Health Safety Measures Research Articles

The use of Virtual Media in Postgraduate Medical Training During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Context: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought about public health safety measures of social distancing and avoidance of crowded gatherings. These led to widespread disruptions in activities of daily living, as well as routine health-care services and learning activities. There has been a noticeable move to the online domain as the platform for teaching and learning. Aims: The present study aimed to describe the online learning and teaching experiences of postgraduate medical doctors in Nigerian hospitals. Subjects and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional online survey sent to medical doctors across social media platforms, and it sought to find out the current number of hours utilized and modalities of their online educational media use. Results: A total of 116 doctors responded and completed the survey, with 74 (63.8%) and 104 (89.6%) of them having some webinar experience before and during the pandemic, respectively. At least 82 (70.4%) had 1–5 h of online learning activities each week, and an overwhelming 114 (98.2%) used a personal Internet data subscription to access online educational material. In addition, 56 (48.3%) felt that online learning was less rewarding than in-person interactions even though 93 (80.2%) found the online learning activities to be quite convenient. Poor Internet connectivity was cited as a major challenge to a successful online learning experience in 80 (68.9%). Conclusion: Although the COVID-19 pandemic restricted face-to-face human contact including learning activities, postgraduate medical education has filled the void by increasing online learning activities, resulting in an admixture of experiences and reactions.

Effects of the occupational exposure on health status among petroleum station workers, Khartoum State, Sudan.

The hazards of petroleum station activities are greatly emphasized due to their negative impact on workers' health and safety concerns. This study aims to assess the effect of occupational exposure among the workers in various petroleum station at the Khartoum State, Sudan. An analytical and experimental study design is followed where 60 participants were selected through purposive sampling technique. The participants were recruited from the petroleum workstation and were considered as the lead exposed group whereas the participants who lived faraway from the petroleum station and had no exposure to lead were considered as un-exposed group. To avoid the effects of smoking on lead concentration we further divided these groups into smokers and non-smokers. IBM, SPSS was used for the statistical analysis of the collected data. The results show that there is no significant difference in white blood cells (WBCs) count between exposed and unexposed lead group. We also did not find significant difference in Red blood cells (RBCs) count. Participant from both groups had normal range of haemoglobin (Hb). However, haematocrit (Hct) levels were elevated in both of these groups. We also tested the platelet count in these groups and found that platelet count was slightly lower in lead exposed group as compared to the unexposed group but average count was found within the normal range. Finally, the lead concentration in serum and urine was detected of the participants. Results reveal that the serum lead concentration of non-smokers (0.58 mg/l) in the exposed group was higher than in non-smokers of unexposed group (0.49 mg/l). The lead concentration in serum of smokers in exposed group was also high (1.49 mg/l) than the lead concentration detected in serum of smokers in unexposed group (1.14 mg/l). Urine lead levels of exposed group was also high than the unexposed group in smokers and non-smokers. Mean value of lead in urine among non-smokers of the exposed and unexposed group were 0.76 mg/L and 0.19 mg/L respectively. In the case of smokers, 1.59 mg/L and 1.16 mg/L were the mean value of lead in urine for both exposed and unexposed groups respectively. From the given results it can be concluded that health safety measures for workers must be implemented to maintain good health status of workers at petroleum stations.

A study on Chromium induced occupational dermatoses among the construction workers attending tertiary care hospital in Coimbatore

Introduction: Occupational contact dermatitis is the most frequent dermatoses. It is evident that Chromium causes contact dermatitis in construction workers. This study is conducted to assess the prevalence and pattern of contact dermatitis among construction workers. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective hospital based clinical study, conducted among construction workers who presented with skin manifestations from Oct 2016 to Jan 2017. Data including demographic details, clinical findings were collected. Patch test done and readings were taken according to ICDRG criteria. Results: Fifty patients were enrolled in our study. The prevalence of contact dermatitis in construction workers is 2.6% and prevalence of Chromium induced contact dermatitis is 50%. Age group predominantly affected was 41-55 years. The male to female ratio is 3.5:1. The mean duration of exposure to cement was 13.02years. The minimum and the maximum time taken for the contact dermatitis to occur after exposure were 2 weeks and 40 years respectively. The median period for the onset was 10 years. Thirteen patients had acute eczema, 29 had chronic eczema and 9 had subacute eczema. Nintey two (92%) had allergic contact dermatitis and 8% had irritant contact dermatitis. The most common allergen positive by patch testing was Chromium [50%] followed by ppd [10%], parthenium [6%] and pb [4%]. Conclusion: Our study concludes that Chromium (hexavalent) in cement causes allergic reactions in 50% of construction workers. Control measures include health education, safety measures, health surveillance and reduction of Chromium VI concentration by adding 0.35% ferrous sulfate. Keyword: Contact dermatitis, Chromium, Patch test.

