Understand perceptions of COVID-19 messages and information sources among rural wastewater treatment plant operators to inform context-specific communication strategies for implementing wastewater surveillance methodologies locally.

Eight employees from 7 Eastern Kentucky facilities involved in SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance participated in semi-structured interviews. Respondents shared perceptions of traditional and social media COVID-19 information channels in their communities, as well as factors influencing trustworthiness of sources. Using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) framework, 3 investigators conducted iterative, thematic coding of interview transcripts.

Respondents’ statements most frequently related to “Be Credible,” “Be Right,” and “Promote Action” CERC constructs, while mixed messages, high volumes of information, and numerous sources undermined trust in COVID-19 information.

Understanding the relative importance of CERC constructs and their distractors may improve future risk communication to advance infectious disease surveillance strategies in rural contexts.

To quantitatively assess key performance indicator changes between selected pre-pandemic and pandemic periods at the Sant’Anna Hospital emergency department (ED) in Como, Italy through the retrospective use of Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response index (HSPRI).

This study collected the average length of stay (LOS), time-to-physician initial assessment (TPIA), and left-without-being seen (LWBS) rates for 2 pre-pandemic (control group) and 3 pandemic periods (study group) in the COVID ED (C-ED) dedicated to treat COVID-19 patients and the non-COVID ED (NC-ED) dedicated to non-COVID cases. Quantitative analysis was based on hypothesis testing. A retrospective qualitative theme and subtheme analysis based on the HSPRI was conducted on baseline strategies before each pandemic period and on the actions implemented thereafter.

LOS increased across all pandemic periods. TPIA decreased in the first 2 pandemic periods in comparison to pre-pandemic. LWBS decreased between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Of the 22 action items listed in the HSPRI, 8 were implemented in the first pandemic period, 8 in the second and 1 in the third, for a total of 17 items.

The HSPRI demonstrated value as a tool for a hospital staff to actively utilize during a pandemic to identify KPI triggers to formulate actions to maintain pre-pandemic care or ameliorate the deterioration of care during the pandemic.

The objective of this scoping review is to identify the cultural factors that influence the acceptance of food aid by those affected by disasters.

A literature review was conducted on articles published in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases until March 30, 2023, using keywords determined within the scope of the subject. This study follows the PICOS (participation, intervention, comparison, outcomes, study desings) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Twelve articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the findings.

The study comprised 12 articles, of which 3 were cross-sectional, 5 were qualitative, 1 was descriptive, and 3 were mixed method studies. Thematic analysis identified 7 themes that emerged from the cultural factors/codes affecting nutrition activities in disasters: local and traditional food, socio-economic status, faith/religion, traditional practices and habits, cultural food beliefs and taboos, food sharing, and social organization.

A considerable body of research indicates that the selection of local and traditional foods is a key cultural factor influencing the efficacy of nutrition interventions and food assistance programs in the aftermath of disasters. It is therefore essential to take into account the identified cultural factors in order to ensure that the nutrition intervention is both accurate and efficient, and to enhance the acceptance of the population.

The purpose of this research is to determine the readiness of family physicians to prevent cyberchondria.

The Family Physicians’ Cyberchondria Levels Assessment Questionnaire was applied to 124 family physicians to determine readiness.

Family physicians mention that there can be accurate data on diagnosis and treatments on the internet (62%), but patients’ anxiety increases (88%); reach physicians and find answers on the websites of family physicians. Individuals with low health literacy research on the internet are concerned about family physicians (84.6%). Family physicians declare patients have medication with Internet information (84%), diagnose themselves with research on the internet (85.2%), and have high anxiety levels (83.2%). The family physicians use WhatsApp (90.3%) to answer patients’ questions and increase cyberchondria awareness. The family physicians have knowledge about cyberchondria, accept cyberchondria as a health problem, and have computer literacy.

The Internet provides individuals with a low-cost and easily accessible source of health information. The patients researching the internet have high anxiety and low health literacy. To prevent cyberchondria, direct communication with family physicians, development of health literacy, and facilitating access to communication and counseling services on the internet by central health authorities are essential.

Preparedness levels have been shown to improve the outcomes for people who find themselves in an emergency. However, uptake of preparedness behaviors by the public prior to a major disaster is limited. This 2-part study examined perceived preparedness in the UK during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic (Study 1), and 2 years later (Study 2).

Both studies investigated the effect of individual demographics (gender, age, perceived socioeconomic and health status) on perceived preparedness. Next, the studies examined the extent to which perceived preparedness was associated with mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms). Participants (Study 1, N = 409) completed an online survey in May to June 2020 during a national lockdown, with another sample (Study 2, N = 87) completing the same survey from March to July 2022.

