scholarly journals Barriers in Adult Vitamin D Service Provision by Health Care Workers: a Qualitative Study in Three Ecologies of Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wubegzier Mekonnen ◽  
Yeweyenhareg Feleke ◽  
Wubetsh Asnake ◽  
Jemal Haidar ◽  
Biruk Lambisso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Service Training

Abstract Background: Adult vitamin D deficiency, a public health problem in low-income countries, is correlated with increased mortality. Although health care workers (HCWs) in Ethiopia are educated on minerals counseling on the benefits of vitamin D and its sources is not witnessed since their knowledge is low. The main aim of this study is to explore barriers to good knowledge, positive attitude, and practice of health care providers on adult vitamin D.Methods: An exploratory qualitative study is done in three ecologies covering highland, midland, and lowland. The size of 27 participants was fixed by saturation of ideas. In-depth interviews were conducted among leaders and HCWs of different professional groups in health centers and hospitals. Moderators were Ph.D. holders. An interview guide was developed after reviewing research that was translated into the local language. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and, translated. Open Code software was used to code and categorize the data. Thematic analysis is presented using themes and sub-themes.Result: The main barriers are related to health systems, HCWs’ understandings, health facilities, and the educational system. Lack of attention by the health systems’ leadership, missing adult vitamin D as a priority in health programs, and the absence of adult vitamin D management and treatment guidelines are barriers related to the health system. On the other hand, health care professionals believed that the prevalence of adult vitamin D deficiency is insignificant and vitamin D deficiency is only an issue related to children. Besides, the inadequacy of laboratory investigation and limited in-service training are barriers related to health facilities while the absence of studies and the focus of the medical curriculum on child vitamin D are barriers related to the education system. Conclusion: Adult vitamin D deficiency is a neglected public health problem with many barriers related to diagnosis and treatment. Barriers are related to the professionals themselves, their leadership, health facilities, and the education system. The government should give attention to adult vitamin D management and treatment, continuous on the job training, development of guidelines, purchase of laboratory equipment, the inclusion of adult vitamin D in pre-service and, in-service training curriculums.

scholarly journals Barriers in Adult Vitamin D Service Provision by Health Care Workers: A Qualitative Study in Three Ecologies of Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wubegzier Mekonnen ◽  
Yeweyenhareg Feleke ◽  
Wubetsh Asnake ◽  
Yakob Desalegn ◽  
Jemal Haidar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Service Training

Abstract Background: Adult vitamin D deficiency, which is a public health problem in low-income countries, is correlated with increased mortality. Although health care workers (HCWs) in Ethiopia are educated on important minerals their counseling on the uses of vitamin D and its possible sources was not witnessed since their knowledge and practice is low. The main aim of this study is to explore barriers to good knowledge, positive attitude, and practice of health care providers on adult vitamin D.Methods: An exploratory qualitative study is done in three ecologies covering highland, midland, and lowland. The size of 27 participants was fixed by saturation of ideas. In-depth interviews were conducted among leaders and HCWs of different professional groups in health centers and hospitals. Moderators were Ph.D. holders. An interview guide was developed after reviewing research that was translated into the local language. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and, translated. Open Code software was used to code and categorize the data. Themes were developed using thematic analysis which is presented using themes and sub-themes.Result: The main barriers are related to health systems, HCWs’ understandings, health facilities, and the educational system. Lack of attention by the health systems’ leadership, missing adult vitamin D as a priority in health programs, and the absence of adult vitamin D management and treatment guidelines are barriers related to the health system. On the other hand, health care professionals believed that the prevalence of adult vitamin D deficiency is insignificant and vitamin D deficiency is only an issue related to children. Besides, the inadequacy of laboratory investigation and limited in-service training are barriers related to health facilities while the absence of studies and the focus of the medical curriculum on child vitamin D are barriers related to the education system. Conclusion: Adult vitamin D deficiency is a neglected public health problem with many barriers related to diagnosis and treatment. Barriers are related to the professionals themselves, their leadership, health facilities, and the education system. The government should give attention to adult vitamin D management and treatment, continuous on the job training, development of guidelines, purchase of laboratory equipment, the inclusion of adult vitamin D in pre-service and, in-service training curriculums.

scholarly journals Barriers in adult vitamin D service provision by health care workers: a qualitative study in three ecologies of Ethiopia

BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wubegzier Mekonnen ◽  
Yeweyenhareg Feleke ◽  
Wubetsh Asnake ◽  
Yakob Desalegn ◽  
Jemal Haidar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Education System ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background Adult vitamin D deficiency, which is a public health problem in low-income countries, is correlated with increased mortality. Although health care workers (HCWs) in Ethiopia are educated on important minerals their counseling on the uses of vitamin D and its possible sources was not witnessed since their knowledge and practice is low. The main aim of this study is to explore barriers to good knowledge, positive attitude, and practice of health care providers on adult vitamin D. Methods An exploratory qualitative study is done in three ecologies covering highland, midland, and lowland. The size of 27 participants was fixed by saturation of ideas. In-depth interviews were conducted among leaders and HCWs of different professional groups in health centers and hospitals. Moderators were Ph.D. holders. An interview guide was developed after reviewing research that was translated into the local language. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and, translated. Open Code software was used to code and categorize the data. Themes were developed using thematic analysis which is presented using themes and sub-themes. Result The main barriers are related to health systems, HCWs’ understandings, and the educational system. Lack of attention by the health systems’ leadership, missing adult vitamin D as a priority in health programs, lack of capacity building scheme and the absence of adult vitamin D management and treatment guidelines are barriers related to the health system. On the other hand, health care professionals believed that the prevalence of adult vitamin D deficiency is insignificant and vitamin D deficiency is only an issue related to children. Besides, the absence of studies,the focus of the medical curriculum on child vitamin D and the inadequacy of laboratory investigation are barriers related to the education system and research. Conclusion Adult vitamin D deficiency is a neglected public health problem with many barriers related to diagnosis and treatment. Barriers are related to the professionals themselves, their leadership, health facilities, and the education system. The government should give attention to adult vitamin D management and treatment, continuous on the job training, development of guidelines, purchase of laboratory equipment, the inclusion of adult vitamin D in pre-service and, in-service training curriculums.

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.

scholarly journals Protecting those who care: The characteristics of occupational Tuberculosis risk in health care workers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rizqy Amelia Zein ◽  
Ratna Dwi Wulandari ◽  
Ilham Akhsanu Ridlo ◽  
Wiwin Hendriani ◽  
Fendy Suhariadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Perceived Safety ◽  
Risk Characteristics ◽  
Care Workers

Nosocomial TB infection remains an urgent public health problem that requires relentless efforts to overcome. In general, health care workers (HCWs) have a significantly higher risk of suffering from active and latent TB owing to their daily occupational TB risk exposure. The risk is indeed more severe in high TB burden countries, such as Indonesia. In this research, we aimed to: (1) investigate the underlying factor structure of risk characteristics, specifically the risk of nosocomial TB transmission in health care facilities; (2) estimate the effects of work-related determinants and risk characteristics on risk perception; and (3) compare occupational risk perception of contracting TB with expert risk assessment. A paper-based questionnaire was administered to 179 HCWs working for ten public health centres and two hospitals in Surabaya, Indonesia. An exploratory factor analysis of nine risk characteristics revealed a two-factor solution (knowledge-evoked dread and controllability of damage). Structural equation modelling indicated a piece of suggestive evidence that controllability of damage positively affected risk perception, while knowledge-evoked dread did not. Perceived safety conditions yielded a positive and moderate association to controllability of damage, implying that safety infrastructure could be perceived as ‘a cue’ to the presence of a dangerous hazard. The intensity of exposure to TB patients was negatively correlated with the controllability of damage. This indicates that more experience in handling TB patients could lead to underestimation of risk. Our research showed that HCWs tended to accurately estimate the risk of contracting TB based on their specific profession/duties, yet overestimated the risk of contracting TB when it was aggregated to the health care facility level. Although further research is necessary, to include the prevalence of latent/active TB as a part of risk assessments, our research highlights the importance of addressing risk perception, especially encouraging HCWs to become more active in advocating for the required allocation resources for their workplaces or even aiding in raising communities’ awareness of TB transmission.

scholarly journals The Experiences and Perceptions of Health-Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Muscat, Oman: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272096751
Author(s):  
Thamra Al Ghafri ◽  
Fatma Al Ajmi ◽  
Huda Anwar ◽  
Lamya Al Balushi ◽  
Zainab Al Balushi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Care Workers

