ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: The most recent threat to the global community is the ongoing outbreak of the disease known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Taking personal protection measures (PPM) is crucial to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the acceptance of PPM among patients before having COVID-19 admitted to hospitals in northwestern of Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 560 eligible patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected from January 6 to May 21, 2021, through a researcher-made questionnaire and were analyzed with descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation), independent t-test, and multiple linear regression by SPSS. A significance level of 5% was selected. Results: The average age of the participants was 60.1 (16.01) years with an age range of 21 to 95 years. Most of the participants were male (53.9%) and married (91.8%). The mean score of PPM acceptance among patients was 16.55 (2.59) out of 20 points. Multiple linear regression analysis determined employment status (β=0.29, P<0.001), residency (β=-0.19, P<0.001), education level (β=0.11, P=0.048), smoking (β=-0.10, P=0.03) and income level (β=0.13, P=0.01), as predictors of acceptance of PPM. Other personal and occupational variables, including age, gender, marriage, living status, having children, and history of influenza vaccination, were not found to be effective in predicting the acceptance of personal protection measures among participating patients. Conclusion: The acceptance of personal protection measures among patients was relatively high. Acceptance of the unemployed, rural residents, illiterate, smokers, and those with low-income level was low. This study emphasizes the need to pay attention to the changes in the individual, social and economic characteristics of the community and their effects on preventive health behaviors, especially in vulnerable groups. © 2022 the Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The rational consumption of antibiotics is a valuable goal for developed countries. Antibiotic resistance (AMR) was the main health threat before the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. To restrict COVID-19 transmission, the Spanish government implemented personal protection measures, including the decree of a lockdown. The objective of this study is to analyze the prescription of antibiotics during the implementation of COVID-19 personal protection measures in primary care in a Spanish region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary monthly official dispensations of antibacterials for systemic use (J01) were analyzed, disaggregating by clinical (active principle, age and sex of the patient) and socio-economic variables (basic health zone and level of income). Defined daily doses per thousand inhabitants (DID) prescribed in 2020 were compared with the prescription in 2019 using Chi-square test. RESULTS: In 2020, the prescription of antibiotics (11.37 DID) was significantly lower (-23.73%) than in 2019 (14.91 DID). The main reduction in the amount prescribed was found in May (-42.64%). However, the prescription was significantly higher (71.34%) in February 2020 than in the same month in 2019 in nursing homes. In March 2020, prescriptions were lower (-13.71%) than in the same month in 2019, except for the middle-income group, in which prescriptions were higher (9.67%), as well as azithromycin (10.11%). In April and May 2020, prescriptions were significantly lower than in 2019 in all age groups and both in women and men. CONCLUSION: Personal protection measures against COVID-19 transmission (lockdown, mask, social distance and increased hygiene) coincide in time with the greatest reduction in antibiotic prescription.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) significantly affected endoscopy practice, as gastrointestinal endoscopy is considered a risky procedure for transmission of infection to patients and personnel of endoscopy units (PEU). AIM: To assess the impact of COVID-19 on endoscopy during the first European lockdown (March-May 2020). METHODS: Patients undergoing endoscopy in nine endoscopy units across six European countries during the period of the first European lockdown for COVID-19 (March-May 2020) were included. Prior to the endoscopy procedure, participants were stratified as low- or high- risk for potential COVID-19 infection according to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) joint statement, and contacted 7-14 d later to assess COVID-19 infection status. PEU were questioned regarding COVID-19 symptoms and/or infection via questionnaire, while information regarding hospitalizations, intensive care unit-admissions and COVID-19-related deaths were collected. The number of weekly endoscopies at each center during the lockdown period was also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1267 endoscopies were performed in 1222 individuals across nine European endoscopy departments in six countries. Eighty-seven (7%) were excluded because of initial positive testing. Of the 1135 pre-endoscopy low risk or polymerase chain reaction negative for COVID-19, 254 (22.4%) were tested post endoscopy and 8 were eventually found positive, resulting in an infection rate of 0.7% [(95%CI: 0.2-0.12]. The majority (6 of the 8 patients, 75%) had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Of the 163 PEU, 5 [3%; (95%CI: 0.4-5.7)] tested positive during the study period. A decrease of 68.7% (95%CI: 64.8-72.7) in the number of weekly endoscopies was recorded in all centers after March 2020. All centers implemented appropriate personal protective measures (PPM) from the initial phases of the lockdown. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 transmission in endoscopy units is highly unlikely in a lockdown setting, provided endoscopies are restricted to emergency cases and PPM are implemented.