Goggles Research Articles

Transparent Self-Cleaning Coatings Based on Colorless Polyimide/Silica Sol Nanocomposite.

We herein report transparent self-cleaning coatings based on polyimide-fluorinated silica sol (PIFSS) nanocomposite. Polyamic acid-silica sol (PASS) suspensions were synthesized by adding four different amounts of a silica sol suspension to each end-capped polyamic acid solution. The PASS suspensions were spin-coated on glass slides, thermally imidized and treated with triethoxy-1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecylsilane (TEFDS) to prepare PIFSS coatings. The PIFSS coatings showed high resistance to separation from glass substrates and thermal stability. Furthermore, the PIFSS coatings on the glass substrate could be cleanly removed using polar aprotic solvents and repeated coating was possible. As the amount of silica sol particles in the PIFSS coating was increased, the hydrophobic contact angle increased. Among them, PIFSS-10 and PIFSS-15 coatings showed nearly superhydrophobic contact angles (144° and 148°, respectively) and good self-cleaning property. It was confirmed by SEM and AFM studies that their hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties are due to uniform particle distribution and relatively high surface roughness. PIFSS-10 coating showed a high transmittance value (88%) at 550 nm and good self-cleaning property, therefore suitable as a transparent self-cleaning coating. The advantages of the coating are that the fabrication process is simple, and the substrate is reusable. The PIFSS coating is expected to be applied in solar cell panels, windows, lenses and safety goggles.

In-Vivo Measurement of Ocular Deformation in Response to Ambient Pressure Modulation.

A novel approach is presented for the non-invasive quantification of axial displacement and strain in corneal and anterior crystalline lens tissue in response to a homogenous ambient pressure change. A spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was combined with a custom-built set of swimming goggles and a pressure control unit to acquire repetitive cross-sectional scans of the anterior ocular segment before, during and after ambient pressure modulation. The potential of the technique is demonstrated in vivo in a healthy human subject. The quantification of the dynamic deformation response, consisting of axial displacement and strain, demonstrated an initial retraction of the eye globe (−0.43 to −1.22 nm) and a subsequent forward motion (1.99 nm) in response to the pressure change, which went along with a compressive strain induced in the anterior crystalline lens (−0.009) and a tensile strain induced in the cornea (0.014). These mechanical responses appear to be the result of a combination of whole eye motion and eye globe expansion. The latter simulates a close-to-physiologic variation of the intraocular pressure and makes the detected mechanical responses potentially relevant for clinical follow-up and pre-surgical screening. The presented measurements are a proof-of-concept that non-contact low-amplitude ambient pressure modulation induces tissue displacement and strain that is detectable in vivo with OCT. To take full advantage of the high spatial resolution this imaging technique could offer, further software and hardware optimization will be necessary to overcome the current limitation of involuntary eye motions.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING OCULAR PROTECTION DURING GARDENING AMONG URBAN HOMEMAKERS OF PATNA, INDIA

Purpose: To describe the knowledge, attitude and practices of home gardeners regarding eye protection during gardening Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 50 female urban homemakers who maintain their domestic garden, selected through purposive convenience sampling. Semi-structured questions regarding knowledge of advantages, preference regarding type of protective wear and practices of wearing these equipment were asked and responses represented as percentages. Results: All 50 respondents completed the questionnaire and agreed that some form of eye protection was necessary during gardening (100%). The advantages of protective eyewear were enumerated as protection from dust (42%), trauma by leaves (36%), gardening tools (30%) and sunlight (22%). More respondents preferred to wear no eyewear (52%) compared to regular sun shades or prescription glasses (40%), on-ear protective goggles with side covers (4%), goggles with head bands (2%) and face shield (2%). Four respondents had already encountered some form of ocular trauma during gardening. Discomfort due to protective equipment (61.54%), poor access and cumbersome maintenance (53.85%) and difficulty in looking through the equipment (23.08%) were enlisted as reasons for no protective wear. All respondents agreed that awareness regarding eye trauma from gardening should be disseminated in apartment communities. Conclusion: While all respondents agreed that eye protection is necessary while gardening, about half of the respondents did not wear protective eyewear due to non-ergonomic designs of the equipment they had access to. There is need of increasing awareness among this population about availability of comfortable ergonomic transparent eye protection equipment suitable for use during gardening.

