Mean Years Of Experience Research Articles

Oral Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Newly Graduated Dentists in Kuwait.

Background:Oral cancer awareness among newly graduated dentists could have a substantial impact in the prevention and early detection of oral cancer. Objective: This survey was undertaken to assess the knowledge, opinion, attitudes, and practices on oral cancer among newly graduated dentists in Kuwait. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the newly graduated dentists. Of the 310 dentists who participated, 171 (55.2%) were males and 139 (44.8%) were females. The questionnaire included 23- questions on oral cancer knowledge, opinion, attitudes, and practices. Results:The mean age of the dentists was 25.8 ± 2.4 years and their mean years of experience 1.5 ± 1.7 years. Overall, a great majority of dentists (95.8%) recognized tobacco use and alcohol consumption as very important risk factors for oral cancer occurrence. Almost all of participants were aware of the most common form of oral cancer (94.2%). Most of the dentists correctly identified the most common site of oral cancer (93.5%). Majority of the participants recognized the most commonly associated lesions with oral cancer (91.6%). While 37.4% of the dentists agreed that they were adequately trained in oral cancer screening, most (89.7%) believed that patients should have mandatory oral cancer screening at the clinics. Also, majority (95.8%) expressed their willingness to attend continuing education and training courses in cancer screening and prevention. Most of the dentists (81.9%) referred a patient with a suspicious lesion to a specialist. Conclusions:Majority of the dentists were aware and knowledgeable about various aspects of oral cancer. There is a need to emphasize and reinforce the training programs in oral cancer education mainly in prevention and early detection. Continuing education programs and workshops are highly recommended to raise awareness of the dentists on risk factors and diagnosis of oral cancer.

Effect of Market Access on the Adoption of Sustainable Soil Management Practices in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of market access on the adoption of sustainable soil management practices by farmers in the study area. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers; identified the sustainable soil management practices adopted by the farmers; determined factors influencing the choice of sustainable soil management practices used; determined the relationship between market access and the adoption intensity of sustainable soil management practices and identified constraints faced in adopting sustainable soil management practices. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to collect data from one hundred and fifty (150) farmers. Thereafter, data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate probit regression. The findings revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 45 years, with a mean household size of about 6 members. Majority (69.6%) of the respondents had formal education and a mean year of experience of about 18. The study also revealed that all the respondents had access to one form of market or the other for purchase of inputs and sales of their products. In addition, the mean distance covered from farm to home was less than 5 kilometres for most of the respondents while the distance from home to major market and farm to major market was between 5 and 10 kilometres. The most popular sustainable soil management practices adopted by the farmers were the use of chemical fertilizers, crop rotation and intercropping. Furthermore, the multivariate probit regression model showed that age of the respondents, educational level, farm size, household size, farming experience, farm income, awareness of sustainable soil management practices, average distance to the input market, average distance to the output market, average price of product, average price of input for each practice, subsidies on input for each practice, significantly influenced the adoption of sustainable soil management practice by farmers. Also, it was found by the study that inadequate fund is the major constraint faced by the respondents in adopting sustainable soil management practices.

Taking care of the caregivers: The moderating role of reflective supervision in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and the mental and professional well-being of the IECMH workforce.

The present study examined the relationships between COVID‐related stress, mental health and professional burnout in the infant and early child mental health (IECMH) workforce and examined reflective supervision and consultation (RSC) as a potential protective factor in the context of COVID‐related stress. Participants included 123 adults (n = 121 female, modal age range 30–39 years) in the TN IECMH workforce (mean years of experience = 13.6 years) surveyed in June/July 2020. Sector representation was quite varied (home visiting, childcare, child welfare, early intervention). Results indicated the majority (63%) of the sample was caring for someone else (e.g., child or elderly person) while working at home, 46% of the sample had depression symptoms (18% in the moderate‐severe range), and 75% of the sample had anxiety symptoms (33% in the moderate‐severe range). Higher COVID stress was associated with higher internalizing symptoms and burnout levels and this relationship was mediated by self‐care behaviors such that the more COVID stress one reported, the fewer self‐care behaviors they engaged in, and the higher the risk for internalizing and burnout. Finally, the pathway from COVID stress to self‐care behaviors was moderated by RSC. IECMH professionals who received less than 1 year (or no experience) of RSC showed a significant decrease in self‐care behaviors during times of low, average and high levels of COVID stress compared to those who received 1 year or more of RSC. Implications for both policy and practice will be discussed.

