scholarly journals Perceived preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: A study with healthcare workers in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience A Afulani ◽  
Akua O Gyamerah ◽  
Raymond Aborigo ◽  
Jerry Nutor ◽  
Hawa Malechi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Point Increase ◽  
Perceived Preparedness ◽  
Isolation Ward

Introduction: Healthcare workers' (HCWs) preparedness to respond to pandemics is critical to containing disease spread. Low-resource countries, however, experience barriers to preparedness due to limited resources. In Ghana, a country with a constrained healthcare system and high COVID-19 cases, we examined HCWs' perceived preparedness to respond to COVID-19 and associated factors. Methods: 472 HCWs completed questions in a cross-sectional self-administered online survey. Perceived preparedness was assessed using a 15-question scale (Cronbach alpha=0.91) and summative scores were created (range=0-45). Higher scores meant greater perceived preparedness. We used linear regression with robust standard errors to examine associations between perceived preparedness and potential predictors. Results: The average preparedness score was 24 (SD=8.9); 27.8% of HCWs felt prepared. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with higher perceived preparedness were: training (β=3.35, 95%CI: 2.01 to 4.69); having adequate PPE (β=2.27, 95%CI: 0.26 to 4.29), an isolation ward (β=2.74, 95%CI: 1.15 to 4.33), and protocols for screening (β=2.76, 95%CI: 0.95 to 4.58); and good perceived communication from management (β=5.37, 95%CI: 4.03 to 7.90). When added to the model, perceived knowledge decreased the effect of training by 28.0%, although training remained significant, suggesting a partial mediating role. Perceived knowledge was associated with a 6-point increase in perceived preparedness score (β=6.04, 95%CI: 4.19 to 7.90). Conclusion: HCWs reported low perceived preparedness to respond to COVID-19. Training, clear protocols, PPE availability, isolation wards, and communication play an important role in increasing preparedness. Government stakeholders must institute necessary interventions to increase HCWs' preparedness to respond to the ongoing pandemic and prepare for future pandemics.

scholarly journals Spirituality and other factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance amongst Healthcare Workers in Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neh Chang Ngasa ◽  
Stewart Ndutard Ngasa ◽  
Leticia Armelle Sani Tchouda ◽  
Eugénie Tanisso ◽  
Christabel Abanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Negative Perceptions

Abstract Background: The production of the different COVID-19 vaccines has offered hope towards controlling the pandemic. Many governments around the world have been able to secure the number of doses required for the vaccination of their entire population. In Cameroon, the government’s strategy has been to secure the number of doses required to vaccinate frontline workers and other population at risk. A threat to this strategy could be vaccine hesitancy as demonstrated in previous studies. In this article we discussed the influence of spirituality on vaccine acceptance. We also examined other factors associated with vaccine acceptance amongst healthcare workers in Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey of healthcare workers in Cameroon. Data was collected using Surveysparrow and then computed into Microsoft Excel. All analysis were done using Stata 14. Results: A total number of 371 healthcare workers took part in the survey and 45.38% indicated willingness to accept the vaccine if offered. The most common reason advanced for non-acceptance of the vaccine was negative perceptions about the efficacy of the vaccines. Independent factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance following a multivariate logistic regression included: being married (AOR 1.13, p< 0.01), presence of comorbidity (AOR:2.10, p<0.02), participants who had direct contact with covid patients (AOR: 3.34, p<0.01). Spirituality level was not independently associated with vaccine acceptance (AOR: 1.12, p<0.63). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst healthcare workers in Cameroon is low. This is likely to reduce the vaccine uptake amongst healthcare workers. HCWs are in the best position to influence the uptake of these vaccines by the general population, therefore educating healthcare workers on the efficacy of these vaccines might improve their acceptance.

