RESUMO
COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study through an electronic questionnaire. Results implied that detergents (67%), alcohol-based materials (56%), and chlorinated compounds (32%) were the most commonly used types of sanitizers and disinfectants. Most frequently reported health issues include skin complications 48.8% and respiratory complications 29.8%. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds with all possible health complications under investigation (p-value < 0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate regression analysis showed that alcohols-based materials were associated with skin complications (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87–2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye complications (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74–1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90–2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological complications (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92–2.44). The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Prurido , Dermatopatias Vasculares , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso CentralRESUMO
It is estimated that 1 in 6 people experience a mental health disruption every week in the UK(1). During the lockdowns of 2020, the global incidence of suicide has suggestively risen between 1 to 145%(6,7). Amidst this uncertainty, the UK reported that those from black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities were suffering a disproportionate number of deaths from COVID-19 compared to the rest of the population. The mental health implications of COVID-19 and the lockdown suggest BAME men are suffering the worst mental health outcomes (compared to the general population in the UK) as a consequence(9).Therefore, prevention of deteriorating mental health is a public health priority and understanding as much as we can about minority mental health is pivotal in overcoming this crisis. In an age increasingly being defined by islamophobia, antisemitism and racism in the western world, this paper attempts to investigate the current literature on this topic this via three key themes; discrimination, access and quality of care.It is possible to design effective mental health care frameworks which are inclusive and culturally sensitive to the needs of both established Black and ethnic minority communities, but also for newer migrants, refugees and asylum seekers (32,33). Whilst this paper provides a brief overview of the current literature and academic developments in understanding the intersections between faith and ethnicity in minority mental health; more needs to be done, especially in the investigation of access barriers within minority communities. I acknowledge that the inclusion of sexual and neurodevelopmental minorities within this framework has been neglected but they are equally important areas that require more attention.