Prevent Cross Infection Research Articles

Evolution and host-specific adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The major human bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes multidrug-resistant infections in people with underlying immunodeficiencies or structural lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). We show that a few environmental isolates, driven by horizontal gene acquisition, have become dominant epidemic clones that have sequentially emerged and spread through global transmission networks over the past 200 years. These clones demonstrate varying intrinsic propensities for infecting CF or non-CF individuals (linked to specific transcriptional changes enabling survival within macrophages); have undergone multiple rounds of convergent, host-specific adaptation; and have eventually lost their ability to transmit between different patient groups. Our findings thus explain the pathogenic evolution of P. aeruginosa and highlight the importance of global surveillance and cross-infection prevention in averting the emergence of future epidemic clones.

COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARD PRECAUTIONS AMONG PEDIATRIC NURSES IN SELECTED GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are complex conditions that appear in any healthcare facility. They truly become an economic and financial burden for the family and healthcare service system, particularly in developing countries. Nurses directly provide care for patients because they can be the cause of the spread of HAIs in healthcare institutions. Thus, nurses’ compliance with standard precautions plays a critical role in HAIs prevention efforts, especially in caring for children. Objectives: to examine compliance with standard precautions among pediatric nurses and related factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used. Sample size comprised of 285 pediatric nurses at selected government hospitals who have at least 6 months of experience as a nursing professional. Nurse’s adherence to standard precautions in caring was examined by using a 4-likert questionnaire including 20 items divided into 4 subscales as use of protective devices, disposal of sharps and waste, decontamination of spills and used articles, and prevention of cross-infection. Results: The age mean of nursing participants was 31.2 years. The overall compliance score was 3.16 (SD = 0.47) with 83.2% of nurses having good compliance with standard precautions. Among subscales of compliance, nurses’ practices with decontamination of spills and used articles had the highest scores. In contrast, the use of protective devices was the lowest. Besides, the study results showed a statistically significant relationship between nurses’ attitudes regarding HAIs prevention and their compliance with standard precautions (p<0.001). Meanwhile, there was no association between gender, level of education, experience in the year and standard precautions compliance. Conclusions: infection control practices with standard precautions among pediatric nurses were good. However, there were some aspects that should be improved. More related continuous training programs for nurses should be developed. Additionally, hospital administration and nurse managers should establish a system to regularly monitor and sustain compliance with infection control procedures among staff nurses as well as evaluate the suitability of HAIs prevention guidelines.

Manfaat Pendidikan Kesehatan terhadap Konsistensi Penggunaan Kondom pada Pasien ODHA

This study aims to see the effect of health education on the consistency of condom use in patients living with HIV. The method used in this writing is a systematic review through several databases, namely Pubmed, Proquest, Science Direct, Sage journals, ClinicalKey Nursing, and Ebsco. Article analysis process using PRISMA method. The results showed that health education provided to PLHIV can influence consistent condom use. Health education provided in person or over the phone can improve the knowledge and self-efficacy of PLHIV about the importance of condom use consistency. In addition, consistent condom use can prevent the transmission of diseases due to unsafe sexual intercourse. In conclusion, consistent condom use among PLWHA can prevent cross infection of the HIV virus and can prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Health Education, Condom Use

Standard precautions compliance and its associated factors among nurses in Kazakhstan: A cross-sectional study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, with many nurses being infected, understanding compliance with standard precautions (SP) among nurses in Kazakhstan is crucial for improving infection prevention and control and preparedness for future emergencies. The study aimed to assess Kazakh nurses' SP compliance amid the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the factors associated with their compliance. Quantitative, cross-sectional design. This research surveyed 241 clinical nurses in Astana, Kazakhstan using a standardized tool from December 2021 to April 2022. This study found 76.0% SP compliance among the nurses. The highest compliance was observed in the dimension "Decontamination of spills and used articles" (86.0% compliance rate), followed by "Use of protective devices" (83.5% compliance rate), "Prevention of cross-infection from person to person" (72.7% compliance rate), "Disposal of sharps" (65.4% compliance rate), and "Disposal of waste" (56.0% compliance rate). Nurses' age and educational qualification influences the nurses' SP compliance. While the nurses' compliance rate in this study was moderate, specific areas warrant more attention, such as their compliance with proper waste and sharps disposal. This study highlighted the experiences of nurses in Kazakhstan on their compliance with SP during the pandemic.

