scholarly journals COVID-19-related stigmatization among a sample of Egyptian healthcare workers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244172
Author(s):  
Aya Mostafa ◽  
Walaa Sabry ◽  
Nayera S. Mostafa

Objectives To explore coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related stigma and its associated factors among Egyptian physicians. Methods A cross-sectional study using an anonymous online questionnaire was conducted from 7 to 21 June 2020. The survey was distributed via social media and email to physicians working in Egypt through convenience sampling. Results 509 physicians participated in the study (mean age: 41.5±10.2). 138 (27.1%) participants were directly involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. 159 (31.2%) participants reported severe level of COVID-19-related stigma. Participants’ mean overall COVID-19-related stigma score was 40.6±8.0. The mean subscale scores were: personalized stigma 26.0±5.7, disclosure concerns 9.3±2.2, negative self-image 6.9±1.6, and concern with public attitudes 24.4±4.9. In the multivariable regression analyses, the overall COVID-19-related stigma score was higher in participants with lower qualifications (β = -0.19, 95% CI: 2.32, -0.64, p = 0.001), and in those working in a quarantine hospital (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01, 7.14, p = 0.050). Conclusions A considerable proportion of Egyptian physicians in this exploratory study experienced COVID-19-related stigmatization. These preliminary findings highlight the need for specific research and targeted interventions particularly addressing COVID-19-related stigmatization among healthcare workers.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Arturo Cassiani-Miranda ◽  
Isabel Álvarez-Solorza ◽  
Adalberto Campo-Arias ◽  
Yinneth Andrea Arismendy-López ◽  
Andrés Felipe Tirado-Otálvaro ◽  
...  

AbstractThe COVID-19-related stigma towards healthcare workers negatively influences their performance and job satisfaction, and well-being. The frequency of COVID-19-related stigma towards healthcare workers and its associated factors has not been sufficiently investigated. The objective was to determine the frequency and variables associated with COVID-19-related stigmatisation towards health workers in emerging-age university adults in Mexico. Analytical and cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire in 1,054 students between 18 and 29 years of age. Demographic variables, religiosity, fear of COVID-19 and stigma-discrimination related to COVID-19 towards healthcare workers were analysed. The latter was set as the dependent variable, while demographic variables, religiosity and high fear of COVID-19 were the independent variables. For the association between the variables, a binomial and logarithmic generalised linear model was designed to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios. The proportion of high stigma-discrimination was 12.4%, and this was associated with a high fear of COVID-19 (APR 1.51, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.23). The main limitations were the cross-sectional nature, social desirability bias, non-probabilistic sampling. The results highlight the importance of establishing programmes to reduce COVID-19-related stigmatisation towards healthcare workers.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽  
Michael E. Otim ◽  
Heba H. Hijazi ◽  
Leena S. Kehail ◽  
Ramsha A. Kamal

Abstract Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osaid Alser ◽  
Heba Alghoul ◽  
Zahra Alkhateeb ◽  
Ayah Hamdan ◽  
Loai Albarqouni ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens to overwhelm the capacity of a vulnerable healthcare system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Sufficient training of healthcare workers (HCWs) in managing COVID-19 and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential in allowing oPt to mount a credible response to the crisis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire between March 30, 2020 and April 12, 2020. Primary outcomes were availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness in oPt for COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary outcome was regional and hospital differences in oPt in terms of availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness.Results: Of 138 respondents, only 38 HCWs (27.5%) always had access to facemasks and 15 (10.9%) for isolation gowns. Most HCWs did not find eye protection (n=128, 92.8%), N95 respirators (n=132, 95.7%), and face shields (n=127, 92%) always available. Compared to HCWs in West Bank, those in the Gaza Strip were significantly less likely to have access to alcohol sanitizers (p=0.03) and gloves (p <0.001). On average, governmental hospitals were significantly less likely to have all appropriate PPE than non-governmental institutions (p = 0.001). Only 16 (11.6%) surveyed felt confident in dealing with a potential COVID-19 case, 57 (41.3%) having received any COVID-19-related training, and 57 (41.3%) not having a local hospital protocol. Conclusion: HCWs in oPt are underprepared and severely lacking adequate PPE provision. The lack of PPE provision will exacerbate spread of COVID-19 and deepen the crisis, whilst putting HCWs at risk.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivone Duarte ◽  
Andreia Teixeira ◽  
Luísa Castro ◽  
Sílvia Marina ◽  
Carla Ribeiro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have had high workload and have been exposed to multiple psychosocial stressors. The aim of this study was to evaluate HCWs in terms of the relative contributions of socio-demographic and mental health variables on three burnout dimensions: personal, work-related, and client-related burnout. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire spread via social networks. A snowball technique supported by health care institutions and professional organizations was applied. Results A total of 2008 subjects completed the survey. Gender, parental status, marriage status, and salary reduction were found to be significant factors for personal burnout. Health problems and direct contact with infected people were significantly associated with more susceptibility to high personal and work-related burnout. Frontline working positions were associated with all three dimensions. Higher levels of stress and depression in HCWs were significantly associated with increased levels of all burnout dimensions. Higher levels of satisfaction with life and resilience were significantly associated with lower levels of all burnout dimensions. Conclusions All three burnout dimensions were associated with a specific set of covariates. Consideration of these three dimensions is important when designing future burnout prevention programs for HCWs.


