Impact of designed infection control educational program on nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions at maternity hospitals

Objectives:This study aimed to assess the nurses’knowledge and compliance with infection control standard precautions and evaluate the impact of the designed infection control educational program on nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions at the maternity hospital.Materials and Methods:A quasi‑experimental one‑group pretest‑posttest design was used on convenient sample of 60 nurses working at Obstetrics and Gynecological hospital in Cairo University Hospital,Kasr El Ainy,who received“designed infection control educational program”for 6 months.The data were collected through the questionnaire comprising demographics,knowledge,and compliance with standard precautions questionnaire.The nurses’knowledge and compliance score were compared before and after intervention.Results:The studied nurses had higher level of knowledge(85.3%)and compliance(92.8%)regarding infection control standard precautions after the educational program compared to before the program.The results revealed statistically significant difference between before and after the program regarding nurses’knowledge score(15.5±2.9 vs.17.1±1.6,P<0.001)and compliance score(58.5±13.2 vs.74.3±5.1,P<0.001).In addition,there was insignificant relation between nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions both before(r=0.952,P=0.474)and after educational program(r=0.164,P=0.223).Conclusion:The nurses’level of knowledge and compliance regarding infection control standard precautions was significantly improved after the program.Therefore,it is recommended that periodical educational programs regarding the standard precautions of infection control are essential for nurses at maternity hospital.

Emergency Trolley’s Contents and Records: Audit Study at Maternity Sections, State Hospitals, Windhoek, Namibia

The purpose of the study sought to assess and evaluate the contents and records of the emergency trolley in the maternity section of the state hospitals in Windhoek, Namibia. A quantitative and descriptive research design was used for the study to investigate emergency equipment, essential drugs and emergency trolleys. A convenient sample of 10 emergency trolleys in the Windhoek Central Hospital (Hospital A) and Katutura Intermediate Hospital (Hospital B) in Windhoek, Namibia were used. Data was collected using a checklist adapted and edited from the EMSSA. Data were analysed using Microsoft excel 2013. Essential paediatric equipment including bag valve mask devices, Magill’s forceps, oxygen masks were absent in many of the units and wards. Data described that checking of defibrillators, monitors and suction devices still remained a major problem in the units/wards that were fortunate enough to have the aforementioned equipment. A conclusion was that generally the units/wards performed well during the assessments and evaluations. There were still units without emergency trolleys, trolleys that were poorly assessed, and those that were obstructed and registered nurses that had a negative perception to the audit of the emergency trolley. Specialized units such as NICU and Hi-Care Hospital A and Prem Unit Hospital B performed very well in their assessments. Development of policy with regards to assessing, restocking and maintenance of emergency supplies can be used to guide the nurses on what to do. Resuscitation morbidity and mortality meetings in order to identify issues and outcomes surround resuscitation incidences within the unit or ward.

Attitude toward Safety among Staffs in the Iranian Maternity Care Units of Public Hospitals with High Maternal Death Rate, 2015-2016

Background: Although extensive Mother-friendly Hospital initiatives have been improved the quality of maternity care in Iran, recent national reports have been indicated that obstetrics errors are still common. The current study aimed to assess safety attitude in the maternity care units of public hospitals in a region with high rate of maternal death in Iran. Materials and Methods: Data was collected from 314 midwives, specialist and also managers working in all public hospitals in 2016. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to analyze psychometric features of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). Results: 86.2% of the participants (n = 314) completed the questionnaire. Results showed that lower scores in teamwork, safety climate and also job satisfaction subcomponents. The working conditions and stress recognition had the highest negative scores. There was a significant relationship between the following subcomponents and work load: teamwork (r = ﹣0.416, P-value = 0.05), stress recognition (r = 0.40, P-value = 0.05) and also working conditions (r = 0.421;P-value = 0.02). The score of midwives was significantly lower than specialists regarding job satisfaction (P-value = 0.014), working conditions (P-value = 0.02) and also the overall safety attitude score (P-value = 0.001). About 63% of respondents reported no error during the last year. The mean of error reporting during the last year significantly increased among specialists compared to midwives (P-value = 0.001). Conclusion: Maternity care units in the region with high maternal death have been faced with many intangible barriers related to safety attitude such as poor teamwork climate, working condition and also poor stress recognition. It is now needed to promote supportive environment for midwives and also strengthening staff cohesion through guiding the strategic direction of current maternity risk management system in creating open and just culture, improving leadership behaviors among senior managers and also addressing poor staffing levels.

