Risking Lives to Save Others During COVID-19: A Focus on Public Health Care Workers in Bangladesh and Egypt

2021 ◽  
pp. 002073142110637
Author(s):  
Shahjahan Bhuiyan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Altruistic Behavior ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Street Level ◽  
Care Workers

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been spreading around the world, causing a major public health crisis that has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Street-level bureaucrats­—health workers, teachers, street cleaners, police officers­, and so forth—are at the forefront in fighting against the pandemic. Of these, public health care workers, due to the nature of their involvement, should know and understand why they are risking their lives to save others during this pandemic. Based on the preliminary data gleaned from interviews with public health care workers in Bangladesh and Egypt, this ongoing research suggests they are risking their lives for reasons such as altruistic behavior, service to profession, adherence to bureaucratic accountability, and a desire to help mankind. The findings contribute to the existing literature about street-level bureaucratic behavior in atypical times such as these of the pandemic. This study is unique in that it comprehends that public health care workers of two culturally and geographically distinct countries are risking their lives for the same public-spirited cause.

scholarly journals Challenges confronting health care workers in government's ARV rollout: rights and responsibilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 486
Author(s):  
Yousuf A Vawda ◽  
Farhana Variawa
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Hiv Aids

South Africa is renowned for having a progressive Constitution with strong protection of human rights, including protection for persons using the public health system. While significant recent discourse and jurisprudence have focused on the rights of patients, the situation and rights of providers of health care services have not been adequately ventilated. This paper attempts to foreground the position of the human resources personnel located at the centre of the roll-out of the government's ambitious programme of anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy. The HIV/AIDS epidemic represents a major public health crisis in our country and, inasmuch as various critical policies and programmes have been devised in response, the key to a successful outcome lies in the hands of the health care professionals tasked with implementing such strategies. Often pilloried by the public, our health care workers (HCWs) face an almost Herculean task of turning the tide on the epidemic. Unless the rights of HCWs are recognised and their needs adequately addressed, the best laid plans of government will be at risk. This contribution attempts to identify and analyse the critical challenges confronting HCWs at the coalface of the HIV/AIDS treatment programme, in particular the extent to which their own rights are under threat, and offers recommendations to remedy the situation in order to ensure the successful realisation of the ARV rollout.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Mental Health Problems During Virus Epidemics in the General Public, Health Care Workers and Survivors: A Rapid Review of the Evidence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simeon J Zuercher ◽  
Philipp Kerksieck ◽  
Christine Adamus ◽  
Christian Burr ◽  
Anja I Lehmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Care Workers

Background: The swift spread of SARS-CoV-2 provides a challenge worldwide. As a consequence of restrictive public health measures like isolation, quarantine, and community containment, the provision of mental health services is a major challenge. Evidence from past virus epidemics and the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak indicate high prevalence rates of mental health problems (MHP) as short- and long-term consequences. However, a broader picture of MHP among different populations is still lacking. Methods: We conducted a rapid review on MHP prevalence rates published since 2000, during and after epidemics, including the general public, health care workers, and survivors. Any quantitative articles reporting on MHP rates were included. Out of 2855 articles screened, a total of 74 were included in this review. Results: Most original studies on MHP were conducted in China in the context of SARS-CoV-1, and reported on anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms/disorder, general psychiatric morbidity, and psychological symptoms. The MHP rates across studies, populations, and epidemics vary substantially. While some studies show high and persistent rates of MHP in populations directly affected by isolation, quarantine, threat of infection, infection, or life-threatening symptoms (e.g. health care workers), other studies report minor effects. Furthermore, even less affected populations (e.g. distant to epidemic epicenter, no contact history with suspected or confirmed cases) can show high rates of MHP. Discussion: MHP vary largely across countries and risk-groups in reviewed studies. The results call attention to potentially high MHP during epidemics. Individuals affected directly by an epidemic might be at a higher risk of short or even long-term mental health impairments. This study delivers insights stemming from a wide range of psychiatric instruments and questionnaires. The results call for the use of validated and standardized instruments, reference norms, and pre-post measurements to better understand the magnitude of the MHP during and after the epidemics. Nevertheless, emerging MHP should be considered during epidemics including the provision of access to mental health care to mitigate potential mental impairments.

scholarly journals Strengths and Barriers in Achieving “Green Status” of Breastfeeding; The Story of Frontline Health Care Workers in Sri Lanka

