Sick leave due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a high burden of sick leave worldwide. Long-term sick leave for COVID-19 may be longer than for other influenza-like syndromes. The real impact of long COVID on absenteeism remains uncertain. AIMS: To investigate the burden of sick leave, especially >12 weeks, in Belgian workers with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from July 2020 to September 2021 and to compare these figures with sick leave for other infectious diseases. METHODS: We coupled a database of SARS-CoV-2-positive workers and workers who were absent for other infections with objective absence data. Predictors of prolonged sickness were evaluated by negative binomial regression, Cox proportional hazards regression and ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: The study population involved 2569 workers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 392 workers who were absent for other infectious diseases. In total, 16% (95% CI 14-17%) of workers with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test had no sick leave registered. Fourteen out of 1000 (95% CI 9-20‰) workers with absenteeism for COVID-19 experienced sick leave >12 weeks as compared to 43 out of 1000 workers (95% CI 3-69‰) with absenteeism due to other infections. When including PCR-positive workers without sick leave, the prevalence of long-term sick leave decreased to 12 per 1000 (95% CI8-17‰). Long-term sick leave was associated with older age, high previous sick leave and low educational level. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of long-term sick leave was lower than estimated in earlier investigations regardless of worrying reports about post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Development and validation of an occupational health triage tool.

BACKGROUND: As work and health are closely interlinked, it is important to carefully monitor employees. However, limited resources restrict in-depth follow-up. AIMS: This study was aimed to develop a low-cost screening instrument for employees' overall health status, that can be used across industries and that allows triaging workers to in-depth health surveillance in case of indications of health or functioning problems. METHODS: We developed a new questionnaire-based algorithm built on multiple predictors to assess the need for further follow-up. We used a systematic review, Delphi panel (n = 9) and focus group (n = 5) to determine the predictors, tested for language pitfalls in a pilot study and evaluated the questionnaire's validity in two separate studies. Study 1 (n = 60) analysed the discriminatory power of the instrument by comparing it to the assessment of an occupational physician in a sample of employees from diverse occupational settings. Study 2 (n = 869) appraised the factor structure and internal consistency of the screening tool in a sample of employees from the hospital sector. RESULTS: Risk factors, current physical and mental health, functioning, absenteeism, job satisfaction and lifestyle were identified as the most relevant predictors. Study 1 showed the survey had good criterion validity (area under the curve = 0.72). Study 2 (N = 869, 28% response) demonstrated the internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94), and a factor analysis confirmed a second-order factor structure with adequate model fit (comparative fit index = 0.96, root mean square error of approximation = 0.04 and standardized root mean square residual = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: This questionnaire can be used to triage workers for occupational health follow-up and can, additionally, be useful to describe the epidemiology of work-related illness.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Belgian workers in long-term care facilities.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) can be a source of SARS-CoV-2 within long-term care facilities (LTCFs); therefore, we analysed the data from a testing programme among LTCF employees. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and its determinants among employees of LTCFs and the risk for fellow workers and residents. METHODS: Testing started at week 15, the first wave's peak, using nasopharyngeal swabs for PCR up to week 23. At the start of the second wave (week 32), testing resumed. RESULTS: A total of 32 457 test results were available from 446 LTCFs: 2% were positive: 1% in men, 2% in women, 2% in HCWs (=having patient contact), 1% in non-HCWs, higher in younger age groups. In total, 30 729 employees were tested once, 823 twice, 66 thrice and 4 four times. Prevalence was 13% during the first week of testing (week 15) and declined to 7% (week 16) to stay at around 1% (from week 17 until week 23). At the start of the second wave (week 31-33), the prevalence was around 3%. In 70% of positive tests, the employee was asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the presence of HCWs with SARS-CoV-2 as a possible source of infection in LTCFs even when the incidence in the general population was low; 70% were asymptomatic. To control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in LTCFs vaccination, infection prevention and control measures are necessary as well as testing of all LTCF HCWs during possible outbreaks, even if asymptomatic.

