ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a case of ear infection which prevalence is still relatively high, especially in developing countries. Surgery is the definitive management for CSOM that aims to eradicate the infection and improve the hearing conduction system. The COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous pressure on the global health care system, including limitations on elective surgical procedure at most hospital at the beginning of the pandemic. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the volume of chronic suppurative otitis media surgeries. Methods: A retrospective study on 236 chronic suppurative otitis media patients. The number of surgeries collected from April to December 2019 and 2020 was compared. Statistical analysis used the t-independence and linear regression test with p < 0.05. Results: The otologic surgeries decreased by 83.7% between 2019 and 2020. There were 203 surgeries (2019) vs 33 (2020). The average number of surgeries per month in 2019 and 2020 was 23 ± 6 patients and 4 ± 2 patients, respectively (t = 2.365; p < 0.001). All cases that underwent surgery in 2020 were cases with complications. Special consent and preparation must be completed before surgery. Conclusion: The number of otitis media surgeries significantly decreases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Background: Measuring COVID-19 incidence among hospital staff and the influencing factors and preventative measures affecting outcomes is important given their high risk of exposure and potential impacts on health service provision. Method: Study participants included all hospital staff with COVID-19 confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from March 2020 to July 2021. Data were collected on age, gender, occupation, working area, symptoms and vaccination status. We also collected data on pediatric oncology patients and their caregivers to review the hospital screening policy. Results: Approximately 59% of positive cases among hospital staff occurred in the green zone; 75% were fully vaccinated. Whole-genome sequencing indicated that staff infections in June 2021 were Delta variant. A decrease in cases coincided with government implementation of social activity restriction. When RT-PCR was performed in suspected cases, 3 of 36 pediatric oncology patients and 10 staff tested positive. After routine screening, 8 of 121 patients, 3 patient caregivers, and 5 staff tested positive, all were asymptomatic, and all were infected in the community. Conclusions: Routine testing for staff, patients and caregivers, vaccination booster programs, continuing education of health care workers, and government policy, such as social activity restriction, are needed to protect frontline workers.