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 151-151
Author(s):  
Thilini Agampodi ◽  
Neerodha Dharmasoma ◽  
Thushari Dissanayaka ◽  
Iresha Koralagedara ◽  
Janith Warnasekara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Grass Root Level

Abstract Objectives The achievements in breastfeeding in Sri Lanka are due to multiple factors and the work of frontline health care workers: public health midwives (PHMs) was crucial. Objective of this study is to explore the strengths and constraints of PHMs in optimizing breastfeeding practices in the Sri Lankan community. Methods We conducted a series of focus group discussions with PHMs in three different areas in Anuradhapura district Sri Lanka. Transcribed data were analyzed thematically to identify the types of strengths and constraints. Results Thirty six PHMs participated in the focus groups conducted. The well-established public health system that introduces and reinforce knowledge and skills on breastfeeding assured that mothers will adhere to the current recommendations on EBF. PHMs agreed on the support given by the hospital labor room, theatres and Lactation Management Center on early initiation and EBF. However, emphasis on attachment to breast rather than discharging a newborn on cup feeding was mentioned. PHMs devotion on establishing proper breastfeeding during the early postpartum home visits, the respect and acceptance of PHM by the mother and the community and the knowledge and skills they possess on breastfeeding counseling were highlighted. Irrational prescription of formula by medical practitioners, negative verbal comments by in-laws and unfavorable attitudes of mothers of high social class were seen as social obstacles to promote EBF. The PHMs seem to work with many barriers which could compromise care provision for mothers and children. Inability to attend for the home visit early due to scheduled work, the increased time needed to spent to counsel mothers and subsequent restriction of the daily duties, high population density and having to cover the vacant areas through out, excessive documentation work were problems needed to be addressed with regard to service enhancement. Conclusions The PHMs role is inevitable and Sri Lanka needs to enhance and facilitate service provision of grass root level health workers to optimize promotion, protection and support for EBF. Funding Sources No funding source.

scholarly journals PENGARUH PERSEPSI TENTANG IDENTITAS PROFESI TERHADAP SIKAP INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION TENAGA KESEHATAN DI PUSKESMAS

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
ETI PONCORINI PAMUNGKASARI ◽  
SRI ANGGRAINI PARWATININGSIH
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Center ◽  
Care Workers

<p class="Abstract">ABSTRAK</p><p class="AbstractNormal"><strong>Pendahuluan: </strong>Kolaborasi tenaga medis merupakan hal yang penting dalam mengupayakan peningkatan kualitas pelayanan kesehatan. WHO menyampaikan bahwa kolaborasi akan memperkuat sistem kesehatan. Studi tentang kolaborasi tenaga medis di Indonesia terutama tentang tenaga medis Puskesmas masih sangat terbatas.</p><p class="AbstractNormal"><strong>Metode:</strong><strong> </strong>Studi ini merupakan bagian dari pengabdian masyarakat,  dengan pendekatan cross sectional<strong>. </strong>Lokasi yang digunakan adalah Puskesmas Banyuanyar dan Puskesmas Kratonan, mewakili Puskesmas di kawasan pedesaan dan perkotaan.<strong> </strong>Tenaga kesehatan yang mengikuti kegiatan ini sebanyak 37 orang. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah kuesioner persepsi tentang identitas profesi, dan kuesioner sikap tentang <em>interprofessional collaboration</em>. Data yang didapatkan dianalisis statistik dengan uji regresi linier ganda.</p><p class="AbstractNormal"><strong>Hasil:</strong><strong> </strong>Setiap peningkatan satu skor persepsi tentang identitas profesi akan meningkatkan sikap interprofessional collaboration sebesar 1,07; dan signifikan secara statistik (p = 0,001), setiap peningkatan satu tahun lama kerja akan menurunkan sikap interprofessional collaboration, namun tidak signifikan secara statistik (p=0,31). Persepsi tentang identitas profesi dan lama kerja bersama-sama mempengaruhi sikap interprofessional collaboration sebesar 31 %, sisanya sebesar 69 % dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang tidak diteliti, model regresi ganda fit dengan p=0,001.</p><p class="AbstractNormal"><strong>Kesimpulan: </strong>Persepsi tenaga kesehatan tentang identitas profesi mempengaruhi sikap tentang identitas profesi. Perlu memperkuat persepsi tenaga kesehatan tentang identitas profesi.</p><p class="Keywords">Kata Kunci: kolaborasi; puskesmas; tenaga medis; identitas profesi</p><p class="Keywords"> </p><p class="Keywords"><em>ABSTRACT</em></p><p class="KeywordsCxSpMiddle"><em>Introduction:</em><em> Collaboration of </em><em>health care workers</em><em> is important in </em><em>order</em><em> to improve the quality of health services. WHO</em><em> </em><em>states that collaboration will strengthen the health system. Studies on collaboration of </em><em>health care workers</em><em> in Indonesia, especially on </em><em>public health center workers</em><em>, are still very limited.</em></p><p class="KeywordsCxSpMiddle"><em>Methods:</em><em> This study was part of community service, with a cross sectional study approach. The locations used are Puskesmas Banyuanyar and </em><em>Puskesmas</em><em> Kratonan, representing </em><em>public health center </em><em>in rural and urban areas. There were 37 health workers who participated in this activity. The instrument used was a perception of professional identity, and attitudes about interprofessional collaboration. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the multiple linear regression.</em></p><p class="KeywordsCxSpMiddle"><em>Results:</em><em> Every increase of one perception score about professional identity would increase interprofessional collaboration attitude by 1.07, statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001), every increase of one year of work would decrease interprofessional collaboration attitude, but not statistically significant (p = - 0.31). Perceptions of professional identity and length of work together affect interprofessional collaboration attitude by 31%, the remaining 69% is influenced by other factors not examined, the multiple fit regression model with p = 0.001.</em></p><p class="KeywordsCxSpMiddle"><em>Conclusion:</em><em> Health workers' perceptions about professional identity influence attitudes about professional identity. </em><em>There is a n</em><em>eed to strengthen the perception of health workers about professional identity.</em></p><p class="KeywordsCxSpMiddle"><em> </em></p><p class="Keywords"><em>Keywords: collaboration; public health center;</em><em> health care workers; professional identity</em></p>

