Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jongtak Jung, Kyoung-Ho Song, Hyeonju Jeong, Sin Young Ham, Eu Suk Kim, Hong Bin Kim
Summary: This study found that coverall contamination rarely occurred while managing severe-to-critical COVID-19 patients housed in negative pressure rooms. Long-sleeved gowns may be more suitable for the management of COVID-19 patients, as significant contamination was observed on high-contact surfaces in patient rooms.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Ye, Qingpeng Zhang, Zhidong Cao, Frank Youhua Chen, Houmin Yan, H. Eugene Stanley, Daniel Dajun Zeng
Summary: The surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to global shortages, export restrictions, and shortage contagions in the global PPE trade network. The export restrictions play a critical role in determining the shortage contagion pattern, causing shortages to spread faster than the disease itself. Global cooperation and efforts are essential to prevent PPE shortages, while actions to reduce supply chain barriers and increase global PPE production are also necessary.
ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chrystie Nguyen, Fletcher Graham Young, Doug McElroy, Aniruddha Singh
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among healthcare professionals in the United States. This study surveyed hospital workers in Kentucky and found that over half of the respondents experienced some form of skin irritation, with medical and medical support staff being more affected than non-medical workers. The most common reaction was dryness/scaling of the skin, mainly occurring on the facial cheeks. The severity and duration of the reactions were related to the amount and frequency of PPE use.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mohammad Ali Hossain, Md Utba Bin Rashid, Md Abdullah Saeed Khan, Sabrina Sayeed, Md Abdul Kader, Mohammad Delwer Hossain Hawlader
Summary: The study found that healthcare workers had good overall knowledge and a positive attitude, but poor practice regarding personal protective equipment (PPE). The study also highlighted factors influencing healthcare workers' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards PPE that need to be addressed in future education, awareness, and counseling programs.
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yu Zhang, Man Hu, Junwu Wang, Pingchuan Wang, Pengzhi Shi, Wenjie Zhao, Xin Liu, Qing Peng, Bo Meng, Xinmin Feng, Liang Zhang
Summary: COVID-19 has emerged as a global public health threat, and studying the use of PPE and scientific influence is crucial in overcoming the pandemic.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ali Sahebi, Naser Hasheminejad, Masoumeh Shohani, Atefeh Yousefi, Somayeh Tahernejad, Azadeh Tahernejad
Summary: This study found that the prevalence of PPE-associated headaches in HCWs was relatively high during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yongcheng Zhu, Sichen Qiao, Weiming Wu, Yanling Li, Huilin Jian, Shaopeng Lin, Tianwei Tang, Zhimin Zheng, Yudong Mao, Xiaohui Chen, Zhaosong Fang
Summary: In the hot summer of 2021, most frontline healthcare workers conducted residents' nucleic acid tests outdoors instead of taking care of COVID-19 patients in hospitals. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) caused thermal discomfort, and an investigation into its prevalence and characteristics was conducted. The results showed that wearing PPE increased the levels of thermal discomfort and humid discomfort, with feelings of being very hot and uncomfortably humid being the most influenced. Thermal discomfort was common and associated with factors such as environmental temperature, work setting, age, and previous pandemic experiences.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Filip Haegdorens, Erik Franck, Pierre Smith, Arnaud Bruyneel, Koenraad G. Monsieurs, Peter Van Bogaert
Summary: This prospective cohort study conducted on healthcare workers in Belgium revealed that proper training in the correct usage of personal protective equipment is crucial in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Elham Jafari, Mansoureh Togha, Hossein Kazemizadeh, Samaneh Haghighi, Somayeh Nasergivehchi, Mohammad Saatchi, Shadi Ariyanfar
Summary: This study found that headache after using PPE is common among healthcare workers, with a prevalence rate of 72.4%. N95 mask was the most commonly reported cause of headache (41%), and headache was more common in females. Increased heart rate was significantly associated with headache due to mask use.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fabian Kirsch, Ann-Kathrin Lindemann, Johanna Geppert, Dan Borzekowski, Mark Lohmann, Gaby-Fleur Boel
Summary: This study investigated personal protective measures during the pandemic in Germany and found a positive correlation between the number of measures taken and the national incidence rate. Sociodemographic differences were also observed, with women, higher educated individuals, and younger respondents taking more protective measures. Therefore, campaigns should focus on older individuals, males, and those with lower education to enhance their protective behavior.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Nkemjika Abiakam, Peter Worsley, Hemalatha Jayabal, Kay Mitchell, Michaela Jones, Jacqui Fletcher, Fran Spratt, Dan Bader
Summary: The study found that prolonged use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can lead to various adverse skin reactions among healthcare workers, particularly in different facial locations such as the bridge of the nose and ears. Improvement in guidelines for PPE usage to protect skin health is recommended, along with modifications to PPE designs to accommodate different face shapes and select appropriate materials to enhance device safety.
INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohammad Abbas Uddin, Shaila Afroj, Tahmid Hasan, Chris Carr, Kostya S. Novoselov, Nazmul Karim
Summary: Personal protective clothing is crucial for shielding users from highly infectious diseases, but the environmental impacts of single-use plastic-based protective clothing are significant. Despite environmental concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of disposable protective clothing, potentially exacerbating oceanic plastic pollution. Therefore, fundamental changes in business models are needed to address these issues, such as increasing the use of reusable protective clothing.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Feifei Chen, Yuli Zang, Yuan Liu, Xiaomin Wang, Xingfeng Lin
Summary: The study focused on the experiences of dispatched nurses wearing full gear personal protective equipment while caring for COVID-19 patients in Wuhan. Nurses faced challenges but learned from problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies to improve nursing care and reduce exposure risks. Regular and intensive training on prolonged use of full gear personal protective equipment is recommended for better preparedness in high exposure settings.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Faisal Javid, Xing Xin, Jose G. B. Derraik, William A. Anderson, Yvonne Anderson, Saeid Baroutian
Summary: This study investigated the non-catalytic hydrothermal deconstruction of different types of personal protective equipment, and found that it effectively reduced solid content and chemical oxygen demand, while producing organic acids and ammonia nitrogen. Therefore, non-catalytic hydrothermal deconstruction is a viable method for processing and managing PPE waste.
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. Ortega, M. Calero, N. Rico, M. A. Martin-Lara
Summary: The study aims to monitor the presence of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) waste and other plastic debris on the coastal areas of Granada, Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed significant amounts of plastic and PPE debris, with higher presence on touristic/recreational beaches compared to fishing beaches. This study provides important insights for addressing this issue.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Htet Lin Htun, Pei-Yun Hon, Rei Tan, Brenda Ang, Angela Chow
Summary: This study characterizes the epidemiology of MRSA, VRE, and CPE co-colonization and compares risk factors between different healthcare facility types. The study finds that independent risk factors for co-colonization include male sex, prior antibiotic therapy, and having an open wound. The study identifies at-risk groups and provides a basis for intensive interventions.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rachel Hui Fen Lim, Htet Lin Htun, Anthony Lianjie Li, Huiling Guo, Win Mar Kyaw, Aung Aung Hein, Brenda Ang, Angela Chow
Summary: This study reviewed the enhanced strategies implemented by a hospital in Singapore to prevent nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 amid the widespread community transmission of the Delta variant. The results showed that upgraded personal protective equipment (PPE) and rostered routine testing (RRT), staff sickness surveillance, and rigorous management of contacts of COVID-19 cases were effective in reducing nosocomial transmission.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
W-Y Lim, G. S. E. Tan, H. L. Htun, H. P. Phua, W. M. Kyaw, H. Guo, L. Cui, T. M. Mak, B. F. Poh, J. C. C. Wong, Y. X. Setoh, B. S. P. Ang, A. L. P. Chow
Summary: This study examines a large nosocomial cluster of COVID-19 in a major acute care hospital in Singapore. It investigates factors associated with infection, explores the possibility of aerosol-based transmission, evaluates the effectiveness of BNT162.b2 and mRNA1273 vaccines, and describes the successful containment of the cluster. The study findings reveal that all infections were caused by the Delta variant, and vaccination is associated with a significant lower odds of COVID-19 infection. The cluster was brought under control through case isolation, extensive contact tracing and quarantine measures, as well as improvements in hospital infrastructure to enhance ventilation.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Rhea Khanna, Htet Lin Htun, Anthony Lianjie Li, Win Mar Kyaw, Hou Ang, Brenda Ang, Angela Chow
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Huiling Guo, Huai Yang Lim, Angela Chow
Summary: Poor health information orientation is associated with poor knowledge of antibiotic use, especially in older adults. Educational strategies should disseminate consistent information through online and offline platforms, involving various healthcare and non-healthcare influencers.
Article
Immunology
Sapna P. Sadarangani, Barnaby E. Young, Weixiang Lian, Hwee Pin Phua, Mark I-C Chen, Ian Barr, Tsin Wen Yeo, Rinkoo Dalan, Angela Chow
Summary: Immunosenescence and inflamm-aging contribute to suboptimal immune responses to standard-dose influenza vaccines in older adults, which may be exacerbated by metabolic co-morbidities. In a Singaporean cohort of older adults, age, diabetes, obesity, and baseline vitamin D levels were not associated with vaccine response, while recent vaccination and physical activity were linked to different responses for specific influenza strains. Older adults with well-controlled metabolic conditions retained better vaccine response, with physical activity showing a positive effect, particularly for influenza A/HK/H3N2.
Review
Psychiatry
Dinuli Nilaweera, Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo, Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale, Htet Lin Htun, Jo Wrigglesworth, Caroline Gurvich, Rosanne Freak-Poli, Joanne Ryan
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis to determine the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mortality risk, and found that PTSD is associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shannon Tan, Huiling Guo, Angela Chow
Summary: A population survey in Singapore found that the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is associated with better antibiotic usage practices, which is crucial in combating antimicrobial resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Htet Lin Htun, Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale, Miranda S. Cumpston, Lisa Demos, Joanne Ryan, Alice Owen, Rosanne Freak-Poli
Summary: Social prescribing (SP) links patients with non-medical interventions in the community to address socioeconomic and behavioral determinants. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that SP exercise interventions were associated with a slight increase in physical activity, but no significant improvement in metabolic factors. Further rigorous studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of SP in modifying the determinants of chronic disease and promoting sustainable healthy behaviors.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale, Htet Lin Htun, Alice Owen, Danijela Gasevic, Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo, Daisy Fancourt, Joanne Ryan, Andrew Steptoe, Rosanne Freak-Poli
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and addressing social determinants of health may be crucial in reducing its burden. This umbrella review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of social determinants of health in cardiovascular disease.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zhilian Huang, Win Sen Kuan, Hann Yee Tan, Eillyne Seow, Ling Tiah, Li Lee Peng, Yanyi Weng, Angela Chow
Summary: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) who expected antibiotics were more likely to receive them. However, this expectation might have changed during the pandemic due to changes in health-seeking behavior. We conducted a study in four Singapore emergency departments to assess the factors associated with antibiotics expectation and receipt for uncomplicated URTI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that factors such as prior consultation with or without antibiotics prescribed, anticipation for COVID-19 test, and knowledge on antibiotics use and resistance significantly influenced the expectation for antibiotics.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Zhilian Huang, Wern Ee Tang, Huiling Guo, Karthiga Natarajan, Tau Hong Lee, Tsin Wen Yeo, Angela Chow
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a serious game app in improving the knowledge, attitude, and perception of appropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among the public. The study will recruit 400 participants aged 18-65 from primary care clinics in Singapore and randomize them into an intervention or control group. The primary outcome is the change in participants' knowledge, attitude, and perception 6-10 weeks post intervention, while secondary outcomes include user engagement and satisfaction with the app.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale, Htet Lin Htun, Jessie Hu, Lachlan L. Dalli, Michelle H. Lim, Barbara Barbosa Neves, J. R. Baker, Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo, Christopher M. Reid, Joanne Ryan, Alice J. Owen, Sharyn M. Fitzgerald, Rosanne Freak-Poli
Summary: Social health is closely related to cardiovascular disease, potentially mediated through its shared risk factors. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between social health and cardiovascular disease are poorly understood. Further research is needed to determine whether targeting certain social health constructs may directly improve cardiovascular disease risk factors.
ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Htet Lin Htun, Weixiang Lian, Hwee Pin Phua, Moses Yidong Lim, Timothy Peng Lim Quek, Daniel Ek Kwang Chew, Wei-Yen Lim
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the association between trajectories of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and potentially avoidable hospitalisations (PAH). The study found that patients with a high-decrease trajectory of HbA1c had a lower risk of hospitalisation compared to those with persistently high HbA1c. Identifying HbA1c trajectories could help to identify high-risk individuals and provide targeted and intensive management to improve care and reduce hospitalisations.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dwee Wee Lim, Htet Lin Htun, Lay See Ong, Huiling Guo, Angela Chow
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors associated with antibiotic use for uncomplicated acute respiratory tract infections (uARTIs) in adults presenting at the emergency department (ED). The study found that patients with normal C-reactive protein levels and positive influenza tests were less likely to receive antibiotic treatment. Nonclinical factors associated with antibiotic use included longer waiting time and perceived patient desire for antibiotics. Patients attended by internal medicine physicians comanaged by house staff or who visited an ED which provided education to healthcare providers on antibiotics use were less likely to receive antibiotics.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)