Prevention Of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection Research Articles

Gene Regulatory Network Analysis of Post-Mortem Lungs Unveils Novel Insights into COVID-19 Pathogenesis.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emerged as one of the most significant global health crises in recent history. The clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients have revealed the possibility of immune activity changes contributing to disease severity. Nevertheless, limited information is available regarding the immune response in human lung tissue, which is the primary site of infection. In this study, we conducted an extensive analysis of lung tissue to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in five individuals who died due to COVID-19 and underwent a rapid autopsy, as well as seven control individuals who died of other causes unrelated to COVID-19. To analyze the host response gene expression, miRNA microarray and Nanostring's nCounter XT gene expression assay were performed. Our study identified 37 downregulated and 77 upregulated miRNAs in COVID-19 lung biopsy samples compared to the controls. A total of 653 mRNA transcripts were differentially expressed between the two sample types, with most transcripts (472) being downregulated in COVID-19-positive specimens. Hierarchical and PCA K-means clustering analysis showed distinct clustering between COVID-19 and control samples. Enrichment and network analyses revealed differentially expressed genes important for innate immunity and inflammatory response in COVID-19 lung biopsies. The interferon-signaling pathway was highly upregulated in COVID-19 specimens while genes involved in interleukin-17 signaling were downregulated. These findings shed light on the mechanisms of host cellular responses to COVID-19 infection in lung tissues and could help identify new targets for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection.

Mitigation behaviour analysis to understand the effectiveness of COVID-19 infection control policies in Riau.

To analyse mitigation behaviour in understanding the effectiveness of coronavirus disease-2019 infection control programme. The quantitative, descriptive study was conducted in the Riau province of Indonesia from April to May 2020. After approval from the Faculty of Medicine, Riau University, and comprised individuals of either gender aged 15-69 years. Data was collected using a closed questionnaire generated on Google Forms and distributed through social media using WhatsApp. Data was analysed using SPSS 27. Of the 440 subjects, 304(69.1%) were women, 185(42%) were in the late adolescent age group, and 345(78.4%) had education up to the college level. The mitigation behaviour was appropriate in 263(59.8%) cases at the individual level and 233(53%) at the community level. The mitigation behaviour towards coronavirus disease-2019 infection prevention was appropriate in majority of the subjects at both individual and community levels.

The Association between Lifestyle Factors and COVID-19: Findings from Qatar Biobank.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifestations range from mild to severe life-threatening symptoms, including death. COVID-19 susceptibility has been associated with various factors, but studies in Qatar are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 susceptibility and various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, education level, dietary patterns, supplement usage, physical activity, a history of bariatric surgery, diabetes, and hypertension. We utilized logistic regression to analyze these associations, using the data of 10,000 adult participants, aged from 18 to 79, from Qatar Biobank. In total, 10.5% (n = 1045) of the participants had COVID-19. Compared to non-smokers, current and ex-smokers had lower odds of having COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.44-0.68 and OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.57-0.86, respectively). Vitamin D supplement use was associated with an 18% reduction in the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.97). Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), a history of bariatric surgery, and higher adherence to the modern dietary pattern-characterized by the consumption of foods high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates-were positively associated with COVID-19. Our findings indicate that adopting a healthy lifestyle may be helpful in the prevention of COVID-19 infection.

Meta-analysis of KAP toward COVID-19 in Chinese residents.

