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A special issue of Hygiene (ISSN 2673-947X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2023 | Viewed by 18740

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Dr. Daniela Haluza

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Center for Public Health, Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
Interests: telehealth; environmental health; open innovation in science; health communication; preventive medicine; public health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

You are cordially invites you to contribute to this Special Issue on COVID-19: Health and Hygiene.

The first cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported in China in December 2019. Since then, the pandemic has rapidly spread across continents, changing everyday life as we know it. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020. The virus causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), which is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in the acute phase.

The spread of COVID-19 is a global health emergency, with the health authorities of all countries involved in an attempt to fight this new pandemic. The social, clinical, and economic impacts of the virus are huge. Many aspects of the infection have been studied by researchers worldwide, and available epidemiological, clinical, and impact data have been used to propose preventive interventions. While research into the COVID-19 virus is continuing, we know that the virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person (through coughing and sneezing) and by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Unfortunately, the spread of the virus is ongoing, despite the application of very restrictive preventive interventions, including social distancing, wearing of protective masks, hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, travel restrictions, home schooling, and home working.

Close observance of the rules issued by the WHO and other international bodies is essential, as it is pivotal to understand in more detail the dynamics involved in the spread of the virus in order to identify new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including the development of a vaccine. While individual hygiene is the key to diminishing the spread of the virus between persons, the main challenge comes from the huge variety of regulations that have been enforced at local and national levels in an attempt to fight this new pandemic, limiting the comparability of outcomes and virus dynamics.

This Special Issue aims to publish evidence and observations in this field related to hygiene, microbiological aspects, epidemiology, clinical aspects, case management, lab diagnosis, immunology, therapeutic options, vaccine design and development, public health approaches, preventive measures, and communication.

We welcome the submission of reviews, original research articles, short communications, systematic reviews, and case studies targeting any of these core research issues, as the main goal of this Special Issue is to address some of the core research questions related to health and hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Daniela Haluza
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Hygiene is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
environment
outbreak
epidemics
COVID-19 prevention, treatment, and mitigation
health inequities
social determinants of health
history of infectious diseases and pandemics
risk assessment methodology
risk management plans
risk communication
interventions
epidemiology
microbiology
immunology
clinical aspects
therapeutic options
lab diagnosis
preventive measures
case management

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

The Impact of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction of Rowers

Maximilian Pöschl

David Jungwirth

and

Daniela Haluza

Hygiene 2023, 3(3), 306-315; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene3030022 - 11 Aug 2023

Viewed by 427

Abstract

The broad variety of measures that governments worldwide took against the COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions in our everyday life, including the practice of sports such as rowing. This study aimed to examine changes in the daily life of rowers and their rowing engagement. We distributed an online questionnaire in German among rowers in 2021. In total, 234 (48.7% females, mean age 45.01 years, SD 16.94) participants met the inclusion criteria. We found that the amount of time spent rowing was significantly lower during the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, we detected a notable shift in the rowing landscape, with a marked increase in home-based training and a complete cessation of rowing activities. Moreover, the life satisfaction of both female and male rowers witnessed a significant decline during the pandemic when compared to before. The present findings showed that the pandemic led to far-reaching changes in sports activities among rowers. Most rowers had to deal with negative effects not only on their rowing engagement, but also on life satisfaction. In view of future pandemics, it becomes crucial to prioritize and ensure the continuity of active sports engagement, including that of rowers, in a safe and secure manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

Open AccessArticle

Mandatory Vaccination against COVID-19: Qualitative Analysis of Responses to Open-Ended Questions

Konstantinos Giannakou

Eftychia Soulioti

and

Maria Kyprianidou

Hygiene 2023, 3(3), 291-305; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene3030021 - 04 Aug 2023

Viewed by 473

Abstract

The mandatory COVID-19 vaccination has been suggested as a strategy to increase vaccination uptake; however, there are doubts about its legitimacy as a measure. This study aimed to explore in depth the opinions of the Cypriot population regarding mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. Qualitative analysis of responses to an open-ended question was included as part of an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey of the general population of Cyprus. A thematic analysis was performed by reading the responses and developing a coding frame. Descriptive analysis was performed on the sociodemographic and COVID-19-vaccine-related information. A total of 311 participants responded to the open-ended question, and the thematic analysis yielded two main themes: “Vaccination Perceptions and Challenges” and “Mandatory Vaccination Policies and Societal Impact.” Within these themes, participants expressed diverse opinions on universal and targeted mandatory vaccination, highlighting concerns about insufficient research, gaps in communication, and potential side effects. Views also varied on topics such as protective measures, interdisciplinary collaboration, vaccine side effects, human rights, and societal divisions. Criticisms encompassed political motives, skepticism towards the pandemic, and considerations of individual freedoms. In summary, the findings highlighted the intricate and varied perspectives surrounding the issue of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, which can be valuable for policymakers and public health officials in designing targeted vaccination strategies. To optimize vaccination programs, policymakers and public health officials should prioritize trust, communication, and individual autonomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Study to Identify Factors for Vaccination Uptake Amongst University Staff and Students in Northern Ireland

