Representações sociais da autoproteção profissional e pessoal para Enfermeiros no contexto da COVID-19 / Social Representations of Professional and Personal Self-Protection for Nurses in the COVID-19 Context / Representaciones sociales de la autoprotección profesional y personal para enfermeros en el contexto del COVID-19

Objetivo: analisar as representações sociais da autoproteção profissional e pessoal dos enfermeiros no contexto da Covid-19. Método: estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, pautado na Teoria das Representações Sociais, abordagem processual. Participaram 30 enfermeiros que realizaram cuidados de enfermagem a pacientes com Covid-19, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada entre abril e maio 2021, realizada em plataforma online. O tratamento dos dados foi realizado com a técnica de análise de conteúdo temático-categorial. Resultado: a análise resultou em quatro categorias: Representações sociais e práticas relativas a Covid-19; Representações sociais da autoproteção; Desafios no enfrentamento da Covid-19: autoproteção pessoal e profissional; e Estrutura e fluxo de atendimento e sua relação com a autoproteção profissional. Considerações finais: houve engajamento dos profissionais no uso dos EPI na pandemia, o que aponta uma preocupação quanto à autoproteção na prestação de cuidados à pacientes com a Covid-19.

Objective: to analyze the social representations of professional and personal self-protection among nurses in the context of Covid-19. Method: a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, based on the Social Representations Theory, using a procedural approach. Thirty nurses who provided nursing care to Covid-19 patients in the State of Rio de Janeiro participated in the study. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews between April and May 2021, conducted on an online platform. Data analysis was performed using the thematic-categorical content analysis technique. Results: The analysis resulted in four categories of social representations and practices related to challenges in coping with Covid-19: personal and professional self-protection; Care structure and flow and its relationship with professional self-protection. Final considerations: There was engagement of professionals in the use of PPE during the pandemic, indicating a concern regarding self-protection in providing care to patients with Covid-19.

Objetivo: analizar las representaciones sociales de la autoprotección profesional y personal de los enfermeros en el contexto del Covid-19. Método: estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo, basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, enfoque procesal. Participaron 30 enfermeros que brindaron cuidados de enfermería a pacientes con Covid-19 en el Estado de Río de Janeiro. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas entre abril y mayo de 2021, realizadas en una plataforma online. El procesamiento de los datos se realizó mediante la técnica de análisis de contenido temático categorial. Resultado: del análisis surgieron cuatro categorías: Representaciones sociales y prácticas relacionadas con el Covid-19; Representaciones sociales de la autoprotección; Desafíos de enfrentar el Covid-19: autoprotección personal y profesional; y Estructura y flujo de atención y su relación con la autoprotección profesional. Consideraciones finales: los profesionales demostraron compromiso en el uso de EPP durante la pandemia, lo que indica que se preocupaban por autoprotegerse durante la atención a pacientes con Covid-19.

Commercial products are not effective at repelling European deer keds, Lipoptena cervi (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) but may increase mortality after exposure.

European deer keds, Lipoptena cervi (Linnaeus, 1758), are hematophagous ectoparasitic flies known to bite cervids and noncervids, including humans. To prevent deer keds from landing and biting hosts, 5 commercially available insect repellents (DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), picaridin, and permethrin) and water control were evaluated to determine repellency efficacy and postexposure mortality of deer keds. While there was a significant difference between the groups tested, a post hoc analysis revealed that no treatment was significantly different from the water control. Deer ked survival was different amongst the treatments, with deer keds exposed to permethrin dying much sooner than those exposed to other treatments or control (median survival for permethrin = 0.58 h). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that deer keds exposed to DEET or IR3535 had similar survival rates (4.82 and 5.15 h, respectively). Still, there were significantly lower survival times for DEET compared to OLE (6.33 h) and picaridin (15.00 h). Deer keds exposed to the water control survived the longest (23.12 h). Overall, deer ked repellency was not significantly different from the control, but permethrin-treated clothes can effectively kill deer keds in a short amount of time, thereby protecting those who recreate outdoors or encounter animals carrying deer keds.

COVID-19 Impact on Refugees Mask-Wearing Behaviors and Intentions.

