Professional Category Research Articles

Healthcare Workers’ Perceptions of Patient Safety Culture in United States Hospitals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Despite leading in healthcare spending, the United States sees only marginal improvements in patient outcomes among developed nations. Assessing patient safety culture (PSC) through the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) provides insights into overall patient safety and attitudes toward medical errors. This study aims to examine PSC in U.S. hospitals across professional categories via a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature. Methods: Embase, PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Scopus, and AHRQ’s Bibliography were consulted for identifying studies. A total of 31 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion, which garnered 608,443 survey participants in a national population of hospital healthcare professionals. For each professional category of PSC, a fixed and random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and a subgroup analysis was also conducted to measure differences in perceptions of PSC based on type of healthcare professional. Results: The HSOPSC composite average across all the studies was 61.3% positive responsiveness, indicating a need for improvement in patient safety. “Teamwork within units” had the highest positive PSC perception while “nonpunitive response to error” and “handoffs and transitions” scored the lowest. Furthermore, healthcare trainees and physicians seemed to have overall worse perceptions of patient safety culture compared to other professional subgroups, indicating the potential impacts of inexperience and a culpability culture on patient safety and medical error in hospitals. Discussion: To strengthen weak aspects of patient safety culture, hospitals should implement interventions such as teamwork training and error-reporting systems, thereby enhancing patient safety measures and reducing medical errors.

DETERMINANTS AND BENEFITS OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: CASE OF THE DRGB SONATRACH TRC

Knowledge management has become essential for organizations seeking a sustainable competitive advantage. However, its success depends on several prerequisites. This article aims to provide an overview of knowledge management applied within an Algerian company, the Regional Directorate of Bejaia, for transporting hydrocarbons by pipelines, "DRGB SONATRACH TRC." To this end, we employed two research instruments: an interview guide for a hierarchical manager and a questionnaire addressed to employees. Our final sample consists of 51 employees from various professional categories. SPSS version 23 was used for the analysis of the collected data, and the non-parametric Spearman's rho correlation test was utilized to verify the research hypotheses. Our findings indicate that knowledge management in the studied enterprise manifests through the combination of five subprocesses: creation, acquisition, application, sharing, and storage of knowledge. These processes are influenced, to varying degrees, by the following determinants: organizational culture, leadership, information technologies, and strategy. Our study also highlighted the benefits of knowledge management, such as increased market share, improved quality of products and services offered, and enhanced company image and productivity. In light of these results, we recommend the formalization of knowledge management practices and their integration into the company’s strategy, the promotion of a flexible compensation system that includes rewards for innovative ideas and solutions, as well as the relaxation of bureaucratic procedures to encourage individual initiatives and creativity. This study enriches the existing literature, which tends to analyze the knowledge management process in a fragmented manner, by proposing a focus on concrete mechanisms applicable in practice. Its practical contribution is reflected in the identification of strengths to leverage and obstacles to overcome.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among health care professionals in a tertiary hospital regarding handling COVID 19 deceased bodies – A questionnaire based study.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice in handling Covid 19 deceased bodies among health care professionals. Methodology: A pre validated questionnaire consisting of questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards dead body care handlingand disposal of Covid 19 bodies was given in using google forms to the study participant which included the healthcare professionals working at present in a tertiary care hospital. The responses were categorized into two professional categories: nursing staff and medical doctors. The average positive responses for knowledge, attitude, and practice questions were calculated for each category. Results: The study was conducted among 140 participants (61 nurses and 79 doctors). It was found that on comparing their knowledge of handling COVID-19 deceased individuals, 73.31% of nursing staff and only 67.88% of medical doctors had accurate knowledge on the subject.When it comes to the attitude while handling COVID-19 deceased individuals, 45.07% of nursing staff and 44.3% of medical doctors exhibited a positive attitude.When it comes to practice of handling COVID-19 deceased individuals, 40.97% of nursing staff and only 34.17% of medical doctors exhibited proper practice. Conclusion: The findings reveal that nursing staff possess higher levels of accurate knowledge and a positive attitude, though the difference is not statistically significant. However, both groups demonstrate gaps in proper practices concerning the handling of COVID-19 deceased bodies. This study highlights the importance of ongoing training and awareness to improve safe handling procedures, thereby reducing the risk of infection transmission to healthcare professionals.