Problematic of Clandestine Induced Abortions in Three Maternity Hospitals of Chad

Background: In the world, induced abortion constitutes a preponderant cause of morbidity and maternal mortality, more particularly in developing countries. In these countries, the prevalence of contraception remains low, and situation makes the bed of unwanted pregnancies leading easily to the induced abortions. The objective was to determine frequency of clandestine induced abortions and to know the motivations of women that practice these abortions in order to find a solution to minimize this practice. Patients and method: We conducted a prospective, descriptive and multicenter survey for three months from November 1st, 2015 to January 31st, 2016 achieved at N’Djamena Mother and Child hospital which is national reference structure in terms reproduction health, Moundou Regional Hospital and Abéché Regional Hospital about the epidemiological aspects and complications clandestine induced abortions. The population of survey was constituted of patients admitted in a maternity of these hospitals for clandestine induced abortion. Every patient having practiced a documented induced abortion and having agreed to participate in the survey was included. Results: During the survey period, we recorded 94 cases of clandestine induced abortions among 2759 deliveries giving a frequency of 3.4%. The age group between 20 - 24 years was the most represented with 42.7%. The average age was 25.4 years, with the extremes ranging from 15 to 42 years. Singles (66%) dominated marital status. Sixty patients (63.9%) were of secondary. These patients were for the most part students or pupils (55.3%). Concerning the parity, nulliparous were the most numerous to practice the abortion (40.5%). More than half our patients (58.7%) knew no contraceptive method. The principal reason evoked to realize the abortion was further studies (38.2%). Means of abortion most used was the misoprostol (36 cases that is 38.2%). In this series, we observed 29 cases of complications, which is 30.8%. The complications were dominated by the anaemia (62.1%). Conclusion: The clandestine induced abortion is a frequent situation in the Chad and is cause of numerous complications.

Development of Self-Rated Nursing Record Frequency for Delirium Care of Nurses in Acute Care Hospitals (NRDC-Acute)

Background: Nursing records play an important role in multidisciplinary collaborations in delirium care. This study aims to develop a self-rated nursing record frequency scale for delirium care among nurses in acute care hospitals (NRDC-Acute). Methods: A draft of the scale was developed after a literature review and meeting with researchers with experience in delirium care, and a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. We identified 25 items on a 5-point Likert scale. Subsequently, an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was administered to 520 nurses from 41 acute care hospitals in Japan, and the reliability and validity of the scale were examined. Results: There were 232 (44.6%) respondents and 218 (41.9%) valid responses. The mean duration of clinical experience was 15.2 years (SD = 8.8). Exploratory factor analysis extracted 4 factors and 13 items for this scale. The model fit indices were GFI = 0.991, AGFI = 0.986, and SRMR = 0.046. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the entire scale was .888. The four factors were named “Record of Pharmacological Delirium Care on Pro Re Nata (PRN)”, “Record of Non-Pharmacological Delirium Care”, “Record of Pharmacological Delirium Care on Regular Medication”, and “Record of Collaboration for Delirium Care”. Conclusion: The scale was relatively reliable and valid. Nurses in acute care hospitals can use this scale to identify and address issues related to the documentation of nursing records for delirium care.

Theoretical Analysis and Practical Reflection on the Role Conflict of Double-Qualified Teachers in University-Affiliated Hospitals

Taking role conflict as the starting point,this article examines and reflects on the development of clinical teachers.In the process of the occurrence,development,and resolution of role conflicts among clinical teachers,there are many hidden issues related to the development of clinical teachers.The development of clinical teacher teaching and role conflict management contain similar educational philosophies and practical issues.This study draws on classic theories and research achievements in the development of university teachers and conducts theoretical analysis and practical reflection on the development of clinical teachers in medical colleges from the perspective of role conflict in social psychology.Policy recommendations are proposed,including strengthening the construction of teaching systems at the hospital organizational environment level,enhancing the role identity and teacher beliefs of clinical teachers,promoting their teaching development and academic learning,and ensuring their normal teaching investment;promoting leadership support at the level of interpersonal interaction and leveraging the role of colleague support in alleviating role conflicts;enhancing individual teacher beliefs,teacher role learning,and role skills.

