Appropriate Use Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Edukasi Masyarakat Terhadap Proteksi Bahaya Sistem Kelistrikan Pada Rumah

One of the dangers in electricity is heat explosions, hot gas and liquid metal caused by short circuits in equipment connected to the voltage source system. In general, this occurs as a result of a lack of knowledge regarding how to maintain electricity and the public's knowledge regarding appropriate electrical materials for use in the household. The purpose of community service. Periodic Inspection and Maintenance. Teach the public to carry out regular inspections and maintenance on electrical installations, such as checking worn cables, loose sockets and protection devices. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Provide information regarding the appropriate use of PPE, such as gloves or special footwear when carrying out maintenance or handling electrical equipment. Use electrical equipment that complies with safety standards and is of high quality, and ensure that the installation is carried out by experts. Education and preventing the dangers of the electrical system in the home is a long-term investment to maintain the safety and security of the community. Consistent implementation of this education and implementation of preventive mechanisms will help reduce the risk of electrical hazards in the home. Electrical system hazard detection provides education to the public in choosing the right materials for use in the household

Analisa Tingkat Resiko Pada Proyek Pembangunan Pergantian Sei. Singgalang Kabupaten Kampar

The bridge replacement construction project involves numerous hazards that workers must bear, such as falling from heights, getting caught or trapped, being struck by materials, and others. After conducting an observation of the issues present in the Sei. Singgalang Bridge replacement project in Kampar Regency, it was found that many workers do not comply with safety regulations, such as not using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This poses a significant danger to the workers, considering that the work is carried out at elevated heights. Thus, a hazard assessment is necessary to identify the risks associated with the project. The Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Risk Control (HIRARC) methodology was chosen to be this assessment. HIRARC allows for evaluating hazards in each subtask and obtaining ratings for each identified risk. Based on Severity Index results, out of the 15 identified hazards, there are risks with a risk level exceeding 80%, falling under the category of Very High (VH) risk. The matrix table displays 11 risks with a scale of 25, 3 risks with a scale of 20, and 1 risk with a scale of 16 among all identified hazards. Consequently, it can be concluded that the risks in this project are categorized as high-risk hazards, and measures need to be implemented to control the identified risks. This can be achieved through elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use of appropriate PPE according to the hazards present at each workstation.

A novel approach to biological risk surveillance in occupational hygiene: A case study on the use of quantitative microbial risk assessment to determine occupational risks for wastewater treatment plants workers in Costa Rica

Wastewater treatment is essential for preventing infectious diseases and water pollution. To perform this process, workers operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs); thus, they are exposed to the many pathogens in domestic wastewater. Consequently, it is necessary assess occupational exposure to pathogens in WWTPs. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is an approach for estimating the risk posed by a specific pathogen which can be useful for occupational hygiene assessments of biological risk. In this study, we applied QMRA, informed by occupational field surveillance, to estimate the potential risk for WWTP workers. Furthermore, we used simulations to test additional control strategies such as personal protective equipment (PPE). The QMRA was conducted for three WWTPs in Costa Rica with data collected between May 2020 and May 2021. Observation in each workplace showed a need for more consistent application of risk reduction strategies in the work environment, especially in behavior, infrastructure, and use of appropriate PPE. Cryptosporidium sp., Giardia sp., norovirus, and enterovirus genus were measured and detected in the WWTPs, and the treatment performance was unsatisfactory. As a result, the total health disease burden was higher than the benchmark for drinking water recommended by WHO (1.00 × 10−6 DALY per person per year) by between one and three magnitudes orders in all WWTPs for the three exposure scenarios (operation, maintenance, and visitors). The simulation demonstrated that using PPE could reduce the estimated disease burden by nearly two orders of magnitude. Still, this control measure did not reach a level below the benchmark risk (less than 1.00 × 10−6 DALY per person per year) for the WWTP workers. This study highlights the importance of using PPE with other control measures, such as automation or barriers, to isolate exposure sources. However, this study employed an uncommon approach in occupational health and hygiene, which combined field inspections, survival analysis, and QMRA, using field surveillance to understand the occupational environment and potential exposure routes, which is crucial for hazard identification and risk assessment. In addition, exposure modeling and QMRA were used to simulate different control scenarios, providing a robust estimate of potential risks associated with occupational exposure.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Use of Personal Protective Equipment in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review.