An Exploratory Study Investigating COVID-19 Health Safety Measures Using the ARB COVID-19 Restaurant Safety Measure Questionnaire

To obtain important COVID-19 health safety measures information for at risk populations by using an Access Ratings for Buildings based questionnaire. Mixed-methods research design. Questionnaire surveys were conducted over the telephone. Sixteen different restaurants located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A verbally administered questionnaire developed by the Rehabilitation Research Design & Disability Center and derived from the Access Ratings for Buildings taxonomy that focuses on restaurant’s COVID-19 health safety measures such as personal protective equipment and CDC recommendations. The ARB COVID-19 Restaurant Safety Measure Questionnaire, which consisted of 11 questions examining the equipment, supplies and policies in place to protect patrons and employees. Out of twenty restaurants, sixteen completed the survey, three were unable to be reached and one refused to participate. Three of the restaurants referred the data collectors to their HR department or restaurant group for questioning. Of the sixteen restaurants that responded, 63% offered dine in services and 88% takeout. Twelve of the restaurants did not offer face masks for patrons, although thirteen did have hand sanitizer for patron use and eleven offered contactless payment methods. 81% of restaurants required employees to wear face masks, 94% had disposable gloves available for employees and 38% did temperature checks on their employees. Fifteen stated they conduct specific sanitation procedures for COVID-19 and believe they are following CDC precautions, although only four currently follow the guidelines. This study provided valuable information that can be used to benefit at risk populations in making informed, safe decisions when deciding where to eat. It also demonstrated the need for restaurants to implement stricter COVID-19 safety measures.

Health disorders and safety measures among workers in Tanta Flax and Oil Company, Egypt.

Flax industry has an adverse effect on health status of exposed workers especially in developing countries with lack of appropriate safety measures to identify the health hazards, health disorders among workers in flax and oil company, and to assess the applied safety measures in the factory. A cross sectional study was conducted in Tanta Flax and Oil Company in Egypt. The company includes eight factories which are divided into four departments according to the manufacturing end products. The study was conducted from August 2018 to December 2019 on 353 workers out of 400 workers. An interview questionnaire and clinical medical examination were done to assess the health status of exposed workers. Check list from occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) standards was filled by researcher to check safety measures in work place environment. Respiratory manifestations were detected in 65% of the examined workers in flax manufacturing departments while allergic manifestations were more obvious in formaldehyde factory department. Approximately one quarter of workers complained that personal protective equipment’s are not available. Regarding the mask for dust, nearly half (44.5%) of the workers rarely used them, and only 7.1% always use them. Byssinosis was obvious among workers in flax manufacturing and particle board manufacturing department with statistically significant differences between the four departments, in which 36.9% and 24.1% of workers in these two departments suffered from chest tightness, respectively. The safety measures were inadequate in flax manufacturing departments and to somewhat sufficient in formaldehyde factory department. Most of exposed workers had inadequate health status due to lack of standard safety measures. Therefore, periodic medical examination should be done regularly with investigation of pulmonary functions of exposed workers with application of high level of safety measure standards in the work place environment.

Demographic trends of open globe injuries in a large inpatient sample.