Prevalence of high cardiovascular risk by economic sector.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of high cardiovascular risk and the trend of cardiovascular risk factors in a large sample of Belgian workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on the data of workers under medical surveillance by the non-profit occupational health service IDEWE in 2018. The prevalence of poor health for smoking, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure according to the American Heart Association (AHA) definition was investigated. The presence of three or more poor cardiovascular health metrics was considered high cardiovascular risk. A log-binomial regression model was used to compare the prevalence of high cardiovascular risk between economic sectors taking into account age and gender and to calculate predicted probabilities of high cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: Data about 212,792 workers were available. In 2018, overall, 7% of workers had high cardiovascular risk. Transport and construction had the highest prevalence of high cardiovascular risk, 14% and 12%, respectively. The lowest prevalence, 3%, was observed in education. Differences between sectors remained statistically significant after adjustment for age and gender. In men, workers in transport and storage and in construction had the highest predicted probability of high cardiovascular risk that increased with age. In women, highest predicted probability was observed in transport and storage. CONCLUSIONS: When implementing health promotion initiatives, priority should be given to sectors and professions where risk factors are most prevalent or are increasing rapidly. Measures should be tailored to the special needs of the occupational groups at high risk.

Employers' Experience on Involvement in Sickness Absence/Return to Work Support for Employees with Cancer in Small Enterprises.

PURPOSE: Return to work (RTW) is important for employees who have survived cancer, yet it is challenging for employers. Small enterprises (< 100 employees) might have limited resources to facilitate RTW of cancer survivors. The purpose of this article is to examine how such employers engage in the support of RTW and to uncover their needs. METHODS: Eleven owners and one HR manager representing 12 small enterprises (various sectors) were interviewed regarding their experience with RTW of employees surviving cancer. We conducted a thematic analysis with aspects of Grounded Theory. RESULTS: The characteristics of being a small enterprise (i.e. informal practical arrangements, working as a family, working with limited resources and people) related to four concerns experienced by these employers (concerns about the employer's enterprise; the employee's cancer and recovery; RTW and work adjustments; and about communication). In line with these concerns, employers need information on rights and obligations, RTW arrangements and communication skills during RTW guidance. CONCLUSIONS: In small enterprises, employers have generally close relationships with their employees, which means that support is gladly provided when employees are diagnosed with cancer. They do however have limited financial means to facilitate RTW and workplace adjustments. They therefore perceive long-term sickness and RTW as a major financial risk for the company.

Rhizarthrosis in banknote processing workers: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Rhizarthrosis, or osteoarthritis of the base of the thumb, is a common condition affecting 10-30% of the population over the age of 60. Whether it is an occupational disease has been the subject of debate as epidemiological studies on the correlation between physical stress and the presence of rhizarthrosis have shown conflicting results. AIMS: To study the correlation between the prevalence of rhizarthrosis and the time spent by employees manually processing banknotes at the National Bank of Belgium (NBB). METHODS: We followed NBB employees currently or previously holding job titles involving the manual or automated processing of banknotes. Each participant's job history was carefully reconstructed and the number of months holding certain job titles determined. Each participant was clinically and radiologically examined for the presence of rhizarthrosis in both hands. Its presence was scored by a combination of clinical and radiological criteria. RESULTS: There were 195 participants. The prevalence of rhizarthrosis was 27% in women (mean age: 52.3 ± 4.4 years) and 17% in men (mean age: 53.2). The odds ratio (OR) for rhizarthrosis after 10 years' full-time overall exposure was significantly higher [OR 10 years: 1.53 (1.03-2.28)]. However, one particular job, 'manual counting', described by participants as highly straining and severely taxing on the thumbs, did not show a significantly higher prevalence of rhizarthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the correlation between the presence of rhizarthrosis and age, gender and general manual labour, in particular banknote processing, but found no link with one specific job-manual counting.

Burnout in Belgian physicians and nurses.

BACKGROUND: Burnout in healthcare is a worldwide problem. However, most studies focus narrowly on work-related factors and outcomes in one health profession or speciality. AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of burnout and its association with job demands, job resources, individual well-being, work-related attitudes and behaviour in physicians and nurses across different specialties. METHODS: Multi-centre cross-sectional study of physicians and nurses working in Belgian hospitals. An electronic questionnaire was used to assess job demands (e.g. workload), job resources (e.g. autonomy) and indicators of well-being, work-related attitudes and behaviours. Structural equation modelling was used to examine interrelationships between explanatory variables and outcomes. RESULTS: 1169 physicians and 4531 nurses participated; response rate 26%. High scores (>75th percentile in reference group of Dutch health care workers) were seen in 6% of the sample on three burnout dimensions (i.e. emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal competence) and in 13% for at least two dimensions. In contrast to the other dimensions, emotional exhaustion strongly related to almost all variables examined in the model. Positive associations were seen with workload, role conflicts, emotional burden and work-home interference and negative associations with learning and development opportunities and co-worker support. Emotional exhaustion correlated negatively with well-being, turnover intention, being prepared and able to work until retirement age, medication use, absenteeism and presenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: Work-related factors were critical correlates of emotional exhaustion, which strongly related to poor health and turnover intention. Randomized controlled trials are suggested to underpin the effectiveness of interventions tackling job stressors and promoting job resources.

