Use Of Precautionary Measures Research Articles

Long-term psychological impact of the pandemic COVID-19: Identification of high-risk groups and assessment of precautionary measures five months after the first wave of restrictions was lifted.

Critical facets of our lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak for almost three years. During this time, there has been a lot of clinical and research interest in issues related to mental health. However, few have examined the pandemic's long-term psychological effects. The aims of the present study were to assess the long-term psychological impact of the pandemic COVID -19, five months after the first wave restriction measures were lifted, to identify high-risk groups and to address the use of precautionary measures (PM). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, coping mechanisms, and compliance with precautionary measures (PM) were all gathered in Cyprus through an anonymous online survey. The poll was completed by 1128 people (73% of whom were female). For the purposes of the present study, descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were used. 32.3% of participants experienced moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms, where 16.4% and 23% reported moderate-to-severe depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms respectively. Lower levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as greater compliance to PM were linked to higher levels of resilience. Additionally, subgroups of participants, at a higher risk for negative psychological effects were identified, such as women and young adults. Our findings demonstrate the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and provide guidance on how to deal with similar situations. It also raises questions about the concurrent effects on people with the long COVID syndrome.

US Consumer Behavior during a Pandemic: Precautionary Measures and Compensatory Consumption

This study’s purposes were to examine how selected demographic variables affect frequency of use of precautionary measures when shopping for clothing in retail stores; and how uncertainty avoidance/ambiguity intolerance and fashion innovativeness affect (a) precautionary measures used when shopping in retail stores during a pandemic and (b) compensatory consumption. Participants (122 US men; 209 US women aged 20 to 64) completed an online questionnaire containing demographic items plus measures of uncertainty avoidance/ambiguity intolerance, compensatory consumption, precautionary measures, and fashion innovativeness. Data analysis included reliability, factor analysis, M/ANOVA and SNK. Older adults, adults with higher education, and married adults more frequently used precautionary measures when shopping in retail stores. Men and women reported similar frequency of use. Fashion innovators and consumers with less tolerance for uncertainty/ambiguity more frequently used precautionary measures. Fashion innovators and consumers higher in uncertainty avoidance/ambiguity intolerance engaged in more compensatory consumption. Generalization of the results is limited because the data are context-specific: country (US), time period (during a pandemic), and sample. Guidelines for the general public regarding precautionary measures came from within organizations, between organizations and experts but the general public was not consulted (public open innovation) perhaps hindering compliance with precautionary measures.

Self-Reported Experiences of Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors with COVID-19 Vaccination and Infection

BACKGROUND Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors are at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. There are scant data for HCT recipients regarding compliance and experiences with COVID-19 vaccination or uptake of other prevention strategies. COVID infection rate data by vaccination status are also lacking in this population. We surveyed a long-term HCT survivor population to characterize the use of COVID-19 vaccination, other precautionary measures, and COVID-19 outcomes. METHODS As part of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center's follow up of HCT recipients, we administer an annual survey regarding health status, HCT follow up, and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) status including immunosuppressive treatment. We analyzed surveys sent to adults between 7/1/21 and 5/31/22 that included additional questions about COVID-19 infection, prevention measures, and vaccinations. Comparisons by response and vaccination status were performed using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. RESULTS Of 4758 survivors who underwent HCT from 1971-2020 and consented to receive annual surveys, 1939 (42%) answered the survey and 1572 (33%) answered the COVID-19 questions. Among 1559 respondents who reported their vaccination status, 1456 (93%) received ≥1 dose of COVID vaccine, the majority of whom (1358/1456, 93%) received only mRNA vaccine. Of 1442 patients who received ≥1 dose of vaccine and who provided vaccination information, 1363 (95%) received 2 doses, 808 (56%) received 3 doses, and 115 (8%) received 4 doses. In univariate analysis, older age (p < 0.001), work status (p = 0.005), and current cancer (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with being vaccinated (Table 1). 1254/1344 (93%) non-Hispanic White patients, 107/108 (99%) non-Hispanic/non-White patients, and 31/37 (84%) of Hispanic/Latino patients reported receipt of ≥1 dose of vaccine. Presence of cGVHD, chronic medical conditions, autologous vs. allogeneic transplant, sex, and time since transplant were not associated with vaccination status. Severe adverse effects after vaccination were reported by 66 (4%) respondents (Figure 1). Among 108 vaccinated patients with cGVHD, 96 (89%) did not report any changes in their cGVHD symptoms after vaccination; 12 (11%) reported worsening symptoms. The most common reasons for declining vaccination in unvaccinated patients (n = 103) were the rapidity of vaccine development (70%), side effects (70%), and lack of testing in HCT recipients (53%) as the most common reasons for declining vaccination. Among survey respondents, 212/1564 (14%) reported having a COVID infection, with 55% (114/206) reporting moderate or severe symptoms and 10% (21/204) requiring hospitalization; 10% (20/204) reported "long-COVID." Of 142 vaccinated patients who developed a COVID infection and whose vaccination and infection dates were available, 56% (n = 79) received their first doses of COVID vaccine after COVID infection. Vaccinated patients (5% vs. 68%, p < 0.001) and their household members (10% vs. 45%, p < 0.001) were significantly less likely to have contracted COVID. Higher number of vaccination doses was significantly associated with reduced risk of COVID infection (p < 0.001) but not disease severity. Among the patients who had COVID, there were no significant differences in disease severity, duration, or hospitalization between those who were and were not vaccinated prior to COVID infection. Vaccinated patients took significantly more precautions against COVID than unvaccinated patients (n = 103) both during (7/1/21-2/28/22: median of 5 vs. 2, p < 0.001) and after (3/1/22-5/31/22: median of 4 vs. 1, p < 0.001) the CDC mask mandate was in effect. Vaccination of household contacts was more frequently reported by vaccinated than unvaccinated patients (82% vs. 45%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The majority of survey respondents received ≥1 dose of COVID vaccine, and most reported minimal to no adverse effects. The majority of patients with cGVHD did not experience any worsening symptoms. COVID infection was reported by 14% of respondents and was more common in unvaccinated recipient households than vaccinated households. Vaccinated patients reported greater use of precautionary measures, including household vaccination. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

