Usage Of Protective Equipment Research Articles

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 <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.

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.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Diagnosis of COVID-19: Molecular Diagnostic Testing (December 2023).

Accurate molecular diagnostic tests are necessary for confirming a diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for identifying asymptomatic carriage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The number of available SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection tests continues to increase as does the COVID-19 diagnostic literature. Thus, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) developed an evidence-based diagnostic guideline to assist clinicians, clinical laboratorians, patients, and policymakers in decisions related to the optimal use of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification tests. In addition, we provide a conceptual framework for understanding molecular diagnostic test performance, discuss nuances of test result interpretation in a variety of practice settings, and highlight important unmet research needs related to COVID-19 diagnostic testing. IDSA convened a multidisciplinary panel of infectious diseases clinicians, clinical microbiologists, and experts in systematic literature review to identify and prioritize clinical questions and outcomes related to the use of SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make testing recommendations. The panel agreed on 12 diagnostic recommendations. Access to accurate SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing is critical for patient care, hospital infection prevention, and the public health response to COVID-19 infection. Information on the clinical performance of available tests continues to grow, but the quality of evidence of the current literature to support this updated molecular diagnostic guideline remains moderate to very low. Recognizing these limitations, the IDSA panel weighed available diagnostic evidence and recommends nucleic acid testing for all symptomatic individuals suspected of having COVID-19. In addition, testing is suggested for asymptomatic individuals with known or suspected contact with a COVID-19 case when the results will impact isolation/quarantine/personal protective equipment (PPE) usage decisions. Evidence in support of rapid testing and testing of upper respiratory specimens other than nasopharyngeal swabs, which offer logistical advantages, is sufficient to warrant conditional recommendations in favor of these approaches.

Analysis of the Obedience of Personal Protective Equipment Usage to Prevent Occupational Disease among Cosmetic Workers

Cosmetic industry has a high risk of occupational diseases such as talcosis or respiratory disorders among the workers at PT X. Based on the preliminary study, respiratory disorders are indicated among the workers because of high level of dust powder from talc powder at the work place. Occupational diseases can be prevented such as by using correct and precise Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Methods: The study aimed to determine the relationship between respiratory symptoms, knowledge, education, and job tenure with the obedience of PPE usage to prevent occupational disease because of talc powder among cosmetic division workers at PT X. The study used an analytical survey research method with a cross-sectional approach. The sample was 48 people using the Total Sampling technique. Statitiscal test using Chi-Square Test. Results: The result of the test showed there is a relationship between respiratory symptoms (p-value = 0,024) and knowledge (p-value = 0,006) variable with the obedience of PPE usage among workers (p-value = 0,006), to be found there is a respondence who has less knowledge regarding occupational safety and health is considered to have 18.3 times more risk of being disobedient in using PPE, while there is no relationship between education (p-value = 0,161) and job tenure (p-value = 1.000) with the obedience of PPE usage among cosmetic division workers at PT X. Conclusion: There is a relationship between respiratory symptoms and knowledge with the obedience of PPE usage among the workers, and it’s recommended to company owner to provide training for the workers about the importance of PPE usage that mainly corrects and precisely, also doing supervision and daily checking on the workers before, during, and after work.