To review existing literature evaluating barriers and facilitators to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by health care workers in long-term care (LTC). Scoping review. Health care workers in LTC settings. Several online databases were searched and a gray literature search was conducted. Study inclusion criteria were (1) conducted in nursing homes or LTC settings, (2) focused on LTC health care workers as the study population, and (3) identified barriers and/or facilitators to PPE use. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which assesses barriers to implementation across 14 behavioral change domains, was used to extract and organize data about barriers and facilitators to appropriate use of PPE from the included studies. A total of 5216 references were screened for eligibility and 10 studies were included in this review. Eight of the 10 studies were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several barriers and facilitators to PPE use were identified. The most common TDF domain identified was environmental context and resources, which was observed in 9 of the 10 studies. Common barriers to PPE use included supply issues (n= 7 studies), the cost of acquisition (n= 3 studies), unclear guidelines on appropriate use of PPE (n= 2 studies), difficulty providing care (n= 2 studies), and anxiety about frightening patients (n= 2 studies). Having PPE readily available facilitated the use of PPE (n= 2 studies). Further research is necessary to identify barriers and facilitators more extensively across behavior change domains to develop effective strategies to improve PPE use and prevent infection transmission within LTC.

A cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude, and practices of donning and doffing of personal protective equipment: an institutional survey on interns during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a physical barrier that healthcare workers (HCW) wear to stop the transmission of a pathogen from a pathologic specimen or a confirmed or suspected case. It prevents the spread of disease from patient to HCWs as well as the other way around. Eyewear, face shield, surgical mask, particulate respirators, glove, disposable gowns and boots, and head coverings are some examples of these physical barriers. The primary objective of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of interns towards appropriate use of PPE and secondary objective is to find the role of training on donning and doffing of PPE of interns towards appropriate use of PPE.Methods: This is an institutional based, analytical cross-sectional study. Data was collected from interns (n=130) posted in COVID-19 ward using a universal sampling method. A predesigned questionnaire was used for study. The data was analyzed using SPSS 26 trial versionResults: Interns were aware of the importance and criticality of donning and doffing procedure, overall level of KAP of donning and doffing of PPE were 96.90%, 73.10% and 86.20% respectively. We found that there was statistically significant mean difference between the KAP scores with respect to training of PPE.Conclusions: There were some gaps in KAP at institutional level among the interns with regards to donning and doffing of PPE during the beginning of this pandemic.

Corona virus pandemic response among health workers in selected health facilities in Meru County

Corona virus pandemic response among health workers in selected health facilities in Meru County

Guidance for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of Children With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19.

This article aims to provide guidance to health care workers for the provision of basic and advanced life support to children and neonates with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It aligns with the 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular care while providing strategies for reducing risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to health care providers. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and cardiac arrest should receive chest compressions and defibrillation, when indicated, as soon as possible. Because of the importance of ventilation during pediatric and neonatal resuscitation, oxygenation and ventilation should be prioritized. All CPR events should therefore be considered aerosol-generating procedures. Thus, personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for aerosol-generating procedures (including N95 respirators or an equivalent) should be donned before resuscitation, and high-efficiency particulate air filters should be used. Any personnel without appropriate PPE should be immediately excused by providers wearing appropriate PPE. Neonatal resuscitation guidance is unchanged from standard algorithms, except for specific attention to infection prevention and control. In summary, health care personnel should continue to reduce the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission through vaccination and use of appropriate PPE during pediatric resuscitations. Health care organizations should ensure the availability and appropriate use of PPE. Because delays or withheld CPR increases the risk to patients for poor clinical outcomes, children and neonates with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should receive prompt, high-quality CPR in accordance with evidence-based guidelines.

