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Needle-stick injuries are a major concern for healthcare workers, as they can lead to the spread of infectious diseases. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to NSIs and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies in a tertiary care hospital. This observational study analysed NSI incidents among HCWs over a sixmonth period. Data was collected through, incident reports, and medical records. Over six months, 60 cases of NSI were reported. The most common departments affected were the emergency department (20%), surgical ward (15%), and intensive care unit (10%). The most frequent sharps involved were hypodermic needles (50%), followed by IV cannulas (25%). The primary contributing factors to NSIs were improper handling of sharps (40%), inadequate training on safety procedures (25%), and workload-related stress (15%). Despite existing safety measures, NSIs remain a prevalent issue in healthcare settings. Implementing comprehensive prevention strategies, including enhanced training, improved safety devices, and effective incident reporting systems, is crucial to reduce the incidence of NSIs and protect HCWs from bloodborne pathogen exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursing homes (NHs) are crucial for de-hospitalization and addressing the needs of non-self-sufficient individuals with complex health issues. This study investigates the patient safety culture (PSC) in NHs within a northern Italian region, focusing on factor influencing overall safety perceptions and their contributions to subjective judgements of safety. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 25 NHs in the Autonomous Province of Trento. The Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture (NHSPSC) was utilized to assess PSC among NH staff. Multilevel linear regression and post hoc dominance analyses were conducted to investigate variabilities in PSC among staff and NHs and to assess the extent to which PSC dimensions explain overall perceptions of PS. Analysis of 1080 questionnaires (44% response rate) revealed heterogeneity in PSC across dimensions and NHs, with management support, organizational learning, and supervisor expectations significantly influencing overall safety perceptions. Despite some areas of concern, overall safety perceptions were satisfactory. However, the correlation between individual dimensions and overall ratings of safety was moderate, suggesting the need to enhance the maturity level of PSCs. Promoting a shift in PSC could enhance transparency, prioritize resident safety, empower nursing staff, and increase family satisfaction with care provided in NHs. The support provided by management to PSC appears essential to influence NH staff perceptions of PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to long-lasting consequences for workers leading to what has been termed a "psychological pandemic". Some categories, such as healthcare workers (HCWs), are considered high risk due to factors such as increased exposure and stressful working conditions. In this study, we investigate whether levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms and COVID-19-related fear (IES-6 and PSI-4) are associated with illness severity in a sample of 318 infected HCWs in Italy. To investigate the presence of different profiles of COVID-19 severity, Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was performed based on 11 symptoms. Differences in the IES-6 and PSI-4 scores across the latent classes were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis (KW) test with Dunn's multiple comparison post hoc testing. Our analyses show that the LCA identified three classes of symptoms, reflecting no/low, mild and severe symptoms. The classes include vomiting, confusion, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, dyspnea, headache, ageusia, fever, anosmia, osteo muscle articular pain and asthenia. We found that HCWs who experienced more intense symptoms reported significantly higher IES-6 and PSI-4 scores. Moreover, we found gender-related differences in IES-6 and PSI-4 scores as females exhibited higher levels than males. Indeed, these findings are useful for developing health prevention and emergency management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The detrimental mental health effects which emerged from COVID-19 have profoundly affected healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of traumatic stress and loneliness on the fears of contracting and dying from COVID-19, and anxiety and depression of HCWs during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was completed by HCWs in a province of Turkey. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Impact of Events Scale-Revised and numerical rating scales (for fears of COVID-19 and loneliness) were used and a bootstrap approach was used in the analyses with SPSS PROCESS macro software. Results: Of the HCWs evaluated, 150 (34.4%) were doctors, with a mean duration of work experience of 10.6 ± 7.5 years. The results indicated that fear of contracting COVID-19 was directly related to anxiety (β = 0.244, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.135, p < 0.01) and that traumatic stress and loneliness mediated the relationships between the fear of contracting COVID-19 and anxiety (β = 0.435, p < 0.001; β = 0.235, p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (β = 0.365, p < 0.001; β = 0.294, p < 0.001, respectively). The fear of dying from COVID-19 was determined to be directly associated with anxiety (β = 0.190, p < 0.001) but not with depression (β = 0.066, p = 0.116), and traumatic stress and loneliness mediated the relationships between the fear of dying from COVID-19 and anxiety (β = 0.476, p < 0.001; β = 0.259, p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (β = 0.400, p < 0.001; β = 0.311, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The study results demonstrated the important roles of traumatic stress and loneliness in exacerbating the negative consequences of fears of COVID-19 on anxiety and depression, and provide insights for identifying HCWs at greater risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stress and burnout can negatively affect performance, mental health, and the overall well-being of healthcare workers. The study aims to examine the prevalence of stress and burnout, and investigate links between stress, burnout, mental state, and well-being among healthcare workers in the Czech Republic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Czech Republic, focusing on healthcare professionals working in various healthcare settings. A total of 1,064 healthcare workers participated in the study. A standardized questionnaire battery was used, consisting of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Supso-7 measuring mental state. Separate correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Results: 46.24% of the healthcare workers reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, 25.56% reported high levels of depersonalization, 24.15% reported low levels of personal accomplishment, while 11.18% reported high levels of perceived stress. The findings revealed that emotional exhaustion, a core component of burnout, was associated with increased feelings of anxiety and depression. Perceived stress was also linked to anxiety and depression, while personal accomplishment appeared to mitigate depression and support positive psychological well-being. Conclusion: The study provides promising evidence suggesting that addressing stress and emotional exhaustion, while fostering a sense of personal achievement, could lead to improvements in the mental health and work performance of healthcare workers. These findings highlight the importance of addressing burnout and stress management strategies to support the overall well-being of healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, People's Republic of China, and caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), As the virus took hold in the world, health experts paced efforts to solve the unknown nature of this threat. Methodology: We studied the clinical characteristics, laboratory biomarkers of healthcare workers in the single center, analytical cross-sectional study conducted in tertiary care hospital of the UAE. Sample size of 600 HCWs were screened for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay using Seegene Allplex and Andis FAST SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR detection kits for a period of 6 months. Findings: All the health care workers (HCWs) were vaccinated for the SARS-CoV-2. Out of these, 240 HCWs were reported to be positive. rRT-PCR with a Ct value of <38 was taken as positive >38. The laboratory investigations of the positive cases were collected and analysed further. A comparison of the laboratory tests was made between (I) COVID severe (Ct < 25) and nonsevere (Ct > 25) groups and (II) frontline workers and non-frontline workers. Besides finding short-term and sudden relief, investigators directed their efforts to provide a long-term solution for an ensuing pandemic that influenced all areas of life in unprecedented ways. Conclusion: Awareness among healthcare workers and further long-term studies focusing on their mental health the overall wellness and especially the psychological burden on doctors have received heightened awareness in media and research publications. This information can assist in developing surveillance and infection and control policies and preparedness for future COVID epidemics in similar scenarios in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the COVID-19 global vaccination campaign was launched in December of 2020, vaccination became mandatory for many healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. Large minorities resisted the policy, and the responses of authorities to this resistance led to damage d professional reputations, job losses, and suspension or termination of practice licenses. The joint effect of dismissals, early retirements, career changes, and vaccine injuries disabling some compliant HCWs from