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Abaatyo J, Rukundo GZ, Twine M, Lutasingwa D, Favina A, Nyemara N, Ricciardelli R. Psychological distress among healthcare professionals in Mbarara, following the 2022 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda: a mixed methods study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:469. [PMID: 38918760 PMCID: PMC11201341 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05922-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2022 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak occurred at a time when Uganda was still battling the social and psychological challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic; placing health care professionals (HCPs) at a much higher risk of developing psychological distress. Psychological distress among HCPs can cause decreased workplace productivity and ineffective management of their patients. The current study aimed to investigate and understand psychological distress among HCPS in Mbarara city in Southwestern Uganda following the 2022 EVD outbreak. METHOD We enrolled 200 HCPs through convenient sampling from one private and one public health facility in Mbarara city in Southwestern Uganda, in a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed method approach where qualitative and quantitative data were collected concurrently. Quantitative data, utilizing the Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) Scale, provided us with a quantitative measure of the prevalence of psychological distress among HCPs, and were analyzed using STATA version 16. Qualitative data, on the other hand, offered deeper insights into the nature, perceptions, and contextual factors influencing this distress, and were analyzed using emergent theme analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress was 59.5% and it was higher among females (63.9%) compared to males (36.1%). HCPs vividly expressed distress and anxiety, with heightened suspicion that every patient might be an EVD carrier, creating a pervasive sense of unsafety in the workplace. However, the outbreak had an educational affect where concerns about the announcement of another EVD outbreak were diverse, with HCPs expressing anxiety, despair, and dissatisfaction with the country's management of potential outbreaks. CONCLUSION High levels of psychological distress were experienced by HCPs in Southwestern Uganda as a result of the 2022 EVD pandemic. HCPs express a wide range of feelings, such as dread, anxiety, despair, pessimism, and discontent with the way the outbreaks are handled throughout the nation. We recommend implementation of comprehensive psychosocial support programs tailored to the unique needs of HCPs, including counseling services, stress management workshops, and peer support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Abaatyo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Uganda Christian University, Kampala, Uganda.
- King Ceasor University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Godfrey Zari Rukundo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Margaret Twine
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Alain Favina
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Novatus Nyemara
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Rosemary Ricciardelli
- Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
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Arias-Ulloa CA, Gómez-Salgado J, Escobar-Segovia K, García-Iglesias JJ, Fagundo-Rivera J, Ruiz-Frutos C. Psychological distress in healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 87:297-312. [PMID: 38081703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthcare workers serving during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been exposed to high work overload, which may have had an impact on their physical, mental, and social health. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with psychological distress among healthcare workers serving during the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to December 2022. METHODS A systematic review was conducted based on the 2020 PRISMA statement. Articles were searched in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. RESULTS A total of 59 articles were included in this systematic review. It was observed that the prevalence of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic was high. Female sex, being a nurse, being young, living alone/being single, and having a chronic disease or psychiatric disorder history are the main risk factors at the personal level. Other occupational and pandemic-related factors such as having many years of work experience, the presence of COVID-19 symptoms and contact history, not enough sleep, having lower family support and limited social relationships, fear of infecting friends and family, having a reduced perception of protection by personal protective equipment, working on the frontline, and having longer service duration were found to be factors influencing the development of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS There are personal, interpersonal, and organizational risk factors that can lead to the occurrence of psychological distress among healthcare staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Arturo Arias-Ulloa
- Faculty of Engineering in Mechanics and Production Sciences, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, 090902 Guayaquil, Ecuador.
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, 092301 Guayaquil, Ecuador.
| | - Kenny Escobar-Segovia
- Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, 090902 Guayaquil, Ecuador.
| | - Juan Jesús García-Iglesias
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain.
| | - Javier Fagundo-Rivera
- Centro Universitario de Enfermería Cruz Roja, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, 092301 Guayaquil, Ecuador.
