Use Of Protective Measures Research Articles

Effect of the protection measures established by the peruvian government to prevent the Coronavirus in the Barranca district during the second wave of infections [Efecto de las medidas de protección establecidas por el gobierno peruano para prevenir el Coronavirus en el distrito de Barranca durante la segunda ola de contagios

The objective of the investigation is to establish the effect of the protection measures established by the government to reduce the contagion by Covid -19 in the district of Barranca during the second wave of infections. Data were collected on compliance with protection measures such as distancing, use of masks, visors and disinfection with alcohol in public places such as streets, markets, banks and parks. For this, data collection instruments based on visual inspection were used to verify the appropriate use of protection measures, as well as a survey regarding the use of alcohol as a disinfectant; and the data obtained was processed through basic statistics and correlation with the data reported by the Ministry of Health of positive infections by Covid-19. It was determined that there is a growth relationship between compliance with protection measures and the number of positive infections, with correlation coefficients for distance of 0.7458, use of 0.6710 masks, 0.8784 visors and use of alcohol as a disinfectant of 0.7310. Regarding the analysis of variance, it is obtained that the use of visors influences the number of positive infections, which is why it is concluded that maintaining distance, in addition to the use of masks and disinfectant alcohol are effective measures to control the number of infections per coronavirus.

Understanding patterns of adherence to COVID-19 mitigation measures: a qualitative interview study.

BackgroundEvidence highlights the disproportionate impact of measures that have been introduced to reduce the spread of coronavirus on individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, and among those on a low income. An understanding of barriers to adherence in these populations is needed. In this qualitative study, we examined the patterns of adherence to mitigation measures and reasons underpinning these behaviors.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants from BAME and low-income White backgrounds. The topic guide was designed to explore how individuals are adhering to social distancing and self-isolation during the pandemic and to explore the reasons underpinning this behavior.ResultsWe identified three categories of adherence to lockdown measures: (i) caution-motivated super-adherence (ii) risk-adapted partial-adherence and (iii) necessity-driven partial-adherence. Decisions about adherence considered potential for exposure to the virus, ability to reduce risk through use of protective measures and perceived importance of/need for the behavior.ConclusionsThis research highlights a need for a more nuanced understanding of adherence to lockdown measures. Provision of practical and financial support could reduce the number of people who have to engage in necessity-driven partial-adherence. More evidence is required on population level risks of people adopting risk-adapted partial-adherence.

Knowledge of Zika Virus Transmission and Its Prevention among High-Risk Pregnant Women in Brazil.

Recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection highlight the urgent need to evaluate the efficacy of current public health measures to educate susceptible groups about how to prevent infection, modes of viral transmission, and consequences of infection. We performed a cross-sectional study in the city of Jundiaí, São-Paulo, from March 2016 to August 2017. In 315 high-risk pregnant women we evaluated the rate of ZIKV infection, knowledge of pathways of ZIKV transmission, and the use of protective measures. Data were analyzed and correlated with sociodemographic variables. The rate of ZIKV infection was 10.8%. ZIKV transmission by mosquitoes was the best-known means of virus acquisition, while transmission of ZIKV by sexual intercourse as well as mother–fetus transmission was known by less than half of the women. The use of insect repellent, reported by 53% of participants, was correlated with higher education and personal directives from health professionals. Condom use was reported by 19.5% of subjects. Improved strategies to increase awareness of ZIKV infection and its consequences, designed to appeal to specific, targeted populations, are clearly necessary to more accurately prevent the spread of this infection and diminish adverse consequences in the pregnant population.

English

BACKGROUND Occupational lung diseases are diseases affecting the respiratory system, including occupational asthma, black lung disease and many more. Workers exposed to marble dust stand an increased risk of suffering from asthma symptoms, chronic bronchitis, nasal inflammation and impairment of lung functions. The recognition of occupational causes can be made difficult by years of latency between exposure in the workplace and the occurrence of disease. Through this study, authors have established the importance of early identification of symptoms of occupational lung diseases and the importance of preventive measures that can be applied to reduce incidence of such diseases. METHODS This was a cross sectional community-based study conducted on 340 marble mining or cutting workers of Rajnagar [Morwar], Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, for a duration of three months. Workers were clinically examined and asked about environmental conditions and use of preventive measures through a questionnaire designed by the investigators and with the help of pamphlets and videos, educational interventions were provided. RESULTS Almost 90 % of the workers didn’t use protective measure like mask or shield. Among the 10 % workers who were using safety measures, 60 % were using face mask and 20 % were using apron at the work place. After the educational intervention given by investigators, around 63 % had started using various safety measures. CONCLUSIONS Early interventions after development of symptoms are important as they can decrease chances of further worsening of the condition. Health education, periodic health check-ups and use of protective measures are the essence in preventing occupational lung diseases. KEYWORDS Occupational Lung Disease, Cough, Marble Workers, Silicosis