adequate performance has exacerbated existing crises within health systems. Nevertheless, leading health authorities have maintained that the benefits of a fully vaccinated healthcare labor force--believed to be protecting health systems, vulnerable patient populations, and even HCWs themselves--achieved through mandates, if necessary, outweigh its potential harms. Informed by critical policy and discourse traditions, we examine the expert literature on vaccine mandates for HCWs. We find that this literature neglects evidence that contradicts official claims about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, dismisses the science supporting the contextual nature of microbial virulence, miscalculates patient and system-level harms of vaccination policies, and ignores or legitimizes the coercive elements built into their design. We discuss the implications of our findings for the sustainability of health systems, for patient care, and for the well-being of HCWs, and suggest directions for ethical clinical and policy practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the association of health and hospital workers' fears of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, depression, and sociodemographic variables during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A total of 527 participants (237 men/289 women) were included, 222 of the participants were doctors, 99 nurses, 22 assistant health personnel, and 182 hospital personnel without health education. Participants filled in the sociodemographic data form, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Anxiety Sensitivity Index‐3, and Fear of COVID‐19 Inventory. In linear regression analysis, independent predictors of the fear of COVID‐19 were determined as Beck Anxiety Inventory (p < 0.001), Beck Depression Inventory (p = 0.001), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index‐3 Physical subscale (p = 0.001). The fear of COVID‐19 is associated with the physical subscale of anxiety, depression, and anxiety sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the relationship between Hepatitis B vaccination status and demographic and hepatitis B markers of individuals receiving healthcare services. Methods: The study designed in a retrospective structure using quantitative research methods was conducted with a total of 1837 individuals including medical school students and other healthcare professionals (975 female, 862 male) aged 19-77 who were registered to the Family Health Center between March 1, 2023, and March 31, 2023. In the study, sociodemographic characteristics, infancy and adult full-dose hepatitis-B vaccines, and marker laboratory measurements of these individuals who were registered to the Family Health Center were examined. SPSS 25.00 program was used for statistical analysis and the level of significance was determined as 0.05. Results: In general, the rate of three doses of vaccination in infancy was 55.1%. Vaccine doses administered to individuals were one with 15.1%, two with 22.9%, and three with 62.1%. In the study, it was determined that anti-HBs levels before and after vaccination differed significantly according to vaccine doses (p=0.01). It was determined that the anti-HBs levels of the three doses vaccine group were 100 and above (p=0.01). Conclusion: Although the Universal Hepatitis-B Vaccination Program was followed in our study, it was determined that antibody levels in healthcare workers decreased or ended over time, and hepatitis-B antibody levels increased significantly with each dose of vaccine administered. For this reason, it is of great importance to determine regular antibody levels and develop standard vaccination programs, especially in healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed depression, anxiety, and stress in healthcare workers (HCWs) in 2023 and the evolution of depression in 2023 compared with 2022. In September–November 2023, 181 HCWs from the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress 21 Scale (DASS-21 R), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). The prevalence of moderate-to-severe levels was 13.8% for DASS-Depression, 18.8% for DASS-Anxiety, 16.1% for DASS-Stress, 19.9% for PHQ-9, and 18.2% for HAM-A. Moderate-to-severe PHQ-9 depression was significantly lower in the 2023 study group (19.9%, N = 181) compared with 2022 (30.6%, N = 114) (p = 0.04), also within the 2022–2023 follow-up participants (N = 88) (p = 0.03). We did not find significant statistical differences between those infected vs. non-infected, vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated, or working with vs. not working with SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Males were significantly more stressed (p = 0.02) and anxious (p = 0.03), and physicians in training had the highest prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression (31.6%), followed by physicians (25.6%). In 2023, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms decreased but remained within a concerning range. By addressing these psychological issues, we may reduce the possibility of medical errors and prevent professional crises in the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of workplace violence (WPV) against pediatric emergency healthcare workers and evaluate the relationship between WPV and psychological resilience. This study is cross-sectional and correlational. According to the results, the prevalence of WPV was 69.8%, and its distribution was as follows: verbal abuse (56.9%), bullying/mobbing (37.6%), physical abuse (12.8%), and sexual abuse (2.2%). Being single/separated/divorced/widowed (odds ratio [OR]: 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-3.30), being a physician (OR: 4.74, 95% CI: 1.73-12.96), being a staff member (OR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.10-5.99), routine direct physical contact with patients/clients (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.40-5.48), and lack of encouragement to report WPV (OR: 3.76, 95% CI: 2.01-7.01) were independent predictors of WPV (P <.05), and WPV was found to be associated with low psychological resilience. Arrangements related to violence prevention, preparation, and intervention should be made and maintained in all pediatric emergency departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mother-to-child transmission is the most common route of human immunodeficiency virus transmission in children, which could be prevented with proper treatment and access to care. Health system challenges can impede the effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes. We aim to understand the health system challenges to the provision of PMTCT services for pregnant women in three tertiary hospitals in Fiji. Data were collected using in-depth interviews in the three tertiary hospitals and associated health clinics in Fiji between April–May 2013 and February–March 2014. Ethical approvals were obtained. A total of 58 healthcare providers were interviewed including doctors (n = 12), midwives (n = 19), nurses (n = 14), laboratory technicians (n = 5) and counsellors (n = 8). The data were analysed using thematic analysis. We found that the healthcare workers faced a wide range of health system challenges including institutional and human resource challenges. Staff shortage, limited PMTCT training and shortage of supplies were barriers to the quality of PMTCT services. Our findings would be useful in developing strategies to overcome barriers as it would be imperative in improving the quality of PMTCT service provision in Fiji and other similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are susceptible to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and are advised to receive vaccination. However, vaccination rates remain low in developing countries. There is little data concerning Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination and information regarding HBV knowledge among HCWs in Cambodia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of HBV infection, HepB vaccine, and vaccination status with its associated factors among HCWs in Cambodia. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in Kampot and Kep Provinces, Cambodia, from September to October 2023 using a questionnaire survey. A total of 261 HCWs were recruited from 1,309 individuals working in all 83 health facilities using systematic random sampling methods. Statistical analyses including the χ2-test and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to identify factors associated with vaccination among the participants. Results: Among 259 participants, 62.9% showed good knowledge of HBV infection, and 65.6% demonstrated good knowledge of the HepB vaccine. 