Serology suggests adequate safety measures to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 in Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Healthcare workers (HCWs), especially frontline workers against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are considered to be risky because of occupational exposure to infected patients. This study evaluated the correlation between seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies among HCWs and the implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE) & infection prevention and control (IPC). We recruited 1237 HCWs from nine public COVID-19-designated hospitals in Shiga Prefecture, central Japan, between 15-26 February 2021. All participants answered a self-administered questionnaire and provided blood samples to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A total of 22 cases (1·78%) were seropositive among the 1237 study participants. An unavoidable outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 had occurred at the terminal care unit of one hospital, before identifying and securely isolating this cluster of cases. Excluding with this cluster, 0·68% of HCWs were suspected to have had previous SARS-CoV-2 infections. Binomial logistic regression from individual questionnaires and seropositivity predicted a significant correlation with N95 mask implementation under aerosol conditions (p = 8.63e-06, aOR = 2.47) and work duration in a red zone (p = 2.61e-04, aOR = 1.99). The institutional questionnaire suggested that IPC education was correlated with reduced seropositivity at hospitals. Seroprevalence and questionnaire analyses among HCWs indicated that secure implementation of PPE and re-education of IPC are essential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection within healthcare facilities. Occupational infections from SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings could be prevented by adhering to adequate measures and appropriate use of PPE. With these measures securely implemented, HCWs should not be considered against as significantly risky or dirty by local communities.

Occupational Prevention of COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings: Compliance and Perceived Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment.

It is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs) to comply with infection prevention and control precautions such as the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for their safety and the safety of patients. In this study, we aimed to assess HCWs' compliance with the appropriate use of PPE in primary healthcare settings in Qatar along with its associated factors and explore their perceived effectiveness of different PPE items in protecting against COVID-19 infection. A Web-based survey was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021 targeting all clinical HCWs under the umbrella of Primary Health Care Corporation. A total of 757 HCWs completed the survey, and most were between 30 and 39 years of age (50.2%), females (62.7%), and nurses (35.3%). Eighty eight percent of participants believed that PPE could provide high or very high protection against COVID-19. About one-half (53%) were found to be fully compliant with PPE use during patient interactions with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, whereas three-quarters (76.3%) were fully compliant while performing aerosol-generating procedures. Healthcare workers' age, nationality, health center region, area of work, clinical experience, frequency of interaction with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the perceived effectiveness of PPE were significant predictors of full compliance with PPE. Shortage of PPE was the commonest reported barrier to appropriate use. Despite HCWs' high perceived effectiveness for PPE in protecting against COVID-19 infection, their full compliance rate with using PPE was moderate and needs further improvement.

Personal Protective Equipment: Attitudes and Behaviors Among Nurses at a Single University Medical Center.

Introduction: Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of infectious disease transmission through occupational exposure. Despite this, rates of personal protective equipment (PPE) use vary among healthcare personnel. This cross-sectional study surveyed healthcare workers at a single academic center to determine how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the perceptions and behaviors of PPE usage.Methods: An anonymous online survey through the SurveyMonkey® tool (Zendesk Inc., San Francisco, California) was sent to the University of California, Irvine, Medical Center department listserv of nurses on March 20, 2021, and was closed on June 20, 2021.Results: Of 311 respondents, 23% admitted to suffering a splash injury to the face during a procedure. When compared to one year ago prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, PPE was more important (93% vs. 80%) and more frequently used (80% vs. 54%) by respondents. The recent COVID-19 pandemic had the strongest impact on increasing respondents’ perception of the importance of PPE (44%).Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted rates of PPE usage and perceptions of the importance of PPE among healthcare workers at a single academic institution. Implementing clear and effective education and training programs, ensuring adequate access to protective gear, and promoting a positive safety climate can help improve adherence to safety protocols and appropriate use of PPE.

Epidemiological investigation of a tularaemia outbreak after a hare hunt in Bavaria, Germany, 2018.