Uso de radiaciones ionizantes en estudios de diagnóstico en una institución de salud de Ecuador

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of professionals working in the radiology area of a public hospital in the city of Portoviejo, province of Manabí, Ecuador, on the application of ionizing radiation in diagnostic studies and their involvement in the use of protective measures. Methods: A questionnaire with closed questions was applied on the protection measures adopted by practitioners and the radiation doses they apply to patients, among others, to all occupationally exposed workers of the radiology service of the mentioned hospital. Results: The professionals surveyed show a moderate knowledge about the application of ionizing radiation, regardless of their years of experience and profession. Due to the type of radiological application, professionals only use shielding as a protection measure, but not personal dosimeters during operation with X-ray equipment. Conclusions: Professionals have received similar and adequate training; however, radiation update courses are required, particularly concerning radiation protection.

Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Healthcare Providers Affected With Covid-19 at Civil Hospital; Medicity Campus; Ahmedabad; Gujarat

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally at a rapid pace, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Healthcare providers are especially vulnerable to infection with important implications. There might be adverse effects on their health, they could transmit the infection to vulnerable patients, family contacts and other staff if not quickly isolated and high rates of infection could cause problems due to health system manpower shortage.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted where a preformed semi-structured questionnaire was sent using Google forms. A total of 311 healthcare providers were sent the form out of which 161 responded. Analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2019 and Google Forms.
 Result: 75.16% healthcare providers always wore PPE, 11.18% wore it as per duty requirements and 13.66% used mask and sanitizer in non Covid duty areas. They were infected even with use of protective measures. 14.91% reported having co morbidities. Hypertension 8.7% followed by Diabetes 4.96% was the commonest. A significant association was present between sex and work profile of respondents with hospital admission.
 Conclusion: Our study data can be used for making appropriate management strategies. Training should be provided in infection prevention control practices. Duty schedule should be designed so as to evenly distribute duties.

Quality of life and its determinants among sewage workers: A cross-sectional study in Puducherry, South India.

There is a paucity of information on sewage worker's quality of life (QoL). Hence, we aimed to assess the QoL and its associated factors among sewage workers in Puducherry, coastal south India. A total of 210 sewage workers were included in the study. QoL was assessed using a validated Tamil version of WHO QoL-BREF. The association of QoL with age, educational status, residence area, self-reported chronic illness, use of protective measures, tobacco and alcohol use was assessed by univariate analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the independent factors associated with QoL. Overall mean (standard deviation) score of QoL was 56.9 (9); mean score of social relationship domain was comparatively lower than physical, psychological and environmental domains. Current tobacco and alcohol uses were 17% and 67%, respectively, while alcohol use during work (entering sump) was 5%. At least one morbidity was present among 94 (45%) subjects. About half (47%) used at least one protective measure while entering the drainage sump. Age group above 50 years, below primary level education, presence of chronic illness, smokers and alcohol users had significantly lower QoL score. Social relationships' domain of QoL was very low among sewage workers. The majority of them do not use any personal protective devices and almost half had chronic illnesses.

Factors affecting the use of protective measures of farmers to prevent falling during the walnut collection period in Tuyserkan County

Background and Objectives: Fall is one of the main reasons for serious injuries in workplaces. Protective measures are not frequently used by farmers and farm workers. In Iran, there are no adequate data in recognizing the various effective factors of falls from height in the agricultural sector. Thus, we used the PRECEDE model to recognize causes and factors which can affect the acceptance of the protective measures for the prevention of fall from the walnut tree. Materials and Methods: From July until November 2018, a cross-sectional research was conducted in Tuyserkan County in the west of Iran among 222 farm workers and farmers from 12 villages. A questionnaire was developed to measure demographic features, history of injuries, and constructs recommended in the PRECEDE model. Data were gathered by face-to-face interviews. Results: Predisposing factors (β =0.348, t = 5.116), enabling factors (β =0.131, t = 3.672), and reinforcing factors (β =0.164, t = 2.128) had a positive impact on protective measures, with an explained variance of 35.3%. In this study, the goodness-of-fit value was obtained as 0.455, indicating an excellent overall fit of the model to the data. Conclusions: The results of this research recognized the causes of protective measures among farmers and farm workers. Our findings suggest that the PRECEDE model could help as a guide for developing a more effective intervention for the prevention of fall from the walnut tree.