59.8% of the participants had received the HepB vaccine, while 40.2% remained unvaccinated. Analysis showed that HCWs working at Provincial Health Department/Operational Districts and Provincial Referral Hospital/Referral Hospitals were more likely to be vaccinated compared to those at Health Centers [AOR = 6.5; CI = 1.1–39.5, p = 0.0403; AOR = 2.8, CI = 1.0–7.8, p = 0.0412], respectively. Furthermore, individuals with good knowledge of the HBV infection and vaccine were more likely to receive the vaccine compared to those with inadequate knowledge [AOR = 6.3; CI = 3.3–12.3, p <.0001; AOR = 3.7, CI = 1.9–7.4, p = 0.0001], respectively. Within the unvaccinated HCWs, 32% reported high vaccine costs as a barrier, 33% mentioned workplace vaccine was not for adults, and 59% reported insufficient education on adult HepB vaccination. Conclusions: The HepB vaccination coverage among HCWs is at 59.8%, which is below the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation rate of 100%. Knowledge of HBV infection and HepB vaccine were good predictive factors for vaccination. The high cost of vaccine, workplace vaccine not for adults, and insufficient education on adult vaccination were found as barriers to vaccination. This study underscores the importance of providing education to HCWs on HBV infection and the HepB vaccine. Furthermore, it highlights the need for a policy that ensures free vaccination for HCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main goal of patients’ rights is to protect the dignity and the privacy of the individual who is asking for healthcare services, based on the UDHR (Article 5 and 12) where the individuals have the right to be free from cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. Some of the rights that patents must have should be regulated with national law, having into account their culture, economic and social levels in the society. The most important issue related with patients’ right is the issue of ethics during the treatment, but in general it has to do with the beginning and the end of the human life, as depending of national laws regulated in each country (as it is mentioned in the European Framework for patients’ rights). Irrespectively of the healthcare system of the country in Europe, the first attempt for defining and putting together all patients’ rights as one, was in 1994, where was established the Amsterdam Declaration on the promotion of the rights of patients in Europe. This Declaration was established in behalf of the citizens of Europe (to see their rights, reinforce their role in collaboration and trust between healthcare providers and patients, increase patients’ awareness for their active role in their rights as patients and increase the collaborations with policy makers in the field). This Declaration and other Conventions and Legal Acts from 19941, the specific and non negotiable rights that every patient have to know that he/she possesses and every healthcare provider and worker has to respect are: the respect for dignity, integrity, privacy and nondiscrimination. So, the main goal of this paper is: to show to the readers how the issue of healthcare protection and the protection of patients’ rights is regulated within the laws in the R. of North Macedonia and with that to make further researches in the issue of protection of patients’ rights (cooperation with foreign laws, their implementation in practice etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents, who were working as essential frontline healthcare workers experienced unique stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic including disruption of regular routines, long lapses away from family, extreme work stress and subsequent difficulty in compartmentalizing work-related concerns when at home. The purpose of this study was to assess COVID-19 exposure and impact of frontline healthcare workers who are parents. This study quantitatively assessed the COVID-19 exposure and impact and qualitatively explored perceptions of parents of children 9 to 17 years of age, who were also frontline healthcare workers. Participants (N = 79) using the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey (CEFIS) reported exposure mean scores of 10.03 (SD = 2.63); and impact scores mean scores of 3.18 (SD = 0.46). Thematic analysis identified four themes, each with 2 subthemes: 1) family stressors increased (e.g., concerns about health and safety, losses of lifestyle patterns); 2) changes in children's health and well-being (e.g., isolation from family and friends, mental health problems); 3) virtual school difficulties (e.g., parent and student challenges, home school option); 4) skill building opportunities (e.g., enhanced emotional connections, increased family activities). The CHAMPS Family Health Study suggests that families of essential workers are especially vulnerable to the effect of COVID-19, as are those families of essential workers who include child/ren with special health care needs. Preparation for future emergencies requires strategies to mitigate consequences and promote well-being. These results highlight the need for supportive approaches to decrease the negative consequences of stress and to augment skills for family connection and cooperation. • Numerous challenges were experienced by parents who were frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Parents with shared custody of their children voluntarily waived visitation to protect the children from the COVID virus. • Preparation for future emergencies requires resources, support systems, and focused strategies to manage family problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medicina (Buenos Aires) is the property of Medicina (Buenos Aires) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This cross-sectional study investigates the intricate relationship between emotional intelligence (EI), burnout, and organizational commitment among healthcare workers. The healthcare industry is characterized by high levels of stress and emotional demands, making it imperative to comprehend how emotional intelligence influences the well-being and dedication of its workforce. The primary objective of this research is to examine the impact of emotional intelligence on burnout and organizational commitment within the healthcare context. Emotional intelligence, defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions as well as those of others, is hypothesized to act as a crucial factor in mitigating burnout and enhancing organizational commitment among healthcare professionals. The study employs a crosssectional design, collecting data from a diverse sample of healthcare workers through surveys and standardized assessments. By utilizing established measures of emotional intelligence, burnout, and organizational commitment, the research aims to identify patterns and correlations that highlights on the intricate dynamics between these variables. The findings of this study are anticipated to contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge in both organizational psychology and healthcare management. Understanding the role of emotional intelligence in buffering against burnout and fostering organizational commitment may have practical implications for interventions and training programs aimed at enhancing the emotional well-being and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals. As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with workforce challenges, insights from this study may inform evidence-based strategies to support healthcare workers in managing stress, promoting resilience, and ultimately improving the overall quality of patient care. This research aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace and underscores its potential as a valuable resource in the demanding field of healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication is an inevitable method of interaction that exists wherever humans are present. Communication skills are not innate abilities; rather, they are skills that can be learned and developed. Healthcare workers use mutual communication more frequently compared to employees in other sectors. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the communication skills of secretaries working in the healthcare sector with those working outside of the healthcare sector in Kayseri. The data collection tools used in the study were a demographic information form and the Communication Skills Assessment Scale (CSAS), developed by Korkut (1996a, 1997). Data were collected from 375 secretaries who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 program. While no significant differences related to demographic characteristics were found, significant differences were detected in communication skill scores. It is anticipated that this study will raise awareness in the existing literature and that conducting similar studies in different institutions and sectors will help to address communication deficiencies at an institutional level by assessing the results separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace violence against healthcare workers is a complex issue with significant implications for the safety and wellbeing of professionals in the healthcare sector. Drawing on data from 136 participants across Türkiye, this study explores the prevalence, forms, impacts, and management strategies of workplace violence in different healthcare settings. The demographic characteristics of the participants reveal a diverse composition of healthcare workers affected by workplace violence, highlighting the universal nature of the issue. Verbal abuse emerges as a predominant form of violence, ranging from insults and threats to humiliation, while instances of physical violence pose grave risks to healthcare professionals. The study shows the inadequacy of support systems within healthcare institutions and the legal system, exacerbating the distress experienced by healthcare workers. Strategies for managing workplace violence include internal coping mechanisms, peer support, and institutional intervention, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training programs and enhanced institutional protocols. Recommendations for prevention encompass a multifaceted approach involving enhanced security measures, support systems, and policy reforms at various levels. The study concludes with a call to action for concerted efforts to address workplace violence against healthcare workers in Türkiye, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of professionals in their workplace. These findings also provide valuable insights into the complexities of workplace violence in healthcare settings and highlight the urgent need for action to address this pressing issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Itobiad: Journal of the Human & Social Science Researches / İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Itobiad: Journal of the Human & Social Science Researches and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Hospital patient‐care workers have high occupational injury rates. While physical hazards within hospital work environments are established determinants of injury, social exposures may also contribute. This study examined how reports of unfair treatment at work, a dimension of work‐related experiences of discrimination, were associated with injury among hospital‐based patient‐care workers. Methods: We used data from the Boston Hospital Workers Health Study, a longitudinal cohort of nurses and nursing assistants at two Boston‐area hospitals. In 