COVID-19 challenged countries in addressing population and raising awareness about mask-wearing during pandemic; Lebanon is a refugee hotspot, with humanitarian responsibility for their protection. The goal of this study is to emphasize the need of raising awareness among vulnerable populations and studying their mask-wearing behavior and intentions. This research draws on findings from a survey characterized by refugees' representatives from NGO, focusing on the behaviors and implications of refugees' mask-wearing. To address the study question, a customized survey based on Theory of Interpersonal Behavior was undertaken, in which the behavior of refugees was impacted by their desire to engage in an activity. The findings show that refugees are influenced by other people's mask-wearing behavior; they view masks as providing protection and aim to use them in the future provided all enabling conditions are met. Artificial intelligence might be a better monitor for this behavior in the future.

Experiencia laboral y percepción del personal sanitario de Perú durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Work experience and perception of health personnel in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic / Experiência de trabalho e percepção do pessoal de saúde no Peru durante a pandemia de COVID-19

La pandemia de COVID-19 representó un gran desafío para los profesionales de la salud de Perú, debido al riesgo elevado de contagio, la sobrecarga laboral y afectación de la salud mental. Objetivo: describir las experiencias laborales y percepciones del personal sanitario de este país durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Materiales y Métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo fenomenológico, en el que se realizaron ocho entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesionales de la salud pública en Perú entre mayo y diciembre del año 2020. Las mismas fueron grabadas y transcritas para la recolección de la información, las cuales se analizaron en categorías. Resultados: en las entrevistas realizadas se destacaron los desafíos organizativos y de recursos, como la escasez de equipos de protección personal y gestión burocrática. Se resaltó el impacto humano y social en términos de comunicación, empatía y reevaluación de valores personales. Se observó adaptaciones significativas en la práctica médica, con énfasis en el manejo de pacientes y la capacitación. Conclusiones: las experiencias clínicas y emocionales reflejaron los retos y motivaciones del personal sanitario durante la pandemia; en el que se demostró la necesidad de una mayor adaptabilidad y preparación, así como la importancia del bienestar emocional y social.

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a great challenge for health professionals in Peru, due to the high risk of contagion, work overload, and impact on mental health. Objective: describe the work experiences and perceptions of health personnel in this country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: a qualitative phenomenological study was carried out, in which eight semi-structured interviews were carried out with public health professionals in Peru between May and December 2020. They were recorded and transcribed for the collection of information, which were analyzed in categories. Results: organizational and resource challenges were highlighted in the interviews conducted, such as the shortage of personal protective equipment and bureaucratic management. The human and social impact was highlighted in terms of communication, empathy and reevaluation of personal values. Significant adaptations were observed in medical practice, with emphasis on patient management and training. Conclusions: the clinical and emotional experiences reflected the challenges and motivations of healthcare personnel during the pandemic; in which the need for greater adaptability and preparation was demonstrated, as well as the importance of emotional and social well-being

A pandemia da COVID-19 representou um grande desafio para os profissionais de saúde no Peru, devido ao alto risco de contágio, sobrecarga de trabalho e impacto na saúde mental. Objetivo: descrever as experiências de trabalho e percepções do pessoal de saúde neste país durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo fenomenológico qualitativo, no qual foram realizadas oito entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais de saúde pública no Peru entre maio e dezembro de 2020. Elas foram gravadas e transcritas para a coleta de informações. Resultados: os desafios organizacionais e de recursos foram destacados nas entrevistas realizadas, como a escassez de equipamentos de proteção individual e a gestão burocrática. O impacto humano e social foi destacado em termos de comunicação, empatia e reavaliação de valores pessoais. Adaptações significativas foram observadas na prática médica, com ênfase no manejo e treinamento dos pacientes. Conclusões: as experiências clínicas e emocionais refletiram os desafios e motivações dos profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia; em que foi demonstrada a necessidade de maior adaptabilidade e preparação, bem como a importância do bem-estar emocional e social

Experiencia laboral y percepción del personal sanitario de Perú durante la pandemia de COVID-19

La pandemia de COVID-19 representó un gran desafío para los profesionales de la salud de Perú, debido al riesgo elevado de contagio, la sobrecarga laboral y afectación de la salud mental. Objetivo: Describir las experiencias laborales y percepciones del personal sanitario de este país durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Materiales y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo fenomenológico, en el que se realizaron ocho entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesionales de la salud pública en Perú entre mayo y diciembre del año 2020. Las mismas fueron grabadas y transcritas para la recolección de la información, las cuales se analizaron en categorías. Resultados: En las entrevistas realizadas se destacaron los desafíos organizativos y de recursos, como la escasez de equipos de protección personal y gestión burocrática. Se resaltó el impacto humano y social en términos de comunicación, empatía y reevaluación de valores personales. Se observó adaptaciones significativas en la práctica médica, con énfasis en el manejo de pacientes y la capacitación. Conclusiones: Las experiencias clínicas y emocionales reflejaron los retos y motivaciones del personal sanitario durante la pandemia; en el que se demostró la necesidad de una mayor adaptabilidad y preparación, así como la importancia del bienestar emocional y social.

