Usage Of Protective Equipment Research Articles

The Influence of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage, Age, Work Tenure on Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can reduce productivity, which occurs as a result of unsafe actions and unsafe conditions in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of leather tanning in Magetan. Workplace accidents could be caused by workes low awareness of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as factors like age and work tenure on workplace accidents in the leather tanning SMEs in Magetan 2024. The research design employed an observational analytic method with a Cross-Sectional approach. The sample size consisted 66 people out of a population of 190, selected through proportional random sampling. The variables of PPE use, age, and work tenure, which were collected through observation and interviews, were then processed and analyzed using the Spearman Correlation statistical test (r2). The results indicated that the use of PPE, including masks,gloves, and boots, was at 36,4%, the proportion of workers aged over 30 years was 54,5%, and those with a work tenure over 5 years was 59,1%. The analysis showed that PPE use (p=0.000) and age (p=0.035) had an impact on workplace accidents, with a correlation value of p=0.232 more than 0.05. The study concluded that the use of PPE and the age of workers in the leather tanning SMEs in Magetan influenced workplace accidents. It is recommended that management provide complete PPE such as masks, boots, gloves and conduct regular monitoring of PPE use conditions. Additionally, workers should use PPE according to standars while performing their duties.

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

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

Evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment Usage Among Construction Workers in Erbil City, Iraq.

Background and aim The construction industry is a high-risk environment where the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for worker safety. Despite the clear benefits of PPE, compliance rates among construction workers are often suboptimal. In response to these concerns, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding PPE usage among construction workers in Erbil City, Iraq. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15, 2022, to June 15, 2023, among construction workers in Erbil. Convenience sampling was used to collect data through a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected demographic information, as well as responses to a 15-item Knowledge Questionnaire and an 8-item Attitude Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28 (Released 2021; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). Frequency and percentage were used to describe qualitative variables, while mean and standard deviation were calculated for quantitative variables. Parametric tests such as the independent sample t-test and ANOVA were used, along with multinomial logistic regression, to assess the relationships between knowledge, attitude, and various demographic factors. Results A total of 280 workers participated in the study. The mean knowledge score was 13.56 ± 1.17, indicating a good level of knowledge, while the mean attitude score was 6.86 ± 1.11, reflecting a fair attitude towardPPE usage. A significant majority of the participants, 97.9% (274), were categorized as having good knowledge, while 68.2% (191) exhibited a fair attitude towards PPE usage. The analysis showed that demographic factors such as age, marital status, working hours, work experience, and employment type did not significantly affect knowledge or attitude, with all odds ratios (ORs) near 1 and P-values above 0.05. Conclusion The findings indicate that construction workers in Erbil generally have good knowledge but only a fair attitude toward PPE usage. These results suggest that healthcare providers and policymakers should implement targeted educational interventions to improve workers' attitudes towardPPE, aiming to boost compliance and enhance workplace safety. Additionally, these interventions should address practical barriers to PPE usage, such as discomfort or lack of accessibility. By fostering more positive attitudes and ensuring the availability of necessary resources, overall safety in the construction industry can be significantly improved.

Mitigating the Risks of Lower Extremity Injuries in Soccer: A Comprehensive Analysis of Lower Extremity Injury Rates in Soccer Between 2014 and 2023.