Author(s):  
Swanit Hemant Deshpande ◽  
Sudatta Waghmare ◽  
Hiteshi Jain ◽  
Swarika Hemant Deshpande

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic poses a massive challenge for the healthcare system and overburdens the Healthcare Workers (HCWs) in a developing country like India. The coronavirus may survive on various surfaces and/or aerosols for hours to days, making it a necessity to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while treating infected patients. Wearing the PPE is often uncomfortable while working, more so in the summer season, when the temperatures in a tropical country like India are soaring. Aim: To identify, quantify and highlight the difficulties faced by the HCWs while wearing PPEs. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2020, by a team of researchers working in a government owned designated Coronavirus Disease- 2019 (COVID-19) hospital in metropolitan city, West India. The questionnaire was prepared for a multicentre survey for 230 HCWs who had used PPE kits during their COVID-19 duties. The online questionnaire responses were recorded in an Microsoft Excel sheet and the results were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 19.0. Results: Total 230 responses were received out of which 74% were doctors, 21.7% nurses and 4.3% paramedical staff. The mean duration of work was 6.24 hours and per duty one, PPE was used by almost all of the respondents. The most common difficulty faced by the responders while on duty was excessive sweating (96%/n-221), itching of the nose (56%/n-129) and face (50.9%/n-117). While after the duty 61.7% of respondents reported being dehydrated and 68.2% complained of de novo headache. In a subset with a history of migraine, almost all reported worsening of migraine with increased frequency and severity of attacks. Many (40%) reported occasionally lowering the masks or face shield due to unbearable heat, risking self- contamination. Conclusion: The PPEs in current use and in the hot and humid conditions of summer months in tropical countries poses a unique challenge for the HCWs. Customisation of PPEs and working conditions is essential in the mitigation of the problems faced by the HCWs.


Author(s):  
Shaveta Kundra ◽  
Jasmine Kaur ◽  
Ankit Dadra ◽  
Sandeep Kundra

Background: Healthcare workers are among the first group to receive coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) vaccine, and their attitude towards the vaccine is likely to affect vaccine acceptance among general population. We aimed to study the attitude of HCWs towards COVID-19 vaccine and determine the factors associated with it.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a written questionnaire prior to first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the month of January, 2021, at a district hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab. HCWs were categorized as having negative, positive or mixed attitude based on their response to a written questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24.0.Results: More than half of the participants had negative attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine (N=274, 54.5%), while less than a third had positive attitude (N=141, 28.0%) and rest had mixed attitude (N=88, 17.5%). Younger HCWs (<50 years), nurses, females and those living with chronic medical or psychiatric illness showed higher chance of negative attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine, while doctors, paramedical staff, HCWs with higher qualification and urban dwellers had mixed response. On logistic regression analysis, being a female HCW was significantly associated with negative attitude while being a doctor or nurse was significantly associated with mixed attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine. Doubt regarding safety was the commonest response observed among all variables.Conclusions: In the presence of a high proportion of HCWs having negative attitude, targeted interventions should be planned to address specific concerns of HCWs, so as to increase the overall vaccine acceptance for COVID-19 vaccine. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar A. Almohammed ◽  
Leen A. Aldwihi ◽  
Adel M. Alragas ◽  
Ali I. Almoteer ◽  
Shivkumar Gopalakrishnan ◽  
...  

