Use Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Under Armour – Use of personal protective equipment for simulated CPR of COVID-19 patients: an observational study

BackgroundPersonal protective equipment (PPE) protects healthcare workers and patients. Data on guideline compliance on how to dress (donning) or remove (doffing) PPE and the assistance among multiple participants (buddying) are limited. This study assesses the quality of donning, doffing, and buddying of PPE in a simulated medical emergency.MethodPhysicians handling a simulated cardiac arrest of a COVID-19 patient. Adjacent to the victim, PPE was available. The appropriateness of PPE choice was assessed by using video recordings, with each individual participant being analyzed from the beginning of the simulation scenario from two perspectives regarding the selection of items during donning and doffing, hygiene aspects, time, and team support (buddying). The primary outcome was the number of participants being appropriately protected, defined as both wearing (a) all PPE items provided, and (b) all PPE items correctly at the time of first patient contact (FPC). Secondary outcomes included the timing of participants being appropriately protected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 28). Mann–Whitney test, chi-square test, and linear regression analysis were performed as appropriate.ResultsAt first patient contact 21% (91/437) were correctly protected. One or more incorrect PPE items were found in 4% (19/437), whereas 61% (265/437) wore one or more PPE items incorrectly. In 14% (62/437), one or more PPE items were missing. The time interval between donning start and FPC was 66 (55–78) sec. Time to FPC was longer in correctly than in incorrectly protected participants 77 (66–87) vs. 64 (54–75) sec; p < 0.001) and decreased by 7 ± 2 s per PPE item omitted (P = 0.002). Correct doffing was observed in 192/345 (56%), while buddying occurred in 120 participants (27%), indicating that they either assisted other participants in some manner (verbally or physically) or received assistance themselves.ConclusionsOur findings imply a need for education in correct and timely PPE donning and doffing. Donning PPE as intended delayed FPC. This and the influence of buddying needs further investigation (German study register number DRKS00023184).

Analysis of the Level of Compliance with the Use of Personal Protective Equipment at PT XX Industrial and Construction Development

Analysis of the Level of Compliance with the Use of Personal Protective Equipment at PT XX Industrial and Construction Development

Risk perception and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in pesticide use: does risk shape farmers’ safety behavior?

ABSTRACT Risk perception and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in pesticide use were studied in 109 farmers of northern Greece. Farmers differed in the levels of pesticide risk perception, with 26.6% showing very low and low levels, 34.9% showing moderate levels, and 38.5% showing high and very high levels. Pesticide risk perception was positively correlated with education and large cultivated area, but negatively with age and non-farming as a main profession. Most farmers (82.6%) showed adequate use of PPE (mostly face mask and gloves). The use of PPE was positively correlated with education and risk perception, but negatively with age and non-farming as a main profession. Farmers with high levels of risk perception used 1.3 and 2.6 times more PPE items than those with moderate and low levels of risk perception, respectively. High education was a positive predictor, whereas main profession other than farming was a negative predictor of PPE use.

Level of knowledge of prevention of blood-borne infectious diseases among Master’s degree students of nursing

Introduction. Blood-borne infections are a serious problem among medical staff, especially nursing staff, because nurses have the most frequent contact with patients. As future employees of health care, students of nursing are exposed to a number of hazardous factors. Work with patients of unknown serological status (during practical classes and apprenticeships) is associated with the risk of infection with various pathogens. Objective. The aim of the study was recognition of the level of knowledge concerning prevention of blood-borne infectious diseases among Master’s degree students of nursing. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in the second half of 2022 among 104 Master’s degree students of nursing, who were educated at the Radom School in Radom, by the method of a diagnostic survey, using an author-constructed questionnaire. Results. The majority of the examined students (96.2%) knew what diseases are transmitted through blood. More than a half of respondents (63.5%) evaluated their level of knowledge about blood-borne diseases as mediocre, and 19.2% - as low. A part of respondents (67.3%) had knowledge that trace amounts of blood are enough to cause infection with blood-borne diseases. All students in the study knew the main methods of prevention of infections transmitted via blood, and the deficit of knowledge concerned proper use of personal protection equipment (5.8%) and the observance of the procedure to be followed in the event of occupational exposure (3.8%). A large group of respondents (82.7%-100.0%) knew various risk factors of infection with blood-borne diseases. The majority of respondents (88.5%) knew that there is an effective vaccine against hepatitis B, but 43.3% of the students in the study did not know the main symptoms of infection with HBV. Students most often knew (90.4%) how to diagnose infection with HCV – anti-HCV test for the presence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus in blood; however, 26.9% of respondents were not aware that there is no vaccine against hepatitis C. The majority of the examined students (84.7%) knew early symptoms of infection with HIV, while the remainder had a deficit of knowledge in this area. A large group of respondents (82.0%-94.0%) knew various risk factors of infection with HIV. Conclusions. Students of nursing should be motivated to expand their knowledge concerning prevention of blood-borne diseases, observance of the principles of personal protection, prevention of occupational exposure, and proper post-exposure prophylaxis.