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a great challenge for health professionals in Peru, due to the high risk of contagion, work overload, and impact on mental health. Objective: Describe the work experiences and perceptions of health personnel in this country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out, in which eight semi-structured interviews were carried out with public health professionals in Peru between May and December 2020. They were recorded and transcribed for the collection of information, which were analyzed in categories. Results: Organizational and resource challenges were highlighted in the interviews conducted, such as the shortage of personal protective equipment and bureaucratic management. The human and social impact was highlighted in terms of communication, empathy and reevaluation of personal values. Significant adaptations were observed in medical practice, with emphasis on patient management and training. Conclusions: The clinical and emotional experiences reflected the challenges and motivations of healthcare personnel during the pandemic; in which the need for greater adaptability and preparation was demonstrated, as well as the importance of emotional and social well-being.

A pandemia da COVID-19 representou um grande desafio para os profissionais de saúde no Peru, devido ao alto risco de contágio, sobrecarga de trabalho e impacto na saúde mental. Objetivo: Descrever as experiências de trabalho e percepções do pessoal de saúde neste país durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo fenomenológico qualitativo, no qual foram realizadas oito entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais de saúde pública no Peru entre maio e dezembro de 2020. Elas foram gravadas e transcritas para a coleta de informações. Resultados: Os desafios organizacionais e de recursos foram destacados nas entrevistas realizadas, como a escassez de equipamentos de proteção individual e a gestão burocrática. O impacto humano e social foi destacado em termos de comunicação, empatia e reavaliação de valores pessoais. Adaptações significativas foram observadas na prática médica, com ênfase no manejo e treinamento dos pacientes. Conclusões: As experiências clínicas e emocionais refletiram os desafios e motivações dos profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia; em que foi demonstrada a necessidade de maior adaptabilidade e preparação, bem como a importância do bem-estar emocional e social.

Povidone-iodine functionalized nanofibers are prophylactic and protect against dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The novel personal protection equipment based on a face mask equipped with a nanofiber filter functionalized with povidone iodine has been developed and tested in a clinical trial. This nanofiber filter was characterized with a low flow resistance and, thus, allowed comfortable breathing. The performed study proved that the novel nanofiber filter with incorporated povidone-iodine was characterized with a slow release of iodine which minimized side effects but kept disinfection efficiency. Our clinical study performed on 207 positively tested SARS-CoV-2 patients wearing the PPE for 4-8 hours daily for 1 to 4 days has shown that even the iodine amount as low as 0.00028 ppm was sufficient to significantly decrease the reproduction number and, very importantly, to protect against severe course of disease.

EACVI survey on radiation exposure in interventional echocardiography.

AIMS: The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) Scientific Initiatives Committee performed a global survey on radiation exposure in interventional echocardiography. The survey aimed to collect data on local practices for radioprotection in interventional echocardiography and to assess the awareness of echocardiography operators about radiation-related risks. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 258 interventional echocardiographers from 52 different countries (48% European) responded to the survey. One hundred twenty-two (47%) participants were women. Two-thirds (76%) of interventional echocardiographers worked in tertiary care/university hospitals. Interventional echocardiography was the main clinical activity for 34% of the survey participants. The median time spent in the cath-lab for the echocardiographic monitoring of structural heart procedures was 10 (5-20) hours/month. Despite this, only 28% of interventional echocardiographers received periodic training and certification in radioprotection and 72% of them did not know their annual radiation dose. The main adopted personal protection devices were lead aprons and thyroid collars (95% and 92% of use, respectively). Dedicated architectural protective shielding was not available for 33% of interventional echocardiographers. Nearly two-thirds of responders thought that the radiation exposure of interventional echocardiographers was higher than that of interventional cardiologists and 72% claimed for an improvement in the radioprotection measures. CONCLUSION: Radioprotection measures for interventional echocardiographers are widely variable across centres. Radioprotection devices are often underused by interventional echocardiographers, portending an increased radiation-related risk. International scientific societies working in the field should collaborate to endorse radioprotection training, promote reliable radiation dose assessment, and support the adoption of radioprotection shielding dedicated to interventional echocardiographers.

