWs when community case rates were high.ConclusionsWe observed modest COVID-19 incidence despite consistent exposure at work. Community contact was strongly associated with infections, but contact at work was not unless accompanied by high-risk exposure.

Background and aims: The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in late 2019 with increased infection and mortality rates. Even with observing safety measures, medical staff have to deal with a high level of mental and physical pressure during an epidemic, and they might demonstrate diverse behaviors rooted in their experiences and emotions toward the situation. The paper examines different experiences and emotions of medical staff dealing with COVID-19 in Ilam, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of 200 care providers in 2020. Data was gathered using two questionnaires: the scale of positive and negative emotions (SPANE) and the positive and negative affect scale (PANAS). Data analyses were done in STATA12 using linear regression models. Results: The mean score of positive emotion in ICU, general, maternity, and administrative wards in women were 32±6.23, 34.07±6.74, 35.35±9.24, and 35.61±6.91 respectively. The mean scores of Negative emotions in the Maternity ward and administrative departments were higher than in the ICU and CCU wards (P=0.05). The midwives’ mean negative emotions score was lower than the physician’s (P value

ObjectiveTo investigate the current status and influencing factors of hand hygiene practices among primary healthcare workers， and to provide a reference for improving hand hygiene behavior in primary healthcare institutions.MethodsA self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct a survey among medical staff of seven community health service centers in Jiading District， Shanghai， using a cluster random sampling method. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics， reliability and validity tests， correlation analysis， and structural equation model fitting.ResultsA statistical difference in hand hygiene compliance was found among medical staff with varying occupational types and educational levels （P

Abstract Background Globally, healthcare workers (HCWs) in maternity units are at high risk of developing burnout. Burnout can lead to multiple harmful impacts on HCWs, their patients, and the broader healthcare system. Little is known about the burden of burnout among sub-Saharan African HCWs. Although evidence suggests that maternity unit doctors in a hospital complex in Namibia are at risk of developing burnout, no studies have been conducted on doctors in this department yet. Methods Through participant observation and a mixed-methods needs assessment, this study aimed to explore the drivers, experiences, and impact of burnout symptoms among doctors in this department, and current support mechanisms in place. Survey data was collected from 18 participants and seven in-depth interviews were conducted. Burnout risk was assessed using the Burnout Assessment Tool. Results Seven out of 18 participants were at very high risk for burnout and three were at risk, showing a high prevalence of burnout risk. Burnout risk remained similar between levels of staff, while gender qualitatively impacted burnout-related experiences. Drivers of burnout were identified at personal, occupational, and systemic levels. Conclusions Over half of participants were at risk or at very high risk of burnout. Results highlighted a need for support and identified areas for intervention and further research. Such areas include blame culture, lack of trust between colleagues, and systemic drivers of burnout. This study contributes to the understanding of burnout among HCWs in sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCW) significantly influence older adults’ vaccine acceptance. This systematic review aimed to identify effective educational interventions for HCWs that could enhance their ability to engage in a dialogue with older adults on vaccination. Methods Medline, Scopus, Cochrane library and grey literature were searched for comparative studies investigating educational interventions concerning older adult vaccinations. The search encompassed all languages and publication years. Analysis was performed on the outcomes ‘vaccines offered or ordered’ and ‘vaccination rates’. Whenever feasible, a sub-analysis on publication year was conducted. Methodological limitations were assessed using the RoB 2 for RCTs and the GRADE checklist for non-randomized studies. Study outcomes were categorized according to the four-level Kirkpatrick model (1996) for effectiveness: reaction, learning, behaviour, and results. Results In total, 48 studies met all inclusion criteria. Most studies included reminder systems signalling HCWs on patients due for vaccination. Other interventions included seminars, academic detailing and peer-comparison feedback. Four articles reporting on the reaction-level indicated that most HCWs had a favourable view of the intervention. Two of the six articles reporting on the learning-level observed positive changes in attitude or knowledge due to the intervention. Seventeen studies reported on the behaviour-level. An analysis on eleven out of seventeen studies focusing on vaccines ‘ordered’ or ‘offered’ outcomes suggested that tailored reminders, particularly those implemented before 2000, were the most effective. Out of 34 studies reporting on the result-level, 24 were eligible for analysis on the outcome ‘vaccination rate’, which showed that compared to usual care, multicomponent interventions were the most effective, followed by tailored reminders, especially those predating 2000. Nonetheless, tailored reminders often fell short compared to other interventions like standing orders or patient reminders. In both the behaviour-level and result-level ‘education only’ interventions frequently underperformed relative to other interventions. Seventeen out of the 27 RCTs, and seven of the 21 non-randomized studies presented a low-to-medium risk for bias in the studies’ findings. Conclusions Tailored reminders and multicomponent interventions effectively assist HCWs in addressing vaccines with older adults. However, education-only interventions appear to be less effective compared to other interventions.