Occupational health and safety knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers in Accra Ghana

BackgroundHealthcare workers operate in an environment, that in relation to exposure to biological hazards is considered to be a hazardous occupational setting, compared to other workers in other industries. This paper sought knowledge, attitude, and practices of Occupational Health Safety (OHS) among healthcare workers in Accra, Ghana. MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional design. A validated questionnaire which contained questions on risk assessment and safety practices, was used to obtain data from 365 respondents, who worked in 12 public healthcare facilities in Accra. ResultsAlmost all the respondents 95.9 % and 97.0 % respectively have a very high knowledge regarding occupational health and safety and of cross infection prevention with 69.9 % obtaining knowledge from occupational, health and safety training programs. However, this high knowledge was at variance with practice. Five critical issues reported relating to awareness vis a vis practical usage was: wearing gloves (99.4% vs. 94.0 %); regularly washing hands with bacterial agents (98.0% vs. 94.5 %); proper disposal of sharps (99.4% vs. 94.0 %); wearing of masks (97.7% vs. 86.3) and prophylactic treatment procedure after exposure (95.3% vs 55.6 %). Findings relating to respondents’ attitude towards Occupational Health & Safety in terms of agreements were as follows: all exposures to occupational hazards should be reported to and appropriately documented by appropriate authorities (97.8 %); importance of proper hand washing after every procedure or each contact with a patient (98.4 %); the necessity of personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of exposure to the occupational hazard (97.8 %) and wearing aprons and facemasks in procedures where splash/spill of blood and body fluids is likely (97.3 %). ConclusionThe respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge of occupational hazards but this was not mostly translated into practice. Training courses, curricular and seminars as they relate to OHS should be intensified, and compliance in adhering to mitigation measures should be addressed. These findings are useful and will influence policy towards health and safety of workers at the workplace.

Effect of Disinfection Technique of Spraying and Soaking Peronema canescens Jack 1% on Changes in Alginate Dimensions

Background: Alginate prints can be a medium of transmission that has the potential for cross-infection. Prevention of cross-infection can be done by spraying and soaking disinfection. Alginate molds in contact with water can cause the material to expand. Sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens jack) which contain antibacterials, can be a disinfection agent. Objective: This research is to determine the effect of spraying and soaking disinfection techniques with 1% sungkai leaf extract on changes in the dimensions of alginate molds. Methods: Making alginate mold samples totaling 72 samples, consisting of 6 groups and measured within 5, 10, 15 minutes. Test changes in dimensions of the alginate mold using digital calipers were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test followed by the Mann-Whitney test. Results: there was no effect of spraying with 1% sungkai leaf extract (Peronema canescens jack) on changes in the dimensions of the alginate mold within 10 minutes (p0.05), and there was an effect of soaking within 10 minutes on the dimensions of the alginate mold. Conclusion: disinfection by spraying and soaking with 1% sungkai leaf extract against changes in the dimensions of the alginate mold still complies with ADA specifications at the clinical tolerance limit below 0.5%.

Analysis of viral aerosol distribution characteristics in typical body positions of patients under local exhaust air

In this paper, CFD numerical simulation and experiment were used to simulate the diffusion process of human exhaled aerosol particles, and the influence of human lying down, sitting and standing posture on the diffusion of aerosol particles under local exhaust air conditions was studied. The results show that different body positions have significant effects on local exhaust air effect. Only 13.2% of the aerosol particles could be removed by local exhaust air in the lying state. The exclusion rate in sitting posture was 25.4%; The exclusion rate for standing posture was 20.6%. Local exhaust air alone is not enough to prevent infection. It is recommended to adopt the combination of mixed ventilation and local exhaust air, which may have a better effect on preventing cross infection, indoor particulate matter transmission and controlling pollution.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Novel Composition based on Hypochlorous Acid vs Sodium Hypochlorite in Prevention of Cross-infection during Dental Treatment Procedures: A Pilot Study