Saudi Physicians' Awareness and Practice of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Patients

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has resulted in considerable mortality, morbidity, and unprecedented strain on healthcare systems throughout the world. As the pandemic evolves, one of those challenges has become increasingly common - the post-COVID-19 syndrome. Approximately 10-20% of SARS-CoV-2 patients who experienced an acute symptomatic phase are still experiencing some effects beyond 12 weeks. To assess knowledge, awareness and practice about effectiveness and benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for post-covid-19 syndrome patients and their practical barriers and opportunities, and education and training needs among Saudi physicians.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey was held among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Department of internal medicine, Heraa General Hospital, between January 2021 and November 2021. The questionnaire was sent to Saudi physicians from data collectors face-to-face through smartphone apps. The questionnaire covered the talk about pulmonary rehabilitation knowledge and familiarity among Saudi physicians, support and practice, barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation integration, and interest in learning more about pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
 Results: A total of 1111 responded to the survey. The mean age of the participants was 33 years old, with mean years of experience of about 6.95 years. The majority of respondents (n=949) (85.4%) work in urban areas and come from various regions, including the west (n=407) (36.6%), east (n=195) (17.6%), north (n=150) (13.5%), south (n=150) (13.5%) and central region (n=209) (18.8%). More than half of the respondents were physicians (n=750) (67.5%) from different specialties, and the mean number of covid-19 patients seen by physicians was 5.68% per day.
 Conclusion: Participants in this study showed a positive attitude toward pulmonary rehabilitation. They believe their patients would benefit from Pulmonary rehabilitation, are interested in referring post-covid-19 patients to rehabilitation providers and co-managing their care, and would like more educational opportunities in order to increase their knowledge of the safety and efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Commercial motorcycle operators pose high risk for community transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South-South Nigeria

COVID-19 has become a threat to the existence of man as no method of effective treatment has been found. Although the WHO has given guidelines that include physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is not feasible in practice with commercial motorcycle operation, which is a major source of income and means of transportation in Nigeria. We examined the COVID-19 knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices among commercial motorcycle operators (CMOs) and the potentials for community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the South-South region of Nigeria. Data used was collected from a cross-sectional survey of 777 CMOs operating in the South-South region of Nigeria. The instrument captured information on their biodata, knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices of COVID-19. The data obtained were subjected to both descriptive and inferential analyses using SAS JMP Statistical Discovery™ software version 14.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA). The majority of the CMOs were of age category 26–35 years (36.4%), married (82.1%), under a monogamous union (83.8%), had 3–4 children (43.4%) and resided in rural areas (60.8%). The mean years of experience of the CMOs was 4.9 ± 2.45 years with most depending on daily income of N1,000–2,000 (87.6%). All the CMOs were aware of the existence of COVID-19, but 93.3% of them did not believe it existed in their state. Only 37.8% of them put on facemasks while on duty, although they were aware that they could be infected or infect others in the community. Prevention practices among CMOs were significantly predicted by age category, type of family, number of dependents, and place of residence. We conclude that CMOs have high potentials for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the communities because the business does not permit physical distancing. It is recommended that guidelines requiring mandatory screening of operators and riders be implemented.

EFFECTS OF COMPENSATION PRACTICES ON ACADEMIC STAFF’S JOB PERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the effect of compensation practices on academic staff’s job performance in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used to purposively select 3 Agricultural base colleges followed by proportionate stratified sampling technique where respondents were randomly selected. One hundred and three (103) respondents from the three colleges of agriculture of the university were selected of which 92 questionnaires were retrieved. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, standard deviation, chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Finding revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 42.71 years, 71.7% of the respondents were male, 81.5% of them were married and 79.3% of the respondents were PhD holders. The mean years of experience was 10 years while their mean income was ₦217447.29. Most (79.4%) academic staff perceived that there is a pressing need to review and rationalize the pay structure to improve employee efficiency, some of the compensation packages available were; retirement benefit (100%), study leave (91.3%), career development opportunity (82.6%). The major constraints to compensation strategies identified were poor insurance scheme (21.7%), inadequate welfare package (20.7%) and poor communication network (19.6%). Furthermore, a significant relationship existed between respondents’ age (r= -0.204, P<0.05), compensation packages (r= 0.26, P<0.05) and their job performance. The results concluded that academic staff perceived a pressing need to review the compensation packages by involving them in the compensation decision making process. Effective management and implementation of compensation packages is highly recommended.
 , , Job Performance