Zewdu Bishaw Aynalem,1 Melsew Dagne Abate,1 Fentahun Meseret,2 Ahmed Nuru Muhamed,3 Gebremeskel Kibret Abebe,4 Abebaw Bires Adal,1 Adam Wondmieneh,1 Atsedemariam Andualem,1 Sewunet Ademe,1 Haile Workye,1 Bekalu Bewket,1 Getachew Amare Beyene,5 Tamiru Alene,6 Tilahun Degu Tsega7 1Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia; 4Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia; 5Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia; 6Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia; 7Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Zewdu Bishaw Aynalem, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia, Tel +251918375722, Email Zewdu.bishaw@inu.edu.et; zest7@yahoo.comBackground: Fighting health threats, especially the rise of new infectious diseases, is one of the main responsibilities of healthcare workers. However, their knowledge and attitudes toward monkeypox have not yet been assessed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and factors associated with monkeypox infection among healthcare workers at Injibara General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1– 30, 2022. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. The degree of association was interpreted using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value < 0.05.Results: Among the 200 healthcare workers who participated, 38.5% (95% CI: 32.5%– 45%) and 62% (95% CI: 55– 68.5%) had good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding monkeypox respectively. Having a master’s degree or above (AOR = 11.25: 95% CI: 2.03– 62.33), being vaccinated against COVID-19 (AOR = 2.60: 95% CI: 1.37– 4.94), and having access to information about monkeypox (AOR = 3.37: 95% CI: 1.33– 8.50) were the factors associated with good knowledge. Furthermore, a positive attitude was significantly associated with being 30 years of age or older (AOR = 2.95: 95% CI: 1.55– 5.60) and having access to information about monkeypox (AOR = 4.14: 95% CI: 2.06, 8.30).Conclusion: Both good knowledge and positive attitudes were relatively low among healthcare workers. Factors such as age, education level, COVID-19 vaccination status, and access to information about monkeypox were significantly associated with the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers. To enhance the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers, hospitals should consider offering educational upgrades, hosting educational events like seminars, conferences, webinars, and campaigns, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of the topic in medical curricula.Keywords: monkeypox, mpox, knowledge, attitude, associated factors, healthcare worker, Ethiopia, Injibara

Nouf A AlShamlan,1 Reem S AlOmar,1 Assim M AlAbdulKader,1 Marwa Mahmoud Shafey,1 Faisal A AlGhamdi,2 Abdullah A Aldakheel,2 Saud A AlShehri,2 Lyana A Felemban,3 Shahad A AlShamlan,2 Malak A Al Shammari1 1Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 2College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 3College of Medicine, Fakeeh College of Medical Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Nouf A AlShamlan, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966504901406, Email nashamlan@iau.edu.saBackground: Epidemiological evidence has shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequent cause of sexually transmitted infection, and vaccination is an essential measure to prevent associated diseases and complications. This study aimed to assess the HPV vaccine uptake and its associated factors as well as HPV vaccine hesitancy by female healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia.Methods: This online, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study involved female HCWs in Saudi Arabia between July and October 2022. The study tool included questions about sociodemographic, occupational, and reproductive characteristics, uptake of HPV vaccination, and reasons of hesitancy. Chi-squared and t-tests were used for bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders.Results: The total number of participants was 1857. Around 20% of HCWs received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, and around 45% were willing to take it this year. Lower odds of vaccine uptake were reported among older participants and those with a higher level of education. However, nurses, HCWs with a previous HPV infection, those with a family history of cervical cancer, or those with a previous cervical cancer screening test had higher odds of receiving the vaccine. On the other hand, older participants and diploma degree holders were less willing to take the HPV vaccine. Higher odds of willingness were reported in married HCWs, those with a previous HPV infection, those who received a previous HPV vaccine dose, or those who were screened for cervical cancer. Lack of knowledge and some misconceptions were the most reported reasons for hesitancy.Conclusion: Certain factors that affect HCWs personal decisions to take the vaccine were identified. By targeting these issues, epidemiologists, public health officials and women’s health care providers can work to increase HPV vaccine uptake and reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases in this population.Keywords: HPV vaccine, epidemiology, public health, women’s health, healthcare worker, uptake

