Utilization Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Enhancing Worker Safety Behaviors Through Proactive Interventions in the Lifting and Transport Equipment Industry

Unsafe worker behavior remains a prevalent issue leading to workplace accidents, particularly within companies specializing in services for head truck operations, maintenance, and lifting equipment. This study aims to enhance worker safety behaviors through proactive interventions utilizing behavioral observation and intervention (BO&I). Additionally, trend analysis is employed to predict the impact of interventions on worker safety behaviors. Mechanical workers involved in lifting and transport equipment operations are surveyed as respondents. The findings reveal a notable increase in the percentage of safe behaviors post-intervention compared to pre-intervention levels. Moreover, disparities in worker safety behaviors between pre- and post-intervention stages are identified, particularly in work stages associated with a high frequency of accidents. Trend analysis forecasts that the maximum percentage of safe worker behavior will be observed at the 91st intervention. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis indicates that variables such as age, tenure, utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE), and education significantly influence worker behaviors.

Prevalence of injury and utilization of personal protective equipment among building construction workers and associated factors in Bale and West Arsi Zones, southeast Ethiopia 2022.

The building construction industry is well known for being one of the most dangerous industries worldwide. Statistics show it is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of injury, personal protective equipment usage among building construction workers, and associated factors in Southeast Ethiopia. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was done among 406 selected construction workers in Southeast Ethiopia. Study participants were selected randomly. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize study variables. Binary logistic regression was utilized to investigate factors associated with injury among study participants. Accordingly, adjusted odds ratio along its 95% confidence interval were calculated and a p value of <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Generalized linear models were utilized to investigate factors associated with the use of personal protective equipment. Accordingly, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was determined and a p value of <0.05 was used as a level to declare a significant statistical association. In this research 406 building construction workers were interviewed and 393 participants gave complete responses, yielding a 96.8% response rate. Of all participants included in this study, 27 (6.8%) drink alcohol and 26 (6.6%) chew khats. Uses of personal protective equipment among study participants was 133 (33.3%, with a 95% confidence interval of 28.3% to 37.7%). Of 393 participants in this study, 213 (54.2%) of them sustained at least one building work-related injury in the last year. The commonest type of injury that occurred among this population was abrasion 43.3% followed by muscular pain (13%). Not having orientation about personal protective equipment, without safety training, didn't use personal protective equipment, and rural residence were factors significantly associated with injury among building construction workers. Residence, age, monthly income, service year, orientation about personal protective equipment, safety training, and start using personal protective equipment immediately after the job offers were significantly associated with the uses of personal protective equipment by participants of this study. In general, this study has identified a relatively high prevalence of injury and low use of personal protective equipment in the study subjects and associated factors.

Risk Assessment of Physio-Mechanical Hazards and Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment Among Welders in Kut City, Iraq

Risk Assessment of Physio-Mechanical Hazards and Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment Among Welders in Kut City, Iraq

Occupational Hazard’s Knowledge and Practices of Construction Workers regarding Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment s

Occupational Hazard’s Knowledge and Practices of Construction Workers regarding Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment s

Assessing personal protective equipment usage and its correlation with knowledge, attitudes, performance, and safety culture among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises

BackgroundThe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be a culture of a workplace, and deeply rooted in worker behavior and attitude during their practice. According to the recent studies only 64% of the workers use PPE properly. The present study aims to investigate the utilization of PPE among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and its relationship with knowledge, attitude, performance, and safety culture among workers.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire tool across SMEs in Kashan city in year 2023. The used tool included three questionnaires: demographic, safety culture, and knowledge, attitude and performance. Study papulation was 529 SMEs. Totally, the sample size was 369 persons and questionnaires were distributed among the workers of SMEs. Finally, SPSS software was used for statistical analysis and structural equation modeling. Various statistical tests including T-Test, ANOVA, RMSEA, CFI, TLI, and the chi-square ratio were employed.ResultsThe mean values (standard deviation) of age and work experience were 35.19 (12.33), and 15.60 (1.69) years, respectively. Among the 369 participants, 267 participants (72.4%) indicated that they use some PPE, although not all types. However, 102 individuals (27.7%) do not employ any PPE. The lowest score for safety culture dimension was attributed to safety training at 1.58. The results of the final model indicate that the assumed relationships between variables, as outlined in the study objectives, were well established, with all connections proving statistically significant.ConclusionIt can be concluded that the missing of inadequate legal supervision for small industries exists. Therefore, it can be inferred that if supervision and regulation are enhanced for safety training and implementation that may lead to increased usage of PPE.