With events such as the Copa America 2024, the 2026 World Cup, and the arrival of European stars in Major League Soccer (MLS), the already observed and forecasted rise of soccer in the United States (US) seems to be an inevitable outcome. Although regular participation in soccer features several benefits, including increasing cardiovascular health, decreasing stress, and promoting interpersonal relationships, the risk of injury, as is the case in any sport, is ever present. Although many sports that are popular in America feature high rates of concussion, rotator cuff injuries, and general upper extremity injuries, soccer, being more strenuous on the lower-half of the body, features a disproportionate rate of lower extremity injuries. An analysis of the frequencies of these injuries, relative to factors such as year of injury, age, gender, location of injury, and diagnosis of injury, may help organizational bodies and soccer leagues implement new regulations regarding the usage of protective equipment and rules regarding gameplay. This study aims to illuminate these takeaways in an effort to better patient care outcomes in soccer-related injuries. This paper utilized the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database (NEISS) to compile data on lower extremity soccer-related injuries within the defined study period, 2014-2023. Inclusion criteria for the study involved all patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) within the study period and within the defined age range of 0 to 69 years old, with injuries sustained from or related to soccer. Using NEISS, trends were elucidated discriminating based on year of injury, sex, age group, location of injury, and diagnosis group of injury. Within the defined study period of 10 years, from 2014-2023, there were approximately 843,063 total soccer-related lower extremity injuries which presented to various EDs across the US. Regarding majorities, the most injuries were sustained in 2014 (12.84% of total injuries), most patients sustaining injuries were male (66.6% of all patients), and within the age range of 10-19 years old (63.24% of all patients), with the most instances occurring at age 15. Lower extremity injuries were most reported to be affecting the ankle with 306,797 incidences (36.39% of total injuries seen) and the most frequent diagnosis group was reported to be strains/sprains with 396,420 (47.02% of total injuries seen) total occurrences. This study analyzes the incidents of lower extremity injuries while participating in soccer for the last 10 years, 2014-2023. The study provides new data regarding the frequency of injuries and their relative rate with respect to year of injury, age group, sex, location of injury, and diagnosis. The results of this study show injury majorities and trends which can be used to dictate changes in regulation regarding gameplay and the utilization of protective equipment in order to mitigate injuries related to the lower extremities in soccer.

BC Cancer Radiation Therapists' perspective on the impact of COVID-19 precautions in clinical practice

IntroductionThere were many policy and procedure (P&P) changes implemented in health care facilities to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Common changes included an increase in personal protective equipment usage, room occupancy limits, limitations in visitors/family members and the absence of volunteers. This study evaluated the current views and opinions of Radiation Therapists (RTs) in British Columbia relating to how COVID-19 P&P changes have impacted their clinical practice. The goal was to identify gaps in the areas of RT practice, allow for self-reflection among RTs and potentially guide future P&Ps with patient-centred care at the forefront. MethodsA 24-item cross-sectional questionnaire was created and sent via e-mail to all RTs working across the province. Key sections explored in the questionnaire were: 1) patient care delivery, 2) staff-work environment, and 3) work satisfaction. Descriptive analysis was performed on the questionnaire responses. ResultsOf the approximate 300 invited participants, 107 responses were received from all areas of Radiation Therapy (Treatment units, CT simulation, Dosimetry, etc.) and from all cancer centres in the province. RT staff indicated that COVID-19 P&P negatively impacted patient care, including the ability to verbally and non-verbally communicate with patients (82 %), assess for side effects (85 %), and build rapport (62 %). A majority (79 %) of RT staff felt that communication with co-workers had been negatively impacted as well. When queried regarding the impact on staff environment, 51 % of RT staff agreed that the absence of volunteers increased their workload and the responses were polarized (46 % disagree, 35 % agree) when asked if RT staff have enough time for cleaning their clinical areas with new COVID-19 P&Ps in place. 78 % of RTs were aware of where to go with COVID-19 safety concerns and thought they received adequate education concerning COVID P&Ps. When asked to rank the factors that most impacted RT practice, RTs identified increased PPE usage (83 %), absence of volunteers (74 %), and room occupancy limits (70 %) as the leading P&P changes that negatively impacted their practice; while plexiglass barriers (39 %), re-arranged workspaces (37 %) and working remotely (12 %) were the least negatively impactful. ConclusionThe majority of RTs across BC Cancer responding to the questionnaire indicated that their ability to provide patient care and their staff-work environment were negatively impacted by implemented COVID-19 P&Ps. Views regarding COVID-19 P&P training/education was positive, yet there was no consensus regarding whether the changes were implemented smoothly. This study can facilitate reflection among both clinical leadership and RTs on how P&Ps can be implemented in the future and can encourage further retrospective analyses in aiding the development of P&Ps regarding future public health outbreaks.