Exploration of Teaching Development Strategies for Double-Qualified Teachers in University- Affiliated Hospitals Based on Role Conflict Theory

This study draws on the classic theories and research achievements of university teacher development,and from the perspective of role conflict in social psychology,proposes policy recommendations for the development of clinical teachers in medical colleges,including following different stages of teacher development and designing teaching development strategies at different levels;designing the content and form of teaching development activities to meet the temporal and spatial needs of clinical teachers;and building an academic community for clinical teachers to promote the creation of teaching development behaviors.

Study on the Changes of Medical Income Structure in Governmentrun Hospitals of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2012 to 2021

Objective To study the changing characteristics and trend of medical income structure in the government-run hospitals of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),evaluate the effects of relevant reform measures,and to put forward corresponding suggestions for further optimizing their income structure.Methods The data related to the average medical income of government-run hospitals of TCM from 2012 to 2021 were sorted out.Then,descriptive analysis method was used to analyze the changes of related indicators.Besides,structural change method was applied to investigate the changes of outpatient income and inpatient income.Results and Conclusion From 2012 to 2021,the growth of medical income in government-run hospitals of TCM tended to be stable,and the proportion of medical service income increased from 22.62%(2012)to 29.38%(2021),but the average annual growth rate was only 0.68%.The main items that caused the change of outpatient income structure were medicine revenue,laboratory tests,diagnosis and treatment,and the cumulative contribution rate was 89.15%.The main items that caused the change of inpatient income structure were medicine revenue,sanitary materials,and auxiliary examinations income,with a cumulative contribution rate of 80.04%.However,the contribution rate of registration,diagnosis,treatment,surgery and nursing income reflecting the value of medical personnel’s technical labor was relatively small.The medical income structure of government-run hospitals of TCM underwent great changes and gradually became reasonable,but the medical service income increased slowly,and not all indicators achieved the expectations.To promote the sustainable development of public hospitals of TCM and enable them to provide high-quality and efficient TCM medical and health services,it is necessary to further improve the relevant policy mechanism.

Influence of Prenatal Surveillance on Maternal and Perinatal Prognosis: A Prospective Study over 6 Months at the Maternity Ward of the Owendo University Hospital (Gabon)

Introduction: The occurrence of pregnancy in women is a risky situation. Prenatal care is necessary, which is not often the case in our context. Aim: To analyze the influence of antenatal surveillance on maternal and perinatal prognosis. Patients and Method: Preliminary longitudinal and analytical survey at the Owendo University Hospital (OHU) over 6 months. It focused on prenatal surveillance. The study population consisted of parturients who gave birth within 24 hours and we studied sociodemographic characteristics, variables related to antenatal contact, those of delivery as well as maternal and newborn outcomes. Results: 2485 deliveries were recorded and 1300 patients were retained according to the inclusion criteria. No prenatal contact (ANC0) was performed in 93 (7.15%), insufficient (ANCI) in 943 patients (72.5%), and sufficient (ANCS) in 264 patients (20.30%). Patients with low school level were significantly found when the NPC was not performed or insufficient and the same was true for the group of patients who were not employed and those who were single (p < 0.005). The caesarean section rate and perinatal mortality are high in this case. Conclusion: The quality of prenatal contact is insufficient in our context. The absence or inadequacy of the latter has a strong negative impact on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Evaluation of Spontaneous Fertility after Medical Treatment of Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy in Two Hospitals in the City of Yaounde

