COVID-19 Preventive Measures Research Articles

Eating behaviour of the Croatian working population during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Disruption in the defined daily work and life routine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in the eating habits of the population. Home confinement during pandemics could change eating patterns, reduce diet quality, and promote overconsumption. This study aimed to evaluate the eating habits of the Croatian working population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from February to June 2021 period. A validated, anonymous questionnaire that contained questions regarding demographic and anthropometric data, and data on eating habits, was self-administered to a convenient sample of Croatian working adults from central and northwestern Croatia. Results The study sample included 939 subjects with, a median age of 42 years (interquartile range 35-48), 35.4% males, and 64.6% females. Overweight and obesity were more frequent among males (p < 0.001), subjects with a lower level of education (p < 0.001), and subjects living in households with more household members (p < 0.001). In comparison to subjects with normal weight, during pandemics, overweight subjects more frequently gained weight (p < 0.001), more frequently consumed a larger amount of food than usual (p < 0.001), consumed snacks more frequently (p = 0.001), and cooked more in their households (p = 0.042). Consumption of more snacks during the pandemic was more frequently detected among females (p = 0.007), and subjects with a higher level of education (p = 0.045), while latter subjects also cooked more in their households (p < 0.001). Conclusions This study highlights that COVID-19 preventive measures have affected the eating behaviours and dietary habits of the Croatian working population. To avoid possible negative health effects of observed changes organized nutritional education and support should be implemented at the population level, particularly for the most vulnerable groups, including overweight and obese subjects. Key messages • The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the eating behaviour and dietary habits of the Croatian working population. • To avoid an increase in chronic diseases connected with an imbalanced diet there is a need for the implementation of organized nutritional education and support at the population level.

Sociodemographic features of COVID-19 premature mortality: Serbian individual-level data evidence

Abstract Background In Serbia, premature mortality due to COVID-19 usually has been assessed using aggregated mortality data, thus overlooking the impact of sociodemographic factors. Within the European Burden of Disease Network (COST Action CA18218), we examined the association between several sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 years of life lost (YLL) to reveal potential social inequalities. Methods The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (SORS) has provided disaggregated, anonymized, and individual data on COVID-19 deaths in 2020 and 2021 from death certificates having U07.1 and U07.2 ICD codes as the main cause of death. Additionally, SORS remaining life expectancy and population size estimates were used along with sociodemographic data for each YLL case (sex, time and place of death, type of residential settlement, educational attainment, marital status, and economic activity). Results In the observed two-year period, 38,098 COVID-19 death cases were assessed, of which 72.8% were registered in 2021. The average YLL per death case was 12.51±7.62, and the median YLL was 11.50 (12.60±7.44 for men and 12.39±7.85 for women, p < 0.006). The multivariate linear regression indicated a significant association between the number of YLL and sex (B = 1.02, p < 0.01), residential area (B = 0.21, p < 0.01), educational attainment (B = 0.84, p < 0.01), marital status (B = 1.65, p < 0.01), employment (B=-7.02, p < 0.01) and place of death (B=-1.76, p < 0.01). Conclusions This study demonstrates social inequalities in COVID-19 premature mortality associated with the highest YLL among men, single persons, retired persons, and those with higher education status. We identify significant differences in YLL when comparing different regions. Key messages • Individual-level data reveals differences in premature mortality aggravated by social disparities. • Policymakers should consider sociodemographic factors when designing COVID-19 prevention measures.

Pathogens in PICU before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in China: a multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundNonpharmacological interventions for COVID-19 could reduce the incidence of children hospitalized in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) and the incidence of children with bacterial infections. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the bacterial profile of children in PICU before and during the COVID-19 pandemics.MethodsThis is a retrospective study, involving clinical data of children with positive bacterial cultures admitted to the PICU respectively in 2019 and 2021.ResultsIn total 652 children were included in this study. The total number of hospitalized patients and the incidence of bacteria-positive children in 2021 were lower than those in 2019. There were no significant differences in the ratio of Gram-positive bacterial infection, Gram-negative bacteria infection or fungi infection between the two years. The rate of Streptococcus pneumoniae in 2021 was higher than that in 2019(p = 0.127). The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae in hospitalized patients decreased with a downward trend(p = 0.002). The distribution of previous underlying diseases in children admitted to PICU with different outcomes of bacterial infection between the two years were homogeneous (p > 0.05).ConclusionAfter the implementation of COVID-19 isolation, prevention and control measures, the number of hospitalizations and bacterial infections in PICU decreased, which may be due to changes in population’s behavior patterns. Meanwhile, the incidence of Haemophilus influenzae in hospitalized patients decreased with a downward trend.

