ABSTRACT
Introduction Preventing droplet dispersal is an important issue for decreasing the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) transmission rate; numerous personal protective equipment (PPE) devices have been recently developed for this. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel PPE device to prevent droplet spread during nasal endoscopic and fiber optic laryngoscopic examination and postuse equipment cleaning technique. Methods The "endoscopy salon" was created with a hooded salon hair dryer, plastic sheath, and silicone nipple. Comparison fluorescence dye dispersal from simulating forceful coughing with and without using the "endoscopy salon" was conducted to assess the droplet spread control. The effects of heat produced in the "endoscopy salon" and disinfection cleaning were also evaluated. Results Fluorescent dye droplet spread from a mannequin's mouth without using the "endoscopy salon" to care providers' clothes and the floor surrounding mannequin, whereas no dye droplets spread out when using the "endoscopy salon". The maximal temperature observed in the hair dryer was 56.3°C. During the cleaning process, when a plastic bag was attached to the hair dryer's hood to create a closed system, the temperature increased to 79.8 ± 3.1 °C. These temperatures eliminated four test organism cultures during equipment disinfection. Conclusion This novel "endoscopy salon" device prevented respiratory droplet spread and eliminated infectious organisms during postuse equipment cleaning.
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: In Thailand, men who have sex with men (MSM) have a far higher rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. If these persons do not modify their behavior to safer lifestyles, they may increase the spread of HIV infection. AIMS: This study aims to identify the behavior of HIV-positive MSM in comparison to their prediagnostic behaviors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving antiretroviral clinic (ARV) in Khon Kaen hospital to explore the sexual behaviors of HIV-positive MSM after the diagnosis of HIV infection. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: HIV-positive MSM aged ≥18 years were asked to enroll in the study. The questionnaire was administered to 114 MSM at least 3 months after HIV diagnosis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics was used including means, frequencies, and percentage. RESULTS: Forty percent of HIV-positive MSM had not have sex with a man during the 12 months. Nineteen participants reported unprotected sex, 4.31% and 12.28% reported engaging in unprotected anal and oral intercourse, respectively. About 16.6% reported that they had practiced at-risk sexual behavior. The mean of number of partners in the past 3 months was 1.8. In total, 32.46% (n = 37) reported that they had relationships with a stable partner, while 22.80% (n = 26) indicated they continued relationships with casual partners. CONCLUSIONS: Our sample of HIV-positive MSM, though aware of being infected, engage in sexual behaviors that could sustain transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. This highlights the need for a national prevention programs for persons living with HIV.