To evaluate demographic trends of open globe injuries (OGIs) using a large dataset representative of United States population. Retrospective cross-sectional observational study using theNational Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2002 to 2013. Only patients witha primary admitting diagnosis of OGI wereincluded. Data included age (in years), gender, race, type of OGI, death rate and length and cost of stay. During the 12-year period, 27,467 adults (age > 20) with acute OGIswere admittedtotheUS hospitals.Theincidence ofOGIs in the adult US populationwas10.6 cases per 1,000,000 persons. The mean age was 50.4 years (SD 21.52); the average ages of men and women were 44.34 (SD 17.63) and 65.69 (SD 22.77), respectively. Men accounted for 71% of all cases, with84% of patients under 60. A decrease inthenumber ofOGIs was seenwith advancing age in men, whereas the opposite was true for women. Men, elderly over 80 andBlacks were at the highest risk of sustaining an OGI. The most and least common types of injuries were penetrating injuries (73%) and IOFBs (11%),respectively. Over half of young adults in the 21-40 cohort and 43% of men were uninsured (p < 0.001). Theaverage length ofhospital stay increased with ageandwassignificantly much higher in women than men (3.4 vs2.5 days). Racial, gender and age disparities are prevalent in patients with OGIs. Although themajority of cases were seen in Whites and young men age 21-40 years, the incidence of OGIs per 1,000,000 persons per year was thehighest in Blacks and Hispanics, elderly over 80, and men. One-third of all cases were uninsured. These disparities should be the basis of future public health safety measures.

Extending the Margin of Safety Concept to Brick-and-Mortar Retailing in India (MoSR-b)

The Margin of Safety (MoS) concept is predominantly used in Investment, Accounting, Structural Engineering, and Medicine domains of study. Irrespective of the domain of study the MoS concept plays a crucial role in accounting for any uncertainty. We could simply assert that the concept of MoS is relevant and necessary for brick-and-mortar (B&M) retailers in India. In the context of B&M retailing we define MoS as the level of immunity developed by a B&M retailer over unexpected short-term market disruptions such as (a) the shutdown of specific locality forced by political parties or other organizations; (b) entry of new competitors in a catchment; (c) lucrative offers floated by competitors in the catchment, etc., and long-term market disruptions such as (a) lockdown of a locality owing to public health safety measures (for instance, Covid-19 lockdown); (b) shutdown of a locality for civil and infrastructural development works; (c) entry of new retailing formats (for instance, Online stores), etc. In this paper, we have developed a conceptual framework (MoSR-b) that would enable B&M retailers in India to develop a margin of safety to overcome short and long-term market disruptions and uncertainties. In developing the MoSR-b, we have adopted recommendations from existing literature that are known and suitable for Indian retailing in the context of MoS, in addition to identifying (i) new elements capable of developing the MoS, and (ii) borrowing insights from multiple empirical and qualitative studies, field experiments, and evaluation of consumer-level transactions. Instead of limiting the scope of MoS to just a few financial aspects of the business, our MoSR-b framework extends the scope of MoS in becoming the core of achieving business operational efficiencies in addition to providing early indications on the immunity level of a retail organization against short and long-term market disruptions.

Extending the Margin of Safety Concept to Brick-and-Mortar Retailing in India (MoSR-b)

The Margin of Safety (MoS) concept is predominantly used in Investment, Accounting, Structural Engineering, and Medicine domains of study. Irrespective of the domain of study the MoS concept plays a crucial role in accounting for any uncertainty. We could simply assert that the concept of MoS is relevant and necessary for brick-and-mortar (B&amp;M) retailers in India. In the context of B&amp;M retailing we define MoS as the level of immunity developed by a B&amp;M retailer over unexpected short-term market disruptions such as (a) the shutdown of specific locality forced by political parties or other organizations; (b) entry of new competitors in a catchment; (c) lucrative offers floated by competitors in the catchment, etc., and long-term market disruptions such as (a) lockdown of a locality owing to public health safety measures (for instance, Covid-19 lockdown); (b) shutdown of a locality for civil and infrastructural development works; (c) entry of new retailing formats (for instance, Online stores), etc. In this paper, we have developed a conceptual framework (MoSR-b) that would enable B&amp;M retailers in India to develop a margin of safety to overcome short and long-term market disruptions and uncertainties. In developing the MoSR-b, we have adopted recommendations from existing literature that are known and suitable for Indian retailing in the context of MoS, in addition to identifying (i) new elements capable of developing the MoS, and (ii) borrowing insights from multiple empirical and qualitative studies, field experiments, and evaluation of consumer-level transactions. Instead of limiting the scope of MoS to just a few financial aspects of the business, our MoSR-b framework extends the scope of MoS in becoming the core of achieving business operational efficiencies in addition to providing early indications on the immunity level of a retail organization against short and long-term market disruptions.