Fighting a Global Pandemic in the Digital Age: Use of Infographics to ‘Flatten the Curve’ in the U.S. and India

ABSTRACT This research examined the factors influencing people’s likelihood of following the COVID-19 preventive measures of hand washing and wearing face masks communicated via infographics, in the U.S. and India. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study used a 3 (source: national versus international versus a dummy source) X 2 (topic: hand washing versus wearing a face mask) X 2 (country: the U.S. versus India) research design. The results showed that the HBM constructs of perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy were associated with people’s likelihood of following the suggested guidelines. Message credibility mediated these relationships. Source credibility mediated the relationship between people’s perceptions of severity and their intentions to adopt the preventive measures. Particularly for the hand washing infographics, people’s likelihood of following these guidelines were significantly higher in the U.S. than India. Theoretical and managerial implications for international strategic communication are provided.

Omicron related COVID-19 prevention and treatment measures for patients with hematological malignancy and strategies for modifying hematologic treatment regimes

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly become the dominant strain worldwide due to its high transmissibility, although it appears to be less pathogenic than previous strains. However, individuals with hematological malignancy (HM) and COVID-19 remain susceptible to severe infection and mortality, especially those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and those undergoing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) treatment. Hematologists should thoroughly assess the severity of the patient’s hematological disease and the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection before initiating chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment. Vaccination and booster doses are strongly recommended and patients with a poor vaccine response may benefit from long-acting COVID-19 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (such as Evusheld). Early use of small molecule antiviral drugs is recommended for managing mild COVID-19 in HM patients and those with severe immunodeficiency may benefit from SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody therapy and high-titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). For moderate to severe cases, low-dose glucocorticoids in combination with early antiviral treatment can be administered, with cytokine receptor antagonists or JAK inhibitors added if the condition persists or worsens. In the treatment of hematological malignancies, delaying chemotherapy is preferable for CLL, acute leukemia (AL), and low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but if the disease progresses, appropriate adjustments in dosage and frequency of treatment are required, with the avoidance of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, CAR-T and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can continue current treatment. What’s more, non-drug protective measures, the development of new vaccines and antiviral drugs, and monitoring of mutations in immunocompromised populations are particularly important.

A cross-sectional study of perceptions of COVID-19 and adherence to preventive measures among Saudi college students using the health belief model

This study utilized the health belief model (HBM) to investigate the association between the perceptions of COVID-19, adherence to healthy behaviors, and the credibility of COVID-19 information. This cross-sectional study utilized an online survey distributed to a random sample of graduate and undergraduate college students (<i>N</i> = 408) at a large public university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study utilized two validated and reliable 5-point Likert scales to assess individuals’ perceptions of COVID-19 and the credibility of health messages promoted via various communication channels. Various statistical analyses, including Kruskal-Wallis H and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) tests, suggested a positive association between the credibility of COVID-19 information and the HBM and a positive association between the HBM and adopting COVID-19 preventive measures. Individuals perceived public health authorities as more credible sources of COVID-19 information than traditional and social media platforms. The study recommends that public health authorities convey tailored, effective, consistent, and transparent health messages via proper communication channels to persuade and motivate individuals to adopt healthy behaviors during future pandemics.