Fit Factor Change on Quantitative Fit Testing of Duckbill N95 Respirators with the Use of Safety Goggles.

N95 respirators and safety goggles are important components of personal protective equipment to reduce the spread of airborne infections, such as COVID-19, among healthcare workers. Poor N95 respirator seal may reduce its protective effect, thereby increasing transmission. Quantitative fit testing is an established way of assessing the N95 respirator fit, which provides a quantitative measure for seal, called the fit factor. Duckbill N95 respirators frequently fail the fit test. We hypothesized that using safety goggles with a wraparound elastic headband will increase their fit-factor by reinforcing the seal between the face and the upper margin of the respirator. We studied the effect of safety goggles with a wraparound elastic headband (3M™ Chemical Splash Resistant Goggles, ID 70006982741) on the fit factor of two types of Duckbill N95 respirators (Halyard FLUIDSHIELD*3, Model 99SA070M, and ProShield® N95 Model TN01-11) in 63 healthy volunteers in a nonrandomized, before-and-after intervention study design. The mean fit factor increased from 69.4 to 169.1 increased from 17/63 (27%) to 46/63 (73%) after the intervention (p <0.0001, OR 3 [95% CI = 4.9–1223]). This is the first study to explore the impact of safety goggles on N95 respirator fit. We conclude that the use of safety goggles with a wraparound elastic headband increases the fit factor of the tested Duckbill N95 respirators.How to cite this articleJohns M, Kyaw S, Lim R, Stewart WC, Thambiraj SR, Shehabi Y, et al. Fit Factor Change on Quantitative Fit Testing of Duckbill N95 Respirators with the Use of Safety Goggles. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(9):981–986.

Seroprevalence of COVID-19 IgG antibodies among healthcare workers of Pakistan: a cross-sectional study assessing exposure to COVID-19 and identification of high-risk subgroups

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to find the seroprevalence of healthcare workers (HCWs) of Pakistan involved in the treatment and care of patients with COVID-19.SettingThis was a cross-sectional study and...

Significant variations across European centres in implementing recommended guidelines for the paediatric gastroenterology endoscopy suite during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twelve paediatric European gastroenterology centres participated. Nine centres (75%) screened their patients for possible COVID-19 infection before the procedure, the same amount of hospitals changed their practice based on the ESPGHAN recommendations. Six-seven percentage of the centres reduced the staff in the endoscopy suite, 83% of the units used FFP2/3 masks and protective goggles during the procedure and 75% wore waterproof gowns. Uniform guidelines could not be applied by all European hospitals at a certain time point of the viral spread, as different regions of Europe were not only affected differently by COVID-19, but also had different access to personal protective equipment.

COVID-19 Outbreak in a Hemodialysis Center Using Universal Masking and Eye Protection

Background: Up to half of all new SARS-CoV-2 infections are acquired from presymptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. Hemodialysis patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) may be at increased risk for COVID-19 due to the need for extended close contact. Universal masking and eye protection are strategies used to reduce SARS-CoV-2 exposure, particularly from presymptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. We describe an outbreak of COVID-19 in an outpatient hemodialysis center despite universal masking and universal HCP eye protection. Methods: An COVID-19 outbreak investigation was performed in a hemodialysis center where universal masking was in use by all HCPs and patients and universal eye protection (goggles, safety glasses) was in use by all HCPs when directly encountering patients. After a cluster of cases was identified in early November 2020, all patients and HCPs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) when symptomatic and weekly until the conclusion of the outbreak. Results: From November 12, 2020, through December 7, 2020, 14 (23.3%) of 60 patients and 9 (28.1%) of 32 HCPs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR (Figure 1). The median ages of the patients and HCPs were 64 years (range, 42–87) and 42 years (range, 29–68), respectively. Also, 5 (5.4%) individuals (3 patients and 2 HCPs) were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Furthermore, 7 (7.6%) individuals (5 patients and 2 HPCs) were hospitalized; 2 patients and no HCPs died. No lapses in universal masking or, for HCPs, eye protection prior to or during the outbreak were identified during the investigation. All HCPs and patients wore medical-grade face masks that were discarded at the end of the day; HCPs wore safety glasses or goggles during patient interactions. Although audits of face mask and eye protection compliance were not performed, independent interviews supported high HCP and patient adherence prior to the outbreak. Neither the staff nor patients shared meals at or outside the hemodialysis center. Most patients and HCPs shared the same hemodialysis shift, suggesting the presence of an index case; however, a source case could not be identified despite an extensive investigation. Conclusions: Universal masking and eye protection have been shown to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from presymptomatic or asymptomatic individuals in the healthcare setting. This report suggests that such measures cannot prevent all outbreaks. We speculate that certain factors associated with hemodialysis care, such as prolonged close patient–HCP contact, may have facilitated this outbreak. Whether nonadherence to universal masking and eye protection or failure of empiric droplet precautions contributed to this outbreak remains unknown.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