2018, we conducted a worker survey asking about three types of unfair treatment at work and occupational injuries during the past year. We used mixed‐effects logistic regression models to evaluate associations between specific types, total load, and high‐frequency exposure of unfair treatment with injury, adjusting for age, gender, race and ethnicity, job title, and unit type. Results: Among 1001 respondents, 21% reported being humiliated in front of others at work, 28% reported being watched more closely than other workers, and 47% reported having to work twice as hard as others for the same treatment. For each type of unfair treatment, we observed a monotonic relationship with occupational injury wherein increasing frequency of exposure was associated with increased odds of injury. We also observed monotonic relationships between total load and high‐frequency exposure to unfair treatment and odds of injury. Conclusions: Work‐related unfair treatment is associated with injury among hospital workers. Programs and policies that focus on preventing unfair treatment may lessen injury burden in hospital workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a global pandemic and led to increased mortality and morbidity. Vaccines against the etiologic agent; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) were approved for emergency use on different platforms. In the early phase of the pandemic, Thai healthcare workers (HCWs) received CoronaVac, an inactivated vaccine, as the first vaccine against SARS‐CoV‐2, followed by ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19, a viral vector‐based vaccine, or BNT162b2, an mRNA vaccine, as a booster dose. This preliminary study evaluated the immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 and BNT162b2 as a booster dose in HCWs who previously received two doses of CoronaVac. Methods: Ten HCW participants received ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 and another 10 HCWs received BNT162b2 as a booster dose after two doses of CoronaVac. Anti‐RBD IgG, neutralizing antibodies (NAb), and cellular immunity, including interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ)‐releasing CD4, CD8, double negative T cells, and NK cells, were measured at 3 and 5 months after the booster dose. Results: There was no significant difference in anti‐RBD IgG levels at 3 and 5 months between the two different types of booster vaccine. The levels of anti‐RBD IgG and NAb were significantly decreased at 5 months. HCWs receiving BNT162b2 had significantly higher NAb levels than those receiving ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 at 5 months after the booster dose. IFN‐γ release from CD4 T cells was detected at 3 months with no significant difference between the two types of booster vaccines. However, IFN‐γ‐releasing CD4 T cells were present at 5 months in the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 group only. Conclusion: ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 or BNT162b2 can be used as a booster dose after completion of the primary series primed by inactivated vaccine. Although the levels of immunity decline at 5 months, they may be adequate during the first 3 months after the booster dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are ectopic heart rhythm disorders with implications for cardiovascular health. This study explores the relationship between caffeine consumption and the risk of PACs and PVCs, with a focus on healthcare workers, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and midwives, who often rely on caffeine to combat fatigue, especially during night shifts. Methods: A thorough review was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, utilizing a combination of MeSH terms and keywords. Studies examining the link between caffeine consumption and PACs and PVCs, particularly in healthcare workers, were included. Results: We found that caffeine shows various effects based on dosage and can impact arrhythmia risk. Individuals working long shifts, including healthcare professionals, are prone to increased caffeine intake, leading to higher cardiovascular risk. To mitigate these risks, tailored guidelines for caffeine consumption, flexible shift scheduling, and mental health support services are recommended. Promoting caffeine alternatives within healthcare institutions can be beneficial. Conclusion: Although caffeine may have potential benefits, its drawbacks, particularly concerning cardiovascular health, may surpass its advantages, especially when consumed in high doses. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for healthcare workers' well‐being and quality of patient care. Further research is required to refine and support these recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Community & Physician / Toplum ve Hekim is the property of Turk Tabipleri Birligi / Turkish Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The annual seasonal influenza vaccination rate among high-risk healthcare workers (HCWs) has fallen below expectations, underscoring the importance of exploring the impact of perception on vaccination behavior. An online survey, grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM), was administered to high-risk healthcare workers at West China Hospital. The data analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, logistic regression for univariate analysis, and path regression for multivariate analysis. A total of 1845 healthcare workers completed the survey, with an acceptance rate of 83.90% (95% CI, 82.20–85.60%). Path analysis revealed significant correlations between vaccination acceptance and perceived susceptibility (β = 0.142), perceived benefits (β = 0.129), perceived barriers (β = 0.075), exposure to vaccination advertisements (β = 0.115), and knowledge about seasonal influenza (β = 0.051). Vaccination education efforts should prioritize elucidating the risks associated with the disease and emphasizing the benefits of vaccination. Furthermore, leveraging advertising proves to be an effective strategy for promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of the entire population, and especially of the healthcare, due to their close contact with the virus and the health emergency. However, the diversity of studies makes it difficult to determine the prevalence of mental health problems in Spanish healthcare workers. This study aims to examine the studies carried out during COVID-19 with the Spanish healthcare population to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and burnout symptomatology. A systematic search of the articles in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed following PRISMA criteria. Pooled prevalence was obtained for all the mental health symptomatology from moderate to severe, as well as divided by wave. Our data revealed that 50.54% of healthcare workers reported stress, 41.02% burnout, 35.25% anxiety, 29.76% depression, and 25.82% PTSD symptomatology. Anxiety, depression, PTSD and burnout symptomatology diminished in the second and/or the third waves but increased in the following waves. However, stress showed the maximum prevalence during the second wave. Our study highlights a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare workers during health crises, and emphasizes the immediate need for mental health support for healthcare workers during and after pandemics. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout symptomatology exhibit a "valley" effect, initially decreasing but increasing with prolonged exposure to the COVID-19 health crisis. This underscores the necessity to implement prevention strategies to enhance stress management, emotional regulation skills, and coping abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the influence of organizational climate (OC) on individual innovative behavior (IIB) and examine the role of individual creativity (IC) as mediation in the construction of proposed relationships. This study involved 88 healthcare workers at Klungkung General Hospital. Data were collected using a 5-point Likert scale. The sampling method employed was non-probability based predefined criteria. Data analysis was done through a structural equation moeel (SEM) using SmartPLS. The result indicate that OC and IC positively and significantly impact IIB. Additionally, OC has a positive and significant impact on IC. Meanwhiie, IC acted as a partial mediation in the relationship between OC on IIB. Research on the impact of organizational climate on individual creativity and individual innovative behavior has primarily centered around the private sector. However, the organizational climate within public service entities, especially in healthcare, remains relatively unexplored. This presents a significant knowledge gap that merits further investigation. This research serves as a reference for formulating policy recommendations by hospital management regarding policies aimed at promoting an organizational climate that supports individual creativity and individual innovative behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The covid pandemic in India had put health-care workers (HCW) working in the frontline on the challenging end as they were facing the COVID-19 crisis diligently from the beginning of the pandemic in different positions and calibre. The present study was carried out to evaluate the mental health status of health care workers (HCWs) involved in the management of COVID-19 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the mental health status of the health care workers (HCWs) and quantify the magnitude of Insomnia, anxiety, depression and stress. Methodology: An online cross-sectional study using google forms was conducted among 166 health care workers including doctors and nurses involved in the management of COVID-19 patients at four different covid care centres out of 13 covid care centres in Visakhapatnamselected by random sampling method. Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) were used to assess the mental health disorders. Results: Prevalence of Insomnia was noted among 24.10% of the study and anxiety was estimated to be 19.3%. Mild depression was noted in 17.5%, while moderate, moderately severe and severe depression was noted in 11.4%, 6.6% and 2.4% of the study participants respectively. High perceived stress was noted in 3.6%, while 70.5% had moderate stress and 25.9% had low stress among the study participants. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the need to identify health-care workers who were at risk in order to provide them with comprehensive support and coping strategies to deal with them at an early stage during the pandemic situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, a worldwide health emergency has had extensive effects not just on the economy but also on mental well-being specifically among healthcare professionals. This study focuses on examining the extent and symptoms of post-traumatic stress as well as the causes associated with it, the techniques employed to respond and the effectiveness of coping mechanisms among healthcare professionals who are providing care to COVID-19 patients in certain hospitals located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This research used a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques. This included documentary analysis, surveys, mathematical and statistical analysis and in-depth interviews. The sample consisted of 638 healthcare workers aged between 21 and 63 working at Cho Ray Hospital and the COVID-19 Resuscitation Unit. The results suggest that a majority of healthcare professionals display indications of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ranging from occasional mild episodes occurring once a month to more severe occurrences exceeding 17 times per month. The research findings indicate that coping techniques show high individualization. While certain healthcare professionals may exhibit "normal" levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), effectively managing stress through rest, relaxation and personal time, others with varying degrees of PTSD necessitate professional therapeutic assistance to mitigate the risk of self-harm. This study highlights the pressing necessity for the provision of focused mental health assistance to healthcare personnel in light of the current epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection continues to rise globally, including in Malaysia, it is essential for healthcare workers (HCWs) to have adequate knowledge about the disease for diagnostic accuracy and to improve public health surveillance systems. This study aimed to assess awareness and measure the level of knowledge of CHIKV infection among HCWs in the Hulu Langat district and explore associated sociodemographic and skill-related factors. This was a cross-sectional study in which the questionnaire was physically distributed to participants using the universal sampling method. All participants (100%) were aware of CHIKV infection, and most (80.1%) had knowledge of the disease. Furthermore, networks such as professional members, family, and friends (27.8%), followed by professional development programs (23.1%), were identified as the common platforms utilized by HCWs to access information regarding CHIKV infection. Ordinal logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that the level of education (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23,) and HCWs who attended Continuing Medical Education (CME)/courses on CHIKV infection (OR = 1.73,) and had experience in handling the case (OR = 3.23,) were significantly associated with awareness and knowledge of the disease. Implementing continuous education and training can enhance HCWs' understanding of CHIKV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the combination of the best research evidence with our clinical expertise, specific situations, and the unique values of our patients. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of EBM training for healthcare workers (HCWs). Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of EBM training on HCWs' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to EBM. Methods: A self-reported online survey was carried out to investigate KAP related to EBM among HCWs at a tertiary hospital in Taizhou, China. HCWs participated in EBM training on 9 and 10 September 2023. The questionnaire survey was conducted to understand KAP related to EBM before and after the training, and to compare and analyze the results before and after the training. The R software (version 4.1.0) was used to analyze data. Results: Sixty-four HCWs completed the survey with a response rate of 52.5% (64/122). The overall average scores of KAP related to EBM before training were 55.3, 63.0, and 34.5, respectively, and 56.9, 66.5, and 34.7 were the scores of KAP after training. HCWs' scores of knowledge (P = 0.033) and attitude (P < 0.001) related to EBM improved significantly after the training. Conclusion: This study implied that EBM training may improve the knowledge and attitude of HCWs, and its teaching effect is considerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: When adverse events (AE) occur, there are different consequences for healthcare professionals. The environment in which professionals work can influence the experience. This study aims to explore the experiences of second victims (SV) among health professionals in Argentina. Methods: A phenomenological study was used with in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals. Audio recordings and verbatim transcriptions were analyzed independently for themes, subthemes, and codes. Results: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: navigating the experience, the environment, and the turning point. Subthemes were identified for navigating the experience to describe the process: receiving the impact, transition, and taking action. Conclusion: SVs undergo a process after an AE. The environment is part of this experience. It is a turning point in SVs' professional and personal lives. Improving the psychological safety (PS) environment is essential for ensuring the safety of SVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the initial phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, masking has been widely accepted in healthcare institutions to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infection. Evidence, however, is still scant and the role of masks in preventing healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 acquisition remains unclear.We investigated the association of variation in institutional mask policies with healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections in acute care hospitals in Switzerland during the BA.4/5 2022 wave. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 infections in hospitalized patients between June 1 and September 5, 2022, were obtained from the "Hospital-based surveillance of COVID-19 in Switzerland"-database and classified as healthcare- or community-associated based on time of disease onset. Institutions provided information regarding institutional masking policies for healthcare workers and other prevention policies. The percentage of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections was calculated per institution and per type of mask policy. The association of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections with mask policies was tested using a negative binominal mixed-effect model. Results: We included 2'980 SARS-CoV-2 infections from 13 institutions, 444 (15%) were classified as healthcare-associated. Between June 20 and June 30, 2022, six (46%) institutions switched to a more stringent mask policy. The percentage of healthcare-associated infections subsequently declined in institutions with policy switch but not in the others. In particular, the switch from situative masking (standard precautions) to general masking of HCW in contact with patients was followed by a strong reduction of healthcare-associated infections (rate ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.30–0.49). In contrast, when compared across hospitals, the percentage of health-care associated infections was not related to mask policies. Conclusions: Our findings suggest switching to a more stringent mask policy may be beneficial during increases of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections at an institutional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an emerging infectious disease with a heterogenous and uncertain transmission pattern, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a catastrophe in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and posed a significant challenge to infection control practices (ICPs) in healthcare settings. While the unique characteristics of psychiatric patients and clinical settings may make the implementation of ICPs difficult, evidence is lacking for compliance with ICPs among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a psychiatric setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional multi-method study based on participant unobtrusive observation coupled with the completion of a self-administered ICP survey was conducted to assess compliance with ICPs among HCWs in a psychiatric inpatient ward in a regional hospital. An online checklist, called eRub, was used to record the performance of HCWs in hand hygiene (HH) and other essential ICPs. Furthermore, a well-validated questionnaire (i.e., Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale, CSPS) was used to collect the participants' self-reported ICP compliance for later comparison. Results: A total of 2,670 ICP opportunities were observed from January to April 2020. The overall compliance rate was 42.6%. HCWs exhibited satisfactory compliance to the wearing of mask (91.2%) and the handling of clinical waste (87.5%); suboptimal compliance to the handling of sharp objects (67.7%) and linen (72.7%); and poor compliance to HH (3.3%), use of gloves (40.9%), use of personal protective equipment (20%), and disinfection of used surface/area (0.4%). The compliance rates of the nurses and support staff to HH were significantly different (χ2 = 123.25, p < 0.001). In the self-reported survey, the overall compliance