Needs and expectations of healthcare professionals regarding the topic of alcohology: Results of a survey conducted in France in 2022

ContextAlcohol-related health problems represent a significant public health concern, and it is imperative for the healthcare team to accurately perceive and detect these issues to provide appropriate care. The objective of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge, practices, and educational background of healthcare professionals in the field of alcohol-related health concerns, aiming to identify their information requirements. MethodsThis study employs a cross-sectional descriptive survey methodology, in which data were gathered through a digital questionnaire designed for healthcare professionals (including those in medical, paramedical, and medico-social professions) working in addictology services as well as other relevant services across France and its overseas departments. ResultsA total of 611 questionnaires were deemed usable for analysis. A considerable percentage of participants reported their knowledge and skills to be insufficient or very insufficient, with rates of 33 % and 36 %, respectively. Moreover, a significant proportion of respondents (≈ 28 %) stated that they had received no education in addictology. Our results highlight differences in levels of knowledge and competence among the various healthcare settings, notably with lower reported levels of satisfaction in hospital settings (public and private), private practice, and in Harm Reduction Centers. Furthermore, certain professions reported unsatisfactory levels of skills and knowledge in alcohol-related issues, particularly support staff, pharmacists, expert patients, administrative staff, and social workers. These findings suggest the need to enhance knowledge and skills by tailoring interventions according to the specific healthcare settings and professions. Additionally, the priority themes and channels for disseminating information varied depending on age, region, and professional category. ConclusionThis survey reveals a low level of knowledge, practice, and education in addictology, emphasizing the critical need for training. The importance of training extends not only to the priority topics addressed but also to the channels used for dissemination, all while customizing them to suit the age, professional category, structure, and region of healthcare professionals.

From burnout to breakthrough: understanding the work-related stress-motivation Nexus in medical imaging professionals.

Work-related stress is a pervasive issue in the global occupational health landscape, ranking as the second-most common problem after low back pain. In Ethiopia, the healthcare sector is particularly affected by low staff motivation and stressed workers, which can significantly impact the functioning of health systems. However, when it comes to medical imaging professionals (MIPs), there is a lack of substantial evidence regarding the relationship between work-related stress and motivation. Therefore, this study aimed to address this gap by assessing the connection between work-related stress and motivation among medical imaging professionals in the study area. To assess the relationship between work-related stress and motivation among medical imaging professionals in Addis Ababa, a facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The study included a sample of 420 medical imaging professionals, who were randomly selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data collected from the participants were entered into Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using STATA 14.2. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed to explore the associations between work-related stress and motivation, taking into account various factors. To determine statistical significance, a p-value of less than 0.05 was used as the threshold. This study found that 57.4% of the participants experienced workplace stress and 46.4% reported being motivated. We observed a negative relationship between work-related stress and job motivation. The findings indicated that sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.819, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.125, 2.94), age (AOR = 0.186, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.78), radiation (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.377, 3.57), leadership (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.475, 4.385), financial incentives (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.052, 3.022), and profession category (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.006, 6.561) were significantly associated with workplace stress. In addition, profession category (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.63), smoking (AOR = 0.262, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.77), permanent workplace (AOR = 4.321, 95% CI: 1.988, 9.39), monthly income (AOR = 4.589, 95% CI: 1.37, 15.288), and financial incentives (AOR = 3.39, CI: 2.093, 5.51) were significantly associated with job motivation. Based on the results of the current study, it can be inferred that work-related stress is substantial, whereas job motivation is lacking among medical imaging professionals. The study found that several factors, including sex, age, radiation, leadership, financial incentives, and profession category, were significantly associated with workplace stress. In addition, factors such as profession, smoking, permanent workplace, monthly income, and financial incentives were found to be significantly associated with job motivation. Notably, a negative relationship was observed between work-related stress and motivation.

