scholarly journals Health Literacy, eHealth Literacy, Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control Procedures, Lifestyle Changes, and Suspected COVID-19 Symptoms Among Health Care Workers During Lockdown: Online Survey

10.2196/22894 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. e22894
Author(s):  
Binh N Do ◽  
Tien V Tran ◽  
Dung T Phan ◽  
Hoang C Nguyen ◽  
Thao T P Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Lower Likelihood ◽  
And Control

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a heavy burden on health care systems and governments. Health literacy (HL) and eHealth literacy (as measured by the eHealth Literacy Scale [eHEALS]) are recognized as strategic public health elements but they have been underestimated during the pandemic. HL, eHEALS score, practices, lifestyles, and the health status of health care workers (HCWs) play crucial roles in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the eHEALS and examine associations of HL and eHEALS scores with adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures, lifestyle changes, and suspected COVID-19 symptoms among HCWs during lockdown. Methods We conducted an online survey of 5209 HCWs from 15 hospitals and health centers across Vietnam from April 6 to April 19, 2020. Participants answered questions related to sociodemographics, HL, eHEALS, adherence to IPC procedures, behavior changes in eating, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, and suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and bivariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to validate the eHEALS and examine associations. Results The eHEALS had a satisfactory construct validity with 8 items highly loaded on one component, with factor loadings ranked from 0.78 to 0.92 explaining 76.34% of variance; satisfactory criterion validity as correlated with HL (ρ=0.42); satisfactory convergent validity with high item-scale correlations (ρ=0.80-0.84); and high internal consistency (Cronbach α=.95). HL and eHEALS scores were significantly higher in men (unstandardized coefficient [B]=1.01, 95% CI 0.57-1.45, P<.001; B=0.72, 95% CI 0.43-1.00, P<.001), those with a better ability to pay for medication (B=1.65, 95% CI 1.25-2.05, P<.001; B=0.60, 95% CI 0.34-0.86, P<.001), doctors (B=1.29, 95% CI 0.73-1.84, P<.001; B 0.56, 95% CI 0.20-0.93, P=.003), and those with epidemic containment experience (B=1.96, 95% CI 1.56-2.37, P<.001; B=0.64, 95% CI 0.38-0.91, P<.001), as compared to their counterparts, respectively. HCWs with higher HL or eHEALS scores had better adherence to IPC procedures (B=0.13, 95% CI 0.10-0.15, P<.001; B=0.22, 95% CI 0.19-0.26, P<.001), had a higher likelihood of healthy eating (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P=.001; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07, P=.002), were more physically active (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.03, P<.001; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03-1.05, P<.001), and had a lower likelihood of suspected COVID-19 symptoms (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.98, P<.001; OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.98, P<.001), respectively. Conclusions The eHEALS is a valid and reliable survey tool. Gender, ability to pay for medication, profession, and epidemic containment experience were independent predictors of HL and eHEALS scores. HCWs with higher HL or eHEALS scores had better adherence to IPC procedures, healthier lifestyles, and a lower likelihood of suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Efforts to improve HCWs’ HL and eHEALS scores can help to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize its consequences.

scholarly journals Health Literacy, eHealth Literacy, Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control Procedures, Lifestyle Changes, and Suspected COVID-19 Symptoms Among Health Care Workers During Lockdown: Online Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binh N Do ◽  
Tien V Tran ◽  
Dung T Phan ◽  
Hoang C Nguyen ◽  
Thao T P Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Lower Likelihood ◽  
And Control