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, estimated to occur in 1% - 2% of pregnancies worldwide. This condition also has an adverse effect on the fertility prospects of women who experience it. Objective: To determine the outcomes of subsequent spontaneous fertility after medical treatment of patients with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with ectopic pregnancy at two university teaching hospitals of Yaounde. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection in two university teaching hospitals of Yaounde during a six years period from 1st January 2015 to 31st May 2021. Seventy records of patients who had medical treatment for ectopic pregnancy were included in this study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. 23. The Chi-2 statistical test was used to compare qualitative variables. Binary logistic regression method was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with infertility after medical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP). The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age in our study population was 27.8 ± 3.8 years. According to the past medical history, 52.9% had a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and the most frequently germ found was C. trachomatis (47.1%). Almost 15% of our study population had previous surgery for EP. The median Fernandez score was 11 with a minimum score of 4 and a maximum score of 13. The route of administration of methotrexate was intramuscular in all our patients, and the single-dose protocol was used most frequently (58.6%). After medical treatment of the EP, we found a spontaneous conception rate of 58.6%. After multivariate analysis, we were unable to confirm that there was an association between a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and fertility prognosis. Conclusion: The spontaneous fertility rate after medical management of EP was 58.6%, of which 73.2% were term pregnancies and 14.6% were recurrent ectopic pregnancies.

Predictors of Fatal Outcome in Hospitalised Adult Patients with Acute Kidney Injury at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: Data on mortality in acute kidney injury (AKI) derives from high-income countries where AKI is hospital-acquired and occurs in elderly patients with a high burden of cardiovascular disease. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), AKI is community-acquired occurring in healthy young adults. We aimed to identify predictors of fatal outcomes in patients with AKI in two tertiary hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: Medical records of adults with confirmed AKI, from January 2018 to March 2020 were retrieved. The outcomes of interest were in-hospital deaths and presumed causes of death. We used multiple logistic regressions modeling to identify predictors of death. The study was approved by the ethics boards of both hospitals. Values were considered significant for a p-value of 0.05. Results: We included 285 patient records (37.2% females). The mean (SD) age was 50.1 (19.0) years. Hypertension (n = 97, 34.0%), organ failure (n = 88, 30.9%), and diabetes (n = 60, 21.1%) were the main comorbidities. The majority of patients had community-acquired AKI (78.6%, n = 224), were KDIGO stage 3 (88.8%, n = 253), and needed dialysis (52.6%, n = 150). Up to 16.7% (n = 25) did not receive what was needed. The in-hospital mortality rate was 29.1% (n = 83). Lack of access to dialysis (OR = 27.8;CI: 5.2 - 149.3, p = 0.001), hypotension (OR = 11.8;CI: 1.3 - 24.8;p = 0.001) and ICU admission (OR = 5.7;CI: 1.3 - 24.8, p = 0.001) were predictors of mortality. The presence of co-morbidities or underlying diseases (n = 46, 55%) were the main causes of death. Conclusions: In-hospital AKI mortality is high, as in other low- and middle-income economies. Lack of access to dialysis and the severity of the underlying illness are major predictors of death.

Obstetric Emergencies at the Kara University Hospital Maternity Ward: Sociodemographic, Etiological and Prognostic Aspects

Introduction: Obstetric emergencies are common throughout the world and more particularly in developing countries where they are responsible for high maternal-fetal mortality and morbidity. Objective: Study obstetric emergencies in the maternity ward of Kara University Hospital. Method: Retrospective and descriptive study from April 1, 2022 to March 30, 2023, carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Kara University Hospital. Results: Eight hundred and thirty-five (835) obstetric emergencies were recorded out of 2215 admissions, i.e. a frequency of 37.7%. The average age of the patients was 26.7 with a range of 14 and 45 years. They were primigravidas (36.7%) and nulliparous (38.7%), referred (84.7%) and came from rural areas (72%). Emergencies occurred in the 3rd trimester in 74.1% and in parturients (54.1%). Preeclampsia (27%), cessation of progression of labor due to feto-pelvic disproportion (12.4%), postpartum hemorrhage (7.5%) constituted the main obstetric emergencies. In 44.8%, the delivery was carried out vaginally. Magnesium sulfate was the most used drug, i.e. 30.1%;followed by antihypertensive medications in 28.1%. Blood transfusion was performed in 24.3%. The evolution was simple in 90.9%. The maternal fatality rate was 1.6%. The perinatal case fatality rate was 12.3%. Conclusion: Obstetric emergencies are common, dominated by preeclampsia, stopping progress of labor and postpartum hemorrhages. They are responsible for high morbidity and mortality.

