1
|
Taylor HO, Chen YC, Tsuchiya K, Cudjoe TKM, Qin W, Nguyen AW, Roy A. Racial/Ethnic Differences in Loneliness Among Older Adults: The Role of Income and Education as Mediators. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae068. [PMID: 39139381 PMCID: PMC11319872 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Loneliness is a major public health concern; however, limited research has examined the mechanisms contributing to racial/ethnic inequities in loneliness. Race/ethnicity has been hypothesized to be a distal factor influencing loneliness, and racial/ethnic inequities in loneliness may be attributable to socioeconomic factors (e.g., income and education). Our study seeks to confirm these hypotheses by examining mechanisms that contribute to racial/ethnic inequities in loneliness. In other words, if racial/ethnic differences in loneliness among older adults are mediated by income and education. Research Design and Methods Data came from the Health and Retirement Study Leave-Behind Questionnaire, 2014-2016. Loneliness was measured by the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale. Race/ethnicity categories were White, Black, and Hispanic/Latino. The mediator variables were household income and education. Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine differences in loneliness by race/ethnicity. The Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) mediation method was used to determine if income and education mediated racial/ethnic differences in loneliness. Results In models examining income and education together, a complete mediation was found between White and Black older adults, in that income and education completely mediated differences in loneliness between these groups. A partial mediation was found between White and Hispanic, and Black and Hispanic older adults. When examining income and education separately, we found that income solely accounted for racial/ethnic differences in loneliness compared to education. Discussion and Implications Our study is the first to explicitly determine if socioeconomic factors mediate race/ethnicity differences in loneliness among a national sample of older adults. These findings illustrate that income may have greater proximate effects for loneliness among older adults in comparison to education. Additionally, these findings can inform evidence-based interventions to reduce loneliness among older adults. Interventions that enhance quality of life and provide opportunities for socialization for racialized low-income older adults may help decrease racial/ethnic inequities in loneliness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Owen Taylor
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu-Chih Chen
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kazumi Tsuchiya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas K M Cudjoe
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Weidi Qin
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ann W Nguyen
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Arka Roy
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gritzka S, Angerer P, Diebig M. The Mediating Role of Fear of COVID-19 in the Association between COVID-19-Related Work Stressors and Subjective Well-being: Path Analysis by Cross-sectional Evidence in the Child Care Sector across Three Samples. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:78-91. [PMID: 37853666 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 has changed work conditions and instilled fear. However, research overlooked the contributing factors to fear of COVID-19 and its impact on well-being. We addressed this research gap and focused on the essential workforce of child care. METHODS Three samples of early childhood professionals (ECPs) ( NT1 = 423, NT2 = 142, NT3 = 584) were gathered in Germany between June 2020 and May 2021. We tested via path analysis whether (1) fear of COVID-19 relates to well-being, (2) COVID-19-related work stressors relate to fear of COVID-19, and (3) fear of COVID-19 mediates the relationship of work stressors and well-being. RESULTS Findings of N T1 and N T3 lent support, while results of N T2 differed. CONCLUSIONS This study underlines the importance of adapting the work conditions during pandemics to reduce the fear of infection and thus preserve ECPs' well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Gritzka
- From the Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine, Centre for Health and Society (CHS), Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spruijt I, Cronin A, Udeorji F, Nazir M, Shehu S, Poix S, Villanueva A, Jansen N, Huitema I, Suurmond J, Fiekert K. Respected but stigmatized: Healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288609. [PMID: 37478112 PMCID: PMC10361490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are at increased risk of being stigmatized, which compromises their individual mental well-being and the quality of care they deliver. Stigma-reduction interventions may (partly) prevent this. However, there is a lack of in-depth understanding of the experiences and underlying causes of COVID-19 stigma among HCWs, which is needed to design such interventions. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews to assess COVID-19 stigma among COVID-19 HCWs in Ireland, Nigeria, The Netherlands, Pakistan, and The Philippines. METHODS We used a purposive and snowball sampling to recruit a total of 53 HCWs for online interviews (13 in Ireland; 15 in Nigeria; 6 in The Netherlands; 6 in Pakistan; and 13 in The Philippines (2021). After verbatim transcribing interviews, we used a thematic approach for data analysis. RESULTS In all countries, stigmatization of COVID-19 HCWs is driven by fear of infection and the perception of HCWs being carriers of the disease amplified by them wearing of scrubs and personal protective equipment. There were differences between countries in the way stigma manifested in self- anticipated and experienced stigma like scolding, discrimination, avoidance, (self-) isolation, and exclusion in public, in the community, at work, and in the household. The stigma resulted in feelings of depression, loneliness, isolation, and the desire to quit one's job. DISCUSSION COVID-19 HCWs from all countries experienced all forms of stigmatization related to their work as a COVID-19 frontliner. This affected their mental well-being, which in turn affects job performance and quality of care, there is a high need to develop stigma reduction tools for HCWs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ineke Spruijt