and

Hygiene 2023, 3(2), 206-220; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene3020015 - 30 May 2023

Viewed by 761

Abstract

With the increased uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination in 2021, universities resumed face-to-face classes and clinical placements. However, even with incentives, some individuals chose not to receive a vaccination due to personal beliefs and other reasons. Understanding motivations for vaccination uptake or vaccine hesitancy is important to help develop future public health strategies. Therefore, a cross-sectional online survey was carried out among students and staff in a UK university to assess the level of vaccination and explore their views on the acceptability of incentives that may encourage uptake. Almost three quarters (74.4%) of the sample had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with a higher proportion of staff receiving a vaccine compared to students (80.0% vs. 70.6%, p < 0.001). Vaccine hesitancy or refusal was due to the perceived lack of research and knowledge of the potential long-term effects at the time of vaccination, religious, personal and ethical beliefs and feeling like vaccinations should not be used to restrict social events, travel and medical challenges. This study shows that university staff and students had a relatively high uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination. However, the findings indicate that nearly 20 percent were unsure or unwilling to take the vaccination, therefore suggesting that clearer information and motivational strategies are needed to support the roll out of new vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

Open AccessArticle

Documenting COVID-19 for Posterity: A Review of the Types of Fitted Face Masks Worn in Albury (Australia)

Dirk H. R. Spennemann

Hygiene 2023, 3(2), 176-196; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene3020013 - 05 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1093

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to abate and national public health systems are treating the SARS-CoV-2 virus as endemic, many public health measures are no longer mandated but remain recommended with voluntary participation. One of these is the wearing of fitted face masks, initially mandated to contain, or at least slow, the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which is primarily transmitted via aerosols emitted while breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Although the habit of once wearing fitted face masks recedes into memory for much of the population, so does the knowledge of the various types of masks that were once en vogue. To create a record for the future, this paper provides the first comprehensive documentation of the nature and range of fitted facemasks that circulated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

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Open AccessArticle

Perceived Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Playing Golf: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study

David Jungwirth

Susanne Gahbauer

and

Daniela Haluza

Hygiene 2023, 3(1), 45-56; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene3010006 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

Golf is a very popular outdoor sport played worldwide by people from various socio-economic backgrounds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and quarantine restrictions led to closures of indoor and outdoor sport facilities and thus also affected the access to golf courses. This study aimed at elucidating perceptions of golfers regarding the impact of the crisis on their sport. We surveyed a sample of golfers in German-speaking countries (primarily Austria and Germany) from March to June 2021. A content analysis on golfers’ responses (n = 923) to an open-ended question on their feelings and engagement in alternative ways of physical activity in light of closed sport facilities was performed. More than 23% of the comments concerned negative feelings on how the pandemic impacted the surveyed golfers, especially due to reluctance to accept the closure of outdoor sports facilities. Almost all participants stated to perform alternative outdoor sports, mostly hiking, biking, walking, and running. In times of a pandemic, public spaces should be designed to allow for safe physical activity to maintain a mentally and physically fit population. In this context, policy makers should provide hygiene concepts that allow for minimal disturbance of sport routines, especially in regard to outdoor sports such as golf. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Emotion of People Living with and without HIV

Joanne Lusher

Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga

Jorma I. Virtanen

Passent Ellakany

Muhammad Abrar Yousaf

Bamidele Emmanuel Osamika

and

Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan

Hygiene 2023, 3(1), 33-44; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene3010005 - 01 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1429