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a heavy burden on health care systems and governments. Health literacy (HL) and eHealth literacy (as measured by the eHealth Literacy Scale [eHEALS]) are recognized as strategic public health elements but they have been underestimated during the pandemic. HL, eHEALS score, practices, lifestyles, and the health status of health care workers (HCWs) play crucial roles in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the eHEALS and examine associations of HL and eHEALS scores with adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures, lifestyle changes, and suspected COVID-19 symptoms among HCWs during lockdown. METHODS We conducted an online survey of 5209 HCWs from 15 hospitals and health centers across Vietnam from April 6 to April 19, 2020. Participants answered questions related to sociodemographics, HL, eHEALS, adherence to IPC procedures, behavior changes in eating, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, and suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and bivariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to validate the eHEALS and examine associations. RESULTS The eHEALS had a satisfactory construct validity with 8 items highly loaded on one component, with factor loadings ranked from 0.78 to 0.92 explaining 76.34% of variance; satisfactory criterion validity as correlated with HL (ρ=0.42); satisfactory convergent validity with high item-scale correlations (ρ=0.80-0.84); and high internal consistency (Cronbach α=.95). HL and eHEALS scores were significantly higher in men (unstandardized coefficient [B]=1.01, 95% CI 0.57-1.45, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; B=0.72, 95% CI 0.43-1.00, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), those with a better ability to pay for medication (B=1.65, 95% CI 1.25-2.05, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; B=0.60, 95% CI 0.34-0.86, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), doctors (B=1.29, 95% CI 0.73-1.84, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; B 0.56, 95% CI 0.20-0.93, <i>P</i>=.003), and those with epidemic containment experience (B=1.96, 95% CI 1.56-2.37, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; B=0.64, 95% CI 0.38-0.91, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), as compared to their counterparts, respectively. HCWs with higher HL or eHEALS scores had better adherence to IPC procedures (B=0.13, 95% CI 0.10-0.15, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; B=0.22, 95% CI 0.19-0.26, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), had a higher likelihood of healthy eating (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, <i>P</i>=.001; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07, <i>P</i>=.002), were more physically active (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.03, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03-1.05, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and had a lower likelihood of suspected COVID-19 symptoms (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.98, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.98, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The eHEALS is a valid and reliable survey tool. Gender, ability to pay for medication, profession, and epidemic containment experience were independent predictors of HL and eHEALS scores. HCWs with higher HL or eHEALS scores had better adherence to IPC procedures, healthier lifestyles, and a lower likelihood of suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Efforts to improve HCWs’ HL and eHEALS scores can help to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize its consequences.

scholarly journals The experience of European hospital-based health care workers on following infection prevention and control procedures for COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise van Hout ◽  
Paul Hutchinson ◽  
Marta Wanat ◽  
Caitlin Pilbeam ◽  
Herman Goossens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackgroundWorking under pandemic conditions exposes health care workers (HCWs) to infection risk and psychological strain. Protecting the physical and psychological health of HCWs is a key priority. This study assessed the perceptions of European hospital HCWs of local infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on their emotional wellbeing.MethodsWe performed two rounds of an international cross-sectional survey, between 31 March and 17 April 2020 via existing research networks (round 1), and between 14 May and 31 August 2020 via online convenience sampling (round 2). Main outcome measures were (1) behavioural determinants of HCW adherence with IPC procedures, (2) WHO-5 Well-Being Index, a validated scale of 0-100 reflecting emotional wellbeing. The WHO-5 was interpreted as a score below or above 50 points, a cut-off score used in previous literature to screen for depression.Results2,289 HCWs (round 1: n=190, round 2: n=2,099) from 40 countries in Europe participated. Mean age of respondents was 42 (±11) years, 66% were female, 47% and 39% were medical doctors and nurses, respectively. 74% (n=1699) of HCWs were directly treating patients with COVID-19, of which 32% (n=527) reported they were fearful of caring for these patients. HCWs reported high levels of concern about COVID-19 infection risk to themselves (71%) and their family (82%) as a result of their job. 40% of HCWs considered that getting infected with COVID-19 was not within their control. This was more common among junior than senior HCWs (46% versus 38%, P value <.01). Sufficient COVID-19-specific IPC training, confidence in PPE use and institutional trust were positively associated with the feeling that becoming infected with COVID-19 was within their control. Female HCWs were more likely than males to report a WHO-5 score below 50 points (aOR 1.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-1.8).ConclusionsIn Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a differential impact on those providing direct COVID-19 patient care, junior staff and women. Health facilities must be aware of these differential impacts, build trust and provide tailored support for this vital workforce during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Infection prevention and control, pillar for safety of healthcare worker: COVID-19 experience, Patan Hospital, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-96
Author(s):  
Piyush Rajbhandari ◽  
Deveshree Dongol
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Response Plan ◽  
And Control

Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs play an integral part in the safety of patients, visitors, health care workers and environment as these programs provide guidelines and standard for recognition, prevention and control of infection. With COVID-19 pandemic, Patan Hospital, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal, is amongst the few hospitals in Nepal to have undertaken the responsibility of managing COVID patients. The COVID response plan has been activated and is currently the best prepared institution to manage this pandemic.

Disconnects in design and infection prevention and control – how the design of products and the environment in neonatal intensive care may be undermining infection prevention practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantal Trudel ◽  
Sue Cobb ◽  
Kathryn Momtahan ◽  
Janet Brintnell ◽  
Ann Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Transmission ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
And Control

This study examined the role design plays in infection prevention and control within an existing neonatal intensive care unit. Methods from human-centred design such as planning, stakeholder meetings and naturalistic observation were used to obtain infection prevention information related to the existing unit design, interactions with products and the environment, and perspectives of front-line staff on design. Thematic analysis was used to categorize and structure the issues that were identified. The analysis revealed that the design of products and the environment may be undermining best practice in infection prevention. Health care workers experience a variety of difficulties in maintaining the recommended barriers to infection transmission, difficulties which stem from deficiencies in products and the environment. Various aspects of the neonatal care design lack the feedback or supports needed to help health care workers differentiate or work between infection transmission zones making the design challenging to use or maintain in a manner that supports best practice in infection prevention. Identifying issues in the design of products and the environment related to infection prevention practice led to the development of a ‘Design Exploration Guide’. The guide outlines issues and strategies for remediation based on feasibility within the project constraints.