Acoustic safety assessment of palm oil mill workers

Mechanization of work processes in agro-based industries through the employment of improved tools and/or equipment powered by either fuel or diesel engines reduce tedium and drudgery on the workers as well as improve the overall productivity and production. However, it also leads to health threat to the workers through environmental noise pollution. This study assessed the occupational noise exposure of workers in three different palm oil mills. The noise level was measured using a noise metering device (model 1352) and noise descriptors (L10, L50, L90, Lav, LAeq, Total Sound Pressure Level (Tspl), DOSE (%) and TWA). The occupational health effects of noise exposure were deduced using a semistructured questionnaire. The noise exposure was assessed during the palm nut digestion, and nut and pulp separation job operations as the noise emanates from the diesel-powered engine, palm nut digester and nut and pulp separator. The average noise levels obtained from the palm oil mills during palm nut digestion, 99.36 (SD = 4.16) dBA and pulp separation, 98.18 (SD = 3.07) dBA, exceeded the recommended 85 dBA for an 8-hour exposure period permissible noise exposure limit standard by the NIOSH. The independent t-tests for noise level between off-working and working periods disclosed p &lt; 0.05 – significant noise exposure. The self-reported effect of the noise exposure level on the workers was interference with communication - 100%, tinnitus - 70%, ringing sensation - 76.75%, and noise stress - 73.30% of the workers. This research will inform the operators of the need for appropriate personal protective equipment usage and equip Government regulatory agencies to make appropriate regulations in order to protect oil mill workers.

Enhancing Nursing Care in Monkeypox (Mpox) Patients: Differential Diagnoses, Prevention Measures, and Therapeutic Interventions.

Monkeypox (Mpox), a rare zoonotic viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, has been gaining attention due to its potential for human-to-human transmission and its clinical resemblance to other poxvirus infections, such as smallpox and chickenpox. Enhancing nursing care for monkeypox patients is imperative to manage and contain its spread effectively. This review analyzes the key aspects of enhancing nursing care in monkeypox patients, focusing on differential diagnoses, prevention measures, and therapeutic interventions. Differential diagnosis is crucial in terms of the early recognition and management of monkeypox. Given its similarity to other poxvirus infections, a thorough assessment of clinical symptoms, travel history, and exposure to potential reservoir hosts is essential. Nursing professionals play a pivotal role in eliciting comprehensive patient histories and relaying this information to the medical team for accurate diagnosis. Prevention measures constitute a vital component of nursing care in monkeypox management. Implementing stringent infection prevention and control practices, including isolation protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and hand hygiene, is imperative to curbing nosocomial transmission. Nurses are at the forefront of enforcing these measures, educating patients, families, and healthcare staff about their significance, and ensuring strict adherence. Therapeutic interventions in monkeypox largely focus on supportive care and symptom management. Nurses occupy a central role in administering antiviral medications, providing wound care for skin lesions, and monitoring patients for potential complications such as secondary bacterial infections. Psychosocial support is equally important, as patients often experience fear and anxiety due to the disease's contagious nature. Nursing professionals offer compassionate care, address patients' emotional needs, and facilitate communication between patients and their families. Enhancing nursing care for monkeypox entails a multifaceted approach involving differential diagnoses, prevention measures, and therapeutic interventions. Nursing professionals serve as frontline caregivers, pivotal in early diagnosis, effective prevention strategies, and comprehensive patient management. As the global healthcare community faces an influx of emerging infectious diseases, the lessons learned from managing monkeypox can contribute to the creation of a more resilient and responsive nursing workforce capable of effectively addressing future health challenges.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment and Hand Hygiene Practices of a State Hospital Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Study

Objective: This study aimed to observe the use of personal protective equipment and hand hygiene practices of healthcare personnel working in pandemic clinics.&#x0D; Methods: It is a descriptive and observational study. The research was conducted in the clinics of a pandemic hospital between 01.10.2020 and 31.12.2020. Personal Protective Equipment Usage and Hand Hygiene Compliance Data Collection Form was used. Data were collected by researchers who were infection control nurses, and 171 healthcare workers were observed. Percentage calculation and chi-square test were used in the analysis of the data.&#x0D; Results: In the patient care area, it was determined that personal protective equipment, excluding glasses/face protectors, was fully worn. 6.4% of employees did not remove goggles/face protectors, and 5.3% did not remove surgical masks/N95 masks when leaving the patient area. Practices in the pandemic intensive care unit (wearing the equipment correctly: 88.5%, correct removal: 85.2%) were more in line with guidelines than clinics (correct wearing: 64.5%, correct removal: 65.1%) (p=.001, p=.005). Compliance with hand hygiene is 69% before contact with the patient; 52.6% before aseptic procedure; 61.4% after contact with body fluid; 77.7% after contact with the patient; 73.1% after contact with the environment. Hand hygiene compliance was found to be moderate in pandemic units.&#x0D; Conclusions: In our study, it was determined that personal protective equipment was available in the clinics, the use of goggles/face protection was inadequate, all personal protective equipment was not removed when leaving the patient area, and personal protective equipment was used more appropriately in intensive care units and hand hygiene practices were generally moderate level. In the pandemic process, institutions should conduct more frequent training and make more observations on the use of personal protective equipment and hand hygiene.