How Do Doctors and Nurses in Emergency Departments in Hong Kong View Their Disaster Preparedness? A Cross-Sectional Territory-Wide Online Survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rex P. K. Lam ◽  
Satchit Balsari ◽  
Kevin K. C. Hung ◽  
Kai-hsun Hsiao ◽  
L. P. Leung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Core Competency ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Humanitarian Response ◽  
Perceived Preparedness ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the level of all-hazards disaster preparedness and training needs of emergency department (ED) doctors and nurses in Hong Kong from their perspective, and identify factors associated with high perceived personal preparedness.DesignThis study was a cross-sectional territory-wide online survey conducted from 9 September to 26 October, 2015.ParticipantsThe participants were doctors from the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine and nurses from the Hong Kong College of Emergency Nursing.MethodsWe assessed various components of all-hazards preparedness using a 25-item questionnaire. Backward logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with perceived preparedness.ResultsA total of 107 responses were analyzed. Respondents lacked training in disaster management, emergency communication, psychological first aid, public health interventions, disaster law and ethics, media handling, and humanitarian response in an overseas setting. High perceived workplace preparedness, length of practice, and willingness to respond were associated with high perceived personal preparedness.ConclusionsGiven the current gaps in and needs for increased disaster preparedness training, ED doctors and nurses in Hong Kong may benefit from the development of core-competency-based training targeting the under-trained areas, measures to improve staff confidence in their workplaces, and efforts to remove barriers to staff willingness to respond. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 329–336)

scholarly journals Inadequate preparedness for response to COVID-19 is associated with stress and burnout among healthcare workers in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience A Afulani ◽  
Akua O. Gyamerah ◽  
Jerry Nutor ◽  
Amos Laar ◽  
Raymond Aborigo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Standard Errors ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Lower Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Factors ◽  
Perceived Preparedness ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Linear Regressions

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the global crisis of stress and burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs). But few studies have empirically examined the factors driving these outcomes. We examined the association between perceived preparedness to respond to the pandemic and HCW stress and burnout and identified potential mediating factors among HCWs in Ghana. Methods: Data are from HCWs in Ghana who completed a cross-sectional self-administered online survey; 414 and 409 HCWs completed stress and burnout questions, respectively. Perceived preparedness, stress, and burnout were measured using validated psychosocial measures. We assessed associations using linear regressions with robust standard errors. Results: The average score for preparedness was 24 (SD=8.8), 16.3 (SD=5.9) for stress, and 37.4 (SD=15.5) for burnout. In multivariate analysis, HCWs who felt somewhat prepared and prepared had lower stress (β=-1.89, 95%CI:-3.49 to -0.30 and β=-2.66, 95%CI:-4.48 to -0.84) and burnout (β=-7.74, 95%CI:-11.8 to -3.64 and β=-9.25, 95%CI:-14.1 to - 4.41) scores than those who did not feel prepared. Appreciation from management and family support were associated with lower stress and burnout, while fear of infection was associated with higher stress and burnout. Fear of infection partially mediated the relationship between perceived preparedness and stress/burnout, accounting for about 16 to 17% of the effect. Conclusion: Low perceived preparedness to respond to COVID-19 increases stress and burnout, and this is partly through fear of infection. Interventions to increase HCWs' morale and capacity to respond to the pandemic are needed.

scholarly journals Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among healthcare workers of Trinidad and Tobago during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e044397
Author(s):  
B Shivananda Nayak ◽  
Pradeep Kumar Sahu ◽  
Koomatie Ramsaroop ◽  
Shivanand Maharaj ◽  
William Mootoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trinidad And Tobago ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Regional Health Authorities

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCross-sectional online survey.SettingHCWs from four major hospitals within the Regional Health Authorities of Trinidad and Tobago.Participants395 HCWs aged ≥18 years.Main outcome measuresDepression, anxiety and stress scores.ResultsAmong the 395 HCWs, 42.28%, 56.2% and 17.97% were found to have depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. In the final stepwise regression model, contact with patients with confirmed COVID-19, p<0.001 (95% CI 3.072 to 6.781) was reported as significant predictors of depression. Further, gender, p<0.001 (95% CI 2.152 to 5.427) and marital status, p<0.001 (95% CI 1.322 to 4.270) of the HCWs were considered to be correlated with anxiety. HCWs who had contact with patients with suspected COVID-19 had lower depression, p<0.001 (95% CI −5.233 to −1.692) and stress, p<0.001 (95% CI −5.364 to −1.591).ConclusionsThis study has depicted the prevalence and evidence of depression, anxiety and stress among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study will serve as supportive evidence for the timely implementation of further planning of preventative mental health services by the Ministry of Health, for frontline workers within the public and private health sectors.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance and Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in Germany