Italy and COVID-19: Notes on the Impact of the Pandemic on the Administration of Justice

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to adopt special measures to limit the spread of the contagion. In the field of the administration of justice, social distancing and other health safety measures have brought about alternatives to the normal management of judicial business. This essay presents an overview of the solutions devised by the Italian authorities to handle civil disputes in the time of COVID-19.

Risk Reduction of COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan

ABSTRACT This study attempt to examine the risk reduction mechanism of the COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan. World Health Organization (WHO) declared the emergency and provided guidelines to reduce the risk of a pandemic. Thus, people tried to adopt multiple health safety measures to reduce the risk of a pandemic outbreak. Therefore, this study was designed to conduct an online survey technique to collect information from 1264 individuals in Pakistan. The rationale to select the technique was based on the pandemic situations in the country i.e. COVID-19. Moreover, it was used to main social distancing and following the health safety measures. Thus, a well-structured questionnaire was administered based on an attitudinal scale and google form was used. The inclusion criteria were defined on the questionnaire such as an independent age bracket (18–60), resident of Pakistan, using social media, and literate. The response was stopped after reaching the sample at 1264 participants. The study findings reveal that social isolation, social distancing, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) had a significant positive impact on risk reduction of COVID-19 among individuals. Moreover, hand and respiratory hygienic along with the risk of infection also significantly contributing to minimizing the pandemic outbreak.

A new model for the spread of COVID-19 and the improvement of safety

COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly around the world since December 2019. The main goal of this study is to develop a more effective method for diagnosing and predicting the COVID-19 spread and to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures to reduce and stop the virus spread. To this end, the COVID-19 Decision-Making System (CDMS) was developed to study disease transmission. CDMS divides the population into groups as susceptible, infected, cured and dead. The trends of the people’s number in these groups have deterministic and stochastic components. The deterministic components are described by a differential equations system with parameters determined by the data reported. The stochastic components are represented as an indicator of instability that characterizes the tendency of COVID-19 spread. The simulation experiments have shown a good agreement between the CDMS estimates and the data reported in Russia and Greece. The analysis performed showed that the newly-introduced instability indicator may be the precursor to the pandemic dynamics. In this context, our results showed three potential candidates for a second wave of COVID-19 disease: USA, Russia and Brazil. Although the proportion of infected individuals in countries with high temperatures is lower than in European countries and Russia, temperature and humidity are slowly affecting the effects of the pandemic. Finally, the results presented may contribute to the urgent need to reduce the risks associated with the second wave of the COVID-19, to improve public health intervention and safety measures to be taken by various countries.

Assessment of Prevalence, Awareness and Practices Regarding Cosmetics Harmful Effects among Saudi Female University Students of Albaha; Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Cosmetics are defined by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority as any material or preparation designed to come into contact with various external body parts (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips, and external genital organs) or with the oral cavity's teeth and mucous membranes for a variety of purposes, such as cleansing, perfuming, altering their appearance and/or keeping them in a good condition.&#x0D; Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence, level of awareness, and practices regarding cosmetics harmful hazards among Saudi female University Students of Albaha; Saudi Arabia.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a descriptive study intended to assess the prevalence, awareness and practice of Saudi female students of Albaha University. Systematic sampling methods were used to pick from each college, the predetermined sample size was taken, accordingly systematic random sampling was used to recruit 410 female students from medical and none medical colleges. Medical students at the latter level of their study were excluded from the study. Information was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire which was constructed to explore respondents’ awareness and practice toward using cosmetics.&#x0D; Results: A total of 410 respondents were enrolled in the study with a respondent rate of 93.2%, most of the respondents (62.4%) were none medical, and (37.6%) medical students. The prevalence of cosmetics use among our respondents is (97.8%), (82%) of them are between the age of 18 and 20 years and (76.3%) were unmarried. Most of the respondents (77.8%) used cosmetics daily while (20%) used to apply them sometimes or on need. Facial cosmetics, lipstick, and eye make-up as a group is the most commonly used cosmetics (64.9%) followed by skin lightening products (14.4%). 69% have an average level of knowledge concerning cosmetics adverse effects; (23%) have knowledge level and only (8%) having a good level of knowledge. A very significant proportion (37%) had experienced at least one side effect. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most commonly seen adverse effect affecting (38.8%) of the study population; followed by acne (27%) and allergic contact dermatitis (18.4%). Perfumes, deodorants, body lotions and creams by far the most common cosmetics products causing adverse effects (52.4%); followed by Facial cosmetics, lipstick and eye make-up in 143 (34.9%).&#x0D; Conclusion: A high prevalence rate of cosmetic use among Albaha university female students. Unfortunately, only 8% of them have good knowledge about the harmful effects of cosmetics. A very significant proportion was experienced at least one cosmetics-related side effect. This study concludes that cosmetics health-related hazard awareness among our respondents was not satisfactory and therefore needs a special consideration on cosmetic use-related safety concerns through awareness programs to raise their awareness.&#x0D; Recommendation: More researches should be directed to determine levels of knowledge and awareness towards cosmetic usage and its health hazards and safety measures. We recommended that a well-structured health education program should be done including lectures, workshops, campaigns and mass media orientation to increase the awareness level and educate the students about the hazardous effects of commonly used cosmetics.