Self-contamination with use of personal protective equipment: Concept analysis using Rodgers’ evolutionary method

Background: Although self-contamination has been identified through relevant studies on the safe utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare personnel and the prevention of healthcare-associated infection transmission, there is a lack of in-depth understanding of self-contamination. This study aimed to review previous research on self-contamination and clarify the concept. By understanding this concept, healthcare personnel can improve their conscientiousness regarding self-contamination and gain a foundation for the requisite interventions to reduce self-contamination in healthcare settings. Method: MeSH terms such as “Health Personnel,” “Students, Health Occupations,” and keywords related to PPE combined with “contaminat*” and “self-contamination” to retrieve literature in OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases without time limits through December 2023 (Figure 1). The concept of self-contamination’s antecedents, attributes, and consequences were explained based on Rodgers’ evolutionary Results: After eliminating duplicates from the 2,195 studies that were initially searched, the authors reviewed the articles and determined eligibility independently. A total of 25 articles, published between 2006 and 2023, were included and analyzed. Antecedents to self-contamination were classified into three groups for each component (Figure 2). First, PPE factors included 1) types of PPE and/or ensemble choices, and 2) problems with PPE designs and/or their functions. Second, user factors involved 1) mistakes (errors of intent), 2) violations (deviations from recommendations), and 3) slips (natural flaws in humans). Third, organizational factors covered 1) unstandardized PPE protocol, 2) suboptimal and inconsistent PPE training, and 3) inadequate clinical environment. In total, five major concept attributes were the conveyance of organisms, unintentional behavior, preventable action, incidental contact, and difficulty discerning. Consequences were categorized into: 1) raising concerns about occupationally acquired infections, and 2) the potential transmission of the infection to the environment or other people (cross-contamination). Conclusion: While studies have raised questions about whether self-contamination causes infection, self-contamination was obvious among healthcare personnel when dealing with PPE. Considering the wide range of causes and potential results of self-contamination, multifaceted interventions, including improvement of the PPE design, tailoring protocols, and training for specific ensembles, should be implemented over an extended time period with suitable intervals to optimize interventions’ effectiveness.

The Relationship Between Attitude, Belief, Experience, and Knowledge of Iranian Nurses Toward the Use of Personal Protective Equipment: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is pivotal in averting infection transmission to both patients and nurses. The attitude of nurses is a critical determinant in their compliance with PPE usage. This study seeks to explore the correlation between the attitudes of Iranian nurses and their beliefs, experiences, and knowledge concerning the application of PPE. In this cross-sectional study, 303 nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (Iran) were chosen using a quota sampling technique. Between April and June 2022, they completed self-administered questionnaires, which consisted of a Demographic Information form and a four-part questionnaire on "Attitude, Belief, Experience, Knowledge" concerning the utilization of PPE. Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The multiple linear regression model was applied to investigate the relationship between attitude scores and various examined variables. The findings indicated that most participants held bachelor's degrees (93.07%), and their attitude scores toward using PPE exceeded 3.25 out of 6 for all 12 questions. Female gender, increased work experience, and higher organizational positions exhibited positive and significant associations with a favorable attitude toward PPE utilization. Conversely, the absence of training related to PPE, a lack of belief in infection control, and limited knowledge displayed negative correlations. Nurses have an ethical obligation to adhere to infection control guidelines, including consistently utilizing PPE, regardless of the level of infection risk or the visibility of the infection. Continuous training and regular monitoring of nurses in this context are indispensable.

Quality improvement collaborative for improving patient care delivery in Argentine public health sector intensive care units

BackgroundThe demand for healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic was excessive for less-resourced settings, with intensive care units (ICUs) taking the heaviest toll.ObjectiveThe aim was to achieve adequate personal protective...

Differential Diagnosis, Prevention Measures, and Therapeutic Interventions for Enhanced Monkeypox (Mpox) Care.

