Risk Of Infectious Diseases Research Articles

Zoonotic diseases in a ‘Pandemicene’: How can geomorphology contribute to the improved characterisation of dynamic ‘pathogenic landscapes’?

AbstractA zoonosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals, potentially leading to an epidemic or pandemic. Increasing research into the environmental drivers of zoonoses in a so‐called ‘Pandemicene’ has focused on changes to land use, land cover and climate. But what about the associated changes to earth surface processes, landforms and landscapes that may impact on zoonoses and other infectious diseases with environmental reservoirs (e.g. sapronoses)? This is a crucial question, especially in the context of the Anthropocene, a proposed time interval during which humans have directly and indirectly impacted geomorphological systems and associated abiotic–biotic interactions at local through global scales. Biogeomorphology (and especially zoogeomorphology) potentially has many insights to contribute but is largely divorced from a rapidly expanding body of infectious disease research. By outlining geomorphological principles and providing examples from across dryland, arctic, tropical and temperate environments, we examine the extent to which water, sediment, soil and other organic matter that is directly or indirectly influenced by non‐human animal activity may critically influence the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases. In an era of rapid environmental and socioeconomic change, we contend that geomorphological concepts, data and techniques can play a key role in improved characterisation of dynamic ‘pathogenic landscapes’. We identify several challenges and opportunities that may provide particular foci for enhanced geomorphological contributions to this growing threat to societal resilience, including: (1) working in transdisciplinary ‘One Health’ contexts to test hypotheses about geomorphological controls on pathogen emergence and spread; (2) collaborating with archaeologists to examine past disease dynamics and identify potential future pathogen sources; (3) enhancing existing global maps of infection risk/disease emergence at local to regional scales; and (4) contributing to the robust evidence base needed for policies to monitor and manage infectious disease risk.

Evidence for long-term efficacy of a membrane filtration device in rural villages in Ghana

Drinking water contaminated by pathogenic micro-organisms increases the risk of infectious gastrointestinal disease which could potentially lead to acute kidney injury and even death, particularly amongst the young and the elderly. Earlier studies have shown a substantial reduction in the incidence of diarrheal disease over a period of one year using a polysulfone membrane water gravity-powered water filtration device. The current report is a continuation of these studies to assess the long-term effects of the innovative method on diarrheal incidence rates over a 4-year follow-up period. This follow-up study monitored the trend of self-reported diarrheal events in all households in the previously studied villages for 5 months, in the last half of each study year, using the same questionnaire utilized in the earlier study. Three villages that had no device yet installed served as controls. We computed monthly diarrheal incidence rates for all study years (standardized to per 100 person-months) and compared these to the pre-device incidence rate in 2018 and in the control group, using the Wilcoxon rank sum exact test. The average diarrheal incidence rates of 1.5 p100pm in 2019, 2.19 p100pm in 2021, and 0.54p100pm in 2022 were significantly different from an earlier study that reported 17.8 p100pm rates before the devices were installed in 2018, (all p-values < 0.05). Concomitantly, self-reported diarrheal infections were substantially higher in the “control villages” not yet having the filtration device installed (80.9, 77.6, and 21.5 per 100 pm). The consistent and large reduction in diarrhea incidence documents the long-term efficacy of the use of the membrane filtration device. This simple water purification method using gravity flow improves public health in remote regions with limited resources.