Hyperprolactinemia in Hospitals in Lomé: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects

Introduction. Hyperprolactinemia represents a supraphysiological secretion of prolactin. In clinical practice, it is the most frequently encountered anterior pituitary disorder. However, its real prevalence is little known in Africa. The purpose of this study is to list all cases of hyperprolactinemia over the past four years and to make an inventory of the various etiologies found and their management. Methodology. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study on the files of patients who came for consultation in the internal medicine and endocrinology department with hyperprolactinemia retrospectively collected from January 2017 to December 2020. Included were patients followed or whose the diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia was established in endocrinological consultation during the study period. Results. This study recorded 26 cases of hyperprolactinemia. The female sex represented 73.08% (sex ratio M/F 0.37) and the average age was 33.92 years. The 40 - 50 age group was the most represented with 30.77%. In women, galactorrhea accounted for 73.07%, amenorrhea 57.69% of clinical pictures and infertility 23.08%. In men, infertility accounted for 7.69% of presentations, gynecomastia 11.54% and erectile dysfunction 15.38%. The duration of evolution of the signs was 4 months in 23.08% of the patients. The mean prolactinemia was 702.58 ng/ml. CT was performed in 80.85% of patients. The main etiologies were pituitary adenomas (77%). All our patients were treated with dopaminergic agonists. Cabergoline was prescribed in 77% of patients. The evolution was favorable in 96.25% of patients. Conclusion. Hyperprolactinemia is a pathology that exists in our regions. The main etiology remains pituitary adenomas and treatment with cabergoline.

Construction of competency evaluation system for infection control personnel in traditional Chinese medicine hospitals

Background:This study uses a literature review and the Delphi expert consultation method to construct a competency evaluation model for infection control personnel in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)hospitals.The aim is to strengthen infection control management in TCM hospitals,assess the competency of infection control personnel in their positions,and assist them in identifying the competencies that need improvement.Methods:Based on the literature research method and the Delphi expert consultation method,a competency model for the position was constructed through two rounds of expert consultations,analyzing the relationships between various factors and establishing a hierarchical structure model.Pairwise comparisons were made among the elements at the same level to construct a judgment matrix.Through the analytic hierarchy process,the weight coefficients of the indicators at each level in the competency model were obtained.Results:This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of various capabilities and practices related to hospital infection control.The survey results indicate that participants excelled in multiple areas,with a high overall satisfaction rate.95.28%of participants were able to develop hospital infection monitoring plans based on national infection control policies,demonstrating a good understanding and execution of these policies.94.09%of participants were familiar with high-risk populations and key departments in the hospital.91.73%of participants were able to establish monitoring scopes based on the trends of multidrug-resistant bacteria and conduct information monitoring,reflecting strong response capabilities.92.91%of participants were able to collaborate with relevant departments to conduct bacterial resistance monitoring,showing a good team spirit.94.49%of participants were able to perform targeted monitoring,including surgical site infections,indicating that they have effective monitoring strategies.91.34%of participants were able to collect and organize monitoring data and establish a systematic database,demonstrating good data management skills.90.16%of participants were able to interpret laws and regulations related to hospital infection management,indicating a high level of legal knowledge.89.37%of participants generally possessed good communication skills.92.52%of participants were able to guide medical staff on occupational safety and protective knowledge,showing an emphasis on occupational health.Participants demonstrated a strong desire to learn and innovate,with 87.01%actively participating in continuing education and research activities,reflecting a pursuit of professional development.Conclusion:Based on the results of the two rounds of expert consultations,a competency evaluation model for infection control personnel in TCM hospitals was formed.Through the analytic hierarchy process,the weight coefficients of various indicators at different levels in the model were obtained,and the research results have good scientific validity and reliability.