Cutaneous adverse effects due to personal protective measures during COVID-19 pandemic: a study of 101 patients.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 which spreads via droplets from an infected person. There has been an unprecedented rise in the use of personal protective equipment and practice of personal hygiene measures against COVID-19. The extended use of protective measures (PM) can lead to ill effects on the skin. Our aim was to investigate PM-induced dermatoses amongst healthcare workers and the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 2months. The study subjects were patients who presented to dermatology outpatient clinics or sought teleconsultation for skin problems related to the use of PMs against COVID-19. A detailed history was obtained and cutaneous examination was documented for all the patients in a pre-set proforma. Diagnoses of the adverse skin effects were formulated based upon history and clinical examination. A total of 101 cases with cutaneous adverse effects due to the use of PMs against COVID-19 were included in the study. The general population and healthcare workers were affected similarly, comprising of 54.5% and 45.5%, respectively. The mean age of the study participants was 36.71±15.72years. The most common culprit material was soap and water (56.4%). Contact dermatitis was found to be the most common adverse effect in the majority of our patients (72.3%). The most common symptom reported was pruritus (45.5%). The wearing of personal protective equipment for a longer duration was significantly associated with multiple symptoms (P=0.026). The enhanced use of different PMs against COVID-19 can result in a variety of adverse skin effects. In our study, the use of soap and water was the most common culprit PM, and contact dermatitis was the most common adverse effect noted.

Farmers Knowledge, Practices and Health Problems Associated with Pesticides Use in West Tripoli, Libya

Aims: This study focuses on farmers’ knowledge, practices and health problems associated with pesticide use in west Tripoli, Libya.
 Study Design: This study concentrated on the farmer being above 18 years, a permanent resident in the study area and the respondent’s willingness obliged to the study protocols and complete the study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study is a cross-sectional one among 300 farmers in the West Tripoli district of the Libya which concentrated on the adult population conducted in 2017.
 Methodology: The associations between pesticide-handling practices, knowledge and attitude and factors potentially influencing them were explored by means of t-test, ANOVA and descriptive statistics using the statistical software SPSS 20.0. The reliability of the construct was examined using Cronbach’s alpha which was not below 0.700 indicating excellent internal consistency.
 Results: Farmers re-spray the crops with surplus pesticide mixture. They throw away surplus pesticide mixture on uncultivated land wash and reuse emptied pesticide containers to store water. Knowledge associated with pesticide use and practices associated with it was also not statistically significant related to attitudes towards educational level. Awareness of pesticide use and handling and therefore showed that there was no statistically significant difference between a male and female farmers’ awareness of pesticide use and handling. There is no significant relationship between farmer’s monthly income and knowledge regarding pesticide use and there was linear relationship practices with respect to pesticides used and symptoms experienced after exposure to pesticides. Level of education affect farmer’s knowledge and practices associated with pesticide use and the ANOVA, F = 1.489 and p =.000 (> 0.05) suggests that the test was not statistically significant, on how gender affect the awareness of pesticide use and handling the result showed that there was no statistically significant difference (t (298) = -.460, p = .664 > 0.05) between male and female farmers’ awareness of pesticide use and handling. Therefore, male and female gender do not affect the awareness of pesticide use and handling.
 Conclusion: The results of farmers practices regarding the use of protective measures and hygiene practices with the potential for exposure to pesticides indicates that farmers use gloves, face mask, respirator and boots. Moreover, the farmers keep their working clothe at home and the spraying methods used are knapsack, hand- held can, and tractor and can be concluded that the danger of exposure increase when farmers disregard safety directives on the correct utilization of pesticides, PPE utilization and using sanitary practices.

Occupational Health Hazards Among Medical Waste Handlers in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria Northwest Nigeria

Background: Occupational injuries are important public health issues, especially among healthcare workers. The medical waste handler is at risk of hazards posed by medical waste as well as from the environment. The aim of the study was to determine occupational hazards that hospital waste handlers in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, were exposed to and to assess their knowledge and practice of safety measures. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 79 medical waste handlers in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured self-administered and interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software with significance set at P < .05. Results: More than half of the respondents (56.4%) were men, and most (70.3%) had <5 years work experience. Most of the respondents (60.8%) had had an injury in the previous 6 months. The most common injuries were falling on a slippery floor (48.1%), contact/irritant dermatitis (40.5%), and 34.2% from stress. Only 45.6% received treatment following injury at the work place. Most respondents (75.9%) were aware of safety devices, and more than half (51.9%) received their information from special safety training. More than half of the respondents (51.1%) had poor knowledge of use of safety devices, and 60% had special training in occupational safety. Most respondents (89.9%) used heavy-duty rubber hand gloves, but only 5.1% used aprons. Also, 82.3% of respondents used these devices regularly at work, and more than half of respondents (62%) had been immunized against hepatitis. Also, 65.8% practiced universal precautions. Occupational injury was higher among those aged 15–19 years (occupational injury rate, 75%) compared to those aged 34–39 years (occupational injury rate, 16%). A positive association was detected between gender and injury in the last 6 months; injury was more common among men (43%) than among women (15%). Conclusions: Among respondents, there was a high level of injury and poor knowledge of the use of protective devices. Regular use of protective measures was not commensurate with the reported level of awareness. Concerted efforts are needed to ensure the safety of the medical waste handlers in his work place.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Social value orientation, subjective effectiveness, perceived cost, and the use of protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