In November 2018, a tularaemia outbreak occurred in Bavaria, Germany, among participants of a hare hunt and butchery employees handling the hares. We conducted an epidemiological outbreak investigation, including a retrospective cohort study among hunting participants, to identify likely transmission routes and activities associated with infection. Twelve of 41 participants were antibody-positive for Francisella (F.) tularensis (attack rate: 29%). Cases reported influenza-like symptoms (n=11), lymphadenopathy (n=1) and conjunctivitis (n=1). Infection only occurred in those hunting participants present while hares were processed, while risk of infection was highest when directly involved (RR=10.0; 95%CI: 2.6-392). F.tularensis was isolated from 1/4 hares. Only two individuals reported using some of the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Occurrence of mainly non-specific symptoms, likely due to early treatment, was not indicative of a specific transmission route. Transmissions via direct (skin/mucosa) contact and by inhalation of contaminated aerosols seem plausible. Promoting and increasing appropriate use of PPE among people processing hares is crucial to prevent future outbreaks.

Investigating the Effective Factors of Using Personal Protective Equipment from the Perspective of Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Considering the importance of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing COVID-19 transmission, the aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the use of PPE from the perspective of the nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. This descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed 240 nurses working in the central COVID-19 hospitals of Arak, Iran. Nurses were enrolled in the study by a convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent sample t-test. Environmental (4.24 ± 0.45), personal (4.16 ± 0.42), and organizational (4.04 ± 0.50) factors all contribute significantly to nursing attitudes about PPE use (p < 0.05). The average score, combining all identified factors, was 4.15 ± 0.31. The most influential factor contributing to appropriate use of PPE was environmental, while the least impactful parameters were related to rules and regulations. Environmental factors have the greatest impact on the use of PPE from the perspective of the nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. Managers and healthcare organizations should provide appropriate and adequate PPE to nurses, educate them on proper use, and monitor the process to resolve barriers.

Adherence to Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health-Care Personnel: A Louisiana Case Study.

The aim of this study was to determine the extent that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, was used during the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by health-care personnel (HCP) in Louisiana in 5 clinical settings. An online questionnaire was distributed to the LA Nursery registry. Appropriate use of PPE in each of the 5 clinical scenarios was defined by the authors based on CDC guidelines. The scenarios ranged from communal hospital space to carrying out aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). A total of 1760 HCP participated between June and July 2020. The average adherence in LA was lowest for the scenario of carrying out AGPs at 39.5% compliance and highest for the scenario of patient contact when COVID-19 not suspected at 82.8% compliance. Adherence among parishes varied widely. Commentary to suggest a shortage of PPE supply and the practice of re-using PPE was strong. Use of appropriate PPE varied by setting. It was higher in scenarios where only face masks (or respirators) were the standard (ie, community hospital or when COVID-19 not suspected) and lower in scenarios where additional PPE (eg, gloves, eye protection, and isolation gown) was required.

Assess the Level of Practice on Usage of Personal Protective Equipment among Health Care Workers

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) provides a physical barrier between microorganism and wearer. It’s important to assess the level of compliance with use of PPE by the various health care workers (HCWs) who make direct contact with patients. Methods: Non-experimental descriptive design was used with quantitative survey approach. Setting of the study was in a tertiary hospital, Bengaluru. Samples were all HCWs those who were available during study period. Sample size was total 200. Non probability, purposive sampling technique was used for the study. The data was collected using an observational checklist. Results: Out of 200 HCWs, majority (34%) was nursing students and remaining (33%) of each were doctors, and staff nurses. Percentage wise distribution of HCWs according to the level of practice on usage of PPE in wards showed that majority (60%) had average practice, whereas the lowest percentages (6%) had poor practice. Majority (72%) of HCWs in intensive care unit (ICU), operation theatre (OT) and labour room (LR) had good practice whereas the lowest percentage (1%) had poor practice. There was significant association found between the practice scores on usage of PPE with the selected demographic variables i.e. HCWs, age, educational qualification and years of work experience. Conclusion: Findings of the present study concluded that there is a requisite to improve the practices of HCWs’ on usage of PPE. Periodic reinforcement and training programs are needed for all level of HCWs in order to maintain adherence with appropriate use of PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment Adherence of Pediatric Resuscitation Team Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Study objectiveDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers have had the highest risk of infection among essential workers. Although personal protective equipment (PPE) use is associated with lower infection rates, appropriate use of PPE has been variable among health care workers, even in settings with COVID-19 patients. We aimed to evaluate the patterns of PPE adherence during emergency department resuscitations that included aerosol-generating procedures.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, video-based review of pediatric resuscitations involving one or more aerosol-generating procedures during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (March to June 2020). Recommended adherence (complete, inadequate, absent) with 5 PPE items (headwear, eyewear, masks, gowns, gloves) and the duration of potential exposure were evaluated for individuals in the room after aerosol-generating procedure initiation.ResultsAmong the 345 health care workers observed during 19 resuscitations, 306 (88.7%) were nonadherent (inadequate or absent adherence) with the recommended use of at least 1 PPE type at some time during the resuscitation, 23 (6.7%) of whom had no PPE. One hundred and forty health care workers (40.6%) altered or removed at least 1 type of PPE during the event. The aggregate time in the resuscitation room for health care workers across all events was 118.7 hours. During this time, providers had either absent or inadequate eyewear for 46.4 hours (39.1%) and absent or inadequate masks for 35.2 hours (29.7%).ConclusionFull adherence with recommended PPE use was limited in a setting at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 virus aerosolization. In addition to ensuring appropriate donning, approaches are needed for ensuring ongoing adherence with PPE recommendations during exposure.

