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Disinfection booths in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

Jameleddine Chtioui M, Harzallah N, Odabachian Jebali MC, Grati H, Njeh M, Dhidah L, et al.

Tunis Med, 2021 1 23;98(8-9):651-655.
PMID: 33480021

OBJECTIVES: Industries have made claims on the effectiveness of a disinfection procedure in reducing COVID-19 transmission. This procedure is usually performed by automated dispersion of disinfectant on individuals when they go through a booth. This Health Technology Assessment (HTA) report is a systematic review that synthesizes the evidence on the efficacy and safety of using these booths and provides recommendations to the Ministry of Health to facilitate decision-making regarding the relevance of using this technology.
METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using Pubmed, Web of Science, INAHTA and GIN databases, from inception to June 4, 2020. Three independent reviewers selected eligible studies then extracted and synthesized the evidence. The synthesis was submitted to a multidisciplinary group of experts to provide recommendations.
RESULTS: Two scientific papers and a Malaysian HTA report were included in data synthesis. In light of the resources consulted, spraying disinfectants on humans in booths is not effective and can be toxic. Disinfectants are intended for use on surfaces, not on living tissue and spraying disinfectants on the outside of the body does not kill the virus inside an infected person's body. Furthermore, this procedure may increase the risk of neglecting other effective measures.
CONCLUSION: It is recommended to prohibit the use of disinfection booths in all structures.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection/instrumentation*
In situ generation of plasma-activated aerosols via surface acoustic wave nebulization for portable spray-based surface bacterial inactivation

Wong KS, Lim WTH, Ooi CW, Yeo LY, Tan MK

Lab Chip, 2020 05 19;20(10):1856-1868.
PMID: 32342089 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00001a

The presence of reactive species in plasma-activated water is known to induce oxidative stresses in bacterial species, which can result in their inactivation. By integrating a microfludic chipscale nebulizer driven by surface acoustic waves (SAWs) with a low-temperature atmospheric plasma source, we demonstrate an efficient technique for in situ production and application of plasma-activated aerosols for surface disinfection. Unlike bulk conventional systems wherein the water is separately batch-treated within a container, we show in this work the first demonstration of continuous plasma-treatment of water as it is transported through a paper strip from a reservoir onto the chipscale SAW device. The significantly larger surface area to volume ratio of the water within the paper strip leads to a significant reduction in the duration of the plasma-treatment, while maintaining the concentration of the reactive species. The subsequent nebulization of the plasma-activated water by the SAW then allows the generation of plasma-activated aerosols, which can be directly sprayed onto the contaminated surface, therefore eliminating the storage of the plasma-activated water and hence circumventing the typical limitation in conventional systems wherein the concentration of the reactive species diminishes over time during storage, resulting in a reduction in the efficacy of bacterial inactivation. In particular, we show up to 96% reduction in Escherichia coli colonies through direct spraying with the plasma-activated aerosols. This novel, low-cost, portable and energy-efficient hybrid system necessitates only minimal maintenance as it only requires the supply of tap water and battery power for operation, and is thus suitable for decontamination in home environments.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection*
Fulltext Effectiveness of health education material during the flood disaster in subdistrict Sri Medan, Batu Pahat, Johore

Faizah, J., Vanitha, S.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):119-125.
MyJurnal

Introduction : The focus of this paper is to evaluate effectiveness of health education material produced and identify effective educational methods in disseminating health-related information. The study explores the knowledge, attitude and practice level among flood victims in Sub-District Sri Medan, Batu Pahat.
Methodology : Convenient sampling method was adopted as a technique to get 195 respondents aged 18 years and above who had stayed in flood relief centres in the district. A set of questionnaire designed to collect data on demography, effectiveness of health education material, accessibility to education materials, preferable educational methods during flood situation, and flood victims knowledge, attitude and practices.
Result : The study found no association between knowledge level and practice of seven steps hand washing. Result showed poster was regarded as most preferable method in disseminating health related information during flood. No association was found in demographic determinants and knowledge. The length of stay in relief centre has significant association with the level of knowledge obtained.
Conclusion : The use of qualitative and quantitative methods together able to determine accurately the effectiveness of the health education materials used during the disaster as well as the impact in behavioral change.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
Hand washing practice in the neonatal intensive care unit

Rasid, M.A., Quah, B.S., Pennie, R.A.

Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 1998;10(2):46-51.
MyJurnal

The aim of this paper was to study hand washing practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. All medical personnel handling babies in the NICU were observed without their knowledge for a total of three times before and after an educational intervention between November 1, 1993 and December 31, 1993. Hand washing techniques with both Hibisol Spray and Chlorhexidine were scored from 1-4. The results of the study are shown as follows: the number of personnel observed were: before educational intervention -paediatric doctors (PD) 14, non-paediatric doctors (ND) 13 and nurses (N) 48; after educational intervention - PD 10 , ND 12 and N 42. PD and N washed hands significantly more often than ND (p < 0.001), before and after intervention. PD but not ND or N improved their rate of hand washing after educational intervention PD (p= 0.02). The Hibisol handwashing technique was poor in all groups (77.1% of all observations). The Chlorhexidine hand washing technique was better than Hibisol (p<0.0001). However only 15% of observed washes with Chlorhexidine were well done and almost one third were done poorly. Both Hibisol and Chlorhexidine techniques did not improve after educational intervention. Hand washing was performed more often in the Level III than Level II nursery [85% of all observations in Level III and 73% of all observations in Level II, p=0.002]. In conclusion, the present educational program is not sufficient and more direct means should be taken to improve the frequency of hand washing among all medical personnel. All medical personnel in the NICU should be educated in the use of the Hibisol, otherwise Hibisol should be removed from the nursery.
Keywords: Handwashing, doctors, neonatal intensive care unit, nurses
Study site: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
Fulltext Influencing factors for cholera and diarrhoea: water sanitation and hygiene in impoverished rural villages of Beluran District, Sabah Malaysia

Zin, Thant, SabaiAung, Tin, Sahipudin Saupin, Myint, Than, KhinSN, Daw, Aung, Meiji Soe, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

The lower percentage of water, sanitation and hygiene are the root causes of diarrhoea and cholera. Cholera is a sudden onset of acute watery diarrhoea which can progress to severe dehydration and death if untreated. The current pandemic, Vibrio Cholera O1 started in 1961. This study explores water, sanitation, hygiene and cholera and diarrhoea in three affected villages of Beluran District, Sabah Malaysia to support effective and timely public health intervention. This cross sectional study uses purposive sampling. All (114) households were interviewed and household water samples collected. The study reported lower coverage improved sanitation facilities (35.3% to 52.3%), no latrine at home (37% to 63%), improved water supply (52% to 60%), and prevalence of hand washing after toilet (57% - 74%). For water quality, Ecoli was present in household water (32% to 37%) but Vibrio cholerae was not isolated in any of the water samples tested. Statistically significant associations were found for; 1) occupation−nonagriculture and unimproved sanitation facility and 2) house ownership and correct knowledge of ORS preparation. Predictors for household water quality were: latrine at home, and improved household toilet. Aggressive strategies to improve water supply, sanitation and hygiene−hand washing after toilet−were recommended for future prevention of cholera and diarrhoea in the affected area.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
Fulltext The Efficacy of Reciproc Blue® For Canal Cleanliness Following the Retreatment of Maxillary First Molar: In Vitro Analysis

Aws Hashim Ali Al-Kadhim, Azlan Jaafar, Mohd Nazrin Isa

Malaysian Journal of Science, Health & Technology, 2021;7(1):22-27.
MyJurnal

Nonsurgical retreatment involves removing mechanical barriers such as gutta-percha to achieve proper cleaning and disinfection. The complexity of the anatomy of molar tooth gives challenge in retreatment procedure. Thus, this study evaluates the amount of residual gutta-percha after retreatment with rotary files (Reciproc Blue®) from each maxillary first molar canal using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the time required to accomplish it. Nine freshly extracted maxillary molars were instrumented and obturated. Preoperative CBCT was taken, and retreatment was done using Reciproc Blue®. CBCT was taken post retreatment, and the residual volume percentage of gutta-percha from each canal was calculated. The total retreatment time was recorded, and the data were statistically analyzed. The result shows no statistically significant difference in the amount of residual filling material in mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal canal for maxillary first molar and total time used for retreatment with Reciproc Blue® system.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
Fulltext Reimplantation of an Extruded Femoral Segment After Gamma Sterilization in A Type IIIA Supracondylar Femur Fracture: A Case Report