ABSTRACT We investigated the influence of perceived protective value for the public, perceived self-protective value, and perceived cost of the behavior on the adoption of protective behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a pilot study conducted when the lockdown was put in place in Germany, we investigated perceptions of the protective value and use of various protective behavioral measures against COVID-19. Although our sample (German general public, N = 419; age = 38.07, SD = 15.67; women = 71.1% [diverse = 0.5%]; students = 34.37%) consisted mostly of prosocially oriented individuals, we found that, above all, participants used protective measures that offered self-protection. In a second study conducted after the lock down in Germany had been lifted, which used a similar sample (German general public, N = 253; age = 42.53, SD = 16.03; women = 69.8% [diverse = 0.4%]; students = 24.10%), we observed the same results even after people had adapted to the threat. In addition, the second study showed a negative relationship between the perceived costs of a behavior and the frequency of its use. The two studies suggest that the use of protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic is based on a cost-benefit perception. We conclude that health communication should focus on the perceived self-protective value of certain behaviors but should simultaneously emphasize their relatively low cost.

Vector control for malaria elimination in Botswana: progress, gaps and opportunities

Botswana has in the recent past 10 years made tremendous progress in the control of malaria and this informed re-orientation from malaria control to malaria elimination by the year 2020. This progress is attributed to improved case management, and scale-up of key vector control interventions; indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). However, insecticide resistance, outdoor biting and resting, and predisposing human behaviour, such as staying outdoors or sleeping outdoors without the use of protective measures, pose a challenge to the realization of the full impact of LLINs and IRS. This, together with the paucity of entomological data, inadequate resources and weak community participation for vector control programme implementation delayed attainment of Botswana’s goal of malaria elimination. Also, the Botswana National Malaria Programme (NMP) experiences the lack of intersectoral collaborations and operational research for evidence-based decision making. This case study focuses on the vector control aspect of malaria elimination by identifying challenges and explores opportunities that could be taken advantage of to benefit the NMP to optimize and augment the current vector control interventions to achieve malaria elimination by the year 2030 as per the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 targets. The authors emphasize the need for timely and quality entomological surveillance, operational research and integrated vector management.

The sectoral dynamics of the protection of biotechnology in Brazil

The study analyzes the dynamics of the protection of biotechnology in Brazil through the patent documents. Data analysis was carried out through the use of protective measures aiming to understand the dynamics of development and protection involving biotechnological knowledge in the health, industrial, agricultural and environmental sectors outlined in the Biotechnology Development Policy. In the protection measures, a new method was based on claims data and their relationships. Different trajectories and associations for the protection of biotechnology were shown producing information can be used as a source of support for the patenting and management of intellectual property in the area.

Zur Prävention von chirurgischem Rauch im Operationssaal

On the prevention of surgical smoke in operating rooms: Experiences and perceptions of risk among surgeons and nursing assistants Background: Surgical smoke during laser surgery or electrosurgery poses a potential health hazard. Recommendations for appropriate protective measures are included in the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) 525 since 2014. To date there has been a lack of empirical data on the extent to which recommendations have been implemented in practice. Methods: Surgeons in hospitals and outpatient practices (n = 7,089) were invited by email to participate in an online survey in 2018. In addition, 219 nursing assistants were interviewed. The questionnaire dealt with knowledge of and attitudes towards the hazard potential of surgical smoke, and the availability and actual use of protective measures. Results: The survey response rate was 5 % (359 surgeons) and 65 % (142 nursing assistants). Half of all surgeons assumed that surgical smoke posed a high risk to health without protective measures. Operating room nurses were significantly more concerned (88 %). Only a few of them felt properly informed about the topic. 52 % of hospital respondents and 65 % in outpatient facilities reported on special suction systems to capture surgical smoke. One-fifth of respondents from hospitals reported that technical measures had improved since the introduction of the TRGS 525. 51 % of the surgeons in hospitals and 70% in outpatient facilities “mostly” or “always” paid attention to avoiding surgical smoke. Discussion: The low response rate among surgeons and the survey results both indicate a major lack of interest and knowledge. Among other measures, nationwide team interventions with advanced training are needed in order to raise awareness in the future. Keywords: surgical smoke – laser surgery/electrosurgery poses – health hazard – surgeons and nursing assistants