Awareness and utilization of personal protective equipment among small-scale welders in Cross River State, Nigeria: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Objective: Rapid urbanization and industrialization in the many low- and middle-income countries means that there is a growing demand for the welding industry. Previous studies in Nigeria, and other low- and middle-income countries have reported a significant discrepancy between awareness and consistent and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study assessed the awareness and utilization of PPE among small-scale welders in Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: This study was conducted in Calabar South Local Government Area using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data collection was with an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire, and an observation checklist was used to monitor the use of PPE among small-scale welders. Results: One hundred and sixteen small-scale welders were surveyed with a mean age of 34.9 ±9.1 years. Almost 90% of respondents had completed at least primary education. Eighty-one respondents (69.8%) were aware of PPE. Three-quarters of respondents (61/81) knew PPE protected the user from injury. The most frequently identified type of welding PPE among the respondents aware of PPE, were safety goggles (38.3%), hand gloves (25.9%), safety boots (19.8%), and coveralls (9.9%). 83.6% had access to PPE at work. However, only 14.4% reported using PPE consistently. Observation revealed that the PPE most frequently used, sunglasses, were not the recommended welding goggles. Conclusion: The low utilization of PPE calls for stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations among welders in the informal sector, including implementing PPE awareness programs.

Challenges of personal protective equipment use among ophthalmologists during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicenter international study.

Purpose:To explore the possible challenges and difficulties of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in ophthalmic practice during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods:This is a multicenter, international survey among practicing ophthalmologists across different countries. The survey was conducted from September 9th to October 24th, 2020. It included a total of 23 questions that navigated through the currently adopted recommendations in different clinical situations. The survey also assessed the convenience of using various PPE in ophthalmic practice and addressed the clarity of the examination field while using various PPE during clinical or surgical procedures.Results:One hundred and seventy-two ophthalmologists completed the survey (101 from Egypt, 50 from the USA, and 21 from four other countries). The analysis of the responses showed that most ophthalmologists use face masks without significant problems during their examinations, while face shields followed by protective goggles were the most inconvenient PPE in the current ophthalmic practice. Moreover, most of the participants (133, 77.3%) noticed an increase in their examination time when using PPE. Furthermore, a considerable percentage of the respondents (70, 40.7%) stopped using one or more of the PPE due to inconvenience or discomfort.Conclusions:Due to the unique nature of the ophthalmic examination, certain PPE are not ophthalmologist-friendly. Innovative PPE should be tailored for prompt, more convenient, and clearer ophthalmological practice.