Workers' health surveillance: implementation of the Directive 89/391/EEC in Europe.

BACKGROUND: European Union (EU) Directive 89/391 addressed occupational health surveillance, which recommends to provide workers with 'access to health surveillance at regular intervals', aiming to prevent work-related and occupational diseases. AIMS: To investigate how EU countries adopted this Directive. METHODS: We invited one selected representative per member state to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: All 28 EU countries implemented the Directive in some form. Workers' health surveillance (WHS) is available to all workers in 15 countries, while in 12, only specific subgroups have access. In 21 countries, workers' participation is mandatory, and in 22, the employer covers the cost. In 13 countries, access to WHS is not available to all workers but depends on exposure to specific risk factors, size of the enterprise or belonging to vulnerable groups. In 26 countries, the employer appoints and revokes the physician in charge of WHS. Twelve countries have no recent figures, reports or cost-benefit analyses of their WHS programmes. In 15 countries where reports exist, they are often in the native language. CONCLUSIONS: Coverage and quality of occupational health surveillance should be evaluated to facilitate learning from good practice and from scientific studies. We propose a serious debate in the EU with the aim of protecting workers more effectively, including the use of evidence-based WHS programmes.

Interaction of rat alveolar macrophages with dental composite dust.

BACKGROUND: Dental composites have become the standard filling material to restore teeth, but during the placement of these restorations, high amounts of respirable composite dust (<5 µm) including many nano-sized particles may be released in the breathing zone of the patient and dental operator. Here we tested the respirable fraction of several composite particles for their cytotoxic effect using an alveolar macrophage model system. ​METHODS: Composite dust was generated following a clinical protocol, and the dust particles were collected under sterile circumstances. Dust was dispersed in fluid, and 5-µm-filtered to enrich the respirable fractions. Quartz DQ12 and corundum were used as positive and negative control, respectively. Four concentrations (22.5 µg/ml, 45 µg/ml, 90 µg/ml and 180 µg/ml) were applied to NR8383 alveolar macrophages. Light and electron microscopy were used for subcellular localization of particles. Culture supernatants were tested for release of lactate dehydrogenase, glucuronidase, TNF-α, and H2O2. RESULTS: Characterization of the suspended particles revealed numerous nano-sized particles but also many high volume particles, most of which could be removed by filtering. Even at the highest concentration (180 µg/ml), cells completely cleared settled particles from the bottom of the culture vessel. Accordingly, a mixture of nano- and micron-scaled particles was observed inside cells where they were confined to phagolysosomes. The filtered particle fractions elicited largely uniform dose-dependent responses, which were elevated compared to the control only at the highest concentration, which equaled a mean cellular dose of 120 pg/cell. A low inflammatory potential was identified due to dose-dependent release of H2O2 and TNF-α. However, compared to the positive control, the released levels of H2O2 and TNF-α were still moderate, but their release profiles depended on the type of composite. CONCLUSIONS: Alveolar macrophages are able to phagocytize respirable composite dust particle inclusive nanoparticles. Since NR8383 cells tolerate a comparatively high cell burden (60 pg/cell) of each of the five materials with minimal signs of cytotoxicity or inflammation, the toxic potential of respirable composite dust seems to be low. These results are reassuring for dental personnel, but more research is needed to characterize the actual exposure and uptake especially of the pure nano fraction.

What is the value of occupational therapy in return to work for breast cancer patients? A qualitative inquiry among experts.