Clamp for Safety: Improving Intravesical Chemotherapy Practices.

Processes for intravesical chemotherapy after transurethral resection of nonmuscle invasive bladder tumors may lack standardization. In 2019, at a large health care system in Los Angeles, California, five incident reports involving chemotherapeutic agent spills from urinary catheters after bladder tumor procedures necessitated a quality improvement project. The project lead determined that a cost-effective alternative device for securing the chemotherapeutic agent in the bladder was needed at four surgical locations of the health care system. In addition, a review of the literature and an observational assessment revealed lack of adherence to standard and recommended processes for using personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous medications. After revising existing processes, acquiring a cost-effective clamp and recommended chemotherapy PPE, instructing personnel on the clamping process and use of PPE, and implementing use of the clamp, there have been no spills associated with intravesical chemotherapy across the four surgical locations.

Infection Prevention Strategies for Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has significantly impacted global healthcare systems, necessitating stringent infection control measures to safeguard patients and healthcare workers. Otorhinolaryngology and head-and-neck surgery, due to their close proximity to the respiratory tract and frequent aerosol-generating procedures, face elevated risks of COVID-19 transmission. Understanding infection control measures in these specialties is paramount to optimize safety protocols and mitigate transmission risks. Aim: The review aims to examine infection control measures in otorhinolaryngology and head-and-neck surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing specific risks, effectiveness of safety measures, adaptations to evolving knowledge, implementation challenges, and future directions for research and policy. Review Summary: A systematic literature search was conducted from December 2019 to present, focusing on infection control practices in these specialties during the pandemic. Studies addressing infection control measures, risks, and adaptations in otorhinolaryngology and head-and-neck surgery were included. Key findings were synthesized qualitatively, emphasizing trends, common themes, and discrepancies in data. Future Implications: Insights from the review provide actionable guidance for optimizing infection control measures in otorhinolaryngology and head-and-neck surgery, enhancing safety for patients and healthcare providers during current and future pandemics. Areas for future research include ongoing surveillance, adaptation of protocols, and development of innovative safety strategies. Clinical Policy and Development: Recommendations include comprehensive use of personal protective equipment, modifications to patient handling and surgical procedures, telemedicine integration, and adherence to strict infection control protocols. These measures aim to minimize COVID-19 transmission risks while maintaining essential healthcare services. Keywords: COVID-19, Otorhinolaryngology, Head-And-Neck Surgery, Infection Control, Aerosol-Generating Procedures

The Impact of the Pandemic on the Performance of Industrial Construction Projects in Indonesia

The Covid-19 outbreak has caused economic downturns and recession. In 2021, Covid-19 cases in Indonesia has a significant increase. The construction sector in Indonesia faced substantial challenges due to the pandemic, evidenced by contracted growth. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the construction industry cannot be viewed solely from an economic perspective but must consider various factors. Issues in the construction industry affect project performance. Previous research could not interpret the relationship between individual pandemic impacts and project performance levels. Therefore, this study aims to determine factors Covid-19 pandemic affects construction project performance in Indonesia. The study identifies five factors that may influence project performance: (1) challenges in implementing social distancing, (2) movement restrictions, (3) challenges of working from home (WFH), (4) planning for worker limitations, and (5) use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Data was collected using questionnaires distributed to project managers in the construction industry. Primary analysis was conducted using Partial Least Square (PLS). The results indicate that three variables significantly impact project performance in the construction industry. The level of movement restrictions during the pandemic (lockdown) and the planning for worker limitations negatively affect project performance, while movement restrictions positively affect the challenges of implementing social distancing.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Sterilization and Disinfection of Health Care Professionals in Bangladesh