The impact of COVID-19 prevention measures on surgical wound infection rates post-cardiac surgery.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on medical services. Several measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of viral transmission. In this paper, we assessed the impact of these measures on surgical wound infection rates in post-cardiac surgery patients. Hypothesis testing was used to compare post-cardiac operation infection rates between the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic being declared and the first 13 months of the pandemic. The infection rates in 969 patients with operations between 01/03/2019 and 29/02/2020 were compared to those of 925 patients with cardiac surgery between 01/03/2020 and 31/03/2021. Infection rates for various operative urgencies and infection types were analyzed. To compare infection rates, a two-tailed pooled z-test using the difference in infection proportions was performed. A 5% significance level was used, and only categories with at least 10 patients in both the pre-COVID and COVID populations were tested. For leg infections, only operations involving coronary artery bypass grafting were included. To ensure that any differences in outcomes were not due to differences in patient demographics resulting in unequal operative risks, Euroscore II values, a measure of cardiac operative risk, were compared between the pre-COVID and post-COVID cohorts. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to determine whether the distributions of Euroscore II values were likely to be drawn from the same population. A significance level of 5% was used. A total of 1901 patients (932 during the COVID-19 pandemic) were included in this study. There was a significant reduction in post-operative infections for all patients undergoing cardiac surgery, from 4.3% of patients before COVID-19 to 1.5% during the pandemic. During the pandemic, fewer elective and more urgent operations were performed. This study suggests a significant role for iatrogenic causes in wound infections before the pandemic. The implementation of COVID-19 prevention measures by healthcare providers can reduce surgical infection rates. As COVID-19-related restrictions have been eased, we suggest maintaining them for healthcare providers to reduce the incidence of surgical wound infections.

Involving trained community health mediators in COVID-19 prevention measures. A process evaluation from Bremen, Germany.

The objective was to assess the feasibility of incorporating trained community health mediators in COVID-19 prevention in a multicultural and disadvantaged setting in Bremen, Germany. Specifically, we aimed to develop and implement measures corresponding to the needs of the residents and to analyse the role of digital communication tools and sustainability factors of the health mediator approach. A comprehensive process evaluation using 41 qualitative interviews with residents, mediator short surveys and group discussions, work documentation sheets, and a stakeholder workshop was carried out. Uncertainties due to changing regulations, a lack of trust and fear of potential side effects were major themes identified in the needs assessment. The eight mediators documented more than 1,600 contacts. Digital communication via Facebook was a useful tool, but personal contacts remained crucial for communicating with residents. The participatory approach, multilingualism and the flexibility to react to dynamic situations were identified as relevant factors for the success and sustainability of the health mediator approach. Multilingual health mediators can facilitate contact with and dissemination of health information to different communities and also can play an important role in pandemic preparedness.

Adolescent knowledge in COVID-19 prevention based on Centres for Disease Control guideline

Background: Adolescents are vulnerable to the transmission of COVID-19. Compared to the other age groups, teenagers have a lower knowledge of health protocols. This situation can lead to the continuous increase in the number of COVID-19 cases although the application of health protocols following CDC guidelines is already in place globally. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine adolescents knowledge about COVID-19 preventive measures according to CDC guidelines. Method: This study is a cross-sectional study with the snowball sampling method. It was conducted by distributing digital questionnaires in October 2021 to adolescents aged 12-18 years. Furthermore, a descriptive analysis related to knowledge and its differences was done based on the characteristics of adolescents. Result: About 80% of adolescents had good knowledge about COVID-19 preventive measures according to CDC guidelines. However, most of the adolescents did not have sufficient knowledge about proper handwashing, proper use and care of masks, and social distancing. Conclusion: Adolescent knowledge about the application of health protocols according to CDC guidelines needs to be improved. Educational interventions are needed to educate adolescents about health protocols against COVID-19.

Social and Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Among Health Professionals in Vietnam: Status and Associations with Quality of Life and Sleep Quality

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way of life of many individuals, especially those working at the frontlines, such as healthcare workers. Our study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the socio-economic status, quality of life, and sleep quality when Vietnam was experiencing the 4th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 604 healthcare workers using snowball sampling from October through to November 2021. Our study examined the impact of the government’s COVID-19 prevention policy including personal protective measures (5K measures), directive 15, directive 16, and directive 16 plus. The EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS were used to measure health-related quality of life and a scale of 1 to 10 was used to rate sleep quality of healthcare workers.ResultsA total of 604 respondents, most people were female (57.9%), and working as civil servants (75.3%). Very few participants were able to increase their earnings during the pandemic. Participants who did not have monthly allowance amounts had the highest proportion (60.1%), followed by those under 2 million VND (21.2%). In the univariate regression model, people with high government policy scores tend to have lower quality of life and sleep quality scores. In addition, in the multivariable regression model, people with high scores on government policies tend to have lower quality of life (EQ-5D) scores.ConclusionThe COVID-19 prevention measures had a negative impact on quality of life, sleep quality, and daily demands of healthcare workers. These findings should help guide future policy implementations.

