• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.190-203
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• 2003

Background: Dental hygienists are at risk of acquiring infections through exposure to infectious agents. This study explores the frequency of exposure to infectious agents and infection control practices among dental hygienists. Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional survey to examine the exposure to infectious agents and infection control practices among dental hygienists through questionnaire. Data were obtained from 124 dental hygienists attending educational conferences. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors that effect infection control practices in relation to age, completion of infection control education, recognition of their own serum hepatitis Ag/Ab status, the number of one day patients, location of clinics, type of clinics, and career years. Result: Of the 124 dental hygienists, 91.7% were exposed to at least one accident such as needle stick injuries during their practices periods. The health screening coverage rate in dental hygienists was 16.5%. The number of one day patients and career years were important in relation to infection control practices among dental hygienists. The adjusted odds ratio estimates for career years were 5.049 times greater(95% Cl 1.238-20.597) for groups with over 4 career years than under 2 career years. That for the number of one day patients were 0.261(95% Cl 0.071-0.955) lower for through 20 up to 30 patients, 0.531(95% Cl 0.102-2.78) lower for through 30 up to 40 patients and 0.498(95% Cl 0.123-2.017) lower for more than 40 patients than under 20 patients. Conclusion: From these results, prevalence of infection control practices among dental hygienists is related to the number of one day patients and career years. Prevention of cross infection and reduction of future transmission should be a priority to dental hygienists for promotion of infection control and further efforts to educate newcomers on infection prevention should be made.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.533-540
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• 2017

Schistosoma mansoni is highly endemic in Tanzania and affects all age groups at different degrees. However, its control approach does not include adult individuals who are equally at risk and infected. To justify the inclusion of adult individuals in MDA programs in Tanzania, the present study focused on determining the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and its related morbidities among adult individuals. This was a cross sectional study conducted among 412 adult individuals aged 18-89 years living in selected villages of Rorya and Butiama districts located along the shoreline of the Lake Victoria. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and socio-economic information of participants. Ultrasonographic examinations were conducted for all study participants using the Niamey protocol. A single stool sample was obtained from all study participants and examined for S. mansoni using the Kato-Katz technique. The study revealed a high prevalence of S. mansoni (56.3%), and the majority of infected individuals had a light intensity of infection. Ultrasonographic findings revealed that 22.4% of adult individuals had periportal fibrosis (PPF) (grade C-F), with 18.4% having grade C and D and 4% having grade E and F. Males had the highest prevalence of PPF (31.7% vs 10.8%, P<0.001). Organomegaly was common with 28.5% and 29.6% having splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, respectively. S. mansoni infection and its related morbidities included PPF, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly were common among adult individuals. To reduce the level of transmission of S. mansoni infection, planned mass drug administration campaigns should include adult individuals living in these villages.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.343-350
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• 2023

Background: Digital panoramic dental X-ray equipment (PDX) is frequently used by patients and dental workers for diagnosis and examination in dental institutions; however, infection control has not been properly implemented. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to systematically review the potential risk of cross-infection in the dental environment by investigating the contamination level of general aerobic bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus, which are important in hospital infections, in PDX areas that people mainly contact. Methods: This survey was conducted from March to May 2023 and covered one general hospital, three dental hospitals, and nine dental clinics equipped with PDX. Bacteria samples were collected from the left-handle, right-handle, forehead support, and head side support as the patient's contact areas, as well as the X-ray exposure switch and left-click mouse button as the dental hygienist's contact areas of the PDX. The collected bacteria were spread on Petrifilm, and colonies formed after 48 hours of culture were counted. Results: General aerobic bacteria and S. aureus were detected in all areas investigated. Significant differences in bacterial counts between different regions of the PDX were observed in both groups (p<0.001). The detection rates of general aerobic bacteria (p<0.001) and S. aureus (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the contact areas of patients than those of dental hygienists. A positive correlation was observed between the forehead and the temple region in terms of general aerobic bacteria and S. aureus detection (r=1) (p<0.01). Conclusion: Taken together, the presence of many bacteria, including S. aureus, detected in PDX indicates that PDX has a potential cross-infection risk. Our results therefore highlight the need for the development of appropriate disinfection protocols for reusable medical devices such as PDX and periodic infection prevention training for hospital-related workers, including dental hygienists.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.128-137
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to characterize the symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QoL), and associated factors following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 394 participants previously infected with COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mental health was assessed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Participants self-reported health-related QoL was measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale. Results: Among the participants, 76.4% reported experiencing at least one symptom following COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue (42.1%), cognitive dysfunction (42.9%), and hair loss (27.9%). According to the DASS-21 results, the proportions of depression, anxiety, and stress were 28.7%, 26.4%, and 20.6%, respectively. The mean scores on the EQ-5D-5L and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were 0.94±0.11 and 84.20±13.11, respectively. Regarding QoL issues, the highest proportion of participants (32.7%) reported experiencing anxiety or depression, followed by pain or discomfort (25.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with the presence of symptoms following COVID-19 infection included female (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.91) and having QoL issues (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.71 to 6.19). Conclusions: The study investigated the prevalence rates of various symptoms following COVID-19 infection. These findings underscore the need to prioritize comprehensive care for individuals recovering from COVID-19 and to implement strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of the disease on mental health and QoL.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.64-70
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify awareness and knowledge about hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among North Korean immigrants who had resided in South Korea. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, community based study. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 198 North Korean immigrants aged 18 years old through 65 years old among those who had attended community centers, local churches, and gathering places in four cities. The questionnaire included 15 items about participants' knowledge on HBV infection and its consequences, mode of transmission, and preventive measures. Results: The mean score of HBV knowledge was $6.3{\pm}3.8$ (range 0~15). The items that over 60% of the respondents checked correct answer regarding knowledge about HBV were 'There is blood screening for hepatitis B infection', 'Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sharing needles with infected person'. Multivariate analysis showed that received education for the prevention of HBV infection and disease morbidity were significantly associated with the knowledge of HBV infection. Overall, approximately 11% of total variability in the knowledge of HBV infection could be explained by the 2 variables in this model ($R^2=.109$, p<.001). Conclusion: The results showed that North Korean immigrants need more education on HBV infection and prevention to improve their knowledge about HBV.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.879-883
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• 2012

Cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection and can be prevented by early vaccination. Objective: To assess Syrian women's level of knowledge and determinants of good knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV infection and its vaccines. Methods: A cross sectional survey was undertaken among mothers with daughters in sixth grade classes enrolled in primary schools in Aleppo city, Syria. Samples were selected through cluster sampling and data collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Less than a third of the mothers had heard of HPV infection and vaccines against cervical cancer and levels of knowledge were generally low. Good knowledge was associated with high education level, higher family monthly income, having few - less than four children, positive history of cervical cancer screening, and working or having relatives working in the medical field. The main source of information was television and few reported health care providers as a source of knowledge on HPV infection and vaccine. Conclusion: Since knowledge of HPV infection and its connection with cervical cancer and its vaccine are low, more efforts must be made to educate Syrians prior to introduction of any HPV vaccination programme. Public health efforts must focus on educating mothers, the public as well as health care providers.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2022

Purpose: This research aimed to assess nursing students' knowledge, attitudes and infection prevention behaviors toward the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 11 through October 1, 2020, involving a total of 235 third and fourth year of nursing students enrolled in two universities in U and K city. Self-report questionnaires consisting of demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and infection prevention behaviors toward the COVID-19 were administered to the participants. Results: Influencing factors for infection prevention behaviors were gender (β=0.21, p<.001), attitudes toward infection control (β=0.38, p<.001), education experience regarding COVID-19 (β=0.21, p=.004), and a visit to the hospitals or the areas where the COVID-19 case has occurred or been admitted (β=-0.18, p=.003) which explained 23.6% of the total variance. Conclusion: The results of this study provides basic information regarding nursing students' knowledge about COVID-19, attitudes toward infection control, and infection prevention behaviors during the initial outbreak of COVID-19.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.353-357
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• 1997

The possibility of the allergic encephalomyelitis caused by the combined vaccine (KGCC95VI) for the prophylaxis against Japanese encephalitis and Hantaan virus infection, recently developed by Korea Green Cross Corporation, was investigated in the Hartley guinea pigs. The KGCC-95VI was administered to the guinea pigs subcutaneously to sensitize the animals three times at one month intervals. There were no clinical signs or gross pathological findings. There were no abnormal histopathological findings at cerebrums, cerebellums, brain stems and the spinal cords. The concentration of myelin basic protein was 1.10 ng/dose quantified by ELISA, which met the guide4ine of below 2 ng/ml/dose recommended by American Society of Health -System Pharmacists(AHPS) Drug Information. Accordingly, the KGCC-95VI is considered not to induce any allergic immune responses which may lead to the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.433-440
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathogenicity of microorganisms by quantitative and qualitative analysis of microorganisms before and after flushing of dental unit water. Methods: This study was conducted on the supply of high-speed handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and air-water syringes, which sterilized from 10 dental unit chairs at a dental clinic in South Gyeongsang Province. The number of bacterial communities was calculated by collection before and after flushing (2, 4, and 6 minutes). Results: The mean number of bacteria in the handpiece water before flushing was $27,208CFU/m{\ell}$; 2 minutes after flushing, $2,180CFU/m{\ell}$; 4 minutes after flushing, $900CFU/m{\ell}$; and 6 minutes after flushing, $412CFU/m{\ell}$. Conclusions: To minimize the risk of cross-infection and intra-clinic infection in dental clinics, education and water quality monitoring may be needed.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.197-206
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• 2011

RNA silencing has had a large impact on biology in general, as well as on our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions, especially interactions between plants and viruses. While most of what we know about the mechanism of RNA silencing was deduced in the last 12 years, many of the interactions between plants and viruses, as well as virus-virus interactions in plants, which we now know are manifestations of RNA silencing, were the subject of decades of work from numerous laboratories. These laboratories were examining the nature and extent of phenomena such as recovery from infection, the formation of dark green islands resistant to re-infection, synergy between unrelated viruses and cross-protection between related viruses, all first described in the late 1920s. In this review, the relationships between these phenomena and their place in the defense mechanism we call RNA silencing will be described, to show how they are all linked.