COVID-19 Preparedness Research Articles

Prevalence Estimates and Risk Factors of Anxiety among Healthcare Workers in Jordan over One Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study investigates the changes in prevalence estimates, severity, and risk factors of anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs) over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was distributed among HCWs using snowball sampling, collecting their socio-demographics, occupation, and anxiety symptoms as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. It was distributed one month after the pandemic’s onset in Jordan between 15 and 30 April 2020 (onset group) and after one year between 15 and 30 March 2021 (one-year group). A total of 422 HCWs were included (211 in each group). The one-year group reported a higher risk of GAD (30.8% vs. 16.6%; p = 0.001), a higher mean (SD) GAD-7 score (7.94 (5.29) vs. 6.15 (4.15); p < 0.001), and more severe symptoms (p = 0.003). Univariate analyses showed that participants who were younger, women, unmarried, had lower monthly incomes, underwent testing for COVID-19, had higher contact with COVID-19 patients, did not receive special education, and were unsatisfied with the institutional COVID-19 preparedness scored higher on the GAD-7 scale and had more severe symptoms than their counterparts in both groups. Unlike the onset group, occupation as a physician, COVID-19 infection history, and perception of remarkable changes in work were associated with higher anxiety scores and severity among the one-year group. The COVID-19 vaccine was a relative protective action. Logistic regression analyses showed that the female gender was a risk factor for developing GAD at the pandemic onset, while poor satisfaction with institutional preparedness was a significant GAD risk factor in the one-year group. Low monthly income and lack of special education were the shared risk factors for GAD in both groups. This study reveals a significant rise in anxiety among HCWs over a year of the COVID-19 pandemic and shows the vulnerable sub-groups who likely need psychological interventions.

Stillbirth in COVID-19 Affected Pregnancies: A Double Whammy for the Mother.

IntroductionPregnant women represent a high-risk group especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, suffering at the expense of pandemic restrictions and landing up in adverse maternofetal outcomes including stillbirth. Fetal demise along with COVID-19 disease acts as a double blow to these mothers. Literature is still limited on its impact on maternofetal outcomes.MethodsA prospective, observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India from April 15, 2020 to April 14, 2021, wherein all pregnant mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the hospital who delivered a stillborn baby were enrolled and analyzed for incidence of stillbirth. These women were evaluated for risk factors and causes for stillbirth.ResultsOut of 15859 deliveries in the institute, there were 330 viable births among COVID-19 affected pregnancies. The incidence of stillbirth was 7.2% (24/330). The institutional delivery rate fell by 43% during the pandemic. The majority of cases were unbooked, from rural areas and of low socioeconomic status (p<0.01). The most significant risk factor and cause for stillbirth was an associated comorbidity (75%, p<0.001), notably severe forms of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP, 41.6%, p=0.002), followed by preterm labour (58.3%) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM, 29.1%, p<0.001). HDP remained the main cause of macerated stillbirths while maternal fever (50%, p<0.001) was the main cause of fresh stillbirth. Major modifiable factors were lack of awareness of when to seek care (83.3%), financial reasons (75%), commutation problems (87.5%), distance to hospitals (50%) and delayed referral (41.6%).ConclusionImproved policy-making, with an emphasis on telemedicine, COVID-19 preparedness alongside amped up vaccination and healthcare workers training will help reduce adverse maternofetal outcomes.

A multi-stakeholder situation assessment of COVID-19 disease preparedness and mitigation measures in a large prison complex in Malawi.