Lack of knowledge among healthcare workers (HCWs) about infectious diseases leads to delayed diagnosis of new cases, spread of infection, and poor infection control practices. Therefore, HCWs based in hospitals must be equipped with good knowledge about the pathogen and disease to put up a robust fight against the virus. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of HCWs about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at multiple public and private hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted between July and August of 2020. Logistic regression was used to investigate differences in the level of KAP among different participants. A total of 510 HCWs in hospitals completed the questionnaire. Only two-thirds of the participants (67.8%) had adequate knowledge about COVID-19, 72.2% of the participants had a positive attitude toward COVID-19, and 80.2% of the participants were practicing appropriately most of the time. Poor KAP was associated with a low education level. The females had better knowledge and attitude, whereas the males were more likely to practice appropriately most of the time. Notably, the participants from the nursing profession demonstrated a less favorable attitude compared with medical staff from other professions, but that did not prevent them from being the best when it comes to applying appropriate practices. The inadequate level of KAP among HCWs with the continuation of the pandemic and the possibility of a second wave demonstrates the need for continuous COVID-19-specific infection control training and emotional well-being supporting programs, especially for HCWs with a low education level.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Osaid Alser ◽  
Heba Alghoul ◽  
Zahra Alkhateeb ◽  
Ayah Hamdan ◽  
Loai Albarqouni ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to overwhelm the capacity of a vulnerable healthcare system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). We aimed to evaluate the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the level of preparedness among HCWs in the oPt. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire distributed through convenient sampling between March 30, 2020 and April 12, 2020. Outcomes were availability of PPE, healthcare workers (HCWs) preparedness in oPt for COVID-19 pandemic, and regional and hospital differences in oPt in terms of availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were used in this study. Results Of 138 respondents, only 38 HCWs (27.5%) always had access to facemasks and 15 (10.9%) always had access to isolation gowns. Most HCWs did not find eye protection (n = 128, 92.8%), N95 respirators (n = 132, 95.7%), and face shields (n = 127, 92%) always available. Compared to HCWs in West Bank, those in the Gaza Strip were significantly less likely to have access to alcohol sanitizers (p = 0.03) and gloves (p < 0.001). On average, governmental hospitals were significantly less likely to have all appropriate PPE than non-governmental institutions (p = 0.001). Only 16 (11.6%) surveyed felt confident in dealing with a potential COVID-19 case, 57 (41.3%) having received any COVID-19-related training, and 57 (41.3%) not having a local hospital protocol. Conclusion HCWs in oPt appear to be underprepared and severely lacking adequate PPE provision. The lack of PPE provision will exacerbate spread of COVID-19 and deepen the crisis, whilst putting HCWs at risk.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-13
Author(s):  
Ika Saptarini ◽  
Novianti Novianti ◽  
Anissa Rizkianti ◽  
Iram Barida Maisya ◽  
Suparmi Suparmi ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19, which started in Wuhan, has become a global pandemic leading to a new global risk to human health. Lack of information or misinformation about COVID-19 can lead to stigmatization, including for health workers. This study aims to determine the stigmatization among health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted online using Google Forms in the Jabodetabek area. The questionnaire’s link was distributed through social media, including Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The study sample is health workers who live in Jabodetabek and carry out health practices. Stigma is measured using four dimensions: personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, public attitudes, and negative self-image. Result: The negative self-image dimension is the dimension most felt by health workers. More than half of health workers agreed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, they put their families at risk because of their status as health workers. The stigma of health workers who work in hospitals is higher than that of non-hospital health workers, such as health centers, clinics, and laboratories. Conclusion: There was any stigmatization among healthcare workers in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area. Stigmatization was higher among healthcare workers who work in hospitals compared to those who work in non-hospitals. Some efforts should be made to reduce stigmatization among health workers, such as provide correct information to the public, equip health personnel with adequate personal protective equipment, and give incentives periodically to the health workers. Keywords: Stigma, COVID-19, healthcare workers, Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area Abstrak Latar belakang: COVID-19 yang bermula dari Wuhan telah menjadi pandemi global yang mengancam kesehatan umat manusia. Kurangnya informasi atau informasi yang salah mengenai COVID-19 dapat menyebabkan adanya stigmatisasi termasuk terhadap tenaga kesehatan. Penelitian ini menilai adanya stigmatisasi terhadap tenaga kesehatan selama pandemi COVID-19 di wilayah Jabodetabek. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian potong lintang dan dilakukan secara daring menggunakan Google Form di wilayah Jabodetabek. Tautan pengisian kuesioner disebarkan melalui media sosial seperti Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter dan Instagram. Sampel studi adalah tenaga kesehatan yang tinggal di Jabodetabek dan melakukan praktik kesehatan. Stigma diukur menggunakan empat dimensi yaitu personized stigma, disclosure concerns, concerns about public attitudes dan negative self-image. Hasil: Dimensi negative self-image merupakan dimensi yang paling dirasakan oleh tenaga kesehatan. Lebih dari separuh tenaga kesehatan setuju bahwa selama pandemi COVID-19 mereka membahayakan keluarga mereka karena status mereka sebagai tenaga kesehatan. Stigma pada tenaga kesehatan yang bekerja di rumah sakit lebih tinggi disbanding tenaga kesehatan yang bekerja bukan di rumah sakit seperti puskesmas, klinik dan laboratorium. Kesimpulan: Terdapat stigmatisasi pada petugas kesehatan di jabodetabek. Stigmatisasi lebih tinggi di antara petugas kesehatan yang bekerja di rumah sakit dibandingkan dengan mereka yang bekerja tidak di rumah sakit. Beberapa upaya yang perlu dilakukan untuk mengurangi stigmatisasi di kalangan petugas kesehatan, seperti memberikan informasi yang benar kepada masyarakat, melengkapi tenaga kesehatan dengan alat pelindung diri yang memadai, dan memberikan insentif kepada mereka secara berkala. Kata Kunci:   Stigma, COVID-19, tenaga kesehatan, jabodetabek        