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

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

Influence of protective clothing and masks on facial trustworthiness in an investment game: insights from a Chinese population study

Facial features are important sources of information about perceived trustworthiness. Masks and protective clothing diminish the visibility of facial cues by either partially concealing the mouth and nose or covering the entire face. During the pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment affected and redefined who trusts whom in society. This study used the classical investment game of interpersonal trust with Chinese participants to explore the impact of occlusion on interpersonal trust. Faces with moderate initial trustworthiness were occluded by a mask or protective clothing in Experiment 1 and were digitally occluded by a square in Experiment 2, and faces with three levels of initial trustworthiness were occluded by a mask in Experiment 3. Results showed that both undergraduates (Experiment 1a) and non-student adults (Experiment 1b) perceived the faces with protective clothing as more trustworthy than faces wearing standard masks and faces not wearing masks. Faces with the top halves showing were perceived as trustworthy as full faces, while faces with the bottom halves showing were perceived as less trustworthy. The effect of masks is weak and complex. Masks reduced participants’ trust in faces with high initial trustworthiness, had no effect on faces with low and moderate initial trustworthiness, and only slightly increased the trust of undergraduates in faces with moderate initial trustworthiness. Our findings indicate that the lack of information caused by occlusion and the social significance associated with occlusion collectively affect people’s trust behavior in Chinese society. We believe the findings of this study will be useful in elucidating the effects of personal protective equipment usage on perceptions of trustworthiness.

Crashworthiness capability comparison of a 3D Greek cross fractal structure additively manufactured with polyamide and thermoplastic polyurethane

Crashworthiness capability comparison of a 3D Greek cross fractal structure additively manufactured with polyamide and thermoplastic polyurethane

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

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

Analysis of the Dominant Factors Associated with the Incidence of Covid-19 in Prehospital and Intra-Hospital Nurses

Nurses are the main lead in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic as if they are risking contracted by Covid-19. High stress during a pandemic has an impact on psychological problems, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, decision-making difficulty on triage, and fatigue in which those can decrease the immune systems. The aim of study was to identify the dominant factors related to the incidence of Covid-19 in nurses. This observational study used Cross Sectional Study design and consecutive sampling techniques at 136 respondents. Questionnaires was used as instruments tested by validity and reliability to measure Fatigue, Psychological Problems (Depression, Anxiety, Stress), Decision-Making Ability of Triage-EWS Screening Covid-19, Vaccination history, risks of exposure, PPE usage and Covid-19 Incidents. Dominant factor analysis was assessed using multivariate analysis by logistic regression test. Based on the results of the logistic regression test, it was found that the risk of exposure to Covid-19 was the dominant factor with the incidence of Covid-19 among nurses in the pre-intra-hospital settings with significance of the test results p value &lt;0.0. Handling of Covid-19 incidents in health workers is crucial. It has been clear that the risk of exposure to people who are confirmed positive can increase the incidence of Covid-19, so it necessary to make prevention program by implementing physical distancing and increasing activities that impact on increasing of immunity.

Risk Factors for Occupational Blood Exposure, Compliance with Policies of Infection Prevention and Control, and Costs Associated with Post Exposure Management Among Nursing Staff.

To examine the risk factors linked with occupational blood exposure (OBE) among nursing staff (NS), we pinpoint deficiencies in the compliance with policies of infection prevention and control, and assess the expenditures associated with infection prevention and control. Healthcare workers that completed an "Occupational Blood Exposure Report Form" were divided into NS (observation) group and non-NS (control) group. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to compare both groups in various aspects. We also explored design patents intended to minimize occupational exposure. The highest incidence of OBE was observed in the department of neurosurgery. Among NS, OBE incidence was found to be influenced by independent risk factors, such as gender, age, occupational title, work location, and incidence of sharps injuries. Protective factors against OBEs included the use of arterial blood gas needles and suture needles. Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage rates were low in both groups prior to OBEs (0.74% vs 0.00%, P > 0.05). Correct emergency management could be improved promptly by both groups following an OBE (P > 0.05). However, the observation group exhibited a higher proportion of blood expression after a sharps injury and a higher re-evaluation rate at 6 months post-exposure compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In 2018, the per capita costs of infection prevention and control for NS were the Chinese Yuan (RMB) 339.43 per individual. In response to these findings, two utility model patents have been authorized. The risk and protective factors related to the occurrence of OBEs were investigated in this study, suggesting that there is a need for improvement in the rate of PPE usage and the re-evaluation rate of OBEs among NS. Additionally, focused training on emergency blood expression and compliance with policies among non-NS personnel is deemed necessary.