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Lathabhavan R, Bharti T, Marznaki ZH. Role of resilience and self-coping strategy in determining positive emotions during pandemic among healthcare professionals in Iran. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:284. [PMID: 37736738 PMCID: PMC10514932 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01323-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic placed immense stress on healthcare professionals worldwide. This strain often resulted in imbalances in their physical and mental well-being, necessitating effective coping mechanisms. In light of this context, this study investigates the correlations between the fear of COVID-19, self-coping strategies, and positive emotions, with particular reference to the Iranian health care industry. METHODS Data were collected from 1050 healthcare professionals in Iran and the data were analysed sing structural equation modelling. RESULTS The study revealed that pandemic fear negatively impacts self-coping strategies and positive emotions during crisis scenarios. Conversely, self-coping strategies have a positive correlation with positive emotions. The research also underscored the role of resilience in reinforcing the favorable link between self-coping strategies and positive emotions. CONCLUSIONS This study is one of the first to explore the significance of resilience and self-coping strategies among Iranian healthcare professionals during the pandemic. Its findings offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, paving the way for further contributions in this field. Future research endeavors may consider investigating the effects of various psychological interventions, including breathing techniques, self-talk, physical exercises, yoga, optimizing sleep, and dietary measures on the resilience and self-coping practices of healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remya Lathabhavan
- OB and HRM Area, Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Teena Bharti
- OB and HRM Area, Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Zohreh Hosseini Marznaki
- Department of Nursing, Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Khazaee-Pool M, Moradi M, Pashaei T, Ponnet K. Psychosocial status and risk perception among Iranian healthcare workers during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 21:76. [PMID: 37723512 PMCID: PMC10506218 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00862-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) are essential resources, and their health and wellbeing are key not only for offering constant and useful care facilities to clients, but also for maintaining the safety of the workforce and patients. The risk of severe mental health problems among HCWs may have increased during large outbreaks of COVID-19. To evaluate the psychosocial status and risk perception of HCWs who participated in treating COVID-19 patients in Northern Iran, we performed a web-based cross-sectional study. METHODS The web-based cross-sectional design was applied between June 27 and September 2, 2021. Using convenience sampling, 637 HCWs were recruited from hospitals in Northern Iran (Mazandaran). The HCWs completed self-report questionnaires that included a sociodemographic information form, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, Impact of the Event Scale-Revised, Risk Perception Questionnaire, and Anxiety Stress Scale-21. The data were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics and univariate/multivariate logistic regression to assess the risk factors linked to each psychosocial consequence. RESULTS The results reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse psychosocial influence on HCWs, which was already apparent 1.5 years after the crisis began. Based on the results, 71.6%, 55.6%, and 32.3% of HCWs reported having anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, respectively, since the outbreak of this disease. The logistic regression models displayed that marital status, having children, and working hours with patients were all risk factors of psychosocial impairment. CONCLUSIONS The outbreak of COVID-19 can be considered an important experience of a bio-disaster resulting in a significant rate of psychiatric problems in HCWs. There is a need for designing and promoting supportive programs to help HCWs cope and to improve their psychosocial state, and the present study has detected for whom psychosocial support may be effective and practical 1.5 years after the primary outbreak. Moreover, detecting and managing concerns and reducing infection-related embarrassment/stigma are essential for improving HCWs' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khazaee-Pool
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Masoud Moradi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahereh Pashaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Department of Communication Sciences, imec-mict-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Tumwesigye R, Kigongo E, Nakiganga S, Mbyariyehe G, Nabeshya J, Kabunga A, Musinguzi M, Migisha R. Uptake and Associated Factors of Male Contraceptive Method Use: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Uganda. Open Access J Contracept 2023; 14:129-137. [PMID: 37469524 PMCID: PMC10353552 DOI: 10.2147/oajc.s418820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Uganda has one of the highest fertility rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Improving contraceptive uptake in all genders, including males, may be critical to meeting family planning goals in such a setting. Yet, data on male contraception uptake and associated factors in SSA, including Uganda, are limited. We determined the uptake and associated factors of male contraception use in Lira City, Northern Uganda. Methods We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from November 12, 2022, to December 12, 2022, among men aged ≥18 years. We used multi-stage sampling to select participants from 12 cells of Lira City divisions of East and West. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. We defined uptake in males who had used any contraceptive method, including periodic abstinence, withdrawal, condoms, and vasectomy in the previous four weeks. We performed modified Poisson regression to identify associated factors of male contraception uptake. Results We recruited 401 participants with mean age of 30.4 (±9.3) years. Male contraceptive uptake was 46.4%, 95% CI: 41.5-51.3%. Ever heard about male contraception (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] =1.73, 95% CI: 1.172-2.539, p=0.006), willingness to use novel methods (aPR=2.90, 95% CI: 1.337-6.293, p=0.007), both partners being responsible for contraception (aPR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.113-2.119, p=0.009) were the factors associated with male contraception uptake. Conclusion We found that nearly half of the men surveyed had used male contraceptive methods in Lira City. Factors associated with the uptake of male contraception included having heard about male contraception, joint couple decision regarding contraception, and the use of novel methods of male contraception. We recommend comprehensive education and awareness campaigns to promote male contraception, with a particular emphasis on encouraging shared decision-making within couples and introducing innovative contraceptive options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Tumwesigye
- Department of Emergency Nursing and Critical Care, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Eustes Kigongo
- Department of Environment Health and Disease Control, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Stella Nakiganga
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Godfred Mbyariyehe
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Joel Nabeshya
- Department of Emergency Nursing and Critical Care, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Amir Kabunga
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Marvin Musinguzi
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Richard Migisha
- Department of Physiology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
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Tesfaye AH, Abate K, Kabito GG, Azale T. Perceived occupational stress and associated factors among primary school teachers in the second wave of COVID-19 in Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional survey. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1156652. [PMID: 37404268 PMCID: PMC10315464 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1156652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational stress (OS) is a psychological state that results from people's perceptions of an imbalance between job demands and their abilities to cope with those demands. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the teaching and learning process and compounded the stress level among teachers due to fear of transmission of the virus and school closures or the difficulty with adherence to the COVOD-19 prevention protocol. This survey study therefore aimed to investigate the prevalence of occupational stress and its associated factors among primary school teachers during the second wave of COVID-19 in western Ethiopia. Method An institution-based cross-sectional survey was employed from April to May 2021. The survey was conducted in Gimbi town among all 672 primary school teachers in western Ethiopia. The standardized Teacher Occupational Stress Scale was used to measure occupational stress in the past 4 months. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using Stata version 14 software. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with occupational stress. The statistical significance was considered at a value of p of < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) to evaluate the strength of associations. Results The response rate was 96.8% (N = 651). The majority, 389 (59.8%) of the study participants were males. The mean (±SD) age was 35.8 (±9.3) years. The prevalence of occupational stress in the second wave of COVID-19 in the past 4 months was 50.1% (n = 326) [95% CI (46.1, 53.9)]. Job dissatisfaction [AOR: 2.06, 95% CI (1.43-2.97)] and high-risk perception of COVID-19 infection [AOR: 2.20; 95% CI (1.46-3.31)] were significantly associated with occupational stress. Conclusion This survey disclosed a high prevalence of occupational stress among primary school teachers during the second wave of COVID-19. Job dissatisfaction and a high-risk perception of COVID-19 infection were significant predictors of the occurrence of occupational stress in school teachers. Enhancing stress management skills and focusing on primary prevention of identified risk factors were advised to curtail the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amensisa Hailu Tesfaye
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Abate
- West Wellega Zone Labor and Social Affairs Department, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Gebisa Guyasa Kabito
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Telake Azale
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Trotzky D, Aizik U, Mosery J, Carady N, Tavori G, Cohen A, Pachys G, Avraham M, Levtzion-Korach O, Tal O. Resilience of hospital staff facing COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons from Israel. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1050261. [PMID: 37064690 PMCID: PMC10102590 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1050261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional burden on already strained healthcare systems worldwide, intensifying the responsibility and burden of healthcare workers. Although most hospital staff continued working during this stressful and challenging unprecedented pandemic, differences in the characteristics and attributes were noted between sectors and hospital departments. Israeli healthcare workers are trained and experienced in coping with national emergencies, but the pandemic has exposed variations in staff reactions. Understanding the intrinsic differences between sectors and departments is a key factor in staff and hospital preparedness for unexpected events, better resource utilization for timely interventions to mitigate risk and improve staff wellbeing.ObjectiveTo identify and compare the level of resilience, secondary traumatization and burnout among hospital workers, between different sectors and hospital departments, during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsCross-sectional research to assess the resiliency, secondary traumatization and burnout of healthcare workers at a large general public hospital in central Israel. The sample consisted of 655 participants across various hospital units exposed to COVID-19 patients.ResultsEmergency department physicians had higher rates of resilience and lower rates of burnout and secondary traumatization than staff in other hospital departments. In contrast, staff from internal medicine departments demonstrated the highest levels of burnout (4.29). Overall, physicians demonstrated higher levels of resilience (7.26) and lower levels of burnout compared to other workers.ConclusionIdentifying resilience characteristics across hospital staff, sectors and departments can guide hospital management in education, preparation and training of healthcare workers for future large-scale health emergencies such as pandemics, natural disasters, and war.