During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been many studies on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward prevention of COVID-19 infection in China. Except for symptomatic treatment and vaccination, KAP toward COVID-19 plays an important role in the prevention of COVID-19. There is no systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of KAP toward COVID-19 in China. This study is the earliest meta-analysis of KAP toward COVID-19 in China's general population. Hence, this systematic review aimed to summarize the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Chinese residents toward COVID-19 during the pandemic. Following the PRISMA guidelines, articles relevant to COVID-19 KAP that were conducted among the Chinese population were found in databases such as Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CQVIP, Wanfang and Google Scholar. A random-effect meta-analysis is used to summarize studies on knowledge, attitudes, and practice levels toward COVID-19 infection in China's general population. Fifty-seven articles published between August 2020 and November 2022 were included in this review. Overall, 75% (95% CI: 72-79%) of Chinese residents had good knowledge about COVID-19, 80% (95% CI: 73-87%) of Chinese residents had a positive attitude toward COVID-19 pandemic control and prevention (they believe that Chinese people will win the battle against the epidemic), and the aggregated proportion of residents with a correct practice toward COVID-19 was 84% (95% CI: 82-87%, I2 = 99.7%).In the gender subgroup analysis, there is no significant difference between Chinese men and Chinese women in terms of their understanding of COVID-19. However, Chinese women tend to have slightly higher levels of knowledge and a more positive attitude toward the virus compared to Chinese men. When considering the urban and rural subgroup analysis, it was found that Chinese urban residents have a better understanding of COVID-19 compared to Chinese rural residents. Interestingly, the rural population displayed higher rates of correct behavior and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 compared to the urban population. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis based on different regions in China, the eastern, central, and southwestern regions exhibited higher levels of knowledge awareness compared to other regions. It is worth noting that all regions in China demonstrated good rates of correct behavior and positive attitudes toward COVID-19. This study reviews the level of KAP toward COVID-19 during the pandemic period in China. The results show that the KAP toward COVID-19 in Chinese residents was above a favorable level, but the lack of translation of knowledge into practice should be further reflected on and improved. A subgroup analysis suggests that certain groups need more attention, such as males and people living in rural areas. Policy makers should pay attention to the results of this study and use them as a reference for the development of prevention and control strategies for major public health events that may occur in the future. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=348246, CRD42022348246.

Wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 in shelters: A creative strategy for a complex setting.

People experiencing homelessness experience disproportionate rates of morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to the general population and shelters for people experiencing homelessness are a major contributing factor to these negative outcomes. As a result of their unique structure, population and physical space, these settings pose several challenges to the prevention of COVID-19 infection that are not adequately addressed by conventional non-pharmaceutical public health interventions. Wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 is a viable strategy for health protection in shelters due to its ability to meet these unique challenges. Its passive nature does not depend on individual health-seeking behaviours, and it can provide useful epidemiological information early on in an outbreak setting. In this commentary, the authors examine a recent application of wastewater surveillance of COVID-19 in a men's shelter in Toronto. Further applications of wastewater surveillance for other infectious diseases of concern in shelters are proposed, and the need for the development of ethical frameworks governing the use of this technology is discussed.

Intensive care unit nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices of COVID-19 infection prevention and control.

Intensive care units (ICUs) had to rapidly adapt infection prevention and control (IPC) practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To determine ICU nurses' COVID-19 IPC-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions. A mixed-methods study was conducted at the Groote Schuur Hospital ICU, Cape Town, South Africa (20 April 2021 and 30 May 2021). Participants completed anonymous, self-administered, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaires. Individual interviews were conducted regarding nurses' lived experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 IPC in critical care. In total, 116 ICU nurses participated (93.5% response rate) including 57 professional nurses (49%), 34 enrolled nurses (29%) and 25 enrolled nursing assistants (22%); young females (31-49 years) predominating (n = 99; 85.3%). Nurses' overall COVID-19 IPC knowledge scores were moderately good (78%); professional nurses had greater knowledge of COVID-19 transmission (p < 0.001). Intensive care unit nurses' attitude scores towards COVID-19 IPC were low (55%), influenced by limited IPC training, insufficient time to implement IPC and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Respondents' scores for self-reported COVID-19 IPC practices were moderate (65%); highest compliance rates were for hand hygiene after touching patient surroundings (68%). Only 47% ICU nurses underwent N95 respirator fit-testing despite working in a COVID-19 ICU. Regular COVID-19 IPC training is needed to equip ICU nurses with the knowledge and skills to prevent healthcare-associated COVID-19 transmission. Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may support more favourable attitudes and better IPC practices. Comprehensive IPC and occupational health support should be offered to ensure ICU nurses' wellbeing during pandemics. Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may support better attitudes and IPC practices.

Expert Consensus on Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Infection in Patients with Lung Cancer.