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a source of mental stress, particularly for special populations. The present study identified the associations between emotional distress and HIV status among adults in 152 countries during the first wave of the pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study that gathered data via an online survey carried out between July and December 2020. The dependent variable was emotional distress (frustration/boredom, anxiety, depression, loneliness, anger, or grief/feeling of loss), and the independent variable was HIV status (positive or negative). The confounding factors were sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education level, and employment status). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between the independent and dependent variables after adjusting for confounders. Of the 16,866 participants, 905 (5.4%) reported living with HIV. Of these, 188 (20.8%) felt frustrated/bored, 238 (26.3%) anxious, 160 (17.7%) depressed, 148 (16.4%) lonely, 84 (9.3%) angry, and 53 (5.9%) grief/a sense of loss. Individuals living with HIV had higher odds of feeling anxious (AOR:1.64), depressed (AOR:1.80), and lonely (AOR:1.35) when compared to people living without HIV. This study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate emotional stress for those living with HIV, and the system in which COVID-19 impacts emotional health among different sociodemographic groups introduces further complexities regarding this observed effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

Open AccessArticle

Change and Continuity in Preventive Practices across the COVID-19 Pandemic among Rural and Urban Latinx Immigrant Worker Families

and

Hygiene 2022, 2(4), 200-211; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene2040018 - 10 Nov 2022

Viewed by 987

Abstract

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has put essential workers at high risk for contracting the disease. This study documents situational compliance with public health recommendations such as masking and social distancing among rural and urban Latinx families, with the goal of understanding change over time in COVID-19 risk reduction behaviors. (2) Methods: Respondents for 67 rural families and 44 urban families responded to repeated telephone surveys at three time points in the first year of the pandemic, providing data on use of masks and social distancing by themselves and family members while interacting with others at home, work, and in the community. Cumulative logistic regression models were employed to compare changes in risk behaviors between rural and urban groups over time. (3) Results: While group descriptive results indicated behaviors that posed low risk at each time point, regression models revealed greater change between time points for rural than urban residents. Rural residents also had gendered patterns. (4) Conclusions: Patterns of change appear to reflect structural issues such as seasonal labor demand and gender roles more than pandemic fatigue or changing public health recommendations. The findings suggest that structural factors play a role in individuals complying with public health prevention measures for COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

Open AccessArticle

Risk Factors and Individual Protection Measures for COVID-19 in Federal Police Officers

Jefferson Aparecido Dias

Eduardo Federighi Baisi Chagas

Cláudia Rucco Penteado Detregiachi

Fernanda Mesquita Serva

Piero Biteli

Claudemir Gregório Mendes

Elídia Fabiana de Souza Xavier

Carlos Francisco Bitencourt Jorge

Tereza Lais Menegucci Zutin

Mateus Cezar dos Santos

Daniela Vieira Buchaim

and

Rogério Leone Buchaim

Hygiene 2022, 2(4), 187-199; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene2040017 - 31 Oct 2022

Viewed by 2073

Abstract

The coronavirus of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known as COVID-19, has spread rapidly around the world, leading to social detachment and the home office replacing face-to-face work. The performance of police officers faces limitations to the new requirements while recognizing the need to ensure health and quality of life. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the panorama of the spread of COVID-19 among federal police officers by analyzing the presence of symptoms, individual protection measures (IPM), and suspect screening measures (SSM). For this, data were collected through a questionnaire customized for this situation and measurements of clinical data from 56 federal police officers in the municipality of Marília (São Paulo, Brazil) were performed. The mean value of the body mass index (27.2 ± 5.4 kg/m²) suggests overweight and obesity, in addition to the presence of hypertension at 16.1%, diabetes at 3.6%, asthma at 3.6%, and obesity at 25%, which represents an important risk of complications for COVID-19. The use of a mask is the most frequent IPM (96.4%) and most of the sample has used a cloth or home mask (90.9%). However, 47.3% have not performed the correct cleaning of the masks and 5.5% have not taken any care with mask hygiene. In conclusion, although the IPM was adopted by most of the research participants, some did not adopt important measures such as wearing a mask, which can increase the risk of contamination and contagion due to the work environment and routine. The highest risk factors observed were obesity and hypertension, but even in these conditions, the absence of important IPMs was still verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Sample of Houston-Based Middle Eastern and North African Residents

and

Hygiene 2022, 2(4), 163-177; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene2040015 - 10 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1135