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Trotzky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Aizik
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jonathan Mosery
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
| | - Natali Carady
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guy Tavori
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aya Cohen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Aya Cohen
| | - Gal Pachys
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Miri Avraham
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Nursing Administration, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
| | - Osnat Levtzion-Korach
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Medical Management, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
| | - Orna Tal
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Medical Management, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin, Israel
- Israeli Center for Emerging Technologies, Zerifin, Israel
- Department of Management, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Harris JR, Kadobera D, Kwesiga B, Kabwama SN, Bulage L, Kyobe HB, Kagirita AA, Mwebesa HG, Wanyenze RK, Nelson LJ, Boore AL, Ario AR. Improving the effectiveness of Field Epidemiology Training Programs: characteristics that facilitated effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1532. [PMID: 36526999 PMCID: PMC9756722 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08781-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global need for well-trained field epidemiologists has been underscored in the last decade in multiple pandemics, the most recent being COVID-19. Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) are in-service training programs that improve country capacities to respond to public health emergencies across different levels of the health system. Best practices for FETP implementation have been described previously. The Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program (PHFP), or Advanced-FETP in Uganda, is a two-year fellowship in field epidemiology funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and situated in the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH). We describe how specific attributes of the Uganda PHFP that are aligned with best practices enabled substantial contributions to the COVID-19 response in Uganda. METHODS We describe the PHFP in Uganda and review examples of how specific program characteristics facilitate integration with Ministry of Health needs and foster a strong response, using COVID-19 pandemic response activities as examples. We describe PHFP activities and outputs before and during the COVID-19 response and offer expert opinions about the impact of the program set-up on these outputs. RESULTS Unlike nearly all other Advanced FETPs in Africa, PHFP is delinked from an academic degree-granting program and enrolls only post-Master's-degree fellows. This enables full-time, uninterrupted commitment of academically-trained fellows to public health response. Uganda's PHFP has strong partner support in country, sufficient technical support from program staff, Ministry of Health (MoH), CDC, and partners, and full-time dedicated directorship from a well-respected MoH staff member. The PHFP is physically co-located inside the UNIPH with the emergency operations center (EOC), which provides a direct path for health alerts to be investigated by fellows. It has recognized value within the MoH, which integrates graduates into key MoH and partner positions. During February 2020-September 2021, PHFP fellows and graduates completed 67 major COVID-related projects. PHFP activities during the COVID-19 response were specifically requested by the MoH or by partners, or generated de novo by the program, and were supervised by all partners. CONCLUSION Specific attributes of the PHFP enable effective service to the Ministry of Health in Uganda. Among the most important is the enrollment of post-graduate fellows, which leads to a high level of utilization of the program fellows by the Ministry of Health to fulfill real-time needs. Strong leadership and sufficient technical support permitted meaningful program outputs during COVID-19 pandemic response. Ensuring the inclusion of similar characteristics when implementing FETPs elsewhere may allow them to achieve a high level of impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Harris
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Daniel Kadobera
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Benon Kwesiga
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven N Kabwama
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lilian Bulage
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry B Kyobe
- University of Oxford, Kellogg College, Oxford, UK
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lisa J Nelson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amy L Boore
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Riolexus Ario
