Medical Healthcare Workers Research Articles

Efficacy of ensitrelvir for cough due to COVID-19 Omicron variant in medical healthcare workers.

We evaluated the efficacy of ensitrelvir for the treatment of cough due to coronavirus disease 2019 Omicron variant in medical healthcare workers. A total of 633 patients were registered in this study: 206 patients chose ensitrelvir and 427 patients chose symptomatic treatment. Difference in score changes using the Leicester Cough Questionnaire between groups was 3.17 on day 4, 3.24 on day 7, and 2.46 on day 14. The analysis demonstrated a significant difference at all time points.

The effect of post-COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Vietnamese populations: A cross-sectional study

COVID-19 is among the tremendous negative pandemics that have been recorded in human history. The study was conducted to give a breakdown of the effect of post-COVID-19 mental health among individuals residing in a developing country. The two scales, namely DASS-21 and IES-R, were employed to collect the essential related data. The findings indicated that anxiety was a typical and common mental issue among the population, including up to 56.75% of the participants having extremely severe anxiety, 13.18% reporting severe anxiety. Notably, no one has anxiety and depression under moderate levels. Additionally, there is 51.92% depression and 43.64% stress ranging from severe to extremely severe levels. Furthermore, there were significant statistical differences among the data on stress, anxiety, and depression according to gender (males and females) and subgroups (students, the elderly, and medical healthcare workers). Besides, the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the study was relatively high, especially when compared to the figures reported by the World Health Organization. Moreover, stress, anxiety, and depression all displayed positive correlations with post-traumatic stress disorder. This is big data on the mental health of the entire population that helps the country’s government propose policy strategies to support, medical care and social security for the population.

Increased heart attack mortality in a medium sized city in Germany: key informant interviews with local medical health care workers

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. However, there are significant regional differences regarding mortality rates. A city located in Southwest Germany with approximately 125.000 inhabitants, has revealed a significantly increased heart attack mortality for the last two decades. In most of these years it recorded the highest rate in the federal state. Purpose The aim of this study was to assess influencing factors on the increased heart attack mortality in this city. Methods The study recruited health care workers in regular contact with heart attack patients in this city. Using a heterogenous sampling approach, the selection included different medical specializations (e.g. family doctor, intensive care nurse). We conducted qualitative interviews following a semi-structured guideline. Audio records of interviews were transcribed and processed using content analysis. Results We performed 17 interviews (female=6, immigration background=4). The central theme was an unhealthy cardiovascular lifestyle predominantly focusing on modifiable risk factors. Interviewees described the intensity of risk factors as much higher in the city than in the surrounding districts. Mostly they connected this to a high population share of people with low socioeconomic status or immigration background. Most interviewees did not see severe differences in health care provision and institutions in the city compared to other districts. Conclusion Socioeconomic factors were seen as the most powerful influence on the heart attack mortality. A healthier cardiovascular lifestyle of the population can only be achieved addressing social disparities within the city.

Is Night Surgery a Nightmare for Lung Transplantation?

Night work is frequently associated with sleep deprivation and is associated with greater surgical and medical complications. Lung transplantation (LT) is carried out both at night and during the day and involves many medical healthcare workers. The goal of the study was to compare morbidity and mortality between LT recipients according to LT operative time. We performed a retrospective, observational, single-center study. When the procedure started between 6AM and 6PM, the patient was allocated to the Daytime group. If the procedure started between 6PM and 6AM, the patient was allocated to the Nighttime group. Between January 2015 and December 2020, 253 patients were included. A total of 168 (66%) patients were classified into the Day group, and 85 (34%) patients were classified into the Night group. Lung Donors' general characteristics were similar between the groups. The 90-day and one-year mortality rates were similar between the groups (90-days: n = 13 (15%) vs. n = 26 (15%), p = 0.970; 1year: n = 18 (21%) vs. n = 42 (25%), p = 0.499). Daytime LT was associated with more one-year airway dehiscence (n = 36 (21%) vs. n = 6 (7.1%), p = 0.004). In conclusion, among patients who underwent LT, there was no significant association between operative time and survival.

