High-risk Professions Research Articles

Screening of Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Psychological and Occupational Factors, Determining Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in High-Risk Professions

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the most significant and common chronic non-communicable diseases in Bulgaria. Screening, identification and registration of pathophysiological mechanisms and psychological and occupational factors related to CVD should be implemented in the diagnostic work-up. Job analysis contributes to the implementation of screening and identification of the most significant psychological and professional factors related to the work activity. Aim: The aim of our study is to examine the pathophysiological mechanisms of autonomic cardiovascular control and psychological and occupational factors determining the risk of CVD. Materials and methods: The following groups of individuals were examined: 83 physicians, 54 nurses, 23 employees and 40 militaries. The autonomic cardiovascular control was studied through the time-and frequency-domain based measures of the Analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Results: The results of the ANOVA test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the time-domain and frequency-domain based HRV measures between the compared groups: X [F (4; 225) = 4.455, p = 0.001]; SDNN [F (4; 225) = 3.876, p = 0.005]; SDNN5 [F (4; 225) = 3.083, p = 0.01]; pNN50 [F (4; 225) = 8.303, p < 0.001]; rMSSD [F (4; 225) = 8.711, p < 0.001]; SDSD [F (4; 225) = 8.323, p < 0.001; VLF [F (4; 225) = 1.204, p = 0.31]; LF [F (4; 225) = 3.874, p = 0.005]; HF [F (4; 225) = 7.790, p < 0.001] and LF/HF [F (4; 225) = 8.601, p < 0.001]. The results of our study revealed that occupational stress and cognitive workload in physicians, nurses, and employees induced a process of reciprocally combined inhibition of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (SDNN, SDNN5, pNN50, rMSSD, and HF) and activation of the sympathetic branch of ANS (LF), while in military personnel they cause a process of co-activation of the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the ANS (rMSSD, SDNN, SDNN5, pNN50 and LF/HF). Conclusion: Stress-induced dysfunctional autonomic cardiovascular regulation, patho-physiological control mechanisms, psychological and occupational factors determine the risk of CVD. Their identification could contribute to the diagnostics and prevention of CVD.

High-Risk Interactions for Transmission of CRE to Health Worker Gloves or Gown: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a serious threat to public health due to high associated morbidity and mortality. Healthcare personnel (HCP) gloves and gowns are frequently contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including CRE. We aimed to identify patients more likely to transmit CRE to HCP gloves or gowns and HCP types and interactions more likely to lead to glove or gown contamination. Methods:Between January 2016 and August 2018, patients with a clinical or surveillance culture positive for CRE in the preceding 7 days were enrolled at 5 hospitals in California, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania. Ten HCP–patient interactions were observed for each patient and were recorded by research staff. Following patient care, but prior to doffing, the gloves and gown of each HCP were sampled for the presence of CRE. Results: We enrolled 313 CRE-colonized patients, and we observed 3,070 HCP interactions. CRE was transmitted to HCP gloves in 242 of 3,070 observations (7.9%) and to gowns in 132 of 3,070 observations (4.3%). Transmission to either gloves or gown occurred in 308 of 3,070 interactions observed (10%). The most frequently identified organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 171, 53.2%), followed by Enterobacter cloacae (n = 36, 11.2%), and Escherichia coli (n = 33, 10.3%). Patients in the intensive care unit (n = 177, 56.5%) were more likely to transmit CRE to HCP gloves or gown (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.03–2.64) compared to those not in an ICU and adjusted for HCP type. The odds of CRE transmission increased with the number of different items touched near the patient (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.21–1.44) and with the number of different items touched in the environment (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.21). Respiratory therapists had the highest rates of transmission to gloves and gown (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.61–8.94), followed by physical therapists and occupational therapists (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.01–8.32) when compared to HCP in the “other” category. Manipulating the rectal tube (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.53–6.04), providing wound care (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.73–4.59), and touching the endotracheal tube (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.86–4.19) were the interactions most strongly associated with CRE transmission compared to not touching these items and adjusted for HCP type. Conclusions: Transmission of CRE to HCP gloves and gowns occurs frequently. We identified interactions and HCP types that were particularly high risk for transmission. Infection control programs may wish to target infection prevention resources and education toward these high-risk professions and interactions.Funding: This work was supported by the CDC Prevention Epicenter Program (U43CK000450-01) and the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01 AI121146-01).Disclosures: None

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional, Pilot Study from a UK University Teaching Hospital

Musculoskeletal disorders can be acute or chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system and are prevalent within the dental profession. Dentistry is a high-risk profession for musculoskeletal disorders due to the use of repetitive hand movements and the adoption of prolonged static procedures. These have been identified as a prevalent cause of early retirement and have been shown to develop during dental training and education.

