BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) were compelled to use personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent cross-transmission. One of the most significant challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic is the consistent and effective use of PPE to avoid staff exposure and infection. This study aimed to detect and evaluate the adverse effects of PPE and determine the associated risk factors. MethodologyThis cross-sectional study included 186 randomly selected HCWs at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, from May 2022 to July 2022. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, and data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. ResultsPPE-related adverse effects were noted among 147 HCWs, with a prevalence of 79.03%. Data analysis showed that factors significantly associated with PPE adverse effects in HCWs were age group 20-40 years (chisquared (χ 2 ) = 4.119, p = 0.04) and female gender (χ 2 = 7.153, p = 0.007). Overall, 30.8% of participants had tested positive while on duty during the pandemic. Similarly, adverse effects were associated with PPE use of more than four hours per day and more than three days per week (χ 2 = 5.477, p = 0.02 and χ 2 = 6.488, p = 0.01, respectively). The majority of HCWs expressed indentation and pain on the back of the ear (52.7%) and pressure-related injury (39.8%) as adverse effects after wearing masks; skin soaking in sweat (54.83%) due to gloves; profuse sweating due to gown (64.28%); fogging (65.26%) due to googles and face-shield; and discomfort (61.29%). ConclusionsThe prevalence of adverse effects related to wearing PPE was alarmingly high among HCWs. The major risk factors were age, female sex, and duration of use. Although the majority of healthcare personnel have received vaccinations, the use of PPE has not altered, and severe skin reactions continue to be a global issue with no known solution. To further understand the problem, national data for the impacted healthcare professionals could be helpful. Furthermore, workplace prevention programs are necessary.
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of exocrine glands by lymphocytic infiltration. Children and teenagers are less commonly affected. The initial symptoms of SS in teenagers might vary, depending on whether parotitis or other systemic organ involvement is present. Glandular involvement with the clinical hallmarks of dry eyes and dry mouth is common. Our case report is about a young woman who was admitted with acute flaccid paralysis and severe respiratory distress with extremely low serum potassium; further investigation revealed distal renal tubular acidosis. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with primary SS with high levels of SS-a/SS-b antibodies and a positive Schirmer's test. Our case demonstrates that hypokalemic paralysis can be a manifestation of SS, even though it is a rare cause.
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