ObjectiveTo investigate the levels of serum antibodies against novel coronavirus （SARS-CoV-2） in healthcare workers after one month of natural infection， to explore the influencing factors and their correlations with the levels of antibodies， and to provide reference for strengthening the protection of healthcare workers and preventive intervention in Pudong New Area in Shanghai.MethodsVenous blood samples were collected from 1 102 medical staff in Pudong hospitals one month after infection. The serum levels of new coronavirus specific antibodies IgM， IgG and neutralizing antibodies were detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay. The information of gender， age， position， infection severity， vaccination， basic diseases and use of immunosuppressants were obtained by questionnaire to explore the influencing factors and their correlation with the antibody level.ResultsOne month after natural infection， 99.00% （1 091/1 102） of the subjects were found to be positive for IgG antibody against the new coronavirus， 17.79% （196/1 102） of the subjects were IgM antibody positive， and 99.00% （1 091/1 102） of the samples were positive for the neutralizing antibody. The level of antibody might be influenced by the severity of infection， the time of the last dose of vaccination， and the long-term use of immunosuppressants. The more severe the disease， the stronger the neutralizing antibody response. The antibody level in the people who received the final dose of vaccine within 6 months was higher than that of the people who received the vaccine 6 months ago， and the difference was statistically significant. The antibody levels were low in the subjects who received long-term immunosuppressants.ConclusionThe specific IgM， IgG and neutralizing antibody were found， one month after infection， in the medical workers in Pudong New Area， Shanghai， and the antibody titers were high， which had a good protective effect. The antibody level of the people who were vaccinated within 6 months was higher， it is recommended that people who receive the last vacination more than 6 months should be re-vaccinated with the booster vaccine， to improve the autoimmunity against the novel coronavirus.

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemic characteristics of COVID-19 after policy adjustment from “Category B notifiable disease with category A management” to “Category B notifiable disease with category B management”， and to explore the protective effect of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 on common symptoms of reinfection.MethodsHealthcare workers infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a grade A tertiary hospital in Shanghai were included in the study from December 4， 2022 to January 11， 2023. Data on demographic characteristics， clinical symptoms， medical history， and COVID-19 vaccination history were collected. We determined the epidemiological curve and characteristics， and then compared the difference in the severity of clinical symptoms between primary and reinfection subjects.ResultsA total of 2 704 cases were included in the study， of which 45 had reinfection， 605 （22.4%）were males， 608 （22.5%）were doctors， 1 275 （47.2%） were nurses， and 2 351 （86.9%） received ≥3 doses of COVID-19 vaccination. The average age of these healthcare workers was （34.9±9.1） years old. The number of cases with mild/moderate illness， asymptomatic infection， fever， headache， dry cough， expectoration， and chest tightness were 2 704 （100.0%）， 92 （3.4%）， 2 385 （88.2%）， 2 066 （76.4%）， 1 642 （60.7%）， 1 807 （66.8%）， and 439 （16.2%）， respectively. Reinfection was a protective factor for fever （OR=0.161， P