An increasing number of patients are confronted with breast cancer (BC) and functional limitations after treatment. Occupational therapy (OT) is successful in return to work (RTW), but not yet available for BC patients. This paper explores experts' opinions on OT interventions for RTW in BC patients in the Belgian context. Primary data were topic-interviews with all heads of OT departments in Flemish University Hospitals (n = 5). Secondary data were four focus group interviews with care professionals in oncological rehabilitation (n = 41). All data were transcribed and thematic analysis was used. Integrated in multidisciplinary teamwork, OT interventions should have a holistic and client-centred approach, start early in the rehabilitation process, include workplace visits and contacts with relevant stakeholders, and use goal setting to start up tailor made rehabilitation, linking assessment of abilities and work. Occupational therapists are regarded as professionals who can effectively answer BC patients unmet needs regarding RTW due to their skill to bridge between care and workplace. According to the experts, OT interventions supporting RTW in BC patients are useful when integrated in regular healthcare. They agree on the components but organisational barriers should be removed, for example not providing reimbursement for including this type of support trough healthcare insurance.

Online reporting and assessing new occupational health risks in SIGNAAL.

BACKGROUND: Changes in work and working conditions continuously give rise to new work-related health risks. Without sufficient knowledge of these, opportunities for prevention and intervention may be missed. AIMS: To develop, implement and evaluate an online tool called SIGNAAL for reporting and assessment of new work-related health risks by occupational health physicians and experts in the Netherlands and Belgium. METHODS: Development and implementation of SIGNAAL to allow both easy and sufficient detailed reporting by occupational health physicians and structured and transparent assessment by occupational health experts. A new work-related health risk is defined as a work-related disease due to specific exposure in a specific work setting not described in the literature before. RESULTS: The online reporting and assessment tool proved to be a feasible means of reporting possible new combinations of health problems and exposures in the work situation. Eleven of the 15 cases reported until October 2014 were fully assessed: one was an entirely new work-related disease, four were known but uncommon work-related diseases, five were known but new in the reported work situation and one was a well-known work-related disease. CONCLUSIONS: An online reporting system used in an occupational health setting can provide insight into new work-related health risks by creating a structured way to gather, report and assess new combinations of health problems and exposure in the workplace.

Data warehouse for detection of occupational diseases in OHS data.

BACKGROUND: Occupational health and safety (OHS) services collect a wide range of data during health surveillance. AIMS: To build a 'data warehouse' to make OHS data available for research and to investigate sector-specific health problems. METHODS: Medical data were extracted, transformed and loaded into the data warehouse. After validation, data on lifestyle, categorized medication use, ICD-9-CM encoded sickness absences and health complaints, collected between 2010 and 2014, were analysed with logistic regression to compare proportions between employment sectors, taking into account age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and year of examination. RESULTS: The data set comprised 585000 employees. Average age and employment seniority were 39 ± 12 and 8 ± 9 years, respectively. BMI was 26 ± 5 kg/m(2). Health complaints, medication use and sickness absence significantly increased with BMI and age. The proportion of employees with health problems was highest in health care (64%), government (61%) and manufacturing (60%) and lowest in the service sector. In all sectors, 10% of workers reported locomotor health problems, apart from the service sector (8%) with similar results for medication consumption. Neuropsychological drugs were more frequently used by health care workers (8%). The transport sector contained the highest proportion of cardiological medication users (12%). Finally, 30-59% of employees reported at least one sickness absence episode. Sickness absence due to locomotor issues was highest in manufacturing (11%) and health care (10%), followed by government (9%) and construction (9%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in indices of workers' health were observed between sectors. This information is now being used in the implementation of a sector-oriented health surveillance programme.

Use of GIS in visualization of work-related health problems.

BACKGROUND: Occupational health and safety (OHS) information is often complex, diverse and unstructured and suffers from a lack of integration which usually precludes any systemic insight of the situation. AIMS: To analyse to what extent the use of geographical information systems (GISs) can help to integrate, analyse and present OHS data in a comprehensive and communicable way relevant for surveillance purposes. METHODS: We first developed a 'macro-approach' (from national to local level), mapping data related to economic activity (denominator of active workers displayed by activity sectors), as well as work-related ill-health (numerators of workers suffering from work-related ill-health). The latter data are composed of compensated occupational diseases on the one hand and work-related diseases investigated by specialized clinics on the other hand. Then, a 'micro-approach' was worked out, integrating at a plant level, using computer-aided drawing, occupational risks data and OHS surveillance data (e.g. use of medication and sickness absence data). RESULTS: At the macro-level, microelectronics companies and workers were mapped at different scales. For the first time, we were able to compare, up to the enterprise level, complementary data showing different pictures of work-related ill-health, allowing a better understanding of OH issues in this sector. At the micro-level, new information arose from the integration of risk assessment data and medical data. CONCLUSIONS: This work illustrates to what extent GIS is a promising tool in the OHS field, and discusses related challenges (technical, ethical, biases and interpretation) and research perspectives.

