The mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between health literacy, health status and psychological well-being among German trainees and students in nursing.

Introduction: Health literacy is considered a determinant of several health-related behaviors and outcomes. Health literacy can be seen as a particularly relevant resource for health maintenance and promotion for young adults at the beginning of their challenging vocational training in nursing. However, the underlying mechanisms and the roles of other influencing factors such as self-efficacy remain unclear and need to be understood to successfully tailor interventions.

Supporting Nursing Staff During Crises: Impact of Organisational Support Measures and Resources in Job Satisfaction in German Nursing Homes.

Background/objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic placed an immense burden on nursing home staff, significantly increasing their workload. How the impact of these challenges on job satisfaction is mitigated by personal and social resources, along with organisational support measures initiated by nursing homes, is investigated in this study.

Methods: In 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among nursing home staff in Rhineland-Palatinate (n = 373).

Factors influencing the course of post-COVID-19-related symptoms: A bidirectional cohort study among employees in health and welfare services in Germany.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and trajectory of persistent symptoms following COVID-19 and to investigate factors influencing these among employees in the health and welfare services in Germany.

Methods: This exploratory, mixed retro- and prospective cohort study using paper-and-pencil questionnaires was conducted among insured persons of the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the health and welfare services with a SARS-CoV-2 infection in 2020. The baseline survey in February 2021 was succeeded by two follow-up surveys after 8 and 13 months.

Can cleaning processes based on ozone be used for high-touch surfaces in nursing homes in areas critical for infection control?

In terms of infection control, environmental cleaning is critical in nursing homes, including long term care facilities. According to the statement of the Commission of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch Institute Berlin on the requirements for disinfectants in these areas, procedures should be used that have been certified by the Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH) for the necessary spectrum of efficacy (or are listed accordingly in the disinfectant list of the Robert Koch Institute). Since ozone is a powerfully oxidizing gas with high inhalation toxicity, the conditions of ap-plication and the measures for occupational safety - including ensuring that the limit value in indoor air is not exceeded when handling and using the product -, must be declared by the manufacturer and observed by the staff to exclude toxic long-term hazard.

Conception and development of a neurological registry of patients with persistent health impairments following work-related COVID-19 disease in Germany.

Background: Healthcare and social workers had an increased occupational risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. Some developed long-lasting symptoms known as post-COVID syndrome (PCS). To assess the consequences of COVID-19 for individuals insured by the German Social Accident Insurance, the BG hospitals (Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken: clinics for occupational accident insurance) established an interdisciplinary diagnostic programme.

Costs of non-multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis and of preventive treatment in Germany - An update.

Background: Only 4076 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported in Germany in 2022; of those 184 were multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-/RR-TB).

Methods: Based on the current therapy guidelines of the German Central Committee against Tuberculosis and most recent renumeration data of the Statutory Health Insurances (SHI), this study estimates the mean in- and outpatient costs per adult infectious pulmonary non-MDR-TB patient, together with costs arising from Rifampicin (RIF)-based short-course options of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) of their close contacts.

Results: From the insurance perspective, the mean inpatient cost (rounded) per adult case was 6138 EUR (SD±2810 EUR) for standard therapy; the cost of primary outpatient treatment only amounted to 1930 EUR and the cost of outpatient treatment post-hospital to 1093 EUR.

A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study of Endometrial Cancer Outcomes and Associations with Lymphovascular Invasion: A Single-Center Study from Germany.

This 10-year retrospective cohort study at a single-center clinic in Germany aimed to analyze the outcomes of endometrial cancer patients and explore the impact of lymphovascular invasion (LV) on patient outcomes and disease-free survival (DFS). Identifying correlations among demographic data, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes could enhance patient management and improve survival rates. The study encompassed patients diagnosed and treated for endometrial cancer from January 2010 to December 2020.

Impact of pre-existing conditions on the severity of post-COVID syndrome among workers in healthcare and social services in Germany.

Background: The underlying mechanisms of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) are still not fully understood. While pre-existing conditions have been described as a risk factor for severe PCS in the general population, data specific to different occupational groups in this context is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pre-existing conditions on severe post-COVID syndrome among the occupational group of healthcare and social services employees.

Evaluation of comfort gloves made of semipermeable and textile materials in patients with hand dermatoses: Results of a controlled multicenter intervention study (ProTection II).

Background: Comfort gloves are used in the management of hand dermatoses.

Objectives: To compare the acceptance and tolerability of comfort gloves made of different materials in patients with hand dermatoses and their effects on skin lesions.

Methods: In a prospective multicenter study, 284 patients with hand dermatoses were invited to wear either a cotton glove (COT) or a semipermeable Sympatex glove underneath a cotton glove (SYM/COT) for two subsequent phases of 19 consecutive nights each.

FFP2 induced breathing resistance does not affect metabolism and well-being during brisk walking and stair climbing - a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: N95 or Type II filtering face pieces (FFP2) are often worn during work hours or on public transportation to prevent airborne infection. The aim of this randomized controlled crossover study is to assess the impact of FFP2 induced breathing resistance on pulmonary function, blood gas values and discomfort during walking and stair climbing.

Methods: N = 16 healthy adults (24.

Cardiovascular disease risk after a SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To our knowledge, there is no systematic review examining CVD risks after a SARS-CoV-2 infection over time, while also taking into account disease severity. All evidence on the risk for pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction (MI), ischaemic stroke (IS), haemorrhagic stroke (HS), and arterial thrombosis following infection was evaluated.

Methods: The protocol was registered with PROSPERO.