BUS COMMUNICATION BEFORE AND DURING A PANDEMIC

This article presents and compares the use of city buses before and during a pandemic. Crisis management of public transport during a pandemic was also discussed. A survey was conducted to check the behavior of travelers at that time. The methods of managing public transport in several Polish cities were compared. Economic aspects such as ticket revenues are considered, and social aspects such as the traveller's approach to imposed restrictions or the use of precautionary measures.

Legal Protection of Tax Debtors in Respect of Cross-Border Use of Precautionary Measures to Guarantee Tax Recovery

The ECJ recently issued two decisions on cross-border administrative assistance for the recovery of taxes (Heavyinstall (Case C-420/19) and Silcompa (Case C-95/19)). This new line of case law not only answers certain questions regarding the interpretation of the EU Recovery Directive (2010/24), but also raises new questions concerning, in particular, the legal protection of the taxpayer in the face of cross-border requests for precautionary measures to guarantee the recovery of non-final tax claims.

Understanding Pakhtun Woman’s Vulnerability in Negotiation with their Husbands for HIV/AIDS Screening

Unequal treatment of females within families is a common phenomenon and is a core concern of feminist perspectives (Macionis, 2012; Haralambos & Holborn, 2013). In patriarchal societies women are not welcome to discuss and negotiate with men (Thompson, 1998), and this pattern prevails in private relationships as well (Saunders et al. 2017). Framed under qualitative research design, this study aims to understand Pakhtun women’s vulnerability in negotiation with their husbands for HIV/AIDS screening in Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Purposive sampling technique has been utilized to select samples from the population of interest whereby a total of 8 samples were selected in reaching the saturation point. For collection of the information, an interview guide was designed with relevance to the research questions of the current study. The collected information has been analyzed thematically. Findings show that women exercise limited sexual authority and men are in control when it comes to personal relationships. There is very much less space for women to discuss and negotiate with men regarding use of precautionary measures. Men consider discussion and negotiation as a competing behavior from women. Thereby women are apprehended of problems in marital relationships and angry reply from husbands in discussing and negotiating with men regarding private family relationships and use of precautionary measures. Men being vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in the study area due to high rate of emigration and inability of women to discuss and negotiate regarding screening tests and use of precautionary measures are increasing the spread of HIV/AIDS among families.

Oncology patients' perceptions of and experiences with COVID-19.