Intention to leave, depersonalisation and job satisfaction in physicians and nurses: a cross-sectional study in Europe.

The European healthcare sector faces a significant shortage of healthcare workers. Assessing the prevalence of this issue and understanding its direct and indirect determinants are essential for formulating effective recruitment programs and enhancing job retention strategies for physicians and nurses. A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 381 physicians and 1351 nurses recruited from eight European hospitals in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Poland. The study focused on assessing turnover intentions among healthcare workers based on the Job Demands-Resources model, using an online questionnaire. Structural equation models were employed to test the data collection questionnaires' construct validity and internal consistency. The turnover intention was assessed by agreement with the intention to leave either the hospital or the profession. Among physicians, 17% expressed an intention to leave the hospital, while 9% intended to leave the profession. For nurses, the figures were 8.9% and 13.6%, respectively. The internal consistency of the questionnaires exceeded 0.90 for both categories of health workers. Depersonalization and job dissatisfaction were identified as direct determinants of turnover intention, with work engagement being particularly relevant for nurses. We found a higher intention to leave the hospital among physicians, while nurses were more prone to leave their profession. To mitigate turnover intentions, it is recommended to focus on improving job satisfaction, work engagement and fostering a positive working climate, thereby addressing depersonalisation and promoting job retention.

A review of guidelines for collaboration in substance misuse management.

BACKGROUND: Substance misuse among the working population results in increasing economic costs. General practitioners (GPs) and occupational physicians (OPs) can play a central role in detecting and managing substance misuse in the working population. Their collaboration could be critical in coordinating care, in facilitating rehabilitation and in reducing sickness absence. AIMS: To search guidelines for evidence on collaboration between GPs and OPs in substance misuse detection and management in the working population. METHODS: International guidelines regarding collaborative care for alcohol, illicit drug, hypnotic and tranquillizer misuse were identified by a systematic search in the Guidelines International Network and US National Guidelines Clearinghouse databases. RESULTS: In total, 20 guidelines were considered of sufficient methodological quality, based on the criteria of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Education II instrument. Only two guidelines reported on the OP's role in screening and intervention for alcohol misuse. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of guidance on the OP's role and on collaboration between GPs and OPs in this field. Further study is required on their respective roles in substance misuse management, the effectiveness of workplace interventions and the benefits of collaboration.

Noise exposure of care providers during otosurgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor the noise exposure of care providers during otological surgery due to drilling and suction in the operating room. METHODS: A clinical study monitoring different standard otosurgical procedures was conducted; cochlear implantation (CI), mastotympanoplasty, and mastoidectomy alone. Noise exposure to the surgeon and assistant were monitored with wireless personal noise dosimetry and stationary sound monitoring. Both maximum peak level in dBC (Lpeak) and time-average sound pressure level in dBA (equivalent level or Leq) were measured during drilling episodes. Frequency analysis in one third octaves covering the frequency bands 6.3 Hz to 20 k Hz was performed using a sound analyzing program. RESULTS: When averaged over the entire procedure, the sound pressure level was highest for the surgeon and the assistant with values of 76.0 dBA and 72.5 dBA, respectively, during CI. Lpeak was 135.9 dBC. Leq for the stationary sound measurement was 74.2 dBA. During cortical bone work using a cutting burr, 84.6 dBA was measured. Mean values of L95% (estimation of the background noise) were between 55.8 dBA and 61.2 dBA. Frequency analysis showed the highest sound pressure level for all procedures was between 2.5 kHz and 3.15 kHz. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to use personal sound dosimetry to monitor noise exposure during otosurgical drilling. In accordance with other studies, the results presented show sound levels below international occupational noise level regulations. However, the measured noise exposure during drilling could have negative effects on care providers based on unfavorable acoustical comfort.

