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Vaccines Jun 2024During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic healthcare workers (HCWs) acquired immunity by vaccination or exposure to multiple variants of severe acute...
During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic healthcare workers (HCWs) acquired immunity by vaccination or exposure to multiple variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Our study is a comparative analysis between subgroups of HCWs constructed based on the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, vaccination, and the dominant variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the population. We collected and analyzed data using the χ test and density incidence of reinfections in Microsoft Excel for Mac, Version 16.84, and MedCalc, 22.026. Of the 829 HCWs, 70.1% (581) had only one SARS-CoV-2 infection and 29.9% (248) had two infections. Of the subjects with two infections, 77.4% (192) worked in high-risk departments and 93.2% (231) of the second infections were registered during Omicron dominance. The density incidence of reinfections was higher in HCWs vaccinated with the primary schedule than those vaccinated with the first booster, and the incidence ratio was 2.8 (95% CI: 1.2; 6.7). The probability of reinfection was five times lower (95% CI: 2.9; 9.2) in HCWs vaccinated with the primary schedule if the first infection was acquired during Omicron dominance. The subjects vaccinated with the first booster had a density incidence of reinfection three times lower (95% CI: 1.9; 5.8) if the first infection was during Omicron. The incidence ratio in subgroups constructed based on characteristics such as gender, age group, job category, and department also registered significant differences in density incidence. The history of SARS-CoV-2 infection by variant is important when interpreting and understanding public health data and the results of studies related to vaccine efficacy for hybrid immunity subgroup populations.
PubMed: 38932411
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060682 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2024Knee pain, specifically patellofemoral pain (PFP), may lead to limitations in physical activity and social participation. Identifying knee pain that is attributed to PFP...
Validity and Reliability of an Arabic Version of the Survey Instrument for Natural History, Aetiology and Prevalence of Patellofemoral Pain Studies: A Cross-Sectional Study.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Knee pain, specifically patellofemoral pain (PFP), may lead to limitations in physical activity and social participation. Identifying knee pain that is attributed to PFP is not an easy job for healthcare professionals. To overcome this issue, The Survey Instrument for Natural History, Aetiology and Prevalence of Patellofemoral Pain (SNAPPS), which is a self-reporting questionnaire instrument, was designed to identify PFP in many languages. However, the Arabic version of the SNAPPS is not validated yet. This study was performed to assess the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the SNAPPS (A-SNAPPS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted to achieve the study goals. To assess reliability, 38 participants were asked to complete the A-SNAPPS two times on the same day with a 30 min break in between. Convergent validity of the A-SNAPPS was assessed by exploring the correlations of the SNAPPS total score with the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, including VAS for usual pain, VAS for worst pain, and VAS for pain during activities such as jumping, running, ascending and descending stairs, and squatting.
RESULTS
The validity test findings suggested that SNAPPS has a strong correlation with the VAS during ascending and descending stairs (r = 0.71) and moderate correlations during jumping (r = 0.54) and squatting (r = 0.57). The test-retest reliability ICC was 0.92, indicating a very strong test-retest reliability of the A-SNAPPS.
CONCLUSIONS
The A-SNAPPS was cross-culturally adapted and validated, demonstrating very strong reliability.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Female; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Prevalence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 38928978
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060732 -
Journal of the Turkish German... Jun 2024Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition among women during their menstrual cycle. PMS can negatively affect a woman's daily life and function. Nurses, as an...
OBJECTIVE
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition among women during their menstrual cycle. PMS can negatively affect a woman's daily life and function. Nurses, as an important and substantial segment of healthcare staff, are affected by the demanding environment of work place. Since PMS, as a prevalent counterproductive condition, has not been studied in this population in Iran, we assessed the prevalence of PMS and its associated factors among nurses aged 23 to 49 in teaching hospitals of the Tehran province of Iran.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In this cross-sectional study from April 2021 to January 2022, 280 participants from teaching hospitals were enrolled. Simple random sampling was used to determine the sample size of the study. Two validated questionnaires and a data gathering sheet were used to collect information. The premenstrual symptoms screening tool was used to determine PMS severity and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire to evaluate the associated job demands. Demographic data and work-related data included: night shift, shift type, monthly COVID-19 care and gynecologic and past medical history were gathered. Then data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, chi-square and t-test.