Aizah N, Su Y, Shaifulnizam C, MRos M

Malays Orthop J, 2014 Jul;8(2):66-8.
PMID: 25279099 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1407.015

Extruded bone is a rare complication of high energy open fractures, and there is only a handful of literature on reimplantation of the extruded segment. No clear guidelines exist regarding timing of reimplantation, stabilization of extruded bone segments, and also bone disinfection and sterilization techniques. Previous reports describe sterilization using thermal or chemical methods. We present a case of successful reimplantation of an extruded metaphyseal segment of femur after gamma sterilization in a fourteen- year old boy.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
Relevance of diffusion through bacterial spore coats/membranes and the associated concentration boundary layers in the initial lag phase of inactivation: a case study for Bacillus subtilis with ozone and monochloramine

Fernando WJ, Othman R

Math Biosci, 2006 Feb;199(2):175-87.
PMID: 16387333

Disinfectants are generally used to inactivate microorganisms in solutions. The process of inactivation involves the disinfectant in the liquid diffusing towards the bacteria sites and thereafter reacting with bacteria at rates determined by the respective reaction rates. Such processes have demonstrated an initial lag phase followed by an active depletion phase of bacteria. This paper attempts to study the importance of the combined effects of diffusion of the disinfectant through the outer membrane of the bacteria and transport through the associated concentration boundary layers (CBLs) during the initial lag phase. Mathematical equations are developed correlating the initial concentration of the disinfectant with time required for reaching a critical concentration (C*) at the inner side of the membrane of the cell based on diffusion of disinfectant through the outer membranes of the bacteria and the formation of concentration boundary layers on both sides of the membranes. Experimental data of the lag phases of inactivation already available in the literature for inactivation of Bacillus subtilis spores with ozone and monochloramine are tested with the equations. The results seem to be in good agreement with the theoretical equations indicating the importance of diffusion process across the outer cell membranes and the resulting CBL's during the lag phase of disinfection.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection/methods
Bacterial disinfection and cell assessment post ultraviolet-C LED exposure for wound treatment

Sheikh J, Swee TT, Saidin S, Yahya AB, Malik SA, Yin JSS, et al.

Med Biol Eng Comput, 2021 May;59(5):1055-1063.
PMID: 33866479 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-021-02360-8

Ultraviolet-C sourced LED (UVC-LED) has been widely used for disinfection purposes due to its germicidal spectrum. In this study, the efficiencies of UVC-LED for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) disinfections were investigated at three exposure distances (1, 1.5, and 2 cm) and two exposure times (30 and 60 s). The respective bacterial inhibition zones were measured, followed by a morphological analysis under SEM. The viabilities of human skin fibroblast cells were further evaluated under the treatment of UVC-LED with the adoption of aforesaid exposure parameters. The inhibition zones were increased with the increment of exposure distances and times. The highest records of 5.40 ± 0.10 cm P. aeruginosa inhibition and 5.43 ± 0.11 cm S. aureus inhibition were observed at the UVC-LED distance of 2 cm and 60-s exposure. Bacterial physical damage with debris formation and reduction in size were visualized following the UVC-LED exposures. The cell viability percentages were in a range of 75.20-99.00% and 82-100.00% for the 30- and 60-s exposures, respectively. Thus, UVC-LED with 275-nm wavelength is capable in providing bacterial disinfection while maintaining accountable cell viability which is suitable to be adopted in wound treatment. Bacterial disinfection and human skin fibroblast cell assessment using UVC-LED.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection*
Fulltext Devastating urban flooding and dengue outbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan

Junaid Tahir M, Rizwan Siddiqi A, Ullah I, Ahmed A, Dujaili J, Saqlain M

Med J Islam Repub Iran, 2020;34:169.
PMID: 33816368 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.34.169

Pakistan has recently been overwhelmed by extreme torrential rains, with its most populous city of Karachi experiencing its worst floods in almost a century. Poor flood control and water disposal facilities have led to an immense risk of another dengue outbreak, with multiple cases being reported recently. The enormous accumulation of stagnant water in urban areas is a major source of mosquito breeding and transmission. Historical data has shown the correlation between the number of dengue cases and average rainfall in the region. The monsoon rains have pounded at a time where health authorities are battling to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. There is a need to implement centralized dengue control strategies to undertake large scale water drainage, sanitation, and disinfection drives in disaster-stricken areas alongside public health awareness programs to combat the after-effects of this natural calamity.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
Bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on medical implants: a review