A rigorous theoretical and numerical analysis of a nonlinear reaction-diffusion epidemic model pertaining dynamics of COVID-19.

The spatial movement of the human population from one region to another and the existence of super-spreaders are the main factors that enhanced the disease incidence. Super-spreaders refer to the individuals having transmitting ability to multiple pathogens. In this article, an epidemic model with spatial and temporal effects is formulated to analyze the impact of some preventing measures of COVID-19. The model is developed using six nonlinear partial differential equations. The infectious individuals are sub-divided into symptomatic, asymptomatic and super-spreader classes. In this study, we focused on the rigorous qualitative analysis of the reaction-diffusion model. The fundamental mathematical properties of the proposed COVID-19 epidemic model such as boundedness, positivity, and invariant region of the problem solution are derived, which ensure the validity of the proposed model. The model equilibria and its stability analysis for both local and global cases have been presented. The normalized sensitivity analysis of the model is carried out in order to observe the crucial factors in the transmission of infection. Furthermore, an efficient numerical scheme is applied to solve the proposed model and detailed simulation are performed. Based on the graphical observation, diffusion in the context of confined public gatherings is observed to significantly inhibit the spread of infection when compared to the absence of diffusion. This is especially important in scenarios where super-spreaders may play a major role in transmission. The impact of some non-pharmaceutical interventions are illustrated graphically with and without diffusion. We believe that the present investigation will be beneficial in understanding the complex dynamics and control of COVID-19 under various non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Surgical team member's application of personal protective equipment: an observational study.

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a term used to refer to clothing or equipment that creates a barrier to protect an individual from work-place hazards, thereby protecting the worker against work-related injuries and illnesses. This study was aimed at determining the compliance of application of personal protective equipment against the standards. Methods: One hundred surgical personnel were included in this study from 21 March 2023 to 23 April 2023. Data were collected through direct observation. The standards were directly changed into question forms with two integral checking components, "Yes", and "No". Data were entered and analyzed by statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Result: A total of 100 surgical personnel involved in surgical procedures were assessed for how they applied PPE. Majority of healthcare workers, 61.2%, were compliant with the communicable disease control standard on the application of PPE. The highest compliance rate was observed for the put-on gloves over the gown, while the lowest compliance rate was observed for wearing eye protection. Conclusion and recommendation: The practice of PPE usage by surgical personnel was suboptimal. Healthcare facilities can better protect their staff and patients from the spread of infections and other hazards through PPE use protocols. Donning and doffing must always be methodical and supervised by another staff member, especially during surgical emergencies. PPE should be used in accordance with infection prevention and control guidelines and the level of risk involved in the specific procedure.

Design optimization and validation of UV-C illumination chamber for filtering facepiece respirators.

In this study, we constructed an UV-C illumination chamber using commercially available germicidal lamps and other locally available low-cost components for general-purpose biological decontamination purposes. The illumination chamber provides uniform illumination of around 1 J/cm2 in under 5 min across the chamber. The control mechanism was developed to automate the on/off process and make it more secure minimizing health and other electrical safety. To validate the decontamination efficacy of the UV-C Illumination Chamber we performed the Geobacillus spore strip culture assay. Additionally, we performed the viral load measurement by identifying the COVID-19-specific N-gene and ORF1 gene on surgical masks. The gold standard RT-qPCR measurement was performed to detect and quantify the COVID-19-specific gene on the mask sample. The biochemical assay was conducted on the control and test group to identify the presence of different types of bacteria, and fungi before and after exposure under the illumination chamber. The findings of our study revealed satisfactory decontamination efficacy test results. Therefore, it could be an excellent device in healthcare settings as a disinfection tool for biological decontamination such as SAR-CoV-2 virus, personal protection equipment (PPE), (including n95, k95 respirators, and surgical masks), and other common pathogens.