Do beverage workers in Enugu state Nigeria comply with health safety measures? A cross sectional study of two breweries

Background: Some workplace accidents happen because workers fail to do their work in the safest possible way. Human beings have an innate desire to be safe, and their commitment to maintaining safe work environment is imperative for occupational health. However, employees’ contributions to workplace accident and injury is underexplored.Methods: Cross-sectional quantitative study was undertaken in two beverage industries in Enugu state. In order to observe a proportion of 50% in staff compliance to safety measures with precision of 5% and confidence level of 95%, 217 full-time employees were selected from each industry. Stratified sampling technique was used to select respondents across 5 units/departments. Data was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05.Results: Use of any form of safety device was reportedly high among respondents, 413 (97.4%). However, only 278 (67.3%) reported using them on a daily basis. Aprons 103 (24.9%), helmets 163 (39.5%), and hand gloves 197 (47.4%) were the least commonly used safety devices. The only reason reported for inconsistent use of safety devices was discomfort. Consistent use of safety devices correlates significantly with demographic characteristics such as age, sex, level of education, length of years of work and unit/department (p&lt;0.001), as well as previous history of workplace injury (p=0.01).Conclusions: Consistent compliance with safety measures among factory workers is suboptimal and correlates significantly with demographic characteristics and previous history of workplace injury.

Assessment of respiratory health and environmental safety measures in phosphate fertilizer industry in the middle region of the Nile Delta, Egypt.

Phosphate fertilizer industry is one of the most environmental polluting industries in Egypt. To identity the prevalence of abnormal ventilatory functions and to assess environmental safety measures in phosphate fertilizer industry in the middle region of the Nile Delta, Egypt. The study included 180 exposed male workers in phosphate fertilizer factory at Kafr El-Zayat City. An interview questionnaire was used to collect data related to socio-demographic, occupational history, and work-related respiratory manifestations. Spirometer was used for measuring ventilatory functions tests. Assessment of workplace safety measures was done by using Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Inspection Checklist, and environmental measures of total dust and sulfur dioxides (SOx) were obtained from records. Self-reported respiratory manifestations were found in 74/180 workers (41.11%), with rhinitis (49.3%), cough (38.9%), and expectoration (38.3%) were the most frequent. Abnormal ventilatory functions were confirmed and reported in about one-fourth of workers (43/180, 23.9%) with prominence of obstructive pattern. Significant negative correlation was found between age and MVV values (r = - 0.449, p = 0.001) and between duration of work and values of both FEV1(r = - 0.248, p = 0.033) and MVV (r = - 0.473, p = 0.001). The mean percent of applied safety practices and measures in workplace was 53.39% ± 16.4. The mean of sulfur dioxides values in English acid unit exceeded the permissible exposure level (PEL). Preventive medical and environmental safety measures were inadequate with a relatively high prevalence of abnormal ventilatory functions among workers. Sulfur dioxides measurements exceeded PEL.