Author(s):  
SANGEETA KHANNA ◽  
NITUL M BEWAL ◽  
AMIT ARORA ◽  
KRISHNA PRASAD G V

Objective: Indian Council of Medical Research recommended hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for prophylaxis of COVID‐19 for healthcare workers and the Food and Drug Administration approved its use in the treatment and prophylaxis of COVID‐19 disease. Even though HCQ is adequately tolerated in usual circumstances, still questions about the harmful effects of the drug remain a cause for concern in adults treated with HCQ. The objective of this study was to evaluate the major and minor adverse effects of prophylactic HCQ for COVID-19 among healthcare workers. Methods: Our analysis was intended to analyze HCQ’s adverse drug reaction profile for COVID‐19 prophylaxis in prophylactic doses in health-care staff. This was a cross-sectional study carried out among healthcare workers taking HCQ prophylaxis for COVID‑19. The study was carried out over 08 weeks period from April to May 2020. The data were obtained regarding age, sex, comorbidities, and possible adverse effects. A pretested and validated online questionnaire was provided to the participants to assess the harmful effects that they experienced when taking HCQ. Furthermore, pre and post 8 weeks prophylaxis, individuals underwent general and systemic examination, along with ECG and blood sugar level monitoring. Results: The research group comprised 70 previously healthy and health-care staff. In 70 patients, 27 minor adverse effects were reported (18.9%). Headache was the most frequently reported symptoms followed by nausea and vomiting, itching, and skin rashes. There was no statistically relevant variation in harmful effects due to age or number of doses administered. However, none of the adverse effects was serious or debilitating. Conclusion: With adequate pre-prophylaxis evaluation, health education, and regular monitoring, HCQ prophylaxis is safe and devoid of any serious adverse effects in previously healthy individuals.


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