Treatment of MDR, Pre-XDR, XDR, and Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis or in Case of Intolerance to at Least Rifampicin in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Based on the assessment of new evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its guidelines for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in December 2022. The new recommendations and the latest study data made it necessary to update the existing guideline on the treatment of at least rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) for the German-speaking countries, replacing the respective chapters of the treatment guidelines published in 2022. A shortened treatment of proven RR-TB and multidrug-resistant TB for at least 6 months using the fixed and non-modifiable drug combination of bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, and moxifloxacin (BPaLM) is now also recommended for Austria, Germany, and Switzerland under certain conditions considering the existing barriers for the implementation of the new treatment regimen.

Same job, same working conditions? A cross-sectional study to examine the similarities and differences of the working situation in ambulatory and residential youth welfare workers.

Background: Employees in social work exhibit high rates of sick leave due to mental health issues. Additionally, work-related demands in youth welfare have increased in recent years. Particularly in light of the escalating shortage of skilled professionals in this field, this trend becomes especially critical.

Stress perception, coping behaviors and work-privacy conflict of student midwives in times of COVID-19 pandemic: the "Healthy MidStudents" study in Germany.

Background: Student midwives deliver care for women under challenging job demands, which may affect their mental health- thus creating a high need for health promotion. Given the lack of research addressing this topic, the aim of this study is to examine the links between stress perception, coping behaviors, work-privacy conflict, and perception of COVID-19 pandemic impact on studies of student midwives in northern Germany.

Methods: Data were collected using a cross-sectional online-survey at nine midwifery study sites in northern Germany from October 2022 to January 2023.

Ergonomic Analysis of Dental Work in Different Oral Quadrants: A Motion Capture Preliminary Study among Endodontists.

Background: Dentists, including endodontists, frequently experience musculoskeletal disorders due to unfavourable working postures. Several measures are known to reduce the ergonomic risk; however, there are still gaps in the research, particularly in relation to dental work in the different oral regions (Quadrants 1-4).

Methods: In this study (of a pilot character), a total of 15 dentists (8 male and 7 female) specialising in endodontics were measured while performing root canal treatments on a phantom head.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dental healthcare workers - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Mounting evidence supports an association between the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the risk of infection from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in dental healthcare workers (DCW). However, the prevalence and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the setting of dental care remains poorly characterized.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published prior to Mai 2023 providing epidemiological data for the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in DCW was performed.

Investigating effects of FFP2 wearing during physical activity on gas exchange, metabolism and affective state using a randomized controlled trial.

Concerns are repeatedly raised about possible adverse respiratory effects of wearing filtering face pieces (FFP) during physical activity. This study compared the impact of FFP type 2 (NF95) on pulmonary function, blood gas values, metabolism and discomfort during light, moderate and vigorous physical activity. Healthy adults (n = 13; 6 females, 7 males; mean 31.

[Immigrant nurses' experiences of discrimination by patients and nursing home residents: a narrative review].

Immigrant nurses' experiences of discrimination by patients and nursing home residents: a narrative review Immigrant nurses are filling the shortage of skilled workers in many countries. Studies suggest that they may face discrimination in their destination countries. This paper aims to provide an overview of the experiences of immigrant nurses with regard to discrimination in their interactions with patients.

Hand and wrist complaints in dialysis nurses in Germany: a survey of prevalence, severity, and occupational associations.

Background And Objective: Occupations involving repetitive movements of the wrists, activities that require a lot of force, and hand-arm swinging are particularly likely to contribute to the development of hand and wrist complaints. The daily setup and dismantling of dialysis machines as part of the dialysis treatment process can strain the wrists and fingers of nurses. However, evidence regarding the relationship between the work activities of dialysis nurses and the incidence of hand and wrist complaints is limited.

Risk of tuberculosis transmission by healthcare workers to children - a comprehensive review.

Background: Children <15 years are at elevated risk of becoming infected with mplex (Mtbc).

Objective: To assess the magnitude of Mtbc transmission by healthcare workers (HCW) to children.

Methods: Medline, Google Scholar and Cochrane library were searched to select primary studies in which HCW was the presumed index case and exposed infants and children aged below 15 years were screened for latent TB infection (LTBI).

[Recommendations for Contact Tracing for Tuberculosis - Update 2023].

The aim of contact tracing for tuberculosis is in addition to active case finding the detection of chains of infection and the prevention of the further spread of the disease. In this context, a careful selection of contact persons is necessary, depending on the type and duration of contact, to identify persons who are recently infected and therefore to increase the benefit of a preventive therapy and to avoid unnecessary testing of persons who are not at risk of infection. Since the last update of the recommendations on contact tracing, data on the use of interferon-y release assays (IGRAs) in children has been improved markedly.

[Treatment of MDR, pre-XDR, XDR and rifampicin resistant tuberculosis or in case of intolerance to at least rifampicin in Austria, Germany and Switzerland - Amendment dated 19.09.2023 to the Sk2-Guideline: Tuberculosis in adulthood of the German Central Committee against Tuberculosis (DZK) on behalf of the German Respiratory Society (DGP)].

In December 2022, based on the assessment of new evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its guidelines for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). The evaluation of both, these recommendations, and the latest study data, makes it necessary to update the existing guidelines on the treatment of at least rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis for the German-speaking region, hereby replacing the respective chapters. A shortened MDR-TB treatment of at least 6 month using the fixed and non-modifiable drug combination of bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, and moxifloxacin (BPaLM) is now also recommended for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland under certain conditions.

[Tuberculosis Infection Control & Hygiene - Recommendations of the DZK].

Preventing the spread of the disease is an essential goal in the care and treatment of tuberculosis. In addition to early diagnosis and effective therapies, isolation of infectious patients and adequate hygiene measures are of particular importance for infection prevention. The present recommendations replace the previous recommendations "tuberculosis infection control" from 2012 and take into account the current national and international recommendations and as well as new scientific findings.