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Cronin
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mamoona Nazir
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Samaila Shehu
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastien Poix
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Niesje Jansen
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke Huitema
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Suurmond
- Department Social Science, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, University Medical Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathy Fiekert
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peng X, Yang Y, Gao P, Ren Y, Hu D, He Q. Negative and positive psychological experience of frontline nurses in combatting COVID-19: A qualitative study. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:2185-2193. [PMID: 34626025 PMCID: PMC8646834 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To qualitatively explore potential experience among frontline nurses who had been fighting against the COVID-19 infection since the outbreak. BACKGROUND Disasters are often sudden and uncertain. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan city, local frontline nurses had been responsible for treatment of COVID-19 for several months. Qualitative study was required to assess complex multi-component psychological experiences among frontline nurses. METHODS Twenty local frontline nurses were recruited from a designated hospital of COVID-19 treatment. We conducted semi-structured interview using phenomenological method. Descriptive phenomenological method was applied for thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty female frontline nurses (aged 24 to 43 years old) were interviewed. Two broader themes, negative and positive, were identified. Negative experience included refusal and helpless (refusal to work at frontline, shortage of confidence in working and helpless), fear and anxiety, excessive miss, and other health issues. Positive experience included improved interpersonal relationship, sublimation of personal faith and strength, changes in understanding meaning of life and new possibility. CONCLUSION Both positive and negative psychological response were observed, which can provide evidence based clues for making essential strategies and policy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Understand subjective experience of frontline nurses can establish evidence for development of effective psychological intervention. Nursing administrator should consider the nurses' psychological experience comprehensively to promote psychological growth and lower post-traumatic psychological burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Peng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yi Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Ping Gao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yi Ren
- Department of the Wise GroupPathways HealthHamiltonNew Zealand
| | - Deying Hu
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Qin He
- Public Health Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Experiences of redeployed healthcare workers in the fight against COVID-19 in China: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273429. [PMID: 36006945 PMCID: PMC9409527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Public health responses were triggered while COVID-19 was spreading. China redeployed healthcare workers to serve the most vulnerable populations and communities in the initial epicentre—Wuhan. However, it is not known how redeployment processes impacted on healthcare workers in a pandemic crisis.
Aims
To explore the experiences and needs of frontline healthcare workers who were redeployed to care for COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, and understand the long-term impacts of the redeployment experience on their work and life.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted with redeployed healthcare workers using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. This study is reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines.
Findings
A total of 20 redeployed healthcare workers (13 nurses and seven physicians) participated, and four themes were generated: (1) Initial feelings and emotions of redeployment—Participants experienced worries and concerns, a sense of isolation and loneliness on their arrival to the epicentre. (2) ‘It is like a war zone’—Healthcare workers faced a range of risks and challenges of caring for COVID-19 patients in Wuhan in the context of resource strain. (3) Uncertainty and coping strategies in patient care—Despite the hardships experienced, participants continued to deliver high-quality patient care including psychological care and palliative care, good communication and building mutual trusting relationships. (4) Reflection and far-reaching impacts of caring for COVID-19 patients—Participants felt motivated and encouraged as efforts were recognised by the government and wider society.