Premières données françaises sur les demandes de don de spermatozoïdes faites par les couples de femmes

Objective: The new bioethics law, enacted on August 2, 2021, has expanded access to medically assisted reproduction (MAR) with sperm donation to unmarried women and female couples. The implementation of this law led to a significant influx of sperm donation requests at French sperm banks. This major development in the field of ART in France, and in French society as a whole, prompted us to focus specifically on the requests from female couples.Method: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted at a gamete donation center in Paris. The data of women in same-sex couples who attended a first consultation with a biologist between October 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022, were analyzed and compared to those of women in heterosexual couples who also requested MAR with sperm donation during the same period. The ART attempts and their outcomes were analyzed up until May 31, 2024.Results: A total of 117 women in same-sex couples and 75 women in heterosexual couples were included in the study.The profiles in terms of age, ovarian reserve, and history of gynecological conditions did not differ between the two groups. The only observed differences were related to lifestyle, particularly alcohol consumption, which was slightly higher among women in same-sex couples. Additionally, women in same-sex couples appeared to belong more frequently to the category of intermediate professions, but no differences were observed concerning other occupational categories.Regarding the outcomes of ART attempts, cumulative rates of early and ongoing pregnancies were not different between the two groups.Conclusion: This study thus provides an initial insight into the profile and outcomes for women in same-sex couples who received ART with sperm donation shortly after the enactment of the bioethics law in France. The similarity in profiles and ART outcomes between women in same-sex couples and those in heterosexual couples supports the approach of offering similar medical care, regardless of the couple's configuration.

Headaches in Healthcare Workers: A Prospective Study of Precipitating and Maintenance Variables and Their Relationship with Burnout as a Post-COVID Syndrome.

Headaches are a common symptom in healthcare workers (HCWs), mainly associated with high levels of stress. Different research has studied their incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of them with correlational designs, and at the beginning of the pandemic and focused on the associated occupational variables. (1) To analyze the incidence of headaches in HCWs at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and their maintenance six months later. (2) To explore the risk factors associated with their onset and maintenance, including sociodemographic, occupational, emotional symptomatology, and personality variables. (3) To propose a model to explain the chronification of stress in burnout, including the moderating role of chronic headaches. A prospective study (n = 259 HCWs) at three points in time during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the alarm state phase (T1: May-June 2020) to the post-pandemic stage (T3: April-July 2022), including an intermediate measure six months after T1 (T2). Descriptive analyses, Pearson's chi-square, Student's t, logistic regressions, and moderated mediation models were conducted using the Process package for SPSS. In addition to headaches, socio-demographic, occupational, emotional symptomatology, and personality variables were included. At T1 the prevalence of headaches was 69.9%. At T2 the prevalence was 73.7%. Of these, 59.5% are T1-T2 sustained headaches. Headaches at T1 were associated with age (p = 0.010) (younger HCWs), professional category (p = 0.049) (nurses), service (p = 0.023) (ICU, COVID hospitalization), non-availability of PPE (p = 0.010), additional COVID-19 symptomatology (p < 0.001), and concern for contagion of family members (p < 0.001) (higher scores). In addition, HCWs with headaches had higher levels of stress (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.041), and sleep disorders (p < 0.001). A subsequent logistic regression analysis showed that of the above variables, the presence of additional COVID-19 symptoms (p < 0.001) and depression (p = 0.010) were the predictor variables. With regard to the maintenance of headaches (T1-T2), anxiety (p = 0.035), stress (p = 0.001), and cognitive fusion (p = 0.013) were found to be the significant variables. The tested model proposes anxiety (T1) as antecedent, cognitive fusion (T2) as mediator, burnout (T3) as consequent, and chronic headaches (yes/no) as the moderating variable between anxiety and burnout (model 5). The model is significant (F = 19.84, p < 0.001) and contributes to the explanation of 36% of the variance of burnout. The relationships in the model are all statistically significant, and specifically chronic headaches contribute to a 6-fold increase in the likelihood of burnout. The present research differentiates between precipitating and maintenance factors of headaches in HCWs. The former, more studied in previous research, are usually related to sociodemographic and occupational variables and levels of anxiety and stress. Maintenance factors, scarcely explored, are related to the maintenance of emotional symptomatology and the inability to manage intrusive thoughts (i.e., cognitive fusion). Of particular interest is that the presence of chronic headaches itself is capable of producing burnout as a post-COVID syndrome.