Disconnects in design and infection prevention and control – how the design of products and the environment in neonatal intensive care may be undermining infection prevention practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 691-696
Author(s):  
Chantal Trudel ◽  
Sue Cobb ◽  
Kathryn Momtahan ◽  
Janet Brintnell ◽  
Ann Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Transmission ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
And Control

This study examined the role design plays in infection prevention and control within an existing neonatal intensive care unit. Methods from human-centred design such as planning, stakeholder meetings and naturalistic observation were used to obtain infection prevention information related to the existing unit design, interactions with products and the environment, and perspectives of front-line staff on design. Thematic analysis was used to categorize and structure the issues that were identified. The analysis revealed that the design of products and the environment may be undermining best practice in infection prevention. Health care workers experience a variety of difficulties in maintaining the recommended barriers to infection transmission, difficulties which stem from deficiencies in products and the environment. Various aspects of the neonatal care design lack the feedback or supports needed to help health care workers differentiate or work between infection transmission zones making the design challenging to use or maintain in a manner that supports best practice in infection prevention. Identifying issues in the design of products and the environment related to infection prevention practice led to the development of a ‘Design Exploration Guide’. The guide outlines issues and strategies for remediation based on feasibility within the project constraints.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Practice of Standard Precautions for Infection Prevention and Control among Health Care Workers in Public Primary and Secondary Health Facilities in Edo State: A Reflection of the Neglect of First and Second Levels of Care in Infection Preve

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-443
Author(s):  
EF Osagiede ◽  
SO Utomi ◽  
OC Egbuta ◽  
ET Osagiede ◽  
IA Airefetalor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
P Value ◽  
Levels Of Care ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Edo State ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
And Control

Standard precautions (SP) refer to the minimum infection prevention practice applied whenever providing patient care, irrespective of the diagnosis. SP is applied to all patients all the time to prevent unprotected contact with body fluids so that bloodborne infections and the risks of infection transmission are unlikely. It involves various components that when consistently practised, prevents the spread of infection to health care workers, patients, and visitors. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of standard precaution among health care workers in public primary and secondary facilities in Edo State. A Cross-Sectional study design was used to study 217 HCWs in both public primary and secondary health facilities. Respondents were selected using the cluster sampling technique. The study was carried out between April and October 2019. Most of the HCWs (94.5%) were aware of SP with their source of awareness, mainly from their colleagues. Their knowledge of SP was generally poor. Only 23 (10.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge, others either had fair 153(70.50%) or poor 41(18.90%) knowledge of SP with a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of SP and the HCWs level of completed education (p-value 0.019) as well as with the professional group they belong to (p-value 0.002). The practice of SP was generally abysmal, with only 3(1%) having good practice. The knowledge and practice of standard precaution among health workers at both the primary and secondary levels of care in Edo State were abysmally poor. There is an urgent need to organise sustained infection prevention and control (IPC) training as well as implement strategies to improve IPC competence among the HCWs in the primary and secondary facilities in Edo State.

scholarly journals Incidence, management and outcome of MERS CoV outbreak in a hospital, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Rapid Response Team ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

Background: In August 2014, there was a striking rise in positive cases of MERS-CoV was reported at a Hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (KSA) after unprotected exposure to a MERS-CoV patient. This study aims to report the outbreak of MERS-CoV in the hospital and the response implemented. Methods: Rapid response team was activated and mobilized to the hospital. Epidemic investigation was conducted. Epidemiological data of patients and health care workers in relation to unprotected exposure was collected. Based on risk stratification, expanded surveillance among health care workers was conducted. A plan was initiated and implemented by the rapid response team in collaboration with the hospital’s stakeholders and designated staff. The plan consisted of many aspects, including case finding and management, strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures, health care education, and their implementation. This was continued for 14 days after the last laboratory confirmed results. Results: During the surveillance period, 8 HCWs (2 physicians, 6 nurses), and two patients in addition to the index case were positive to MERS CoV. One physician, a nurse and 2 patients had no direct contact with the index case. No additional cases were identified after gap identification and strict implementation of infection prevention and control measures at the hospital. Conclusions: This outbreak of MERS-CoV was contained after implementing appropriate infection prevention and control measures. Early case identification and risk stratification might have played a major role in containing the cluster. This study highlights the importance of health care workers awareness, especially those on the front lines, and their response to case definition of MERS-CoV in KSA.

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