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Healthcare professionals face a constant risk of acquiring infections from patients. Exposure to blood, saliva, and sharp instruments increases their susceptibility to various infectious diseases. Proper sterilization and disinfection procedures are crucial for protecting both healthcare workers and patients. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding sterilization and disinfection among healthcare professionals in Bangladesh.&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases &amp; Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to June 2023. A total of 81 healthcare professionals were randomly selected and participated in the study after providing verbal consent. Data collection involved a pre-structured questionnaire focusing on knowledge, attitude, and practices related to sterilization and disinfection. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Ethical clearance was obtained before the study commenced. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The study included healthcare professionals from various backgrounds, with the majority being young adults (21-25 years old). Knowledge assessment revealed a good understanding of sterilization methods, disinfection procedures, post-sterilization instrument management, and waste disposal practices. Additionally, most participants were aware of the hospital&amp;apos;s sterilization protocols and infection prevention policies. Regarding attitudes, a positive response was observed towards regular training for staff, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to sterilization and disinfection guidelines. However, a minority expressed concerns about reusing disposable items. Practices reflected the positive knowledge and attitudes, with a high percentage of participants following hand hygiene protocols, using PPE, and opting for disposable equipment. However, a small number reported experiencing needle-stick injuries, highlighting a potential gap between knowledge and practice. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusions:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; the study found that a majority of healthcare professionals in this setting demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate practices regarding sterilization and disinfection. However, a small knowledge, attitude, and practice gap was identified, particularly concerning needle-stick injuries. These findings suggest a need for ongoing education and reinforcement of safe practices to ensure optimal infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities.

Pentingnya Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) pada Pekerja Bangunan terhadap Keselamatan Kerja

Construction workers are often exposed to high risks of injury and illness due to potentially dangerous work environments. Therefore, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is very important to protect them from various threats on construction sites. Literature research conducted in recent years has provided consistent evidence regarding the benefits and importance of using PPE in the construction industry. Various types of PPE, such as safety helmets, safety shoes, protective eyewear, respirators, and gloves, have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of physical injury and exposure to hazardous materials. Literature studies also show that implementing strict policies related to the use of PPE can reduce the rate of work accidents and work-related illnesses. In addition, proper training and awareness of the importance of occupational safety have been proven to increase worker compliance with the use of PPE. Factors such as adequate availability of PPE, strict standards, a strong safety culture, supervision, and ongoing education are key elements in ensuring effective use of PPE and improving occupational safety in construction workplaces. Therefore, continued emphasis on the correct and consistent use of PPE is a must in efforts to maintain the safety and health of construction workers throughout the world.

Analysis of The Effect of The Implementation of The Behavior Based Safety (BBS) Program By Company Management on Labor Behavior At PT. HYZ

HYZ Company is a goods shipping and logistics company in the maritime sector with a significant risk of work accidents, especially in the Occupational Health and Safety aspect. The company has implemented a Behavior Based Safety (BBS) program since 2011 to reduce the risk of accidents. This program is designed to increase safe behavior in the workplace and reduce accident incidents. Although BBS is known to reduce work accidents by up to 40-75%, HYZ Company has not conducted an in-depth analysis to determine the extent to which the implementation of this program affects the level of compliance with Occupational Health and Safety principles, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work procedures and other safety practices. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BBS at HYZ Company in the context of Occupational Health and Safety, focusing on changing workers' behavior and levels of compliance with safety standards. The results of this research can help companies strengthen their Occupational Health and Safety systems and reduce the risk of accidents while promoting a sustainable safety culture. With a better understanding of the impact of BBS on Occupational Health and Safety compliance, HYZ Company can take more effective measures to ensure worker safety and a safe working environment

Human papillomavirus and occupational exposure: The need for vaccine provision for healthcare providers