Prisons in the sub-Saharan African region face unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Malawi, the first prison system case of COVID-19 was notified in July 2020. While prison settings were included in the second domestic COVID-19 response plan within the Law Enforcement cluster (National COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, July-December 2020), they were initially not included in the K157bn (US$210m) COVID-19 fund. The purpose of the study was to assess prison preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in Malawi.. A multi-method situation assessment of the COVID-19 response and human rights assurance of prisoners and staff was conducted in a large prison complex in Malawi. Qualitative research underpinned by the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological (EPP) framework consisted of interviews with key informants such as prison health personnel, senior prison staff, penal and judicial policymakers, government and civil society organisations (n = 14) and focus group discussions with consenting male (n = 48) and female prisoners (n = 48) and prison wardens (n = 24). Prison site visits were supported by detailed observations based on the World Health Organisation Checklist for COVID-19 in prisons (n = 9). Data were collected and analysed thematically using the EPP stepwise approach and triangulated based on Bronfenbrenner's model conceptualising COVID-19 as a multi-level event disrupting the prison eco-system. The results are presented as MICRO-MESO level individual and community experiences of incarceration during COVID-19 spanning several themes: awareness raising and knowledge of COVID-19 in prisons; prison congestion and the impossibility of social distancing; lack of adequate ventilation, hygiene and sanitation and provisions and correct use of personal protective equipment; MESO-MACRO level interplay between the prison community of prisoners and staff and judicial policy impacts; medical system COVID-19 response, infrastructure and access to health care; COVID-19 detection and quarantine measures and prisoner access to the outside world. This unique situation assessment of the Malawian prison system response to mitigate COVID-19 illustrates the dynamics at the micro-level whereby prisoners rely on the state and have restricted agency in protecting themselves from disease. This is due to severe structural inadequacies based on low resource allocation to prisons leading to a compromised ability to prevent and treat disease; an infirm and congested infrastructure and bottlenecks in the judicial system fuelling a continued influx of remand detainees leading to high overcapacity. Multi-pronged interventions involving key stakeholders, with prison management and line Ministry as coordinators are warranted to optimise COVID-19 interventions and future disease outbreaks in the Malawian prison system.

Prototype of a Transition Metal Visualization App for the Learning of Stereochemistry in a General Chemistry Course: Initial Findings and Reflections

As part of COVID-19 preparedness, a student-developed, Android-based app was used as a pre-laboratory learning aid for a molecular modeling laboratory in a first-year general chemistry course. A worksheet activity with trigger codes and questions related to spatial features of transition metal complexes was designed. Using the Transition Metal Visualization (TMVis) app, learners activated augmented reality models on their mobile phones. Actual models were then constructed in class. Mean stereochemistry post-laboratory grades increased with stronger worksheet grades, though differences between worksheet grades for app and non-app users were not significant. Feedback revealed that approximately 60% of respondents preferred the physical modeling kit, citing ease of visualization and hands-on interactivity as its key strengths. Improvements for future work were proposed in light of the results and limitations.

New Zealand Emergency Department COVID-19 Preparedness: a cross-sectional survey and narrative view

ObjectiveOur objective was to assess the level of COVID-19 preparedness of emergency departments (EDs) in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) through the views of emergency medicine specialists working in district health...

A Conversation with Abigail Matos-Pagán.

An expert in disaster nursing discusses COVID-19, Hurricane Maria, and emergency preparedness.

COVID-19 Response and Preparedness in the Okayama Prefecture

In this article, the authors explain how Division of Health and Welfare, the Okayama Prefectural Government, addressed the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on the public health administration, policies enforcement, and government measures to ease the burden of people and industry, especially the hospital industry.

The Looming Threat of a Disastrous Wave of COVID-19 and Public Health Preparedness in Pakistan.

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Field epidemiology training programs contribute to COVID-19 preparedness and response globally