Conclusions
Redeployed healthcare workers shared their unique needs and experiences of coping with redeployment and challenges they faced in the context of resource strain, which has significant implications for policy and future practice. The reality of a pandemic may reduce healthcare workers’ willingness to work due to various reasons including inadequate preparedness of facilities and workplace safety. It is important to support frontline healthcare workers in order to maintain an adequate healthcare workforce in pandemic crises. Continuously evolving pandemic circumstances and uncertainty highlight the importance of an organized national pandemic response plan for subsequent waves of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Collapse
|
6
|
d'Ussel M, Adam F, Fels A, Chatellier G, Philippart F. Characteristics of Hospital Workers Using a Wellbeing Center Implemented During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Prevent the Emotional Impacts of the Crisis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:913126. [PMID: 35859769 PMCID: PMC9289445 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.913126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge worldwide for healthcare workers (HCWs) and other hospital employees. Disruptions in work and personal life may have led to mental health problems. To prevent or limit the severity of such issues, a local initiative has been implemented in a French hospital: a dedicated lounge, also called “Bulle” (literally bubble and meaning safe space) has been created to provide a quiet caring environment and health support. Other similar wellbeing centers have been implemented in other countries, but very little data are available on their practical effectiveness. The purpose of our study was to assess what type of hospital workers have frequented the Bulle and to describe their psychological state in terms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) just after the first wave, compared to those who had not come to the Bulle.MethodsFrom 15 July to 1 October 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among all workers, collecting demographic information, professional data (experience and satisfaction), emotional experience during the first wave of COVID-19, and psychological specificities, including a history of burnout or symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We asked them if they had accessed the Bulle or not.ResultsA total of 675 employees (out of 2,408; 28.0%) fully completed the survey. Approximately 199 respondents (29%) reported having accessed the Bulle during the first wave of the pandemic. Significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were reported by, respectively, 41, 20, and 14% of the participants. Logistic regression analysis showed no relationship between the use of the Bulle and the prevalence of later psychological symptoms. However, employees who benefit from the solicitation of the psychological support team in their hospital unit were secondarily more prone to come to the Bulle [odds ratio (OR), 2.24; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.09; 4.59].ConclusionAnxiety, depression, and PTSD were common after the first part of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the attendance in quiet and wellbeing spaces seemed easier with direct internal proactive intervention by psychological teams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite d'Ussel
- Chronic Pain Unit, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Marguerite d'Ussel
| | - Frédéric Adam
- Department of Anesthesia, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Fels
- Clinical Research Department, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Chatellier
- Clinical Research Department, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - François Philippart
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Reanimation, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Czepiel D, Hoek HW, van der Markt A, Rutten BPF, Veling W, Schirmbeck F, Mascayano F, Susser ES, van der Ven E. The Association Between Exposure to COVID-19 and Mental Health Outcomes Among Healthcare Workers. Front Public Health 2022; 10:896843. [PMID: 35757645 PMCID: PMC9226479 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.896843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care systems, there has been great interest in the mental wellbeing of healthcare workers. While most studies investigated mental health outcomes among frontline vs. non-frontline healthcare workers, little is known about the impact of various work-related variables. The present study aimed to examine the association between work-related [i.e., having contact with COVID-19 patients, being redeployed due to the pandemic and availability of sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE)] and subjective (i.e., worries about getting infected or infecting others) exposures and self-reported mental health outcomes (i.e., psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic stress symptoms). Between February and May 2021, 994 healthcare workers employed at a variety of healthcare settings in the Netherlands filled out an online survey as part of the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study. Mental health outcomes were measured using the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5. Approximately 13% reported depressive symptoms, 37% experienced psychological distress, and 20% reported posttraumatic stress symptoms. Multilevel linear models consisted of three levels: individual (work-related and subjective exposures), healthcare center (aggregated redeployment and availability of sufficient PPE), and regional (cumulative COVID-19 infection and death rates). Worries about infection were associated with all three mental health outcomes, whereas insufficient PPE was associated with psychological distress and depressive symptoms. There were no differences in outcomes between healthcare centers or provinces with different COVID-19 infection and death rates. Our findings highlight the importance of adequate PPE provision and the subjective experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors should be part of interventions aimed at mitigating adverse mental health outcomes among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Czepiel