Introduction Predominantly, studies on COVID-19 report quantitative data that often miss the social implications and other determinants of health. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of health care workers (HCWs) in primary health care in the management of COVID-19 with respect to medical response experiences, socio-cultural and religious reforms, psychological impressions, and lessons learned. Methods This was a qualitative study using an empirical phenomenological approach. Six focus group discussions were conducted across various stakeholders working frontline in the management of COVID-19 (managerial, public health/field/community and primary care health centers). They participated in semi-structured, in-depth group discussions from 11th to 20th May 2020. All discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Forty participants were involved in this study. Three themes emerged related to the medical response experiences, including the rapid re-structuring of the PHC services, use of technology and challenges of working on COVID-19. Perceptions on the socio-cultural and religious reforms included changes in social and religious norms, and anticipated gaps in accessing health care among the vulnerable groups (elderly, expatriates, and individuals with low economic status). Perceptions on psychological disturbances were themed as consequences of social distancing, management of dead bodies, exhaustion among the health care workers, and risk of exposure. Finally, lessons learned were centered around building on the existing epidemiological and public health capacities, improving access to health care and overcoming resistance to change. Most participants labelled their experience in COVID-19 as an “experience of wisdom” in which learning was a continuous process. Conclusion This qualitative study amongst primary HCWs revealed certain aspects of response to COVID-19 in Muscat, Oman. Results has unfolded various aspects of COVID-19. The situation was perceived by primary HCWs as a new experience that challenged the primary health care; enforced the utilization of public health/epidemiological skills, and linked to unfavorable socio-religious and psychological events.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Perspective in Front Line Healthcare Workers Amid COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-72
Author(s):  
Muhammad Waris Farooka ◽  
Syeda Saba Aslam ◽  
Mansoor Ahmed Tarar ◽  
Minhaj Rafi ◽  
Afaq Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Serum Level ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Deficiency of Vitamin D is very common in Pakistan, even among healthy asymptomatic individuals [1], [2]. Recent studies have shown that the risk of contracting COVID-19 was increased to two-fold, and consequent mortality to 4-fold if the person is Vitamin D deficient [3]. Health care workers including the nursing and administration staff are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV2 due to increased regular exposure in a health care setting [4]. Consequently, a convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deficiency of Vitamin D, and the increased exposure can render the health care workers at an additional risk to COVID-19 infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy asymptomatic front-line health care workers and to analyze the change in serum level by loading oral dose of SunnyD STAT softgel capsules (200000 IU Vitamin D3). We followed single centered, cross-sectional, cohort study with subsequent randomized placebo-controlled design for supplementation and follow up. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was the main outcome variable, with anthropometric data, nutritional intake, and lifestyle variables analyzed for potential association as risk factors for the outcome. Severe Vitamin D deficiency was found to be prevalent among front line health care workers in this urban hospital-based sample. Serum level of Vitamin D was found to be significantly associated with designation and presence of high blood pressure. The likelihood of increased serum Vitamin D levels was observed with increasing monthly income, higher designation, increasing age and supplementation intake. Mean increase in the serum 25(OH)D3 level after 2 doses of SunnyD STAT softgel capsule (200000 IU Vitamin D3) was 34.22 ng/ml. Public health interventions regarding Vitamin D supplementation and awareness are needed, especially amid COVID-19 pandemicDeficiency of Vitamin D is very common in Pakistan, even among healthy asymptomatic individuals [1], [2]. Recent studies have shown that the risk of contracting COVID-19 was increased to two-fold, and consequent mortality to 4-fold if the person is Vitamin D deficient [3]. Health care workers including the nursing and administration staff are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV2 due to increased regular exposure in a health care setting [4]. Consequently, a convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deficiency of Vitamin D, and the increased exposure can render the health care workers at an additional risk to COVID-19 infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy asymptomatic front-line health care workers and to analyze the change in serum level by loading oral dose of SunnyD STAT softgel capsules (200000 IU Vitamin D3). We followed single centered, cross-sectional, cohort study with subsequent randomized placebo-controlled design for supplementation and follow up. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was the main outcome variable, with anthropometric data, nutritional intake, and lifestyle variables analyzed for potential association as risk factors for the outcome. Severe Vitamin D deficiency was found to be prevalent among front line health care workers in this urban hospital-based sample. Serum level of Vitamin D was found to be significantly associated with designation and presence of high blood pressure. The likelihood of increased serum Vitamin D levels was observed with increasing monthly income, higher designation, increasing age and supplementation intake. Mean increase in the serum 25(OH)D3 level after 2 doses of SunnyD STAT softgel capsule (200000 IU Vitamin D3) was 34.22 ng/ml. Public health interventions regarding Vitamin D supplementation and awareness are needed, especially amid COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers on measuring adult vitamin D level, diagnosis of deficiency, and management of consequent health conditions in three ecologies of Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BMC Nutrition ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wubegzier Mekonnen ◽  
Yeweyenhareg Feleke ◽  
Yakob Desalegn ◽  
Getahun Tarekegne ◽  
Biruk Lambisso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Abstract Background Vitamin D is essential for health and its shortage exacerbates overall mortality. Health care workers (HCWs) need to educate on its uses and sources although studies indicate their low level of practice. The main aim of this study is therefore to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of measuring adult vitamin D status, diagnosis of deficiency and managing health consequences among HCWs in Ethiopia. Methods This study was conducted in three ecologies covering lowland, midland and highland districts. A total of 405 health care workers with different levels were interviewed. Tablets were used for data collection to archiving in a cloud server. Data were exported to Stata version 14 software for cleaning and analysis. Rates were computed and the Chi-square test was used to compare differences between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to measure the strength, direction and significance of the association between different covariates and the practice of HCWs. Result The level of knowledge, positive attitude and good practice in measuring adult vitamin D status, diagnosis of deficiency and managing health consequences among HCWs was 210 (51.8%), 261(63.5%) and 195(47.4%) respectively. The odds of good practice in the provision of adult vitamin D service were AOR = 6.87: 95% CI (3.57, 13.21) and AOR = 2.20: 95% CI (1.23, 3.92) times higher among HCWs in Addis Ababa and highlands compared with those working in lowlands. Good practice among clinicians was AOR = 4.26: 95% CI (1.48, 12.25) times higher compared with those working in leadership positions. The likelihood was AOR = 1.96: 95% CI (1.19, 3.23) times higher among those with good knowledge compared with those with poor knowledge. Besides, good practice in adult vitamin D service provision was AOR = 2.30: 95% CI (1.40, 3.78) times higher among those with positive attitude compared with those who had negative attitude. Conclusions A little over half of HCWs have good knowledge and close to two-thirds of them have positive attitude while less than half of them have good practice on adult vitamin D deficiency. Besides, HCWs’ residential ecology, clinical position, knowledge and attitude is associated with good practice on adult vitamin D. It is essential to provide rigorous and continuous training for HCWs focusing on their deployment ecology.