EFEKTIVITAS PEMBERIAN SIMULASI HAND HYGIENE TERHADAP KEPATUHAN HAND HYGIENE PETUGAS NON MEDIS DI RUMAH SAKIT PKU MUHAMMADIYAH YOGYAKARTA UNIT II

Hospital Associated Infection (HAIs) is the world’s problem and one of the causes is hand hygiene compliance in healthcare workers are still low. Data showed 80% of HAIs spread by hands. Non medical healthcare workers are at risk for spreading the phatogen by hands, because although they don’t give intervention directly to the patients, they still have big possibilities to be in one of 5 moments hand hygiene. Hand hygiene simulation is one of training methods for heakthcare workers to create higher compliance in hand hygiene. This research was an experimental design with one group pre-posttest design. The population were all non medical healthcare workers in security department, nutritional department, and cleaning service department, the total sample is 37 persons. Paired T-test is used for stastitical analysis.The results obtained, the implementation of hand hygiene with proper procedure is 0,55%. The compliance rate increase after intervention by hand hygiene simulation 13,83%. Statistical analysis showed significant result p<0,05; p=0,026 for security department, p=0,027 for nutritional department, and p=0,002 for cleaning service department, meaning there is a difference in hand hygiene compliance of non medical healthcare workers before and after intervention by hand hand hygiene simulation.Hand hygiene simulation is effecticve to improve hand hygiene compliance. Therefore it can be used to improve hand hygiene compliance in non medical healthcare workers.

Did the prevalence of depressive symptoms change during the COVID-19 pandemic? A multilevel analysis on longitudinal data from healthcare workers.

Healthcare workers (HCW) are at high risk to develop mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic because of additional work load, perceived stress, and exposure to patients with COVID-19. Currently, there are few studies on change over time in the prevalence of depressive symptoms during pandemic start among HCW. Thus, the aims of the current study were to examine whether depressive symptoms increased during the pandemic and were associated with perceived stress and own COVID-19 infection and workplace exposure to virus-infected patients. The cohort study used longitudinal data from HCW collected monthly (July 2020 till December 2020) during the first year of the pandemic before vaccination became available. The sample of n = 166 was drawn from a German hospital and included medical (e.g. nurses, therapists, and physicians) and administrative staff. Using multilevel models, we analyzed the change in depressive symptoms [assessed with General Depression Scale (GDS), a validated German version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)] and its association with perceived stress across the study period. Laboratory-confirmed own infection was tested as a potential moderator in this context. Subscales of the GDS were used to examine change over time of depressive symptom modalities (e.g. emotional, somatic, and social interactions (β, 95% confidence interval). Depression scores increased significantly during the study period (β = .03, 95% CI [0.02, 0.05]). Perceived stress was associated with depressive symptoms (β = .12, 95% CI [0.10, 0.14]) but did not change over time. Exposure to COVID-19 infection was associated with a higher increase of depressive symptoms (β = .12, 95% CI [0.10, .14]). Somatic symptoms of depression increased among medical HCW with workplace exposure to COVID-19 (β = .25, 95% CI [0.13, 0.38]), but not in administrators (β = .03, 95% CI [-0.04, 0.11]). Research is needed to identify factors that promote the reduction of depressive symptoms in medical HCW with exposition to COVID-19 patients. Awareness of infection protection measures should be increased.