- Parnassia Groep, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands.,Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hans W Hoek
- Parnassia Groep, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center of Psychiatry, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Afra van der Markt
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bart P F Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Wim Veling
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center of Psychiatry, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Frederike Schirmbeck
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Franco Mascayano
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Division of Behavioral Health Services and Policies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ezra S Susser
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Division of Behavioral Health Services and Policies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Els van der Ven
- Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chemali S, Mari-Sáez A, El Bcheraoui C, Weishaar H. Health care workers' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2022; 20:27. [PMID: 35331261 PMCID: PMC8943506 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-022-00724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has challenged health systems worldwide, especially the health workforce, a pillar crucial for health systems resilience. Therefore, strengthening health system resilience can be informed by analyzing health care workers' (HCWs) experiences and needs during pandemics. This review synthesizes qualitative studies published during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify factors affecting HCWs' experiences and their support needs during the pandemic. This review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search on PubMed was applied using controlled vocabularies. Only original studies presenting primary qualitative data were included. RESULTS 161 papers that were published from the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic up until 28th March 2021 were included in the review. Findings were presented using the socio-ecological model as an analytical framework. At the individual level, the impact of the pandemic manifested on HCWs' well-being, daily routine, professional and personal identity. At the interpersonal level, HCWs' personal and professional relationships were identified as crucial. At the institutional level, decision-making processes, organizational aspects and availability of support emerged as important factors affecting HCWs' experiences. At community level, community morale, norms, and public knowledge were of importance. Finally, at policy level, governmental support and response measures shaped HCWs' experiences. The review identified a lack of studies which investigate other HCWs than doctors and nurses, HCWs in non-hospital settings, and HCWs in low- and lower middle income countries. DISCUSSION This review shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged HCWs, with multiple contextual factors impacting their experiences and needs. To better understand HCWs' experiences, comparative investigations are needed which analyze differences across as well as within countries, including differences at institutional, community, interpersonal and individual levels. Similarly, interventions aimed at supporting HCWs prior to, during and after pandemics need to consider HCWs' circumstances. CONCLUSIONS Following a context-sensitive approach to empowering HCWs that accounts for the multitude of aspects which influence their experiences could contribute to building a sustainable health workforce and strengthening health systems for future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Souaad Chemali
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Almudena Mari-Sáez
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charbel El Bcheraoui
- Evidence-Based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heide Weishaar
- Evidence-Based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Moretti M, De Geyter D, Van Cutsem E, Van Laere S, Pierard D, Allard SD. Fear for CoViD-19 and reluctance to work among health care workers during the epidemic, a prospective monocentric cohort study. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:312-318. [PMID: 34774892 PMCID: PMC8585561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Health care workers (HCW) are facing the Coronavirus disease 2019 (CoViD-19) epidemic. Consequently, psychological impairments have been reported. However, literature showed controversial results on the relationship between gender, frontline HCW, and psychological impairments. This study aims to investigate CoViD-19 fear and reluctance to work in HCW. Methods Employees who worked between April and October 2020 at the UZ Brussel were included. Data were prospectively collected in 2 phases through a survey together with serological tests. Sampling strategy was convenience sampling. Results About 2,336 employees completed the study and response rate was 70%. The prevalence of severe CoViD-19 fear in participants increased from 9% to 15%. Employees showing way less motivation rose from 9% to 14%. The seroprevalence was 7.4% and 7.9%. Multivariable analysis found a relation between reluctance to work, study phase, female gender, shortage of personal protective equipment, and poor education on CoViD-19. Furthermore, CoViD-19 fear was related to the study phase, older age, female gender, being second-line HCW, reported exposure to CoViD-19 during work, and insufficient education on CoViD-19. Discussion Seroprevalence remained rather stable, but fear and reluctance to work significantly increased. Differences in time of data collection together with epidemiological setting might be responsible for conflicting data reported in literature. Conclusions The evolution of the epidemiological setting might influence the results of studies investigating psychological impairments in HCW.