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to anxiety and depression in many communities across the United States. Here, we have focused on a sample of Houston-based Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) residents and assessed the prevalence of anxiety and depression in this community. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaires were used to identify the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression, respectively. A sociodemographic, general health, and COVID-19 survey was used for a multivariable logistic regression model to determine predictors of anxiety and depression. The outcome of interest was “minimal/mild” versus “moderate/severe” anxiety and depression. A total of 368 participants completed the survey, with 24.73% reporting “moderate/severe” anxiety and 31.79% reporting “moderate/severe” depression. Male participants were less likely (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12, 0.75) to have “moderate/severe” anxiety compared to females. Respondents with self-reported depression were more likely (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.33, 8.83) to have “moderate/severe” depression. Participants who reported having “Excellent/Good knowledge” about the prevention of COVID-19 spread were less likely (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.93) to have “moderate/severe” depression, and less likely (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.64) to have “moderate/severe” anxiety, compared to those who had “average/poor/terrible” knowledge. Identified predictors may be critical for designing culturally sensitive interventions to improve the healthcare of MENA Americans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

Open AccessArticle

Facing COVID-19: Quantifying the Use of Reusable vs. Disposable Facemasks

Dirk H. R. Spennemann

Hygiene 2021, 1(3), 120-128; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene1030011 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3088

Abstract

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, many governments have recommended or mandated the wearing of fitted face masks to limit the transmission of the virus via aerosols. The public had, in essence, two choices: single-use, disposable surgical masks and multi-use, washable cloth masks. While the use of cloth masks has been discussed, there are, at present no baseline data that establish the actual proportions of mask types worn in the public. This paper, which presents the findings of rapid walk-through surveys of shopping venues in Albury (Southern New South Wales, Australia), demonstrates that, overall, 33.6% of masks worn by the public were cloth masks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

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Open AccessReview

The Relationship between the Gut Microbiota and Exercise: A Narrative Review

Diego Domínguez-Balmaseda

and

Guillermo García-Pérez-de-Sevilla

Hygiene 2022, 2(4), 152-162; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene2040014 - 28 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1923

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the homeostasis of the intestinal tract, and the fact that exercise could have an impact on its functionality is currently the subject of various studies. Exercise is used as a strong preventive and treatment strategy in numerous chronic diseases, influencing metabolism, immunity, and physiological functions. Some recent studies provide information on exercise as a factor that could favor the growth of beneficial species and increase the diversity of the intestinal microbiota. However, the difficulty in determining the true effect of exercise is only due to the confounding influence of lifestyle and dietary habits. Regardless, there is still interest in the implications of the gut microbiota for elite sports because the details are considered crucial for success in different competitions. This narrative review tries to collect the information available in the literature on the role that exercise plays in the modulation of the balance of the intestinal microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

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Open AccessOpinion

People’s Need for Health Information and Communication: How Past Experiences Could Support Future Interventions

Barbara Pittau

Francesca Pettinau

and

Antonio Mastino

Hygiene 2023, 3(1), 57-64; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene3010007 - 15 Mar 2023

Viewed by 934

Abstract

People’s need for information and communication concerning health has emerged from many sources, even for important aspects related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges of those who want to respond to this need are mainly related to which design characteristics could better support their aim. Thus, this article first examines a selected list of examples of different approaches of interventions targeted at citizens aimed at increasing health knowledge. Successively our recent experience regarding a new tool developed to support people’s health by promoting communication about citizens’ approach towards pharmaceuticals is discussed. In addition, here we propose that a similar methodological approach may be useful also to highlight people's critical issues and suggestions regarding health care system, i.e., factors that could play a pivotal role in a pandemic scenario. Our experience in the local context through an integrated strategy can be useful to address key factors concerning people’s approach to medicines, and approach to health care system even during a pandemic scenario. Overall these examples of past experience show how some approaches could support the understanding of suitable future, community-level, interventions to enhance information and communication about health and care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

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Open AccessCase Report

The Use of COVID-19 Surveillance Measures in Detecting Cases of Tuberculosis (TB)

Anwar A. Sayed

Asem A. Allam

Abdullah K. Alruwaili

Mohammed A. Alraey

Eman M. Elsayed

and

Ghfren S. Aloraini

Hygiene 2023, 3(1), 1-11; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene3010001 - 04 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1146

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused countries to develop novel methods to detect and trace active cases. These methods aim to limit its spread; however, they can also be used to detect other endemic infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB). The current methods used to detect COVID-19 cases, such as temperature-checking and tracing applications, led to the detection of these specific TB cases and their referral to the hospital. In this study, we present four cases of TB in which the patients come from different working backgrounds. We conclude that the current measures used for COVID-19 could also prove to be beneficial in the context of other infectious diseases, mainly TB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Health and Hygiene)

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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

1. Dr. Mateusz Grajek (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40055 Katowice, Poland)

2. Dr. Palmira Immordino (Università degli Studi di Palermodisabled, Palermo, Italy)

3. Dr. Joris C Verster (Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands)

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