Infectious Disease Preparedness for Homeless Populations: Recommendations from a Community–Academic Partnership

Abstract: Background: People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of infectious disease transmission due to congregate living conditions, barriers to healthcare, and excess burden of underlying chronic disease. Objectives: We are a multisectoral community–academic partnership working to address the intersecting crises of homelessness and health disparities in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. We offer key recommendations for infectious disease preparedness and risk mitigation for homeless populations based on our ongoing community-based participatory research and lessons learned through COVID-19 response and Monkeypox preparations. Lessons Learned: Infectious disease preparedness and response in homeless populations requires strong local partnerships; ongoing training and support for staff and volunteers of homeless shelters and service agencies; tailored outreach, education, and communication with people experiencing homelessness; and standardized processes for creating, disseminating, enforcing, and evaluating public health policies in homeless shelters. Consistency and open communication are key to a successful community-academic partnership. Conclusions: Community–academic partnerships are critical to effective infectious disease preparedness in homeless populations. The lessons learned from community-based participatory research with homeless communities and multisectoral partners on the frontline can improve future outbreak and pandemic response for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable communities in the United States.

Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies: A Narrative Review.

In emergencies, infants and young children are at risk of morbidity and mortality, which is increased by malnutrition. Environmental factors, food insecurity, household needs, misconceptions regarding breastfeeding, uncontrolled distribution of breast-milk substitutes, and psychological trauma make it difficult to implement proper feeding practices during disasters. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases and mortality in emergencies and is the safest way of feeding. Therefore, breastfeeding should be supported and promoted under all circumstances. When breastfeeding is not possible, relactation, wet nursing, or donor human milk should be considered as alternatives. If these options are not feasible, infant formula should be used. Formula should be provided only for infants in need, based on individual assessment. Donations of breast-milk substitutes should not be accepted; when needed, the procurement and distribution should be conducted by a single center under strict control, adhering to the requirements of the Code and Codex Alimentarius. Education and support should be provided to the family for the safe use of formulas. For infants older than 6 months, appropriate complementary feeding should be started. Complementary foods should contain nutrients that support the growth and development of infants, and they should be stored, prepared, and served safely. In conclusion, nutrition of infants and young children should be given priority in disasters as part of all emergency interventions. Determining the infants needs and ensuring proper nutrition, overcoming environmental challenges, and supporting parents will reduce nutrition-related risks and protect the health and well-being of infants and young children in emergencies.

Риски инфекционных заболеваний у пациентов с псориазом кожи, принимающих генно-инженерные препараты: данные собственного исследования

Риски инфекционных заболеваний у пациентов с псориазом кожи, принимающих генно-инженерные препараты: данные собственного исследования

Determination of antioxidant activity, chlorophyll and carotenoids content of Kappaphycus alvarezii: Comparison of seaweed with traditional Chinese Medicines

After the pandemic of COVID-19, there has been a growing interest in food safety concerns. Besides consuming wild-type animals, another focus is the synthetic compounds used in food preparation. Various reports show that antioxidant mechanisms might be closely related to decreasing the risk of disease infection. On 18 March 2020, Malaysia had the first Movement Control Order (MCO) that all communities must stay home. Public also questions whether natural food, mainly traditional Chinese medicine, can act as an antioxidant agent. Therefore, spectrophotometric procedures for determining the antioxidant capacities of selected samples were conducted. This method is based on scavenging 2, 2 diphenyl 1-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) by adding a radical species or an antioxidant that decolourises the DPPH solution. This study aimed to compare, using the DPPH assay, the antioxidant level of Kappaphycus alvarezii to other traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) such as Andrographis paniculata, Lycium chinense and Ziziphus jujube. This study characterises the antioxidant activity of traditional Chinese medicines associated with carotenoid and total chlorophyll content from seaweed. Antioxidant analysis has shown that the highest antioxidant property was observed in the solvent extract of L. chinense. The DPPH assay provides an easy and rapid way to evaluate potential antioxidants in selected samples.