The effects of personality types and coping styles on coronavirus anxiety levels of the healthcare workers

Purpose: Healthcare workers are exposed to long and stressful work shifts in pandemics. It was aimed to evaluate the coronavirus related anxiety levels of the healthcare workers, and to evaluate the relationship between their personality types and coping strategies.
 Materials and Methods: Study included 213 medical healthcare workers who were randomly selected and agreed to participate in the study on a voluntary basis. Sociodemographic data form, Coronavirus anxiety scale, Type A Behavior Test, and Coping styles scale was applied to the all participants. 
 Results: The total coronavirus anxiety scores of the participants with type A personality traits were found to be significantly higher than with type B personality traits (p=0.006). The mean scores of helpless approach and seeking social support of were found to be significantly higher in participants with Type A personality (p=0.002, p=0.007, respectively). Self-confident and optimistic approach were found to be higher in participants with Type B personality (p=0.041, p=0.023, respectively). Participants with helpless approach had higher anxiety scores (p=0.033). A negative correlation was found between coronavirus anxiety and self-confident approach (p=0.002, r=-0.212) and optimistic approach (p=0.002, r=- 0.209), and positive correlation with helpless approach (p=0.044, r=0.138). 
 Conclusion: The results of this study showed that those who approached self confident and optimistic can cope with stress better. Individuals with Type A personality are at greater risk for anxiety in the pandemic. Monitoring and ensuring the mental health of healthcare workers is crucial to global health in other possible pandemics.

Prevalence and predictive factors of depression among medical health care workers and medical residents

Mental health is one of the 3 essential health columns which is defined according to WHO as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity".

Volatile Organic Compounds in Patients’ Breath during Conversation

Purpose: The protracted coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented global health, social, economic, and psychological crisis. COVID-19 is transmitted via droplets, which include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by COVID-19 carriers. As a result, medical healthcare workers interacting with COVID-19 patients are at a high risk of infection. In this study, we measured the concentration of total VOCs (TVOCs) in the droplets of patients during conversations. Methods: Thirty patients aged 20–88 years were enrolled in this study. The amounts of VOCs, formaldehyde (HCHO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) as surrogate parameters for the patient’s droplets were measured at a distance of 1 m from the patients under the following conditions: 1) no conversation with a mask on, 2) conversation with a mask on, 3) conversation without a mask on, and 4) no conversation without a mask on. Results: The average concentrations of TVOCs (mg/m3), HCHO (mg/m3), and CO2 (ppm) were all the lowest before the masked conversation (1.79 ± 1.72, 0.25 ± 0.25, 1193 ± 516), increased during the masked conversation (1.99 ± 1.87, 0.29 ± 0.24, 1288 ± 555), were the highest during the unmasked conversation (3.10 ± 1.86, 0.45 ± 0.28, 1705 ± 729), and decreased to baseline after the unmasked conversation (1.89 ± 1.88, 0.26 ± 0.27, 1191 ± 518, respectively). Variations in TVOC and HCHO concentrations were positively correlated with patient age (TVOC: r = 0.42, p = 0.019 and HCHO: r = 0.47, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Wearing a mask reduced the VOC concentrations measured during conversations more than when a mask was not worn. Therefore, wearing a mask can reduce the emission of airborne droplet-derived VOCs and thereby reduce the risk of transmission of unknown patient-derived infections. Clinical Trial Registration no: The Clinical Trial Registration no: (UMIN000039595)

Anxiety, depression, and uncertainty appraisal and factors affecting uncertainty risk and opportunity appraisal of health care workers in Korea during the COVID-19 outbreak