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Novel Composition based on Hypochlorous Acid vs Sodium Hypochlorite in Prevention of Cross-infection during Dental Treatment Procedures: A Pilot Study

“FIDZ-ABCT” MODEL TO IMPROVE CROSS INFECTION PREVENTION ON TOOTH EXTRACTION

Background: The profession of dental and oral therapist (TGM) has a high risk of disease transmission, so it is important to prevent cross-infection in dental extraction services because they come into direct contact with the patient's body fluids. The description of TGM behavior in Maros Regency in preventing cross infection is not optimal, 50% do not carry out SOPs properly, 63% do not maintain hand hygiene, 50% do not change handscoons and sterile masks every time they change patients. Efforts are needed to increase cross-infection prevention behavior with the "Fidz-ABCT" Model as an educational model based on learning by doing training with the aim of improving TGM behavior in preventing cross-infection during tooth extraction procedures in community health centers. Objective: To prove the effectiveness of implementing the "Fidz-ABCT" educational model in improving TGM behavior towards preventing cross infection during tooth extraction procedures at community health centers. Method: Research and Development research design Quasy Experiment Pre-test and Post-test Control Group Design. The research subjects were TGM, 14 intervention people were given the "Fidz-ABCT" model, 14 control people were given counseling on the PPI guidebook at the community health center. Data collection techniques were interviews, questionnaires, and measuring the number of bacteria on dental extraction tools. Data were processed using the Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The "Fidz-ABCT" model is suitable for use in improving TGM behavior in preventing cross-infection during tooth extraction procedures at health centers, expert validation results are 85% and p-value 0.013 (p<0.05). The results of the delta test stated that its implementation was effective in increasing knowledge of intervention (?=5.57) control (?=1.50), attitude of intervention (?=14.21) control (?=5.07), intervention action (?=7, 42) control (?=1.64), effective in reducing the number of bacteria on dental extraction tools (p-value 0.012). Conclusion: The application of the "Fidz-ABCT" educational model is feasible and effective in increasing TGM behavior in preventing cross-infection during tooth extraction procedures at community health centers.

Surgical treatment for chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis: a retrospective study from a single institution.

Coccidioidomycosis, caused by the Coccidioides species, is a well-known disease in the Southwestern United States and North Mexico, with scattered reports in Latin America countries. While this disease is still rare in Japan and other Asian countries, its incidence has been increasing over the last two decades. Coccidioides species are highly infectious and require caution when encountered. This study presents a case series of chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis surgically treated at a single institution. We conducted a retrospective chart review of six patients who underwent lung resection for pulmonary coccidioidomycosis at Chiba University Hospital between January 2007 and December 2021. All six patients had travelled to the Southwestern United States. Preoperative serology was negative for the anti-Coccidioides antibody in four patients and positive in two. Chest computed tomography revealed a single, well-defined round nodule in all patients. Preoperative biopsy taken from three patients failed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological examination of the resected pulmonary nodules revealed granulomas that contained numerous spherules with many endospores, thereby confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis should be suspected based on travel history and radiological findings. Meticulous care should be taken during specimen processing to prevent cross infection.

Clean hands, safe care: how knowledge, attitude, and practice impact hand hygiene among nurses in Najran, Saudi Arabia.