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a rare viral disease that presents considerable challenges in healthcare settings, necessitating enhanced nursing care for effective management. This review thoroughly explores key aspects related to improving nursing care for Mpox. It commences by examining the background information on Mpox, encompassing its etiology, epidemiology, and modes of transmission. The differential diagnosis of Mpox is investigated, elucidating its clinical presentation, symptoms, and diagnostic methods to differentiate it from similar conditions. Prevention and control measures at both the public health and healthcare levels are scrutinized, including surveillance and reporting, contact tracing, isolation, and vaccination programs. In healthcare settings, infection prevention and control strategies, such as proper utilization of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and environmental management, are discussed. Furthermore, therapeutic interventions for Mpox, including symptomatic management, antiviral therapy, and supportive care, are outlined, with a specific emphasis on pain management, fever control, and psychosocial support. Nursing care strategies encompass patient assessment and monitoring, infection prevention strategies, psychosocial support, and patient education. The challenges encountered in enhancing nursing care for Mpox are acknowledged, along with research gaps and areas for further investigation. Finally, innovations in nursing practice for improved care, such as technology integration and simulation-based training, are explored. Enhancing nursing care in Mpox is crucial for positive patient outcomes, reducing transmission risks, and promoting overall well-being. By addressing the unique challenges, conducting further research, and embracing innovative practices, healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, can provide optimal care and contribute to better management of Mpox cases.

Guarding Our Guardians: Navigating Adverse Reactions in Healthcare Workers Amid Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage During COVID-19.

The widespread utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic has been crucial for reducing transmission risk among healthcare workers (HCWs) and the public. However, the extensive use of PPEhas brought about potential adverse reactions, particularly among HCWs. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of adverse skin reactions associated with PPE use among different categories of HCWs, including faculty, residents, and nursing officers (NOs), in a dedicated tertiary care COVID-19 hospital. The study design was a hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study conducted over one month, involving a total of 240 participants. The participants were required to complete a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire that covered demographic information, PPE-related data, preventive measures, observed reactions, and self-management strategies. Results indicated that adverse skin reactions were common among HCWs, with reactions reported by all participants. The most commonly used PPE included N95 masks, goggles, gloves, face shields, isolation gowns, and medical protective clothing. Excessive sweating (60% residents, 21.1% NOs, and 16.25% faculties), facial rash, dry palms (>70% of HCWs), and itching were among the most prevalent adverse reactions. Urticarial lesions (28.5% among NOs), pressure marks and pain (100% on the cheek among all HCWs), fungal infections (18.5% among residents at the web space of fingers), and skin breakdown were also reported. Factors such as age, gender, pre-existing skin problems, and oily/acne-prone skin history were found to be significantly associated with adverse skin reactions. In conclusion, the findings highlight the common adverse reactions reported by HCWs during the use of different PPEs. Certain steps taken by HCWs for the prevention of adverse reactions due to PPE emphasize the importance of tailored preventive measures and strategies to mitigate these adverse reactions, such as proper PPE selection, well-fitting equipment, regular breaks, and appropriate skincare practices. These insights contribute to the development of guidelines for optimal PPE usage and support the well-being of HCWs in their essential roles.

Analysis on personal protection in occupational population at high risk for brucellosis and influencing factor in China

Objective: To understand the current status of personal protection in occupational population at high risk for brucellosis in China and provide evidence for the evaluation of implementation of National Brucellosis Prevention and Control Plan (2016-2020). Methods: Four counties in Shanxi Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were selected to conduct a questionnaire survey in occupational population at high risk for brucellosis from December 2019 to July 2020 by using cross-sectional survey methods. Results: A total of 2 384 persons at high risk for brucellosis were surveyed, and the standardized utilization rate of personal protective equipment (PPE) was 20.13% (480/2 384). The utilization rate of glove, mask, rubber shoe, and work cloth were 38.26% (912/2 384), 31.80% (758/2 384), 32.01% (763/2 384) and 30.87% (736/2 384),respectively. There were significant differences in the utilization rate and standardized utilization rate of the four types of PPE among populations in different age, occupation, educational level and area groups (all P<0.001). The utilization rate and standardized utilization rate of PPE were lower in people over 60 years old, women, farmers, and those with lower educational level. The results of multivariate analysis showed that occupation and area were the influencing factors for the standardized utilization of PPE, the standardized utilization rates of PPE were higher in herdsmen and veterinarians. The standardized utilization rate of PPE in Yanggao County and Huocheng County was significantly higher than that in Zuoyun County and Hunyuan County. Conclusions: The utilization rate of the four types of PPE in occupational population at high risk for brucellosis was not high in China, and the standardized utilization rate was low, lower than the requirement in National Brucellosis Prevention and Control Plan, and there were significant differences among different areas. It is urgent to distribute PPE to occupational population at high risk for brucellosis and carry out health education about PPE utilization. Meanwhile, it is necessary to strengthen information exchange or sharing among different areas.