Factores sociodemográficos y ambientales relacionados con el uso de mascarillas en la población durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 / Sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic

Fundamentos: Durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 se implementaron medidas de prevención con el propósito de reducir su transmisión comunitaria. El grado de cumplimiento con estas medidas estuvo influenciado por diversos factores sociodemográficos y ambientales. Sin embargo, existe escasa literatura científica que aborde el cumplimiento de las medidas preventivas en la población general. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre factores sociodemográficos y ambientales, así como la adhesión al uso de mascarillas en contactos estrechos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal con 1.778 individuos, identificados mediante el rastreo de contactos estrechos de personas con SARS-CoV-2 por la Central de Coordinación de la COVID-19 de Mallorca, entre febrero y junio de 2021. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística para determinar los factores asociados al incumplimiento del uso de mascarillas.Resultados: La edad media de los participantes fue de 42,8±17,4 años (53,6% de mujeres). El 60,8% (IC 95%: 57,8-62,3) de los contactos estrechos no utilizó mascarilla durante su contacto. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en función del sexo o grupo etario (p=0,497 y p=0,536, respectivamente). Las situaciones de mayor incumplimiento con el uso de mascarillas se dieron en el entorno domiciliario, espacios cerrados sin ventilación y al mantener distancias cortas (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Nuestros hallazgos indican una menor adhesión al uso de mascarillas en escenarios de mayor riesgo. Frente a futuras situaciones de crisis sanitaria, se deberían diseñar intervenciones que realcen la conciencia sobre los riesgos y que promuevan una mayor adhesión a medidas de prevención y control.(AU)

Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, prevention measures were implemented to mitigate the community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Compliance with these measures was influenced by several sociodemographic and environmental factors. However, literature addressing compliance with these prevention measures among the general population remains limited. The study aimed to assess the association of sociodemographic and environmental factors and mask usage during close contact situations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1,778 individuals identified through close contact tracing of indivi-duals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 by the COVID-19 Coordination Center of Mallorca, from February to June 2021. A descriptive analysis was conducted, and a logistic regression model was utilized to evaluate factors associated with mask non-compliance. Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.8±17.4 years, with 53.6% being female. Among close contacts, 60.8% (95% CI: 57.8-62.3) did not use masks during their contact. No significant differences were observed between genders or across age groups (p=0.497 and p=0.536, respectively). Factors linked to mask non-compliance included the home setting, indoor spaces without venti-lation, and closer physical distances (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that mask adherence was notably lower among close contacts exposed to higher risk. In future public health crises, interventions should be developed to raise awareness about risks and promote adherence to preventive and control measures.(AU)

Evaluation of novel radiation protection devices during radiologically guided interventions.

BACKGROUND: In radiologically guided interventions, medical practitioners are subjected to radiation exposure, which may lead to radiation-induced diseases. In this study, novel radiation shields for the head and neck were evaluated for their potential to reduce radiation exposure. METHOD: An anthropomorphic phantom was exposed on its left side to scattered radiation from beneath to simulate the exposure of an operator in a x-ray operating room. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were positioned at different depths in five slices in the phantom, measuring personal dose equivalent. Two different set up situations were evaluated: a head protector designed to reduce radiation in the upper section of the head; and a novel thyroid protector prototype extended in the front and on both sides, designed to reduce radiation in the lower and middle sections of the head. A standard thyroid collar prototype and a ceiling mounted lead glass shield were used as comparisons. Furthermore, the head protector was evaluated in a clinical study in which TLDs were positioned to measure scattered radiation exposure to the heads of operators during endovascular interventions. RESULTS: The extended thyroid protector reduced the scattered radiation in the throat, chin, and ear slices. Some shielding effect was seen in the brain and skull slices. The head protector showed a shielding effect in the skull slice up to two cm depth where it covered the phantom head. As expected, the ceiling mounted lead glass shield reduced the scattered radiation in all measuring points. CONCLUSIONS: A ceiling mounted lead glass shield is an effective radiation protection for the head, but in clinical practice, optimal positioning of a ceiling mounted lead shield may not always be possible, particularly during complex cases when radiation protection may be most relevant. Added protection using these novel guards may compliment the shielding effect of the ceiling mounted lead shield. The head protector stand-alone did not provide sufficient protection of the head. The extended thyroid protector stand-alone provided sufficient protection in the lower and middle sections of the head and neck.

[Sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Factores sociodemográficos y ambientales relacionados con el uso de mascarillas en la población durante la pandemia por la COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: During COVID-19 pandemic, prevention measures were implemented to mitigate the community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Compliance with these measures was influenced by several sociodemographic and environmental factors. However, literature addressing compliance with these prevention measures among the general population remains limited. The study aimed to assess the association of sociodemographic and environmental factors and mask usage during close contact situations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1,778 individuals identified through close contact tracing of individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 by the COVID-19 Coordination Center of Mallorca, from February to June 2021. A descriptive analysis was conducted, and a logistic regression model was utilized to evaluate factors associated with mask non-compliance. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 42.8±17.4 years, with 53.6% being female. Among close contacts, 60.8% (95% CI: 57.8-62.3) did not use masks during their contact. No significant differences were observed between genders or across age groups (p=0.497 and p=0.536, respectively). Factors linked to mask non-compliance included the home setting, indoor spaces without ventilation, and closer physical distances (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that mask adherence was notably lower among close contacts exposed to higher risk. In future public health crises, interventions should be developed to raise awareness about risks and promote adherence to preventive and control measures.