Occupation-Related Injuries Among Healthcare Workers: Incidence, Risk Groups, and the Effect of Training.

Background and objectiveOccupation-related injuries (ORIs) are undesirable and harmful situations among healthcare workers (HCWs) and may have serious consequences. In this study, we aimed to identify and analyze ORI incidences, risk groups, and the outcomes of a training program to prevent them.Materials and methodsBetween January 2011 and December 2019, HCWs who applied for infection prevention and control (IPC) due to ORIs (percutaneous needlestick and sharp-object injury or contact with blood or body fluids) were included in the study. Their characteristic features, vaccine histories, injury types, viral serologies, and administered prophylaxis were recorded. After 2014, a periodic ORI training program was started. We used joinpoint regression analysis to compare the ORI incidences before and after the education program.ResultsDuring the nine-year study period, 965 ORIs were registered. The mean age of HCWs was 39.3 ± 8.4 years, and 67.9% of them were female. The total injury incidence for all professions was 34.1 (95% CI: 33.1-37.5) per 1,000 HCWs. The injury incidences were significantly higher in nurses compared to other HCWs (p<0.01). Most of the injuries occurred in the ward setting (37%). HCWs were injured most commonly while administering treatment (36.7%). The trend analysis for the incidence of injuries showed no significant change throughout the study period. The trend in personal protective equipment (PPE) use showed a significant increase (annual percentage change: 1.7, p<0.01).ConclusionsThe major finding of this study with respect to its implication on the healthcare system is that nurses are an important risk group for ORIs. Although the ORI incidence did not change during the study period, a significantly increased use of appropriate PPE following a systematic training program implementation was observed.

Evaluation of Appropriate Usage of Ppe Among Healthcare Providers During Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: Shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), inadequate staff training regarding PPE usage, and confused PPE guidance led to infections and deaths among healthcare workers in many countries. Protection of healthcare workers is needed as they are delivering essential services during the pandemic time. So, the main aim of our study is to evaluate the appropriate use of PPE among healthcare providers (HCPs) during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among the HCPs of India during September and October. A 15-item self-administered questionnaire was used, and Excel 2019 and SPPS 24 were used for statistical analysis. A χ2 test was performed to determine the role of sociodemographic characteristics on appropriate usage of PPE. RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen HCPs have participated in our study. About 44.9% of the study participants know the proper way of donning the PPE, and 38.9% of the study participants know the proper way of doffing the PPE. About 40.6% of the study participants were aware of place for PPE removal and how to dispose a PPE; 69.49% of the study participants were aware of guidelines of donning and doffing of PPE recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of breathing difficulty, headaches, suffocation, dehydration, hair problems, and skin irritation/maceration among frontline healthcare personnel using PPE during pandemic was seen. Appropriate usage of PPE is vital in safeguarding the HCPs and restriction of the spread of viral infection in the hospital setting.