Expectations for safety of nursing home residents and their family members during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

BackgroundCOVID-19 has spread worldwide. Older adults are at the greatest risk of contracting and dying from the virus. Nursing homes are densely populated places for older adults who are generally vulnerable and at high-risk. Although Chinese nursing homes have been trying to protect their residents, the needs and expectations of the residents and their families have been ignored. This study aimed to promote the safety of NH residents, including their physical and psychological safety, and to meet their expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.MethodsData were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with nursing home residents and focus group online interviews with family members between June 2021 and February 2022. Data analysis was performed using inductive content analysis.Results16 residents and 24 family members were interviewed. Four themes with 10 sub-themes were identified from the participants’ descriptions. Their expectations were mainly focused on prevention and control measures for COVID-19, medical capacity of nursing homes, health literacy and expectations for some aged care policies.ConclusionsIn the face of concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes, we sought to bring firsthand perspectives to the forefront by interviewing residents and their family members about their expectations for safety to address this issue. Our findings provide important areas on which should be focused and may improve the sense of gain, happiness, and security of nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP SISWA DENGAN TINDAKAN PENCEGAHAN COVID-19

Background: The world was shocked by the emergence of COVID-19 virus infection. Therefore itis necessary to apply new habits such as washing hands, wearing masks, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, and limiting mobility. Purpouse: The aim to analyze the relationship knowledge and attitudes of students the prevention of COVID-19 at state elementary school 030349 parfruits, Dairi regency.Method: This analytical survey study applied cross sectional approach. Seventy people were involved as the population in this study. this study used total sampling wherein the number of sample equals to the number population. in analyzing the data, chi-square test with α<0.05. Results: The results showed that there was a relationship of knowledge and preventive measures for COVID-19 with pvalue of 0.02. There is a relationship attitudes and precautions for COVID-19 with pvalue of 0.02. Conclusion: The conclusion there was a relationship knowledge and attitudes with prevention of COVID-19. Advice: To the school to provide understanding to implement health protocols. Facilitating students by providing handwashing with soap (CTPS) facilities with running water and hand sanitizers in every class, teacher's room, school gate and other places students often access. Educating students to do CTPS and correct coughing/sneezing ethics, in collaboration with the puskesmas.

The Effect of Health Education Toward Preventive Measures Of COVID-19 Among Employees in Duhok City-Iraq: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Increasing the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of public sector employees regarding COVID-19 is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of this virus. A substantial portion of the community is made up of people who work in the public sector. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and enhance government workers' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding COVID-19 preventive measures among directorates in Duhok city in Iraqi Kurdistan. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among directorates’ employees in Duhok city, the age ranged between 18 and 75. Simple random sampling was used in the study. A structured questionnaire was applied for pre and post-test for intervention and control group. The KAP questions included COVID-19 preventive measures (vaccines, face masks, social distances and hygiene). Results: The findings demonstrated that intervention group improved significantly at (P<0.01) toward KAP related to COVID-19 preventive measures. In terms of knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 preventive measures, the intervention group exceeded the control group on the post-test compared to the pre-test. The significant changes were recorded among good level of economic status by (2.69) degrees increased in the difference between pre and post-test in intervention group. In contrast, there are no improving in the post-test among those very low income in terms of knowledge at (P<0.01). however, the second large improvement was related to practice from (5.05) increased to (6.61) at (P<0.01). All other demographic characteristics, including age, occupation, religion, education, and place of residence, showed statistically significant variance at (P <0.01). Conclusion: Health education is regarded as beneficial for general awareness and crucial COVID-19 preventive measures.