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has become a major public health issue affecting human health. The main goal of epidemic prevention and control at the current stage in China is to "protect people's health and prevent severe cases". Patients with lung cancer who receive antitumor therapy have low immunity, and the risk of severe illness and death once infected is much higher than healthy people, so they are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. At present, less attention has been paid to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection in patients with lung cancer in domestic guidelines and consensus. Based on the published data in China and abroad, we proposed recommendations and formed expert consensus on the vaccination of COVID-19, the use of neutralizing antibodies and small molecule antiviral drugs for patients with lung cancer, for physician's reference.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Measures in Mwandi District of Zambia – A Three-Year Retrospective Study

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which affects the upper and the lower respiratory tract system and spreads via droplet and person-to-person close contact. This study sought to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of people towards COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures in order to enhance and amplify the impact of COVID-19 preventive measures in Mwandi District, in the Western Province of Zambia in Central Africa. A total of 380 patients and clients aged between 15 and 50 whose COVID-19 status was not known were selected via simple random sampling technique to participate in this study. Data was collected using structured interview questionnaire and was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Tables and charts were used to present the analyzed data. The correlations between predictors and end results variables were categorized by multivariate logistic regression analysis. This study revealed that most of study participants 35.8% (136) were aged between 21 and 30 with the mean value of 2.18. The study also disclosed that most of the study participants 58.4% (222) were females while 41.6% (158) were males with mean value of 1.58. The study further disclosed that 95% (361) of the respondents had adequate level of knowledge on COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. And age, marital status, level of education, occupation and number of children were found to have significant correlation with level of knowledge on COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures (P<0.05). It also revealed that the vast majority of the respondents 92.1% (350) had good attitude towards COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. Level of education and occupation were found to have statistically significant association with level of attitude towards covid-19 infection prevention and control measures (P<0.05). The study also uncovered that 76.1% (289) of the respondents had good practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures while 23.9% (91) had poor practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. Level of education and occupation were found to have statistically substantial association with level of practice towards covid-19 infection prevention and control measures (P<0.05). However, it is recommended that there is need to raise community awareness on the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 infection. There is also need for community sensitization on the importance of strict adherence to five golden rules of Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures.

Use of home remedies for the treatment and prevention of coronavirus disease: An integrative review.

Home remedies are understood to mean medications or tonics prepared at home to treat certain ailments without any prescription or professional supervision. Reliance on home remedies increased during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this integrative review was to identify home remedies used to treat and prevent COVID-19 and discuss implications for nursing practice and health related to the safety and efficacy of home remedies. Cooper's integrative review method guided this study to identify home remedies used to prevent and treat COVID-19. Google Scholar, BMC, EBSCOhost, Medline, Academic Search Ultimate, Web of Science Core Collections, Science Direct and Global Health were used to search for relevant information on the use of COVID-19 home remedies from 2019 to 2022. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist was used to select studies that had to be included. The eligibility criteria included studies on home remedies, written in English from 2019 to 2022. Findings of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research were extracted, and narrative thematic data synthesis was applied. Eleven articles which met the inclusion criteria were found in nine countries: Ghana (1), South Africa (1), Tanzania (1), Togo (1) and Zimbabwe (1), Bangladesh (1), Hong Kong (1), India (2), Iran (1), and Pakistan (1). Findings showed that home remedies are used for the prevention of COVID-19 infection, treatment of COVID-19, and boosting immunity. Home remedies have been found to be more pronounced across all sectors and social strata. More research is needed on the use of home remedies for life-threatening outbreaks. Policymakers and healthcare workers are challenged to encourage the use of home remedies in the prevention of other ailments and epidemics that might occur in the future.

Neurological and Neuroradiological Manifestations in Neonates Born to Mothers With Coronavirus Disease 2019

