Showing 17 results for Hospital
K Naddafi, S Rezaei, R Nabizadeh, M Younesian, H Jabbari,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (3-2009)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Atmospheric transport is a key mode of microbial dispersal and the transmission of airborne microbe can have significant impacts on human health. The main objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of airborne bacteria in a children.s hospital.
Materials and methods: Three sampling points were selected. Airborne bacteria were collected with 6 days interval at each location using Quick take 30® sampler at an sampling rate of 28.3 l min-1 from November 2007 to March2008.
Results: The results showed that the highest indoor density of bacteria was 429 CFU/m3 that founded in oncology ward. Bacteria identified were representative of normal flora of the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
Conclusion:Our analysis revealed that colony of bacteria in 14% in patient room exceeded available guideline value for indoor air quality. That 11% cases was found in the oncology ward.
M Hadi, R Shokoohi, A.m Ebrahimzadeh Namvar, M Karimi, M Solaimany Aminabad,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2011)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: widely use of antibiotics as therapy and uncontrolled discharge of them to receiving waters increased the percentages of antibiotic resistant bacteria in various environments which may cause problems in therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa bacteria isolated from urban and hospital wastewaters. Nine antibiotics namely Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazol, Gentamycin, Ceftizoxime, Nalidixic Acid, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxon and Cefalexin were investigated in this study.
Materials and Methods: through a cross-sectional descriptive study the isolation of bacteria from hospital and urban wastewater samples was performed by microbiological identification techniques. The resistance to nine antibiotics was tested by application of the standard disc diffusion technique and zone-size interpretation chart of Kirby-Baeur. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used to assessing two environments differences.
Results: The resistance percentage of E. coli to studied antibiotics was significantly less (ranged from 1.81 to 51.02%) than the resistance percentage of P. aeroginosa (ranged from 3.57 to 61.76) and K. pneumoniae (ranged from 6.45 to 91.83%). the highest resistance to antibiotics studied was for K. pneumonia in comparison with others. E. coli, K. pneumonia and P. aeroginosa bacteria showed the highest resistance to CAZ, SXT and CN, respectively. The study showed the resistance rate in hospital wastewater is more than urban wastewater.
Conclusion: Easy access and uncontrolled usage of antibiotics cause discharge of antibiotics to wastewaters and consequently diminish the drugs' effectiveness. High concentration of antibiotic and diversity in wastewater of hospital in comparison with urban wastewater causes to transfer resistant agents between bacteria and increased the multiple resistances.
M.h Dehghani, F Fazelinia, Gh.a Omrani, R Nabizadeh, K Azam,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2011)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Not paying attention to management and control of medical wastes in different stages of production, keeping, gathering, transporting and finally eliminating them all have been creating various setbacks such that the environment and human's health are in danger with the relevant consequences. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in Vali-e Asr, Amir Kabir, Taleghani, Amir Al-Momenin and Imam Khomeini hospitals of Arak city in 2009. In this research the current condition of gathering, maintaining, transportation and final elimination of hospital wastes of Arak city was investigated .Eventually an appropriate model was introduced.
Material and Methods: Solid wastes were separated, weighed and registered in two sequential intervals. In order to get acquaintance with the management procedure of medical solid wastes in the hospitals studied, a questionnaire approved byW.H.O was used. The questions were then replied by the Managers and Hygiene Experts worked at hospitals and their responses were recorded.
Results: The investigations conducted in 5 hospitals reveal that the average per annual was2.9 Kg in 24 hours per active bed and 4.6 Kg for each patient. This volume consists of 60% for semi-home solid wastes, 39% for infectious solid wastes, 0.34% for sharp wastes, 0.28% for the pathologic and 0.38% for medicinal and chemical solid wastes.
Conclusion: According to the results obtained in this study, in order to reduce pollution create in the hospitals, action should be taken to deal with pollutants at their source of generation. The staff members involved in waste collection and transportation should practice all the personal protection measures.finaly it also should be considered that,success in medical waste management wouldn't be achievable unless all groups of medical staff involved cooperate and participle.