COVID-19 in a Portuguese whole blood donor population

Background and objectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), leading to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the stock of blood banks worldwide. This study aims to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 in a population of whole blood donors and analyze the possible association between blood group and susceptibility to the disease and the impact of adopting preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material and methods: This retrospective study included all whole blood donors from a Portuguese hospital between July and September 2021. A self-assessment questionnaire was used to collect data on COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and preventive measures. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 in the donor population was 11.96% (n = 97), with only 2 cases of serious illness requiring hospitalization. No association was found between blood group and disease susceptibility. Older men were less likely to adopt preventive measures. The vaccination rate was high, with 84.26% of donors having received at least one dose of the vaccine. Seven donors declined COVID-19 vaccination. Preventive measures did not differ based on COVID-19 infection status or vaccination. Discussion: Although there was a higher frequency of COVID-19 in group A donors, the blood group was not associated with susceptibility to infection. The donor population consisted of young individuals without comorbidities, showing a COVID-19 prevalence like the general population and few severe cases. The high vaccination rate and adoption of preventive measures likely contributed to these findings.

Prevalence and determinants of depression among a community people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background: In situations beyond their control, individuals often exhibit feelings of despair and diminished motivation, leading to the onset of depression. Consequently, this study seeks to investigate the occurrence and factors influencing depression among the population of St. Kitts and Nevis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This research study utilized quantitative methods through structured questionnaires distributed via a self-administered online survey using a cross-sectional approach. Sampling encompassed a combination of purposive and snowballing techniques, culminating in a participant pool of 397 individuals. The analysis of data was performed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0. Result: The prevalence of depression overall stood at 65.5%. Female respondents exhibited 2.18 times higher odds of experiencing depression compared to males, while individuals aged 30 to 39 had a 2.80 times higher likelihood of developing depression compared to other age groups. Those earning between 2000 and 5000 had a 2.28 times higher probability of experiencing depression compared to individuals in different income brackets. Moreover, civil servants showed a 3.66 times higher likelihood of experiencing depression, and individuals whose businesses were forcibly closed faced an 18.91 times higher chance of developing depression. Respondents whose lives were significantly impacted by the pandemic exhibited a 4.48 times higher tendency to face mental health challenges compared to those affected differently by COVID-19 consequences. Additionally, 66.1% of respondents believed life should resume normalcy despite the escalating virus cases, based on their perceptions of COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion: The government must implement sufficient measures aimed at mitigating the pandemic’s effects to lessen the prevalence of depression.

Impact of Preventive Measures Against Covid-19 on the Prevalence of Infectious Diseases Among the Population of The Republic of Kazakhstan

Aim: To study the impact of COVID-19 preventive measures on airborne and fecal-oral infectious diseases in Kazakhstan Materials and Research Methods: We used comparative data from the Study of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Infectious Morbidity in the Population of the Kazakhstan for 2019-2020. In this case, there are infectious diseases transmitted mainly by airborne droplets among the entire population (children, adolescents and adults) and diseases with fecal-oral transmission. Results: The total number of cases detected was 1,239,635. Thus, the percentage change in the total number of cases from 2019 to 2020 was - (+) 5.6%. In 2019, 596,216 cases of infectious diseases transmitted by airborne droplets were detected, and in 2020 - 631,407, i.e. 35,191 more were revealed (+5.9%). ARVI and influenza account for the largest proportion in this group, and the incidence has increased in these groups. At the same time, exacerbations of diseases transmitted by the fecal-oral route: from 2019 to 2020, diseases occurred in 1,716 (-38.8%) cases. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a useful effective COVID-19 prevention measure for several other infectious diseases in Kazakhstan during the pandemic. However, special attention should be paid to the increase in the incidence of ARVI and influenza in Kazakhstan. Possible exceptions, according to the authors, are ignoring the high incidence of influenza and ARVI in 2020 compared to 2019, since special attention was focused on COVID-19. The next hypothesis is the impact of COVID-19 on influenza immunization in the country - restrictive measures have reduced the number of influenza vaccinated.

Predicting the Adoption of COVID-19 Public Health Preventive Measures in Ethiopia: Application of Health Belief Model