BackgroundTo investigate the complications that occurred in neonates born to mothers with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), focusing on neurological and neuroradiological findings, and to compare differences associated with the presence of maternal symptoms. MethodsNinety neonates from 88 mothers diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during pregnancy were retrospectively reviewed. Neonates were divided into two groups: symptomatic (Sym-M-N, n = 34) and asymptomatic mothers (Asym-M-N, n = 56). The results of neurological physical examinations were compared between the groups. Data on electroencephalography, brain ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were collected for neonates with neurological abnormalities. ResultsNeurological abnormalities at birth were found in nine neonates (Sym-M-N, seven of 34, 20.6%). Decreased tone was the most common physical abnormality (n = 7). Preterm and very preterm birth (P < 0.01), very low birth weight (P < 0.01), or at least one neurological abnormality on physical examination (P = 0.049) was more frequent in Sym-M-N neonates. All infants with abnormalities on physical examination showed neuroradiological abnormalities. The most common neuroradiological abnormalities were intracranial hemorrhage (n = 5; germinal matrix, n = 2; parenchymal, n = 2; intraventricular, n = 1) and hypoxic brain injury (n = 3). ConclusionsNeonates born to mothers with symptomatic COVID-19 showed an increased incidence of neurological abnormalities. Most of the mothers (96.4%) were unvaccinated before the COVID-19 diagnosis. Our results highlight the importance of neurological and neuroradiological management in infants born to mothers with COVID-19 and the prevention of maternal COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 infection prevention and control procedures and institutional trust: Perceptions of Palestinian healthcare workers.

BackgroundLack of trust in institutional control measures during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks may affect healthcare workers' (HCWs) levels of stress and wellbeing, and as a consequence, may influence their trust and confidence in their organization. This study aims to understand factors associated with healthcare workers perceptions of trust in organizational preparedness, communication, and infection risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs (n = 876) in 16 COVID 19 healthcare facilities between October and December 2020 in Palestine (Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem). A stratified purposive sample using an online self-administered Arabic version of a questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire used for this study was adapted from the World Health Organization Blueprint Novel Coronavirus Perceptions of healthcare workers regarding local infection prevention and control procedures for a COVID-19 research protocol.Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 23. In the bivariate analysis, T-test, one-way ANOVA and χ2 test were used at a significant p-value < 0.05. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, the adjusted odds ratios and its 95% confidence intervals are presented.ResultsFindings showed that confidence in the systems' ability to manage COVID-19 cases, encouragement and support from senior medical/nursing staff to apply recommended IPC measures, and good levels of mental health increased trust in the organization. Additionally, receiving proper training on IPC procedures for other communicable diseases, having access to clear policies and procedures related to IPC procedures for COVID-19, and providing PPE during the previous clinical shift also increased trust. However, the intention to use recommended PPE when treating patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 when having access to it and feeling emotional was negatively correlated with this trust.ConclusionsHCWs should be provided with clear, accessible communications about policies and protocols, as well as training about infection prevention and control, personal protective equipment, and support during pandemics to increase their trust in the healthcare system. Additionally, the improvement in HCWs' wellbeing can be attributed to a greater sense of trust in institutions.

Misconceptions and associated factors of COVID-19 infection among internally displaced persons in Sudan.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health threat that has spread rapidly and caused morbidity and mortality worldwide. Reducing the myths about infectious diseases is vital for controlling transmission. This study explored the level of misconceptions and associated factors of COVID-19 among internally displaced persons in Sudan. This study is a cross-sectional, descriptive design and community-based study. We collected the data using a self-administered questionnaire via the convenience sampling technique among internally displaced persons in the camps of Zalingei town in the central Darfur region of Sudan. The total mean score of the respondents’ misconception was 3.1725 (SD=0.59) with 63.2%, indicating moderate misunderstanding of COVID- 19. Multiple linear regression revealed the independent variables together had a significant impact on a misconception, F(14,116)=2.429, p<0.005. The regression model explains 22.7% of the variance in misunderstanding. Analysis of the influence of single factors on the dependent variable showed that people aged 31–40 years had significantly higher levels of misconception, 0.381 (t=2.116, p<0.037), than those aged over 60 years, and university graduates had considerably lower levels of misunderstanding, −0.061 (t=−2.091, p<0.03) than non-graduates. This study found a moderate level of misconception of COVID-19. Non-graduates had higher levels of misunderstanding than graduates. The results suggest that an education campaign should focus on people with low levels of education to correct their misconceptions regarding the prevention of COVID-19 infection.

Movement disorders in COVID-19 times: impact on care in movement disorders and Parkinson disease.