A hidden dilemma; post COVID-19 first detection of Varicella zoster M4 genotype from Pakistan

ObjectivesDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of childhood infectious diseases was increased. Post-COVID-19 escalation of chickenpox cases, becoming an emerging public health concern. Thus, the study was designed to compare chickenpox prevalence and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) genotypes circulating before, during, and post-COVID-19 in Pakistan. MethodsA total of 267 lesion specimens collected from tertiary care hospitals, and chickenpox outbreaks from Pakistan were analysed by a two-amplicon approach with phylogenetic analysis. ResultsAmong suspected cases, overall 178/267 were VZV positive. Majority (84.2 %; 150/178) cases were of post-COVID-19 pandemic time. Small outbreaks occurred soon after COVID-19 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (Pakistan), 40 positive cases out of 178 cases were outbreak cases. There was first time detection of the M4 genotype, which was significantly associated with disease severity (p = 0.0006) and post-COVID-19 chickenpox outbreaks in 2021 (77.9 %; 46/59; p < 0.00001). However, in pre-COVID-19 only M2 genotype was detected. The M2 prevalence varied from 2019 (100 %; 19/19) to 2022 (3.2 %; 3/91). However, the most prevalent strain of 2022 belonged to the M1 genotype (64.8 %; 59/91). ConclusionA significant rise in chickenpox cases detected soon after COVID-19 in Pakistan, and oscillation of different VZV genotypes with first time detection of M4 genotype is an alarming situation. This demands further detailed genotypic studies on transmission dynamics of a rare M4 with other genotypes to protect the local population and restrict spread in other regions.

Hubungan Anak Wasting dengan Penyakit Infeksi Saluran Pernapasan Akut di Kota Salatiga

Background: Wasting is a group of acute nutritional deficiencies that can increase the risk of infectious diseases, one of which is Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI). Salatiga City is one of the cities in Central Java Province that has ARI cases, which is around 7.78% in 2018. this research purposed to find the relationship between wasting children with Infectious Disease in Salatiga.Methods: The Quantitative research method with univariate and bivariate analysis using Spearman Rho correlation test.Result: The results of the study in 4 sub-districts of Salatiga City obtained 36 children aged 36-59 who had wasting and had a history or were experiencing ARI. The main variables are wasting children and ARI did not have a significant relationship p&gt; 0.050 and supporting factors included BCG immunization, exclusive breastfeeding status, complementary feeding status, parental knowledge, air pollution, environmental sanitation, and personal hygiene showed no relationship between wasting children who had a history of or were experiencing ARI p&gt; 0.050.Conclusion : The conclusion is obtained between the main variables and supporting factors, no significant results were found and it is recommended for parents of children to pay attention to food intake, hygiene, and routinely participate in posyandu activities. The next recommendation is that this research can be developed both in terms of method design and a larger number of samples, as well as other supporting factors that can affect children experiencing wasting and ARI.

Diversity of disease-carrying mosquito vectors in potential areas of dengue fever in Palembang City, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Listiono H, Damiri N, Kamaluddin T, Irsan C. 2024. Diversity of disease-carrying mosquito vectors in potential areas of dengue fever in Palembang City, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 474-481. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are biting insects commonly found in many areas on earth in subtropics and tropics, especially around residential areas. So far, more than 2500 species have been recorded from various parts of the world. They are the main vectors of many diseases in humans and livestock caused by viruses and parasites. Mosquito diversity and disease transmission are influenced by landscape modifications, namely vectors and pathogens. The study aimed to evaluate the distribution, prevalence and abundance of mosquito species in potential dengue fever districts in Palembang city. The study was conducted in 2 two sub-districts in Palembang City, namely Gandus and Seberang Ulu I that represent housing environment, schools and gardens. Mosquito capture was done during three periods 06.00-10.00, 15.00-18.00, and 19.00-21.00 to align with their active hours. This involved active human landing collection method. 200 ovitraps were set up in both regions to assess the density of mosquitoes. The results showed that the diversity index values in Gandus and the Seberang Ulu I sub-districts were 0.781 and 0.756, respectively. Both values were categorized as low diversity index. Furthermore, the dominance index in Gandus and Seberang Ulu 1 sub-district were 0.105 and 0.031, respectively. It meant that there were no dominant mosquito species in both sub-districts. Based on the results of Independent t-test analysis, it was found that the average number of mosquito populations in Gandus sub-district was 25.07 and Seberang Ulu I sub-district was 13.29. From the results of the analysis it was found that there was no difference in average number of mosquito populations between Gandus and Seberang Ulu I sub-district, with a p-value of 0.367. Further research needs to be directed at uncovering mosquito distribution patterns and their potential as disease vectors, the risk of infectious diseases, and the need for further prevention to reduce the number of disease incidences.

