Studied HCWs had positive perceptions and moderate level of knowledge and practice about the use of RPE. Full implementation of respiratory protection program in the hospitals would be helpful to improve the knowledge, perceptions and practices of HCWs regarding RPE.
Using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) including N95 respirators is one of the most important ways to protect health care workers (HCWs) against respiratory hazards. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the problems and obstacles in using N95 respirators among HCWs in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, problems and obstacles in using N95 respirators were identified and ranked by experts, using Fuzzy Delphi and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Additionally, HCWs were asked to give their opinions about obstacles in using N95 respirators in order to form an opinion. Of 15 important obstacles in using N95 respirators identified by Fuzzy Delphi method, 6 factors were entered into the FAHP model: heat around the face, inaccessibility to respirator, difficulty breathing, pressure on the nose, trouble communicating with patients and colleagues, and no one does it. Identified problems and obstacles in using N95 respirators could be controlled during the selection of respirators, as well as by training and administrative measures.
In hospitals, health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to a wide range of respiratory hazards, which requires using respiratory protective equipment and implementing Respiratory Protection Programs (RPPs). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate RPP implementation in 36 teaching hospitals located in the Fars province of Iran. A researcher-developed checklist, including nine components of the RPP standard, was completed by industrial hygienists in the study hospitals. The Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was used to determine the weight coefficient of RPP components. Finally, a Respiratory Protection Program Index (RPPI) was developed to calculate hospital compliance with RPP. The results showed that RPP were not fully implemented in the studied hospitals, and the highest and lowest RPPI scores were related to training and fit testing, respectively. To promote the implementation of RPP, significant efforts are required for all components, especially fit testing and worker evaluation.
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