RESULTS
The severity of PMS was: mild (42.5%); moderate (30%); and severe (27.5%). Regular menstruation and dysmenorrhea were reported by 84.6% and 72.3%, respectively. Moderate to severe PMS was associated with: monthly COVID shift (p=0.02); emotional (p<0.01) and quantitative (p<0.01) demands; regular caffeine intake (p=0.01); education level (p=0.005); regular exercise (p=0.003); regular fiber intake (p=0.08); and irregular menstrual cycles (p=0.007). In logistic regression only quantitative (p=0.003) and emotional (p=0.018) job demands were significant.
CONCLUSION
Results showed that the prevalence of PMS was high among Iranian nurses and was associated with quantitative and emotional job demands. We suggest further studies focusing on preventative and effective interventions to diminish the consequences of PMS in this population. We also suggest investigating the practical application of the findings of this study for healthcare professionals and policymakers.
PubMed: 38867710
DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2024.2023-3-1 -
CJC Open May 2024The COVID-19 pandemic effects among patients with a history of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a cause of acute coronary syndrome associated with...
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic effects among patients with a history of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a cause of acute coronary syndrome associated with emotional and physical stress, are unknown.
METHODS
For this cross-sectional cohort study, participants of the Mayo Clinic "Virtual" Multicenter SCAD Registry were surveyed about the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESULTS
Among 1352 participants, 727 (53.8%) completed surveys between June 2, 2021 and September 29, 2021. The majority of respondents (96.7%) were female, with a mean age of 54.9 ± 9.4 years. At the time of completing the survey, which was early in the pandemic, 91 respondents (12.6%) reported having prior COVID-19 symptoms, with < 1% experiencing hospitalization (n = 4) or cardiac complications (n = 6). A total of 14% had ≥ moderate anxiety symptoms, per the General Anxiety Disorder-7 item survey, and 11.8% had ≥ moderate depressive symptoms, per the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item. Higher stress scores on the Likert scale were correlated with pandemic-related reduction in work hours and/or pay and/or unemployment ( = 0.013), remote work and/or change of job ( < 0.001), and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage ( = 0.025). A higher anxiety level, as measured on the Likert scale, was correlated with pandemic-related remote work and/or change of job ( = 0.007) and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage ( = 0.008). Since the start of the pandemic, 54% of respondents reported having at least monthly chest pain. Chest pain and COVID symptoms were each associated with higher scores on the General Anxiety Disorder-7 item survey and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item.
CONCLUSIONS
Early in the pandemic, COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and cardiac complications were uncommon among SCAD patients. The burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms was minimal to mild, similar to that in prior reports. Likert-scale measures of stress and anxiety were higher among persons with work and/or pay reduction and/or unemployment, remote work and/or change of job, and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage. Over half of respondents reported experiencing chest pain, which was correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, highlighting an overarching clinical need.
PubMed: 38846446
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2024.01.006 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2024Since 2018, WHO recommends oral fluid and food intake for low-risk women during labor to enhance positive childbirth experience and respect for women's preferences. This...
"We restrict certain things": a cross-sectional study of health provider adherence to WHO's recommendation for intrapartum oral intake of fluid and food in Greater Accra, Ghana.
BACKGROUND
Since 2018, WHO recommends oral fluid and food intake for low-risk women during labor to enhance positive childbirth experience and respect for women's preferences. This study investigated the current practices related to intrapartum oral intake among maternity care providers and women in public health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana, and explored barriers and opportunities for adherence to the WHO guidance.
METHODS
We used a mixed-method design at five public health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana, which included structured interviews with 11 facility-level quality improvement staff and 12 maternity care providers; a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey with the same providers; and a client survey with 56 inpatient postpartum women. We conducted descriptive and inferential statistics, including z-tests to assess independent and dependent variables, and inductive thematic analyses.
RESULTS
Provider adherence to the WHO recommendation varied, with many imposing restrictions on oral intake during labor. Concerns included potential complications like Mendelson's syndrome, consequently framing oral intake decisions as clinical and leading providers to limit women's involvement in their care decisions. Within our sample, 54% and 43% women reported their provider counseled them on oral fluid and food intake respectively, while 41% and 34% reported their provider asked them their preference for drinking and eating respectively. Ultimately, 73% drank fluids and 19% ate food during their labor. Counseling significantly correlated with women's intake practices (p < 0.01) and providers' inquiry to women's preferences for drinking and eating (p < 0.001) during labor.