Body mass index and occupational accidents among health care workers in a large university hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with a number of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The association of obesity with occupational accidents has been suggested although the evidence is less convincing. The objective of the study is to analyse the relationship between BMI values and ergonomic accidents in a large University Hospital. METHODS: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of ergonomic occupational accidents over a period of 8 years was investigated in a cohort of employees of a large University Hospital, covering almost 27,000 person-years of observation. This relationship was stratified according to the variables age, gender, functional status within the organization and work schedule (part-time or full time). Height and weight were objectively measured, demographic data were obtained from the human resource department and the registration of ergonomic accidents was carried out by the safety and prevention department of the hospital. RESULTS: The number of ergonomic accidents, expressed as number/1000 person-years was higher for female employees compared to male employees, increased with age and markedly increased from functional class A (leading or expert function and higher educational level) to D (executive function in patient care and technical department). However, the incidence of ergonomic accidents accompanied by loss of working time was not significantly associated with BMI, independently of age and gender. In addition, the type of accident and the severity of the accidents expressed as the number of days absent from work were unrelated to BMI. CONCLUSION: No independent relationship between BMI and the incidence of ergonomic accidents could be identified in our cohort. Tailoring working conditions to individual BMI levels is not recommended.

Associative evidence for the potential of humidification as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

BACKGROUND: Both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses show a strong seasonal spreading in temperate regions. Several studies indicated that changes in indoor humidity could be one of the key factors explaining this. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to quantify the association between relevant epidemiological metrics and humidity in both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 epidemic periods. METHODS: The atmospheric dew point temperature serves as a proxy for indoor relative humidity. This study considered the weekly mortality rate in the Netherlands between 1995 and 2019 to determine the correlation between the dew point and the spread of influenza. During influenza epidemic periods in the Netherlands, governmental restrictions were absent; therefore, there is no need to control this confounder. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, governmental restrictions strongly varied over time. To control this effect, periods with a relatively constant governmental intervention level were selected to analyze the reproduction rate. We also examine SARS-CoV-2 deaths in the nursing home setting, where health policy and social factors were less variable. Viral transmissibility was measured by computing the ratio between the estimated daily number of infectious persons in the Netherlands and the lagged mortality figures in the nursing homes. RESULTS: For both influenza and SARS-CoV-2, a significant correlation was found between the dew point temperature and the aforementioned epidemiological metrics. The findings are consistent with the anticipated mechanisms related to droplet evaporation, stability of virus in the indoor environment, and impairment of the natural defenses of the respiratory tract in dry air. SIGNIFICANCE: This information is helpful to understand the seasonal pattern of respiratory viruses and motivate further study to what extent it is possible to alter the seasonal pattern by actively intervening in the adverse role of low humidity during fall and winter in temperate regions. IMPACT: A solid understanding and quantification of the role of humidity on the transmission of respiratory viruses is imperative for epidemiological modeling and the installation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. The results of this study indicate that improving the indoor humidity by humidifiers could be a promising technology for reducing the spread of both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 during winter and fall in the temperate zone. The identification of this potential should be seen as a strong motivation to invest in further prospective testing of this non-pharmaceutical intervention.

Mental health among the Moroccan population during SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: MAROCOVID study.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic's unpredictability and ambiguity, combined with the lockdown, social distancing, containment measures, and economic impact could increase the risk of mental health issues. OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude of mental health outcomes and risk factors among Moroccans, using an online survey, during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. METHODS: This cross-sectional, survey-based study collected demographic data and mental health measurements from 11,123 participants. The degree of depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms were assessed by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the 7-items Generalized Anxiety disorder, and the 7-items Insomnia Severity Index. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 11,123 individuals out of a total of 15,008 contacts. 7315 (65.8%) were women, and 7182 (64.6%) were aged 18 to 34. A significant proportion of respondents experienced depression (5894 [53%]), anxiety (5544 [49.8%]), and insomnia (4410 [39.6%]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being a woman, being married, and being a parent of children aged less than five years were associated with severe symptoms of depression and anxiety (e.g. severe depression among women vs. men (OR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.06-1.33; P = .003), severe depression among married compared to unmarried respondents (OR, 1.92; 95%CI, 1.71-2.16; P < .000), e.g. severe anxiety among women vs. men (OR, 1.40; 95%CI, 1.24-1.58; <0.000), severe anxiety among married people compared to unmarried (OR, 1.14; 95%CI, 1.00-1.28; P < .003). CONCLUSION: Our findings reported a significant mental health burden on the general public during the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition to efforts deployed to prevent the spread of the disease, timely and culturally-specific mental health care needs to be developed urgently.