Fahim Amini, Masoud Yunesian, Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Nima Hosseni Jazani, Ramin Nabizadeh Nodehi, Maasoumeh Moghaddam Arjomandi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (4-2012)
Abstract
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Background and Objectives: Nosocomial infection is the cause of deaths, morbidity, higher costs
and increased length of stay in hospitals. Correct and appropriate use of
antiseptic and disinfectants play an important role in reducing infections. In
this study the efficacy of antiseptics on bacteria causing hospital infections
has been studied.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the laboratory of Imam Khomeini Hospital of Uremia.
In this study the Antimicrobial activity of Descocid, Korsolex basic, Mikrobac
forte and persidin 1% was studied against bacteria causing hospital infections
such as Enterobacter aeruginosa 1221 (NCTC 10006), Staphylococcus epidermidis
(PTCC: 1435 (Cip81.55) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain PAO1. Sensitivities of
bacteria were determined by Minimum inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum
bactericidal Concentration (MBC) antiseptics. In the second stage, the
concentration of antiseptics was prepared according to the manufacturer's
suggested protocol and the effect of antimicrobial agents were studied at the
certain concentration and contact time.
Result: All
disinfectants (Descocid, Korsolex basic, Mikrobac forte) concentration and
contact time, Accordance with the manufacturer's brochure, had inhibitory
effect on all bacteria. That this is consistent with the manufacturer's
brochure. Persidin one percent in concentration of from 2 and 4 V/V % and
exposure time 5 minutes could not inhibit the growth of bacterial. But at
concentrations of 10 and 20% respectively 15 and 30 minutes exposure time, all
three types of bacteria can be inhibited, which is consistent with the
manufacturer's claims.
Conclusion: In this
study, the efficacy of antiseptics was determined with the Micro-dilution
method recommended by the NCCLS. Korsolex basic, weakest antiseptics (the
highest MIC) for the inhibition of three bacteria was determined. But Between
all four antiseptics (according to manufacturer concentration), Only one percent
Percidine 2 and 4 V/V % in consumer
dilution and 5 minutes exposure time failed to inhibit the growth of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterobacter aeruginosa.
Mahran Mohammadian Fazli , Jalil Nassiri , Ramin Nabizadeh, Mohammad Reza Mehrasbi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives: Medical waste management is one of the important issues in solid waste managment in each community. This research was carried out to study the quantity, quality and the management practices of solid wastes of hospitals in Zanjan City in 2011.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, the hospital wastes were categoried and weighted into four main categories. Waste management pattern was studied based on a checklist extracted from national guidelines. Then, hospitals were ranked from very poor to excellent classes. For data analysis, Excel soft ware was used.
Results: Waste generation rate was on average 2.402± 0.163 Kg/bed.day in the studied hospitals. The generation rate of domestic waste, infectious waste, sharp wastes, and chemical - pharmacological waste was 1.432±0.059, 0.926±0.096, 0.029±0.0055, and 0.015±0.002 kg/day.bed respectively. The status of the waste management practices was determined as average.
Conclusion: Waste generation rate in the hospitals of Zanjan was lower compared with the expected average value in other cities (e.g. 2.71 Kg/bed.day in Tehran). The percentage of medical waste in Zanjan hospitals was 34, which is higher than W.H.O. recommendations. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to reform and monitor certain solid waste management practices in order to reduce health and environmental issues.
Soheila Rezaei, Kazem Naddafi, Hossain Jabbari, Masoud Yonesian, Arsalan Jamshidi, Abdolmohamad Sadat, Alireza Raygan Shirazinejad,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In recent years exposure to fine airborne particles has been identified as an important factor affecting human health. Epidemiological studies have showed that the aerosol laden air can be an agent for microorganisms’ dispersion. Ignoring internal sources, ambient air quality significantly affects indoor air quality. Since people spend most of their times in the indoor spaces and little data are available on the general understanding of the indoor air quality, therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the particulate matter concentrations in indoor and ambient air of Tehran Children Medical Center Hospital.
Materials and Method: PM10/PM2.5 samples were collected in the indoor environment of the Tehran Children Medical Center Hospital and its adjacent outdoor environment by a portable GRIMM dust monitor model 1.108 from November 26 to March 10, 2007. The places of sampling for indoor and ambient air were in the patient room and the roof of the hospital respectively.
Results: The results showed that indoor PM10 level was higher than WHO standards in 80% cases in patient room, whereas, for indoor PM2.5 level, this value was 42 and 64% more than the EPA standards and WHO standards respectively. The relationship between outdoor and indoor particulate matters was examined by linear regression analysis. The indoor particulate matter levels were correlated with the corresponding ambient air ones.