Employee followership predispositions: Their perceptions of narcissistic traits in supervisors

We investigated the relationship between employee perceptions of narcissistic supervision and employee followership. Further, we investigated the influences of employee proactive personality, self-efficacy, political skill, and team political climate on said relationship. Data were from 383 employees of a large Chinese IT enterprise (female = 37.33%, mean age = 36.85 years, SD = 8.57 years; mean year of experience = 2.34 years, SD = 1.56 years). Multi-level structural equation modelling and bootstrap analyses resultsindicated that follower proactive personality positively moderated the relationship between follower self-efficacy and employee followership. Follower self-efficacy and team political climate influenced employee followership under narcissistic supervision. These results suggest employee work predispositions to likely buffer the influences of narcissistic supervision on employee followership.

Readiness for Drug Information Service Provision in Community Pharmacies in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria

This study was aimed at assessing the readiness for drug information service (DIS) provision at community pharmacies in Akwa Ibom state using a cross sectional, observational study approach. A pretested, validated questionnaire was adapted for the study. A total of 187 premises were enlisted for visits with questionnaires targeted at the superintendent pharmacists for desired responses. Response rate was 93.6%. Respondents were male (77, 44%) and female (98, 56%) with mean years of experience of respondents as 18.7 years. All respondents were aware of DIS terminologies and believed the concept to include enquiries on dosing (75%), side effects of drugs (99%), safety of drugs in cases such as pregnancy (79%), drug route of administration (80%), pill identification (66%) and substitutes to requested drugs (78%). Responses to limitations in discharging efficient DIS include non-trending service style (26%), premises requiring restructuring (26%), prohibitive setting up cost (17%) and non-availability of trained personnel (7%). At the time of this study, available resources for DIS in the premises included reference books (90%), periodicals (19%), and internet access through smart phones (60%). Secondary and tertiary sources of drug information were essentially relied on for DIS provision in the study area. There was significant association between socio-demographic characteristics such as age with readiness status (p<0.05). There was poor in-service training for effective DIS provision. Summarily, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the DIS approach across the state. There is need for improvement in facilities and resources for efficient discharge of DIS in the study area.

Virtual Reality Simulator Face Validity for Topographic Real Situation of Inflated Abdomen

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the face validity of LapSIM® (haptic feedback Xitact™ IHP, Mentice AB, Sweden) for the topographic real condition of the inflated abdomen in upper urinary tract laparoscopic interventions. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted with 30 urologists with experience in transperitoneal laparoscopic renal surgery. Surgeons were divided into three groups: novices, intermediate experience, and experts. After performing the tasks, the participants were then asked to finish a five-item questionnaire regarding the face validity of the simulator. Participants answered questions with ratings from 1 (not realistic/useful) to 5 (very realistic/useful). Results: The mean age of the study group was 38.33 ± 5.45 (29–47) years. The mean years of experience of the doctors were 4.27 ± 1.89 (1–7) years. All the variables showed significant differences from the ideal value of 5. We also tested whether the medians differed from 3, and the restrained body posture of the surgeon, the monitor position, and the trocar position not show significance with one-sidedPvalue ofP= 0.825,P= 0.992, andP= 0.265, respectively. Conclusion: Although the LapSIM® virtual reality simulator provides face validity for the topographic real condition of the inflated abdomen, it should be improved.

KNOWLEDGE AND REASONS FOR ANXIETY AMONG NURSES TOWARDS COVID -19 IN NIGERIA.