Collapse
|
10
|
Hao J, Wang X, Jia X, Yang Y, Du S, Yin Z. Qualitative research on the work experience of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048466. [PMID: 34764165 PMCID: PMC8587528 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the work experiences of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for the novel coronavirus pneumonia in China and provide the basis for work management strategies and psychological interventions in pharmacy for prevention and control of future epidemics. METHODS Using qualitative research methods, 13 pharmacists who met the inclusion criteria and worked in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for novel coronavirus pneumonia attended focus group interviews and semistructured interviews. The Colaizzi analysis method was used for data analysis, summary and induction. RESULTS Three themes were identified: (1) the roles of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards in epidemic prevention and control, including ensuring the supply of medicines, providing medication guidance for patients, providing medication information for physicians and nurses, and participating in infection control; (2) the difficulties at work, including the lack of office equipment, information equipment and other infrastructure, the difficulty of management of pharmacists in isolation wards, challenging environments, and insufficient attention of hospitals, medical staff, and society to pharmacists; (3) the loopholes in drug management, including the management of special-class drugs and national free AIDS antiviral drugs, and the retrieval of drugs. CONCLUSION Pharmacists have played an essential role in the fight against the epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China. The themes and experiences identified in this study can offer guidance to the pharmacy society in implementing strategies to prepare for future public health events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xuedong Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yantao Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuzhang Du
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhao Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Parsons Leigh J, Kemp LG, de Grood C, Brundin-Mather R, Stelfox HT, Ng-Kamstra JS, Fiest KM. A qualitative study of physician perceptions and experiences of caring for critically ill patients in the context of resource strain during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:374. [PMID: 33888096 PMCID: PMC8061878 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to global shortages in the resources required to care for critically ill patients and to protect frontline healthcare providers. This study investigated physicians’ perceptions and experiences of caring for critically ill patients in the context of actual or anticipated resource strain during the COVID-19 pandemic, and explored implications for the healthcare workforce and the delivery of patient care. Methods We recruited a diverse sample of critical care physicians from 13 Canadian Universities with adult critical care training programs. We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews between March 25–June 25, 2020 and used qualitative thematic analysis to derive primary themes and subthemes. Results Fifteen participants (eight female, seven male; median age = 40) from 14 different intensive care units described three overarching themes related to physicians’ perceptions and experiences of caring for critically ill patients during the pandemic: 1) Conditions contributing to resource strain (e.g., continuously evolving pandemic conditions); 2) Implications of resource strain on critical care physicians personally (e.g., safety concerns) and professionally (e.g. practice change); and 3) Enablers of resource sufficiency (e.g., adequate human resources). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has required health systems and healthcare providers to continuously adapt to rapidly evolving circumstances. Participants’ uncertainty about whether their unit’s planning and resources would be sufficient to ensure the delivery of high quality patient care throughout the pandemic, coupled with fear and anxiety over personal and familial transmission, indicate the need for a unified systemic pandemic response plan for future infectious disease outbreaks. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06393-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanna Parsons Leigh
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. .,Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. .,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. .,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Laryssa G Kemp
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chloe de Grood
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Henry T Stelfox
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Josh S Ng-Kamstra
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kirsten M Fiest
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|