ABSTRACT Background Due to the prolonged period of COVID-19, the uncertainty related to COVID-19 is bound to increase for healthcare workers (HCWs) in tertiary medical institutions as much as for the HCWs in dedicated hospitals. Purpose To assess anxiety, depression, and uncertainty appraisal, and to determine the factors affecting uncertainty risk and opportunity appraisal experienced by HCWs at the forefront of COVID-19 treatment. Method This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The participants were HCWs at a tertiary medical center in Seoul. HCWs included medical (doctors, nurses) and non-medical (nutritionists, pathologists, radiologists, office workers, etc.) personnel. Self-reported structured questionnaires (patient health questionnaire, generalized anxiety disorder scale, and uncertainty appraisal) were obtained. Finally, responses from 1337 people were used to evaluate factors affecting uncertainty risk and opportunity appraisal using a quantile regression analysis. Results The average ages of medical and non-medical HCWs were 31.69 ± 7.87 and 38.66 ± 11.42 years, and the proportion of females was high. The rates of moderate to severe depression (23.23%) and anxiety (6.83%) were higher in medical HCWs. The uncertainty risk score was higher than the uncertainty opportunity score for all the HCWs. Factors that increased uncertainty opportunity were a decrease in depression in medical HCWs and a decrease in anxiety in non-medical HCWs. Increase in age was directly proportional to uncertainty opportunity in both groups. Conclusion There is a need to devise a strategy to reduce uncertainty among HCWs who inevitably face various infectious diseases that appear in the near future. In particular, since there are various types of non-medical as well as medical HCWs in medical institutions who can prepare an intervention plan that comprehensively considers the characteristics of each occupation and the distribution of risks and opportunities of uncertainty will be able to improve the quality of life of HCWs and further promote the health of the people.

SG-APSIC1158: COVID-19 vaccine booster hesitancy among healthcare workers: A retrospective observational study in Singapore

Objectives: COVID-19 booster uptake has remained poor among healthcare workers (HCWs) despite evidence of improved immunity against the SARS-COV-2 δ (delta) and ο (omicron) variants. Although most studies have used a questionnaire to assess hesitancy, we aimed to identify factors affecting booster hesitancy by examining actual vaccine uptake across time. Methods: COVID-19 vaccination database records were extracted for HCWs working at 7 Singaporean public primary-care clinics between January and December 2021. Data included sex, profession, place of practice, vaccination type, and dates. Time to booster was calculated from the date of vaccination minus the date of eligibility. The χ2 test was used to compare the relationship between first dose and booster hesitancy. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used to evaluate differences in cumulative booster uptake. Multivariate Cox regression was used to investigate predictors of timely booster vaccination. The vaccination rate was charted across time and was corroborated with media releases pertaining to legislative changes. Results: Of 891 primary-care HCWs, 877 (98.9%) were fully vaccinated and 73.8% of eligible HCWs had taken the booster. HCWs were less booster hesitant (median, 16 days; range, 5–31.3) compared to the first dose (median, 39 days; range, 13–119.3). First-dose–hesitant HCWs were more likely to be booster hesitant (OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 2.61–5.14). Adjusting for sex, workplace, and time to first dose, ancillary HCWs (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.03–2.28), medical HCWs (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.18–2.74), and nursing HCWs (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.18–2.37) received boosters earlier than administrative staff. No temporal relationship was observed for booster uptake, legislative changes, or COVID-19 case numbers. Conclusions: Vaccine hesitancy among HCWs had improved from first dose to booster, with timely booster vaccination among medical and nursing staff. Tailored education, risk messaging, and strategic legislation might help reduce delayed booster vaccination. This study was approved by the National Healthcare Group (NHG) Domain Specific Review Board (DSRB), Singapore on December 28, 2021 (Reg No. 2021/01120).

Can YouTube be used as a credible source of information for COVID-19 vaccination in Italy?