Background:Nurses in Nigeria and the whole world are facing an unprecedented severe level of anxiety in their professional and individual lives, compounded by not knowing what the future holds especially with regards to the present COVID-19 pandemic. This research is to evaluate the knowledge and reasons for anxiety toward COVID 19 among nurses in Nigeria.Materials and Methods:An online cross-sectional quantitative survey that utilized a multistage sampling technique and data was collected with questionnaire instrument from 418 nurses using Google form for a period of eight weeks. Analysis of the result was with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 software. Descriptive data of participants was presented in tables while the test of the inferential data was with Chi-square at 95% level of significance (p = 0.05).Results:The result revealed that 81.3% of the respondents are female, with a mean age of 37.81+8.21 years and mean years of experience of 13.1+8.44 years. One hundred and eighty (56.9%) of the respondents have good knowledge of COVID -19, with mean of 10.67±1.19. 88.5% were anxious because they are front line workers and having direct contact with COVID-19 patients. The relationship between identified reasons for the anxiety experienced among Nigerian nurses and level of knowledge of COVID-19 were not significant (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Although nurses in Nigeria are knowledgeable about the COVID-19, they have reasons for being anxious. Addressing the reasons for their anxiety will promote their physical and psychological well-being.

1009 Provider satisfaction with telehealth for maternity care: a rapid assessment of a national survey

To describe satisfaction with telehealth for maternity-care during the COVID19 pandemic and assess differences by provider specialty, location, and patient panel. Web-based survey of telehealth among maternity care providers from 7/14 – 9/15/2020 (COVID-19 pandemic). Providers were sampled through national professional organizations. Respondents provided individual and practice demographic information. A validated survey was used to measure satisfaction with telehealth. Satisfaction scores were compared between reported characteristics. Analyses were conducted with STATA 15; p<0.05 was significant. 217 providers completed the survey, representing 46 states. 84 (39%) practiced in a rural/small town and 126 (60%) in a suburban/urban location. Respondents were from the following specialties: General Ob/Gyn (21%), MFM (17%), Family Medicine (43%), and Midwifery (17%). Mean years of experience was 14.4 (SD 10.2) and 48% reported a practice size > 7. 60% estimated that Medicaid covered >50% of their patient panel. Overall, most providers agreed with positive telehealth statements, but MFM providers were least likely to find telehealth an acceptable way to provide care compared to other provider types (15% vs. 21, 24, 37%, p=0.002) (Table 2). 70% of respondents would like to continue telehealth beyond the pandemic. There was a statistically significant preference to continue use regardless of provider or practice characteristic (Figure 1). Notably, providers with age above 50 significantly desired to stop using telehealth after the pandemic (78% vs. 22%, p<0.001). Maternity care providers who responded to the national query felt that telehealth is a positive addition and should continue beyond the pandemic. This sampling of providers may not represent the breadth of maternity providers across the country and provides preliminary data. Systematic inquiry of maternity provider perceptions and quality assessment, (e.g. patient reported outcomes) are necessary to understand providers, patients, and practices that most benefit from telehealth.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Establishing dose bands for commonly prescribed oral medications for children in the UK: Results of a Delphi study.

To establish weight-based dose bands for commonly used oral medicines, given in liquid forms, for children in the UK that could be used for prescribing and administering accurate and safe drug doses. A list of commonly prescribed, oral liquid medications was established from the medication dispensing database of four UK hospitals and a primary care database. The evidence base of currently used dose regimens for each drug was identified from paediatric reference books, summary of product characteristics and the literature. Then, weight-based dose bands were developed and a modified Delphi process was used to achieve healthcare professional consensus about the suggested dose bands for each drug. Forty-six experts in paediatric medicines participated in the Delphi process (mean years of experience 17.3±9.4 [standard deviation]) and assessed 45 oral liquid drugs in total. Four categories of weight-based dose bands were established: drugs with two dose bands (17.8%, 8/45), drugs with three dose bands (64.4%, 29/45), drugs with four dose bands (15.6%, 7/45) and drugs with five dose bands (2.2%, 1/45). The 46 participants reached consensus on all the suggested dose bands for 53.3% (24/45) of the drugs. Consensus was reached in the first round of the Delphi process for 91.7% (22/24) of the drugs and after two rounds for two drugs. No agreement was achieved on any of the suggested dose bands for 26.7% (12/45) of the drugs. This study provides healthcare professionals with a set of recommended weight-based dose bands for commonly prescribed oral liquid drugs for children. These bands could establish the basis for change in clinical practice to reduce dosing errors and improve healthcare for children.

Onsite Versus Remote Working: The Impact on Satisfaction, Productivity, and Performance of Medical Call Center Workers.