Management Measures for Preventing Postoperative Incision Infections in General Surgery at Primary Hospitals

Objective:To analyze the management measures and effects of preventing postoperative incision infections in the general surgery department of primary hospitals.Methods:Forty-nine surgical patients with 11 healthcare workers who were admitted to the general surgery department of the primary hospital between August 2021 and August 2022 were selected as the routine group for routine incision infection management.Forty-nine surgical patients with 11 healthcare workers admitted to the same department between September 2022 and September 2023 were selected as the prevention group for prophylactic management of postoperative incision infections.The incision infection rate,knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)scores,and management satisfaction of the patients as well as the management skill scores of healthcare workers were compared between the two groups.Results:The rate of postoperative incision infection in the prevention group was lower than that in the routine group;after implementing management measures,patients in the prevention group had higher KAP scores than those in the routine group;patients in the prevention group were more satisfied with the management than those in the routine group;and healthcare workers in the prevention group had higher scores than those in the routine group,with P<0.05 for the comparison between the groups.Conclusion:The implementation of preventive management for general surgery patients in primary hospitals can reduce the incidence of postoperative incision infection and improve the KAP of patients,with higher management satisfaction.It can also enhance the management skills of healthcare workers,thus improving their overall management level.

A Comparative Analysis of the Control Effect of Medical Expenses between General Hospitals and Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospitals from 2012 to 2021

Objective To analyze the changing trend of average medical expenses and structure in general hospitals and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)hospitals and the effects and differences achieved by the two kinds of hospitals through controlling unreasonable growth of medical expenses,so as to provide reference for controlling the rapid rise of medical cost in public hospitals and optimizing the cost structure.Methods Based on the changes of related indicators of medical expense control from 2012 to 2021,the overall characteristics,changes of cost structure and trends of medical expenses in general hospitals and TCM hospitals were investigated.Results and Conclusion From 2012 to 2021,the increase of medical expenses in general hospitals and traditional Chinese medicine hospitals had slowed down,the proportion of drug revenue to medical income began to decline,and the medical service income increased.However,the proportion of inspection,test and sanitary materials income has increased instead of decreasing,but the management cost has decreased.The two kinds of hospitals have achieved certain cost control results,the structure of medical cost has changed greatly,and the technical service and labor value of medical personnel have been reflected to a certain extent.However,it is still necessary to explore a more scientific and reasonable cost control mechanism to promote the further optimization of medical cost structure.

Fetal Macrosomia in the Maternity Ward of the Community University Hospital: Risk Factors and Maternal-Fetal Prognosis

Introduction: Fetal macrosomia is a birth weight greater than or equal to 4000 grams. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of macrosomia, to identify the risk factors, and to evaluate the maternal and perinatal prognosis in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Community University Hospital Centre (CHUC). Methodology: This was a retrospective case-control study over a period of 24 months in the maternity ward of the CHUC. Results: The frequency of delivery of macrosomic fetuses was 4.1%, and the average age of women with large fetuses was 29.5 years. In 65.7% of cases, they were not engaged in any income-generating activity. Most of them had at least secondary education (65.7%) and were mainly multiparous (78.8%). The risk factors found were maternal age greater than or equal to 35 years, multiparity, previous large fœtus, gestational diabetes, obesity and male sex. Maternal complications were dominated by uterine atony (52.2%), perineal tear (31.9%), and cervical tear (15.9%). In our series, macrosomic newborns were three times more likely to present with a neonatal complication than normal-weight newborns. Neonatal mortality was 2.1%. Conclusion: Reducing macrosomia requires a better understanding of the risk factors, early detection, correct management during vaginal delivery and close monitoring of labour with good control of obstetric manoeuvres.