“When people who use drugs can’t differentiate between medical care and cops, it’s a problem.” Compounding risks of law Enforcement Harassment & Punitive Healthcare Policies

BackgroundCommunity-based harm reduction programming is widely recognized as an effective strategy for reducing the increased risks for and spread of HIV, HCV, and for reducing the growing rate of overdose deaths among people who use drugs (PWUD). PWUD in the United States (US) are a highly justice-involved population, also at increased risk for law enforcement interaction, arrest, and incarceration. These risks compound and interact in the context of criminalization and law enforcement surveillance. Justice involvement increases risks for overdose and for riskier injecting behavior among PWUD, in turn increasing HCV and HIV risks. In Central and Southern Appalachia specifically, PWUD have identified fear of law enforcement harassment and arrest as a barrier to engaging in harm reduction behavior, and a deterrent to seeking help at the scene of an overdose. Moreover, stigmatizing and punitive treatment in healthcare settings can deter PWUD from seeking care, with life or death consequences. This evaluation research study assessing the successes and impacts of a grant-funded project to increase access to safer drug consumption supplies and overdose prevention education for PWUD, including justice-involved participants of a syringe access program (SAP), in public housing and beyond in a South-Central Appalachian setting used key informant and opportunistic sampling. Mixed-methods data were compiled and collected including secondary program data; primary interview and participant-observation data.ResultsThe evaluation research identified that grant deliverables were largely achieved, despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, SAP participants and staff reported larger themes surrounding grant-funded activities, in which they perceived that widespread local law enforcement harassment of PWUD increased participants’ risks for overdose death and infectious disease risks and that punitive local healthcare settings and policies acted as deterrents to care-seeking for many PWUD.ConclusionsOverall, the evaluation research found that participants’ experiences with and perceptions of local law enforcement harassment combined with their understandings and experiences of local punitive healthcare settings and policies; together compounding and increasing overdose risks and negative health consequences for local justice-involved PWUD.

Adverse human health effects of climate change: an update.

The world is currently facing a process of climate change, which may adversely impact human health in many different ways. The safety of food, water and urban environments is endangered by the consequences of climate change. Sea level and temperature rise, along with more frequent and longer heat waves, represent only a few of the effects of climate change. The increased risk of extreme climate events (e.g., cyclones, droughts and floods) is another serious public health issue. These adverse effects are enhanced in areas and countries not having the capacity to effectively deal with climate change. We primarily aimed at summarizing the impacts of climate change on public health. A further aim was to identify the most concerning consequences of this phenomenon and the vulnerability factors that amplify the negative effects of climate change. PubMed and other literature databases were used as literature sources for this narrative review based on the search terms 'climate change' and 'diseases categories' up to January 2024, in order to assess the most recent and relevant scientific evidence about the relation between climate change and public health, identify knowledge gaps and priorities for future research. We also screened the websites of major agencies devoted to human health protection and environmental health. Climate change appears to induce a broad spectrum of generally adverse effects on public health. It may increase the risk of infectious diseases, psychiatric disorders, cancer and other diseases. Currently, we are not effectively counteracting this phenomenon, since pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing alongside temperatures. A host of measures are required in order to prevent and fight climate change and related health effects. These include the adoption of a holistic approach and the collaboration of different kinds of expertise in order to design more effective strategies. Special attention should be paid to those who live in disadvantaged countries, and those who are more vulnerable to the adverse health consequences of climate change.