Job satisfaction is determined as the measure to know the individuals’ feelings toward their work. The working conditions that can affect satisfaction and performance of the call center agents have received particular concern. This study aimed to determine the role of remote call center working on agents’ satisfaction compared to onsite workers. A cross-section study was conducted between December 2020 and April 2021 that include 124 agents working in a governmental medical call center in Saudi Arabia. Each agent was receiving a questionnaire that investigates his/her satisfaction with the job nature, supervisor support, job autonomy, job productivity, and performance. Seventy-seven physicians working onsite were compared to forty-seven physicians remotely working in the medical call center. The mean age of the physicians included was 43.17 ± 8.4 years, and most of them were male (>70%), married (>85%), and family medicine specialists (>50%). The mean years of experience in the medical field of the physicians included was 16.87 ± 8.07 years, and the mean years of experience in the medical call center was 1.44 ± .97 years. Onsite agents were more satisfied concerning job nature, supervisor support, productivity, and performance compared to remote agents (70.82 vs 53.47%, 63.38 vs 55.05%, and 66.51 vs 56.03%, respectively). However, onsite agents were less satisfied regarding job autonomy than remote physicians (46.81 vs 53.19%, P-value = .128). Overall, general satisfaction was more seen in physicians working onsite as opposed to remote workers in the medical call center in Saudi Arabia (64.90 vs 54.25%, P-value < .01).

The willingness to use mobile health technology among gynaecologists: A survey study

Mobile health (mHealth) technology can play a significant role in gynaecological care. Accepting this technology depends upon the level of willingness to use by health care providers. Various studies have shown that most physicians tend to use mHealth technology, but there are still barriers to using this technology. This study was conducted to determine the level of willingness to use mHealth technology by gynaecologists. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2019 in Iran. In total, 116 gynaecologists were studied, who were selected through the convenience sampling method from two hospitals in Isfahan province. The data collection tool included a self-made questionnaire comprising two parts of demographic and specific questions. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient) with SPSS20. The level of willingness to use mobile health was considered as a score in percentage, with 0–20% as being very weak, 21–40% being weak, 41–60% being average, 61–80% being good, and above 80% being excellent. Approximately, 91.1% of participants were female and the majority (96.4%) of physicians owned a smartphone. The mean age and mean years of experience of the participating physicians were 45.05 ± 6.58 and 12.45 ± 5.77 years. The mean score of willingness of gynaecologists to use mHealth technology was 1.4. There was a reverse relation between the physicians' age and years of experience with their willingness to use mobile health technology. Our results showed the level of willingness to use mobile health technology is at a good level. However, safety measures should be taken to protect the confidentiality of patients’ information during the use of this technology. Further, the mHealth technology can be an appropriate option to provide services to patients in rural regions; however, it is not a suitable alternative for in-person patient visits.

Impact of training module for paramedics in disinfection (MoPDis) of COVID-19 on knowledge, attitude, and practices scores among health-care workers of a tertiary care hospital in India

Introduction: Health-care workers (HCWs) need to have adequate knowledge, the right attitude, and should practice disinfection procedures diligently. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of HCWs and the role of training in KAP of HCWs. Materials and Methods: The study population consists of all HCWs undergoing training for disinfection. A structured training module for paramedicals, i.e., module for paramedics in disinfection (MoPDis), was designed. The knowledge, attitude, and practice were assessed before and after the training. Results: A total of 183 male HCWs participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 31.33 ± 6.8 years and ranges from 21 to 49 years. The mean years of experience were 11.5 ± 7.1 years. The mean pretraining and posttraining scores were 8.1 ± 2.4 and 10 ± 1.9, respectively. The score increases from 53% pretraining score to 66.6% posttraining score. Age, experience, and specialty did not have any association with the gain in knowledge. Conclusions: The training program had significantly increased the KAP levels of the HCWs and hence may improve disinfection practices in hospitals, thus preventing the spread of infection.