PurposeNo information is available on cancer patients’ knowledge of and experiences with COVID-19. We undertook an evaluation of differences in COVID-19 symptom occurrence rates, COVID-19 testing rates, clinical care activities, knowledge of COVID-19, and use of mitigation procedures between patients who were and were not receiving active cancer treatment.MethodsPatients enrolled were > 18 years of age; had a diagnosis of cancer; and were able to complete the emailed study survey online.ResultsOf the 174 patients who participated, 27.6% (n = 48) were receiving active treatment, 13.6% were unemployed because of COVID-19, 12.2% had been tested for COVID-19, and 0.6% had been hospitalized for COVID-19. Patients who were not on active treatment reported a higher mean number of COVID-19 symptoms (3.1 (± 4.2) versus 1.9 (± 2.6)), and patients who reported a higher number of COVID-19 symptoms were more likely to be tested. Over 55% of the patients were confident that their primary care provider could diagnose COVID-19, and the majority of the patients had high levels of adherence with the use of precautionary measures (e.g., social distancing, use of face coverings).ConclusionThe high level of COVID-19 symptoms and the significant overlap of COVID-19 and cancer-related symptoms pose challenges for clinicians who are assessing and triaging oncology patients for COVID-19 testing. For patients on active treatment, clinicians face challenges with how to assess and manage symptoms that, prior to COVID-19, would be ascribed to acute toxicities associated with cancer treatments or persistent symptoms in cancer survivors.

Transboundary and infectious diseases of small ruminants: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists in northern Iran

Abstract In Iran, despite attempts by the Iranian Vet Organization (the national veterinary organization) to increase both the vaccination of flocks and the use of precautionary measures to avoid disease outbreaks, outbreaks of transboundary and infectious diseases continue. A lack of farmer knowledge combined with limited appreciation of the importance of disease control and poor practice are likely to be important risk factors for disease spread. Therefore, it is essential to understand farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards infectious diseases in order to limit the impact and spread of such diseases. A questionnaire to provide information on sheep and goat farmers’ understanding and KAP towards infectious diseases was designed with assistance from international experts. Calibration sessions and a pilot study were held so that interviewers would ask the questions and record the answers in a consistent manner. One hundred and thirteen farmers from Alborz and Qazvin provinces, located in the North of Iran, were interviewed and their understanding of and KAP towards infectious disease were analysed along with the factors affecting KAP. Farmers’ knowledge was significantly associated with level of literacy and experience, while factors such as total number of animals each farmer owned, their system of farming, union membership, reported annual mortality, experience and literacy were all associated with their understanding of different diseases. These results will be used to target training of farmers to improve their understanding of infectious disease, with the aim of reducing their impact.

Effect of a precautionary management measure on the vulnerability and ecological risk of elasmobranchs captured as target fisheries

The impact of fisheries on elasmobranch populations has been widely documented; however, baseline information on shark and batoid management remains limited, particularly in tropical areas and in developing countries. The use of precautionary measures and data-poor methods have been recommended as valuable tools to guide the management and conservation of marine taxa when information is scarce and the effect of fisheries on populations is evident. A Productivity Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) and intrinsic rebound potential (r) estimates were used to evaluate the vulnerability and resilience of elasmobranchs before and after a precautionary measure (closure of the fishery) was implemented in the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, Colombia (Seaflower Biosphere Reserve). We identified locally large information gaps, specifically on the demographic and life history parameters of the 15 elasmobranch species (13 sharks and 2 rays) evaluated for the Archipelago. Including fishing effects, nine large commercial shark species were identified as the most vulnerable and with the lowest intrinsic rebound potential, while the least vulnerable species was the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), which presented the third highest value of r2M. Once the fishery was closed, the vulnerability of large sharks decreased greatly. Our findings highlight the importance of: involving communities to achieve effective management processes; implementing precautionary measures for high impact and targeted fisheries; and using valuable data-poor tools for the study of populations as an alternative for evaluating and suggesting management measures. Finally, based in PSA and intrinsic rebound potential results, it is suggested to maintain the fishing ban in consensus with the fishermen, and to evaluate economic alternatives already being generated in the area such as recreational diving and ecological tourism, among others.

The use of precautionary measures in Poland as a form of protection of society against certain perpetrators. The role of a probation officer in their enforcement

In 2015, a major reform carried out in the scope of adjudication and execution of precautionary measures took place in Poland. As a result, not only the catalog of possible measures was expanded, but also the circle of persons against whom such measures can be ruled. However, the reasons for their application have not changed - preventing the perpetrator from a repetition of the same infringement. The effectiveness of precautionary measures used is primarily determined by the manner of enforcement. Due to the above, most attention in the article was devoted to their use, focusing primarily to the role of the probation officer in this regard. He enforces precautionary measures in the form of electronic control of the place of stay as well as orders and prohibitions referred to in art. 39 points 2-3 of the Penal Code. Moreover, he may also apply supervision, which is adjudicated against certain perpetrators due to the use of a precautionary measure in the form of therapy and addiction therapy. The article ends with conclusions and de lege ferenda postulates.