Conclusion: Our analysis revealed that infiltration of ambient air could substantially increased indoor pollutants and thereby influences the indoor air quality.
Negar Darvishzadeh, Farideh Golbabaee, Mohammadreza Pourmand, Farideh Zeini, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Microorganisms are the agents that can cause disruption in the biochemical and physiological reactions through mechanisms such as infection, allergy or toxic properties in the case of entering human body and if the body’s immune system be unable to destroy and eliminate biological agents, illness and even death will occur. This study evaluates air pollution (aerosol and bioaerosol) in different parts of a hospital in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: We assessed and evaluated bioaerosols by applying 0800 NIOSH method using Bacterial sampler and specific cultures for bacteria and fungi separately in ICU (intensive care unit), Pathology laboratory, Operating room, Recovery, and CSR (Central Service Room) of a hospital.
Results: The assessment showed that the average density of bacteria in the hospital studied was in the range of 1226.88 - 294.47 CFU/m3 the highest density was observed in the CSR and the lowest density measured was in the operating room. The bacteria identified included gram-positive bacillus (50.6%), Staphylococcus epidermis (20.29%), Staphylococcus Saprophyticus (2.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (7.03%), other Staphylococcus (5.9%) and Micrococcus (13.43%). Moreover, it was found that the average density of fungi was in the range of 0-188.45 CFU/m3 the maximum density in ICU and the minimum density in operating room and recovery room. The fungi identified included Aspergillus flavus (31.65%), Aspergillus fomigatus (25.17%), Aspergillus niger (15.82%), and penicilliom (27.33%) .
Conclusion: Comparison of bacteria density in different parts of the hospital with the recommended limits of ACGIH (500 CFU/m3) showed that density exceeded the limits in all units except in operating room whereas, density of fungi was less than the recommended limits of ACGIH (100 CFU/m3) in all units of hospital.
Zohreh Sadeghi Hasanvand, Mohamad Sadegh Sekhavatjo, Roya Zakavat,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Transmission of pathogenic micro-organisms through the air is very dangerous for the society health. It is one of the most important issues that currently has faced the majority of hospitals with increasing nosocomial infections. Bio-aerosols are linked with a wide range of health effects including communicable diseases, acute toxic effects, and allergies and nosocomial infections, which can threaten health of personals, patients, and their companions admitted in hospitals. . Given that hospital infection rates has a direct relationship with the density and type of bioaerosols,, therefore, the distribution and abundance of micro-organisms, which wasthe main objective of the study becomes important. Materials and Methodes: This was a descriptive-analytic study in which seven wards of Valiasr hospital were selected randomly. The wards selected were Internal, laboratory, infants and children, CCU, Men surgery, women and labors. Operating rooms and outside the hospital environment were also studied. Air samples were taken according to the NIOSH standard instructions and Anderson procedure with a flow rate of 3.28 L per 2 minutes on mannitol salt agar, nutrient agar, EMB agar, blood agar, and sabarose dextrose agar media. Out of 240 samples taken, 200 samples showed growth. Then, the samples were transported to laboratory immediately and were incubated for 48 h at 37˚C and the experiment temperature was 22-27˚C, and afterwards each sample was counted andtested. At the end, the microorganisms density was determined in term of CFU/M3. Results: The highest average concentration of pollution occurred in Infectious Ward (238.51 CFU/ M3 in spring and 167.02 CFU/M3 in autumn) and the lowest one was related to the CCU, where showed no fungi growth during both seasons. Despite the environment sterilization, the highest percentage of fungi (Aspergillus Niger) and yeast observed in the hospital air was 42.45 percent in spring and 44.26 percent in autumn respectively. Moreover, Staphillus Epidermithis (25.93 percent)and gram-positive bacillus were the highest percentage of bacteria identified in air samples. Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the concentration of bio-aerosols in different hospital wards expect in CCU was more than recommended and similar studies and in terms of species was similar to other studies. Therefore, the hospital authority is recommended to reduce the amount of the pathogenic and environmental bio-aerosols through controlling individual traffic, changing the disinfectants and their applying procedure on the wards surface, establishing standard and suitable ventilation systems.