scholarly journals The acceptability and side effects of COVID-19 vaccine among health care workers in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 873
Author(s):  
Oluwatosin Ruth Ilori ◽  
Oluwatosin Stephen Ilori ◽  
Phillip Oluwatobi Awodutire ◽  
Olabisi Roseline Ige ◽  
Adesanmi B Idowu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Common Side Effect ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Care Workers

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is global public health crisis. Mass vaccination, until herd immunity is achieved, is one of the most effective ways of combating the deadly infectious virus. The disposition of health workers towards the AstraZeneca vaccine will most likely determine if other members of the community will be willing to get vaccinated or not. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the attitudes of healthcare workers to the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as determine the various side effects experienced by those who have already been vaccinated. Method: Frequency tables were created, and Chi-square was used to determine the relationship between respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, as well as their acceptance or rejection of the COVID-19 vaccine and attitude towards it. Using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0, multinominal logistic regression was used to determine the key factors which influenced respondents’ decision to have the vaccine. Result: There was a statistically significant relationship between the cadre of health care workers, their tribe, and their involvement in the care of COVID-19 patients and their attitude towards the vaccine. Conclusion: Previous involvement in the care of COVID-19 patients is one of the most important determinants of health care workers' acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Most respondents were positive about the vaccine; however, the fear of side effects was the primary reason why those who were yet to be vaccinated, do not plan to do so. The most common side effect reported by those who had already been vaccinated, was pain at the injection site. Public awareness of the vaccine and its benefits should be increased, and the vaccine should be made available in all health care facilities.

Burnout and Fear of Contagion as Factors in Aggressive Tendency of Health-Care Workers Treating People with Aids

2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1625-1634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluyinka Ojedokun ◽  
Erhabor Sunday Idemudia ◽  
Victoria Opeoluwa Kute
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Physical Aggression ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Medical Practitioner ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Care Workers

We investigated the roles of burnout and perceived fear of contagion with AIDS among 130 medical practitioners and 112 nurses (N = 242) working in AIDS care in Nigeria, in relation to the level of their aggressive tendency toward people living with AIDS (PLWAs). Participants completed scales concerning perceived AIDS anxiety, burnout, and aggressive tendency. Results showed that perceived fear of AIDS, burnout, and category of staff (medical practitioner or nurse), respectively, were associated with the tendency to perpetrate aggression against PLWAs. The implication of these findings is that stakeholders in the health-care system in Nigeria and elsewhere should address any aggressive tendency of health workers in public-health settings in order to prevent the occurrence of actual physical aggression against clients. We recommend that consideration should be given to the factors implicated in this study when intervention strategies are being developed.