Work Accidents Analysis in Lathe Workshop - JSA with FMEA Approach

This study investigates the risk levels and potential for work accidents in manufacturing processes involving heavy equipment like lathes, which often lead to accidents due to non-compliance with safety regulations. Employing job safety analysis (JSA), the research aims to minimize accidents by assessing risk levels and proposing comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage for workers. Results reveal that the welding process's failure mode severity is rated at 2, while lathe-related accidents, particularly exposure to debris, have the highest occurrence and effect analysis at 6. Limited PPE availability contributes to a low failure mode detection and effect analysis score of 7. This study underscores the critical need for implementing stringent safety measures to mitigate workplace accidents in manufacturing settings. Highlights : Comprehensive assessment: Utilizing job safety analysis (JSA), the study provides a detailed evaluation of potential work accidents in manufacturing processes, focusing on heavy equipment usage. Risk mitigation: The research emphasizes the importance of implementing stringent safety measures, including the complete utilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to minimize the occurrence of workplace accidents. Importance of compliance: Non-compliance with safety regulations, particularly regarding the use of PPE and adherence to K3 regulations, significantly increases the risk of work accidents, leading to disruptions in production processes. Keywords: Workplace Safety, Manufacturing, Job Safety Analysis, Personal Protective Equipment, Risk Assessment

Factors Influencing Adherence to the Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review

Factors Influencing Adherence to the Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review

Improving compliance with personal protective equipment among anaesthetists through behaviour-changing interventions during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic.

Since 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen many changes in our daily infection prevention behaviours so as to reduce healthcare-associated transmission of COVID-19 in patients and healthcare workers. In the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, there was much emphasis on compliant personal protective equipment utilization in the operating theatres (OTs) for COVID-19-positive patients. However, during this period, there was a lack of international validated protocols on the appropriate handling and subsequent storage of personal protective equipment in the context of aerosol-generating procedures in OTs for asymptomatic antigen rapid test (ART)-negative patients. Given the potential for transmission even with a negative ART due to the incubation period, our team developed a checklist of eye protection (e.g. goggles/face shield) and N95 mask handling and storage in non-isolation OTs for these patients. We sought to improve the compliance of best practices from 20% to 80% amongst junior anaesthetists in Singapore General Hospital so as to prevent infection transmission and cross-contamination in the OT through education and behaviour-changing interventions. This quality improvement project took place over 19 weeks from June to October 2020 by our team of anaesthetists and nurse clinicians in the non-isolation OT setting. To analyse the problem, we performed a root cause analysis to understand attitudes and beliefs driving their behaviour. The top 80% of cited root causes for non-compliance then guided prioritization of resources for subsequent behaviour-changing interventions. Using the comprehensive infection control checklist, we conducted several plan-do-study-act cycles while implementing this new checklist amongst junior anaesthetists. A total of 227 assessments of junior anaesthetists were made in the care of asymptomatic ART-negative patients. Compliance with correctly handling goggles post-intubation started out as 33.3% in Week 1, which improved to 78.5% by Week 19. Compliance with goggle storage and face shield disposal started out at 13.6% in Week 1 and increased to 78.6% by Week 19. We attributed this improvement to education and behaviour-changing interventions. This quality improvement project focusing on improving compliance with personal protective equipment utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic in the management of asymptomatic ART-negative patients in non-isolation OTs demonstrated the importance of interventions of education, persuasion, modelling, and training in effecting and sustaining organizational behaviour change in physicians and other healthcare personnel.