The purpose of this review is to outline the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on movement disorder holistic care, particularly in the care of people with Parkinson disease (PWP). As the pandemic unfolds, a flurry of literature was published regarding the impact of COVID-19 on people with Parkinson disease including the direct impact of infection, availability of ambulatory care, loss of community-based team care, and acceptability of telemedicine. COVID-19 has impacted the care of PWP in numerous ways. Recognizing infection in PWP poses challenges. Specific long-term complications, including emerging reports of long COVID syndrome is a growing concern. Caregivers and PWP have also been impacted by COVID-19 social isolation restrictions, with radical changes to the structure of social networks and support systems globally. In a matter of weeks, the global community saw an incredible uptake in telemedicine, which brought benefits and pitfalls. As PWP adapted to virtual platforms and the changing architecture of care delivery, the pandemic amplified many preexisting inequities amongst populations and countries, exposing a new 'digital divide'.

An Analysis on the Clinical Features of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Single Center Study

Background and Objectives:Patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are at high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, patients undergoing MHD who are infected with COVID-19 are not fully studied. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 undergoing MHD and provide a basis for the recognition and prevention of COVID-19 infection.Materials and Methods:Patients undergoing MHD were assigned into the normal group (537 cases), diagnosed group (66 cases), and suspected group (24 cases). General data, clinical symptoms, hemodialysis indicators, and laboratory indicators were collected and compared.Results:A total of 627 patients undergoing MHD were evaluated. The prevalence of COVID-19 was 10.53% (66/627), mortality was 18.18% (12/66), and death rate was 1.91% (12/627). In addition, 26% of patients were asymptomatic. Cough was the most common symptom (36%), followed by fatigue (16%), dyspnea (16%), and fever (13%). Ultrafiltration volume, ultrafiltration rate, and the duration of weekly dialysis in the diagnosed group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups. Moreover, neutrophil ratio and neutrophil, monocyte, and total carbon dioxide levels in the diagnosed group were significantly higher than those in the normal group, and the lymphocyte ratio was considerably lower than in the normal group. Sixty-five of the suspected and diagnosed patients had positive pulmonary CT findings.Conclusion:Compared with the general population, patients on hemodialysis have a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and postinfection mortality. Moreover, most patients undergoing hemodialysis have no obvious clinical symptoms after infection with COVID-19 but only have pulmonary changes which make it particularly important to screen and manage patients undergoing hemodialysis on outpatient basis.

Predictors of COVID-19 Stress and COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance among Adolescents in Ghana.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to ravage world economies, and with its recent mutations, countries worldwide are finding ways of ramping up their vaccination programmes. This cross-sectional design study, therefore, examined the predictors of COVID-19 stress and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among adolescents in Ghana. A total of 817 participants were conveniently selected to respond to measures on fear of COVID-19, perceived stigma from COVID-19, self-stigma from COVID-19, believing COVID-19 information, COVID-19 infection prevention behaviours, COVID-19 stress, and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. It was found that females believed COVID-19 information and accepted COVID-19 vaccination more than males did. Moreover, there were significant relationships between the majority of the COVID-19-related variables. Furthermore, fear of COVID-19, self-stigma from COVID-19, and COVID-19 infection prevention behaviours were found to be significant predictors of COVID-19 stress. Additionally, believing COVID-19 information, danger and contamination fears (a subscale of COVID-19 stress), and traumatic stress (a subscale of COVID-19 stress) were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. These findings imply that different factors influence different COVID-19 variable. Therefore, careful considerations and research should be employed by health authorities and policymakers in preparing COVID-19 information to target different age groups and for different COVID-19 purposes.

노인 암환자의 코로나19에 대한 감염예방행위 수행 영향요인

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of elderly cancer patients’ knowledge of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), social support, and self-efficacy on infection prevention behavior. Methods: The subjects of the study were 89 elderly people aged 65 or older who were receiving cancer treatment. Structured questionnaires were used to assess COVID-19 knowledge, social support, self-efficacy, and infection prevention behavior. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results: COVID-19 knowledge was positively correlated with family support (r = .28, p = .008). In addition, a positive correlation between performance of infection prevention behavior and family support (r = .26, p = .014) was observed. Multiple regression analysis revealed that family support (β=.30, p = .015) and self-efficacy (β=.22, p = .040) had a significant effect on infection prevention behaviors. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that interventions focused on increasing family support are needed to improve infection prevention compliance in elderly cancer patients.