Aimohammad Baseri , Rohollah Dehghani , Alireza Soleimani , Omolbanin Hasanbeigi , Mehrangiz Pourgholi, Abdoreza Ahaki , Mohammadbagher Miranzadeh,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Kidney patients in each dialysis cycle are exposed to extremely large volume of water, which is in direct contact with the patient’s blood. Hence, the occurrence of any type of contamination in the water used can be very toxic to patients. Thus, quality of water plays an important role in patient well-being. The aim of our study was to investigate the quality of water used for hemodialysis in Kashan Akhavan hospital.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on water quality used for hemodialysis in Kashan Akhavan hospital during Oct.-Nov., 2011. During the study a total of 26 water samples were taken from the raw water and inlet of hemodialysis instrument. Collected water samples were analysed for Heterotrophic plate count, residual chlorine, pH , K+, SO42- , Na+, F- ,Ca2+ , mg2+ ,No3- , Hg+ , Cd2+, Cr6+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Se2+ ,Co2+,Ag +and As2+ according to the standard methods for water and wastewater examination.
Results: Our results showed that the concentration of copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, chromium, and silver were 0.4, 0.6, 0.07, 0.05, 0.08, and 0.04 µgL-1 respectively. In addition, concentration of the chemical elements and heavy metals did not exceed the standard level in any cases. Moreover, no microbial contamination was observed in the samples analyzed.
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, all water quality parameters in hemodialysis ward of Kashan Akhavan Hospital were compatible with AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) water quality Standards and no health risk threatens the kidney patients.
A Shahbazi, F Bagheri Zonoz, H Aboomaash-Zadeh,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Although amount of hospital waste generation is less than urban waste generation, but because of health risks involved, these wastes need to be managed precisely and specifically. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to survey quality and quantity of waste generation in Emam Khomaini Hospital, Karaj, Iran and to estimate its generation process in future. Materials and Methods: the total amount of different waste percentage and its weight were examined and analyzed through monthly sampling from segregated waste (including general, infectious, pharmaceutical, and sharp wastes) in Emam Khomaini Hospital in Karaj during four years (2010-2013). Results: the hospital waste generation rate became double during four years of study. Among different types of waste, the highest monthly averages per bed for general and infectious waste was 48.3 and 46.5% respectively. In addition, the most and least amount of waste generation was observed in April and September respectively. Analysis of variance showed that the increasing trend of waste generation had a significant difference (P<0.001). Moreover, the estimate of waste generation process through ARIMA time series model represented continuation of increasing trend of waste generation up to 6.3 (kg bed-1 day-1) on December 2014. Conclusion: Waste generation in Emam Khomaini’s hospital follows an increase trend ( average generation from 2.98 to 4.44 kg bed-1 day-1 in 2010 to 2012 respectively, reflecting the increasing trend in the waste generation. ARIMA time series model shows that the waste generation rate would be 1.5 fold more in autumn 2014. Estimate of waste generation is necessary for planning and designing of waste management.
H Godini, S Karimpour Roshan, Z Imanian, T Naji, B Mirza Hedayat,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is one of risk assessment techniques. The aim of this study was to identify, assess and prioritize the risk associated with the process of medical waste management using the FMEA method and provide appropriate strategies and measures for controlling the risk of this process in the Children's Medical Center Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in this hospital during the first 6 months of 2016. For data collection, the standard worksheet of FMEA and object-oriented sampling were used. In this method, each error based on the severity, the occurrence rate and probability of finding an error is scored between 1 and 10, which the priority number of the risk is obtained from the product of these 3 indicators.
Results: In this study, a total of 33 potential risks associated with the management of medical wastes were identified using FMEA risk assessments. The highest priority number for non-washed waste containers is 360 and the lowest priority number is the risk of not having the Safety box for disposal of sharp waste in the wards, which is 30.
Conclusion: One of the most important sources of environmental pollution is medical wastes that have high costs in different stages of waste management in the hospital, thus, the use of the FMEA technique can reduce costs and increase the safety and health of the personnel. It also helps to preserve the environment.