CONCLUSION
Adherence to evidence-based practices for intrapartum oral intake among low-risk women was inconsistence. Maternity care providers play a vital role in involving women in their care decisions and respecting women's preferences. Strengthening national-level labor care guidelines and provider quality improvement approaches like in-service training, supportive supervision, and job aides to include the WHO recommendation will help providers adhere to the guidance and contribute to promoting a positive childbirth experience for women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ghana; Cross-Sectional Studies; World Health Organization; Pregnancy; Adult; Guideline Adherence; Labor, Obstetric; Drinking; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel; Young Adult; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Eating
PubMed: 38816819
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06581-1 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Rationing of nursing care is referred to as overlooking aspects of required patient care. Its result is incomplete or delayed services provided to the patient....
INTRODUCTION
Rationing of nursing care is referred to as overlooking aspects of required patient care. Its result is incomplete or delayed services provided to the patient. Anesthesia nurses employed in an intensive care unit are exposed to a significant workload. Particularly heavy is the psychological burden leading in many cases to the onset of burnout syndrome and a decrease in job satisfaction.
THE AIM OF THIS PAPER
Was to determine the relationship between occupational burnout, job satisfaction and rationing of care among anesthesia nurses employed in intensive care units.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study group consisted of 477 anesthesia nurses employed in intensive care units in Poland. The study was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023. The research tools were BERNCA-R questionnaire, Job Satisfaction Scale questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire, which were distributed to selected hospitals with a request to be forwarded to intensive care units and completed. In the statistical analysis, correlations were calculated using Spearman's rho coefficient, reporting the intensity of the relationship and its positive or negative direction. The analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS 26.0 package with the Exact Tests module.
RESULTS
The mean score of the BERNCA questionnaire was 1.65 ± 0.82. The mean score of occupational burnout was 60.82 ± 10.46. The level of emotional exhaustion, which significantly affects occupational burnout, was 26.39 ± 6.07, depersonalization was 14.14 ± 3.21 and lack of personal achievement was 20.29 ± 4.70. All the scores obtained exceeded the threshold of 50% of total points, which indicates the presence of occupational burnout at a significant level. The job satisfaction of the nurses surveyed was above mean at 23.00 ± 5.2 out of 35 total points.
CONCLUSION
The results proved that there is a statistically significant, although with a weak strength of association, correlation between occupational burnout and rationing of care by anesthesia nurses. As the limitation of anesthesia nurses' ability to perform certain activities increases, their job satisfaction decreases. In a work environment that is conducive to nurses, there are fewer job responsibilities that are unfulfilled. Therefore, it is essential to create a friendly work environment for nursing staff that will promote the provision of services at the highest possible level.
Topics: Humans; Job Satisfaction; Burnout, Professional; Adult; Female; Surveys and Questionnaires; Male; Intensive Care Units; Poland; Health Care Rationing; Middle Aged; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Workload
PubMed: 38808001
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1400169 -
PloS One 2024To analyze the relationship between burnout syndrome, cognitive functions, and sBDNF (Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) in Mexican nurses.
AIM
To analyze the relationship between burnout syndrome, cognitive functions, and sBDNF (Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) in Mexican nurses.
METHOD
A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. This study target staff nurses working in hospitals in Guanajuato, México. Demographic and working condition data were collected via questionnaire. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to evaluate burnout. A blood sample were collected and processed by ELISA technique to measure sBDNF. Finally, the General Cognitive Assessment (CAB) of the Cognifit© neuropsychological battery was used to evaluated cognitive functions.
RESULTS
Findings showed that there are sociodemographic characteristics and working conditions associated with burnout syndrome among nurses. Furthermore, the data demonstrated a significant decrease in sBDNF levels in burnout nurses and a negative correlation between BDNF levels and burnout syndrome. Additionally, these burnout nurse also revealed significant cognitive impairment in reasoning, memory, and attention as well as total scores of CAB. Interestingly, we found a positive correlation between sBDNF levels and the cognitive deficits in burnout nurse.
CONCLUSION
Reduced BDNF levels could be a biological indicator or part of the pathological process of burnout, which could affect cognitive abilities. Reduced cognitive function in nurses has relevant implications and emphasizes the need for specialized preventive strategies because nurses make clinical decisions concerning their patients, whose situations are constantly changing.
Topics: Humans; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Burnout, Professional; Mexico; Female; Adult; Cognition; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Middle Aged; Nurses; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 38787900
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304092 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Job burnout has severe consequences for teachers and students. This study aimed to measure the direct effects of personality traits on job burnout-stress syndrome among...