Constructing Talent and Flexibility in Focus Group Discussions on Inequality and Unemployment in Greece

ABSTRACTThis article examines the ways in which participants construct talent and flexibility in accounts of income inequality and (un)employment in Greece. Eight (8) focus groups with forty‐one (41) Greek citizens, aged 18–65 years were conducted. Analysis used the principles of Critical Discursive Social Psychology (CDSP). Participants were asked to evaluate the compensation that should be given to employees from different professional categories and to discuss changes in the Greek (un)employment policy. Findings indicated that in the first conversational context, talent (as one's inherent characteristic or as a byproduct of personal effort) was constructed as important for professional success. Besides, putting the right (talented) person in the right job was constituted as necessary for achieving maximum productivity. On the other hand, in the second conversational context, when participants discussed the new law on unemployment, they underscored the obligation of the unemployed to conform with the labour market's needs, regardless of their qualifications or talents. The ideal unemployed individual was represented as highly active and adaptable, while productivity was linked to flexibility. The discussion relates these potentially contradictory argumentative lines mobilised by participants to dilemmatic aspects of neoliberal ideology and its reproduction.

Research on the Linkage between the Professional Degree of Master of Intellectual Property and Professional Qualifications

With the vigorous development of the intellectual property (IP) industry, the national IP talent pool has exceeded 700,000 individuals, posing higher demands on the cultivation of specialized talents. In 2022, the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council and the Ministry of Education introduced a new professional degree category for IP, but in its initial stages, it confronted challenges such as imbalanced curriculum systems, inadequate teaching resources, and restricted enrollment in professional qualifications. Simultaneously, the connections between the IP professional degree and national unified legal professional qualifications, patent attorney qualifications, IP professionals, and other professional certifications point to a high degree of consistency and mutual relevance in talent cultivation objectives. The professional degree education must reference the content of professional qualification certifications to ensure that talents meet industry demands. Additionally, the professional degree education exerts a positive influence on the professional entry qualification certification, elevating the overall standards within the professional field.

Co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines in healthcare workers: results from three campaigns

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic, along with seasonal influenza, highlights the need for innovative public health strategies. Co-administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines offers advantages for healthcare workers (HCWs), streamlining vaccination efforts and enhancing public health resilience. Recent evidence supports the safety and efficacy of this approach, endorsed by health authorities worldwide. However, its acceptance remains a concern. This study explores HCWs’ acceptance of vaccine co-administration in three campaigns post the introduction of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. During three consecutive flu seasons from October 2021 to January 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a large Italian teaching hospital. Data for 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 were compared, focusing on healthcare workers present in all datasets. McNemar’s test examined changes in acceptance of co-administration. In addition, a conditional logistic regression model was designed to assess the determinants of co-administration through the vaccination campaigns in the three years. During these vaccination campaigns 7457 HCWs were observed (62.78% women, median age 43). Co-administration surged, particularly in 2022/2023, showing a 280.71% increase, consistent across all professional categories (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Controlling for gender and professional category, acceptance of coadministration showed a significant association respectively with “open days” twice a month (OR 2.9 CI [2.7; 3.6]) and a hospital vaccination clinic two days a week on weekdays (OR 4.5 CI [4.1; 5.4]) compared to conducting vaccinations at a clinic open everyday during the campaign period; no association was highlighted with age. This study investigates a facet of an increasingly significant topic, demonstrating that co-administering vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza is emerging as an effective strategy in annual vaccination campaigns, thanks to its safety and the streamlining of logistical and organizational processes. Key messages • The co-administration of vaccines offers a promising strategy to enhance vaccination rates among healthcare workers. • By identifying factors influencing acceptance, it aims to inform targeted interventions for maximizing vaccine uptake and public health resilience.

Exploring Chemists’ Understandings of the Nature of Science with their Levels of Expertise

Several Nature of Science (NOS) studies have been conducted on different categories of professionals and different age groups. Even though NOS is considered a structural facet of scientific literacy, not much research has been conducted on the NOS ideas of scientists and science professionals. This cross-sectional study investigated the nature of science (NOS) views of 40 participants who have or had exposure to chemistry research using a qualitative comparative analysis approach, in one chemistry department in a large Midwest R-1 university. The participants' chemistry research exposure varied from no research to 31 years of experience. Undergraduates, graduate students, postgraduate researchers, faculty, and scientists were recruited for this study to examine how their NOS understanding develops in relationship to their research exposure. These categories of participants demonstrated different and unique patterns of answers related to aspects of NOS. Science content knowledge and research exposure indeed enhanced science learners'/researchers’ NOS understanding, but NOS understanding is not developed in direct proportion to the amount of science content knowledge or research experience that an individual gained. It was observed that professionals with the same expertise level responded to NOS questions similarly, and professionals with different levels of expertise answered NOS questions in significantly different ways.