In the face of coronavirus disease pandemic, adherence to public health measures largely influences their effectiveness in containing the spread. Four specific objectives guided this study: (i) Assess whether individuals are adhering to the COVID-19 preventive measures promoted by Ethiopian government; (ii) Examine the heterogeneity in adoption of preventive measures in Ethiopia; (iii) Identify the factors affecting adherence to preventive measures-based health belief model; and (iv) Examine the moderating effects of socio-economic factors on the relationship between adherence to preventive measures and HBM factors. The study relied on a nationally representative cross-sectional survey commissioned by the World Health Organization in 2021 for Ethiopia. Data was collected from 895 individuals aged 18 years of age or older. Analysis applied several methods including the Multiple Correspondence Analysis, Univariate analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, cluster analysis and multiple regression analysis. Using face masks and washing hands were the most frequently practiced preventive measures. The regression analysis indicated that perceived severity, perceived barriers, and cues to action showed a significant association with adherence at p >0.05. Furthermore, socio-economic factors have a moderating role on adherence to preventive measures and HBM factors. Effective promotion and adoption of preventive measures require addressing individuals' perceptions of severity and benefits while minimizing barriers and providing clear cues to action. Additionally, specific preventive measures that require ongoing effort and habit development may face challenges in adoption. Tailoring interventions can help overcome these challenges and encourage the widespread adoption of preventive measures to curtail the spread. Keywords: Coronavirus disease - 2019, Prevention, Health belief model.

Seroprevalence survey of SARS-CoV-2, community behaviors, and practices in Kansanshi and Kalumbila mining towns.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) was declared a global pandemic by WHO after it spreads quickly around the world from its source city in Wuhan. Africa has some of the lowest documented SARS-CoV-2 incidences globally, with over 9 million confirmed cases as of December 2022. This may be due to efficient mitigation, outbreak response, or demographic traits. Surveillance capability may have suffered as nations changed funding, regulations, and testing plans. Therefore, this study was to document the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, its characteristics, and the socio-economic characteristics in the two mining districts of Solwezi and Kalumbila of Zambia. Between 28 March and 26 April 2021, a cross-sectional cluster-sample survey of households in two mining districts of Zambia was conducted. Twenty standard enumeration areas (SEAs) were randomly selected in Kansanshi (17 SEA) and Kalumbila (3 SEA) from a total of 67 SEA that encompass the two mines. Members of households aged <5 years were not eligible to participate in the survey. All participants that consented to participate in the interview were also asked to consent to test for SARS-CoV-2 infection using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), which tested for recent infection and past exposure to the virus (IgM and IgG, respectively). Out of the total sample of 3,047 that were present for the interview, 622 of them agreed to test for COVID-19. Of the total that tested for SARS-CoV-2, 2.6% were IgM positive while 9.0% were IgG positive. Despite the above results, 1,586 participants that agreed to the interview indicated a low self-risk assessment of getting COVID-19 (46.5%) or someone (45.5%). On the public health measures, participants who did handwashing more than usual (65.0%), not hand sanitizing more than usual (69.0%), not disinfecting surfaces in their households than usual (87.5%), not avoiding drinking from bars or nightclubs (90.6%), and not wearing a mask when out in public places (71.1%). In the logistic multivariable model, participants with age 24 years and above (AOR = 2.94; 95% CI = 1.10, 7.81) and having experienced symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (AOR = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.33, 5.05) had a significant effect on testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Although the results showed that active COVID-19 prevalence in Solwezi and Kalumbila communities surrounding the two mines was low, exposure to infection was five times high. Government and mining firms should continue to sensitize the community members on the preventive measures of COVID-19 and continue with community testing so that all those positive but without symptoms can self-isolate and those with symptoms and sick can be admitted to the hospital.

School-level COVID-19 preventive measures and infection rates in England’s primary and secondary schools in the Autumn 2021: an ecological analysis

School-level COVID-19 preventive measures and infection rates in England’s primary and secondary schools in the Autumn 2021: an ecological analysis

Research on Influence of Covid Prevention Measures on Chinas Economic

Since 2020, governments around the world have taken different measures to prevent and control the new crown pneumonia epidemic, which has curbed the spread of the epidemic to a certain extent. However, the epidemic prevention and control measures have restricted people's travel and consumption, which has had a strong impact on the economic development of various countries. In March 2022, the new crown pneumonia epidemic broke out in Shanghai. In order to control the epidemic, the Chinese government ordered a blockade of Shanghai and restricted the normal flow of people. At the same time, the economy was also severely affected. This paper analyzes the negative impact of the 2022 COVID-19 prevention and control measures (taking Shanghai as an example), including lockdown and regular polymerase chain reaction tests, on the Chinese economy through qualitative analysis and review. These measures have lowered the growth rate of the economy to a certain extent.