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 777
Author(s):  
Christopher Holzmann-Littig ◽  
Matthias Christoph Braunisch ◽  
Peter Kranke ◽  
Maria Popp ◽  
Christian Seeber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Politics ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Vaccination Acceptance ◽  
Vaccination Hesitancy

Vaccination hesitancy is a threat to herd immunity. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a key role in promoting Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in the general population. We therefore aimed to provide data on COVID-19 vaccination acceptance/hesitancy among German HCWs. For this exploratory, cross-sectional study, an online survey was conducted in February 2021. The survey included 54 items on demographics; previous vaccination behavior; trust in vaccines, physicians, the pharmaceutical industry and health politics; fear of adverse effects; assumptions regarding the consequences of COVID-19; knowledge about vaccines; and information seeking behavior. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and chi-square tests were performed. Four thousand five hundred surveys were analyzed. The overall vaccination acceptance was 91.7%. The age group ≤20 years showed the lowest vaccination acceptance. Factors associated with vaccination hesitancy were lack of trust in authorities and pharmaceutical companies. Attitudes among acquaintances were associated with vaccination hesitancy too. Participants with vaccination hesitancy more often obtained information about COVID-19 vaccines via messenger services or online video platforms and underperformed in the knowledge test. We found high acceptance amongst German HCWs. Several factors associated with vaccination hesitancy were identified which could be targeted in HCW vaccination campaigns.

scholarly journals Inadequate preparedness for response to COVID-19 is associated with stress and burnout among healthcare workers in Ghana

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250294
Author(s):  
Patience A. Afulani ◽  
Akua O. Gyamerah ◽  
Jerry J. Nutor ◽  
Amos Laar ◽  
Raymond A. Aborigo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Standard Errors ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Lower Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Worker Stress ◽  
Perceived Preparedness ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Linear Regressions

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the global crisis of stress and burnout among healthcare workers. But few studies have empirically examined the factors driving these outcomes in Africa. Our study examined associations between perceived preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare worker stress and burnout and identified potential mediating factors among healthcare workers in Ghana. Methods Healthcare workers in Ghana completed a cross-sectional self-administered online survey from April to May 2020; 414 and 409 completed stress and burnout questions, respectively. Perceived preparedness, stress, and burnout were measured using validated psychosocial scales. We assessed associations using linear regressions with robust standard errors. Results The average score for preparedness was 24 (SD = 8.8), 16.3 (SD = 5.9) for stress, and 37.4 (SD = 15.5) for burnout. In multivariate analysis, healthcare workers who felt somewhat prepared and prepared had lower stress (β = -1.89, 95% CI: -3.49 to -0.30 and β = -2.66, 95% CI: -4.48 to -0.84) and burnout (β = -7.74, 95% CI: -11.8 to -3.64 and β = -9.25, 95% CI: -14.1 to –4.41) scores than those who did not feel prepared. Appreciation from management and family support were associated with lower stress and burnout, while fear of infection was associated with higher stress and burnout. Fear of infection partially mediated the relationship between perceived preparedness and stress/burnout, accounting for about 16 to 17% of the effect. Conclusions Low perceived preparedness to respond to COVID-19 increases stress and burnout, and this is partly through fear of infection. Interventions, incentives, and health systemic changes to increase healthcare workers’ morale and capacity to respond to the pandemic are needed.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional online survey to determine the prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice of tobacco cessation among governmental healthcare workers in Qatar

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e044379
Author(s):  
Ahmad AlMulla ◽  
Silva Kouyoumjian ◽  
Nour ElNakib
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Hamad Medical Corporation ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