OBJECTIVE: Durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 se implementaron medidas de prevención con el propósito de reducir su transmisión comunitaria. El grado de cumplimiento con estas medidas estuvo influenciado por diversos factores sociodemográficos y ambientales. Sin embargo, existe escasa literatura científica que aborde el cumplimiento de las medidas preventivas en la población general. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre factores sociodemográficos y ambientales, así como la adhesión al uso de mascarillas en contactos estrechos. METHODS: Se realizó un estudio transversal con 1.778 individuos, identificados mediante el rastreo de contactos estrechos de personas con SARS-CoV-2 por la Central de Coordinación de la COVID-19 de Mallorca, entre febrero y junio de 2021. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística para determinar los factores asociados al incumplimiento del uso de mascarillas. RESULTS: La edad media de los participantes fue de 42,8±17,4 años (53,6% de mujeres). El 60,8% (IC 95%: 57,8-62,3) de los contactos estrechos no utilizó mascarilla durante su contacto. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en función del sexo o grupo etario (p=0,497 y p=0,536, respectivamente). Las situaciones de mayor incumplimiento con el uso de mascarillas se dieron en el entorno domiciliario, espacios cerrados sin ventilación y al mantener distancias cortas (p<0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Nuestros hallazgos indican una menor adhesión al uso de mascarillas en escenarios de mayor riesgo. Frente a futuras situaciones de crisis sanitaria, se deberían diseñar intervenciones que realcen la conciencia sobre los riesgos y que promuevan una mayor adhesión a medidas de prevención y control.

Inference for entomological semi-field experiments: Fitting a mathematical model assessing personal and community protection of vector-control interventions.

The effectiveness of vector-control tools is often assessed by experiments as a reduction in mosquito landings using human landing catches (HLCs). However, HLCs alone only quantify a single characteristic and therefore do not provide information on the overall impacts of the intervention product. Using data from a recent semi-field study which used time-stratified HLCs, aspiration of non-landing mosquitoes, and blood feeding, we suggest a Bayesian inference approach for fitting such data to a stochastic model. This model considers both personal protection, through a reduction in biting, and community protection, from mosquito mortality and disarming (prolonged inhibition of blood feeding). Parameter estimates are then used to predict the reduction of vectorial capacity induced by etofenpox-treated clothing, picaridin topical repellents, transfluthrin spatial repellents and metofluthrin spatial repellents, as well as combined interventions for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Anopleles minimus. Overall, all interventions had both personal and community effects, preventing biting and killing or disarming mosquitoes. This led to large estimated reductions in the vectorial capacity, with substantial impact even at low coverage. As the interventions aged, fewer mosquitoes were killed; however the impact of some interventions changed from killing to disarming mosquitoes. Overall, this inference method allows for additional modes of action, rather than just reduction in biting, to be parameterised and highlights the tools assessed as promising malaria interventions.

Utilisation des moyens de protection individuelle au laboratoire de prothèse dentaire: étude descriptive auprès de techniciens au Sénégal / Use of personal protective devices in dental laboratory: a descriptivestudy among senegalese technicians