Healthcare-acquired infections are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for a medical or surgical condition and can occur in all care facilities. Hospital-acquired infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance can be reduced by implementing proper preventive measures, including hand hygiene. This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward hand hygiene guidelines in Najran city, determine compliance levels, identify factors contributing to non-compliance, and provide recommendations for interventions to improve hand hygiene practices and reduce healthcare-associated infections risk. This cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in the selected government hospitals in Najran City, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the targeted nurses using an online survey. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and marital status. The questionnaire had 25 items to measure knowledge, 10 to measure attitude, 6 to measure practices, and 4 to measure the impact of COVID-19 on hand hygiene practices. Among the 386 nurses recruited, 88.3% were females, and 25.6% were aged between 31 to 35 years old. Overall, good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice levels were found in 42.5, 48.4, and 94%, respectively. The common factor influencing hand hygiene practice was the prevention of cross-infection (88.1%). The total knowledge score mean was 18 ± 3.4 (highest possible score: 25). The total attitude score mean was 37.5 ± 6.1 (highest possible score: 50). The total practice score mean was 26.9 ± 2.8 (highest possible score: 30). A higher score indicates higher KAP of hand hygiene. Factors associated with increased KAP were being older in age (Z = 6.446; p < 0.001), gender female (Z = 9.869; p < 0.001), being a Filipino nurse (H = 117.8; p < 0.001), working in a surgery department (H = 28.37; p < 0.001), having more than 10 years of experience (Z = 6.903; p < 0.001), living in shared accommodation (H = 87.22; p < 0.001), having associated chronic disease (Z = 4.495; p < 0.001), and receiving formal training in hand hygiene (Z = 2.381; p = 0.017). There was a positive highly statistically significant correlation between knowledge score and attitude score (r = 0.556), between knowledge score and practices score (r = 0.303), and between attitude score and practices score (r = 0.481). In light of the results, we can say that the nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice in regards to hand hygiene were deemed acceptable. We noticed that female nurses who were older and had more experience, as well as those who had received formal hand hygiene training, displayed better KAP compared to their counterparts. Moreover, we found a significant and positive correlation between the scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice. Nonetheless, additional research is necessary to establish the extent of KAP concerning hand hygiene.

A retrospective evaluation of characterization, clinical course and anaesthesia management of emergency trauma surgical patients during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary care center in India

: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in nationwide lockdown followed by phased unlock to break the chain of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in India. Management of emergency trauma patients has been particularly challenging for anaesthesiologists in order to treat these high risk group of patients and preventing cross infection to healthy patients as well as health care personnel. : It is a single centre retrospective observational cohort study conducted at tertiary care hospital in North India in the patients who underwent emergency trauma surgeries during 31 March 2020-31 May 2020(Lockdown) and compared with data from 1 June 2020-31 July 2020(Unlock). To compare the effect of lockdown and unlock during first wave of Covid-19 pandemic on the volume of emergency trauma surgical patients operated within 24 hours of admission.: To evaluate the difference between the two periods of lockdown and unlock a) in the mortality rates b) covid status c) the length of hospital stay d) the mechanism of injury e)severity of injury f)proportion of aerosol generating procedures (AGP) utilized and g)demographics of the patients. Our anaesthesia experience of managing the patients differently in the pandemic, identify areas for improvement, particularly in terms of minimising exposure and optimising resource usage in the management of such emergency patients in the event of a future healthcare crisis is also discussed. Over the 2 periods of lockdown and unlock there was no statistical difference in number, age or sex distribution of the patients presenting for emergency trauma surgery. Number of covid positive patients were slightly higher during unlock but it was statistically insignificant (p=0.07) and the number of patients died during unlock was also higher during unlock as compared to lockdown but statistically insignificant(p=0.3). The median injury severity score and length of stay was also not statistically significant between two periods. Road traffic accidents were most common type of injury in both the groups, self-inflicted injury occurred in 5 patients during lockdown and zero during unlock, none of these showed a significant difference (p &amp;#62; 0.06). General anaesthesia was the most common anaesthesia technique used in both the periods.Emergency trauma surgeries will continue to occur even in different phases of pandemics, anaesthesiologists should plan and prepare appropriately to provide anaesthesia and emergency care to these patients and prevent cross infection in healthy patients and health care workers.