M Hadi, M Solaimany Aminabad, M Amiri, M Arjipour,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Treatment of hospital wastewaters has an important role in reducing the discharge of organics and pharmaceutical compounds into aquatic environments. Nowadays, advanced oxidation processes were extensively used for the removal of organic compounds from treated effluents. The study aimed to examine organic compounds removal from real treated effluent of a hospital treatment plant using a lab scale UV/H2O2/TiO2 process by optimizing the process.
Materials and Methods: The effluent characteristics including COD, TOC and DOC were measured and recorded. A hybrid advanced oxidation process (UV/H2O2/TiO2) was used for the removal of organic compounds. The experiments were designed using surface response methodology (RSM). The effects of the independent factors including pH, duration of UV irradiation, H2O2 and TiO2 concentrations on COD, TOC, DOC and the approximate cost of treatment were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The optimal condition was 7.2 for pH, 50 mg/L for H2O2, 100 mg/L for TiO2 and 19.65 min for irradiation time. This condition provided the maximum removal percentage for organic compounds with a minimum cost. The removal efficiency for TOC, DOC and COD were 63.9, 52.9, and 64.7%, respectively. The treatment cost was approximated to be $ 0.71 per one liter of the effluent.
Conclusion: Irradiation and H2O2 concentration had the greatest impact on the cost of the treatment. UV/H2O2/TiO2 process seems to be an expensive process for tertiary treatment of wastewater. However, further investigations are required to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the process for a full scale operation.
J Gorgani, R Nabizadeh, M Gholami, H Pasalari, M Yegane Badi, M Farzadkia, Ha Asgharnia, Ma Zazouli,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Hospital wastes with the content of infectious, pathologic, sharp, pharmaceupitical and genotoxic materials are classified as hazardous wastes. Of which, genotoxic residues wirh mutagenic and teratogenic effects are of most great concern on human health. Genetic wastes are referred to as cytotoxic, chemical, and radioactive drugs used to treat cancer or treat transplantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of hospital wastes in Mazandaran province with emphasis on genotoxic waste.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 35 governmental and social hospitals in Mazandaran province to determine the satus of hospital waste with focus on geotoxic waste. The quanity, quality and management approaches of hospital and genotoxic wastes in the studied hospitals were surveyed with a validated questionnaire. Results obtained from the present study were analyzed with Excel software.
Results: The average waste per each hospital bed was estimated to be 3.51 kilograms. Of which, 2.2, 1.24, 1.9 kg were categorized as municipal, chemical, and genotoxic wastes, respectively. The average of the hospital waste management index in Mazandaran province was found to be about 84 out of 100, indicating good management of these wastes. The management of genotoxic waste in 7 specialized chemotherapy hospitals was estimated to be 64 out of 100, indicating the average state of genotoxic waste management for these hospitals. In 28 non-chemotherapy hospitals, the genotoxic waste management index was approximated 42 out of 100, indicating poor management of these wastes.
Conclusion: The main weaknesses in hospital waste management are associated with the management of chemical-pharmaceutical and genotoxic wastes. Accordingly, improvement the quality of genotoxic and chemical-pharmaceutical wastes should be concerned in the future planning.
Ali Ahmadi Orkomi, Melika Mirchi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Since people spend a lot of time indoors, assessment of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)is the first step to improve working and living conditions in closed environments. This study wasconducted to evaluate the SBS symptoms among staff in Razi Hospital of Chalous, to identify the affecting environmental parameters on these symptoms and to provide solutions to reduce the symptoms of SBS.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conductedrandomly among 72 out of 240 hospital’s staff. Questionnaire MM040EA was used to collect demographic data, SBS symptoms and affecting environmental factors. Statistical analysis was carried out using Pearson’s Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test in Excel software.
Results: 60% of people showed moderate to severe SBS symptoms. Fatigue, headache, and sneezing were the most common symptoms among staff, with 85%, 75%, and 63%, respectively. Significant correlation was observed between SBS symptoms and room temperature fluctuations (p <0.001), low ambient temperature (p = 0.037), unpleasant odor (p = 0.043) and gender (p = 0.011) with significance level of α=0.05.
Conclusion: Investigating the influence of work environmental related factors on the general symptoms of SBS as well as on fatigue, headache and sneezing symptoms showed room temperature fluctuation and unpleasant odor as the most important driving factors. These symptoms were mainly due to the improper air conditioning system operation at the hospital to control the temperature. Therefore, it is expected that the prevalence of SBS among staff can be reduced significantly by improving the ventilation system performance, especially in winter.