Across both studies, participants completed 2 to 3 different preparedness activities. Greater subjective perceptions of socioeconomic status were associated with perceived preparedness. Preparedness levels were related with better mental health, and unrelated to age and gender.

Encouraging the public to engage with preparedness behaviors may not only have practical benefits but also help to protect mental well-being during a disaster.

In 2017, the World Health Organization introduced an international standardized medical data collection tool for disasters, known as the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Minimum Data Set (MDS). The EMT MDS was activated for the first time in 2019 in response to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. The present study aimed to examine the daily and phase trends in acute mental health problems identified by international EMTs during their response to Cyclone Idai and reported using the EMT MDS.

Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine daily trends in acute mental health consultations. Trends were also examined by phases, which were identified using joinpoints.

During the 90-day EMT response period following Cyclone Idai, 94 acute mental health consultations were reported. The daily trend analysis showed a significant increase in the daily number and percentage of acute mental health consultations from response onset until day 13, followed by a gradual decline (P<0.05). The phase trend analysis showed a consistent decrease across the identified phases (P for trend<0.001).

The findings of this study provide insight into the need for mental health support in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters and how that need may change over time.

In December 2023, floods and landslides in Hanang District, Northern Tanzania, caused severe casualties, infrastructure damage, and community displacement. We describe the public health emergency response and lessons learnt during this disaster to guide future mitigations.

Retrospective data collection during the disaster was made through quantitative (description of casualties) and qualitative (interviews and focus groups) approaches to provide insights into psychosocial support, coordination, and other response pillars. Microsoft Excel (2019) was used for quantitative data analysis, and MAX Qualitative Data Analysis was used to manage qualitative data.

Soft tissue injuries, bruises, and lacerations were the most common (60.43%), with 87.77% of casualties recovering and a notable fatality rate of 12.23%. Mental health and psychosocial support reached over 3300 individuals, offering depression assessments and family reconnections. Establishing a dual-level public health response team and implementing the Incident Management System demonstrated the country’s response efficiency.

The public health emergency response to the 2023 floods and landslides in Hanang District was largely effective. This demonstrated strong coordination, capacity, and resilience of Tanzania health system; however, the fatality rate highlighted a need for further investment to improve future disaster prevention, preparedness, and response.

The purpose of this study was to measure and examine the levels of IgG, IgM, and Spike antibody induced by inactivated vaccines, including CoronaVac and BBIBP-CorV.

Two groups of healthy adults over 18 years old (50 participants per group), who had previously received 1 dose of either BBIBP-CorV or CoronaVac and receiving either a homologous booster of BBIBP-CorV or a heterologous booster of CoronaVac. Serum IgG, IgM, and Spike antibody levels against SARS-COV-2 were measured using magnetic particle chemiluminescence immunoassay and the ELISA method.

The results showed that both spike antibody and IgG/IgM antibodies elicited by a CoronaVac booster following 1 dose of BBIBP-CorV were significantly higher than those elicited by either a homologous BBIBP-CorV booster or a heterologous BBIBP-CorV booster. The Spike antibody against SARS-COV-2 induced by the heterologous CoronaVac booster reached 200.3, which is substantially greater than that induced by the homologous BBIBP-CorV booster (127.5 pg/mL). Conversely, the Spike antibody against SARS-COV-2 induced by the heterologous BBIBP-CorV booster reached 53.93 pg/mL, which is substantially greater than that induced by the homologous CoronaVac booster (9.60 pg/mL).

In summary, CoronaVac is immunogenic as a booster dose following 1 dose of BBIBP-CorV and is immunogenically superior to both the homologous booster and the heterologous BBIBP-CorV booster.

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between disaster literacy and disaster preparedness of the community.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on adult participants after a major earthquake that occurred in Türkiye on February 6, 2023 (n = 414). Convenience sample was used in sample selection. Data collection instruments are the Disaster Literacy Scale-DLS and Disaster Preparedness Scale-DPS. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t test, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Participants’ DLS score was 33.08 ± 6.72 (limited disaster literacy) and DPS score was 31.89 ± 5.15 (moderate level). A positive correlation was found between DLS and DPS scores (r = 0.242; P = 0.000). Disaster literacy scores are higher for those with higher education levels, those who have taken disaster-related training/courses, those who have a disaster plan at home, and those who have a disaster kit (P < 0.05). In community, increasing disaster literacy, having a disaster kit, insuring the house, and making family plans against disasters positively affect disaster preparedness.