Occupational exposure of health care workers to blood and body fluids in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2018: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tesfaye Solomon ◽  
Dejene Lemessa
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Body Fluids ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Needle Stick Injury ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background: Health care workers are susceptible to acquiring blood and body fluids borne infections due to their occupations involving contact with patients and their body fluids, although studies conducted in Ethiopia are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude of exposure to blood and body fluids among health care workers in governmental health facilities in West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia.Materials and methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 19 to June 25, 2018. A total of 381 health care workers were selected by simple random sampling from 31 sampled governmental health facilities using proportional to size allocation. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, entered into Epi-info version 7, and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated for variables retained in the multivariable logistic regression and significance declared at p<0.05.Results: Of 377 health care workers who participated, the study found that 233 (61.2%) were exposed to blood and body fluids in their lifetime. Previous needle stick injury (AOR=0.30; 95%CI: 0.12-0.75), type of health facility (AOR=0.42; 95%CI: 0.26-0.68), handwashing practice (AOR=0.15; 95%CI: 0.07, 0.31), and perceiving at risk (AOR=0.16; 95%CI: 0.03, 0.98) were protective factors whereas long work experience (AOR=1.47; 95%CI: 1.13-1.93) was a risk factor for the exposure.Conclusions: Exposures to blood and body fluids during patient care were common among health care workers in the study area. Therefore, health care workers especially those newly hired and working in hospitals should pay due attention to their occupation's safety and regularly practice hand washing during critical times.

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