A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey.

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused.

Experience of sexual and gender minority youth when accessing health care in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) patients report alarming rates of identity-based discrimination in healthcare settings. Despite the health risks and challenges impacting LGBTQ young adults, little is known about their healthcare experience, especially in Turkey. This study aimed to increase the knowledge base on LGBTQ young individuals' experiences when accessing health care in an attempt to address the myriad of health disparities they might face. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the division of Adolescent Medicine at Hacettepe University, and also from an LGBTQ support group. Participants' responded to open-ended items asking about their experiences in the healthcare setting, in particular to any case of discrimination and reasons for non-disclosure of gender identity/orientation. RESULTS: A total of 24 LGBTQ youth completed the interview, mean age 21.1 years. Overall participants reported alarming rates of identity-discrimination and non-disclosure when accessing health care. Additionally, participants reported high rates of postponing care as they felt they would be subjected to LGBTQ-based discrimination. Furthermore results suggest that transgender individuals face additional healthcare challenges compared with their LGB and cisgender counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge this is the first study in Turkey to evaluate the experiences of LGBTQ youth accessing medical care. This study shows that similar to barriers observed in previous studies on LGBTQ individuals, discrimination when accessing healthcare is a serious problem. Increasing knowledge concerning the discrimination LGBTQ people face when accessing healthcare is essential to decreasing healthcare disparities.