Investigating Pseudomonas aeruginosa population structure and frequency of cross-infection in UK cystic fibrosis clinics - a reference laboratory perspective

BackgroundWe aimed to describe the UK Pseudomonas aeruginosa population structure amongst people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF), and to examine evidence for cross-infection. MethodsVariable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) typing was performed on 4640 isolates from 2619 PWCF received from 55 hospital laboratories between 2017 and 2019. A combination of whole genome sequence (WGS)-based analysis of four clusters from one hospital, and epidemiological analysis of shared strains in twelve hospitals evaluated cross-infection. ResultsOf 2619 PWCF, 1324 (51%) harboured common clusters or known transmissible strains, while 1295 carried unique strains/those shared among small numbers of patients. Of the former, 9.5% (250 patients) harboured the Liverpool epidemic strain (LES), followed in prevalence by clone C (7.8%; 205 patients), cluster A (5%;130 patients), and cluster D (3.6%; 94 patients). WGS analysis of 10 LES isolates, 9 of cluster D and 6 isolates each of cluster A and clone C from one hospital revealed LES formed the tightest cluster (between 7 and 205 SNPs), and cluster D the loosest (between 53 and 1531 SNPs). Hospital-specific shared strains were found in some centres, although cross-infection was largely historical, with few new acquisitions. Fifty-nine PWCF (2.3%) harboured “high-risk” clones; one ST235 isolate carried a blaIMP-1 allele. ConclusionOf 2619 PWCF who had P. aeruginosa isolates submitted for VNTR, 51% harboured either common clusters or known transmissible strains, of which LES was the most common. Limited evidence of recent patient-to-patient strain transmission was found, suggesting cross-infection prevention measures and surveillance effectively reduce transmission.

Cross Infection Control Awareness During 5th Wave of Covid 19 Pandemic, Omicron Variant Amongst the Dental Health Care Professionals of Government Sector University in Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the awareness of cross-infection control measures followed by DHCPs during the 5th wave of Covid-19 pandemic, Omicron variant in a government sector university of Karachi, Pakistan. Method: A Cross-sectional study was conducted from June till September 2022 at Sindh Institute of Oral Health Science during the 5th wave of Covid 19 pandemic, Omicron variant. Data was collected from 153 DHCPs from government sector university using a self-administered questionnaire, comprising of 20 closed ended question to assess the awareness and practice of cross infection protocols by DHCPs. Results: 98.7% of the participants were vaccinated against Covid 19. 96% of the participants used surgical gowns, face shields, and face masks as part of PPE during examining patients and while performing procedure. After treatment 99.3% of participants washed hands with hand wash, soap or used antiseptic solution. 77.1% of participants asked for Covid 19 test report and 68.6% of participants asked for proof of vaccination against covid 19 before treating patients. 96.1% of participants recommended disinfection of dental unit after every patient. 98% of participants changed glove after every patient. 88.2% of the participants said they would carry all elective and emergency procedures. Conclusion: The results of this study show that DHCPs practicing at government sector university have adequate knowledge regarding prevention of cross infection protocols and their importance to limit spread of infections. But their practice of prevention of cross infection during Covid 19 pandemic is not ideal as percentage of DHCPs requiring proof of vaccination or negative reports for Covid 19 were rather low and the percentage of DHCPs willing to carry elective procedures along with emergency ones was rather high. Keywords: Covid 19 pandemic, Omicron virus, cross infection control protocols, omicron

Exploring staff perspectives on caring for isolated hospitalised patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

BackgroundStrict isolation of COVID-19 patients to prevent cross infection may inadvertently cause serious adverse outcomes including psychological harm, limitations to care, increased incidence of delirium, deconditioning and reduced quality of life. Previous research exploring the staff perspective of the effect of isolation on patients is limited. The aim of this study is to understand staff perceptions and interpretations of their experiences of the care and treatment of isolated patients and the impact of isolation on patients, families, and staff.MethodThis qualitative, exploratory study is set in a major metropolitan, quaternary hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Data was collected in focus groups with clinical and non-clinical staff and analysed using content analysis. The hospital ethics committee granted approval. Each participant gave informed verbal consent.ResultsParticipants included 58 nursing, medical, allied health, and non-clinical staff. Six main themes were identified: 1) Communication challenges during COVID-19; 2) Impact of isolation on family; 3) Challenges to patients’ health and safety; 4) Impact on staff; 5) Challenging standards of care; 6) Contextual influences: policy, decision-makers and the environment.ConclusionIsolating patients and restricting visitors resulted in good pandemic management, but staff perceived it came at considerable cost to staff and consumers. Innovative communication technology may facilitate improved connection between all parties. Mental health support is needed for patients, families, and staff. Further research using a co-design model with input from patients, families and staff is recommended to determine appropriate interventions to improve care.Preventing the spread of infection is essential for good pandemic management, but the cost to consumers and staff must be mitigated. Preparation for future pandemics must consider workforce preparedness, adapted models of care and workflow.