Poor personal protective equipment practices were associated with heat-related symptoms among Asian healthcare workers: a large-scale multi-national questionnaire survey

BackgroundIt is pertinent to understand the perceptions of healthcare workers (HCWs) with their associated personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and heat strain symptoms experienced to effectively combat the negative effects of heat stress during treatment and care activities.MethodsWe evaluated the associated heat stress perceived by HCWs across Asia and validated a questionnaire on perceptions of heat stress, associated PPE usage, and heat strain symptoms experienced. The questionnaire was administered to 3,082 HCWs in six Asian regions. Factor analyses, including Cronbach’s alpha, assessed the questionnaire’s validity and reliability. Structural equation modelling analysed the effects of knowledge, attitudes and practices, and heat strain symptoms.ResultsThe questionnaire was found to be reliable in assessing HCWs’ knowledge, and attitudes and practices towards heat stress and PPE usage (both Cronbach’s alpha = 0.9), but not heat strain symptoms (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.6). Despite knowledge of heat stress, HCWs had negative attitudes and practices regarding PPE usage (β1 = 0.6, p < 0.001). Knowledge (path coefficient = 0.2, p < 0.001), and negative attitudes and practices (path coefficient = 0.2, p < 0.001) of HCWs towards heat stress and PPE usage adversely affected symptoms experienced.ConclusionsThe questionnaire was not reliable in assessing symptoms. HCWs should, nevertheless, still self-assess their symptoms for early detection of heat strain. To effectively attenuate heat strain, understanding HCWs’ attitudes and practices towards PPE usage should guide policymakers in implementing targeted heat management strategies.

Morbidity profile, hepatitis B vaccination and personal protective equipment usage among sweepers of a medical institute in central India: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionHealth care workers are exposed to a variety of occupational risks making them susceptible to infections, besides being at risk of non-communicable diseases. The objectives of this study were to assess the morbidity pattern and associated factors among sweepers working at a tertiary care centre in Central India. MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2016 to September 2018 among 253 sweepers, who were administered a self-reported questionnaire. Information was collected related to demographic profile, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccination status; and screening for co-morbidities was done using clinical examination and blood tests. ResultsMean duration of employment was 11.9 (±13.0) years. A total of 117 (46.2%) of the 253 sweepers reported one or more chronic conditions and 197 (77.9%) reported one or more systemic problems, most commonly musculoskeletal (113, 44.7%), cardio-vascular (68, 26.9%), ocular (44, 17.4%), dental (36, 14.2%), respiratory (28, 11.1%) and gastrointestinal disorders (16, 6.3%). Total 5s8 (22.9%) participants reported single and 80 (31.6%) reported multiple needlestick injuries, while only 77 (30.4%) had completed hepatitis-B vaccination schedule. Multivariable adjusted analysis revealed that age (Odds Ratio OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06), male gender (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.65–5.88) and waist hip ratio (OR: 433.19, 95% CI: 5.12–36622.87) were significant predictors of chronic conditions, while female gender, shorter length of service and knowledge about PPE were significant predictors of PPE usage. ConclusionsMost of the sweepers had at least one morbidity, highlighting the importance of periodic health check-ups, training, and awareness programmes. Provision of appropriate PPE and immunization with HBV is also recommended.

Work Accidents Analysis in Lathe Workshop - JSA with FMEA Approach

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

Object Detection for Safety Attire Using YOLO (You Only Look Once)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage is mandated for all employees to prevent workplace accidents and foster a safe and healthy work environment. Using YOLOv8 machine learning and Google Colab's web-based development environment, this research aims to create an immediate detection system for PPE violations in the workplace. By keeping track of PPE compliance, the system is intended to increase workplace safety and prevent accidents. The dataset is collected through a mixture of real-life image gathering and internet datasets. Various images are collected that aim to train the model to detect objects from afar, close, and individually. The research methodology includes a review of the literature, the gathering, pre-processing, and training of models. According to the use of safety helmets, safety shoes, and gloves, there are three different classes of detection based on the bounding box. The system successfully detected the classes with an overall score above 0.8. The safety helmet achieved 0.969, the safety gloves achieved 0.857, followed by the safety vest with 0.887. The findings from this study indicate that the developed system can effectively improve occupational safety and health management. However, there is a detection error factor caused by the lighting and colors. Future research can focus on integrating the system with other work safety systems to provide a comprehensive solution for accident prevention.