Introduction : L'élaboration de prothèses dentaires nécessite la manipulation de plusieurs matériaux et produits chimiques favorisant l'exposition du Technicien de Laboratoire de Prothèse (TLP) à des risques professionnels. Cette étude avait pour objectif d'évaluer les moyens de protection utilisés par les TLP et le niveau de connaissance des risques. Matériel et Méthode : Il s'est agi d'une étude descriptive, transversale qui a inclus une population de 45 TLP sénégalais. Cette étude s'est basée sur un auto-questionnaire qui comportait des items sur les données sociodémographiques et professionnelles, la protection individuelle, et la connaissance des TLP sur les risques professionnels. L'analyse statistique des variables a été faite avec le logiciel Excel et SPSS. Résultats : Les TLP ont un âge moyen 41,73 ± 8, 03 ans, 82,20% sont des hommes et 68,9% exercent dans la région de Dakar. Tous les 45 TLP ayant répondu au questionnaire portent un vêtement de travail soit 100%. Seulement 5 soit 11,1% des TLP n'utilisent pas de protecteurs d'yeux et du visage. Pour les types de protecteurs, seulement 7,5% font usage d'écrans faciaux, 8,9% portent parfois des bouchons d'oreilles en guise de protecteurs auditifs. En ce qui concerne les gants, plus de la moitié des TLP les utilise, soit 60%. Les gants à usage unique sont les plus utilisés. Enfin, presque tous les TLP soit 97,8% ont connaissance des risques liés à leur métier. Conclusion : Cette étude révèle qu'au-delà des équipements de protection auditive qui sont peu utilisés par les techniciens de laboratoire, le port des vêtements de travail est systématique. L'usage des moyens de protection respiratoire, des yeux et du visage est généralisé, et la fréquence du port des gants sur le poste de travail de la décontamination est relativement élevée.

Background/aim: Development of dentures requires handling of several materials and chemicals put Prosthetic Laboratory Technicians (PLTs) at occupational risks. This study aimed to assess the level of risk awareness and the means ofprotection used by PLTs. Material and Method: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study that included a population of 45 Senegalese PLTs. This study was based on a self-questionnaire that included four items including socio-demographic and occupational data, individual protection and knowledge of PLTs on occupational risks. The statistical analysis of the variables was done using the Excel and SPSS software, and the results presented as frequencies, averages with standard deviation.Results: Average age of PLT was 41,73 ± 8, 03 years and68,9% of them were working in Dakar city. Among these 45 TLPs with 82,20% men who responded to the questionnaire,100% wore a work garment, only 11.1% (or 5) TLPs do not use eye and face protectors against 88.9 (or 40). As for the typesof protectors, only 7.5% (or 3) of face shields. For hearing protectors, only 8.9% of TLPs sometimes wore earplugs. As forgloves, more than half of TLPs used them, or 60%. Disposable gloves are the most used at the expense of reusable gloves. Moreover, almost all TLPs, or 97.8%, are aware of the risks related to their business. Conclusion: This study reveals that in addition to hearing protection equipment that is rarely used by laboratory technicians, the wearing of work clothes is systematic. The use of respiratory, eye and face protection is widespread and frequency of wearing gloves on the decontamination workstation is relatively high

Controlled human infection trials: Legitimacy and conditions of implementation in France.

This round table is the result of an observation. The observation being that controlled human infection clinical trials (also called "infectious challenge" trials or "Controlled Human Infection Models", "CHIM") recommended or even encouraged in the context of vaccine developments in particular, are not carried out in France. However, there are no formal prohibitions within regulations or ethical principles, which point to the prior assessment of risks and benefits for individuals and for society. The participants in this Round Table thus wished to examine, through the prism of their respective disciplines, the scientific and medical relevance of conducting such trials in France and, if possible, to imagine the conditions under which they would be carried out, thus resulting in recommendations on (1) the advisability of their conduct in France (2), the conditions under which they would be implemented in terms of logistics and regulations, and (3) their social acceptability. The recommendations on which the participants of the Round Table came to an agreement are presented as the analysis progresses.

Refocusing on work-based hazards for the anaesthesiologist in a post-pandemic era.

The coronavirus pandemic has raised public awareness of one of the many hazards that healthcare workers face daily: exposure to harmful pathogens. The anaesthesia workplace encompasses the operating room, interventional radiology suite, and other sites that contain many other potential occupational and environmental hazards. This review article highlights the work-based hazards that anaesthesiologists and other clinicians may encounter in the anaesthesia workplace: ergonomic design, physical, chemical, fire, biological, or psychological hazards. As the anaesthesia work environment enters a post-COVID-19 pandemic phase, anaesthesiologists will do well to review and consider these hazards. The current review includes proposed solutions to some hazards and identifies opportunities for future research.

Personal protection equipment: Preliminary evidence of effectiveness from a three-phase simulation program.

