Work-related Infections Research Articles

NURSING CARE IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Infectious diseases are one of the serious disease groups that have been continuing from the past to the present, negatively affecting the life of the society and the individual, and at the same time posing a life risk with complications that may develop. Factors such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that cause infectious diseases can be transmitted from a sick individual to a healthy individual in a short time, have a mild or severe course, result in death, recovery, or develop life -long immunity. Health personnel, especially nurses, are faced with traumas, physical, chemical, and biological factors during their work, and in many countries, unsuitable working conditions cause work-related infections (HIV, hepatitis B virus, etc.) and occupational injuries. Unlike other workers, healthcare workers are at high risk for infectious disease agents such as needle sticking, blood-borne transmission, respiratory, droplet, and contact-borne agents, and their risk of catching diseases increases. As a result, nurse care applied during the follow-up and treatment of infectious diseases, although it is intertwined with infection control methods, has a very important place in the treatment of complications due to infections.

Population-Based Assessment of Contact Tracing Operations for Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Finland.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic overwhelmed local contact tracing (CT) efforts in many countries. In Finland, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 incidence and mortality were among the lowest in Europe during 2020–2021. We evaluated CT efficiency, effectiveness, and transmission settings.MethodsPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) test–positive COVID-19 cases and high-risk contacts in the population-based CT database of Pirkanmaa Hospital District (population 540 000) during June 2020–May 2021 were interviewed.ResultsAltogether 353 926 PCR tests yielded 4739 (1.3%) confirmed cases (average 14-day case notification rate, 34 per 100 000 population); about 99% of confirmed cases and high-risk contacts were reached by a CT team. Of 26 881 high-risk contacts who were placed in quarantine, 2275 subsequently tested positive (48% of new cases), 825 (17%) had been in quarantine ≥48 hours before symptoms, and 3469 (77%) of locally acquired cases were part of transmission chains with an identified setting. The highest secondary attack rates were seen in households (31%), healthcare patients (18%), and private functions (10%). Among the 311 hospitalized patients, COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure was known in 273 (88%) before emergency room admission (identified patients). Healthcare workers had the highest proportion of work-related infections (159 cases [35%]). The source of infection was classifiable in 65% and was most commonly a coworker (64 cases [62%]).ConclusionsOur data demonstrate the role of effective testing and CT implementation during the cluster phase of COVID-19 spread. Although half of newly diagnosed cases were already in quarantine, targeted public health measures were needed to control transmission. CT effectiveness during widespread community transmission should be assessed.

Knowledge, attitude and behavior towards vaccinations among nursing- and health care students in Hesse. An observational study.

Objective: Work-related vaccinations are recommended for employees in nursing and health care professions due to their elevated risk of infection because of job-related exposure. These vaccinations prevent work-related infections, protect patients and help to maintain the medical infrastructure. Thorough training and imparting of knowledge about vaccinations and work-related infections are essential pillars of the vaccination decision and thus for achieving a protective immune status. The present study examines the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of nursing- and health care students in Hesse regarding work-related infections and vaccinations.Methods: In spring 2018, seven nursing schools in Hesse took part in an anonymous survey study. A total of 690 surveys from students of various health care professions were included in the study. The content of the survey was based on the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), a literature review and sample questions from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding “vaccine hesitancy”. Vaccination cards were also evaluated based on the STIKO recommendations concerning standard vaccinations and occupational vaccinations for health care workers.Results: The risk of acquiring a work-related infection was estimated to be quite high over all years of training. Gaps in knowledge were particularly evident in the area of vaccinations. Only three quarter of those surveyed believed that the effectiveness of vaccinations has been proven, and nearly 30% believed that the doses of the drugs used in vaccines were dangerous. Over 80% of the students had never had an influenza vaccination documented in their vaccination card.Conclusions: The knowledge about vaccinations imparted in the course of the education should be expanded. A special course on the subject of vaccinations and the immune system with practical elements could contribute to a better understanding of how vaccinations work and misunderstandings could be eliminated in early stages of the training through the dialog between the students and the teacher in the classroom and the occupational physician as part of preventive occupational health check-ups.

Comparing Awareness about Occupational Exposure Management among Nursing, Midwifery, and Surgical Technology Students

Introduction: Occupational exposure with polluted sharp equipment usually occurs during procedures such as transfusion of blood and blood products, blood sampling, disposal of needles, and collection of polluted sharp materials. Considering the fact that students have less work experience and lower practical skills, they are more vulnerable to work-related infections. The present study was conducted to determine and compare the awareness of nursing, midwifery, and surgical technology students about occupational exposure management.Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 221 students of nursing, midwifery, and surgical technology selected using the stratified random sampling in 2016. Data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire including the students' demographic characteristics and awareness about occupational exposure management. Data were analyzed by SPSS18 using descriptive and analytical statistical tests.Results: Our findings showed that the mean scores of awareness about occupational exposure management were not significantly different among the nursing, midwifery, and surgical technology students (p value = 0.435). We observed that the students' age and educational level were significantly correlated with their scores of awareness about occupational exposure management (p value < 0.001).Conclusions: Results of the present study indicated poor awareness of the students about in-time management of occupational exposure. Measures such as educational workshops on preventive aspects in occupational exposure, observance of safety principles and comprehensive standards for accurate measurement of viral markers should be taken. Individual health profiles should be designed for each student to improve the occupational exposure management.

Work-related infections in dentistry: risk perception and preventive measures.

Evaluation of (1) the risk perception of work-related infections in dentistry, (2) the vaccination status, (3) knowledge of the blood-borne pathogens and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as well as (4) use of personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, goggles, mask) among the staff and students of the Center of Dentistry and Oral Medicine (ZZMK [Carolinum]) of the Goethe University Frankfurt/Main. All staff (dentists, dental assistants) and students of the ZZMK with direct contact to patients were asked to anonymously complete a questionnaire. The results of this survey were compared with respect to gender, age and occupational group. Of 178 employees working and 234 students studyingat the ZZMK with direct contact to patients, 108 (61%)and 167 (71%) participated (1 person did not reveal his/her status). Thirty-three per cent of the participants assessed the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases in dental practice as high. Whereas 94% of the participants were fully vaccinated against hepatitis B, only 21% knew their anti-HBs titer. Fifty per cent of students, 13% of dentists and 45% of the assistants did not know the standardised procedure of HIV-PEP. Ninety-four per cent of the study participants always wore protective gloves, 87% always wore a surgical mask and 67% always wore protective goggles. The fear of HIV is still the largest, followed by hepatitis C. The participants assessed the risk of transmission in spite of all protective measures from the patient to the dentist significantly higher than the transmission from the dentist to the patient. The use of protective measures, especially goggles, requires further optimizing. In general, the use of protective measures, especially goggles, requires further optimizing.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Occupational HIV Exposure and Protection among Health Care Workers in China: Census Survey in a Rural Area.

Health care workers (HCWs) seek, treat, and care for patients living with HIV/AIDS on a daily basis and thus face a significant risk to work-related infections. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding occupational HIV exposure and protection among HCWs in low HIV prevalence areas of rural China. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among all medical units in Pucheng County, Shaanxi, China. Response rate of this study was 94%. The average overall knowledge score of HCWs was 10.9 of 21.0. Deficiencies in general, transmission, exposure, and protection knowledge were identified among HCWs at all levels. A high rate of occupational exposure (85%) and lack of universal precautions practice behavior were recorded. Significant predictors of universal precautions practice behavior were female sex, prior training, and greater knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Health care workers at various levels have inadequate knowledge on HIV/AIDS and do not practice universal precautions. Nurses and medical technicians at the county level faced more occupation risk than other HCWs. The key of AIDS training for different levels of HCWs should be distinguished.