Research misconduct in hospitals is spreading:A bibliometric analysis of retracted papers from Chinese university-affiliated hospitals

Purpose: The number of retracted papers from Chinese university-affiliated hospitals is increasing, which has raised much concern. The aim of this study is to analyze the retracted papers from university-affiliated hospitals in China’s mainland from 2000 to 2021. Design/methodology/approach: Data for 1,031 retracted papers were identified from the Web of Science Core collection database. The information of the hospitals involved was obtained from their official websites. We analyzed the chronological changes, journal distribution, discipline distribution and retraction reasons for the retracted papers. The grade and geographic locations of the hospitals involved were explored as well.Findings: We found a rapid increase in the number of retracted papers, while the retraction time interval is decreasing. The main reasons for retraction are plagiarism/self-plagiarism(n=255), invalid data/images/conclusions(n=212), fake peer review(n=175) and honesty error(n=163). The disciplines are mainly distributed in oncology(n=320), pharmacology & pharmacy(n=198) and research & experimental medicine(n=166). About 43.8% of the retracted papers were from hospitals affiliated with prestigious universities. Research limitations: This study fails to differentiate between retractions due to honest error and retractions due to research misconduct. We believe that there is a fundamental difference between honest error retractions and misconduct retractions. Another limitation is that authors of the retracted papers have not been analyzed in this study.Practical implications: This study provides a reference for addressing research misconduct in Chinese university-affiliated hospitals. It is our recommendation that universities and hospitals should educate all their staff about the basic norms of research integrity, punish authors of scientific misconduct retracted papers, and reform the unreasonable evaluation system.Originality/value: Based on the analysis of retracted papers, this study further analyzes the characteristics of institutions of retracted papers, which may deepen the research on retracted papers and provide a new perspective to understand the retraction phenomenon.

Hospital Stakeholders’ Perception on Environmental Effects Related to Biomedical Waste in Togo’s University Hospitals (UHC) in 2021

Introduction: Given its effects, hospital waste is an environmental concern and a threat to health personnel, users of health services and neighboring populations. Our objective was to assess the perception of health care stakeholders on the environmental effects related to biomedical waste produced in Teaching Hospitals (CHU) in Togo in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study held from June 24 to August 28, 2021. It targeted three university hospitals, 340 health care providers and services selected by a probabilistic method with a simple random technique in 25 services, 72 directors, deputy directors, supervisors and heads of services, 27 collection and incineration agents selected by a non-probabilistic method with a reasoned choice technique, 44 patients and attendants and 36 householders of neighboring residents selected by a non-probabilistic method with an accidental choice technique. Variables such as the spreading of disease vectors, soil, air and water contamination, the presence of unpleasant odors and unsightly living conditions were assessed. Results: According to the respondents, biomedical waste causes the proliferation of vectors (55.3%), an unsightly environment inside the hospital (47.1%), and unpleasant odors (61.2%). Incineration operations disturb hospital residents (52.8%), according to the householders of the residents. During observation, we note deposits of waste that have not been destroyed and wastewater flowing in some places. Conclusion: Biomedical waste in Togo’s university hospitals generates environmental effects and therefore potentially high risks for human health. Improving their management should be a concern for all hospital actors.

Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Personal Protective Equipment for the Prevention of COVID-19 in Public Hospitals Khartoum State Sudan 2022

Since December 2019, there had been a series of unexplained cases of pneumonia reported in Wuhan, China, and on 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) named this new virus as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging, rapidly changing global health challenge affecting all sectors, including the health sector. This study aimed to investigate nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses in three public health hospitals in Khartoum state. A self-administered questionnaire was used. A total of 14 knowledge questions were adopted. There are 5 questions constructed for attitude. A total of 12 practice questions were used. Mean score of knowledge considers as follows when the mean more than 75% considers as good knowledge while this percent uses as good practice and poor practice respectively to analyze the mean score differences of knowledge, attitudes, and practices between the independent variables. Spearman correlation was used to assess the relationship between mean knowledge and attitude scores. Results: Of the 101 nurses approached, a total of 100 nurses responded (99.0% response rate). The mean age of the participants was 27.6 (SD 5.3) years, and the majority of the participants were male (293/434, 67.5%). The mean knowledge score was 1.01 (SD 0.100). The mean attitude score was 10.5 (SD 4.1), and 54.8% (238/434) of the participants had a good attitude toward COVID-19. The mean practice score was 1.4176 (SD 1.4176). There was a negative correlation between knowledge and attitude scores (P < -0.014) and between knowledge and practice scores (P < -0.081). Conclusions: The overall levels of knowledge and practice and attitude were good.