A Cross Sectional Study on Stress and Quality of Sleep among Long Distance Truck Drivers in South India

Background: Truck drivers work in extremely tough situations away from home. In India, the existingliterature on truck drivers was done focusing mostly on overall health aspects such as lifestyle diseases, butvery limited studies done on mental aspects of truck drivers. Objectives: 1) To assess the stress among longdistance truck drivers2) To determine the quality of sleep among long distance truck drivers3) To assesssleepiness among long distance truck drivers. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among truckdrivers from the truck lay by areas on the Old Madras Road. Socio demographic data was collected withthe help of a pre designed pretested semi-structured schedule. To assess stress Cohen’s perceived stress wasused and to assess sleepiness and sleep quality Pittsburg Sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepinessscale was used. Results: Among the total 117 truck drivers more than one thirds belonged to 28-37 yearsage group, majority (90.6%) belonged to private sector with mean years of experience in driving being13.14±8.51 years. Only one fourth experienced excessive daytime sleepiness but majority of truck drivershad average stress. 7.8% had poor quality sleep. Conclusions: This study could be considered as the initialstep towards detection of stress and quality of sleep.

Competency of Infection Preventionists in Japan

Backgrounds: In the United States, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) announced a competency model for infection preventionists (IP) in 2011. On the other hand, IPs in Japan must develop their career by themselves because there are no guidelines of career development for Japanese IPs. In recent years, infectious diseases and infection control issues have become more global. Objective: Aiming for international collaboration among IPs, the purpose of this study were to clarify the actual competencies of IPs in Japan and the United States and to compare the competencies of both. We report on the competencies of IPs in Japan. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 67 certified nurses in infection control (CNIC) who responded to the translated version of the APIC Competency Model Assessment Tool. From the qualitative descriptive analysis of interview verbatim records, we extracted the behavioral characteristics and completed the questionnaire “Survey of Competency for Infection Preventionist,” which consisted of 130 items. A survey form was created using Survey Monkey. We sent e-mails to ask anonymous survey collaboration, including the URL of the survey form, to 2,284 CNIC and CNS in infection control professionals. The research was approved by the research ethics committee at the facility to which the researcher belongs (Juntendo University, approval no. 30–49). Results: The number of responses was 648 and the response rate was 28.4%. The mean years of experience as nurses of 648 respondents was 24.7 (SD, 6.9), and &gt;60% belonged to general hospitals. The scores of mean and standard deviation of each category were as follows: “Clarification of infectious disease process” (mean, 79.1; SD, 13.2); “HAI surveillance and epidemiological survey” (mean, 49.3; SD, 12.3); “Prevention and control of transmission of infectious microorganisms” (mean, 93.8; SD, 17.3); “Management and communication” (mean, 128.5; SD, 23.7); “Education and Research” (mean, 56.8; SD, 11.0); “Employee and occupational health” (mean, 40.6; SD, 9.6); and the total score of all categories (mean, 449.4; SD, 74.4). Based on years of experience as infection preventionists, we divided them into 3 groups: beginners, competent, and experts. As the career level increased, each category score for competency increased (ANOVA, P &lt; .001). However, the mean scores of competency did not reach 70% of the total score for the following categories: “Prevention and control of transmission of infectious microorganisms.” “Education and research,” and “Employee and occupational health.” Conclusions: The competencies that need to be strengthened for the career development of Japanese IPs have been clarified.Funding: This study was supported by JSPS KAKENHI.Disclosures: None

Developing a Competency Model for Nurses Certified in Infection Control in Japan

Background: In July 2019, 2,793 nurses were registered as certified nurse in infection control (CNIC) at the Japanese Nursing Association (JNA). Most CNICs work as full-time infection preventionists (IPs) in hospitals. However, a competency model for CNICs has not been developed in Japan yet. Therefore, we developed a competency model for CNICs. Methods: We conducted a 2-phase explanatory sequential mixed-methods study between November 2013 and October 2019. The participants were 1,711 CNICs listed on the JNA website. Phase 1 was a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires that included 10 competency domains based on the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Competency Assessment Tool. Considering years of experience as an IP and full-time position, participants’ career stages were novice, competent, proficient, and expert. The CNICs who answered the questionnaire were included in the interview during phase 2, which was a descriptive qualitative study. Specifically, 10–30 participants were selected from each career stage. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted, and verbatim transcripts were analyzed qualitatively. The knowledge, skills, and abilities of CNICs were extracted at each career stage. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Juntendo University (approval no. 25-27). Results: During phase 1, 1,711 CNICs were invited to participate: 975 returned the questionnaire (57% response rate) and 969 (99.3%) responses were valid and used in the analysis. Only 257 participants agreed to attend the interviews. In phase 2, interviews were conducted with 67 CNICs: 30 novice, 20 competent, 13 proficient, and 4 expert. The mean years of experience as a nurse and CNIC were 22.2 (SD, 7.0) and 5.3 (SD, 3.1), respectively. As the career stage advanced, the contents and range of infection prevention role and activities in the hospital or community expanded across competency domains. In clarification of infection process, one of the crucial competencies, the novice needed to consult reference material about the infectious disease each time due to lack of knowledge. Although the competent CNICs understood the frequent occurrence of infectious disease, they needed the specialist’s advice. However, the proficient and expert CNICs could interpret information independently, and importantly, expert CNICs could distinguish between what they know and do not know. Conclusions: Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, we developed a competency model for CNICs that may encourage CNICs to develop their expertise and that is useful in assessing the qualities or abilities of CNICs. In the future, this model can be used to develop systematic educational programs for CNICs.Funding: This study was supported by JSPS KAKENHI.Disclosures: None