Effectiveness of inspectors' team in increasing compliance with personal protective equipment use and reducing COVID19 infection spread among healthcare workers

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCW) were amongst the front-liners in the mission to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and thus bore a huge risk of infection. Therefore, personal protective equipment (PPE) is of vital importance. There are several methods described in the literature to increase compliance with PPE use and reduce occupational infections. One of those methods is the institution of PPE inspectors that ensure proper adherence to PPE protocols and ultimately improve the outcomes of many HCWs. MethodsA team of PPE inspectors was introduced in a tertiary care university hospital, where they randomly evaluated and reinforced PPE use in accordance with the guidelines set by the local health authority. The study period was from the 10th of May 2020 until the 31st of August 2020. The evaluations were divided into three categories; appropriate, missing, or unnecessary use of PPE and were compared to trends in healthcare workers' COVID-19 infection rates. ResultsA total of 720 HCWs were evaluated from the 10th of May 2020 until the 31st of August 2020. The appropriate use of PPE increased from 56% to 89% during the study period. Meanwhile, the incidence of COVID-19 infection among HCWs, which has peaked to 31 cases per day on the 18th of May 2020, has been declining to below 5 cases per day towards the end of the study period. ConclusionPPE inspectors' team served a positive role in increasing compliance with PPE use and was associated with a reduction in the transmission of SARS-Cov-2 among HCWs.

Which Predisposing Factors Influence The Farmers in Compliance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Farmers who work in the agricultural sector are workers who need attention in the field of occupationalsafety and health because of the combinations of hazard and risk. One of them is the risk of pesticides, suchas poisoning to death. To prevent it, the use of appropriate PPE is the best solution, but most farmers do notcomply with them. The specific purpose of this study was to find in-depth information about the use of PPEby vegetable farmers. It is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach to study the phenomenonof PPE non-compliance among vegetable farmers. Sampling was carried out by using purposive samplingtechnique, which involved 18 farmers from different village. Data were analyzed using content analysis.The result showed that the farmers had worked for more than 10 years. They knew the function of PPEand the impact of not using it, education had no impact on compliance of using PPE based on the majorityof farmer’s education. Also, the farmers can not provide the nominal for purchasing PPE, because it isincidental so income has not contributed to compliance of using PPE. And although most of the farmershave a good attitude to compliance of using PPE, it has no impact on compliance of using PPE in vegetablefarmers. It can conclude that the predisposing factors in this study are considered insufficient to make apositive contribution to compliance with the use of PPE.

Use of personal protective equipment among doctors deployed in COVID-19 duty and factors affecting it

COVID 19 or Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 continues to spread globally due to its high transmissibility. The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern. The aim of this study was to determine the use of Personal Protective Equipment among the doctors deployed in COVID-19 duty in the state of Maharashtra, India and the factors affecting it. This was a cross sectional, questionnaire-based study. The study population consisted of doctors including residents and interns who were engaged in the government and private practice in the state of Maharashtra. 146 health professionals participated in the study, out of which 122 were considered for analysis. A self-designed, pre-validated questionnaire was administered to them. The questionnaire was divided into 3 sections which included questions regarding professional details, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and factors affecting it. Statistical analysis was done using Descriptive statistical test such as Chi square test and Odds ratio (OR). 84.4% of the participants were using PPE appropriately as per guidelines by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on "The Rational Use of Personal Protective Equipment". 86.8% had awareness regarding these guidelines. 62.3% of the health professionals had received training regarding its usage. 17.2% reported that PPE were rarely available in the hospital, while for 44.3% PPEs were provided sometimes. There was a statistically significant association of appropriate use of PPE with awareness (p=0.026) training (p=0.025), and availability (p=0.001). Significant association of use of PPEs with their availability in the hospital, awareness about the guidelines and training provided was seen. There is an urgent need to promote a strong culture of safety in the health care system via educational and training programs. The present study shows that most of the subjects were using PPE appropriately as per the guidelines issued by Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, yet there were significant gaps in some of the important aspects such as availability in hospital, awareness about the guidelines and training provided. These findings clearly indicate the importance of promoting a strong culture of safety via health education and training programs across all healthcare professionals.