Infectious risk profile and strategies for prevention and control of outbreaks in refugee, asylum seekers and migrant populations in EU/EEA countries: a systematic narrative review of evidence.

The recent surge in migration to and within the European Union and European Economic Area has brought the development of migration policy, including health policy, to the forefront of regional priorities. While migrants, in general, do not pose a health threat to the host population, specific subgroups of migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and irregular migrants, are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. To support public health policies in this area, the Emergency Preparedness and Management' working group of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health has conducted a systematic narrative review with the aim to comprehensively analyze the infectious disease risk within the refugee and asylum seeker populations in EU, EEA, and EU-applicant countries. Forty-two studies were systematically selected from scientific articles in the MEDLINE/PubMed database from January 1, 2008, to June 1, 2023. The infectious risk associated with each infectious disease among refugees and asylum seekers, as well as the strategies to prevent and control outbreaks, was collected from all available studies. The congregate living conditions in refugee camps, transit centers, and temporary housing facilities make this population particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. As such, implementing stringent hygiene and preventive measures is critical to safeguarding the health of refugees and reducing the risk of outbreaks that may affect both the refugee population and the host communities. Effective vaccination and preventive strategies for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are vital for public health and the well-being of these populations. They should be delivered as part of universal health care. By addressing barriers and implementing tailored programs, we can ensure equitable access to vaccines and protect the health of these vulnerable individuals.

Management of pediatric emergencies during natural disasters: The 2023 earthquake in Turkey

The earthquake that occurred in the southeastern region of Türkiye on February 6, 2023 resulted in extensive destruction, affecting 11 provinces and causing a death toll of almost 50,000 individuals. This review emphasizes the unique vulnerabilities that children face in the aftermath of earthquakes and stresses the significance of having preparedness plans specifically tailored to their needs. It is crucial to provide immediate emotional support to children and help them restore their normal routines in order to ensure their well-being. Additionally, emergency nutrition care and mental health services play a vital role in maintaining their long-term health. The disruption of healthcare services also increases the risk of infectious diseases, underscoring the urgency of vaccination efforts. It is crucial that healthcare providers should undergo training and collaborate with each other to adopt a comprehensive approach to pediatric disaster care.

Advancing indoor risk mapping for virus transmission of infectious diseases through geographic scenario simulation

ABSTRACT Close-range interpersonal interactions serve as a major channel for virus transmission, with higher infection risks indoors than outdoors. Thus, evaluating indoor infectious disease transmission risks is vital for effective epidemic prevention and control. However, collecting complete individual-level behavioral data faces challenges due to privacy concerns and data acquisition costs, impeding accurate indoor risk mapping. To address this, we propose an individual-centered, scenario-based simulation framework in this paper. This framework incorporates stepwise movement of agents to model crowd interactions in indoor spaces, enabling infection risk mapping through geographic scenario simulation. The simulation model’s core components encompass the generation of indoor environments, formulation of individual behavior rules, establishment of human-environment interaction logic, and simulation of virus transmission processes. Additionally, we outline the implementation algorithm for this simulation model. Lastly, we employ a high-risk university canteen as a case study to demonstrate the model’s capabilities in creating risk maps at different levels: spatial, spatiotemporal, and individual. The proposed framework achieves the construction and process simulation of multi-dimensional geographic scenarios at a microscale, introduces a behavior path model based on spatiotemporal cubes, and enhances the comprehensive analysis and mapping capabilities for indoor infectious disease risk, laying the foundation for precise prevention and control.

Nursing Students' Perceptions of Factors Influencing Nursing Intentions toward COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic to which nursing students are particularly susceptible. This study aims to comprehensively examine nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, risk perceptions, preventive behaviors related to COVID-19, and nursing intentions toward patients with the virus. A questionnaire was administered to 149 nursing students from two universities. Data on the respondents' general characteristics, knowledge levels, attitudes, perceived risk, preventive behaviors toward COVID-19, and nursing intentions toward COVID-19 patients were collected. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software (version 26.0). This involved descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analyses. The analyses of the factors affecting nursing students' nursing intentions for COVID-19 patients showed that the most predictive factor was perceived risk (β = -0.38, p < 0.001), followed by attitudes (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and preventive behaviors (β = 0.17, p = 0.017), which explained 26% of the variance in nursing intentions. Lowering the perceived risk of infectious diseases and cultivating positive attitudes and preventive behaviors can increase nursing students' intentions toward COVID-19 patients. Finally, infection management education programs and research on interventions for nursing students are necessary to enhance the quality of nursing care provided to patients with novel infectious diseases.

Proof of concept of a sexual health outreach program led by community health workers in homeless hostels in the greater Paris region.

Homeless individuals face exacerbated risks of infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Programs led by Community Health Workers (CHWs) have demonstrated potential to enhance healthcare access for marginalized groups such as homeless families. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel CHW-based outreach program addressing sexual health issues among individuals residing in homeless hostels. Twelve social homeless hostels in the greater Paris region were selected as program implementation sites. An outreach program was developed consisting of two interventions: sexual health workshops and STI screening sessions (HIV and hepatitis B and C) accompanied by individual interviews, both conducted by CHWs within each hostel over an 8-week period and scheduled weekly. Feasibility, participation and engagement were evaluated using complementary methods including qualitative field observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with CHWs, satisfaction questionnaires for participants, and quantitative outcome data collection of each intervention. A total of 80 program activities (workshops and screening sessions) were conducted. Among the participants, 542 women and 30 men engaged in workshops. During the 30 Rapid Diagnostic Testing sessions, 150 individuals underwent testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and/or hepatitis C. Positivity rates were 6.7% for hepatitis B and 0.9% for hepatitis C. No HIV infections were detected. Participant satisfaction rates were consistently high (>76%) across workshops. Qualitative analysis unveiled two critical axes influencing program feasibility and effectiveness: program organization and CHW involvement. This assessment of the program highlights its feasibility among a population that is difficult to reach through conventional healthcare efforts. The intervention's potential effectiveness is suggested by self- and CHW-reported improvements in sexual health literacy and high rates of referral to the healthcare system, as well as holistic well-being considerations. CHW involvement is a vital determinant of program success, as are robust coordination among stakeholders, deep understanding of the target population, and strong partner engagement. This outreach program amplifies the voices of often-overlooked populations while empowering them to navigate health and social challenges. Although these workshops serve as lifelines for those frequently excluded from mainstream services, long-term improvements to the health and wellbeing of homeless populations will necessitate systemic governmental intervention.

Health Education and Family Empowerment in Preventing Nutritional Problems in Early Childhood

Early childhood producing future human resources, is a group that is susceptible to a variety of health issues and nutritional disorders. It is important to pay attention to the fulfillment of excellent nutrition and to optimize every stage of its growth. According to estimates, 10% of the children in the Amanah Kahmi playgroup are malnourished due to nutritional abnormalities, and many parents lack awareness of the importance of feeding children a healthy diet. It could impact the risk of infectious disease and growth issues. This activity aims to inform parents about the monitoring of a child's nutritional condition and the preparation of nourishing foods for young children. The activity began with education on assessing children's nutritional status and putting it into practice by measuring the height and weight of 35 school students and then applying it using the WHO child nutrition monitoring chart. The results showed that 19 children with normal weight categories consisting of 5 boys and 14 girls; 8 children with poor nutritional status consisting of 7 boys and 1 girl; and 8 children close to the normal nutritional limit, consisting of 2 girls and 6 boys. The activity was followed by educating parents regarding balanced nutrition for children through the video presentation and preparation of nutritious food for children. This activity is expected to increase knowledge and assist parents in monitoring the growth and development of children and providing nutritious food for children to prevent nutritional disorders in early childhood.