BackgroundField epidemiology training programs (FETPs) have trained field epidemiologists who strengthen global capacities for surveillance and response to public health threats. We describe how FETP residents and graduates have contributed to COVID-19 preparedness and response globally.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of FETPs between March 13 and April 15, 2020 to understand how FETP residents or graduates were contributing to COVID-19 response activities. The survey tool was structured around the eight Pillars of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19. We used descriptive statistics to summarize quantitative results and content analysis for qualitative data.ResultsAmong 88 invited programs, 65 (74%) responded and indicated that FETP residents and graduates have engaged in the COVID-19 response across all six WHO regions. Response efforts focused on country-level coordination (98%), surveillance, rapid response teams, case investigations (97%), activities at points of entry (92%), and risk communication and community engagement (82%). Descriptions of FETP contributions to COVID-19 preparedness and response are categorized into seven main themes: conducting epidemiological activities, managing logistics and coordination, leading risk communication efforts, providing guidance, supporting surveillance activities, training and developing the workforce, and holding leadership positions.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the value of FETPs in responding to public health threats like COVID-19. This program provides critical assistance to countries' COVID-19 response efforts but also enhances epidemiologic workforce capacity, public health emergency infrastructure and helps ensure global health security as prescribed in the WHO’s International Health Regulations.

Awareness regarding COVID-19 preparedness among dentists: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Novel coronavirus pandemic has emerged as a grave global health crisis. The pandemic curve is still on the rise. Dental professionals face unique challenges and work pressure due to the fear of the spread of disease while coming in close contact with the potential carriers. Aim: The aim is to assess the knowledge and preparedness level toward novel coronavirus diseases among the dental professionals of India. Methodology: Online survey was carried out from May 2020 to June 2020 on dental health care professionals through snowball sampling. A 24-item structured closed-ended online questionnaire was used. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency distribution and proportions of the responses were analyzed using the SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 154 dental professionals participated in the study. Majority of the respondents (72.72%) were aware about the correct genomic structure of the virus and aptly identified the early neurological symptom of novel coronavirus disease. 85.71% of the respondents were appropriately informed about the infection control protocol to be followed. However, regarding the protection level to be used while dealing COVID patients, only 24.03% of respondents correctly identified it as Level III. Regarding the amendments required in dental practice and level of preparedness, only 50% of the dental health-care workers were aware of the sequence of donning of personal protective equipment. Conclusions: In the present study, dentists were found to have good knowledge toward novel coronavirus disease with optimum preparedness level for dental practice modification. Dental fraternity is further advised to follow the standard guidelines overcoming this pandemic.

COVID19 Pandemic and Preparedness of Teachers for Online Synchronous Classes

COVID19 Pandemic and Preparedness of Teachers for Online Synchronous Classes

A Global Intellectual Property Waiver is Still Needed to Address the Inequities of COVID-19 and Future Pandemic Preparedness.

In October 2020, India and South Africa submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to suspend IP on all COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics until widespread vaccination could help achieve immunity among people in low- and middle-income countries. After 18 months, the final WTO Decision substantially watered down the original text proposed by India and South Africa, limiting it only to patents on vaccines and the use of protected clinical trial data for regulatory approval. We address why an IP waiver under TRIPS consistent with the one originally proposed by India and South Africa is still needed to not only meet the ongoing inequities of COVID-19, but also to ensure the right precedent for future equitable pandemic preparedness and other crises affecting the global South. To meet the multilateral goals of the WTO, an IP waiver as proposed by India and South Africa is still needed to increase manufacturing capability for vaccines, therapeutics, and other COVID-19 health-related technologies.

COVID-19 pandemic and preparedness of teachers for online synchronous classes

COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational institutes to shut down, and teachers are compelled to adopt technology ardently so that the teaching-learning process does not suffer. Gradually, it is being realised that synchronous online classes are required to enhance the teaching-learning experience. The major challenge in India is the lack of preparedness of the teachers, as most teachers have little experience with technology. Nevertheless, they have to adapt themselves quickly. However, to effectively use technology for synchronous online teaching, teachers have to be technology ready and proficient with utilising the platform used for online classes. This study attempts to understand the impact of teachers' preparedness on the use of online platforms for synchronous teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper integrates the technology readiness index (TRI) and technology acceptance model (TAM), also known as the TR and acceptance model (TRAM), to investigate the phenomenon mentioned above.