Analysis of whole and filleted stockfish (&lt;i&gt;Gadusmorhua&lt;/i&gt;) marketing IN Ebonyi Rural Areas

The study was conducted with the broad objective of analyzing the profitability of marketing different forms (whole and filleted) of stock fish in Ebonyi rural markets. A total of 80 stock fish sellers were carefully selected through an unbiased (multi-stage and random) sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using simple frequency and percentages as well as gross margin and comparative cost ratio. The result showed that 92.5% of the stockfish sellers were females and married with mean age of 38 years, mean household size of 9 persons and mean year of experience of 14. It was further observed that between the two forms of stock fish marketed in Ebonyi rural communities, filleted type was more profitable having a profit of N669,000 and benefit cost ratio (BCR) of N1: 2.352 as against that of whole form with a profit of N286,000 and BCR of N1: 1.685. The results of the study implied that it is advisable to market stock fish in the filleted form rather than selling it whole.&#x0D; Keywords: Stock fish, gross margin, marketing, profitability, Ebonyi Rural Area

Physical environmental and occupational factors inducing work-related neck and shoulder pains among self-employed tailors of informal sectors in Ethiopia, 2019: results from a community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSD) caused by occupational-related factors continue to place huge burdens on global workforces. Significant numbers of workers report potential adverse health outcomes related to the condition, such as physical injury, disability, and decline in quality of life. Occupational-related MSD also poses additional burdens to healthcare services and diminishes productivity at work. The condition usually worsens in informal sectors where the work environments are often poorly designed. This paper explored occupational and physical environmental factors that induce work-related neck and/or shoulder pains among self-employed tailors in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted across-sectional survey from April to May 2019 on 422 tailors selected with systematic random sampling technique. Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to measure pains in neck and/or shoulder, and the questionnaire was pretested and administered by interviewers. Work-related factors such as working posture, rest break, training in safety and health, and the availability of adjustable chairs at workplaces were assessed. The significance of associations was set at a < 0.05 p-value and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% were used to determine strength of associations.ResultsA total of 419 tailors participated with a response rate of 99.3%. The mean age and mean years of experience were 29.23 (SD ± 7.03) and 1.48 (SD ± 0.50) years, respectively. The study found that the prevalence of pain in either neck or shoulder or both sites in the last 12 months was 66.6% (N = 279) [95% CI (62.1, 71.1)]. Pains in shoulder and neck were observed in 72.1% (N = 302)[95% CI (67.8, 76.4)] and 68.3% (N = 286) [95% CI (64.0, 72.6)] of the interviewees, respectively. The majority, 78.1% (n = 218) of those with pains indicated they were prevented from doing normal daily activities. Work experience (AOR = 1.81), rest break (AOR = 2.13), awkward working posture (AOR = 2.60), prolonged sitting (AOR = 2.00) and inadequate light (AOR = 5.02) were significantly associated factors of neck and/ or shoulder pains.ConclusionWork-related neck and/or shoulder pain induced by physical factors of the work environment among self-employed tailors is pervasive in Ethiopia. Efforts to curb the condition, therefore, need to impalement diverse approaches addressing the physical environment and occupational factors. We also promote the integration of schemes for the effective use of rest breaks into health and safety programs in the workplace.