Diving safety alarm based on the techniques of machine learning

Many countries actively promote the benefits of sports; in particular, water sports are popular among the younger generation. However, despite the mature development of equipment in diving, it requires relevant training to avoid decompression sickness. Sometimes when divers encounter emergencies and they may fail to alert the coach or other companions for rescues. Currently, some divers wear emergency equipment when conducting the exercise; yet, the cost is relatively high, and the operation is complicated that people tend to forget the process when facing emergencies. This article aims to develop a wearable device that has a safety alarm function based on the technique of machine learning. The features of the suggested device are as follows: (1) cost-effective detectors for monitoring divers' conditions; (2) a combination of an Automatic Identification System (AIS) with a Global Positioning System (GPS) to send a safety alarm with the location of the diver; (3) utilize Bluetooth communication to detect if a diver left the safety range set by the coach; (4) the machine learning technique judges the health status of the diver; (5) the wearable device connects with swim goggles to deliver danger alarms, which enables divers to notice dangerous situations from the lights on the goggles. The approach suggested in this article primarily utilizes wearable devices to ensure divers' safety. The key feature of this device can prevent divers from sweeping away by currents or swimming into risky areas; meanwhile, the device can detect the risk of decompression sickness. The research executed an experiment to verify the design, and the results have proven the feasibility of the study. Additionally, with the cost-effective detectors installed on the device, the presented equipment has the potential to make it universal and increase the safety of divers.

Occupational Health Problems, Workplace Environment and Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment among Welders of Banepa Municipality, Nepal

Background: Welding is a hazardous occupation where welders expose to a variety of work-related hazards. These hazards might cause occupational health problems. Safe working environment and utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) play a vital role in preventing problems and promoting their health, safety and wellbeing. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of occupational health problems, workplace environment and utilization of personal protective equipment among welders.&#x0D; Methodology: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 130 welders of 35 metal workshops in Banepa Municipality using semi-structured interview schedule in 2019. An observational checklist was used to collect information on the workplace environment of selected metal workshops. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20 and described by using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.&#x0D; Results: The most prevalent problems experienced by welders were accidents and injuries (99.2%) and eye and ear problems (98.4%). The most available PPE in 35 metal workshops were protective goggles (100%) and insulated gloves (71.4%). Similarly, 90.6% welders always used safety goggles, 41% sometimes used facemasks and 65.4% never used helmets while working. Only 25.6% workshops had first aid kits available with no expired products and 11.4% had kept fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations. Almost all (97.1%) workshops did not have safety guidelines for their workers.&#x0D; Conclusion: Welders who work in metal workshops experience different types of occupational health problems (OHP) and do not use all types of PPE for their protection. Hence, metal workshops should develop safety guidelines for their workers and strictly implement it to prevent OHP.

Bioinspired adhesive coatings from polyethylenimine and tannic acid complexes exhibiting antifogging, self-cleaning, and antibacterial capabilities

In this work, we develop a simple yet robust method to fabricate a bioinspired adhesive coating based on polyethyleneimine (PEI) and tannic acid (TA) complexes, exhibiting excellent antifogging, self-cleaning, and antibacterial properties. The polyethyleneimine-tannic acid (PEI-TA) complexes coating combined with the bioinspired adhesive property from TA can be effectively and stably coated onto various substrates through a one-step deposition process, and the hydrophilicity of the coated substrates can be significantly enhanced with their water contact angle less than 10°. The bioinspired adhesive coating endows the coated substrates with outstanding antifogging and self-cleaning performance. Moreover, it is found that the PEI-TA coated safety goggles display excellent durability and antifogging capability compared to the commercial antifogging safety goggles and commercial antifogging agents coated safety goggles under 65 ℃ vapor condition for 2 h. Furthermore, the PEI-TA coatings show superior antibacterial activities for Gram-negative Escherichiak coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The antifogging, self-cleaning, and antibacterial coating provides widely potential application prospects in optical and medical devices.

Numerical simulations of a swimmer’s head and cap wearing different types of goggles

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of swimming goggles on swimming hydrodynamics by numerical simulations. An elite swimmer volunteered for this research. The swimmer’s head was scanned both without goggles, and while wearing 3 different types of goggles (Nikko, Ankor and Swedish). Numerical simulations were conducted at 2 m/s with the Fluent code. The condition without goggles showed the highest viscous drag (1.65 N), followed by the Ankor (1.64 N), Swedish (1.63 N) and Nikko (1.62 N) goggles, respectively. The highest pressure drag was found in the situation without goggles (11.34 N), followed by the Ankor (10.87 N), Nikko (10.78 N) and Swedish (10.20 N) goggles. The condition without goggles presented the highest total drag (12.99 N), followed by the Ankor (12.52 N), Nikko (12.40 N) and Swedish (11.83 N) goggles. Thus, Swedish goggles yields the best hydrodynamics, followed by the Nikko and Ankor goggles and lastly without goggles. Thus, goggles minimise the swimmer’s drag comparing to not wearing any. The design of the goggles may impose varying drag forces and therefore it is advised to use goggles at least in competition.