Veerachamy S, Yarlagadda T, Manivasagam G, Yarlagadda PK

Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2014 Oct;228(10):1083-99.
PMID: 25406229 DOI: 10.1177/0954411914556137

Biofilms are a complex group of microbial cells that adhere to the exopolysaccharide matrix present on the surface of medical devices. Biofilm-associated infections in the medical devices pose a serious problem to the public health and adversely affect the function of the device. Medical implants used in oral and orthopedic surgery are fabricated using alloys such as stainless steel and titanium. The biological behavior, such as osseointegration and its antibacterial activity, essentially depends on both the chemical composition and the morphology of the surface of the device. Surface treatment of medical implants by various physical and chemical techniques are attempted in order to improve their surface properties so as to facilitate bio-integration and prevent bacterial adhesion. The potential source of infection of the surrounding tissue and antimicrobial strategies are from bacteria adherent to or in a biofilm on the implant which should prevent both biofilm formation and tissue colonization. This article provides an overview of bacterial biofilm formation and methods adopted for the inhibition of bacterial adhesion on medical implants.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection/methods*
Fulltext In vitro evaluation of octenidine as an antimicrobial agent against Staphylococcus epidermidis in disinfecting the root canal system

Chum JD, Lim DJZ, Sheriff SO, Pulikkotil SJ, Suresh A, Davamani F

Restor Dent Endod, 2019 Feb;44(1):e8.
PMID: 30834230 DOI: 10.5395/rde.2019.44.e8

Objectives: Irrigants are imperative in endodontic therapy for the elimination of pathogens from the infected root canal. The present study compared the antimicrobial efficacy of octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) with chlorhexidine (CHX) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) against Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) for root canal disinfection.
Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was obtained using serial dilution method. The agar diffusion method was then used to determine the zones of inhibition for each irrigant. Lastly, forty 6-mm dentin blocks were prepared from human mandibular premolars and inoculated with S. epidermidis. Samples were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 blocks and irrigated for 3 minutes with saline (control), 2% CHX, 3% NaOCl, or 0.1% OCT. Dentin samples were then collected immediately for microbial analysis, including an analysis of colony-forming units (CFUs).
Results: The MICs of each tested irrigant were 0.05% for CHX, 0.25% for NaOCl, and 0.0125% for OCT. All tested irrigants showed concentration-dependent increase in zones of inhibition, and 3% NaOCl showed the largest zone of inhibition amongst all tested irrigants (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences among the CFU measurements of 2% CHX, 3% NaOCl, and 0.1% OCT showing complete elimination of S. epidermidis in all samples.
Conclusions: This study showed that OCT was comparable to or even more effective than CHX and NaOCl, demonstrating antimicrobial activity at low concentrations against S. epidermidis.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
Developing correlation equations for converting among coliforms, E. coli and HPC for rainwater disinfection by sunlight

M.T. Amin, M.Y. Han, Tschung-il Kim, A.A. Alazba, M.N. Amin

Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:1273-1281.

The application of solar disinfection for treating stored rainwater was investigated by the authors using indicator organisms. The multiple tube fermentation technique and pour plate method were used for the detection of microbial quality indicators like total and fecal coliforms, E. coli and heterotrophic plate count. These techniques have disadvantages mainly that these are laborious and time consuming. The correlation of total coliform with that of exposure time is proposed under different factors of weather, pH and turbidity. Statistical tools like root mean square error and coefficient of determination were used to validate these proposed equations. The correlation equations of fecal coliform, E. coli and heterotrophic plate count with total coliform are suggested by using four regression analysis including Reciprocal Quadratic, Polynomial Regression (2 degree), Gaussian Model and Linear Regression in order to reduce the tedious experimental work in similar types of experiments and treatment systems.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
Highly porous chitosan beads embedded with silver-graphene oxide nanocomposites for antibacterial application

Chook SW, Chia CH, Hatika Kaco, Sarani Zakaria, Huang NM, Neoh HM

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1663-1667.