Seasonal Dynamics of Heavy Metals in Commercially Important Marine Fish from the Bay of Bengal Coast of Bangladesh

This study was conducted to know the seasonal dynamics of heavy metal (Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Hg) concentrations in marine fish from the Bay of Bengal coast of Bangladesh in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The fish samples of various species viz. Churi (Trichiurus lepturus), Loittya (Harpadon nehereus), Ilish (Tenualosa ilisha) in St-1; Churi, Loittya, Ilish, Surma (Euthynnus affinis) in St-2; and Poa (Otolithoides pama), Loittya, Ilish in St-3 were collected seasonally from fish landing stations during December 2017 to November 2018. The samples were analyzed by using UNICAM-929 atomic absorption spectrophotometer following AOAC (2012) in the Food Laboratory of the SGS Bangladesh Limited., Dhaka. The results showed that among the metals, only Zn was detected in every station over the seasons. Overall metal accumulation, Zn content found more followed by Cu and Cr, whereas Cd, Pb and Hg were below the lower limit of detection in all the collected fish samples. Therefore, the study concluded that the fish are safe for human consumption as well as for public health and food safety measures ensured by common marine fish of Bangladesh.

Managing Education for Food And Health Security: The Experience of EhimeMbano and Isiala Mbano Local Government Areas of Imo State Nigeria

Abstract Objectives The study evaluated the managing Education for Food And Health Security in Ehime and Isiala Mbano Local Government Areas of Imo State Nigeria. Methods Data for the study was obtained from a sample of 240 respondents, 120 from each of the Local Government Areas. Frequency counts and percentages was used in analyzing the research questions raised. The Chi- square was also used to analyze the null hypothesis generated at 0.05 level of significance. Results The study reveals that there is no significant difference between the production of food and the level of the farmers education in the local Government Areas. The implication of the finding is that, the quality of food is proportional to the level of education of the producer and there Is also no significant difference between food and health security and the management of education in the two local Government Areas. Despite the climatic condition of the areas that favours health and food production, food and health insecurity remains a major obstacle faced by most dwellers in these areas. Further more, the study reveals obstacles towards food and health security in the areas to include; poor management of education, low level of people's education on food production and common health on food production and common health safety measures, low Government commitment to issues concerning health and food security etc. Conclusions To ensure a secured food and health society, the researcher observed that there Is need to strategize the Management of education to incorporate awareness on the modern methods of food production, nutrition education, education management, general health preventive measures, motivating farmers to form cooperative societies. Funding Sources Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Nigeria.

Perception of printing workers regarding occupational health hazards and safety measures

Background and objective: Printing workers are frequently exposed to many forms of occupational hazards while doing their jobs. Little research was done in Egypt about printings occupational hazards, which constitute a huge burden on the affected workers and employment settings. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the perception of occupational hazards and safety measures among printing workers.Methods: Descriptive analytic design was carried out the current study at the Egyptian Book House Press in Cairo on a purposive sample of 200 workers using a structured questionnaire to collect data, which include demographic data, occupational hazards, predisposing factors and safety measures as perceived by workers.Results: The results revealed that the majority of workers exposed to moderate level of occupational health hazards and safety measures. The most hazards the printing workers are exposed to it, are health, chemical, injury and psychological hazards. Also, there is a highly statistically significant negative correlation with total occupational hazards and safety measures.Conclusions: The study can be concluded that the workers exposed to moderate occupational hazards. As well, the majority of workers stated that there is a moderate level of safety measures to occupational hazards in their workplace. Therefore, this study recommended that continuous training of the printing workers on safety guidelines and enforcement of standard safety practices to decrease the potential occupational hazards.

Burden, Predictors and Short-Term Outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Patients Admitted to Ugandan Intensive Care Units

