HE37 - Evaluating the role of personal protective equipment on occupational infectious disease risk
SCURS Disciplines
Other Medicine and Health Sciences
Document Type
General Poster
Invited Presentation Choice
Not Applicable
Abstract
The transmission of infectious diseases can be affected by an individual’s occupation. Certain occupational factors such as environmental factors, workplace stress, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage can contribute to the transmission of infections. In this study, we aimed to analyze the infectious disease rates within each of three primary occupational sectors; healthcare, education, and food service. We specifically examined the use of PPE to evaluate what factors surrounding PPE contribute to an increased risk of infectious disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Prolific platform. We surveyed United States residents aged 18 or older to make comparisons between education, food service, healthcare, and all other industries combined. The survey included questions on demographics, PPE use, infections within the previous 12 months, work environment, vaccinations, and industry specific questions. Here we describe the effect of PPE use on the transmission of infectious diseases and identify the specific factors of PPE use that contribute to the risk of disease transmission. We discuss differences in the risk of infectious diseases based on whether an individual has worn PPE in the workplace. We also examine how PPE use affects the number of sick days an employee takes. Factors affecting an individual’s likeliness to wear PPE are also explored. Understanding the factors affecting PPE compliance and the resulting infection risk can lead to improved PPE recommendations and education.
Start Date
10-4-2026 9:30 AM
Location
University Readiness Center Greatroom
End Date
10-4-2026 11:30 AM
HE37 - Evaluating the role of personal protective equipment on occupational infectious disease risk
University Readiness Center Greatroom
The transmission of infectious diseases can be affected by an individual’s occupation. Certain occupational factors such as environmental factors, workplace stress, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage can contribute to the transmission of infections. In this study, we aimed to analyze the infectious disease rates within each of three primary occupational sectors; healthcare, education, and food service. We specifically examined the use of PPE to evaluate what factors surrounding PPE contribute to an increased risk of infectious disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Prolific platform. We surveyed United States residents aged 18 or older to make comparisons between education, food service, healthcare, and all other industries combined. The survey included questions on demographics, PPE use, infections within the previous 12 months, work environment, vaccinations, and industry specific questions. Here we describe the effect of PPE use on the transmission of infectious diseases and identify the specific factors of PPE use that contribute to the risk of disease transmission. We discuss differences in the risk of infectious diseases based on whether an individual has worn PPE in the workplace. We also examine how PPE use affects the number of sick days an employee takes. Factors affecting an individual’s likeliness to wear PPE are also explored. Understanding the factors affecting PPE compliance and the resulting infection risk can lead to improved PPE recommendations and education.