Role and Frequency of Asthma Risk Factors in Triggering the Asthmatic Attack: A Cross-Sectional Study from Pakistan

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> There is a growing interest in the attempts, made to understand what the asthma risk factors are and their frequency in triggering asthma attacks. <strong>Methods:</strong> Retrospective study was conducted. Community and hospital based cross-sectional study was performed between February 2015 and June 2015 in Bahawalpur region. 341 patients were approached using systemic sampling technique while only 209 patients were willing to participate in the study. Survey questionnaire consisted of three parts including, demographic information, triggering risk factors, and use of precautionary measures. Summarization of data was accomplished by descriptive statistics. Complete analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. <strong>Results:</strong> Out of 209, 109 (52.1%) were males and 100 (47.9%) were females with the overall average mean age &plusmn; SD of 22.29 &plusmn; 13.49 years. Dust factor being the leading cause that triggers the asthmatic attack in 93.3% (195) patients followed by pollution 80.3% (168), seasonal factors 64.6% (135), smoking 49.7% (104), cold air 34% (71), occupational chemicals 18.6% (39), pet animals 16.3% (34), stress 9.5% (20), cockroaches 8.1% (17) and the least affecting factor was medicine use affecting 2.9% (6). Furthermore only 46 (22%) patients used precautionary measures and confirmed its effectiveness in preventing the asthmatic attack when they were exposed to the risk factors. Out of 192 who were prescribed with the inhaler only 59.3% patient can use inhaler effectively and 88.5% keep it with them while traveling to prevent the worsening of asthmatic attack. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Asthma is not a lethal disease but can prove fatal by slackness. Evasion of risk factor is the prime act in asthma care. The use of the precautionary measures was proved to be of immense significance in preventing asthma. The use of inhalers was also prescribed but many patients were unable to use them appropriately leading to their therapeutic failure. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words:</strong> Asthma, Risk factor, Triggering factors, Pakistan.

Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Coronavirus Pandemic Among Public in Saudi Arabia.

New cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) were reported in Gulf countries in 2014, and to date, it has reportedly infected 837 people and killed 291 globally. Awareness of an individual's knowledge and being able to predict his or her behavior is crucial when evaluating clinical preparedness for pandemics with a highly pathogenic virus. The aim of this study was to identify awareness, attitudes, and practices related to MERS-CoV among the public in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study of 1147 adult subjects recruited from various shopping malls in Riyadh was conducted. All the subjects were interviewed using a questionnaire that tested their knowledge, attitudes, and use of precautionary measures in relation to the MERS-CoV pandemic. The majority of the participants showed high levels of concern and had utilized precautionary measures. After adjusting for other variables, gender was the only significant predictor of the level of concern (P < .001), while knowledge was the significant predictor of both the level of concern and precaution (P < .001). High concern translated into a higher compliance with precautionary recommendations. Frequent communication between health care providers and the public is recommended to help dispel myths about the disease and to empower the public with the information needed to help the Saudi government in containing the disease outbreak.

Awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the swine influenza pandemic among the Saudi public

BackgroundDuring an infectious disease outbreak, it is critical to learn as much as possible about the concerns, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of the public. Such information can be crucial to the improvement of communication efforts by public health officials and clinicians. The aim of this study was to identify awareness, attitudes, and practices related to influenza A (H1N1) among the Saudi public.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 1,548 adult subjects recruited from various shopping malls in Riyadh and Jeddah was conducted. All of the subjects were interviewed using a questionnaire that tested their knowledge, attitudes, and use of precautionary measures in relation to the H1N1 influenza pandemic.ResultsMore than half (54.3%, 840/1548) of the participants showed high concern, 43.7%(677/1548) showed a low level of knowledge, and 60.8%(941/1548) had taken minimal or no precautionary measures. After adjusting for other variables, education level was the only significant predictor of the level of concern (p < 0.001), while greater precautionary measures were taken by participants who were male (p < 0.001), older (p = 0.047), better educated (p = 0.04), and more knowledgeable (p < 0.001). More than one-third (38.3%) of participants were not convinced that the MOH reports about the disease were true, and only 16.1% of the participants reported receiving information from health providers.ConclusionsHigh concern did not translate into a higher compliance with precautionary recommendations, possibly due to the low level of knowledge about the disease among the public. Frequent communication between physicians and the public is recommended to help dispel myths about the disease and to spread better information about the role that the public can play in limiting the spread of the disease.