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to an ‘infodemic', as defined by the WHO, which made it difficult to be accurately informed on public health topics. For this purpose, many people use social media as a source of information, mainly YouTube. Given the great resonance of this platform, our study aims at assessing quality and reliability of its content regarding the COVID-19 vaccination. Methods During March 2022, six searches were performed on the Italian YouTube platform using the following terms: “Covid vaccination”, “Covid vaccine”, “Coronavirus vaccination”, “Coronavirus vaccine”, “Sars-Cov-2 vaccination” and “Sars-Cov-2 vaccine”. A total of 329 videos were analysed, after removing 271 duplicated videos, and classified in seven types of channel. The reliability of the content was evaluated through the HoNCode score, while quality was tested using the validated DISCERN tool. Results The most frequent category was ‘Internet Media’ (33%), while the less frequent one was ‘Educational Medical’ (7%). The content reliability (i.e. HoNCode score) resulted higher for videos produced by medical healthcare workers than non-medical ones. Concerning the quality, the DISCERN score resulted significantly higher for the Educational channels (median 46.0 for medical and 41.3 non-medical ones) as compared to Internet Media (26.5) and New Agencies (24.3). Conclusions Although YouTube has implemented a policy against misinformation related to the COVID-19 vaccination, the study highlights that there is extreme heterogeneity in reliability and quality of videos. Content produced by non-medical users, especially “Internet Media” and “News Agencies” categories should be evaluated with attention by users, as their quality is not appropriate to the importance of the topic. Key messages • Because of to the heterogeneity of its content, YouTube should be evaluated carefully when used as a source of information for Covid-19 vaccination. • Content produced by non-medical users, is generally of poor quality, not appropriate to the importance of the topic.

A Systematic Review and IoMT Based Big Data Framework for COVID-19 Prevention and Detection

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is transforming modern healthcare systems by merging technological, economical, and social opportunities and has recently gained traction in the healthcare domain. The severely contagious respiratory syndrome coronavirus called COVID-19 has emerged as a severe threat to public health. COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus that is spread by person-to-person contact. Therefore, minimizing physical interactions between patients and medical healthcare workers is necessary. The significance of technology and its associated potential were fully explored and proven during the outbreak of COVID-19 in all domains of human life. Healthcare systems employ all modes of technology to facilitate the increasing number of COVID-19 patients. The need for remote healthcare was reemphasized, and many remote healthcare solutions were adopted. Various IoMT-based systems were proposed and implemented to support traditional healthcare systems with reaching the maximum number of people remotely. The objective of this research is twofold. First, a systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted to critically evaluate 76 articles on IoMT systems for different medical applications, especially for COVID-19 and other health sectors. Secondly, we briefly review IoMT frameworks and the role of IoMT-based technologies in COVID-19 and propose a framework, named ‘cov-AID’, that remotely monitors and diagnoses the disease. The proposed framework encompasses the benefits of IoMT sensors and extensive data analysis and prediction. Moreover, cov-AID also helps to identify COVID-19 outbreak regions and alerts people not to visit those locations to prevent the spread of infection. The cov-AID is a promising framework for dynamic patient monitoring, patient tracking, quick disease diagnosis, remote treatment, and prevention from spreading the virus to others. We also discuss potential challenges faced in adopting and applying big data technologies to combat COVID-19.

Assessment on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Covid-19 Protocols Amongst Medical Workers in Jos, Plateau State

Objective: To assesses knowledge, attitudes, and practice on COVID-19 amongst medical HCW in Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH) Jos.Methodology: The study population consisted of all medical health care workers in Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH) who consented to the study. The study was a cross-sectional study and consecutive sampling was employed. The knowledge, attitude and practice of COVID-19 amongst HCW was assessed using a pretested questionnaire which was analyzed using SPSS version 22.Results: The nurses had the highest percentage of 58%, followed by doctors with 31%. The major source of information was television with 68%, followed by google with 9%. The knowledge of the medical HCW in PSSH was good with over 80% of the number ofquestions on knowledge answered correctly with the mark over 70%. Their attitude was fair with 62% of the number of questions gotten correctly with a score of over 70%. Similarly, their practice was also fair with 66% of the questions gotten correctly with over 70%. However, one of the questions on practice was poor with only 45% of the workers answering it correctly. Therewas a significant association between the attitude and the Job cadre of medical HCW of PSSH.Conclusion: The knowledge of medical HCW in PSSH on COVID-19 was good. Their attitude and practice were fair. There was a significant association between their knowledge and job cadre. The study showed that there is an attitude and practice gap

The Mediating Effect of Reassurance-Seeking Behavior on the Influence of Viral Anxiety and Depression on COVID-19 Obsession Among Medical Students.

ObjectivesHealthcare workers experienced great psychological burden due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, medical healthcare workers experienced greater instances of insomnia, anxiety, depression, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms than the general population. This study aimed to explore the association between viral anxiety and obsession with COVID-19 among medical students with reassurance-seeking behavior as a mediator.MethodsIn October 2021, an online survey was conducted among medical students at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine. The clinical characteristics of 162 participants and their responses to rating scales, including stress and anxiety to viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6), Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), and Obsession with COVID-19 scale were collected.ResultsMedical students' obsession with COVID-19 was based on the PHQ-9 (β = 0.15, p = 0.01), SAVE-6 (β = 0.43, p < 0.001), and CRBS (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) scores (adjusted R2 = 0.49, F = 39.9, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that medical students' viral anxiety and depression directly influenced their obsession with COVID-19, and their reassurance-seeking behavior partially mediated the effects of depression or viral anxiety on obsession with COVID-19.ConclusionsMedical students' viral anxiety and depression may affect their obsession with COVID-19, and reassurance-seeking behaviors may mediate this. Therefore, medical students should adopt adaptive coping strategies to prevent high levels of viral anxiety and recurrent reassurance-seeking behavior.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnant Women Assessed by RT-PCR in Franconia, Germany: First Results of the SCENARIO Study (SARS-CoV-2 prEvalence in pregNAncy and at biRth In FrancOnia).

Purpose Detection of SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women admitted to maternity units during a pandemic is crucial. In addition to the fact that pregnancy is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and that medical surveillance has to be adjusted in infected women and their offspring, knowledge about infection status can provide the opportunity to protect other patients and healthcare workers against virus transmission. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant women in the hospital setting. Material and Methods All eligible pregnant women admitted to the nine participating hospitals in Franconia, Germany, from 2 June 2020 to 24 January 2021 were included. COVID-19-related symptoms, secondary diseases and pregnancy abnormalities were documented. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs. The prevalence of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection was estimated by correcting the positive rate using the Rogan–Gladen method. The risk of infection for healthcare workers during delivery was estimated using a risk calculator. Results Of 2414 recruited pregnant women, six were newly diagnosed RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2, which yielded a prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of 0.26% (95% CI, 0.10 – 0.57%). Combining active room ventilation and wearing FFP2 masks showed an estimated reduction of risk of infection for healthcare workers in the delivery room to < 1%. Conclusions The prevalence of newly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy in this study is low. Nevertheless, a systematic screening in maternity units during pandemic situations is important to adjust hygienic and medical management. An adequate hygienic setting can minimise the calculated infection risk for medical healthcare workers during patientsʼ labour.

A cross-sectional study of quality of sleep in medical healthcare workers from a tertiary healthcare center during COVID-19 pandemic

A cross-sectional study of quality of sleep in medical healthcare workers from a tertiary healthcare center during COVID-19 pandemic

SARS-CoV-2 IgG Surveillance in Asymptomatic Blood Donors and Health Workers.