Turning the tide: reducing mortality among Danish merchant seafarers

ObjectivesWhile life at sea traditionally has presented a variety of potential hazards, rigorous measures have been taken in the past decades to ensure the safety and health of all aboard...

COVID 19, AS CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY IN DENTAL PRACTICE

A novel coronavirus announced as the etiologic pathogen of COVID 19, on 8th Jan 2020. WHO also declared the outbreak of COVID 19 as public Health Emergency on 30th Jan 2020. It is a highly contagious disease, and the main route of transmission of the virus is air born respiratory droplets through close personal contact. In routine dental procedures, a large number of droplets and aerosols could are generated and considered as the most common cause of spread. Due to the fact, the dental practice has been placed at the top of the high-risk profession in COVID pandemic. It has challenged the dental professionals at large. It has created not only health concerns but financial loss, compromise in the dental health delivery system, and wastage of human resources and dental auxiliaries.
 Effective Infection Control Protocols like Hand washing is considered the most beneficial measure for reducing the risk of transmitting microorganism. Thorough disinfection of all surfaces within the dental operatory and the use of personal protective equipment, including N 95 masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles and face shields, recommended to protect skin and mucosa from contaminated instruments, blood, and other secretions. No one can predict the future of pandemic, but there is a lot of speculation about clinical dental practice in the future if we have to live with COVID 19.
 In the past, the casual approach of general dental practitioners especially in rural and small towns, where the involvement of unauthorized people in dental practice and lack of resources like high tech autoclave and electricity has led to the common perception of the spread of infection being related to the dental procedures. Now with the COVID pandemic, the dental practitioners at large have realized the importance of protective measures and adherence to strict protocols. Hopefully, the future dentistry will be different, a little more expensive but the patient safety will be prioritized by all means.

Carpel tunnel syndrome: A link with vitamin D and calcium

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and vitamin D deficiency are two conditions that cause chronic pain and are thus associated with psychological issues as well. The aim of the present study was to evaluate vitamin D levels, daily calcium intake, musculoskeletal pain and psychological symptoms in patients with CTS. The study included 48 patients with CTS and age-sex matched controls. Serum vitamin D levels were measured, and psychological symptoms were assessed using a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A Pain DETECT questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal pain (MSP) sites and severity. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was considerably more prevalent in patients with CTS (95.8%) compared with controls (22.9%). Clinical anxiety (35.4 vs. 6.3%) and clinical depression (29.2 vs. 4.2%) were also more common in patients with CTS compared with controls. All the patients with CTS exhibited MSP, whereas none of the controls reported any MSP. Anxiety was significantly and inversely associated with vitamin D levels (r2=-0.482; P<0.01), total daily calcium intake (r2=-0.294: P<0.05), and positively associated with body mass index (BMI; r2=0.200; P≤0.05) and depression (r2=0.587; P<0.01). Depression was significantly and inversely associated with vitamin D levels (r2=-0.269; P<0.01) and total daily calcium intake (r2=-0.236; P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that with every unit increase in serum vitamin D levels, the odds of CTS were decreased 1.22x. While a one-unit increase in anxiety total score was associated with a 14% increase in the odds of having CTS after adjusting for different confounders. In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency, MSP and psychological symptoms are common in patients with CTS. Serum vitamin D levels and anxiety were significant independent predictors of CTS. Based on the results of the present study, it was shown that housewives had an equivalent chance of suffering from CTS morbidity as other high-risk professions. Further studies are required to confirm if vitamin D supplementation could prevent the onset of CTS.