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Paul AM, Lee C, Fesshaye B, Gur-Arie R, Zavala E, Singh P, Karron RA, Limaye RJ. Conceptualizing the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Pregnant and Lactating Women, Male Community Members, and Health Workers in Kenya. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10784. [PMID: 36078503 PMCID: PMC9518350 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women are at greater risk of adverse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are several factors which can influence the ways in which pregnant women perceive COVID-19 disease and behaviorally respond to the pandemic. This study seeks to understand how three key audiences-pregnant and lactating women (PLW), male community members, and health workers-in Kenya conceptualize COVID-19 to better understand determinants of COVID-19 related behaviors. This study used qualitative methods to conduct 84 in-depth interviews in three counties in Kenya. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Emerging themes were organized based on common behavioral constructs thought to influence COVID-19 related behaviors and included myths, risk perception, economic implications, stigma, and self-efficacy. Results suggest that risk perception and behavioral attitudes substantially influence the experiences of PLW, male community members, and health workers in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health prevention and communication responses targeting these groups should address potential barriers to preventive health behaviors, such as the spread of misinformation, financial constraints, and fear of social ostracization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M. Paul
- International Vaccine Access Center, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Clarice Lee
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Berhaun Fesshaye
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rachel Gur-Arie
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eleonor Zavala
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Prachi Singh
- International Vaccine Access Center, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ruth A. Karron
- Center for Immunization Research, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rupali J. Limaye
- International Vaccine Access Center, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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El Moussaoui M, Maes N, Hong SL, Lambert N, Gofflot S, Dellot P, Belhadj Y, Huynen P, Hayette MP, Meex C, Bontems S, Defêche J, Godderis L, Molenberghs G, Meuris C, Artesi M, Durkin K, Rahmouni S, Grégoire C, Beguin Y, Moutschen M, Dellicour S, Darcis G. Evaluation of Screening Program and Phylogenetic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Hospital Healthcare Workers in Liège, Belgium. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061302. [PMID: 35746774 PMCID: PMC9227503 DOI: 10.3390/v14061302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are known to be at higher risk of developing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections although whether these risks are equal across all occupational roles is uncertain. Identifying these risk factors and understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission pathways in healthcare settings are of high importance to achieve optimal protection measures. We aimed to investigate the implementation of a voluntary screening program for SARS-CoV-2 infections among hospital HCWs and to elucidate potential transmission pathways though phylogenetic analysis before the vaccination era. HCWs of the University Hospital of Liège, Belgium, were invited to participate in voluntary reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays performed every week from April to December 2020. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes were performed for a subgroup of 45 HCWs. 5095 samples were collected from 703 HCWs. 212 test results were positive, 15 were indeterminate, and 4868 returned negative. 156 HCWs (22.2%) tested positive at least once during the study period. All SARS-CoV-2 test results returned negative for 547 HCWs (77.8%). Nurses (p < 0.05), paramedics (p < 0.05), and laboratory staff handling respiratory samples (p < 0.01) were at higher risk for being infected compared to the control non-patient facing group. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that most positive samples corresponded to independent introduction events into the hospital. Our findings add to the growing evidence of differential risks of being infected among HCWs and support the need to implement appropriate protection measures based on each individual’s risk profile to guarantee the protection of both HCWs and patients. Furthermore, our phylogenetic investigations highlight that most positive samples correspond to distinct introduction events into the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majdouline El Moussaoui
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nathalie Maes
- Department of Biostatistics and Medico-Economic Information, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Samuel L. Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.L.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Nicolas Lambert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Stéphanie Gofflot
- Department of Biothèque Hospitalo-Universitaire de Liège (BHUL), University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Patricia Dellot
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Yasmine Belhadj
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Pascale Huynen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Marie-Pierre Hayette
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Cécile Meex
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Sébastien Bontems
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Justine Defêche
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.H.); (M.-P.H.); (C.M.); (S.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Christelle Meuris
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Maria Artesi
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (M.A.); (K.D.)
| | - Keith Durkin
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (M.A.); (K.D.)
| | - Souad Rahmouni
- Laboratory of Animal Genomics, GIGA-Medical Genomics, GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Céline Grégoire
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (C.G.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yves Beguin
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (C.G.); (Y.B.)
| | - Michel Moutschen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.L.H.); (S.D.)
