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. 2020 Oct 13;37:148. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.148.24934

Table 1.

effects of PPE for preventing highly infectious diseases in HCWs due to exposure to contaminated body fluids

Outcome Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI) Grade
Less protective (B/D) Most protective (A)
Number of contaminated spots (on the palm) B=17.83 A=7.72 Very low
Number of contaminated spots (on the palm) D=20.49 A=12.76 Very low
Gowns versus aprons for preventing highly infectious diseases due to contact with contaminated body fluids in healthcare workers
Outcome Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI) Grade
Aprons Gowns
Contamination: individual doffing 16.98 small spots 10.28 lower Very low
Contamination: CDC doffing 1.88 small spots 0.62 lower Very low
Single-step doffing compared to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance
Outcome Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI) Grade
Risk with CDC standard Risk with single-step doffing
Contamination 917 per 1000 898 per 1000 (688 to 1000) Very low
Doffing with double gloves compared to doffing with single gloves
Outcome Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI) Grade
Risk of doffing with single gloves Risk of doffing with double gloves
Contamination: all body parts 733 per 1000 249 per 1000 (125 to 484) Very low
Doffing with extra sanitation of gloves compared to standard no sanitation
Outcome Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI) Grade
Risk with no sanitation Risk with extra sanitation
Contamination: alcohol rub 667 per 1000 500 per 1000 Low
Video-based learning compared to traditional lecture
Outcome Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI) Grade
Risk with traditional lecture Risk with video-based learning Very low
Skills in PPE donning PPE donning was 47.4% 30.7% higher Very low

Three types of PPE attire compared by number of contaminated spots: A=not permeable, not breathable; B=breathable; D=fairly permeable, not breathable