Zero Health Worker Infection: Experiences From the China Ebola Treatment Unit During the Ebola Epidemic in Liberia

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 262-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Liu ◽  
Huahua Yin ◽  
Ding Liu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Medical Assistance ◽  
Treatment Unit ◽  
Care Workers

AbstractIn November 2014, a total of 164 health care workers were dispatched by the Chinese government as the first medical assistance team to Liberia. The tasks of this team were to establish a China Ebola treatment unit (ETU), to commence the initial admission and treatment of suspected and confirmed Ebola patients, and to provide public health and infection control training for relevant local personnel. Overall, during the 2-month stay of this first medical assistance team in Liberia, 112 Ebola-suspected patients presented to the ETU, 65 patients were admitted, including 5 confirmed cases, and 3 confirmed cases were cured. Furthermore, 1520 local people were trained, including health care workers, military health care workers, staff members employed by the ETU, and community residents. Most importantly, as the first Chinese medical assistance team deployed to Liberia fighting the Ebola virus on the frontline, not a single member of this team or the hired local staff were infected by Ebola virus. This highly successful outcome was due to the meticulous infection control initiatives developed by the team, thereby making a significant contribution to China’s ETU “zero infection” of health workers in Liberia. The major infection control initiatives conducted in the China ETU that contributed to achieving “zero infection” of all health workers in the ETU are introduced in this report. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:262–266)

scholarly journals COVID – 19 related knowledge and preventive practices early in the outbreak among health care workers in selected public health facilities of Illu aba Bor and Buno Bedelle zones, Southwest Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dereje Tsegaye ◽  
Muluneh Shuremu ◽  
Dereje Oljira ◽  
Sileshi Dubale ◽  
Getachew Befekadu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Southwest Ethiopia ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background Novel-coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease is currently a worldwide health risk and public health emergency concern. The virus is transmitted from an infected person to another person through close contact and droplets. Frontline health care workers are the most at risk of infection, and so a WHO interim guidance document was issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) which underscores the importance of proper sanitation and waste management practices for COVID- 19 in health-care settings. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 among health care providers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2020 among 330 health workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno-Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of preventive practices towards Covid-19. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05. Result The majority of respondents (93.3%) demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19, and the mean (SD) knowledge score was 9.04 ± 1.06. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) of the study participants had good infection prevention practices. Being male (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: (1.96, 6.80)), education level (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.02, 3.22)), profession (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI (1.08, 9.33)), service year (5–10 years) (AOR = 2.00 (1.02, 3.92)) and more than 10 years (AOR = 3.14 (1.51, 6.52)), availability of personal protective equipment (AOR = 1.96 (1.06, 3.61)) and Knowledge level (AOR = 2.61 (1.48, 4.62)) were independent predictors of COVID-19 preventive practices. Conclusion The overall level of knowledge of HCWs was good. However, the practice was relatively low. Gender, educational status, profession, year of service, knowledge towards COVID-19, and availability of personal protective equipment were independent predictors of good infection prevention practices. Optimizing the infection prevention and control loop of the health facilities is recommended.

ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE ECONOMIST IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Vestnik ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 313-316
Author(s):  
И.Г. Турсумбай ◽  
Л.К. Кошербаева
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Health Economics ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Economic Situation ◽  
Care Workers

Одним из последствий осуществления медицинской деятельности в разнообразных хозяйственных формах является изменение экономического положения работников здравоохранения. От количества и качества их труда зависит экономический результат деятельности лечебно-профилактических учреждений (ЛПУ) в целом. В статье приводится сравнительный анализ занимающихся подготовкой экономистов в области здравоохранения по различным критериям. Подчеркивается необходимость непрерывного совершенствования подготовки управленческих кадров в области экономики здравоохранения в современных условиях развития общества. One of the consequences of the implementation of medical activities in various economic forms is a change in the economic situation of health care workers. The number and quality of their work depends on the economic result of the activities of medical and preventive institutions (LPU) as a whole. The article presents a comparative analysis of the health economists who are engaged in training according to various criteria. The necessity of continuous improvement of training of managerial personnel in the field of health economics in the modern conditions of society development is emphasized.

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