Lived Experiences and Ensuing Notion of Staff Nurses as COVID-19 Survivors in India

Background: Nurses are central to the entire spectrum of responses to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic including the mental health effects of the outbreak. Methods: This study investigated a significant number of Physiological and Psychological Experiences and Ensuing the notion of staff nurses as COVID-19 Survivors using Phenomenological Approach. A total of 12 interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Results: The study result was described into five main thematic categories which included Preparedness for COVID-19, Physiological Experiences, Practices Social Distancing, Psychological Experiences, and Ensuing notion toward pandemic. We found that nurses were presented with mild-to-moderate physiological symptoms of COVID-19 illness. As well as, negative psychological experiences existed in the early stage of recovery among nurses; later they themselves developed optimistic and adjustment approaches to cope up with the situation to stay mentally healthy. Conclusion: In the ensuing notion Nurses' suggested to follow the Universal Precautions, Self coping style and more emphasizes to add herbal and ayurvedic remedies in their balanced diet.

Identifying the preparedness components in COVID-19: Systematic literature review.

In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge to the world. Since the world is constantly exposed to communicable diseases, comprehensive preparedness of countries is required. Therefore, the present systematic review is aimed at identifying the preparedness components in COVID-19. In this systematic literature review, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Scientific Information Database were searched from 2019 to 2021 to identify preparedness components in COVID-19. Thematic content analysis method was employed for data analysis. Out of 11,126 journals retrieved from searches, 45 studies were included for data analysis. Based on the findings, the components of COVID-19 preparedness were identified and discussed in three categories: governance with three subcategories of characteristics, responsibilities, and rules and regulations; society with two subcategories of culture and resilience; and services with three subcategories of managed services, advanced technology, and prepared health services. Among these, the governance and its subcategories had the highest frequency in studies. Considering the need to prepare for the next pandemic, countries should create clear and coherent structures and responsibilities for crisis preparedness through legal mechanisms, strengthening the infrastructure of the health system, coordination between organizations through analysis and identification of stakeholders, culture building and attracting social participation, and service management for an effective response.

Continuing Contributions of Field Epidemiology Training Programs to Global COVID-19 Response.

We documented the contributions of Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) trainees and graduates to global COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts. During February-July 2021, we conducted surveys designed in accordance with the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. We quantified trainee and graduate engagement in responses and identified themes through qualitative analysis of activity descriptions. Thirty-two programs with 2,300 trainees and 7,372 graduates reported near-universal engagement across response activities, particularly those aligned with the FETP curriculum. Graduates were more frequently engaged than were trainees in pandemic response activities. Common themes in the activity descriptions were epidemiology and surveillance, leading risk communication, monitoring and assessment, managing logistics and operations, training and capacity building, and developing guidelines and protocols. We describe continued FETP contributions to the response. Findings indicate the wide-ranging utility of FETPs to strengthen countries' emergency response capacity, furthering global health security.

The Influence of Covid-19 Preparedness Through Health Care Implementation on Ship Crew

An increasing number of people exposed to diseases is caused by uneven public awareness of personal health and the factors that cause the infectious diseases. Meanwhile, the government has limited funds and personnel, which causes an inability to achieve maximum goals in disease prevention. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the relationship between responsiveness, reliability, empathy, assurance, and tangible aspects with patient satisfaction regarding preparedness services at Belawan Port, Medan City in 2020. The quantitative analytic survey was used with a cross-sectional design. The population used was all ship crews presented and worked on the ship when it was anchored at Light I of Belawan Port. The sample consisted of 95 crew members. Analysis of the chi-square test shows the following results: responsiveness (p=0.001), reliability (p=0.001), assurance (p=0.002), empathy (p=0.001) and physical aspect (p=0.060). The logistic regression test shows the variable that influences the most satisfying service in preparedness service is empathy, with an Exp (B) value of 4.781. The conclusion shows that responsiveness, reliability, assurance, and empathy-related to crew satisfaction, while the physical aspect has no relationship with it. It is recommended to improve the quality of preparedness services for crew members by increasing supervision and inspection, and attention to prevent disease transmission and establish a harmonious relationship between health workers and crew members for customer satisfaction.

