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Journal ArticleDOI

Use of Respiratory Protection Devices by Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the use of respiratory protection equipment (RPE) by medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that 97.5% used RPE during the pandemic, 89.1% used disposable medical and hygienic face masks, 27.4% used reusable cloth face masks and 13.2% used respirators.
Abstract: The use of face masks has assumed a leading spot among nonspecific prevention measures during the coronavirus pandemic. The effectiveness of this protective measure depends on the specifics of individual use. The purpose of our study was to analyze the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) by medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation of face mask use was based on the results of a survey of medical students at Sechenov University. There were 988 participants in the study: 97.5% used RPE during the pandemic, 89.1% used disposable medical and hygienic face masks, 27.4% used reusable cloth face masks, and 13.2% used respirators. The majority of respondents (75.2%) were found to wear face masks correctly. However, 17.0% of the respondents were found to cover only their mouths with a face mask, while 7.8% reported often shifting their face mask under the chin due to perceived discomfort. Only 25.1% of respondents changed their disposable face mask after 2-3 h of wearing, while 13.0% decontaminated and used it several times. Most cloth face mask users (93.7%) decontaminated their marks, but only 55.7% of respondents did so daily. Face masks were most often worn in medical organizations (91.5%), and 1.4% of respondents did not use respiratory protection anywhere. In conclusion, we consider it necessary to introduce a special module on nonspecific prevention in the discipline of hygiene.
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Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 2022
TL;DR: Stricter control over production of respiratory and dermal protective equipment and a comprehensive hygienic assessment of PPE are required.
Abstract: Introduction: The use of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the majority of the global population. The use of face masks has been proven to reduce the incidence of COVID-19 by 53 % and to be an effective means of prevention, both separately and in combination with other non-pharmaceutical measures. Wearing of face masks and gloves was mandated in different regions of the Russian Federation depending on the epidemiological situation, and it is still required in certain areas and workplaces at high risk of this severe infectious disease. Our literature review has shown that the prolonged mask and gloves use has adverse health effects including headaches, difficulty breathing, and various skin reactions. Objective: To analyze chemicals contained in commercially available face masks and protective gloves as one of the stages of hygienic assessment of personal protective equipment and to assess whether the established chemical composition can pose a risk of adverse health outcomes. Materials and methods: In 2021, four types of commercial face masks and protective gloves were analyzed in an accredited testing laboratory center to establish concentrations of chemicals after modeling their release into the aquatic and air environment. Results: We established that, in all types of masks, the levels of detected chemicals did not exceed their appropriate permissible values. Formaldehyde was found in cotton and latex coated cotton gloves in concentrations exceeding the permissible ones by 1.48 and 1.16 times, respectively. A 1.17-fold excess of the acceptable limit was also registered for zinc in latex coated cotton gloves. Conclusions: Increased levels of formaldehyde and zinc were found in cotton and latex coated cotton gloves. Formaldehyde can induce adverse skin reactions. Stricter control over production of respiratory and dermal protective equipment and a comprehensive hygienic assessment of PPE are required.

2 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
11 Jan 2021
TL;DR: A hygienic self-isolation index point score (HSIPS) is developed which determines that the optimal mode is directly proportional to the coefficients of a person’s physical activity, indoor area per isolated, time spent in fresh air, and inversely proportional toThe calorie intake.
Abstract: Self-isolation is a preventive measure that started in January 2020 as a response to the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 infection, and it has no precedents in human history. During this pandemic, governments forced billions of people to self-isolate for several months, and the sanitary-hygienic assessment of self-isolation became an essential issue. It is possible to assess self-isolation using several methods: We proposed a sanitary-hygienic definition of self-isolation. We developed a hygienic self-isolation index point score (HSIPS) which determines that the optimal mode is directly proportional to the coefficients of a person’s physical activity (D), indoor area (air cubic capacity) per isolated (S), time spent in fresh air (T) and inversely proportional to the calorie intake. The self-isolation index point score (HSIPS) determines if self-isolation is (1) optimal, (2) favorable, or (3) unfavorable. We determined methods to assess the level of functional reserves of the body. We identified the leading risk factors for the health of the self-isolation population. We proposed sanitary-hygienic criteria for assessing self-isolation based on the sanitary-hygienic standards of the Russian Federation. The sanitary-hygienic assessment of self-isolation can ensure the prevention of cardiovascular, alimentary-dependent diseases, and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Besides, self-isolation accompanies a decrease in motor activity and unbalanced nutrition.

1 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
24 Aug 2022-Sensors
TL;DR: (ME)2, the Monitoring Equipment Mask Environment: an innovative reusable 3D-printed eco-sustainable mask with an interchangeable filter equipped with multiple vital sensors on board, connected to a system-on-a-chip micro-controller with computational capabilities, Bluetooth communication, and a rechargeable battery that allows continuous monitoring of the wearer’s vital signs.
Abstract: Filter face masks are Respiratory Protective Equipment designed to protect the wearer from various hazards, suit various health situations, and match the specific requirements of the wearer. Current traditional face masks have several limitations. In this paper, we present (ME)2, the Monitoring Equipment Mask Environment: an innovative reusable 3D-printed eco-sustainable mask with an interchangeable filter. (ME)2 is equipped with multiple vital sensors on board, connected to a system-on-a-chip micro-controller with computational capabilities, Bluetooth communication, and a rechargeable battery that allows continuous monitoring of the wearer’s vital signs. It monitors body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation in a non-invasive, strategically positioned way. (ME)2 is accompanied by a mobile application that provides users’ health information. Furthermore, through Edge Computing Artificial Intelligence (Edge AI) modules, it is possible to detect an abnormal and early symptoms linked to possible pathologies, possibly linked to the respiratory or cardiovascular tract, and therefore perform predictive analysis, launch alerts, and recommendations. To validate the feasibility of embedded in-app Edge AI modules, we tested a machine learning model able to distinguish COVID-19 versus seasonal influenza using only vital signs. By generating new synthetic data, we confirm the highly reliable performances of such a model, with an accuracy of 94.80%.