Potential Application of Tea Polyphenols to the Prevention of COVID-19 Infection: Based on the Gut-Lung Axis.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupts the intestinal micro-ecological balance, and patients often develop the intestinal disease. The gut is the largest immune organ in the human body; intestinal microbes can affect the immune function of the lungs through the gut-lung axis. It has been reported that tea polyphenols (TPs) have antiviral and prebiotic activity. In this review, we discussed TPs reduced lung-related diseases through gut-lung axis by inhibiting dysbiosis. In addition, we also highlighted the preventive and therapeutic effects of TPs on COVID-19 complications, further demonstrating the importance of research on TPs for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in humans. Based on this understanding, we recommend using TPs to regulate the gut microbiota to prevent or alleviate COVID-19 through the gut-lung axis.

Using machine learning to identify important predictors of COVID-19 infection prevention behaviors during the early phase of the pandemic

SummaryBefore vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became available, a set of infection-prevention behaviors constituted the primary means to mitigate the virus spread. Our study aimed to identify important predictors of this set of behaviors. Whereas social and health psychological theories suggest a limited set of predictors, machine-learning analyses can identify correlates from a larger pool of candidate predictors. We used random forests to rank 115 candidate correlates of infection-prevention behavior in 56,072 participants across 28 countries, administered in March to May 2020. The machine-learning model predicted 52% of the variance in infection-prevention behavior in a separate test sample—exceeding the performance of psychological models of health behavior. Results indicated the two most important predictors related to individual-level injunctive norms. Illustrating how data-driven methods can complement theory, some of the most important predictors were not derived from theories of health behavior—and some theoretically derived predictors were relatively unimportant.

Implementing COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures in long-term care settings.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had far-reaching and significant effects worldwide. Many of those identified as most vulnerable to the disease reside in long-term care settings such as nursing and residential homes, so infection prevention and control is an essential area of practice. This article describes how COVID-19 is transmitted and discusses various measures that can be taken to reduce the spread of infection to protect residents, staff and visitors. Such measures include social distancing, routine screening, the use of personal protective equipment and cleaning.

The Burden of Coronavirus Disease 2019-Related Cases, Hospitalizations, and Mortality Based on Vaccination Status and Mandated Mask Use: Statewide Data From Wisconsin and Narrative Review of the Literature.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases continue to surge in the United States with the emergence of new variants. Statewide variability and inconsistency in implementing risk mitigation strategies are widespread, particularly in regards to enforcing mask mandates and encouraging the public to become fully vaccinated. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on July 31, 2021, utilizing publicly available data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The authors abstracted data on total COVID-19-related cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the state of Wisconsin. The primary objective was comparison of total COVID-19-related cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in vaccinated versus unvaccinated people in the state of Wisconsin over a 31-day period (July 2021). Furthermore, we also performed a narrative review of the literature on COVID-19-related outcomes based on mask use and vaccination status. In the state of Wisconsin during July 2021, total COVID-19 cases was 125.4 per 100,000 fully vaccinated people versus 369.2 per 100,000 not fully vaccinated people (odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.35; P < .001). Total COVID-19 hospitalizations was 4.9 per 100,000 fully vaccinated people versus 18.2 per 100,000 not fully vaccinated people (OR = 0.27, 98% CI, 0.22-0.32; P < .001). Total COVID-19 deaths was 0.1 per 100,000 fully vaccinated people versus 1.1 per 100,000 not fully vaccinated people (OR = 0.09, 95% CI, 0.03-0.29; P < .001). Narrative review of the literature demonstrated high vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection prevention (79%-100% among fully vaccinated people), COVID-19-related hospitalization (87%-98% among fully vaccinated people), and COVID-19-related death (96.7%-98% among fully vaccinated people). Studies have also generally reported that mask use was associated with increased effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infection ≤70%. Strict adherence to public mask use and fully vaccinated status are associated with improved COVID-19-related outcomes and can mitigate the spread, morbidity, and mortality of COVID-19. Anesthesiologists and intensivists should adhere to evidence-based guidelines in their approach and management of patients to help mitigate spread.