Incorporation of silver nanomaterial into polymer matrix can further accomplished their potential usage in real life
applications. In our previous study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver-graphene oxide nanocomposites (AgGO)
were prepared via a rapid microwave-assisted method. Hereby, the as-synthesized AgNPs or AgGO was dispersed in a
chitosan solution. Subsequently, the resultant mixture solution was further coagulated in a coagulation bath containing
sodium hydroxide via a neutralization process. This resulted in the formation of spherical-shaped chitosan beads.
The structure of the beads showed that the chitosan beads embedded with AgGO exhibited a more porous structure as
compared to the plain chitosan beads. Furthermore, the chitosan beads containing AgNPs or AgGO were tested for
their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial results indicated that
the silver nanomaterial contained chitosan beads could effectively inhibit the growth of both E. coli and S. aureus as
compared to the bare chitosan beads. The produced chitosan nanocomposite envisioned that can be potentially employed
for water disinfection purpose.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
The effect of food safety education on handwashing practices in school canteens’ food handlers

Nik Rosmawati N, Wan Manan W, Noor Izani N, Nik Nurain N, Razlina A

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2119-2128.

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed food safety education to improve the handwashing
practices of food handlers in school canteens. A community-based intervention study was carried out over a 2-year period.
Sixteen out of 98 primary schools were randomly selected and assigned into intervention and control groups using a
simple random sampling method. The study population included food handlers who worked in the canteens of the school
selected. The Food Safety Education Programme (FSEP) for the intervention group was developed based on the theory of
planned behaviour. The main outcome measures used were handwashing practices from the observations carried out at
baseline, 6-weeks (Post1) and 12-weeks (Post2) after the intervention. Out of 79 food handlers who participated in this
study, 33 (41.8%) were in the intervention group and 46 (58.2%) were in the control group. Prior to FSEP, handwashing
was not commonly practiced following critical events and the majority did not perform correctly. The time-effect of the
mixed design analysis of variance showed a significant increase (p=0.004) in the mean percentage of the total observed
handwashing practices from 29% at the baseline to 50.8% at Post1 (p=0.004). However, the intervention-effect of mixed
design ANOVA did not show any significant difference in the handwashing practices (p=0.210). The FSEP was effective in
improving the handwashing practices of the food handlers in the selected primary school canteens.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
Fulltext In vitro effects of multi-purpose contact lens disinfecting solutions towards survivability of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 in Malaysia

Mohd Hussain RH, Afiqah WN, Abdul Ghani MK, Khan NA, Siddiqui R, Anuar TS

Saudi J Biol Sci, 2021 Apr;28(4):2352-2359.
PMID: 33911949 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.01.030

The incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has been increasing since the previous decades, especially among contact lens users. This infection is majorly caused by the use of ineffective contact lens disinfecting solution. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro effects of multi-purpose disinfecting solutions (MPDS) against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. Acanthamoeba genotype T4 isolated from contact lens paraphernalia and an environmental strains were propagated for trophozoite or cyst-containing culture and adjusted in final concentration of 1 × 105 cells/ml. Amoebicidal and cysticidal assays were conducted by incubating trophozoites and cysts with OPTI-FREE® Express®, ReNu® Fresh™, Complete® Multi-Purpose Solution and AVIZOR Unica® Sensitive according to the manufacturer's minimum recommended disinfectant time (MMRDT) for up to 12 h at 30 ⁰C. Trypan blue hemocytometer-based microscopic counts determined amoebicidal and cysticidal effects. The viability of Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts was confirmed by re-inoculated them in the 1.5% non-nutrient agar plates. It was found that none of the MPDS showed amoebicidal and cysticidal effects during the MMRDT. However, OPTI-FREE® Express® demonstrated a significant differences in average cell reduction for both stages within MMRDT. When subjected to 12 h exposure, both OPTI-FREE® Express® and ReNu® Fresh™ led to significant reduction in the number of trophozoite and cyst cells. Notably, Complete® Multi-Purpose Solution and AVIZOR Unica® Sensitive did appreciably improve the solution effectiveness towards trophozoite cells when incubated for 12 h. All MPDS were largely ineffective, with 100% survival of all isolates at MMRDT, while OPTI-FREE® Express® showed limited amoebicidal activity against the contact lens paraphernalia isolate, however, it was more against the environmental strains after 12 h incubation time. The commercially available MPDS employed in this research offered minimal effectiveness against the protozoa despite the contact time. Improvement or development of new solution should consider the adjustment of the appropriate disinfectant concentration, adequate exposure time or the incorporation of novel chemical elements, which are effective against Acanthamoeba for accelerated disinfecting and more reduction of potential exposure of contact lens users to Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
Cross-infection control in Malaysian dental practice