NURSING CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: Integrative review

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative pathology that occurs more frequently among older individuals, characterized by the occurrence of cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations that result in progressive disability and probable incapacitation of the patient. Because it is associated with age issues, this disease has advanced throughout the world as a result of the population aging process. Due to its disabling characteristics, the disease requires specialized care, so nursing has become one of the main professional categories related to the management of these cases, working with a view to reducing the effects of the disease's progression and working together with family members for a better handling the case, always safeguarding the quality of life of everyone involved. The present study aimed to understand how nursing care can contribute to the care of people with Alzheimer's Disease. It was developed from a bibliographic review research, with articles indexed in the SCIELO, VHL and Google Scholar databases. From the application of the research selection criteria, 13 publications were obtained that dealt with the issue of nursing care for patients with Alzheimer's Disease from different aspects. From the bibliography consulted, it was found that nursing care for people with Alzheimer's Disease is of great importance, whether in direct care for the patient or in the role of supporting caregivers and family members. Nursing care favors the care process, contributing to a better quality of life and the patient's general health conditions.

Understanding Hand Hygiene Knowledge Gaps: Insights from Primary Healthcare in Portugal

Abstract Background Healthcare-associated infections cause a significant burden of disease globally. Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing these infections but despite recommendations, compliance with hand hygiene protocols among healthcare professionals is often inadequate. In Portugal, there have been several initiatives aiming to increase awareness on the importance of hand hygiene practices amongst healthcare professionals including in primary healthcare facilities. Nationally, there are two models of organization of primary healthcare facilities with differences in funding and allocation of resources. Methods In this study, the World Health Organization’s Hand Hygiene Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire for Healthcare Professionals was translated into Portuguese and validated with infection control specialists. It was then distributed to primary healthcare professionals in the Northern Lisbon area, in March 2024 to assess knowledge on hand hygiene practices and highlight potential training needs. The responses were analyzed, with the Kruskal-Wallis test carried out, followed by the Mann-Whitney U test when required. Results A response rate of 21,5% (65/302) was obtained, with most participants being nurses (58%), followed by physicians (34%). There was a statistically significant difference depending on the model of organization of the primary healthcare unit to which the participant belonged (χ2 = 8.428, p = 0.014, df = 2)., There was no significant difference between the score and the professional category of the participant (χ2 = 5.76, p = 0.12, df = 3). Conclusions The findings of this study show that the model of organization of a primary healthcare unit can impact the knowledge of professionals and not just practices. This study also underscores the significance of comprehensive assessments of the context before interventions and the need for further studies to understand how we can better inform future training initiatives. Key messages • Organizational differences in primary healthcare units impact hand hygiene knowledge among professionals, emphasizing the need for tailored training initiatives. • Comprehensive assessments of healthcare contexts, coupled with validated linguistic tools, are crucial for reliable intervention strategies in infection control.

Fighting HAIs by monitoring hand hygiene compliance in the Umberto I teaching Hospital in Rome

Abstract Background Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are one of the most common preventable complications in hospitalised patients related to increased morbidity and mortality for patients. Proper hand hygiene (HH) can decrease the prevalence of HAIs within care settings. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a monitoring and feedback system on HH compliance (HHC). Methods Three monitoring and feedback studies have been carried out in Umberto I teaching hospital of Rome since 2021. Healthcare workers (HCWs), were trained on how to carry out the direct observation on the 5 WHO moments on HH. The data collection lasted two weeks each year. Following data collection, they were analysed and discussed annually with HCWs. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of HH compliance. Results A total of 15874 HH were observed, of which 40.1% in 2023. The recorded HHC was 71.0% in 2021, 75.4% in 2022 and 71.6% in 2023. Multivariable analyses showed that HHC was positively associated with female sex of observed (aOR:1.3, 95% CI:1.1-1.4), during weekend days or holidays (aOR:1.3 95% CI:1.1-1.4) and all indications with respect to ‘before touching a patient’. Regarding the professional category of the observer, compared to physicians, midwives were more likely to report compliant observations (aOR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.4-4.1). On the other hand, a negative association was found with external ward staff and other HCWs and no-HCWs compared to physicians. Ward area and year of observation did not influence the probability of the outcome. Conclusions The results of this study revealed sub-optimal adherence to HH, with the lowest rates observed prior to patient interaction. That, coupled with the variability seen among HCWs, underlines the difficulties in achieving a uniform level of compliance. Therefore, ongoing training to raise awareness among HCWs and to repeat the survey over time identifying any major problems is essential. Key messages • Monitoring the reasons for non-adherence to hand hygiene in healthcare institutions in order to formulate strategies to improve HH adherence among hospital staff is essential. • Hand hygiene (HH) monitoring systems can produce measurable improvements in HH adherence by healthcare personnel, resulting in a reduction in the incidence of healthcare-associated infections.

General practitioners may improve cervical screening equality in France

BackgroundVulnerable social groups have greater difficulty in accessing care and a lower quality of care. Health systems focused on primary care appear to be more effective, efficient and equitable. However, difficulties in accessing primary care are persisting. We focused on primary care screening for cervical cancer through Cervico-Uterine Smear (CUS), which has been shown to be effective in reducing disease incidence and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of women who undergo CUS according to the category of health professionals (general practitioners or gynaecologists) performing CUS and to analyse potential differences in access to care in terms of socioeconomic and geographical characteristics.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study based on data from the main health insurance schemes in France, allowing analysis of health care consumption according to socioeconomic levels and proximity to health care services. We included women aged 25 to 64 years in 2012 for whom CUS would be a relevant procedure (695,694). The sociodemographic and territorial indicators were age, geographical area deprivation, and the availability of gynaecological care. The analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsA total of 202,271 (29%) patients underwent CUS; of whom 68% underwent CUS administered by gynaecologists and 28% were administered by general practitioners (GPs). However, inequalities in CUS screening rates were observed, with a decrease in the number of CUSs performed with increased age, a rural location, deprivation, and sparse health care provisions. Deprived people seemed less penalised by GPs.ConclusionsInvolvement of General Practitioners may improve cervical screening equality in France. The organisation of health systems around primary care may allow a better access to care and to account for the specific needs of deprived populations.

Latent Tuberculosis in Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Tuberculosis (TB) is a dangerous disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its transmission occurs through aerosols, making healthcare workers particularly vulnerable to it. At the San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital in Granada (HUCSC), preventive measures such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and IGRA (interferon-gamma release assay) tests were implemented to detect latent tuberculosis infection. At HUCSC, between 2022 and 2024, 4.75% (92/1936) of workers were found to have positive IGRA test results, with no significant differences observed between professional categories. However, variability in positive IGRA rates was noted across different medical departments, with pulmonology and sample handling being the most affected. Additionally, a relationship was found between age and the likelihood of obtaining a positive IGRA test result. These findings underscore the importance of targeted preventive measures and a multifaceted approach to controlling and preventing tuberculosis in workplace environments.

Vocal Hygiene: What Are Professional Voice Users Saying About It on YouTube?

PurposeHealth content has been presented and accessed freely on social networks and can generate misinformation; hence, this study aimed to analyze the voice guidance in videos available on YouTube. MethodThis observational cross-sectional research selected the 45 most viewed videos on YouTube in 2022, produced by professional voice users with guidance on vocal hygiene and well-being. The content was described and compared with the scientific literature on the topic, analyzing which category of professional voice users produced the most scientifically based content. ResultsAltogether, 38 topics were found in the videos, distributed in nine blocks, identified from A to I. Block A (foods with a positive effect on the voice) was the only one that had no citations in scientific articles, whereas block D (negative habits for the voice) had the highest mean number of articles in relation to the others. The most publicized guidelines were mainly related to actions and/or behaviors and resources considered positive for the voice. Eight professional categories were found who produced these videos. Singing teachers who also worked as singers produced the most scientifically based content. ConclusionThe study showed that not all the information in the videos was scientifically based, which means that people with voice problems have easy access to information that could even harm them if used in their professions.