The disaster literacy level of the participants is limited, and the disaster preparedness level is moderate. To increase the disaster literacy levels of individuals, it is recommended that public health nurses strengthen public education and disseminate disaster training in community.

This scoping review maps and assesses the literature on resilience in children affected by disasters, identifying critical factors that contribute to resilience, including social support, mental health, family function, and socioeconomic status.

A literature search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Scopus for studies published between 2002 and 2023, focusing on children and adolescents (ages 0-18) affected by natural or man-made disasters. Studies on adults, PTSD, or adverse childhood experiences were excluded. Data extraction was thematically synthesized to examine resilience factors.

Of 244 articles, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Social support emerged as a key resilience factor in 8 studies, and 6 linked higher resilience to fewer mental health symptoms. Five studies during COVID-19 highlighted adaptive behaviors, while family dynamics and community support were critical in 5 studies. Socioeconomic status, explored in 4 studies, revealed complex influences.

Social and emotional support are crucial for resilience in children after disasters. Targeted interventions could significantly improve outcomes. Limitations include few child-focused studies and uncontrolled confounders. Future research should focus on resilience interventions, especially for lower socioeconomic populations.

This study aimed to explore the meaning of disaster readiness among health care professionals.

A systematic, integrative literature review was conducted on PubMed, Chinal plus with full text, Web of Science, PsychInfo, and Scopus. Quality appraisal was conducted using the CASP checklists.

A total of 22 scientific articles were included. Disaster readiness, from the perspectives of health care professionals, was defined as having sufficient skills and confidence to respond, having access to the necessary equipment, being able to adapt to the changing environment and organizational structure, and being willing to serve in a disaster.

Disaster readiness is more than being prepared. Disaster readiness means moving beyond technical skills and knowledges to include personal mental preparedness and a willingness to confront the risks and take necessary precautions to stay safe and resilient in the efforts to help others. To enhance disaster readiness, preparations should include introducing elements that touch the soul, providing moral and personal motivation to serve in a disaster, and initiating thoughts on what such deployments or situations could be like for those affected as well as for health care professionals. How to enhance such trainings and develop effective training methods must be a focus for future studies.

After the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, the study aimed to assess the nutritional quality, energy, and macronutrient content of meals from field kitchens, evaluating their capacity to meet recommended daily intakes in the region.

The contents of morning, lunch, and evening meals prepared by the Turkish Red Crescent in field kitchens in 10 provinces were collected on the second day of the earthquake and 3 times at 1-month intervals: February 7, March 7, and April 7.

During the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, 570 public institutions and/or non-governmental organizations provided food assistance at 2.342 assembly points in 10 provinces on February 7, March 7, and April 7. In the aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, the Turkish Red Crescent provided meals to over 4.8 million people at 10 different locations for a period of 3 days. Starting from the second day after the earthquake (February 7), when food services were regularly recorded at nutrition service points, the percentages of macronutrients covering total energy were found to be within the normal range.

To promote the health of disaster survivors, it is important to improve the balanced RDAs for energy and macronutrients and ensure compliance with national dietary guidelines.

Nurses, as the largest group of frontline responders, play a crucial role in managing catastrophic incidents and addressing the health needs of affected populations. This study aims to identify and analyze the challenges faced by emergency nurses in Palestine who work in active conflict zones.

A quantitative, descriptive study design was employed. The research was conducted across emergency departments in 7 hospitals located in the West Bank. Data were collected from 171 nurses using a sociodemographic questionnaire and a challenge-specific questionnaire, developed and validated through literature review and expert consultations.

The study revealed that 70% of the nurses were aged between 25-29 years, with 51% being male and 60% married. Most respondents (95%) held a bachelor’s degree, 72% had received advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training, and 68% had advanced trauma life support (ATLS) training. Additionally, 76% of the nurses were informed about critical cases before the patients arrived at the hospital. The main challenge during emergencies, as the results mention, are inadequate numbers of nurses and physicians (60%). There was a significant concern regarding whether the number of nurses was sufficient to manage the demands and pressures specific to active conflict environments, with 62% of those in nursing feeling unsafe.

The scope of emergency nurses’ challenges in managing several hospitals in areas of armed conflict was examined in this study. The resulting overview of their duties, difficulties, and experiences serves as a useful tool and presents crucial details for future emergency nursing workforce readiness. To perform effectively in armed conflict situations, emergency nurses complete a variety of preparatory courses; however, the necessary education and training should be carefully designed in accordance with their actual roles and responsibilities in these circumstances.