SG-APSIC1045: A quantitative assessment of ATP bioluminescence on dental instruments reprocessed by automated washer-disinfector and ultrasonic machine

Objectives: Dental instruments are contaminated by blood and saliva during dental procedures. To prevent cross infection, all contaminants should be removed from the surfaces of instruments. Inadequate cleaning can hinder disinfection and sterilization process. To compare the cleaning efficacy of an automated washer–disinfector versus an ultrasonic machine on dental instruments, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements were compared. Methods: From National University Polyclinic Bukit Panjang Dental Services, we collected 2 loads of 40 dental instruments previously used in dental treatments: extraction forceps, high-volume suction tips, Coupland elevators, matrix band holders, and ultrasonic scaler tips. At the point of use, gross soil was wiped from instrument surfaces with water. Each instrument was swabbed after cleaning either using a washer–disinfector or an ultrasonic machine. The relative light units (RLU) on the luminometer indicated the amount of ATP contaminants and residue bioburden present on the instruments. Results: The mean RLU values across all instruments in the washer–disinfector group was 2.5 times lower than the mean value of the instruments in the ultrasonic group (35.4 vs 89.9 RLU). This difference was statistically significant for all instrument groups except for the high-volume suction tips. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated that the RLU in the ultrasonic group was higher than the RLU for the washer–disinfector group for extraction forceps (P &lt; .001), ultrasonic scaler tips (P &lt; .023), and matrix bands (P &lt; .006). A t test indicated the same relationship for Coupland elevators (P &lt; .005). Conclusions: The mean RLU values for both cleaning methods were lower than the manufacturer’s benchmark (RLU ≤ 150), suggesting that both methods can achieve effective cleaning. However, cleaning using an automated washer–disinfector is significantly more effective than an ultrasonic machine for nonlumen instruments. The effectiveness of cleaning using ultrasonic machine varied greatly among different types of instruments with different design complexities.

Colloidal Solutions as Advanced Coatings for Active Packaging Development: Focus on PLA Systems.

Due to rising consumer demand the food packaging industry is turning increasingly to packaging materials that offer active functions. This is achieved by incorporating active compounds into the basic packaging materials. However, it is currently believed that adding active compounds as a coating over the base packaging material is more beneficial than adding them in bulk or in pouches, as this helps to maintain the physicochemical properties of the base material along with higher efficiency at the interface with the food. Colloidal systems have the potential to be used as active coatings, while the application of coatings in the form of colloidal dispersions allows for prolonged and controlled release of the active ingredient and uniform distribution, due to their colloidal/nano size and large surface area ratio. The objective of this review is to analyse some of the different colloidal solutions previously used in the literature as coatings for active food packaging and their advantages. The focus is on natural bio-based substances and packaging materials such as PLA, due to consumer awareness and environmental and regulatory issues. The antiviral concept through the surface is also discussed briefly, as it is an important strategy in the context of the current pandemic crisis and cross-infection prevention.