Diagnostic value of clinical features at presentation to identify serious infection in children in developed countries: a systematic review

Our aim was to identify which clinical features have value in confirming or excluding the possibility of serious infection in children presenting to ambulatory care settings in developed countries. In this systematic review, we searched electronic databases (Medline, Embase, DARE, CINAHL), reference lists of relevant studies, and contacted experts to identify articles assessing clinical features of serious infection in children. 1939 potentially relevant studies were identified. Studies were selected on the basis of six criteria: design (studies of diagnostic accuracy or prediction rules), participants (otherwise healthy children aged 1 month to 18 years), setting (ambulatory care), outcome (serious infection), features assessed (assessable in ambulatory care setting), and sufficient data reported. Quality assessment was based on the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies criteria. We calculated likelihood ratios for the presence (positive likelihood ratio) or absence (negative likelihood ratio) of each clinical feature and pre-test and post-test probabilities of the outcome. Clinical features with a positive likelihood ratio of more than 5.0 were deemed red flags (ie, warning signs for serious infection); features with a negative likelihood ratio of less than 0.2 were deemed rule-out signs. 30 studies were included in the analysis. Cyanosis (positive likelihood ratio range 2.66-52.20), rapid breathing (1.26-9.78), poor peripheral perfusion (2.39-38.80), and petechial rash (6.18-83.70) were identified as red flags in several studies. Parental concern (positive likelihood ratio 14.40, 95% CI 9.30-22.10) and clinician instinct (positive likelihood ratio 23.50, 95 % CI 16.80-32.70) were identified as strong red flags in one primary care study. Temperature of 40 degrees C or more has value as a red flag in settings with a low prevalence of serious infection. No single clinical feature has rule-out value but some combinations can be used to exclude the possibility of serious infection-for example, pneumonia is very unlikely (negative likelihood ratio 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.46) if the child is not short of breath and there is no parental concern. The Yale Observation Scale had little value in confirming (positive likelihood ratio range 1.10-6.70) or excluding (negative likelihood ratio range 0.16-0.97) the possibility of serious infection. The red flags for serious infection that we identified should be used routinely, but serious illness will still be missed without effective use of precautionary measures. We now need to identify the level of risk at which clinical action should be taken. Health Technology Assessment and National Institute for Health Research National School for Primary Care Research.

Epidemiologic Data and Standards: Response to Kundi

While we welcome a scientific discourse on developing policy for electromagnetic fields (EMF) and on setting guideline limits, the letter by Kundi has a number of inaccuracies. The author appears not to understand the basis for the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP, 1998), EMF guidelines, or the use of precautionary measures suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Two of our authors (MR and LK) were instrumental in the development of the draft WHO framework and our views are “not at odds,” but rather consistent, with it. First, the ICNIRP low-frequency EMF guideline limits are based on established adverse health consequences, namely, acute short-term effects on excitable tissues (nerve and muscle cells). The scientific evidence on the association between childhood leukemia and ELF magnetic fields is noted by ICNIRP, but is considered insufficient for guideline formulation. Second, the author’s assertion on relationships between EMF and “cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, childhood and adult brain cancer, male and female breast cancer, and adverse pregnancy outcomes” is not supported by current scientific knowledge. A recent comprehensive health risk assessment by the WHO ELF Task Group (for publication as an Environmental Health Criteria monograph) forms the basis for our understanding of the scientific literature. It found, for example, that the evidence “does not support an association between ELF exposure and cardiovascular disease” (WHO, in press). The evidence

Fear of Crime and Individual Crime Protective Actions in Israel

The inability of the police and the criminal justice system to contain crime at low levels has led people to use personal protective measures to reduce victimization risks. Recent studies on fear of crime indicate that fear for others' safety is more prevalent than fear for oneself. Using a representative sample drawn from the third largest city in Israel, this study investigates the hypothesis that fear for others more than fear for one's own safety may elicit the use of precautionary measures. The findings support the hypothesis only for personal protective behaviour. The implications of the findings are discussed.