ABSTRACT To probe the understanding of healthcare providers regarding occupational exposure to human papillomavirus and their knowledge about human papillomavirus vaccination in relation to the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) recommendations. In this cross-sectional study, the healthcare providers at Mayo Clinic Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota were delivered an electronic survey. The survey was completed by 349 healthcare providers, with one respondent excluded for inconsistent entry. The mean age of respondents was 42.7 ± 10.9, and of those, 68% were female and 32% were male. Of the unvaccinated respondents, 43.3% were ≤ 45 y of age (eligible for vaccination), while those vaccinated formed 41% of the respondents. Healthcare providers are highly concerned about their cancer safety, as shown by their awareness of occupational human papillomavirus hazards and broad knowledge about vaccine efficacy. The use of personal protective equipment varied widely, including eyewear, double gloving, procedural face mask, N95 face mask, and/or nothing. Human papillomavirus and cancer risk was clearly perceived by healthcare providers. For professions, pairwise comparisons revealed that nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and allied healthcare providers had lower scores than medical doctors. Despite the high level of understanding among healthcare providers of occupational human papillomavirus exposure, only a few of them knew of the recommendations of the ASCPP for vaccination of healthcare providers treating human papillomavirus-related diseases. In such cases, most of those surveyed embraced vaccination, which was considered 100% safe by medical doctors and allied health professionals.

Characteristics of healthcare personnel with SARS-CoV-2 infection: 10 emerging infections program sites in the United States, April 2020-December 2021.

Understanding characteristics of healthcare personnel (HCP) with SARS-CoV-2 infection supports the development and prioritization of interventions to protect this important workforce. We report detailed characteristics of HCP who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from April 20, 2020 through December 31, 2021. CDC collaborated with Emerging Infections Program sites in 10 states to interview HCP with SARS-CoV-2 infection (case-HCP) about their demographics, underlying medical conditions, healthcare roles, exposures, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and COVID-19 vaccination status. We grouped case-HCP by healthcare role. To describe residential social vulnerability, we merged geocoded HCP residential addresses with CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) values at the census tract level. We defined highest and lowest SVI quartiles as high and low social vulnerability, respectively. Our analysis included 7,531 case-HCP. Most case-HCP with roles as certified nursing assistant (CNA) (444, 61.3%), medical assistant (252, 65.3%), or home healthcare worker (HHW) (225, 59.5%) reported their race and ethnicity as either non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic. More than one third of HHWs (166, 45.2%), CNAs (283, 41.7%), and medical assistants (138, 37.9%) reported a residential address in the high social vulnerability category. The proportion of case-HCP who reported using recommended PPE at all times when caring for patients with COVID-19 was lowest among HHWs compared with other roles. To mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in healthcare settings, infection prevention, and control interventions should be specific to HCP roles and educational backgrounds. Additional interventions are needed to address high social vulnerability among HHWs, CNAs, and medical assistants.

The Relationship Between Nurses' Attitudes and Motivation with Compliance The Use of Personal Protective Equipment at RSUD Ngimbang Lamongan

Nurses in providing nursing care to patients must refer to the SOP that has been implemented by the hospital, including adherence to the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in treating patients with a positive attitude and high motivation. It is expected that a nurse has good behavior in using PPE. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between attitude and motivation for using personal protective equipment (PPE) at Ngimbangs Hospital. This study used a correlational analytic design with the cross-sectional method and used a random sampling technique to obtain 88 respondents. Research data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of a nurse’s attitude questionnaire, motivation scale, and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) questionnaire. All questionnaires were declared valid and reliable. The results showed a positive attitude with high adherence of 46 nurses (53.3%). The data were analyzed using the Spearman rho test and obtained a value of p= 0.000 and a value of 0,516, meaning that there is a relationship between attitudes and adherence to the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Ngimbang Hospital. The result showed the nurses who had high motivation and high compliance were 46 nurses (52.3%). The research data were analyzed using the Spearman rho test and obtained a value of p= 0.000 and a value of 0,508, maintaining the health and comfort of nurses in any type of work environment, especially in a hospital.

Thermal and functional condition of microbiological laboratory workers when using personal protective equipment against biological factors

Introduction. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) against pathogenic biological agents (PBA) by medical workers in microbiological laboratories is a mandatory requirement for infectious safety, however, low or absent air and vapor permeability of these PPE and their elements can contribute to disruption of the functional and thermal state. The aim of the study is a physiological and hygienic assessment of PPE against pathogenic pathogens based on indicators of the thermal state of the body when modeling the professional activities of microbiological laboratory workers. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the laboratory of personal protective equipment and industrial exoskeletons of Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health on 12 practically healthy individuals — male and female medical workers while simulating work activities and sanitary and epidemiological requirements for a microbiological laboratory. Results. The values of skin and body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels obtained in the dynamics of the study made it possible to determine the degree of stress in the thermal and functional state of the body of medical workers. The indicators obtained during the experiment were assessed in accordance with current regulatory documents. A number of thermal state indicators obtained during the study had statistically significant differences from their initial values at p&lt;0.05. Conclusions. When using personal protective equipment against pathogenic pathogens under comfortable microclimatic conditions, an increase in some criterion indicators of the examined individuals was noted, in particular to the upper limit of permissible values of thermal state, which indicates the leading influence of PPE on the thermoregulation of the body and necessitates a reduction in the process of production activities and requires limiting the maximum duration of a work shift under given conditions is three hours, followed by a break to restore the thermal state and water-salt balance. Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with ethical principles and norms, an extract from the minutes of the meeting of the local ethics committee No. 9 dated 11/23/2022 was obtained.

