Healthcare Associated Infections: Epidemiology, Contributing Factors and Control Measure in Developing Country

Nosocomial infection or Healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) is a type of infection that occurs in a patient while receiving care in a hospital or other health care facility, and which was not present during admission. Epidemiological data suggests such infections to be the primary adverse event in a healthcare institute, with greater risk of infection in developing countries like Nepal. This article intends to suggest the various factors contributing to and the methods that the healthcare workers and other stakeholders could adopt to prevent and control the infectious diseases in order to reduce the HCAI-related morbidity and mortality in the developing countries. Keywords:  Hand Hygiene, Nosocomial infection, Healthcare-associated Infection (HAI), Nepal, Patient safety DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/jkahs.v2i3.2664

Safety of air travel during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

[Extract] Dear editor, During the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, countries have partially resumed air travel; however, strict COVID-19 guidelines have been implemented to control the spread. Travelling with a passenger with an unknown infection status or getting infected from a co-passenger seem to be the biggest concerns for air travelers. However, as more information regarding COVID-19 becomes available, public perception regarding air travel safety is also changing. An older International Air Transport Association (IATA) survey showed a significant reduction in the willingness of passengers to travel by air, with 30% of passengers willing to wait at least six months before they consider flying while 10% were unwilling to fly for at least a year [1]. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses with the roll-out of vaccines against COVID-19, more people have resumed air travel for essential activities. A study by Graham et al. among the aged population (>65 years) in the United Kingdom, showed that social distancing, regular disinfection and mandatory use of masks were the preferred measures, while most participants were concerned that they could acquire the virus on-board the airplane [2]

Safety of air travel during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

[Extract] Dear editor, During the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, countries have partially resumed air travel; however, strict COVID-19 guidelines have been implemented to control the spread. Travelling with a passenger with an unknown infection status or getting infected from a co-passenger seem to be the biggest concerns for air travelers. However, as more information regarding COVID-19 becomes available, public perception regarding air travel safety is also changing. An older International Air Transport Association (IATA) survey showed a significant reduction in the willingness of passengers to travel by air, with 30% of passengers willing to wait at least six months before they consider flying while 10% were unwilling to fly for at least a year [1]. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses with the roll-out of vaccines against COVID-19, more people have resumed air travel for essential activities. A study by Graham et al. among the aged population (>65 years) in the United Kingdom, showed that social distancing, regular disinfection and mandatory use of masks were the preferred measures, while most participants were concerned that they could acquire the virus on-board the airplane [2]

A Narrative Review of Personal Protective Equipment Uses in Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Its Disposable Practices

: Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is transmitted through close contact and droplets, people, especially those at risk of infection, must follow preventive measures in the community and healthcare settings. Healthcare personnel (HCP) must appropriately select and use personal protective equipment (PPE) with sensible donning and doffing and disposal practices. A narrative review of the existing literature was conducted, in which articles from Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were collected. The primary findings of the retained articles were reviewed according to official recommendations on PPE use. The World Health Organization (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) recommend standard precautions for contact transmission, respiratory transmission, and droplet precautions among HCPs caring for patients with COVID-19. Indeed, healthcare workers working in high-risk areas, as well as the public, when social distancing cannot be assured, must wear PPE such as face mask and protective eyewear to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to the increased use of PPE, the potentially infectious waste stream has been rapidly increasing, requiring safe and adequate solid waste management. The proper use of PPE and management of waste generated from COVID-19 care centers can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. These measures should be implemented to counter the rapid spread and any long-term impacts of the current pandemic