Role of Personal Protective Measures in Prevention of COVID-19 Spread Among Physicians in Bangladesh: a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Abstract

This study aims to determine the role of personal protective measures in the prevention of COVID-19 spread among the physicians working at different health facilities in Bangladesh. This hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from May to June 2020. A total of 98 COVID-19 positive physicians and 92 COVID-19 negative physicians (physicians with no symptoms of COVID-19 or who tested negative) were enrolled. The questionnaire was adapted from a tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for risk assessment and management of exposure of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19. Data were collected from the respondents online using Google forms. There was no significant difference in baseline information between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative physicians. The physicians, who were unaware of direct participation in COVID-19 patient care, had higher odds of being COVID-19 positive (OR = 4.018; CI: 1.532–10.535). Additionally, the physicians, who were unaware of the COVID-19 status while performing the aerosol-generated procedure (AGP), had a higher chance of being COVID-19 positive (OR = 2.522; CI: 1.020–6.233). Using face shields/goggles (OR = 0.437; CI:0.228–0.837) and regular decontamination of the patient’s surroundings (OR = 0.392; CI:0.176–0.873) while usual take care of patients and use of N95 masks while performing AGP (OR = 0.372; CI:0.159–0.873) had protective roles against COVID-19 among the physicians. The physicians who had reused the medical gown had two times more chances of being tested positive for COVID-19 than those who had not reused it (OR = 2.3; CI:1.251–4.259). The use of face shields/goggles and N95 masks and decontamination of the patient’s surroundings may give protection against COVID-19. Additionally, reusing medical gowns should be avoided as much as possible.

Assessment of exposure risks to COVID-19 among frontline health care workers in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional survey

“…COVID-19 infection is still a rapidly spreading global health problem affecting all sectors [ 21 ]. Health care workers acquired COVID-19 infection at a higher rate than the general population [ 21 – 24 ]. In the present study, 18.66% had reported that they have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection.…”

“…The current finding showed that the likelihood of being infected with COVID-19 was higher among health care workers working in the Emergency ward though the difference was not statistically significant. However, a study conducted in Bangladesh showed that the possibility of being infected with COVID-19 was higher among health care workers working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), though, the difference was not statistically significant [ 24 ]. Similarly, a study done in Wuhan, China revealed that health professionals working in the ICU had two times more likelihood of getting infected with COVID-19 than health professionals working in the general wards [ 29 ].…”

“…According to World health organization recommendations, the use of N95 masks exhibited a protective factor against COVID-19 infection among health care workers who performed the aerosol-generated procedure. Proper use of goggles and face shields significantly protected the health care workers from COVID-19 infection [ 24 , 32 ].…”

“…Continuous assessment of numerous kinds of exposures and activities as health care workers is crucial. Exposures and activities should consider the use of masks and social distancing anywhere in the health facilities since it could be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 24 ]. Implementing safe practices to decrease exposures to COVID-19 infection during drinking, on-site eating, and health care works in health facilities should be considered to protect health care workers and slow the spread and transmission of COVID-19 infection.…”

‘POLIDON’ Approach—A Novel Solution for the ENT & Skull Base Surgeons in COVID-19 era

“…In March 2020 WHO declared COVID-19 as pandemic. Throughout the world huge number of health care providers (HCP) are infected and died due to COVID-19 [1]. Among them HCP of ENT, Skull base surgery, Dental or maxillofacial surgery, anaesthesia or ICU Department are highly vulnerable and mostly infected; as they have to examine and perform procedures directly in oral cavity, oropharynx, nose, nasopharynx and middle ear i.e.…”