Improving ergonomics in the operating room for orthopaedic surgeons in order to reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries

IntroductionOrthopaedic surgery is characterized by surgical tasks that are physical, repetitive and require some degree of stamina from the surgeon. Occupational injuries are alarmingly common in orthopaedic surgery with two-thirds of all surgeons reporting a work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injury during their career. One of the leading causes of the high level of MSK injuries among orthopaedic surgeon is lack of ergonomics of the operating room. Implementing an ergonomic process has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of developing MSK disorders in other high-risk industries. We reviewed well-established and effective ergonomic guidelines from the industrial workplace and determined the pertinent principles that could be transferred to the operating room to help reduce the number and severity of common orthopaedic work-related MSK injuries. MethodsWe reviewed the ergonomic guidelines, primarily from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), that specifically address minimizing the risk of these work-related injuries and that are transferable to the operating room. In addition, the ergonomic guidelines from the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were reviewed. ResultsMany of the guidelines to avoid work-related injuries in industry are transferable to the operating room. The pertinent guidelines clearly indicated how to adjust the height of the operating table, the proper design of hand and power tools and the modifications to the operating room environment that can help prevent injury. These guidelines from industry include maintaining a neutral posture and joint alignment, working with the appropriate hand tools and minimizing the lower extremity fatigue by using the proper footwear and floor mats. DiscussionOptimizing the occupational environment and utilizing well-established ergonomic principle from industry is both feasible and practical in the operating room to decrease the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among this high-risk profession. These guidelines are simple, effective and are easy to implement by orthopaedic surgeons in order to minimize their risk of sustaining a work-related injury.

Современные требования к оценке профессиональных рисков на объектах золотодобычи

Russia is currently in the process of modernizing its legislation, primarily in the areas of occupational safety and health, industrial safety and emergency safety, which concerns the management system for occupational and industrial safety on a state level. The aim of the modernization is to make a transition from the previous inefficient system to the modern one. The old system focuses on health compensation, medical and social assistance to the employees suffering work injuries and occupational risks, while the new system is based on a preventive approach that presupposes continuous improvement of the working conditions, industrial safety enhancement, development of a safe working behavior culture, and creation of a risk-management system. The purpose of the article is to analyze the occupational safety and health management innovations encouraging the employers to implement risk assessment and risk management, and to evaluate the occupational risks in gold mining processes. The authors have examined the modern procedures of risk assessment, evaluated the occupational risks for the gold mines of the Bodaibo district, Irkutsk region, analyzed the risks by two methods and identified high-risk professions. Possible reasons for the incompliance of the physical factors of the gold miners’ working environment with the claimed requirements have been analyzed. The investigated professions are classified as high- and middle-risk ones. The detailed study of the drilling-and-blasting site has concluded that the mechanical hazards caused by the rock fragmentation, dust, or noise are unacceptable. Thus, the priority measures on improving the working conditions should focus on eliminating these adverse factors.

Antikörpertests bei COVID-19 - Was uns die Ergebnisse sagen

IntroductionIn the context of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the detection of virus-specific antibodies (AB) will play an increasing role. The presence or absence of such antibodies can potentially lead to considerations regarding immunity and infection. IssueHow reliable are inferences from positive or negative test results regarding the actual presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies? MethodsCalculation of the probability that, depending on the pretest probability (prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection) and test properties, antibodies are present or absent in the case of positive or negative test results. ResultsSensitivity and specificity of different SARS-CoV-2 AB test systems vary between 53 % and 94 % and between 91 % and 99.5 %, respectively. When using a test with high test quality, the positive predictive value (PPV) is 42 % and 7 9%, respectively, with a pre-test probability of 1 % to 5 %, as can currently be assumed for the general population in Austria or Germany. For persons with an increased pre-test probability of 20 %, e. g. persons from high-risk professions, the PPW is 95 %, with a pre-test probability of 80 % the PPW is almost 100 %. The negative predictive value (NPV) is at least 99.7 % for persons with a low pre-test probability of up to 5 % and 79.1 % for persons with a pre-test probability of 80 %. When using test systems with lower sensitivity and specificity, the reliability of the results decreases considerably. The PPV is 5.9 % with a pre-test probability of 1 %. ConclusionsA sufficiently high sensitivity and specificity are prerequisites for the application of antibody test systems. Positive test results are often false if the pre-test probability is low. Depending on the assumed prevalence of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, there are substantial differences in the significance of a concrete test result for the respective affected persons.