Determining the nurses' perception regarding the effectiveness of COVID-19 protocols implemented in Eastern Province: Saudi Arabia.

The global impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been profound, affecting public health, the global economy, and overall human life. Past experiences with global pandemics underscored the significance of understanding the perception of HCWs and hospital staff in developing and implementing preventive measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) provided protocols to manage the spread of COVID-19 and assist healthcare workers and health systems globally in maintaining high-quality health services. This study aims to assess nurses' perception, awareness, and compliance regarding the implementation of COVID-19 protocols and explore factors influencing their perception. A quantitative cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted, distributing a constructed survey among nurses in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Out of 141 participants, most adhered to protocols such as hand sanitization, social distancing, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. The predominant age group among respondents was 31 to 40 years (n = 71, 50%). A significant portion of participants reported holding a bachelor's degree (n = 86, 61%), with only 14% possessing advanced degrees (n = 19). Nearly a third of the nurses in the study had accumulated 6 to 10 years of professional experience (n = 49, 34.8%). A noteworthy percentage of nurses were engaged in daily shifts exceeding 8 h (n = 98, 70%). Gender differences were observed, with females exhibiting a higher tendency to avoid shaking hands and social gatherings. Saudi nationals were more inclined to shake hands and engage in gatherings. Non-Saudi nurses and those aged between <25 to 40 years demonstrated proper donning/doffing practices. Nurses with over 6 years of experience avoided social gatherings, while those working >8 h adhered better to PPE usage, proper donning/doffing, and disposal of PPE in designated bins. Understanding COVID-19 protocols is crucial for tailoring interventions and ensuring effective compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures among nurses. More efforts should be made toward preparing the healthcare nursing to deal with the outbreak. Preparing healthcare nursing with the right knowledge, attitude, and precautionary practices during the COVID-19 outbreak is very essential to patient and public safety.

A sunlight sensitive metal–organic framework film for the environment-friendly self-sterilization application

This work provides a sunlight sensitive MOF film with the unique advantage of easy and superfast preparation, and environmentally-friendly self-sterilization, offering a potential approach for the long-term usage of disposable protective equipment.

Perceptions and Experiences Regarding Personal Protective Equipment Usage and Menstrual Health and Hygiene among Female Healthcare Workers during COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Maharashtra, India

Introduction: Female Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) played a crucial role during the Coronavirus Diseases-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, diligently donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to deliver essential care to patients. While PPE effectively shielded FHCWs from infections, it simultaneously imposed limitations on their ability to perform fundamental human activities, including using restrooms and managing menstruation. During menstruation, the restricted access to sanitary pads, combined with the challenges of working in PPE, heightened vulnerability among FHCWs, resulting in discomfort, distress, and a decline in work efficiency. Aim: To assess the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of FHCWs regarding PPE usage while providing healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aimed to explore the challenges experienced in managing Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) during the COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the western region of India at a tertiary care hospital of the medical college of Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University) in Pune, Maharashtra, India from September 2020 to November 2020. A total of 300 FHCWs who were assigned COVID-19 duties and utilised PPE were included. Data was collected through a semistructured proforma, covering topics on PPE usage, challenges encountered, personal experiences, and the management of menstruation. The collected data underwent analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0, with a primary emphasis on descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 194 (64.7%) perceived that PPE imparted protection, and 267 (89.1%) believed that work efficiency was compromised. Challenges reported by FHCWs while working in PPE included sweating, difficulty in making eye contact, triggers of headaches, nausea, and earaches. A total of 161 (53.9%) reported experiencing a menstrual cycle while on duty with COVID-19 patients, out of which 40 (24.8%) experienced irregular periods, 23 (14.2%) experienced premenstrual stress, and 98 (60.8%) suffered from dysmenorrhoea during menstruation. Additionally, 155 (96.4%) were unable to change sanitary pads, 18 (11%) had stained PPE suits, and 146 (99.9%) experienced challenges in the disposal of sanitary napkins. Conclusion: Many FHCWs felt that PPE offered protection but also compromised work efficiency. Sweating, discomfort, and managing menstrual hygiene within PPE were common challenges encountered. Providing training on PPE usage, adjusting shift durations, implementing policies for the supply of sanitary pads, permitting breaks for changing, ensuring proper disposal arrangements, providing necessary medications and additional PPE if required, leaves, or creating alternative duty arrangements would be beneficial for FHCWs.

Pengukuran Kinerja Supply Chain Management dengan Metode Supply Chain Operation Reference di PT Otsuka Indonesia

Supply chain management encompasses the study of efficiency and effectiveness in material, information, and monetary flow within the industrial sector. Assessing performance is pivotal in gauging a company's managerial capacities. At PT Otsuka Indonesia, research was undertaken during an internship, involving observations and interviews. Subsequently, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were formulated, covering aspects such as accuracy in raw material usage, precision in production level planning, frequency of production plan changes, source cycle time, finished product quality, make cycle time, delivery cycle time, precision in avoiding delays in finished goods delivery, and return of finished goods. Snorm de Boer normalization was applied to calculate the KPIs, generating performance results for each indicator. Determining the ultimate performance involved weighting via the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, assigning significance levels to each KPI. Post data processing, it was evident that the finished product quality indicator had the lowest value. Consequently, improvement proposals were designed using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method. These proposals culminated in the development of warning sticker designs for machine cleaning, comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, and scales rechecking.

Impact of Personal Protective Equipment usage and hand washing due to COVID-19 on the rate of HA-CDI

Background:&#x0D; Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated (HA) infections. Advanced age, use of proton pump inhibitors, concomitant antibiotics, steroids, prolonged hospital stay, and gastrointestinal surgeries are associated with increased incidence of disease. CDI is transmissible via the fecal-oral route by ingestion of spores and is readily transmitted in the hospital between patients and caregivers. Strict contact precautions and handwashing are implemented in health care settings to prevent its transmission. The current pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to imposing restrictions on patient admission, visitor visit and implementing extra measures on handwashing along with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Therefore, the main objective of this study is to identify if additional preventive measures for COVID-19 have any impact on the rate of HA-CDI.&#x0D; Methods: &#x0D; A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with HA-CDI during the COVID-19 year (2020) and compared with patients of the pre-COVID-19 year (2019) from March to October. A comparison of baseline characteristics, risk factors and patient hospitalization were compared.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; During the study period, a total of 148 cases were diagnosed with HA-CDI of which 75 cases were in the pre-COVID-19 and 73 cases in COVID-19 year accounting for a total of 149,092 and 136,982 inpatient bed days respectively. The rate of HA-CDI was 5.03 vs 5.33 per 10,000 hospitalized patients in the pre-COVID-19 year vs COVID-19 year. No significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics, (age, sex, race and BMI); comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension) and risk factors like cancer and steroid use were observed between the two groups. Factors associated with CDI like antibiotic use (p=0.001) and proton pump inhibitor use (p= 0.005) was significantly lower in COVID-19 year. However, there was a significantly high number of patients that had undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery (22.6% vs 6.6%, p=0.01) during COVID-19 year. Almost half of the patients in each group stayed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the mean length of ICU stay was significantly higher in COVID-19 year (20.4± 34.3 days vs 11.6± 16.9 days, p= 0.03). The mortality rate was higher (20.5% vs 12%, p= 0.23) during COVID-19 period. A sub-analysis was done with 2020 data to identify if there lies any contributing factors to the increase CDI rate. 21 cases were positive for COVID-19, of which 28.5% underwent GI surgery; 19% received steroids (Dexamethasone), 76.1% stayed in ICU with median LOS (16± 20.2) and 52.3% died.&#x0D; Conclusions:&#x0D; Based on our observations, a slightly higher rate of symptomatic HA-CDI was observed during COVID-19 year when compared with pre-COVID-19 year. Implementation of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 e.g., use of PPE, handwashing, environmental cleaning, visitor restriction etc. were expected to help decrease HA-CDI, which was not observed in our study. We did observe longer ICU stay and higher rate of GI surgery among patients who had HA-CDI in 2020. Higher acuity patients and increased rate of these risk factors amongst patients admitted in year 2020 might have offset the expected benefit of COVID-19 prevention strategies.