Investigation of Zoonotic Infections Among Auckland Zoo Staff: 1991–2010

Investigation was undertaken to assess the occurrence of zoonotic infection among staff at Auckland Zoological Park, New Zealand, in 1991, 2002 and 2010. Serial cross-sectional health surveys in 1991, 2002 and 2010 comprising a health questionnaire, and serological, immunological and microbiological analysis for a range of potential zoonotic infections were performed. Laboratory results for zoo animals were also reviewed for 2004-2010 to assess the occurrence of potential zoonotic infections. Veterinary clinic, animal handler, grounds, maintenance and administrative staff participated in the surveys, with 49, 42 and 46 participants in the 1991, 2002 and 2010 surveys, respectively (29% of total zoo staff in 2010). A small number of staff reported work-related infections, including erysipelas (1), giardiasis (1) and campylobacteriosis (1). The seroprevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus and Toxoplasma gondii closely reflected those in the Auckland community. No carriage of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was detected, and most of those with anti-HBV antibodies had been vaccinated. Few staff had serological evidence of past leptospiral infection. Three veterinary clinic staff had raised Chlamydophila psittaci antibodies, all < 1 : 160 indicating past exposure. Two staff (in 1991) had asymptomatic carriage of Giardia lamblia and one person (in 2010) had a dermatophyte infection. After 1991, positive tests indicating exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis were < 10%, comparable to the general New Zealand population. Zoo animals had infections with potential zoonotic agents, including G. lamblia, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and T. gondii, although the occurrence was low. Zoonotic agents pose an occupational risk to zoo workers. While there was evidence of some zoonotic transmission at Auckland Zoo, this was uncommon and risks appear to be adequately managed under current policies and procedures. Nevertheless, ongoing assessment of risk factors is needed as environmental, human and animal disease and management factors change. Policies and procedures should be reviewed periodically in conjunction with disease monitoring results for both animals and staff to minimise zoonotic transmission.

Microbiological pollution and ocular infection in CAD operators: an on-site investigation

A large number of workers are currently employed in tasks involving the use of computer based equipment. Much research has been carried out both on prevalence and incidence of ocular and visual disorders as well as on occupational asthenopia. Less attention has been given to investigating the possibility of a microbiological pollution of Video Display Unit (VDU) workstations and to the consequent possible development of work-related ocular infections. The authors investigated the presence of bacteria and fungi on Computer Assisted Design (CAD) workstations and in the conjunctival sac of the operators.

Laboratory technologists' attitudes towards AIDS and AIDS patients.

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of laboratory staff towards AIDS and AIDS patients and related factors. The population consisted of the working-age laboratory technologists living in Finland (n = 5,973). A sample of 249 laboratory technologists was selected from the register of the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health using systematic random selection. The material was collected with a questionnaire. The younger laboratory technologists had more knowledge about AIDS than the older ones, and those who had more knowledge about AIDS had a more positive attitude than those with less knowledge. The attitudes were connected with the way the disease was contracted: the most positive attitudes were expressed towards the patients who had contracted AIDS through blood transfusion and the most negative towards the patients who had contracted AIDS from non-sterile needles. The factor analysis yielded six factors representing attitudes. The fear factor explained most (19%) of the laboratory technologists' attitudes towards AIDS and AIDS patients. The older laboratory technologists were more afraid of work-related infections than the younger ones. The laboratory technologists with adequate knowledge of AIDS were less afraid of contracting the virus than those with little knowledge. They wanted information mainly on the care of AIDS patients, on how to respond to them and on the ways AIDS is transmitted.

The risk of infection in anaesthetic practice.

Infectious hazards to anaesthesia personnel are real but the appropriate use of immunization, universal blood and body fluid precautions, and respiratory precautions where appropriate, should minimize the risk of infection at work. In particular, the resistance of physicians to immunization, especially to hepatitis B, needs to be changed. Protection against other blood-borne pathogens for which immunization is not available, such as HIV, may also depend on the willingness of anaesthesia personnel to accept and carry out recommendations for universal blood and body fluid precautions. Regulatory agencies and compensation boards are likely to look closely at adherence to established guidelines when determining benefits for work-related infections. Complaints that the routine use of gloves interferes with anaesthetic practice are frequent but unacceptable in the current climate and it behooves the profession to ensure that compliance with currently accepted infection control guidelines is complete.