Review of potential high-leverage and inexpensive mitigations for reducing risk in epidemics and pandemics

There are potentially promising mitigation activities for epidemic and pandemic scenarios that are not currently the subject of significant research effort. Large epidemics and pandemics pose risks that are important to mitigate, even if the likelihood of the events is low and uncertain. While some efforts are the subject of extensive funding and consideration, other approaches are neglected. Here, we consider such neglected interventions which could significantly reduce the impact of such an epidemic or large-scale pandemic. These are identified via a narrative literature review of extant literature reviews and overviews of mitigations in epidemic and pandemic situations, followed by consideration of the economic value of information of further study of heretofore neglected interventions and approaches. Based on that analysis, we considered several classes of mitigations, and conducted more exploratory reviews of each. Those discussed include mitigations for (i) reducing transmission, such as personal protective equipment and encouraging improved hygiene, (ii) reducing exposure by changing norms and targeted changes for high-risk or critical professions and activities, (iii) reducing impact for those infected, and (iv) increasing large scale resilience using disaster and infrastructure continuity planning. Some proposed mitigations are found to be of low marginal value. Other mitigations are likely to be valuable, but the concepts or applications are underdeveloped. In those cases, further research, resources, or preparation are valuable for mitigating both routine and extreme disease outbreak events. Still more areas of research are identified as having uncertain value based on specific but resolvable uncertainties. In both of the latter cases, there is no guarantee that mitigations identified as worthy of further consideration will be valuable, but the argument for further research is clear.

Machine Learning Models for the Classification of Sleep Deprivation Induced Performance Impairment During a Psychomotor Vigilance Task Using Indices of Eye and Face Tracking.

High risk professions, such as pilots, police officers, and TSA agents, require sustained vigilance over long periods of time and/or under conditions of little sleep. This can lead to performance impairment in occupational tasks. Predicting impaired states before performance decrement manifests is critical to prevent costly and damaging mistakes. We hypothesize that machine learning models developed to analyze indices of eye and face tracking technologies can accurately predict impaired states. To test this we trained 12 types of machine learning algorithms using five methods of feature selection with indices of eye and face tracking to predict the performance of individual subjects during a psychomotor vigilance task completed at 2-h intervals during a 25-h sleep deprivation protocol. Our results show that (1) indices of eye and face tracking are sensitive to physiological and behavioral changes concomitant with impairment; (2) methods of feature selection heavily influence classification performance of machine learning algorithms; and (3) machine learning models using indices of eye and face tracking can correctly predict whether an individual's performance is “normal” or “impaired” with an accuracy up to 81.6%. These methods can be used to develop machine learning based systems intended to prevent operational mishaps due to sleep deprivation by predicting operator impairment, using indices of eye and face tracking.

Sleep deprivation‐induced oculomotor dysfunction: implications for surgical and medical performance

Sleep deprivation‐induced oculomotor dysfunction: implications for surgical and medical performance

Analysis of nurses' job burnout and coping strategies in hemodialysis centers.

In recent years, nursing has come to be considered a high-risk and high-pressure profession, given the fast-paced working environment and constant need to handle emergencies, especially for nurses working in hemodialysis centers. Nearly every day, nurses are confronted with life and death situations and are required to provide skilled, high quality care for their patients, in fast-paced and demanding environments. Thus, nurses are susceptible to both psychological stress and other mental health problems, making them more vulnerable to burnout when compared against other healthcare professions.An anonymous online questionnaire was completed by a group of participating nurses, using the web-based survey platform WeChat. Registered nurses working in hemodialysis centers were randomly selected from 5 comprehensive tertiary level hospitals in Sichuan Province, China. The data collection instrument comprised two parts: demographic data and a nurse burnout questionnaire—the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Overall, 70 nurses were invited to participate, with 65 returning completed questionnaires, giving a response rate of 92.9%. In this survey, the burnout level was set at28.15 ± 12.39 for emotional exhaustion (EE), 10.23 ± 5.47 for depersonalization (DP), and 37.19 ± 8.31 for personal accomplishment (PA)—EE and DP levels are found to be high at the level of burnout.Job burnout was found to exist widely among the nurses of hemodialysis centers, which may then result in adverse effects on their physical and mental health. Active interventions can significantly reduce job burnout and also help maintain the stability of nursing workforce levels.