Pandemic Covid-19 Preparednes Plan in the Workplace: a Case Study in Mining Company

COVID-19 Pandemic preparedness plans in mining companies are very important, so standards are needed as valuable input for all mining companies to make continuous improvements. preparedness plans, so that mining companies do not have to stop operating due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims for a COVID-19 pandemic preparedness plan in mining companies. The methodology used in this study was to compare mining companies' COVID-19 preparedness plans with ISO/PAS 45005:2020 Standard General guidelines for working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results The results suggest several elements for COVID-19 pandemic preparedness including leadership, risk management. , case management, health protocols, 3Ts (tracing, testing and treatment), emergency management, and case investigations have been identified as key elements for inclusion. The scoring system can be based on the level of implementation of each element. In conclusion, to be better prepared for future pandemics, several strategies have been identified to better manage the pandemic including worker and community participation, worker and public led crisis communication and the RCCE strategy.

Awareness and preparedness of healthcare workers against the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey across 57 countries.

BackgroundSince the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been concerns related to the preparedness of healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to describe the level of awareness and preparedness of hospital HCWs at the time of the first wave.MethodsThis multinational, multicenter, cross-sectional survey was conducted among hospital HCWs from February to May 2020. We used a hierarchical logistic regression multivariate analysis to adjust the influence of variables based on awareness and preparedness. We then used association rule mining to identify relationships between HCW confidence in handling suspected COVID-19 patients and prior COVID-19 case-management training.ResultsWe surveyed 24,653 HCWs from 371 hospitals across 57 countries and received 17,302 responses from 70.2% HCWs overall. The median COVID-19 preparedness score was 11.0 (interquartile range [IQR] = 6.0–14.0) and the median awareness score was 29.6 (IQR = 26.6–32.6). HCWs at COVID-19 designated facilities with previous outbreak experience, or HCWs who were trained for dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, had significantly higher levels of preparedness and awareness (p<0.001). Association rule mining suggests that nurses and doctors who had a ’great-extent-of-confidence’ in handling suspected COVID-19 patients had participated in COVID-19 training courses. Male participants (mean difference = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.46; p<0.001) and nurses (mean difference = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.53, 0.81; p<0.001) had higher preparedness scores compared to women participants and doctors.InterpretationThere was an unsurprising high level of awareness and preparedness among HCWs who participated in COVID-19 training courses. However, disparity existed along the lines of gender and type of HCW. It is unknown whether the difference in COVID-19 preparedness that we detected early in the pandemic may have translated into disproportionate SARS-CoV-2 burden of disease by gender or HCW type.

Emergency Medical Services Challenges Regarding Resource Capacity and Competency during COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the availability of resources, personal protective equipment PPE) and beliefs amongst Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals in Makkah city. Also, we aimed to assess various aspects of how Emergency Medical Services are handling the COVID-19 pandemic via online self-administrated questionnaire.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of 276 EMS providers from the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia during the period from July 2020 to June 2021. SPSS (version 21.0) was used for data entry and data analysis. We approximate a 95% confidence interval (±0.05).&#x0D; Results: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are representing most of the participants, 44% and 43%, respectively. EMS doctor, EMS registered nurse and others represent the remaining 13%. When the participants assessed their level of satisfaction on how their institutions have handled the pandemic, 34% expressed that they were satisfied, 14% were very satisfied, while 21% and 13% expressed that they were dissatisfied and very dissatisfied. On the availability of resources, 42% had access to N95 masks whenever they needed access to them while 33% did not have access.&#x0D; Conclusion: As the study demonstrates a relationship between the capability of emergency medical services personnel to handle a pandemic like COVID-19 and institutional preparedness, there are still significant gaps in EMS personnel's PPE training. EMS agencies should be supported in their efforts to effectively prepare their workers while the pandemic continues in our communities. Therefore, institutions should adopt guidelines that stipulate care for patients with COVID-19, provide training to emergency personnel, and properly distribute resources and PPE.