Photobiomodulation as an Adjunct Therapy in Wound Healing.

"Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation" or more commonly known as Laser has become very popular in the field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine over the past decades. For the treatment of wound healing, a combination of different wavelengths for laser therapy has been introduced which includes 660, 800, and 970 nm. The aim of this study was to note wound healing utilizing photobiomodulation as an adjunct therapy by measuring the wound size in terms of length and width (area measurement). Study participants were selected randomly from a pool of patients who were attending for their routine follow-up visits in the Wound Care Unit in Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Eleven patients with chronic wounds of different etiologies, ie, diabetic foot ulcer and nonhealing ulcer, were recruited for this study . Wound assessment was done prior to cleansing using distilled water and followed by debridement if necessary. Subsequently, the laser technician and patients used protective goggles before applying a super intense continuous flow of laser with 3 wavelengths, ie, 660, 800, and 970 nm with 30 kJ of energy with the handpiece over a 3 min period whereby it is focused on the wound milieu and then rotated around the periwound area. There were 9 diabetic foot ulcers and 2 nonhealing ulcers treated with photobiomodulation as an adjunct therapy. All wounds were managed with the standard of care. Three wounds ie, 3 diabetic foot ulcers and 1 nonhealing ulcer were closed completely. Meanwhile, the other 7 ulcers are at 68.2% to 99% in terms of wound area reduction and new granulomatous tissue was present indicating high healing potential. Therefore, the photobiomodulation was effective as an adjunct in the management of diabetic foot and nonhealing ulcers in this case series. A larger sample size would be able to show the significance of this finding.

Ocular Manifestations of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Comprehensive Review.

Apart from conjunctival involvement which is the most well-known ocular manifestation of coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), there are multiple reports of the involvement of other ocular structures by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We comprehensively reviewed PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar for available evidence regarding COVID-19 various ocular manifestations, with special focus on less known and unusual ocular findings. We then categorized the findings based on the parts of the eye which was involved. In anterior sections of the eye, the involvement of the eyelid (tarsadenitis), conjunctiva and cornea (follicular conjunctivitis, pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, and keratoconjunctivitis), episclera (nodular episcleritis), uvea (anterior uveitis) were reported. Also, third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy, retinal vasculitis, retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes (hyper-reflective lesions and increased retinal nerve fiber layer thickness [RNFLT]), optic neuritis, papillophlebitis, Miller Fisher syndrome, posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy (PRES), ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery occlusion, and polyneuritis cranialis were reported in different studies. Postmortem evaluation of COVID-19 patients detected no viral RNA in different anterior and posterior segments of the eyes. However, another study revealed a 21.4% positivity of the retinal biopsies of dead patients. The results of this study can help ophthalmologists to be vigilant when they see these findings in a suspected case of COVID-19. In addition, wearing face masks and protective goggles or eye shields are recommended, especially in high risk contacts.

Microsurgical Reconstruction During Covid-19 Pandemic Setting: A Systematic Review and Clinical Applications

Introduction: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has taken almost all countries worldwide. This situation has compromised the safety and health of all medical workers, including microsurgeons. Given that there have been various articles published about the recommendations in microsurgical reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, We felt compelled to compile all relevant studies about the microsurgical reconstruction in the COVID-19 pandemic setting, describe the various actions from different perspectives, as well as providing suggestions based on evidence-based medicine. Method: We did a systematic literature search using electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Medline, Wiley, and Cochrane using keywords reconstruction, Microsurgery, coronavirus, and COVID-19. All included studies were critically appraised and reviewed. Results: Nine relevant articles were included for the final review, four of them were qualitative studies, and 5 were guidelines. Studies look at various surgeon's experiences from different healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focuses of the included studies are also diverse from head and neck surgery, breast surgery, limb surgery, and general Reconstructive Microsurgery. Conclusion: Microsurgical reconstruction is not suggested to perform during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is indicated only if necessary after a rigorous review by the multi-disciplinary team. A full PPE, including a Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) system, fit-tested N95 respirator masks, face shield, and tight-fitting eye protection goggles, are recommended in performing the surgeries.