COVID 19, AS CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY IN DENTAL PRACTICE

A novel coronavirus announced as the etiologic pathogen of COVID 19, on 8th Jan 2020. WHO also declared the outbreak of COVID 19 as public Health Emergency on 30th Jan 2020. It is a highly contagious disease, and the main route of transmission of the virus is air born respiratory droplets through close personal contact. In routine dental procedures, a large number of droplets and aerosols could are generated and considered as the most common cause of spread. Due to the fact, the dental practice has been placed at the top of the high-risk profession in COVID pandemic. It has challenged the dental professionals at large. It has created not only health concerns but financial loss, compromise in the dental health delivery system, and wastage of human resources and dental auxiliaries.&#x0D; Effective Infection Control Protocols like Hand washing is considered the most beneficial measure for reducing the risk of transmitting microorganism. Thorough disinfection of all surfaces within the dental operatory and the use of personal protective equipment, including N 95 masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles and face shields, recommended to protect skin and mucosa from contaminated instruments, blood, and other secretions. No one can predict the future of pandemic, but there is a lot of speculation about clinical dental practice in the future if we have to live with COVID 19.&#x0D; In the past, the casual approach of general dental practitioners especially in rural and small towns, where the involvement of unauthorized people in dental practice and lack of resources like high tech autoclave and electricity has led to the common perception of the spread of infection being related to the dental procedures. Now with the COVID pandemic, the dental practitioners at large have realized the importance of protective measures and adherence to strict protocols. Hopefully, the future dentistry will be different, a little more expensive but the patient safety will be prioritized by all means.

Frequency and Risk Factors of Voice Problems among Teachers

Abstract Background Voice problems are thought to be one of the major occupational hazards of school teaching; as teachers often use their voice with high-intensity, in noisy classes, for a long time and without suitable breaks. The measurement of vocal demands and risk factors is essential for adjusting occupational safety and health services to this population’s needs. Aim of the Work To estimate the prevalence of voice problems and to identify the possible risk factors for developing voice pathology among primary school teachers. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was carried out in 10 primary schools in Cairo, Egypt. A total of 225 primary school teachers were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected through an interview questionnaire addressing the prevalence of voice problems and potential risk factors. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were used to measure the relationship between voice problems and associated risk factors. Results The frequency of voice problems among teachers was 56.4% at any point of time throughout their career. The teachers reporting voice problems were compared with those without problems. Gender was significantly associated with the development of voice problems among teachers. Conclusion A high frequency of self-reported voice problems was found among the studied teachers which indicates that school teaching is a high-risk profession for occurrence of voice problems.

Mental Health in the UK Police Force: a Qualitative Investigation into the Stigma with Mental Illness

Police work is a high-risk profession that can cause mental health conditions. With increasing sickness levels and falling police numbers, it is essential prompt mental health treatment be implemented. The study aims to explore institutional negativity and stigma in the police force towards mental ill health. Semi-structured interviews attended by five police officers with thematic analysis captured (i) police culture, (ii) the stigma of mental illness, (iii) disclosure of mental illness and (iv) breaking down barriers. Findings indicate police culture and attitudes to mental health may contribute to the causes of psychological illness, rather than the nature of the job itself. Increased education and awareness surrounding mental health have been shown to be fundamental in how an officer reacts to stress, but change is needed at a managerial level. Future research needs to explore the effects of mental health stigma on ethnicity and gender in the police force.

Assessment of air and surfaces contamination in a COVID-19 non-Intensive Care Unit.

Background:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus – 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus, primarily transmitted through droplets, able to persist on different surfaces and in the air for several hours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Care Workers should be considered a high risk profession. Beside social distancing rules and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment, sanitization measures and ventilation system disinfection are essential to reduce viral transmission.Objectives:This is the first Italian study aiming to assess the magnitude of environmental contamination in a COVID-19 non-Intensive Care Unit.Methods:In addition to ordinary cleaning procedures, surface and air samplings have been performed before and after the application of two different sanitization devices. Samples have been analyzed with Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction in order to find viral RNA.Results:All samples obtained from surfaces and air before and after extra-ordinary sanitization procedures turned out negative for viral detection.Discussion:These findings highlight the efficiency of ordinary cleaning procedures in guaranteeing a safer workplace. The adoption of additional sanitization protocols should be considered in order to further reduce environmental viral contamination.

