ABSTRACT
The first case of pneumonia of unknown origin was identified in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province situated in the Republic of China. The pathogenic organism that has been identified as a causative organism is a novel enveloped RNA betacoronavirus which has been designated as' severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus- 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus has been found to have a similar phylogeny to SARS-CoV. The novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 can be symptomized through clinical manifestations like- Pyrexia or fever, Cough, Dyspnea/difficulty in breathing, Myalgia/muscle pain, and constant fatigue. In the later stages, these symptoms worsen leading to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. These days, this pandemic is emerging as a major threat for dental health-care professionals. The dental surgeons are at greater risk of novel coronavirus infections due to direct contact with infected patients and exposure to contaminated blood, saliva, and other body fluids. This article deals with viral structure, clinical symptoms, and modes of transmission, recommended measures to prevent its spread in dental operatories.
ABSTRACT
The first case of pneumonia of unknown origin was identified in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province situated in the Republic of China. The pathogenic organism that has been identified as a causative organism is a novel enveloped RNA betacoronavirus which has been designated as' severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus- 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus has been found to have a similar phylogeny to SARS-CoV. The novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 can be symptomized through clinical manifestations like- Pyrexia or fever, Cough, Dyspnea/difficulty in breathing, Myalgia/muscle pain, and constant fatigue. In the later stages, these symptoms worsen leading to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. These days, this pandemic is emerging as a major threat for dental health-care professionals. The dental surgeons are at greater risk of novel coronavirus infections due to direct contact with infected patients and exposure to contaminated blood, saliva, and other body fluids. This article deals with viral structure, clinical symptoms, and modes of transmission, recommended measures to prevent its spread in dental operatories.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2020 declared outbreak of novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, an international public health emergency. It was stated that there was high COVID-19 spread risk to various other countries across world. According to WHO in March 2020, COVID-19 was characterized as pandemic. However, this sudden crisis is generating great deal of stress, anxiety, and depression throughout the world. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact and various associated factors during the developing COVID-19 situation among both the healthcare and non-healthcare working professionals in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observation-based cross-sectional study conducted during the lockdown period and following the lifting of the lockdown for a total of 3 months duration. A structured questionnaire was send via the (email) electronic mail system to a target population of 350 people. Out of which 300 responded. The questionnaire was comprised of study variables: (a) Gender; (b) age-group range which was categorized into- (i) Between 30 snf 50 years and (ii) More than 50 years; (c) Presence of any comorbid medical condition; psychological symptoms of- (d) insomnia; (e) anxiety; and (f) depression. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test for determining significance. RESULTS: Mean ± SD values for age were found to be 35.54 ± 6.09; 33.84 ± 7.87; 32.16 ± 5.89 and 55.76 ± 8.98 for physicians, nurses, technical staff, and non-healthcare professionals while the percentages of male study participants was found to be 37.2%, 15%, 57%, and 65% and female study participants was 62.8%, 85%, 43%, and 35% for the physicians, nursing staff, technicians, and non-healthcare professionals. Depression, insomnia, and anxiety between healthcare and non-healthcare professional workers, demonstrated significant P values of 0.05, 0.03, and 0.02, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study has shown a significant psychological impact arising from this crisis.