Controlling COVID-19 outbreaks in the correctional setting: A mathematical modelling study.

Correctional centres (termed here 'prisons') are at high risk of COVID-19 and have featured major outbreaks worldwide. Inevitable close contacts, frequent inmate movements, and a disproportionate burden of co-morbidities mean these environments need to be prioritised in any public health response to respiratory pathogens such as COVID-19. We developed an individual-based SARS-CoV-2 transmission model for the prison system in New South Wales, Australia - incorporating all 33 correctional centres, 13,458 inmates, 578 healthcare and 6,909 custodial staff. Potential COVID-19 disease outbreaks were assessed under various mitigation strategies, including quarantine on entry, isolation of cases, rapid antigen testing of staff, as well as immunisation.Without control measures, the model projected a peak of 472 new infections daily by day 35 across the prison system, with all inmates infected by day 120. The most effective individual mitigation strategies were high immunisation coverage and prompt lockdown of centres with infected inmates which reduced outbreak size by 62-73%. Other than immunisation, the combination of quarantine of inmates at entry, isolation of proven or suspected cases, and widespread use of personal protective equipment by staff and inmates was the most effective strategy. High immunisation coverage mitigates the spread of COVID-19 within and between correctional settings but is insufficient alone. Maintaining quarantine and isolation, along with high immunisation levels, will allow correctional systems to function with a low risk of outbreaks. These results have informed public health policy for respiratory pathogens in Australian correctional systems.

Assessment of subjective well-being of healthcare workers in response to heat and personal protective equipment under controlled conditions using a standardized protocol

BackgroundDue to climate change, the increasing frequency of hot summer days and heat waves can result in occupational heat strain, especially in non-air-conditioned workplaces. Healthcare workers (HCW) engaged in patient care are particularly affected, as they are additionally exposed to physical stress. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can aggravate heat strain in HCW. This study aimed to examine the subjective well-being of HCW when exposed to heat and PPE under controlled conditions.MethodsThis study was designed as a randomized crossover trial. Participants performed standardized healthcare tasks in a climatic chamber for approximately 3.5 h at different indoor temperatures (22 °C and 27 °C) and varied working conditions (with or without PPE). The effects on participants’ subjective well-being, encompassing thermal, physiological and psychological stress were assessed using a customized questionnaire.ResultsHeat had a greater effect than PPE on thermal, physical and psychological stress. Conversely, PPE had a greater effect on physical demand and effort. For the majority of outcomes, combined exposure to heat and PPE resulted in the highest perceived discomfort. Furthermore, the participants reported increased sweating and other discomforts when working at elevated temperatures or with PPE.ConclusionsIn this study, heat and PPE, but particularly the combination of both factors, were identified as unfavorable working environments. Although the trials were conducted in a controlled environment, the outcomes provide valuable information about the effect of heat and PPE on HCW in a real-life setting. Furthermore, the design used in this study can be beneficial in evaluating the effect of mitigation strategies.

Relationship between Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use Behavior and Working Period with Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) Symptoms in Workers at Mabar Shrimp Factory

Background. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases after irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). One of the factors causing ACD is not using personal protective equipment (PPE) and a long working period. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between PPE use behavior and working period with ACD symptoms in workers at the Mabar shrimp factory, Medan. Method. Cross-sectional research with a consecutive sampling method. Assessment of PPE use behavior and working period used a questionnaire and ACD symptoms by a doctor. The analysis used was univariate and bivariate analysis with chi-square. Results. The total number of samples that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study was 100 people, 28 people had symptoms of ACD, enough knowledge, good attitudes, and unfavorable actions with a working period of &gt;2 years. Statistical analysis showed a relationship between PPE use behavior and working period with ACD symptoms. Conclusion. All behavioral factors (knowledge, attitude, and action) and working period have a significant relationship with ACD symptoms