Iranian Pharmacist's Experiences of COVID-19 Pandemic: A qualitative study

Since the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic is not the first and will not be the last, pharmacists' experiences during this period can be used to establish a more efficient healthcare system to face future pandemics. This study aims to explore Iranian pharmacists' experiences in pharmacies using the content analysis method. In this qualitative study, a conventional content analysis approach was applied. Ten male and female pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Birjand, Iran participated using a purposeful sampling method. Semi-structured interviews were carried out for data collection. The data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's method. Four categories and ten subcategories were extracted as follows: Multifaceted concerns of pharmacists (familial, economical, professional, and personal concerns), Non-compliance with protocols from occurrence to cause (facing non-compliance with protocols by clients, obstacles to complying with protocols in the pharmacy), Prevention from COVID-19 (protective equipment usage, designing protection rules), and Double reactions to COVID-19 (emotional and; practical reactions). Pharmacists dealt with different concerns and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are one of the main primary care providers and need to be supported by the authorities to maintain their standard level of services.

Relationship of Compliance of Personal Protective Equipment Usage and Housekeeping with Near Miss in Nurses

Introduction: The hospital is one of workplaces that has a high risk of hazard that can cause near miss. Nurses are people who play an essential role in the medical service environment. Near miss are more common than work accidents and have become a critical point for preventing workplace accidents. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between compliance of PPE usage and housekeeping with near miss in nurses. Methods: This study used a descriptive observational design which was designed in a cross sectional way. Respondents were 53 nurses. The research data presented in the form of frequency distribution, cross tabulation, and correlation analysis. The study's independent variable is compliance of PPE usage and housekeeping, and the dependent variable is near miss. The method of data collecting in this research using a questionnaire for compliance of PPE usage, housekeeping, and near miss. Results: The relationship between housekeeping (rs =-0.259) with near miss among nurses is weak because near miss are primarily due to human error or unsafe behaviour, and housekeeping is a working condition factor that contributes little to the causes of near miss. Medium category correlation between compliance with PPE use (rs = -0.455) with near miss because nurses have an obligation to provide safe nursing actions and protect themselves from potential hazards by using PPE. Conclusion: Compliance of PPE usage and housekeeping that contribute to near miss.

Development of Pesticide Sprayer Robot Prototype for Chilli Farm Agricultural Application

Accidental spills of chemicals, leakages, poor spraying equipment,or a lack of knowledge about personal protection equipment usage can expose farm workers to pesticides either in open fields or greenhouse.Pesticides may affect their health, particularly on dermal contact and respiratory system. Besides that, traditional pest management for massive agriculture industry requires a big number of employees, large quantities of pesticides, and the risk of inefficient and uneven pesticides coating. Therefore, a pesticide spraying robot, which is equipped with two ultrasonic sensors is developed to spray pesticide independently and allows the workers to maximize pesticide usage on the agricultural application such as chilli farm. The prototype is designed to automatically moves and operate in two modes, either automatic or manual. For automatic mode, the robot travel and operated independently without human control or intervention. While for manual mode, the Blynk application is used to remotely control the robot’s movement and spraying insecticide. In this research, the garlic extract and dishwashing liquid detergent were used as organic insecticides since they are effective and safe for plants and the environment. The study discovered that for a 50 cm two-month chilli plant, a three-seconds pesticide setting was appropriate, with 30 ml pesticide applied per chilli plant.