ObjectivesOne effective approach of tobacco control is to encourage the role and the participation of healthcare workers in the prevention efforts against tobacco use. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tobacco use among governmental healthcare workers in Qatar, to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practice of tobacco cessation and to predict factors associated with above average tobacco cessation practice scores.DesignA cross-sectional survey study was conducted among healthcare workers working in Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Healthcare Centres in Qatar using a self-administered online questionnaire in 2019.SettingHamad Medical Corporation and Primary Healthcare Centres in Qatar.ParticipantsGovernmental healthcare workers aged 18 years and above (n=7214).ResultsThe response rate of our online survey was 20.6% (7214/35 000). Of the 7214 healthcare workers, 16.3% (n=1178) were current tobacco users. In particular, the prevalence of tobacco use among physicians was 11.0%. Fifty-two per cent of healthcare workers (n=2338) attained an average knowledge score (12–17), 71.8% (n=3094) attained positive attitude scores (8–12) and 57.1% (n=3052) attained above average practice scores (12–26). Among the different professions, physicians were having the highest mean knowledge (15.3±4.7), attitude (9.4±1.9) and practice (13.7±6.1) scores. Multivariate analysis showed that having good knowledge (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.8; p<0.0001) and training (AOR=2.4; p<0.0001) were the strongest factors associated positively with above average tobacco cessation practice scores.ConclusionsHealthcare workers in Qatar have a relatively similar prevalence of tobacco use than earlier studies with no significant increase. Investing more in training programmes for healthcare workers are needed to root out this negative behaviour and to increase their skills to assist users to quit.

scholarly journals Factors associated with adults’ actions to confirm their own rubella immune status in Japan’s drive toward rubella elimination: Cross-sectional online survey of non-healthcare workers in their 20s to 40s

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masataro Norizuki ◽  
Ai Hori ◽  
Koji Wada
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Social Background ◽  
Voluntary Action ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Supplementary Immunization Activities

Abstract Background Rubella outbreaks occurred among adults in Japan in 2013-2014 and 2018-2019 due to immunity gaps. In response and aiming at rubella elimination by 2020, the government introduced countermeasures comprising supplementary immunization activities for voluntary testing of adult non-healthcare-related workers and vaccination of susceptible individuals. However, as of October 2020, rubella immunity testing and vaccination rates remained low. This study was conducted to identify factors associated with adults voluntarily confirming their rubella immune status, to help develop effective promotion activities for hard-to-reach and left-behind populations. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a general population sample of non-healthcare workers aged 20-49 years in Japan completed an online survey in November 2020. Univariate analysis was performed to examine associations of specific actions taken to confirm rubella immune status with social background characteristics, knowledge of rubella, and attitude to testing and vaccination. Log binomial regression analysis was performed to explore the associations following adjustment for social background characteristics. Results Among 1,854 respondents (927 men, 927 women), only 23.4% of men and 39.4% of women in their 20s to 40s have taken some action related to rubella prevention. Three major factors were associated with the targeted population having taken voluntary action: (1) knowing about testing for confirmation of immunity status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.29 men, 2.89 women), the rubella outbreak in 2013 among men in their 20s to 40s (AOR 2.79 men, 1.64 women), and congenital rubella syndrome (AOR 1.89 men, 3.10 women); (2) having acquaintances who were vaccinated against or tested for rubella (AOR 2.98 men, 1.95 women); and (3) having a positive attitude toward influenza vaccination (AOR 2.48 men, 1.83 women). Marriage, desire for pregnancy, and having children were weakly associated with taking action. Conclusions Currently, insufficient voluntary action is being taken by high-risk adult populations to close the identified immunity gaps. In this last mile to rubella elimination, our findings and suggested potential interventions via annual health check-ups and occupational health and public health initiatives could prove helpful in developing further countermeasures that actively promote and implement supplementary immunization activities targeting all adult generations.

Posttraumatic Growth and Bereavement

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew B. Lumb ◽  
Myriam Beaudry ◽  
Celine Blanchard
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cognitive Appraisals ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Controlled Motivation ◽  
Task Oriented

No research drawing from Self-Determination Theory has investigated the bereavement experience of individuals or how motivation can help facilitate posttraumatic growth (PTG) following the death of a loved one. In two cross-sectional studies, university students completed an online survey. Study 1 investigated the contribution of global autonomous and controlled motivation in statistically predicting PTG above and beyond previously researched correlates. Study 2 explored the mediating role of cognitive appraisals and coping in explaining the relationship between global motivation orientations and PTG. Results indicated that in comparison to controlled motivation, autonomous motivation was positively related PTG, even after controlling for previously researched correlates. Mediation results indicated an indirect effect of global autonomous motivation on PTG through task-oriented coping. Collectively, these findings suggest the importance of incorporating motivation into models of PTG. Clinical implications of these findings are also discussed.

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