Impact of COVID-19 on academic activities of final year nursing students: a Zambian reflection

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had many impacts on the education sector. The pandemic has had negative impacts on the academic activities of nursing students globally. Therefore, we assessed the impact of the COVID-19 on final year nursing students’ academic activities in Lusaka and Mufulira districts of Zambia.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods using a structured questionnaire among 196 final year nursing students from 1August 2020 to 30 September 2020. Data were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.Results: A female predominance (67.9%) and a response rate of 86% were obtained. Many students strongly agreed (32.7%) and agreed (20.4%) that they did not complete their course work resulting in some concepts being poorly taught, 86.1% strongly agreed that they had delayed final examinations, and 51.5% strongly agreed that they did not do their clinical attachments. Students strongly disagreed (40.3%) that the e-library and wireless facilities in their school were well-stocked. Hence, this resulted in some students (40.3%) missing class lessons and assessments.Conclusions:The COVID-19 epidemic has negatively affected the academic activities of nursing students in Zambia. Ministries responsible for education must put in place measures that will mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector. Schools must adapt to the changes in the way of conducting learning and assessment sessions. Finally, schools must improve on their e-library and wireless facilities to effectively support online learning. 

A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused