BMC research notes
-
Every year approximately one out of ten Danish patients contracts a healthcare associated infection (HAI). Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus are prominent in the group of pathogenic bacteria that underlie HAIs, causing unnecessary inconvenience and prolonging hospitalization. Bacterial colonization often occurs due to indirect patient-to-patient transmission, caused by poor hygiene compliance. This study aims to determine the level of contamination with S. aureus/MRSA and Enterococcus/VRE on presumed clean blood pressure cuffs in the Danish ambulances. ⋯ Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus were detectable on equipment thought to be clean. However, all detected bacteria showed susceptibility towards methicillin or vancomycin. Findings of pathogens after cleaning may be due to cross-contamination, improper cleaning and limited effect of the currently used cleaning procedure and are thought to affect the risk of infection. Therefore, we recommend a thorough evaluation of current cleaning procedures as well as increased focus on and further research into hygiene challenges in a prehospital setting. Future studies should be performed in order to demonstrate the level of bacterial contamination in all areas of the medical service, e.g., the ambulance environment, medical equipment, staff uniform and hand hygiene. Furthermore, in order to establish evidence for different cleaning procedures in situ we recommend testing the effect of different cleaning interventions by interventional designs.
-
Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is used in a variety of settings to study hard-to-reach populations at risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections. However, practices leading to successful recruitment among diverse populations in low-resource settings are seldom reported. We implemented the first, integrated, bio-behavioural surveillance survey among men who have sex with men, female sex workers and people who injected drugs in Nairobi, Kenya. ⋯ By closely monitoring RDS implementation and conducting formative research, RDS studies can effectively develop and adapt strategies to improve recruitment and improve adherence to the underlying RDS theory and assumptions.
-
The hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, have increased risk of fibrosis, cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. Estimates of prevalence in the United States range from 20-30% for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and 2-5% for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; however, physician awareness of these diseases is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the current level of physician awareness and practices in the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis within the United States. ⋯ Despite reporting they were not familiar with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, primary care physicians reported they would likely continue to diagnose and manage patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; therefore, more physician education on the recent practice guideline for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is needed.
-
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a group of visual symptoms experienced in relation to the use of computers. Nearly 60 million people suffer from CVS globally, resulting in reduced productivity at work and reduced quality of life of the computer worker. The present study aims to describe the prevalence of CVS and its associated factors among a nationally-representative sample of Sri Lankan computer workers. ⋯ Sri Lankan computer workers had a high prevalence of CVS. Female gender, longer duration of occupation, higher daily computer usage, pre-existing eye disease, not using a VDT filter, use of contact lenses and higher ergonomics practices knowledge all were associated with significantly with the presence of CVS. The factors associated with the severity of CVS were the duration of occupation and presence of pre-existing eye disease.
-
Data regarding the influences of gender in metabolic syndrome (MetS) among patients using antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Ethiopia is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the influences of gender in MetS and its components among HIV-infected patients receiving ART. ⋯ Comprehensive medical care approach including with MetS components are a crucial instruments in order to minimize the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in HIV-infected patients using ART.