Background: Healthcare providers carry the occupational risk of being exposed to pathogens. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) requires proficiency whenever used. Yet, evidence shows significant errors and variation in competency when applying PPE. Objective: In this study, we developed a three-phase intervention to promote PPE proficiency. Methods: Education and assessment of participants' PPE knowledge and skills occurred at a large academic university in Western Canada. Participants first completed an online module; second, they experienced one-on-one coaching and deliberate practice with infection control professionals; and third, participants managed a COVID-19 clinical simulation scenario. The measured outcomes include a 15-item pre- and post-knowledge test and a pre- and post-skills assessment of donning and doffing behaviors. These behaviors were observed from video recordings and were assessed using two standardized checklists. Results: Knowledge and donning/doffing post-test scores (11.73, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively) were significantly higher after completing all three phases of the educational intervention, p < .001. Conclusions: An online module alone is insufficient for PPE knowledge and skill development. Rather, a module followed by practice and simulation allows learners to gain proficiency.

Association of known SARS-CoV-2 serostatus and adherence to personal protection measures and the impact of personal protective measures on seropositivity in a population-based cross-sectional study (MuSPAD) in Germany.

BACKGROUND: In 2020/2021 in Germany, several non-pharmacological interventions were introduced to lower the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We investigated to what extent knowledge of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 or vaccination status influenced the use of personal protection measures (PPM). Further, we were interested in the effect of compliance with PPM on SARS-CoV-2 serostatus. METHODS: Data was based on a sequential, multilocal seroprevalence study (MuSPAD), carried out in eight locations from July 2020 to August 2021. We estimated the association between a known SARS-CoV-2 serostatus (reported positive PCR test or vaccination) and self-reported PPM behavior (hand hygiene, physical distancing, wearing face mask), just as the association of PPM compliance with seropositivity against nucleocapsid (NC), receptor-binding domain (RBD), and spike protein (S) antigens. We identified relevant variables and deduced adjustment sets with directed acyclic graphs (DAG), and applied mixed logistic regression. RESULTS: Out of the 22,297 participants (median age: 54 years, 43% male), 781 were classified as SARS-CoV-2-infected and 3,877 had a vaccinated immune response. Vaccinated individuals were less likely to keep 1.5 m distance [OR = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.57-0.97)] and only partly physically distanced [OR = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.58-0.87)]. Participants with self-reported positive PCR test had a lower chance of adhering partly to physical distancing [OR = 0.70 (95% CI: 0.50-0.99)] in comparison to the reference group. Higher odds of additionally wearing a face mask was observed in vaccinated [OR = 1.28 (95% CI: 1.08-1.51)] even if it was not obligatory. Overall, among unvaccinated participants, we found little evidence of lower odds of seropositivity given mask wearing [OR: 0.91 (95% CI: 0.71-1.16)], physical distancing [OR: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.59-1.20)] and no evidence for completely adhering to hand cleaning [OR: 0.97 (95% CI: 0.29-3.22)]. CONCLUSIONS: A known confirmed prior infection and vaccination may have the potential to influence adherence to PPM.

Avoiding SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers: is behavioral change the answer?

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become an important cause of morbimortality, and healthcare workers are at the highest risk of infection. As a result, policies and guidelines have been issued, and behavioral changes have been crucial in hospitals. Among these measures, the implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE) and its appropriate use in the workplace is key to avoiding contagion, as is understanding new measures regarding patient admission, distribution, constant education on virtual platforms, among others, and changing conduct to reduce contagion. However, behavioral change interventions in healthcare workers are challenging as contextual characteristics, attributes of the intervention, and psychological factors are involved. Study objectives: The issue under investigation is the impact of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare workers in the emergency department of the Fundación Cardioinfantil (FCI). The objective was to describe their behavioral changes by studying and monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection and their relationship through the tracing process in 2020. Methods: We conducted a case study to identify and relate the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate within the personnel in the department and the response of healthcare workers to the implementation and adherence to the use of PPE through the analysis of the different variables that contributed to behavioral change. Data were collected by a single author and analyzed by two authors using both the individual-level logic model technique and the triangulation of information, with approval from the institutional review board. Discussion: Several interventions for behavior change were registered in the data collection process. The data obtained indicated that implementation, embedding, and integration were perceived as collective and individual behavioral processes. This was supported by evidence from healthcare interventions, such as education, incentivization, training, restriction, environmental restructuring, modeling, and enablement. Conclusion: Behavioral science should be part of public health responses, as the theoretical basis suggests that change may modify the response to avoid the transmission of infectious diseases. Therefore, individuals at the highest risk appear to adopt guidance with targeted behavior adaptation interventions. Efforts to inform, instruct, and motivate healthcare workers must be continuous, and actions at the community level must be strengthened, as it is human behavior that determines the spread and mortality of infectious diseases, where community compliance to preventive behaviors plays a crucial role.