M. Susan Jones

Comparison of workplace protection factors for different biological contaminants.

This study compared workplace protection factors (WPFs) for five different contaminants (endotoxin, fungal spores, (1→3)-β-D-glucan, total particle mass, and total particle number) provided by an N95 elastomeric respirator (ER) and an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR). We previously reported size-selective WPFs for total particle numbers for the ER and FFR, whereas the current article is focused on WPFs for bioaerosols and total particle mass. Farm workers (n = 25) wore the ER and FFR while performing activities at eight locations representing horse farms, pig barns, and grain handling facilities. For the determination of WPFs, particles were collected on filters simultaneously inside and outside the respirator during the first and last 15 min of a 60-min experiment. One field blank per subject was collected without actual sampling. A reporting limit (RL) was established for each contaminant based on geometric means (GMs) of the field blanks as the lowest possible measurable values. Depending on the contaminant type, 38–48% of data points were below the RL. Therefore, a censored regression model was used to estimate WPFs (WPFcensored). The WPFcensored provided by the two types of respirators were not significantly different. In contrast, significant differences were found in the WPFcensored for different types of contaminants. GMs WPFscensored for the two types of respirators combined were 154, 29, 18, 19, and 176 for endotoxin, fungal spore count, (1→3)-β-D-glucan, total particle mass, and total particle number, respectively. The WPFcensored was more strongly associated with concentrations measured outside the respirator for endotoxin, fungal spores, and total particle mass except for total particle number. However, when only data points with outside concentrations higher than 176×RL were included, the WPFs increased, and the association between the outside concentrations and the WPFs became weaker. Results indicate that difference in WPFs observed between different contaminants may be attributed to differences in the sensitivity of analytical methods to detect low inside concentrations, rather than the nature of particles (biological or non-biological).

Anabaptist Community Members' Perceptions and Preferences Related to Healthcare

The plain Anabaptists are thought to differ from mainstream U.S. health care beliefs and practices. Many non-Anabaptist health care providers have limited knowledge of the specific health beliefs and preferences of Anabaptists, which can lead to misunderstandings. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to collect information from Anabaptist community members related to health care beliefs and preferences in their communities. Participants, who were members of various plain Anabaptist communities, completed a questionnaire containing openended questions about health issues. Seven themes emerged in results: (1) health viewed as a gift from God that provides the ability to work; (2) concern about exposure to chemicals and food additives as health risks; (3) the use of a variety of resources from lay members in the community in addition to seeking information from professionals; (4) the desire to use natural remedies first with outside care being sought when deemed necessary; (5) barriers to seeking professional healthcare as mainly related to cost, time, and provider attitudes; (6) maintaining a good diet, being active, and having good dental care as important preventative activities; and (7) expectation of respect, engagement, and care from providers.

Child Weight and Feeding Patterns in an Old Order Mennonite Community

Purpose: Feeding practices in some religious communities may decrease childhood obesity. However, there is limited research in these communities to assess maternal perceptions of their children’s weight and feeding patterns. The purpose of this study was to ascertain Old Order Mennonite mothers’ perceptions of their children’s body weight and to examine feeding patterns for their children. Sample: Participants for this descriptive, correlational study were recruited from an Old Order Mennonite community in south central Kentucky. Sampling was achieved using a snowball sampling strategy and the use of a community insider. Methods: Body Mass Index was measured for mothers and child participants, and mothers completed four questionnaires. Fourteen families with 65 children participated. Findings: Fifteen children (23.1%) had BMIs > 85%, and weight was underestimated in 24.6% of children. Breastfeeding was common (98.5%), with a mean age for cessation of 17.3 months. Mean age for introduction of solid foods was eight months. Results from the CFQ demonstrated mothers were neutral about obesity risk in their child (X=3.05). Mothers reported concerns about high sugar foods, limiting access to unhealthy foods, and children eating all food served at meals. Maternal health literacy scores (X=33.98) were comparable to scores found in other studies. A lower PSOC score (X= 23.36) was found. Conclusions: Further study needs to be conducted in this community to ascertain specific feeding habits that may account for increased BMIs.

Linking community partners to increase tetanus immunizations among farmers.

Increasing the number of individuals adequately immunized to prevent illness is a goal of community health nursing, but achieving this goal among occupational groups such as farmers remains a challenge. This article shares the process and outcome of a community-based participatory research project designed to provide tetanus immunizations to farmers. Key agricultural partners were identified in south central Kentucky and these individuals coordinated the site selection, advertisement, and recruitment for a tetanus immunization program. A total of 280 farmers or individuals associated with farming were surveyed over a 7-month period. The participants had limited knowledge of tetanus etiology and 84% of the participants either reported no tetanus booster in the past 10 years or did not know their tetanus immunization status. Positive outcomes included increasing the tetanus immunization rate among participating farmers and facilitating partnerships with community agencies and organizations.

A descriptive study of bathing practices in acute care facilities in the United States

HIGHLIGHTSBath basins are potential reservoirs of microorganisms linked to health care–associated infections.There were no standardized procedures for patient bathing.Standardized procedures for use, storage, and disposal of bath basins are lacking. Background: Patient bathing basins are a potential source of health care–acquired infections. This descriptive study was designed to describe current patient bathing procedures and the cleaning and storage of disposable bath basins after use. Methods: After instrument validation, a 20‐item questionnaire designed by the researchers was delivered electronically to infection prevention professionals working in acute care facilities in the United States. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 344 participants completed the survey. Of those responding, most were employed in facilities with ≤300 beds and accredited by the Joint Commission. Many of the facility staff assisting patients with bathing were nursing aides. Participants reported varying bathing procedures in their facilities. Conclusions: A collaborative approach is needed to ensure standard and efficient procedures that focus on quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. A mechanism to continually evaluate patient bathing practices should also be developed to address evolving changes in the health care system.

Suicide: An Unrecognized Epidemic Among Farmers:

Stress and depression are prevalent among farmers, and suicide has reached epidemic status. Occupational health nurses are in key positions to recognize these mental health issues and use strategies to control this epidemic.

Nurse Educators’ Occupational and Leisure Sitting Time

Prolonged sitting time (ST) is a risk factor for all-cause mortality, independent of physical activity. Nurse educators are particularly at risk due to limited physical activity, older age, and the increasing use of computers. This descriptive correlational study was designed to explore the ST of nurse educators in relation to their self-reported health status and general health indicators. A convenience sample of 56 nurse educators was recruited, and participants completed demographic items, general health questions, and the Workforce Sitting Questionnaire (WSQ; Chau, van der Ploeg, Dunn, Kurko, & Bauman, 2011). More than one half of the participants were either overweight or obese based on their body mass index (BMI). Sitting time domains for “watching TV” on a non-working day (r = 1.00) and during “other leisure activities” on a non-working day (r = 1.00) were associated with a current diagnosis of diabetes. These findings add to an understanding of the effects of ST on health risks for nurse educators.