rate for ICPs was 64.6%. Conclusion: The compliance of HCWs in a psychiatric inpatient ward to ICPs during the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from poor to suboptimal. This result was alarming. Revisions of current ICP guidelines and policies that specifically target barriers in psychiatric settings will be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Soundscape in dental clinics has varying degrees of impact on the emotions of healthcare workers and young patients. Emotions such as restlessness, anxiety, anger, and nervousness are commonly found among dental healthcare workers. Pediatric dental clinics are an important part of dental clinics, but there is a lack of research on the soundscape within pediatric dental clinics. Methods: This study focuses on a typical pediatric dental clinic, using a combination of field questionnaires and objective measurements. It aims to determine the impact of dominant sound sources on the emotional perception (nervousness, restlessness, anger, fear, pain) and hostile emotional responses of users in the pediatric dental clinic. Results: In the soundscape of pediatric dental clinics for young pediatric patients, users experience negative emotional perceptions (nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, anger, fear, and pain) and emotional responses of hostility. The dominant sound sources can be divided into two categories: dental (dental drill, air-water syringe, and saliva ejector) and nondental (children crying). Under the influence of dental dominant sound sources, there was a significant negative correlation between the emotional perceptions of healthcare workers and their negative emotional perceptions (p  <  0.05). Conversely, for young pediatric patients aged 0–11  years, a significant positive correlation was observed between their emotional perceptions and negative emotional perceptions. The mean perceived degrees of nervousness and fear in young pediatric patients were 1.82 and 1.71 times stronger, respectively, than those observed in healthcare workers. Under the influence of non-dental dominant sound sources, the average degree of emotional perception among healthcare workers was 0.71 higher than that of young pediatric patients, and anxiety perception was significantly enhanced (p  <  0.05). The mean degree of nervousness perception was 1 point higher in healthcare workers compared to young pediatric patients, restlessness perception was 1.1 stronger, and there was a presence of mild pain perception. In terms of demographic/social factors, age, occupation, and years of work significantly affected the perceptions of fear and restlessness among healthcare workers, while age had a significant impact on the emotional reaction of hostility in young pediatric patients. Discussion: The results of this study indicate that the soundscape is an important factor in creating a comfortable treatment environment in pediatric dental clinics. Healthcare workers and young pediatric patients are significantly affected by the dominant sound sources in the clinic, and these effects are closely related to demographic and social factors such as age, profession, and years of experience. This finding can provide more targeted methods and strategies for the design and creation of soundscapes in dental clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare workers often have irregular work schedules and experience significant stress, which can lead to poor sleep quality and frequent mental health issues, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of poor sleep hygiene and mental health complaints among healthcare workers and examine their associations. We investigated participants' typical sleep–wake patterns on workdays and free days as indicators of sleep hygiene. Sleep efficiency and social jetlag were calculated as the ratio of mean sleep duration to time spent in bed, while sleep rebound was defined as the difference in mean sleep duration between workdays and free days. Social jetlag was determined as the difference in mid-sleep timing between workdays and free days, with mid-sleep defined as the midpoint between bedtime and wake-up time. Insomnia severity was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Fatigue was measured using a single item inspired by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). A total of 1562 participants (80.5% women, mean age 40.0 years) were included in the study. The results revealed that 25.9% of participants slept less than 6 h, 24.3% had a sleep efficiency of less than 85%, 27.3% experienced a sleep rebound of more than 2 h, and 11.5% reported a social jetlag exceeding 2 h. Additionally, 33.9% of participants reported insomnia, 45.1% reported excessive daytime sleepiness, 13.1% reported fatigue, 16.5% reported symptoms of depression, and 35.7% reported symptoms of anxiety. After adjustment, mean sleep duration and sleep efficiency were associated with most mental health complaints. Sleep rebound and social jetlag were associated with significant insomnia but not with anxiety or depression symptoms. Our findings underscore the high prevalence of poor sleep hygiene and mental health complaints among healthcare workers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. We advocate for the promotion of sleep health through behavioral sleep strategies to safeguard the well-being of healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moral injury (i.e., perpetrating, witnessing, failing to prevent, or being a victim of acts that transgress one's moral beliefs, values, or ethics) has largely been studied in military‐connected populations and is associated with a range of adverse psychological sequelae. Emerging literature suggests that healthcare workers also experience moral injury, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. However, it is not known if moral injury contributes to substance use among healthcare workers or whether these effects might differ by gender, race/ethnicity, or occupational level. In March 2022, we collected self‐reported pilot data from a diverse sample of US healthcare workers (N = 200) We examined the cross‐sectional relationships between moral injury and several measures of substance use (i.e., current non‐medical use of prescription drugs [NMUPD], current cannabis use, current use of other illicit drugs, and hazardous drinking) using separate logistic regression models. Next, we used separate interaction models to examine if any of these relations differed by gender, race/ethnicity, or occupational level. In main effects models, healthcare workers reporting greater moral injury had greater odds of current NMUPD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.07; p < 0.001), current use of other illicit drugs (aOR = 1.09; p < 0.01), and hazardous drinking (aOR = 1.07; p < 0.01). These relations did not differ by race/ethnicity or occupational level (ps > 0.05); however, men were more likely to report current NMUPD and hazardous drinking (ps < 0.05) in the presence of high moral injury than women healthcare workers. Our findings suggest that healthcare workers experience substantial distress related to morally injurious events, which may affect their likelihood of NMUPD, cannabis use, use of other illicit drugs, and hazardous drinking, and that men in healthcare may be particularly at risk. Healthcare organizations should address systemic issues driving moral injury (e.g., resource shortages, lack of psychosocial support) to prevent substance‐related harms among healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to occupational exposure to potentially traumatic events, health care workers (HCWs) may be at risk of developing posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms or probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined probable PTSD, coping, and resilience among national HCWs working in Greece. A total of 17.9% of the sample of participants (N = 112) met the screening criteria for probable PTSD. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess if trauma coping self-efficacy (CSE) and resilience predicted probable PTSD, and the results indicated that lower trauma CSE significantly predicted probable PTSD in unadjusted models (OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.82, 0.96, p < 0.01) and adjusted models (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.83, 0.97, p < 0.01). Our study findings suggest that organizations that employ HCWs may support their workers through ongoing screening, assessment, and training that enhances coping self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 exacerbated burnout and mental health concerns among the healthcare workforce. Due to high work stress, demanding schedules made attuned eating behaviors a particularly challenging aspect of self-care for healthcare workers. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) mobile app for improving well-being among healthcare workers reporting elevated disordered eating during COVID-19. We conducted a mixed methods pre-mid-post single-arm pilot feasibility trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04921228). Deductive content analysis of participants' commentary generated qualitative themes. Linear mixed models were used to examine changes in pre- mid- to post-assessment scores on well-being outcomes. We consented 28 healthcare workers (25/89% female; 23/82% Non-Hispanic White; 22/79% nurses) to use and evaluate an HRVB mobile app. Of these, 25/89% fully enrolled by attending the app and device training; 23/82% were engaged in all elements of the protocol. Thirteen (52%) completed at least 10 min of HRVB on two-thirds or more study days. Most participants (18/75%) reported being likely or extremely likely to continue HRVB. Common barriers to engagement were busy schedules, fatigue, and technology difficulties. However, participants felt that HRVB helped them relax and connect better to their body's signals and experiences. Results suggested preliminary evidence of efficacy for improving interoceptive sensibility, mindful self-care, body appreciation, intuitive eating, stress, resilience, and disordered eating. HRVB has potential as a low-cost adjunct tool for enhancing well-being in healthcare workers through positively connecting to the body, especially during times of increased stress when attuned eating behavior becomes difficult to uphold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection prevention and control (IPC) standards have a unique role in controlling infection transmission. In Saudi Arabia, every healthcare facility is required to establish an IPC program to identify and reduce the risk of infection acquisition and transmission. This study aimed to estimate adherence to IPC measures after the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Najran City, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in Najran City during the period of May to August 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was given to HCWs consisting of three parts: demographic data, profile of healthcare facility and healthcare professional regarding infection control, and questionnaire to assess the adherence of HCWs regarding infection control measures. The study recruited 580 HCWs, of whom 57.6% were males, and 46.6% were aged between 31 and 40 years. The overall mean adherence score was 103.2±9.71 out of 150 points. Accordingly, 88.4% were classified as having moderate adherence, 10.2% were good, and only 1.4% were classified as having poor adherence. Some of the factors associated with increased adherence to IPC measures, include being female, being a nurse, being a practitioner, working in the hospital emergency department, and having a recognized antimicrobial stewardship program team/unit at a healthcare facility. There was satisfactory adherence among HCWs regarding infection prevention and control measures. Being a female, a nurse, a practitioner, working in a hospital emergency department, being a staff of a nonMOH (Ministry of Health) hospital, and having a recognized antimicrobial stewardship program team/ unit were identified as significant predictors of increased adherence. IPC measures can be optimized by setting up institutional IPC teams, necessary PPE, and periodic provision of IPC training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Risky exposure of healthcare workers to blood and body fluids is one of the most critical global issues. This study aimed to determine the frequency, conditions, and interventions of risky contacts and provide guidance on infection control measures to enhance occupational safety. Methods: Healthcare workers' risky contact with blood and body fluids was investigated from January 2013 to December 2022. The contact tracking forms for blood and body fluid exposures in the Infection Control Committee (ICC) were retrospectively examined. Furthermore, the effects of the regulatory activities implemented by the ICC on the problems detected during the active surveillance of risky contacts and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during the monitoring process were evaluated. Results: During the ten-year follow-up period, a total of 700 risky contacts were identified in 625 healthcare workers, with 643 (91.9%) resulting from needlestick and sharp injuries and 57 (8.1%) from skin and mucosal contact. Of the risky contacts, 262 (37.4%) occurred in internal medicine units, 171 (24.4%) in surgical units, and 112 (16%) in the emergency department, making these the most common locations for risky contacts. The most frequently reported occupational groups were, respectively, 267 (38%) interns, 185 (26%) nurses, and 173 (25%) cleaning staff. When evaluating how risky contacts occurred, it was determined that 215 (30.7%) occurred during invasive procedures, 108 (15.4%) while recapping the needle, and 528 (75%) resulted from needlestick injuries. It was determined that 13% of risky contacts applied to the ICC after 72 hours, and 79% used appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The highest rate of PPE usage, at 93%, was observed in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. In 2013, it was observed that the most common risky contacts occurred during waste collection, and over the years, injuries during waste collection decreased with training. Although the source was unknown in 32% of risky contacts, a decrease in the rate of risky contacts with unknown sources was achieved over time. Out of 478 risky contacts with known sources, 71 (14.9%) occurred with patients infected with hepatitis B, 35 (7.3%) with hepatitis C, and seven (1.5%) with HIV. Ninety-six per cent of the nurses were exposed to risky contacts, 93% of interns, 87% of doctors, 56% of cleaning personnel, and 84% of other healthcare workers were immune to hepatitis B. After a one-year follow-up period with post-exposure prophylaxis, no healthcare worker developed hepatitis B or HIV infection, while one person was found to be anti-HCV positive. Conclusion: Needlestick-sharp object injuries remain a significant issue. All healthcare institutions must regularly monitor risky contacts with blood and bodily fluids, identify problems, develop targeted infection control measures, and plan periodic training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Recently the developments in technology have had a positive impact on various sectors, including healthcare. This study aims to identify the perception and barriers of tele-health in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between October 2022 to May 2023 in Najran, Saudi Arabia. It was conducted among 520 healthcare workers (HCWs) working at Najran hospitals who completed the online survey. The data was collected by an online questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 24. Results: The findings showed that the study was conducted among both male (60%) and female (40%). Among them, nurses constituted 25.4% (n=132), followed by physicians 21.9% (n=114), respiratory and physiotherapists 21% (n=109), radiology technicians 18.7% (n=97), and pharmacists 13.1% (n=68). Out of 520, only 213 (41%) had used tele-health applications. Around 43% of HCWs felt relaxing while using the application, and 45.45% perceived it as being useful for patients with transportation difficulties. Additionally, 38% believed that it provides a confidential way of protecting patients’ information, and 36% would like to receive more training. In terms of beliefs, 42.5% of HCWs strongly agree that the application implied major modifications in their routine practice. Moreover 72% of the participants reported that technical issues could be one of the top challenges that may face tele-health usages. Conclusion: The HCWs perceived the use of tele-health as positive, valuable and confidential in monitoring and providing health care. However, obstacles such as the lack of time or a busy schedule delayed the use of tele-health among HCWs in Najran, Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in India, two vaccinees were predominantly administered to prevent the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first vaccine introduced in India was ChAdOx1-nCOV (Covishield), followed by BBV-152 (Covaxin). In the first phase, Healthcare Workers (HCW) were prioritised for vaccination, given their crucial role in the healthcare system. Aim: To assess the antibody response post Covishield vaccination at specific time intervals in HCWs and to determine the correlation of antibody response with age, gender, comorbidities and blood group. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Dr. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil Rural Medical College, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Maharashtra, India, over a duration of six months from January 2021 to June 2021. A total of 110 vaccinated HCWs who volunteered were included in this study. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at specific time intervals were assessed using Ortho Clinical Diagnostic's VITROS 3600 based on the principle of Chemiluminescent Immunosorbent Assay (CLIA). Assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total and IgG antibodies was performed at 15 days, one month, one and a half months, two months, three months, and four months postfirst dose of vaccination, or in other words, 15 days and one month after the 1st dose, and 15 days, one month, two months, and three months post second dose of vaccination. For analysis, Pearson's correlation and a regression model were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 version. Results: Fifteen days post second dose, 110 HCWs (100%) and 109 (99.09%) HCWs turned seropositive for total antibodies and IgG antibodies, respectively. It was observed that the majority of participants (33, 30.27%) with peak IgG levels in the medium range were from the age group of 31-40 years. Overall, there was a negative correlation between age and IgG antibody levels for peak IgG values (r-value=-0.224, p-value=0.019). The peak values were achieved in the majority of participants 15 days post second dose (53.6%). The difference in antibody levels based on gender was not significant (Chi-square value=3.387, p-value=0.184). No significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels was observed between participants with co-morbidities and those without co-morbidities. Participants who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection during the study period exhibited robust antibody responses after vaccination. Conclusion: These findings help elucidate Covishield vaccinespecific antibody responses in vaccinees of different age groups, genders, blood groups, and with co-morbid conditions. The vaccine has substantially reduced the burden of disease by preventing serious illness in vaccinated HCWs during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is debate about the causes of the recent birth rate decline in high‐income countries worldwide. During the pandemic, concern about the effects on reproductive health has caused vaccine hesitancy. We investigated the association of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and infection with involuntary childlessness. Methods: Females in fertility age within a prospective multicenter cohort of healthcare workers (HCW) were followed since August 2020. Data on baseline health, SARS‐CoV‐2‐infection, and vaccination were obtained and regularly updated, in which serum samples were collected repetitively and screened for anti‐nucleocapsid and anti‐spike antibodies. In October 2023, participants indicated the presence of involuntary childlessness with onset during the pandemic, whereas those indicating an onset before the pandemic were excluded. The association of involuntary childlessness and SARS‐CoV‐2‐vaccination and infection was investigated using univariable and multivariable analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to compare those reporting involuntary childlessness with those birthing a child since 2020. Results: Of 798 participants, 26 (3.2%) reported involuntary childlessness starting since the pandemic. Of the involuntary childless women, 73.1% (19/26) were vaccinated compared to 86.0% (664/772) without involuntary childlessness (p = 0.73). SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was reported by 76.9% (20/26) compared to 72.4% (559/772) of controls (p = 0.64). Neither SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination (aOR 0.91 per dose, 95%CI 0.67–1.26) nor infection (aOR per infection 1.05, 95%CI 0.62–1.71) was associated with involuntary childlessness. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. Conclusions: Among female HCW of fertility age, 3.2% indicated involuntary childlessness, which is comparable to pre‐pandemic data. No association between involuntary childlessness and SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination or infection was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Written emotional disclosure (WED) is a creative writing intervention that allows a person to confront emotions and traumatic experiences, which has been shown to produce well‐being benefits and could be used to support healthcare workers (HCWs). Written emotional disclosure is usually delivered as a written intervention, and despite some research exploring the effects of other forms of typing interventions using emotional expression, expressive writing and structured writing, the efficacy of WED as a typing‐based intervention is yet to be examined. Aim: The aim of this mixed method feasibility study was to address whether a writing or typing WED intervention would reduce HCW's mental health symptoms. Additionally, to address whether the WED intervention groups were acceptable to HCW as a supportive intervention. Findings: Fifty‐five participants (seven males) aged between 22 and 60 took part in this study. The results demonstrate that both the writing and typing WED intervention groups significantly reduce mental health symptoms. Most participants (96.4%) deemed both the WED intervention groups acceptable. Conclusion: Therefore, WED interventions could potentially be integrated into existing counselling and therapeutic interventions to support HCW and could be implemented within the existing debrief and clinical supervision frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Needle Stick Injuries (NSIs) are defined as accidental skin-penetrating stab wounds from a hollow-bore needle containing another person's blood or body fluid. NSIs are one of the most potential hazards for health care workers. They pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess knowledge and practice toward needle stick injuries among health care workers (HCWs) at public hospitals in Mukalla city. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among health care workers at Ibn Sina General Hospital Authority and Mukalla Maternal and Childhood Hospital. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used for the data collection. Descriptive statistics were made to analyze the collected data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: Most respondents, 194 (75.8%) aged between (21-31) years, males and females were almost equally distributed. Vast majority of HCWs 234 (91.4%) have a good knowledge regarding NSIs, while only 22 (8.6%) have a poor knowledge. Most of HCWs 237 (92.6%) have a poor practice toward NSIs, while only 19 (7.4%) have a good practice. Conclusion: Majority of HCWs have a good knowledge, and poor practice toward NSIs. Most of them know that NSIs can be preventable. More than two thirds strongly agree that needles should be discarded immediately after use. Only less than one third use the one-hand method for recapping needles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection between Sero-positive and Sero-negative healthcare workersafter 6 months in a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Prospective Cohort study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Kohat Pakistan, from Aug 2020 to Jan 2021. Methodology: Two Hundred and eighty-eight healthcare workers were included by non-probability consecutive sampling. They were divided into two groups according to SARS-CoV-2 IgG-Ab status at baseline as sero-positive and sero-negative. They were folowed for six months period and symptomatic healthcare workers were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT PCR. Individuals from al departments were included and used standard personal protective equipment. Results: Out of 288 Healthcare workers 240(83.33%) were male and 48(16.67%) were female. At baseline, 42(14.58%) individuals were sero-positive and 246(85.42%) were sero-negative for SARS-CoV-2 Ab. During 6 months of folow up 28(11.38%) symptomatic sero-negative Health Care Workers were tested positive for COVID-19 infection by RT PCR. None of the sero-positive Health Care Workers was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Risk of infection was higher in seronegative group (Odds ratio 1.19 with 95% CI; 1.13-1.26). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2Ab may offer immunity againstCOVID-19 infection as no infection was observed in sero-positive individuals as compared to 11.2% in sero-negative individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Health indicators provide up-to-date information on the health status of a population. This study aimed to classify the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries according to health indicators and assess their status. Methods: The dataset was obtained from the OECD and World Bank databases. The most recent data from 2018 to 2022 were used. The dataset included the number of hospital beds, computed tomography scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units, mammography machines, and radiotherapy machines as indicators of health equipment and the number of doctors, nurses, medical graduates, and nursing graduates as indicators of healthcare workers. The classification was performed using latent profile analysis (LPA). Estimated classes were compared using ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Three distinct classes were obtained from the models constructed with LPA (Akaike information criteria: 1674.91, Bayesian information criteria: 1726.87, Lo-Mendell-Rubin adjusted likelihood ratio test: p<0.001). The number of countries in the classes was 11, 14, and 4, respectively. The number of MRI units was the most prominent variable in separating the classes (p=0.001). Türkiye was in the same class as Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, and Slovenia. The numbers for all indicators in Türkiye were below the average of its class, except for the numbers of MRI units and medical graduates. Conclusions: This study found the number of MRI units to be the most prominent indicator in categorizing OECD countries into three different classes, whereas the number of hospital beds and nurses did not differ across the defined classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives were to determine the surgical modality with the lowest aerosol and droplets generated by commonly used modalities in oropharyngeal and laryngeal surgery. Methods: A simulation of oropharyngeal and laryngeal surgery was set up using fresh sheep heads. Four common surgical modalities were utilized: cold steel, electrocautery, coblation, and microdebrider. The resultant aerosol generated was evaluated using two measurement modalities at two key positions in the theater. (1) DustTrak Pro Aerosol Monitor was used to measure the concentration of particles. (2) Fluorescein dye coated on the oropharynx and larynx, and the resultant scatter on paper. Results: Electrocautery and coblation produced statistically significant increases in the concentration of aerosols (p < .001). Microdebrider and cold steel instrumentation produced the least aerosols. No measurable fluorescein droplets were noted for all four modalities. Conclusion: Electrocautery and coblation produced higher concentrations of aerosols. Mitigation factors should be considered with instruments with increased aerosolization. These modalities show low droplet-related infection risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 new deaths' highest numbers in Southeast Asia were reported from Indonesia, with 8,784 new deaths. Healthcare workers (HCWs) have several roles in the COVID-19 vaccine implementation. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine perception and belief among HCWs and identify demographic mapping by using the geographical information system. This study used a quantitative method with cross-sectional design, wherein 112 registered HCWs in the Indonesian hospital and healthcare centre were shared a survey questionnaire using Google Forms® and then visualised it through geographic mapping. The perception of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine was considered good but in contrast to the belief. There was a significant relationship between age [ p value =.021; odds ratio (OR): 2.692; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.229–5.896] and also HCWs' workplace (p value =.040; OR: 0.231; 95% CI: 0.0620–0.862) towards the belief of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Developing strategies to decrease HCWs and public hesitation and increase trust is vital for implementing vaccination programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]