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (P.D.); (Y.B.); (C.M.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
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Dawood B, Tomita A, Ramlall S. 'Unheard,' 'uncared for' and 'unsupported': The mental health impact of Covid -19 on healthcare workers in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266008. [PMID: 35507540 PMCID: PMC9067674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As a direct consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, due to being exposed to chronic and multiple sources of psychological stress, healthcare workers constitute a vulnerable population. Despite the potential impact of Covid-19 on their psychological and physical health, insufficient attention has been given to their mental well-being. The primary objective of this study was to measure and understand this psychological impact on public sector doctors and nurses in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The secondary objective was to ascertain their perceptions of psychosocial support, specific to Covid-19, within the workplace. This cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted from August to October 2020, following the first surge of the pandemic in the country, and included 312 participants. Depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were assessed with the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 item and post-traumatic stress was measured by the Impact of Events Scale-Revised version. Measures of employer support were assessed using an adapted closed-ended questionnaire. The participants’ mean age was 36.6± 9.3 years with three quarters being male (n = 234, 75.0%) and predominantly (n = 214, 72.3%) medical doctors. Numbers of participants with depression, anxiety and stress were 121 (51.5%), 111 (47.2%) and 104 (44.3%) respectively, with 38 (16.2%), 50 (21.3%) and 38 (16.2%) in the combined severe/extremely severe range, respectively. On the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, 34 (13.7%) participants were in the severe range. Subjectively, 63.0% felt that their concerns were not ‘heard’, 75.1% did not feel ‘cared for’ and 81.1% and 74.0% did not feel ‘physically’ or ‘psychologically’ supported, respectively. High levels of depression, anxiety, stress and traumatic stress, combined with poor perceptions of employer support, highlight the need to identify and address the psychosocial support needs and expectations of healthcare workers for the duration of the pandemic, as well as for the mental health sequelae post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilkis Dawood
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew Tomita
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Suvira Ramlall
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Pereira-Lima K, Loureiro SR, Silveira ILM, Crippa JA, Hallak JEC, Zuardi AW, Osório FDL. Workplace Protections and Burnout Among Brazilian Frontline Health Care Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:880049. [PMID: 35707652 PMCID: PMC9191624 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.880049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Health care workers from low- and middle-income countries have been playing a critical role in overcoming the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic; yet little is known about the relationship between workplace protections and wellbeing of Brazilian health care workers during the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate whether Brazilian health care workers were satisfied with their workplace measures to protect their physical and mental health during the pandemic, and to assess the associations of such levels of satisfaction with indicators of burnout. Licensed Brazilian health care professionals were recruited via popular media between 5/19/2020 and 8/23/2020 to complete an online survey including questions about their demographic/professional characteristics, satisfaction with their workplace protective measures during the pandemic, and validated questionnaires assessing neuroticism, resilient coping, and symptoms of burnout. Most participants reported being dissatisfied with their workplace measures to protect their physical (516, 56.3%) and mental health (756, 82.5%). In multivariable analysis adjusted for personal and environmental factors, dissatisfaction with workplace physical health protections was significantly associated with higher levels of emotional exhaustion (B = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.47–1.69) and depersonalization (B = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.10–1.12), and dissatisfaction with workplace mental health protections significantly associated with higher levels emotional exhaustion (B = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.40–1.95). Efforts to improve both physical and mental health protective measures are critical to guarantee that health care workers continue to provide care at their maximum capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Pereira-Lima
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonia Regina Loureiro
- Departamento de Neurociências e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - José Alexandre Crippa
- Departamento de Neurociências e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Waldo Zuardi
- Departamento de Neurociências e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Lima Osório
- Departamento de Neurociências e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Flávia de Lima Osório,
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