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on practice in European radiation oncology centers

ESTRO surveyed European radiation oncology department heads to evaluate the impact of COVID-19. Telemedicine was used in 78% of the departments, and 60% reported a decline in patient volume. Use of protective measures was implemented on a large scale, but shortages of personal protective equipment were present in more than half of the departments.

Lack of perception regarding risk of dengue and day-active mosquitoes in Finnish travellers

Background: An increasing number of international travellers are at risk for dengue infection. We analysed the characteristics of Finnish travellers with recently acquired dengue infections.Methods: Notified dengue infections from 2016 to 2019 were obtained from the Finnish National Infectious Disease Register. We developed a questionnaire and invited individuals diagnosed with dengue to provide information on countries and areas of infection, travel characteristics, risk perception and use of protective measures.Results: Almost all infections (94%, 127/135) were acquired in Asian countries, most in Thailand (78/135, 58%). The Maldives had the highest crude risk after adjusting for the number of travellers (55.6/100,000). Most trips were pre-booked holidays (93/111, 84%) and 62% (69/111) had a duration of 14–21 days with time spent mostly on the beach (78/111, 70%). The majority of travellers were not aware of the risk of dengue infection before travelling (67/111, 60%) and had not sought pre-travel advice (72/111, 65%). The majority applied some protective measures (71/111, 64%) but mainly after sunset (64/111, 58%).Conclusions: Most dengue infections in Finnish travellers were acquired at popular destinations in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. Our study showed that there was low awareness regarding the risk of contracting the infection. In addition, many travellers reported inadequate use of protective measures. This calls for further public health actions, such as raising awareness of day-active mosquitoes, of risk at popular travelling destinations and the correct way of applying anti-vectorial measures.

Severe Weather Forecasts and Public Perceptions: An Analysis of the 2011 Super Outbreak in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

AbstractThis paper uses the “Super Outbreak” of 2011 as a case study to examine the potential gaps between the dissemination of severe weather warnings and the public’s behavioral response to this information. This study focuses on a single tornado track that passed through Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The tornado caused massive damage and destruction and led to a total of 62 fatalities. The threat of severe storms was known days in advance, and forecasts were disseminated to the public. Questions were raised about the forecasts, warning lead times, and the perception of the warnings among residents. This paper examines the potential gaps that exist between the dissemination of tornadic warning information and citizen response. The analysis of data collected through a mixed-method approach suggests that, regardless of weather forecast accuracy, a significant chasm exists between the dissemination of warnings and the personalizing of risks, which results in limited use of protective measures in the face of severe weather threats.

Most Patients Are Willing to Undergo Elective Endoscopic Procedures During the Reopening Period of the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

Most Patients Are Willing to Undergo Elective Endoscopic Procedures During the Reopening Period of the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

Impact of Education on Knowledge and Practice of Kala Azar Preventive Measures among Seasonal and Migrant Agricultural Workers in Northwest Ethiopia.

Kala azar occurs among seasonal and migrant agricultural workers in northwest Ethiopia and accounts for almost 60% of the disease burden in the country. We conducted a quantitative study on the level of knowledge and practice of this vulnerable group in relation to kala azar transmission and acceptability of its vector control tools. A total of 403 workers were randomly selected from eight farms using a purposive sampling technique. Knowledge and practice scores were calculated based on 12 and 9 core questions, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with knowledge and practice. A large gap in knowledge of the disease and the vector was evident with 61.8%, 24.6%, and 13.6% of the workers having poor, moderate, and good levels of knowledge scores, respectively. Similarly, 95% of the seasonal workers reported poor level of use of protective measures against the bite of the sand fly vector. Good level of knowledge about kala azar and its sand fly vector was statistically associated with formal education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.17, 3.80; P < 0.05) and previous exposure to health education (AOR = 4.72; 95% CI = 1.99, 11.16; P < 0.001). Despite poor current knowledge and practice, a large proportion of the study participants showed interest in using vector control tools if made available, with 78% of the seasonal and migrant workers expressing some willingness to pay for different measures that can protect against sand fly bites. Therefore, we strongly recommend that comprehensive health education and vector control programs should be provided to these workers.