Personal protective equipment utilization and its association with educational status among industry workers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Ethiopia is experiencing high prevalence of occupational morbidity and disability. One of the main contributing reasons is a low utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE). Previous studies on PPE utilization and association with educational status among industry workers were largely inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis is aimed to pool the magnitude of PPE utilization and its association with educational status among industry workers in Ethiopia. A compressive search of international databases and libraries including Scopus, PubMed, MedNar, Embase, MEDLINE, the web of science, Google Scholar, the JBI Library, African Journals Online, and Science direct will be carried out to locate published reports. Two independent reviewers will screen the records for inclusion using standardized JBI tools. Before extracting and synthesizing data, the selected studies will undergo a rigorous critical appraisal. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Cochrane Q-test and I2-test statistics will be used to assess the heterogeneity between studies. If necessary, meta-regression and subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore potential reasons for any inconsistency and heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis will be performed to assess the effect of a single study on the pooled magnitude estimates. Funnel plots, along with Egger's and Begg's tests, will be used to assess the presence of publication bias. PROSPERO registration number: PROSPERO, CRD42022364562.

Physical and Psychosocial Correlates of Occupational Physical Injury in the Global Construction Industry: A Scoping Review.

The construction industry is a diverse sector with exposure to multiple psychosocial and environmental workplace hazards that increase the risk of injury. This scoping review aims to consolidate the existing literature on the physical and psychosocial determinants influencing the risk of occupational physical injuries among construction workers globally. A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA extension checklist guided. Literature searches were performed between June and October 2023 in electronic academic databases. A total of 77 studies were identified, encompassing various geographical regions, including North America (n = 29), Africa (n = 18), Europe (n = 12), Asia (n = 9), the Middle East (n = 5), and Oceania (n = 4). The review identified physical and psychosocial factors in 3 domains influencing occupational physical injuries: workplace physical environment (eg, exposure to physical hazards, availability and utilization of personal protective equipment, company size, and job type), workplace culture (eg, psychosocial stressors, gender-related barriers, migrant and ethnic disparities, educational background), and physical wellbeing, health and aging (eg, age, obesity, sleep quality, marital stats, and physical health status). Notably, workers from social minority groups (eg, women, ethnic and migrant workers) of young (<25 years old) or older ages (45-55 years old) employed in smaller construction companies are vulnerable to increased injury risk and exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace. The review emphasizes a global paucity of research examining the implications of physical and psychosocial factors on injury risk within the construction industry. Future research should prioritize investigating the impact of psychosocial hazards on younger and older workers to detect age-related differences in injury rate, treatment access, and work-related health outcomes.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of personal protective equipment utilization among health care workers

BackgroundAlthough healthcare personnel often face hazardous working conditions with potential exposures to a variety of toxic and infectious agents, adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols is quite low. Proper utilization of PPE safeguards health care providers from hazardous working conditions and increases patients' safety. However, there is a shortage of relevant studies yet to address this gap, especially in sub-Saharan regions. ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice on personal protective equipment utilization among healthcare workers. MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the participants selected using a simple random sampling technique. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the associated factors. ResultThe practice of PPE utilization was 78.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed educational status, marital status, overcrowding of the working department, and supply of PPE as independent predictors of KAP of PPE utilization. ConclusionKnowledge about PPE utilization was good; however, the practice of PPE utilization was low. Decreasing the workload of healthcare workers and improving PPE supply are demanded to boost the utilization of PPE.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Injury Among Municipal Solid Waste Collectors in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Municipal solid waste collectors are at risk of experiencing work-related health problems due to the waste they handle and the physical effort they put in. Work-related injuries among domestic waste collectors have been the subject of scant research in developing nations. Therefore, it is necessary to describe work-related injuries in these subpopulation groups. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of work-related injury among municipal solid waste collectors in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 11 to 30, 2022, with all the registered municipal solid waste collectors (411). Three diploma environmental health professionals assisted in collecting data using a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire; 1 Bachelor of Science environmental health professional served as a supervisor. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to enter, clean, code, and analyze the data. Associations between independent and dependent variables were assessed, and the strength of the associations was presented by using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). According to the bivariable analysis, all independent variables associated with a P-value <.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Variables in the multivariable regression analysis were considered significant if their P-value was less than 0.05. In this study, the prevalence of work-related injuries within the last 30 days was 12.9% (95% CI: 9.5, 16.3), while the prevalence over the last 12 months was 59.4% (95% CI: 54.7, 64.0). After adjusting for possible confounding factors, age 18 to 24 years [AOR = 1.72;95% CI: (1.07, 2.76)], lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: (1.44, 3.68)], chewing khat (yes) [AOR = 2.32;95% CI: (1.32, 4.08)], drinking alcohol (yes) [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: (1.003, 3.24)] and job dissatisfaction [AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: (1.44, 3.54)] were shown to be significantly associated with work-related injury. The prevalence of work-related injuries was high. Age 18 to 24 years, chewing khat, drinking alcohol, lack of PPE utilization, and job dissatisfaction were significantly associated with work-related injury. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that addressing these risk factors could help to reduce work-related injuries.

The prevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare professionals at primary healthcare centers

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 infection typically triggers discernible immunological responses in most reported cases. Employing a serological test could identify prior asymptomatic infections and aid in evaluating an individual's immune status. Given that healthcare professionals face a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure, the utilization of personal protective equipment remains the foremost approach in averting disease transmission within healthcare facilities. Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare professionals working in primary healthcare centers located within the AL-Sader city district. Method: During the period between November 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2020, a cross-sectional study was carried out in nine primary healthcare centers, chosen through a cluster random sampling method. Result: Out of the 470 participants included in the study, 101 (21.5%) had a documented history of COVID-19 infection, with 76 confirmed through polymerase chain reaction analysis. Notably, a notable correlation between a positive rapid immunological test result and a prior history of COVID-19 infection (p-value &lt; 0.001). The rapid test showed a sensitivity of 56.6% and a specificity of 79.2%. Specifically, 125 participants (26.6%) tested positive using the rapid test, with 104 (83.2%) exhibiting IgG antibodies, 5 (4%) displaying IgM, and 16 (12.8%) showing both IgG and IgM antibodies. Conclusion: The prevalence of COVID-19 infection among participants exceeded the anticipated levels. Significantly, there was a discernible correlation between positive rapid test results and COVID-19 infection, as well as factors such as smoking, comorbidities, PPE training, and household infections.

Healthcare workers safety in the COVID-19 era: the impact of pre-pandemic personal protective equipment (PPE) training in Pakistan

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities in healthcare systems worldwide, emphasizing the importance of healthcare worker safety through adequate utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aims to assess the impact of pre-pandemic PPE training on the practices and other associated factors among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan and provide insights into the implications of such training programs for future initiatives.MethodsA cross-sectional study from May 9th to June 5th, 2020 was conducted among the frontline healthcare workers against COVID-19 in Pakistan, utilizing an online structured questionnaire shared via WhatsApp and Facebook by using purposive sampling. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests for proportion and logistic regression for the association while multi-logistic regression for potential confounders, were performed using SPSS version 22.ResultsA total of 453 healthcare staff participated, with 68.9% (n = 312) reporting no prior PPE training and 31.1% (n = 141) having received training. Significant associations were found between prior training and healthcare group distribution (p = 0.006), with doctors exhibiting the highest proportion of training 82 (37.61%), followed by nurses 50 (27.32%) and paramedics 9 (17.31%). Those who didn’t receive any prior training in PPEs showed a higher perceived professional risk of 216 (69.23%) compared to those who received prior PPE training 96 (30.77%, p-value 0.005). Similarly, a higher frequency 137 (63.72%) of Perceived Personal risk was observed in those who didn’t receive training, labeled as “high risk” compared to those who were trained 78 (36.28%, P value 0.02). Multi-logistic regression analysis identified paramedics as 0.26 times less likely to have received prior PPE training (Adjusted OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10–0.65, p = 0.01) compared to medical doctors. Healthcare workers in tertiary care hospitals were 0.46 times less likely to undergo PPE training (Adjusted OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25–0.87,p = 0.01) compared to those working at COVID-19 facilities/hospitals/quarantine centers. Likewise, individuals who doffed disposable gowns [Adjusted OR 3.86, (95% CI, 1.23–12.08, p = 0.02] were 3.86 times more interested in getting prior training in PPE compared to those who don’t have skills to wear them.ConclusionOur findings highlight that healthcare levels, type of healthcare, and doffing skills are important predictors of whether healthcare workers have taken prior training in PPE. These findings imply developing effective training programs for healthcare workers to ensure safety while providing care during pandemics like COVID-19.