Razak IA, Lind OP

Singapore Dent J, 1995 Jul;20(1):11-5.
PMID: 9582683

A questionnaire survey on cross-infection control was conducted among 1371 professionally trained dentists whose names appeared in the Malaysian Government Gazette of 1990. A 73.1 percent response rate was obtained. About 13 percent of the dentists routinely did not wear gloves during treatment of patients as opposed to 54 percent who routinely did. About 83 percent and 52 percent of dentists wore a mask and eyewear or glasses respectively when carrying out dental procedures. About 93 percent of dentists would use a new sterile needle for each patient and about 40 percent would wipe working surfaces with disinfectant after each patient. The practice of sterilizing handpieces was found to be uncommon as opposed to the sterilization of hand instruments. Variations were observed in some of the infection control measures by gender, seniority in service and employment status. More than one-third of the respondents had experienced puncture wounds during the last month prior to the survey.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection/methods; Disinfection/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Handwashing adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study based on protection motivation theory

Szczuka Z, Siwa M, Abraham C, Baban A, Brooks S, Cipolletta S, et al.

Soc Sci Med, 2023 Jan;317:115569.
PMID: 36436259 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115569

RATIONALE: The associations between the number of COVID-19 cases/deaths and subsequent uptake of protective behaviors may reflect cognitive and behavioral responses to threat-relevant information.
OBJECTIVE: Applying protection motivation theory (PMT), this study explored whether the number of total COVID-19 cases/deaths and general anxiety were associated with cross-situational handwashing adherence and whether these associations were mediated by PMT-specific self-regulatory cognitions (threat appraisal: perceived vulnerability, perceived illness severity; coping appraisal: self-efficacy, response efficacy, response costs).
METHOD: The study (#NCT04367337) was conducted in March-September 2020 among 1256 adults residing in 14 countries. Self-reports on baseline general anxiety levels, handwashing adherence across 12 situations, and PMT-related constructs were collected using an online survey at two points in time, four weeks apart. Values of COVID-19 cases and deaths were retrieved twice for each country (one week prior to the individual data collection).
RESULTS: Across countries and time, levels of adherence to handwashing guidelines were high. Path analysis indicated that smaller numbers of COVID-19 cases/deaths (Time 0; T0) were related to stronger self-efficacy (T1), which in turn was associated with higher handwashing adherence (T3). Lower general anxiety (T1) was related to better adherence (T3), with this effect mediated by higher response efficacy (T1, T3) and lower response cost (T3). However, higher general anxiety (T1) was related to better adherence via higher illness severity (T1, T3). General anxiety was unrelated to COVID-19 indicators.
CONCLUSIONS: We found a complex pattern of associations between the numbers of COVID-19 cases/deaths, general anxiety, PMT variables, and handwashing adherence at the early stages of the pandemic. Higher general anxiety may enable threat appraisal (perceived illness severity), but it may hinder coping appraisal (response efficacy and response costs). The indicators of the trajectory of the pandemic (i.e., the smaller number of COVID-19 cases) may be indirectly associated with higher handwashing adherence via stronger self-efficacy.

Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
Fulltext Controversies on the Use of Ultraviolet Rays for Disinfection During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Chew CC, Rajan P

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Feb;28(1):117-119.
PMID: 33679228 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.1.15

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of ultraviolet (UV) rays to disinfect skin areas, clothes and other objects at the entry/exit points of public spaces has been widely discussed by stakeholders. While ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been shown to effectively inactivate coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), no specific evidence proves that it effectively inactivates the new SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Because UV rays damage human tissue, UVGI should be used with caution and not directly on human skin. Various guidelines recommend that UVGI should not be used as a sole agent for disinfecting surfaces or objects but as an adjunct to the latest standard disinfecting procedures.

Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
Fulltext Disinfection and the control of nosocomial infection

Lim VKE

Med J Malaysia, 1995 Dec;50(4):289-90.
PMID: 8668044
Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection*

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