Materials and Methods 2085 blood donors were allowed to donate blood only after fulfilling all the criteria laid down by the FDA of India with additional history of excluding COVID-19 suspects. IgG antibody testing was performed by chemiluminescence, and results were noted along with their reactive status. Their reactive status was analyzed with donor information to get an idea of the risk parameters for COVID-19. Medical healthcare workers in whom the study was carried out were 560, out of which 114 had worked in COVID-19 duties and 446 had worked in non-COVID-19 emergencies areas. COVID-19 area duties were further subdivided into triage, holding area, isolation, and COVID-19-related duties. The samples were run on architect i2000 and evaluated for their plasma immunoglobulin G. Results Amongst the asymptomatic blood donors, 1.9% was found to be COVID-19 IgG antibody positive. It was observed that maximum COVID-19 IgG positivity (57.1%) was seen in the age group 18–29 years followed by 26.2% in the age group 30–39 years. Donors in the age group 40–49 years showed antibody positivity of 16.7%, and no antibody-positive donors were found above 50 years of age. COVID-19 IgG positivity was maximum in replacement donors (61.9%) followed by family donors (28.6%) and least involuntary donors (0.6%) Blood donors who showed high IgG positivity were mainly of labor class. Antibody IgG testing on medical healthcare workers showed 2.3% positivity. The healthcare workers who were posted in COVID-19 duties showed 4.8% positivity in the holding area (waiting area with the treatment of patients till their RT PCR report comes) and 5.7% in other COVID-19 areas related to laboratory work. Healthcare workers doing duties in COVID-19 areas showed 2.7% positivity, while those doing duties in non-COVID-19 emergency areas showed a positivity of 2.2%. Conclusion Our study shows that the prevalence of detectable antibodies was low in the general population in India and many patients were asymptomatic as seen in the blood donors, especially the labor class. Maximum exposure was present in young healthy males of labor class who remained asymptomatic. The healthcare workers were more exposed to COVID-19 as compared to the general population probably due to lack of precaution and awareness. Those doing non-COVID-19 duties were also exposed appreciably and needed to take all the precautions required for COVID-19 duties.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on medical and paramedical staff at a tertiary care center: an observational, cross sectional, survey-based study

Background: The health-care workers experienced various adverse psychological reactions due to COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to assess the anxiety and stress faced by the medical and paramedical staff while dealing with the pandemic.Methods: Analysis of 190 respondents of the survey was performed. Medical and paramedical staff included those of Bhaktivedanta hospital and research institute, Mumbai only. Data based on two questionnaires GAD-7 and “stress and anxiety assessment scale (SAAS)” was collected in the form of a survey from 15August 2020 till 31 May 2021 to assess the individual’s mental health.Results: Analysis of responses from GAD-7, a 7-item assessment scale and SAAS, a 14-item assessment scale were obtained. From the GAD-7 scale, 3.53% and from the SAAS scale, 9.09%, of the total health-care workers were found to have high anxiety and stress due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Conclusions: Although mediocre levels of stress and anxiety were found to be prevalent among the medical health-care workers, proper and timely mental health support and care must be provided to them even in normal conditions. This ensures safe and efficient execution of one’s duties even during crisis.

Concentration of Droplets from Patients during Normal Breathing and Speech and Their Importance in Protection from Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection

Purpose:Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic and the number of infected individuals and deaths continue to increase globally. COVID-19 is transmitted through airborne droplets formed during coughing and sneezing and from the saliva of infected patients. Medical healthcare workers are often at risk of infection. This study measured the aerosol derived from the droplets of patients during the conversation.Methods:Overall, 25 patients aged 21 to 87 years were enrolled. The amount of droplets from the patient was measured under the following four conditions: 1) no conversation with the mask on; 2) conversation with the mask on; 3) conversation without the mask; and 4) no conversation without the mask. Particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) and PM with a diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10) were measured as representative aerosols at a position of 1 meter from the patients.Results:The concentrations of PM2.5 (µg/m3) were as follows: 22.7 ± 10.2 before the conversation with the mask, 24.2 ± 10.2 during the conversation with the mask, 32.3 ± 14.7 during the conversation without the mask, and 23.1 ± 9.9 after the conversation without the mask. The concentrations of PM10 (µg/m3) were as follows: 39.8 ± 18.2 before conversation with the mask, 41.9 ± 18.5 during conversation with the mask, 55.5 ± 27.2 during conversation without the mask, and 40.4 ± 17.8 after conversation without the mask. The variations in the PM2.5 and PM10 correlated negatively with the age of patients (PM2.5: r = -0.51, p = 0.0009 and PM10: r = -0.53, p = 0.0063).Conclusion:Wearing a mask can prevent airborne droplet formation and reduce transmission of infection.