Occupational health risks among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: preparing for the future pandemics  

作　　者：Reham Suliman Al Kharyef Aisha Ali Al Harbi Mohammed Abdelhamied Genedy Mohamed K.M.Khalil Suliman Mohamed Al Eidi 

机构地区：[1]Ministry of Health,Riyadh 13352,Saudi Arabia [2]Consultant Public Health and Research Development.Cairo 11728,Egypt

出　　处：《Nursing Communications》2024年第2期1-5,共5页护理通讯

摘　　要：Background:This study aimed to assess the occupational risks encountered by Healthcare Workers(HCWs)in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was carried out from May to October 2021.Using a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique,an online questionnaire was sent to the recruited HCWs,across Saudi Arabia.Results:Of the 768 HCWs recruited,702 participated in the survey.A significant majority(over 80%)reported working beyond 8 hours daily.COVID-19 infection,confirmed via PCR,was identified in 25%of the participants.Notably,infection was significantly correlated with direct or close contact(p=0.0007).Psychological distress was reported by 81%,with anxiety being the most prevalent(33%),followed by stress(19%),depression(17%),and insomnia(12%).Around 20%experienced headaches post-PPE use,while 14%reported adverse skin reactions,predominantly allergy and dermatitis.A concerning one-third of respondents reported exposure to violence.Conclusion:High infection rate,physical and psychological risks among HCWs especially those in direct contact with patients,reflect the need for enhancing the entirety of outbreak preparedness and response,specifically training.Active surveillance system,is crucial to adequately monitor and support HCWs during pandemic scenarios.

关 键 词：COVID-19 PANDEMIC healthcare worker RISK Saudi Arabia 

分 类 号：R13[医药卫生—劳动卫生]