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Healthcare workers (HCWs) in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) can represent a source of influenza infection for the elderly. While flu vaccination coverage (VC) is satisfactory in the elderly, HCWs are less likely to be vaccinated. There is no definitive evidence on which types of healthcare system-based interventions at LTCFs would be more useful in improving the vaccination uptake among HCWs. We performed a systematic review in different databases (Pubmed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Health Evidence, Web of Science, Cinahl) to provide a synthesis of the available studies on this topic. Among the 1177 articles screened by their titles and abstracts, 27 were included in this review. Most of the studies reported multiple interventions addressed to improve access to vaccination, eliminate individual barriers, or introduce policy interventions. As expected, mandatory vaccinations seem to be the most useful intervention to increase the vaccination uptake in HCWs. However, our study suggests that better results in the vaccination uptake in HCWs were obtained by combining interventions in different areas. Educational campaigns alone could not have an impact on vaccination coverage. LTCFs represent an ideal setting to perform preventive multi-approach interventions for the epidemiological transition toward aging and chronicity.

Silver is easily available and is known to have microbicidal effect; moreover, it does not impose any adverse effects on the human body. The microbicidal effect is mainly due to silver ions, which have a wide antibacterial spectrum. Furthermore, the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria, as in the case of antibiotics, is less likely. Silver ions bind to halide ions, such as chloride, and precipitate; therefore, when used directly, their microbicidal activity is shortened. To overcome this issue, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been recently synthesized and frequently used as microbicidal agents that release silver ions from particle surface. Depending on the specific surface area of the nanoparticles, silver ions are released with high efficiency. In addition to their bactericidal activity, small Ag NPs (<10 nm in diameter) affect viruses although the microbicidal effect of silver mass is weak. Because of their characteristics, Ag NPs are useful countermeasures against infectious diseases, which constitute a major issue in the medical field. Thus, medical tools coated with Ag NPs are being developed. This review outlines the synthesis and utilization of Ag NPs in the medical field, focusing on environment-friendly synthesis and the suppression of infections in healthcare workers (HCWs).

Climate change has been recognised as a multiplier of risk factors affecting public health. Disruptions caused by natural disasters and other climate-driven impacts are placing increasing demands on healthcare systems. These, in turn, impact the wellness and performance of healthcare workers (HCWs) and hinder the accessibility, functionality and safety of healthcare systems. This study explored factors influencing HCWs’ disaster management capabilities with the aim of improving their resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen HCWs who dealt with disasters within two hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Analysis of the results identified two significant themes, HCWs’ disaster education and HCWs’ wellness and needs. The latter comprised five subthemes: HCWs’ fear and vulnerability, doubts and uncertainty, competing priorities, resilience and adaptation, and needs assessment. This study developed an ‘HCWs Resilience Toolkit’, which encourages mindfulness amongst leaders, managers and policymakers about supporting four priority HCWs’ needs: ‘Wellness’, ‘Education’, ‘Resources’ and ‘Communication’. The authors focused on the ‘Education’ component to detail recommended training for each of the pre-disaster, mid-disaster and post-disaster phases. The authors conclude the significance of the toolkit, which provides a timely contribution to the healthcare sector amidst ongoing adversity.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic spreading worldwide, and Italy represented the first European country involved. Healthcare workers (HCWs) facing COVID-19 pandemic represented an at-risk population for new psychosocial COVID-19 strain and consequent mental health symptoms. The aim of the present study was to identify the possible impact of working contextual and personal variables (age, gender, working position, years of experience, proximity to infected patients) on professional quality of life, represented by compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout, and secondary traumatization (ST), in HCWs facing COVID-19 emergency. Further, two multivariable linear regression analyses were fitted to explore the association of mental health selected outcomes, anxiety and depression, with some personal and working characteristics that are COVID-19-related. A sample of 265 HCWs of a major university hospital in central Italy was consecutively recruited at the outpatient service of the Occupational Health Department during the acute phase of COVID-19 pandemic. HCWs were assessed by Professional Quality of Life-5 (ProQOL-5), the Nine-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Seven-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) to evaluate, respectively, CS, burnout, ST, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Females showed higher ST than males, while frontline staff and healthcare assistants reported higher CS rather than second-line staff and physicians, respectively. Burnout and ST, besides some work or personal variables, were associated to depressive or anxiety scores. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a new working challenge for HCWs and intervention strategies to prevent burnout and ST to reduce the risk of adverse mental health outcomes are needed.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has posed major risks for healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. This study assessed the prevalence of infection and its relationship with demographic and clinical characteristics among HCWs at the University of Puerto Rico Adult Hospital. A total of 132 individuals were enrolled, of whom six tested positive (4.55%). The study population was predominantly female (78.8%) with a mean age of 41 years, and although men showed higher odds of infection (OR = 3.98), the difference was not significant. Symptom presence was strongly associated with infection: 7.4% of symptomatic participants tested positive compared to none of the asymptomatic (p < 0.001). Symptom count was also predictive, with those reporting three to four symptoms showing the highest positivity rate (14.8%) and those with five to ten symptoms at 6.7%. Specific symptoms including muscle pain (OR = 21.04, p = 0.002), taste loss (OR = 24.20, p = 0.002), smell loss (OR = 15.25, p = 0.024), and fever (OR = 20.50, p = 0.016) were significantly linked to infection, while others such as headache and congestion were not. These findings underscore the utility of symptom-based monitoring in occupational health, though the single-site design, modest sample size, reliance on self-report, and early pandemic diagnostic limitations may have led to underestimation of true cases.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are prone to be at risk to health and safety hazards, particularly during disease outbreaks. This study examined the challenges confronted by HCWs in providing care and service during disease outbreaks. A systematic literature review (SLR) was adopted as the main approach of this study. A total of 61 articles were retrieved from two databases, Scopus and Web of Science, and analysed. Knowledge deficit and communication issues were identified as among the major challenges confronted by HCWs during disease outbreaks. These challenges were later analysed from an Islamic perspective by examining the responses provided in the Qur’ān and Ḥadīths. This study puts forward relevant Islamic guidelines on dealing with challenges during a disease outbreak that have been scarce in the literature. The study received approval from the IIUM Research Ethics Committee (IREC). It is also part of a research project on preventing and controlling disease outbreaks, as well as dealing with emergencies, funded by the Islamic Advisory group (AIG).  

Background Hospital-acquired infections, including COVID-19 and sepsis, pose a significant threat to healthcare workers’ productivity and patients’ safety globally. Adhering to standard infection prevention and control (IPC) practices is crucial. This study assessed adherence levels, explored the availability of IPC supplies, and determined factors associated with adherence to IPC practices among healthcare workers at Juba Teaching Hospital. Methods This facility-based cross-sectional study involved 168 healthcare workers (HCWs) selected through a stratified sampling technique at Juba Teaching Hospital. HCWs were stratified by profession. The dependent variable was adherence to standard IPC practices, while the independent variables included education levels, working experience, availability of IPC supplies, IPC policies/guidelines, IPC committees, and in-service training. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, key informants, and in-depth interview guides. Data were analyzed using Stata and presented in tables, graphs, and logistic regression tables. Results Overall adherence to standard IPC practices was moderate at 62.7%. The most commonly available IPC supplies were sharp disposal containers/safety boxes (90%), hand washing facilities (90%), and waste disposal containers (90%). However, some IPC supplies were unavailable, including disinfectants, color-coded bins, placenta pits, waste pits with sharps, and waste pits for noninfectious waste. Factors significantly associated with adherence to IPC practices included sufficient IPC supplies (AOR 2.35 [1.11–4.96]), presence of an IPC committee (AOR 2.07 [1.03–3.87]). IPC in-service training (AOR 1.57 [0.76–3.25]), and IPC policies/guidelines (AOR 1.54 [0.73–3.22]) were also found to be associated. Conclusion Healthcare workers were more likely to adhere to standard IPC practices if they had sufficient IPC supplies and an IPC committee. Additionally, receiving in-service training on IPC and having IPC policies/guidelines were associated with better adherence. To increase adherence levels, the South Sudan Ministry of Health should ensure adequate IPC supplies, strengthen IPC committees, and offer IPC in-service training and policies/guidelines to healthcare workers at Juba Teaching Hospital.