Azadeh Tavakoli, Arezoo Tavakoli, Masoumeh Mohammadi,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Indoor air pollution in hospitals could be a serious health threat to the patients, medical staff, and visitors. In previous studies, the importance of paying attention to air quality during the Coronavirus pandemic has been proven. In this study, the effect of visiters' presence under normal conditions and the imposition of hospital restrictions at the time of pandemic on air quality and environmental parameters in a hospital has been evaluated.
Materials and Methods: Air sampling was carried out in Valiasr Hospital of Zanjan in two periods, September 2019 (morning and visiting hours) and during the pandemic in October 2020. All wards inside and the outside of the hospital were examined for air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO2) and environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, and sound levels).
Results: The results of this study showed that except for the sound levels, other pollutants are at an acceptable level. Particulate matter of different sizes in the air of the hospital has a correlation, often with an external source, and has been imported through construction activitie;. However, nitrogen dioxide concentration is dependent on urban traffic. Visiting hours are associated with an increase in the concentration of particulate matter and the sound levels. The pandemic had a positive effect in some wards, on some parameters and often improved the air quality due to the imposing strict health protocols.
Conclusion: This study showed that natural ventilation has a direct effect on the air quality inside of the hospital. It is also suggested that in wards where patients are sensitive or in the need of intensive care, restrictions on commuting and visitation be applied.
Arezoo Tavakoli, . Azadeh Tavakoli,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Bioaerosols as small particles enter the body by inhalation and lead to respiratory diseases based on type, concentration, and exposure time. In sensitive workplaces such as medical centers, it is necessary to pay attention to the type and population of these pollutants and the possibility of nosocomial infections. In the present study, the population and type of bioaerosols (bacteria and fungi) in the air of different hospital wards under normal conditions, visiting hours, and Covid-19 pandemic was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: Air sampling was carried out in different wards and ambient air of Valiasr Hospital of Zanjan during September 2019 (morning and visiting hours) and October 2020 (Corona pandemic) using an air sampling pump (Flite 3- SKC Ltd) with a flow of 14.1 L/min and then cultured in Sabaroud dextrose agar and nutrient agar.
Results: The results showed that air pollution in wards such as infectious diseases and clinics in both periods was more than other wards. The microbial density during visiting hours (before the coronavirus outbreak) was almost 30% higher than normal conditions. In October 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak and reduced traffic, microbial air pollution in the hospital decreased. In both periods of study, the frequency of gram-positive bacteria, especially Staphylococcus species (49%) was higher than other bacteria and among fungal species the frequency of Aspergillus (47%) was higher than others.
Conclusion: This study showed that traffic restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic reduce microbial density in hospital space and this achievement can be used in the future with the aim of improving air quality and controlling nosocomial infections.
Mehrnaz Asghari Mahforujaki, Ailar Jamalli, Saeed Golfiroozi, Ali Shahryari,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: In hospitals, the emergency department is a complex healthcare environment, and it is necessary to attention to nosocomial infections. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of nosocomial infection program in the emergency department.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in hospitals of Gorgan, Iran, in 2022, using the WHO checklist with 96 questions in 9 section staff; patients, environment, equipment, drug, prevention of infections wound, urinary, respiratory, and blood. Data were collected via observation and interviews. A checklist containing 45 questions was used to determine the impact of staff awareness on the infection control program, in 4 sections oftheoretical knowledge, performing procedures, immunization, and environmental hygiene.
Results: The results show that 82.46% of the infection control program was satisfactory. The percentage of scores for different sections of nosocomial infection program including staff, patients, environment, equipment, drug, infection prevention of wound, urinary, respiratory and blood was 79.31, 77.78, 81.25, 83.34, 100, 44.34, 75.00, 87.88 and 100, respectively. Moreover, the percentage awareness score for emergency medicine specialists, general practitioners, medical interns, and nurses was 100, 95.83, 87.5, and 79.92, respectively.
Conclusion: The implementation quality of the infection control program was acceptable and satisfactory. However, some factors were lower than the desired level, which could be dangerous for medical staff, patients, and visitors. The medical staff believed that the support of the senior managers of the University was essential for the implementation of an infection control program, and also holding training courses, and accelerating data sharing.