Sosialisasi Perbaikan Metode Kerja Dengan Prinsip 5S Berdasarkan Identifikasi Hazard Di CV. Epen Garage X Azizskip

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a safe and healthy condition when doing work. This safe and healthy condition are useful for both workers, companies or organizations and for the environment around the workplace. OSH is an important aspect in workshop, including CV. Epen Garage X Azizskip which is a motorbike repair workshop located in Citeuteup area, Bogor City, West Java. OSH will be created if there is no potential danger or hazard, therefore it is necessary to identify hazards in the workshop. This study aims to identify hazards using Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) method and work improvement using Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu dan Shitsuke (5S) method. The types of hazards, risk levels and sources of hazards will be identified by the HAZOP method. Generally the hazards in the workshop are because workers do not use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as work clothes, gloves, safety shoes, safety goggles and also messy workshop condition. After identifying the types of hazards, a work improvement method is needed to prevent accidents in workshop, using the 5S method.

Eye Protection in ENT Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ObjectivesThere is a lack of evidence-based guidelines with regard to eye protection for aerosol-generating procedures in otolaryngology practice. In addition, some recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) is not compatible with commonly used ENT equipment. This study aims to investigate the degree of eye protection that commonly used PPE gives.Study DesignSimulation model.SettingSimulation laboratory.MethodsA custom-built setup was utilized to simulate the clinical scenario of a patient cough in proximity of a health care worker. A system that sprays a xanthan-fluorescein mixture was set up and calibrated to simulate a human cough. A mannequin with cellulose paper placed on its forehead, eyes, and mouth was fitted with various PPE combinations and exposed to the simulated cough. The degree of contamination on the cellulose papers was quantified with a fluorescent microscope able to detect aerosols ≥10 µm.ResultsWhen no eye protection was worn, 278 droplets/aerosols reached the eye area. The use of the surgical mask with an attached upward-facing shield alone resulted in only 2 droplets/aerosols reaching the eye area. In this experiment, safety glasses and goggles performed equally, as the addition of either brought the number of droplets/aerosols reaching the eye down to 0.ConclusionWhen used with an upward-facing face shield, there was no difference in the eye protection rendered by safety goggles or glasses in this study. Safety glasses may be considered a viable alternative to safety goggles in aerosol-generating procedures.

Update Alert 8: Epidemiology of and Risk Factors for Coronavirus Infection in Health Care Workers.

Update Alert 8: Epidemiology of and Risk Factors for Coronavirus Infection in Health Care Workers.

Availability and Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment by Nigerian Physiotherapists during COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Physiotherapists are exposed to contracting infectious diseases because of the level of contact they have with patients in the course of performing their statutory clinical duties.&#x0D; Objective: The major objective of the study is to determine the availability and utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) by Nigerian physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Methods: One hundred and eighty-one (181) Nigerian physiotherapists participated in an online survey using Google Form application that lasted between September 2020 and October 2020. The data collection instrument was a 22-item close-ended online questionnaire with three domains: demographics, availability of PPE, and utilization of PPE. The authors made use of different WhatsApp platforms hosting only physiotherapists as a means of reaching out to the respondents. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using STATA 13. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant (confidence level = 95).&#x0D; Results: The result of the study shows there were high availability and utilization of facemasks and hand gloves for the Nigerian physiotherapists during the period of COVID-19 pandemic in the different health facilities; it also shows there was low availability of apron and poor availability of protective eye shield/goggles and shoes during the same period. The finding also showed there was low utilization of apron, protective glasses and shoes by the Nigerian physiotherapists during the peak of COVID-pandemic.&#x0D; Conclusions: Most Nigerian physiotherapists had more face masks and hand gloves during COVID-19 pandemic than they had protective aprons, goggles and shoes. Also, there was high utilization of facemasks and the hand gloves more than an apron, eye shield and protective shoes because the more the PPE was available the more the utilization by the Nigerian Physiotherapists.