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has infected many healthcare workers and (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine, analyze, and compare the frequency and characteristics of COVID-19 cases among HCWs of the University Hospital of Bari. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted after preventive protocol implementation. The SARS-CoV-2 infection frequency was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal samples. Results: Overall, 519 HCWs (9%) tested positive among a total of 6030 HCWs during the three waves. The highest frequency of COVID-19 cases (n = 326; 63%) was observed during the 2nd wave, from September 2020 to December 2020, and the lowest (n = 34; 7%) was observed during the 1st wave, from March 2020 to August 2020 (p < 0.001). Working in a designated COVID-19 department was not a risk factor for infection. Conclusions: The correct use of personal protective equipment and the early identification of symptomatic workers are still essential factors to avoid nosocomial clusters, even in this current phase of vaccine availability.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) played an essential role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL) and the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) developed a retrospective study to analyze and understand trends and characteristics of infections among HCWs during the first wave of the pandemic. Between May and September 2020, Italian Regions retrospectively collected anonymous data regarding HCWs infected from the beginning of the pandemic until 30 April 2020 from their administrative sources through a questionnaire asking for socio-demographic and occupational information about the characteristics of contagion and disease outcome. Almost 16,000 valid questionnaires were received. Logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effect of age, gender, geographical macro area, profession, and pre-existing health conditions on the likelihood of HCWs developing more severe forms of COVID-19 (at least hospitalization with mild symptoms). All predictor variables were statistically significant. HCWs at higher risk of developing a more severe disease were males (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.44–2.51), older than 60 years of age (OR: 6.00; 95% CI: 3.30–10.91), doctors (OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 2.22–9.02), working in Lombardy (OR: 55.24; 95% CI: 34.96–87.29) and with pre-existing health conditions (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.43–2.51). This study analyses the main reasons for the overload put on the National Health Service by the first wave of the pandemic and the risk of infection for HCWs by age, gender, occupational profile and pre-existing health conditions. Improved knowledge, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a tight vaccination campaign for HCWs strongly changed the trend of infections among HCWs, with substantial elimination of serious and fatal cases.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a major occupational risk for healthcare workers (HCWs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where endemicity and resource limitations hinder effective prevention. Mandatory Hepatitis B vaccination (HepB) policies for HCWs are critical to addressing vaccination gaps, yet their implementation is challenged by dosing inconsistencies, lack of post-vaccination immunity testing, and ethical considerations. In many countries in SSA, adults are given a four-dose pediatric formulation of the vaccine due to limited access to adult formulations that require fewer doses, creating logistical challenges and increasing the risk of incomplete immunization. In addition, the absence of routine post-vaccination immunity testing undermines efforts to ensure adequate protection, leaving vaccinated HCWs potentially vulnerable to HBV infection. Ethical issues, including inadequate informed consent, out-of-pocket vaccination costs, and inequities in access, further complicate mandatory vaccination programs. Addressing these barriers requires a multi-sectoral approach, including increased access to adult formulations of vaccines, integration of immunity testing into vaccination protocols, subsidized vaccine costs, and culturally tailored education campaigns. These strategies are essential for ensuring that vaccination policies are effective, equitable, and ethical. Protecting HCWs against HBV not only safeguards their health but also strengthens healthcare systems and public health outcomes in SSA.