1 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article , the authors used a scoping review to assess the existing literature on face masks as a personal intervention against the harmful effects of air pollution for pedestrians and bicyclists, and found that face mask use improves health measures in pedestrians after walks in polluted urban areas.
Abstract: A growing body of research suggests that pedestrians and bicyclists are exposed to substantial levels of harmful air pollutants, including particulate matter and carbon monoxide, during their daily commutes. Disposable and cloth face masks are well-known personal interventions for pedestrian and bicyclist pollutant exposure. However, there is a lack of consistent messaging from public health officials regarding how effective these masks are. Methods: This study used a scoping review to assess the existing literature on face masks as a personal intervention against the harmful effects of air pollution for pedestrians and bicyclists. The studies reviewed suggested that face mask use improves health measures in pedestrians after walks in polluted urban areas. Specifically, disposable N95 respirators were the most effective commercially available face masks models evaluated, with surgical masks and cloth masks with exhalations vents also effective. Additionally, perceptions of face masks against air pollution were generally positive among citizens. Although the scope of the evidence reviewed was relatively limited, it consistently suggested that mask use may be an effective and inexpensive personal intervention against air pollution for pedestrians and bicyclists. Public health organizations should consider encouraging the continued use of face masks as a personal abatement strategy of air pollution exposure during the post-pandemic stage.

1 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated health care students' face mask use knowledge, attitude, and practices and social distancing attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and found that having higher knowledge was linked to better attitude and practice.
References
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that wearing of face masks in public corresponds to the most effective means to prevent interhuman transmission, and this inexpensive practice, in conjunction with simultaneous social distancing, quarantine, and contact tracing, represents the most likely fighting opportunity to stop the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract: Various mitigation measures have been implemented to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including widely adopted social distancing and mandated face covering. However, assessing the effectiveness of those intervention practices hinges on the understanding of virus transmission, which remains uncertain. Here we show that airborne transmission is highly virulent and represents the dominant route to spread the disease. By analyzing the trend and mitigation measures in Wuhan, China, Italy, and New York City, from January 23 to May 9, 2020, we illustrate that the impacts of mitigation measures are discernable from the trends of the pandemic. Our analysis reveals that the difference with and without mandated face covering represents the determinant in shaping the pandemic trends in the three epicenters. This protective measure alone significantly reduced the number of infections, that is, by over 78,000 in Italy from April 6 to May 9 and over 66,000 in New York City from April 17 to May 9. Other mitigation measures, such as social distancing implemented in the United States, are insufficient by themselves in protecting the public. We conclude that wearing of face masks in public corresponds to the most effective means to prevent interhuman transmission, and this inexpensive practice, in conjunction with simultaneous social distancing, quarantine, and contact tracing, represents the most likely fighting opportunity to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. Our work also highlights the fact that sound science is essential in decision-making for the current and future public health pandemics.

965 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings support previous research which has found that traditional masculine gender socialization and social norms models encourage men to put their health at risk, and suggest directions for health promotion efforts when working with men.

541 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
09 Oct 2020-PLOS ONE
TL;DR: Assessment of KAP towards COVID-19 immediately after the lock-down measures were implemented and during the rapid rise period of the outbreak found more accurate knowledge was associated with age and residence and more positive attitude factors were associated with female sex, older age, higher education, family income >30,000 BDT, urban area residence, and having more positive attitudes.
Abstract: In Bangladesh, an array of measures have been adopted to control the rapid spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. Such general population control measures could significantly influence perception, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19. Here, we assessed KAP towards COVID-19 immediately after the lock-down measures were implemented and during the rapid rise period of the outbreak. Online-based cross-sectional study conducted from March 29 to April 19, 2020, involving Bangladeshi residents aged 12-64 years, recruited via social media. After consenting, participants completed an online survey assessing socio-demographic variables, perception, and KAP towards COVID-19. Of the 2017 survey participants, 59.8% were male, the majority were students (71.2%), aged 21-30 years (57.9%), having a bachelor's degree (61.0%), having family income >30,000 BDT (50.0%), and living in urban areas (69.8). The survey revealed that 48.3% of participants had more accurate knowledge, 62.3% had more positive attitudes, and 55.1% had more frequent practices regarding COVID-19 prevention. Majority (96.7%) of the participants agreed 'COVID-19 is a dangerous disease', almost all (98.7%) participants wore a face mask in crowded places, 98.8% agreed to report a suspected case to health authorities, and 93.8% implemented washing hands with soap and water. In multiple logistic regression analyses, COVID-19 more accurate knowledge was associated with age and residence. Sociodemographic factors such as being older, higher education, employment, monthly family income >30,000 BDT, and having more frequent prevention practices were the more positive attitude factors. More frequent prevention practice factors were associated with female sex, older age, higher education, family income > 30,000 BDT, urban area residence, and having more positive attitudes. To improve KAP of general populations is crucial during the rapid rise period of a pandemic outbreak such as COVID-19. Therefore, development of effective health education programs that incorporate considerations of KAP-modifying factors is needed.

314 citations