Factors affecting the infection control behaviours of Korean dental hygienists in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the prevention of cross-infection with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) among Korean dental hygienists. The level of knowledge about COVID-19 (KNWCO ), level of awareness of infection control (AWRIC ), degree of performance for infection control (PRFIC ), and organizational factors for infection control (OFWIC ) of clinical dental hygienists in Korea to prevent COVID-19 transmission were investigated. A self-written online questionnaire was administered to dental hygienists currently working in dental clinics or hospitals, and the survey results of 263 participants were analysed. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for relationships between the KNWCO , AWRIC , PRFIC , and OFWIC . Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the factors affecting the PRFIC . Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Knowledge about COVID-19, AWRIC , PRFIC , and OFWIC were significantly correlated with each other. OFWIC (β=0.491, p < 0.001), followed by AWRIC (β=0.428, p < 0.001) and KNWCO (β=0.095, p=0.013), had the greatest impact on PRFIC with regard to the prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Organizational factors for infection control and AWRIC should be strengthened to improve PRFIC and prevent COVID-19 transmission during dental care.

Emergency Nurses' Compliance with Standard Precautions during the COVID-19 Pandemic at Governmental Hospitals in Hail City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This study was conducted to assess nurses' compliance with standard precautions during COVID-19 pandemic at emergency departments, Hail city, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the year 2021, at emergency departments of governmental hospitals in Hail city, Saudi Arabia. A total of 138 emergency nurses were selected using a census sampling method, and included in the current study. Of them, 56(40.6%) were from King Khalid Hospital, 35(25.4%) from King Salman Specialist Hospital, 28(20.3%) from Sharaf Urgent Care Hospital, and 19(13.8%) from Maternity and Child Hospital. The compliance with standard precautions scale was used, and socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28. A large percentage (71.0%) of the studied nurses were females, and (78.3%) were Saudi. The mean scores of compliances with standard precautions ranged from 3.1 to 3.9 out of 4. The overall compliance rate with all components of standards precautions was optimal (92.75%). Significant statistical differences were found in the mean scores of the "prevention of cross infection from person to person" with age; and between the mean scores of the "decontamination of spills and used article" with profession carrier P-values = 0.013, and 0.016, respectively. The compliance with standard precautions by emergency nurses was optimal (more than 90%). The mean compliance scores with the standard precautions could be associated with age and professional category. Continuous training program to enhance compliance with standard precautions among emergency nurses with continuous follow up and evaluation are recommended.

Quality Assessment of Hand Hygiene and Effectiveness of WHO 6 Step Training among Healthcare Personnel in a Tertiary Care Cancer Hospital in Trivandrum, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) 6 steps for effective Hand Hygiene (HH) practice to prevent cross infections emphasises on coverage of all aspects of the hand with the Alcohol Based Hand Rub (ABHR). The quality of hand rubbing usually remains un-monitored among healthcare workers. Hence, interventions to ensure both compliance and quality combined with periodic training would fill the deficiency in these practices in the healthcare setting. Aim: To analyse the quality of HH using an Ultraviolet (UV) sensitive ABHR among healthcare workers in the Operation Theatre (OT) and post-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Study population included 104 healthcare providers in the OT and post-surgical ICU, over a period of two months, from June 2017 to July 2017. Participants were asked to disinfect their hands according to WHO 6 steps using an ABHR to which an UV light sensitive pigment was added, and then place them in an UV light sensitive cabinet. Digital images of both sides of their hands were recorded. Every area of the hand not covered by the hand rub appeared as a dark spot and was considered an error. Pass criteria allowed a maximum of two small uncovered areas (dark spots &lt;0.6 cm2 ) on the dorsal side of the hand and no uncovered areas on the palmar aspect. Each hand was observed specifically at four areas and the most missed areas were identified. Statistical analysis was done by Fisher’sexact test using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0. Results: Out of the total 104 participants, 28 were doctors, 46 were nurses, 22 were nursing students and 8 were OT technicians. A total of 65 participants were males (62%) and 85 participants (82%) were in the 35-40 years age group. The HH was found to be better on the right hand in all the sub-groups studied. The difference in the hand rub coverage on all the four observed areas of the right hand was not significant. On the left-side, hygiene in between the fingers (p-value 0.012) and at the finger tips (p-value 0.007) was poorest. Among the groups studied, doctors performed better with a higher group score of 60.7% compared to 22.7% of that of nursing students (p-value 0.030). Conclusion: Quality of HH practice using ABHR among personnel involved in peri-operative care is poor and requires improvement with regular monitoring and training.