INTRODUCTION
Job burnout has severe consequences for teachers and students. This study aimed to measure the direct effects of personality traits on job burnout-stress syndrome among allied health educators. Furthermore, teachers' digital competence was evaluated as a personal job resource for mitigating the negative impact of burnout.
METHODS
This study examined direct relationships between work-related stress syndrome and personality traits, namely, extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness to experience. Data was collected from 334 allied health institution teachers through a self-reported questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to test for direct effects. Moderating effects were evaluated using Andrew F Hays PROCESS macro v2.16.3.
RESULTS
All five personality traits had a significant negative relationship to burnout and teachers' digital competence moderated the relationship between personality traits and burnout. This study's findings provide evidence, that personality is significantly related to job burnout among allied health educators.
CONCLUSION
These empirical findings conclude that personality traits are related to burnout in the non-Western culture of Pakistan. Furthermore, teachers' digital competence acts as a personal job resource and potential moderator in the current digital working environment. Therefore, future teachers should enrich their digital competencies for improved performance, and advanced digital competency courses should be included in their curriculum.
PubMed: 38784619
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1334371 -
BioPsychoSocial Medicine May 2024Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, functional gastrointestinal disorder. Because IBS often develops and worsens with stress, it requires treatment from both... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, functional gastrointestinal disorder. Because IBS often develops and worsens with stress, it requires treatment from both physical and mental perspectives. Recent years have seen increasing reports of its impact on the daily performance and productivity of workers with IBS, leading to sick leaves and lower quality of life. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to summarize the work and psychosocial characteristics of individuals with IBS.
MAIN BODY
Workers with IBS report greater occupational stressors and work productivity impairments, including presenteeism or absenteeism, in addition to suffering from psychological distress, low quality of life, and medical and economic problems, similar to those with IBS in the general population. Anxiety about abdominal symptoms, as well as the severity of IBS, is related to the degree of interference with one's work. Regarding the association between characteristics of work and IBS, shift work and job demands/discretion have been associated with IBS. Studies on specific occupations have revealed associations between IBS and various occupational stressors in healthcare workers, firefighters, and military personnel. Telecommuting, which has become increasingly popular during the coronavirus disease pandemic, has not found to improve IBS. Moreover, the effectiveness of medication, diet, and a comprehensive self-management program, including cognitive behavioral therapy, in improving the productivity of workers with IBS have been examined.
CONCLUSION
As mentioned above, the IBS of workers is related not only to their problematic physical and mental health but also to work-related problems; workers with IBS exhibit severe occupational stress factors and work productivity impairment. Further research is required to develop efficient and appropriate interventions for workers.
PubMed: 38750514
DOI: 10.1186/s13030-024-00309-5 -
La Tunisie Medicale Apr 2024Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are as the primary occupational disease (OD) in Tunisia. They can touch the elbow and cause occupational disability.
INTRODUCTION
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are as the primary occupational disease (OD) in Tunisia. They can touch the elbow and cause occupational disability.
AIMS
Describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of elbow MSDs recognized in Tunisia, identify the factors associated with these MSDs and assess their socio-professional impact.
METHODS
Retrospective descriptive study of elbow MSDs recognized as compensable OD by the Committees for the Recognition of Occupational Diseases of National Health Insurance Fund, in Tunisia, from 2012 to 2018.
RESULTS
We collected 431 cases of elbow MSDs or 8.35% of all recognized MSDs and 11.8% of recognized MSDs during the same period. The average annual incidence was 4.3 cases. Patients had a mean age of 43.59 years and a clear female predominance (82.2%). The largest provider was the textile industry (60.6%). The average length of employment was 16.78 years. Biomechanical factors were repetitive movements (92.8%), forced movements (67.1%) and prolonged static posture (7.4%). These were lateral epicondylitis (79.1%), medial epicondylitis (14.2%) and ulnar nerve syndrome (10.7%). These pathologies were associated with other MSDs including carpal tunnel syndrome (25.8%). These MSDs were responsible for 15,342 days of lost work. The rate of permanent partial incapacity was 10.6% with a job loss in 15.63%.
CONCLUSION
Elbow MSDs are responsible for heavy economic and socio-professional consequences justifying the implementation of a preventive strategy adapted within risk sectors.
Topics: Humans; Tunisia; Female; Male; Adult; Occupational Diseases; Retrospective Studies; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Middle Aged; Incidence; Tennis Elbow; Ulnar Neuropathies; Elbow Joint
PubMed: 38746963
DOI: 10.62438/tunismed.v102i4.4546