Study of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Related to Smoking Among Health Professionals in Public Hospitals in the Department of Dakar in 2021

Introduction: In Senegal, previous studies showed a prevalence of smoking among health professionals of between 11.6 and 12.8%. The general objective was to study smoking among health professionals in public hospitals in the department of Dakar. This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive and analytical aim, the data collection phase of which took place from October 11 to November 23, 2021. The study population consisted of medical and paramedical staff. We collected 262 cases, i.e. a non-participation rate of 12.67%. Results: The average age of the health workers surveyed was 28.19 %. There were 148 men and women with a sex ratio of 1.30. Thus, 68.3% were single. During our study, the health workers at Abass NDAO Hospital were 110 (42%), 80 (30.5%) at the Principal Hospital in Dakar and 72 (27.5%) at HOGGY. The majority of the workers surveyed (69 cases, 26.3%) were DES or 7th year medical students. The least represented professional category was that of nursing assistants. Thus, 3.4% of the health workers surveyed were current tobacco users compared to 10.2% (26 health workers) who were former users. The average age at which these workers first used tobacco was 16.5 ± 2.5 years. Within the study population, 86% (225 workers) had never used tobacco. Smoked tobacco was the only form used by the subjects surveyed. The average consumption of smoked tobacco was 3.5 ± 0.51 times per day. However, the last attempt to quit was more than a year ago for the majority (5/7) of consumer health workers. The main reason for this attempt (failed) was awareness of the dangers of tobacco consumption (5/7). The main reason (05/07) that justified their tobacco consumption was stress management. All the workers surveyed were unanimous on the dangers of tobacco consumption on health. The consequences of tobacco most cited by the health workers surveyed were lung cancer (224 responses or 85.5% of respondents), COPD (205 or 78.24%) and strokes (165 or 62.98%). Male health workers were more likely to have good knowledge about smoking than female health workers. The agents thus surveyed had for 73.7% (i.e. 193 people) of them an insufficient or weak attitude towards smoking. Conclusion: At the end of our study and in light of the conclusions reached, we make the following suggestions to the health authorities: To organize communication-education sessions during World Tobacco Day.

Condições de trabalho e saúde de catadores de materiais recicláveis no período de pandemia da COVID-19

Recyclable material collectors belong to a professional category frequently exposed to various risks associated with working conditions in waste management. This study aimed to identify the working conditions and health of collectors in the municipality of Ponta Grossa-PR during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research utilized a sample composed of 83 associated collectors. Among the findings, it was identified that the majority of collectors were female (72.3%). The professional profile demonstrated that collectors engaged in this work out of necessity (34.0%) and because it was the only opportunity available (26.0%). Regarding health and occupational risks during the pandemic, it was found that although the collectors had developed protective strategies to avoid COVID-19 infection (94.0%), nearly half of the workers (47.0%) had contact with potentially infectious waste. During this period, activities were suspended only for those of advanced age (16.9%). Concerning COVID-19 cases, 98.8% of participants reported not having contracted the disease, but this result does not dismiss the fact that the collectors were exposed to contagion risks. From this diagnosis, it was possible to conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic caused various changes in the lives of the collectors, revealing the need for the development of emergency preventive actions for the health of these workers. For this reason, it is suggested that studies continue to guide the development of strategies that can be adopted in other widespread epidemic situations, similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 period.

Two decades of women’s underrepresentation in public service leadership: the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

ABSTRACT During the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (2001–2021), the expected representation of Afghan women in leadership and executive roles was not achieved. This study examines factors contributing to this glass ceiling effect. Our research involved 317 participants, comprising 302 civil service professionals and 15 civil society activists. Employing a mixed-methods approach, thematic analysis was conducted for the qualitative data. For the quantitative data, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were utilized to characterize the data, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to explore differences in responses across key demographic and professional categories. We found that several glass ceiling perceptions, specifically ‘Cultural Barrier Factors’ including entrenched patriarchal norms and familial challenges; ‘Individual Factors’ such as work-family conflict (WFC); ‘Work-Environment Factors’ like nepotism and the absence of merit-based systems; and ‘Interpersonal Relationships’ including weak support networks and the existence of ‘Queen Bee Syndrome’, impeded the advancement of Afghan women in leadership roles.