Issues with infectious disease vaccine introduction into routine vaccination in Japan, and considerations for accelerating the process

Routine vaccinations help prevent the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases; however, it can take up to ten years from vaccine approval to introduction into routine vaccination schedules in Japan. Here, we investigate the information required to introduce an approved vaccine into routine vaccination schedules and the reasons why it takes so long. Based on the published data of the Immunization and Vaccine Committee of the Health Science Council, we set out to explore ways to facilitate discussion on this topic. The following issues were identified as discussion points: disease burden, efficacy and safety, and cost-effectiveness. Until now, epidemiological information has been used to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines, and also to evaluate the safety in the presence of notable adverse reactions. However, in some cases, it took a long time to obtain epidemiological information regarding the frequency of rare but serious adverse reactions and the need for a booster dose. Given the risk of spreading infectious diseases due to delays in decision-making, vaccines may have to be introduced into routine vaccination schedules based on the results of clinical trials that can be obtained in a relatively short period. In contrast, epidemiological information is necessary to evaluate the disease burden, frequency of adverse reactions, and the necessity of booster doses. Therefore, developing an epidemiological information collection system is urgently required.

Impact of leisure satisfaction on perceived risk of infectious disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from new worker classes.

This study examines how job market changes affect individuals' leisure choices and satisfaction, focusing on worker classes that have undergone daily life changes (e.g., economic and social activities) due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A population-based cross-sectional study design was employed. South Korean workers aged 20-59 years answered an online survey administered from September 14 to October 4, 2021. Ultimately, 764 responses were used in the analysis. The measures used in this study consisted of factors affecting infectious disease risk perception and leisure satisfaction among the six new worker classes that emerged during the pandemic, according to socio-demographic status. The results showed that among male participants, social, emotional, physical, environmental, and educational factors of leisure satisfaction were more strongly affected, with higher social, physical, and interpersonal relationships being factors in the perception of infectious disease risk. Among female participants, the interpersonal relationship factor of perceived risk was significantly affected by the social, emotional, and educational factors of leisure satisfaction. Interpersonal relationships, affected leisure satisfaction among members of Classes 1-3, who experienced no change in pay. However, for the members of Class6 who experienced a decrease in pay, the economic factor negatively affected leisure satisfaction and played a pivotal role in our findings. This study verified the risk factors that inhibit leisure satisfaction among new worker classes that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the psychological health of people suffering pandemic-related financial constraints was affected, as they experienced a lower quality of life owing to reduced leisure activities and satisfaction.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and risk of infectious diseases in hospitalized older patients.

Vaccinations, for example flu vaccine, may be a cause of cross-reactive immunostimulation that prevents a larger spectrum of infections. However, whether SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations may also determine this effect is unclear. This study aims, first, to assess the incidence of infections at hospital admission and during the hospitalization in older inpatients vaccinated and unvaccinated against SARS-CoV-2; second, to compare length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. This retrospective study included 754 older inpatients admitted to the Geriatrics and Orthogeriatrics Units of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy) between March 2021 and November 2021. Sociodemographic and health-related data, and the diagnosis of infections at hospital admission and during hospitalization were collected from medical records. The sample's mean age was 87.2years, 59.2% were females, and 75.5% were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Vaccinated individuals had 36% lower odds of intra-hospital infections (OR = 0.64, 95%CI 0.44-0.94) and 39% lower in-hospital death (HR = 0.61, 95%CI 0.39-0.95), also after adjusting for potential confounders, while no significant results emerged about infections at hospital admission. Considering the hospitalization's endpoints, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was associated with a lower probability of being transferred to long-term care or other hospital departments than returning home (OR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.40-0.99). In older inpatients, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination seems to be associated with a lower likelihood of intra-hospital infectious diseases not caused by SARS-CoV-2 and all-cause in-hospital mortality. The vaccination coverage in the older population could limit not only the onset and severity of COVID-19 but also the occurrence of other infectious diseases.