Ugroženost stomatološkog osoblja SARS-CoV-2 virusom tokom stomatoloških intervencija

Introduction: The dental profession is a high-risk profession, considering the aspect of a possible 100% infection from patients who are carriers of bacterial, viral and fungal diseases during dental interventions. Aim: To perform the analysis of all data that explain the possibility of a SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in dental practice. Material and Methods: The literature data on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus, and its characteristics and behavior in the external environment and in living tissues was analyzed. Databases from the Medline, Cochrane Library, Science-Direct, EMBASE, and Google scholar libraries were used, as well as other sources of literature information about this virus. Results: SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus, which has a submicron size and the ability to survive in various environments. The retention of SARS-CoV-2 virus in air / aerosol lasts an average of 3 hours, while the half-life of this virus is 5 to 6 hours on stainless steel and 6 to 8 hours on plastic. Infected patients with SARS-CoV-2 virus develop COVID-19 disease, which manifests itself through presymptomatic, symptomatic and post-symptomatic periods of the disease. Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 virus can be found in aerosols generated by dental equipment, which uses compressed air for its work. Protection of dentists and staff from infection with the virus is possible by wearing an N95 respiratory mask with protection levels 2 and 3, which has a filtration efficiency, i.e. retention of submicron particles with an efficiency of ≥ 98%. Waterproof goggles with a protective visor or a special industrially designed facial visor in the form of a full face mask, which has its own motor for the supply of filtered air to the mask, and which prevents the contamination of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth from liquid or solid aerosol in the air, need to be used. Other disposable protective equipment also must be waterproof. Korona virus izaziva prehladu kod ljudi, koja ima uobičajne simptome prehlade gornjih respiratornih puteva; zahvata nosnu šupljinu,a ponekad se širi i na ždrelo, larinks i sinuse 5,6,7 . Sa druge strane, SARS-CoV-2 virus, koji je izazivač masovne/globalne virusne infekcije, ima sličnosti sa druga dva korona virusa -beta korona virusom (SARS-CoV-1) i virusom srednjeistočnog respiratonog sindroma (MERS-CoV).

The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental healthcare professionals

Aims and Objectives: The advent of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has sparked a global crisis. Cumulatively, the modifications in patient care and financial restraints are leading to heightened levels of anxiety amongst dentists, making it imperative to comprehend the psychological health implications of the dental professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Indian Dentists through an online web-based survey.Materials and Methods: The present randomized survey was designed to evaluate the anxiety levels. A total sample size of 405 was calculated. The questionnaire included demographic information and all the variables linked to probable cause of stress during clinical practices and the future prospects of the profession. The questions had to be responded on a scale of 1–10. The responses were statistically analyzed by subjecting the responses to descriptive analysis, Student’s t test, and Pearson’s chi-square tests.Results: A total of 405 responses were received. The levels of anxiety reported were high. Majority of the dentists were troubled by the thought of being in a high-risk profession and of transmitting the disease to others. Almost all questions were responded with a score of >5 on a scale of 1–10 depicting heightened anxiety levels. The fear levels were noted to be elevated in patients aged more than 35 years.Conclusion: Long-term unrecognized anxiety can predispose to significant psychiatric morbidity and fatigue. Identifying and acknowledging adverse factors in a crisis situation will facilitate early intervention to reduce and mitigate the impact of stress.

RELIABILITY OF SELF-REGULATION AS A RESOURCE FOR GOAL ACHIEVEMENT IN HIGH-RISK OCCUPATIONS

Relevance. In occupations with high demands for resistance to stress, the reliability of conscious self-regulation is considered an important factor ensuring personnel reliability. This interdisciplinary study takes place at the intersection of general psychology, psychology of self-regulation, labor psychology, professional psychology, and extreme psychology. Objective. To study the reliability of self-regulation as a universal and special resource for achieving goals under stressful conditions in high-risk occupations. Methodology. Representatives of high-risk occupations — sailors (N = 139), pilots (N = 33), rescuers (N = 123) — and low-risk professions (teachers, N = 154) took part in the study. Individual differences in self-regulation and its reliability under stress were assessed by means of the Self-Regulation Profile Questionnaire (V.I. Morosanova &amp; N.G. Kondratyuk, 2011). Results. Self-regulation and its reliability in stressful conditions were found to be significantly greater among the high-risk professions than the low-risk ones. There were no significant differences in self-regulation reliability between the different groups of high-risk professionals. Using one-way ANOVA and Cohen’s effect size measures, differences in self-regulation variables were found between experts and novices for different professional groups. Among sailors and pilots, significant differences were found between experts and novices only for one variable: reliability of self-regulation. Quite the opposite result was obtained for the teachers: Experts differ significantly from novices in all self-regulation parameters except for reliability of self-regulation. Conclusion. The study substantiated the view that reliability of self-regulation is a universal and special regulatory resource for professional goal achievement. The research results allow us to conclude that in high-risk occupations, reliability of self-regulation may serve as a professional resource ensuring efficiency, faultless operation, and safety.