Severe Traumatic brain injury (STBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young individuals worldwide with worse outcomes being registered in low-income countries. Brain trauma foundation recommends the management of patients with TBI in the intensive care unit (ICU) to prevent secondary brain injury for improved outcome. However, Uganda being a low-income country, still grapples with the availability of ICU resources and space. Information regarding burden, predictors and short-term outcomes of ICU patients with TBI in Uganda has never been reconnoitered. A multicenter prospective observational cohort was conducted between 2013 to 2015 at four Ugandan ICUs. During the study period, we consecutively enrolled 387 critically ill, adult patients with TBI to determine the burden, predictors and short term outcomes in these patients. Baseline demographics, clinical and treatment parameters were recorded and followed till discharge from ICU or death. Of 387 patients enrolled in the study, 277 (71.6%) had moderate TBI, while 113 (29.2%) patients had STBI. The highest burden of TBI was recorded among patients assaulted through mob violence, recorded at 17/21 (81.0%), as shown in table 5. The overall mortality was at 34.4% (95/277) among patients with moderate or severe TBI, and 46.9% (53/113) among patients with STBI alone. Mortality was relatively higher among patients brought by the police, and those brought in at night. Multivariate analysis showed patient intubation, lack of antibiotic use, failure to transfuse, tracheostomy tube not inserted, and being involved in RTA or sustaining a fall were significantly associated with mortality among patients with TBI. We found a high burden of TBI and mortality among ICU patients. Despite limited resources in the local setting, inexpensive and locally available measures can reduce on the length of patient’s stay in the ICU and eventually decrease on the mortality. Improvement in prehospital as well as early trauma and airway care, antibiotic use, blood transfusion plus public health safety measures may reduce on the burden of TBI as well as improve outcomes.

Post Hepatitis B vaccination sero-conversion among health care workers in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana.

BackgroundHBV vaccine is known to offer protection against transmission of HBV infection. Health care workers are mandated to have this vaccination as part of their occupational health safety measures. Post vaccination response data for HCWs in our setting is not available. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the anti-HBs titre levels after Hepatitis B vaccination among HCWs from selected heath facilities in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.MethodsA multicenter (3 selected sites) analytical cross-sectional study involving 711 HCWs was conducted. Five (5mls) of blood samples were collected from each study participant and the serum used for HBV immunological profile testing anti-HBs quantification by ELISA test (Fortress Diagnostics Limited, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom). Data analyses were performed using Stata version 14.0 software (STATA Corp, Texas USA).ResultsThe median age of participants was 29 years (IQR = 26–35 years). Majority (80.9%, n = 575) took their vaccination from Government health facilities compared with 19.1% (n = 136) from private vaccination sources. A total of 7 (3 males and 4 females) were found to be HBsAg positive giving prevalence of 1%. In all, 8.2% (n = 58) of the HCWs had anti-HBs titre levels <10IU/ml giving a sero-protection rate of 91.8%. HCWs who received 3 doses of HBV vaccine were more likely to be sero-protected as compared to those who received only one dose in multivariate analysis (aOR = 3.39, 95%CI: 1.08–10.67), p<0.037). Gender, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were not found to be associated with sero-protection.ConclusionThere is a high HBV vaccine efficacy among HCWs in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana with higher prevalence of anti-HBs titre level associated with full vaccine dose adherence. Post vaccination antibody titre determination could be an integral part of HBV vaccination protocol for HCWs in Ghana.

Assessment of Knowledge and Preventive Practices about Occupational Health Hazard among Safai Karmchari of Municipality in Delhi

Background: Safai karmchari plays an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in the cities. This job exposes safai karmchari to a variety of risk factors such as dust, volatile organic matter and mechanical stress, which makes them susceptible to certain occupational diseases. The aim of this study was to find out the awareness about occupational health hazard and safety measures practiced by safai karmchari. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study had been carried out during the month of December 2017 to mid of February 2018 in the New Delhi Municipal Council area. Primary data was collected through structured observation checklist and interview with 164 safai karmchari. The data was analyzed using Microsoft excel 2007. Results: Results shows majority of respondent had knowledge about probability of skin allergy/injury/infection while collecting garbage by hand. Most of them had knowledge about probability of traffic accident while working on street. Most of respondents had knowledge about probability of fall while sweeping slippery surface and probability of respiratory problems/eye allergy, also probability of musculoskeletal problems due to their work. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) apron with reflector, shoes, cap, mask were used by most of the safai karmchari, but few of them uses gloves while working. Conclusion: It was concluded that the knowledge about occupational hazards as well as its preventive measures was more among trained safai karmchari than in untrained safai karmchari. However, a smaller number of respondents was using PPE while working. There is a need to develop SOP for different activities and preventive measure for safai karmchari. A training program should be introduced.