Health Profile of Workers at Gas Station X Maulafa District Kupang City

Gas stations are areas that operate in the petroleum sector where repeated exposure to the products produced (butane, pentane, isopentane, benzene, alkylbenzene, toluene, and xylene) can have an impact in the form of health problems. The individuals with the greatest exposure to gas station products are the workers. According to data, during the period from 2016 to 2018 there were 120 cases of work accidents around gas stations. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training regarding the prevention for the worker and management of accidents and illnesses resulting from working at gas stations are important in ensuring worker safety. According to research that has been conducted, it was found that the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is still very low among Gas Station X workers, Maulafa District, Kupang City. Training and equipment that support Occupational Safety and Health programs are also not available to the majority of workers. This is the cause of health problems among Gas Station X workers, Maulafa District, Kupang City. Method: This research is a quantitative study with a cross sectional approach and involved 12 respondents. This study data collection techniques by interview dan physical examination directly to the samples at Gas Station X Maulafa District, Kupang City. Result: Based on the research results, it was found that the majority of Gas Station The health problems found were Peripheral Vertigo (16%), Tension Type Headache (TTH) (8%), Allergic Rhinitis (8%) and Irritant Contact Dermatitis (8%). Conclusion: An occupational risk factor that can affect the occupational safety and health of employees at GAS STATION X is exposure to fuel oil which contains volatile substances. It was found that 4 out of 12 workers at the gas station in Maulafa District, Kupang City experienced health problems, the health problems they experienced were Peripheral Vertigo, Tension Type Headache, Allergic Rhinitis and Irritant ...........

Factors Affecting Nurses’ Use of Personal Protective Equipment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A critical preventive measure during the rapid global spread of COVID-19 was the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare professionals, especially nurses. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the factors that influenced nurses' use of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 and 2022. A convenience sample of 423 nurses was selected from those working in teaching hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS software version 26. Descriptive statistical tests, such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze the data. Additionally, inferential tests such as the independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed. The significance level was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: Females constituted 70.20% of the sample. The means and standard deviations for individual and organizational factors were 3.41 ± 0.65 and 3.64 ± 0.83, respectively. The relationships between gender and individual factors, as well as education and organizational factors, were found to be statistically significant. There was also a statistically significant relationship between departments and both individual and organizational factors, and between marital status and organizational factors (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Organizational factors, including the provision of adequate PPE, were the most significant contributors to nurses' use of PPE. Conversely, the non-use of PPE was partly influenced by physical complications, such as skin issues, associated with PPE usage. Managers and policymakers can use the results of this study as a guide for future policy and decision-making to reduce or eliminate the factors inhibiting and to strengthen the factors contributing to the proper use of PPE.

Factors influencing uptake of protective behaviours by healthcare workers in England during the COVID-19 pandemic: A theory-based mixed-methods study.

Hospital infection control policies protect patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) and limit the spread of pathogens, but adherence to COVID-19 guidance varies. We examined hospital HCWs' enactment of social distancing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, factors influencing these behaviours, and acceptability and feasibility of strategies to increase social distancing. An online, cross-sectional survey (n = 86) and semi-structured interviews (n = 22) with HCWs in two English hospitals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (May-December 2020). The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation (COM-B) model of behaviour change underpinned survey and topic guide questions. Spearman Rho correlations examined associations between COM-B domains and behaviours. Interviews were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Potential strategies to improve social distancing were selected using the Behaviour Change Wheel and discussed in a stakeholder workshop (n = 8 participants). Social distancing enactment was low, with 85% of participants reporting very frequently or always being in close contact with others in communal areas. PPE use was high (88% very frequently or always using PPE in typical working day). Social distancing was associated with Physical Opportunity (e.g., size of physical space), Psychological Capability (e.g., clarity of guidance), and Social Opportunity (e.g., support from managers). Use of PPE was associated with Psychological Capability (e.g., training), Physical Opportunity (e.g., availability), Social Opportunity (e.g., impact on interactions with patients), and Reflective Motivation (e.g., beliefs that PPE is effective). Local champions and team competition were viewed as feasible strategies to improve social distancing. It is valuable to understand and compare the drivers of individual protective behaviours; when faced with the same level of perceived threat, PPE use was high whereas social distancing was rarely enacted. Identified influences represent targets for intervention strategies in response to future infectious disease outbreaks.