Abstract Purpose To identify the key infection processes and risk factors in Computed Tomography (CT) examination process within the standard prevention and control measures for the COVID-19 epidemic, aiming to mitigate cross-infection occurrences in the hospital. Method The case hospital has assembled a team of 30 experts specialized in CT examination. Based on the CT examination process, the potential failure modes were assessed from the perspective of severity (S), occurrence probability (O), and detectability (D); they were then combined with corresponding risk prevention measures. Finally, key infection processes and risk factors were identified according to the risk priority number (RPN) and expert analysis. Results Through the application of RPN and further analysis, four key potential infection processes were identified, including “CT request form (A 1),” “during the scan of CT patient (B 2),” “CT room and objects disposal (C 2),” and “medical waste (garbage) disposal (C 3)”. In addition, eight key risk factors were also identified, including “cleaning personnel does not wear masks normatively (C 32),” “nurse does not select the vein well, resulting in extravasation of the peripheral vein for enhanced CT (B 25),” “patient cannot find the CT room (A 13),” “patient has obtained a CT request form but does not know the procedure (A 12),” “patient is too unwell to continue with the CT scan (B 24),” “auxiliary staff (or technician) does not have a good grasp of the sterilization and disinfection standards (C 21),” “auxiliary staff (or technician) does not sterilize the CT machine thoroughly (C 22),” and “cleaning personnel lacks of knowledge of COVID-19 prevention and control (C 33)”. Conclusion Hospitals can publicize the precautions regarding CT examination through various channels, reducing the incidence of CT examination failure. Hospitals’ cleaning services are usually outsourced, and the educational background of the staff employed in these services is generally not high. Therefore, during training and communication, it is more necessary to provide a series of scope and training programs that are aligned with their understanding level. The model developed in this study effectively identifies the key infection prevention process and critical risk factors, enhancing the safety of medical staff and patients. This has significant research implications for the potential epidemic of major infectious diseases.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the frequency, duration and patterns of long-term coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms and to analyse risk factors for long-lasting COVID-19 sequelae among a cohort of hospital employees (HEs). Methods We conducted a survey regarding persistent COVID-19 related symptoms with all HEs from three medical centres in Cologne, Germany, who were tested SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive from March 2020 until May 2021. Duration of symptoms and possible risk factors for protracted COVID-19 course were analysed. Results Of 221 included HEs, a number of 104 HEs (47.1%) reported at least one persisting symptom for more than 90 days after initial SARS-CoV-2 detection. Each one cycle higher initial Ct value significantly increased the chances of overcoming symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.01–1.09; p = 0.019). The occurrence of breathlessness within the first ten days (OR 7.89; 95%CI 1.87–41.43; p = 0.008), an initial Ct value under 30 (OR 3.36; 95%CI 1.22–9.94; p = 0.022) as well as the occurrence of anosmia or ageusia within the first ten days (OR 3.01; 95%CI 1.10–8.84; p = 0.037) showed a statistically significant association with increased odds of illness duration over 90 days. Conclusion About half of the HEs suffered from long lasting symptoms over 90 days after almost entirely mild acute COVID-19. Predictive factors could possibly be used for early treatment to prevent development of long-term symptoms after COVID-19 in future.

In a retrospective, cohort study at 4 medical centers with high coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination rates, we evaluated breakthrough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Delta variant infections in vaccinated healthcare workers. Few work-related secondary cases were identified. Breakthrough cases were largely due to unmasked social activities outside of work.

Hesitancy to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs) in low-resource settings, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is a major global health challenge. This study identifies changes in willingness to receive vaccination among 588 HCWs in the DRC and reported influences on COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Up to 25 repeated measures were collected from participants between August 2020 to August 2021. Among the overall cohort, between August 2020 and mid-March 2021, the proportion of HCWs in each period of data collection reporting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy ranged from 8.6% (95% CI: 5.97, 11.24) to 24.3% (95% CI: 20.12, 28.55). By early April 2021, the proportion reporting hesitancy more than doubled (52.0%; 95% CI: 46.22, 57.83). While hesitancy in the cohort began to decline by late-June 2021, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.05, 27.18) respondents indicated hesitancy in late-August 2021 which remains greater than the proportion of hesitancy at any time prior to early-March 2021. Patterns in reported influences on COVID-19 vaccination were varied with the proportion reporting some influences (e.g., no serious side effects, country of vaccine production) remaining stable throughout the year and other factors (e.g., recommendation of Ministry of Health, ease of vaccination) falling in popularity among respondents. Agreement that the national vaccination schedule should be followed apart from the COVID-19 vaccine remained high among respondents throughout the study period. This study shows that, among a cohort of HCWs in the DRC who have likely been influenced by regional, national, and global factors, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has fluctuated during the pandemic and should not be treated as a static factor. Additional research to determine which factors most influence HCWs' willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine offers opportunities to reduce vaccine hesitancy among this important population through tailored public health messaging.