scholarly journals Determinants of Confidence in Overall Knowledge About COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in South Africa: Results From an Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thabang Manyaapelo ◽  
Tholang Mokhele ◽  
Sibusiso Sifunda ◽  
Philisiwe Ndlovu ◽  
Natisha Dukhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Doctorate Degree ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Positive Performance ◽  
Study Population

Background: Adequate information and knowledge about COVID-19 has been shown to induce the confidence and positive performance among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, assessing the relationship between confidence in knowledge and associated factors among HCWs is vital in the fight against COVID-19. This paper investigates factors associated with HCWs' confidence in their overall knowledge about COVID-19 in South Africa in the early stages of the epidemic.Methods: Data utilized in this paper were from an online survey conducted among HCWs using a structured questionnaire on a data free online platform. The study population were all the medical fraternity in South Africa including medical and nurse practitioners as well as other healthcare professionals. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to examine the factors associated with confidence in HCWs' overall knowledge about COVID-19.Results: Overall, just below half (47.4%) of respondents indicated that they had confidence in their overall knowledge about COVID-19. Increased odds of having confidence in the knowledge about COVID-19 were significantly associated with being male [aOR = 1.31 95% CI (1.03–1.65), p < 0.05], having a doctorate degree [aOR = 2.01 (1.23–3.28), p < 0.05], being satisfied with the information about COVID-19 guidelines [aOR = 6.01 (4.89–7.39), p < 0.001], having received training in 6–8 areas [aOR = 2.54 (1.89–3.43), p < 0.001] and having received training in 9–11 areas [aOR = 5.33 (3.81–7.47), p < 0.001], and having already treated COVID-19 patients [aOR = 1.43 (1.08–1.90), p < 0.001]. Those who were highly concerned with the levels of training of HCWs [aOR = 0.47 (0.24–0.92), p < 0.05] had decreased odds of having confidence in their overall knowledge about COVID-19.Conclusion: This study sheds light on the importance of capacitating HCWs with knowledge and adequate relevant training as part of infection prevention control measures during pandemics. Future training and information sharing should be sensitive to knowledge gaps by age, gender, qualifications, professional categories, and experience.

scholarly journals Compliance with Lockdown Regulations During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa: Findings from an Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55
Author(s):  
Natisha Dukhi ◽  
Tholang Mokhele ◽  
Whadi-Ah Parker ◽  
Shandir Ramlagan ◽  
Razia Gaida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
South Africans ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Bivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Education Status ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Nationally Representative

Background: Background: SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a nationally representative online survey conducted several weeks on the pandemic, this paper explores how South Africans responded to the compliance regulations laid down by the national government and factors associated with individuals’ confidence in their community adhering to lockdown regulations. Methods: The study was conducted using a closed-ended questionnaire on a data-free online platform. Additionally, a telephonic survey was included to accommodate individuals who do not have access to smart-phones. The study population consisted of respondents who were 18 years and older and living in South Africa (n=19 933). Data were benchmarked to the 2019 midyear population estimates. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression are presented. Results: Over a quarter (26.1%) of respondents reported that they had not left home, indicating compliance with the COVID-19 control regulations, and 55.3% who did leave their homes did so to purchase essential items. A small proportion (1.2%) reported that they had visited friends. People, classified as coloured, those who were more literate (those with secondary, matric and tertiary education status), those residing in disadvantaged areas (informal settlements, townships, rural areas and farms), and those who perceived their risk of contracting COVID-19 as moderate and high, reported not being confident of their community adhering to lockdown. Conclusion: Communication strategies must be employed to ensure that important information regarding the pandemic be conveyed in the most important languages and be dispatched via various communication channels to reach as many people as possible.

scholarly journals National COVID-19 Hospital Admissions and Mortality among Healthcare Workers in South Africa, 2020-2021

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla Tlotleng ◽  
Waasila Jassat ◽  
Cheryl Cohen ◽  
Felix Made ◽  
Tahira Kootbodien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) in close contact with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have an increased risk of infection compared to non-HCWs, but little is known about the clinical course and risks for mortality amongst HCWs in South Africa. In this study, we compared characteristics of hospitalised HCWs with non-HCWs with COVID-19 and assessed factors associated with COVID-19 mortality among HCWs.Methods: Data from 5 March 2020 to 30 April 2021 was obtained from DATCOV, the national surveillance programme monitoring COVID-19 admissions in private and public hospitals across South Africa. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with COVID-19 HCW admissions and mortality. Results: There were a total 169,678 confirmed COVID-19 admissions reported on DATCOV, of which 6,364 (3.8%) were HCWs. Compared to non-HCWs, HCWs were less likely to be male [aOR 0.3, 95%CI (0.3-0.4)], and more likely to be younger, white or other race, have pre-existing obesity and asthma, and be admitted in the private sector, in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West provinces. Pre-wave 1 [aOR 3.0; 95%CI 2.4-3.7)], wave 1 [aOR 2.1; 95%CI (1.8-2.5)] and post-wave 1 [aOR 1.3; 95%CI (1.0-1.7)] were associated with increase in HCW admissions compared to wave 2. There was an increased risk for in-hospital mortality among HCWs in the older age group (40-49 [aOR 3.8; 95%CI (1.6-8.80)]; 50-59 [aOR 4.7; 95%CI (2.0-10.9)] and 60-65 years [aOR 9.8; 95%CI (4.2-23.0)] compared to HCWs less than 40 years, with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, malignancy and TB. Mortality was decreased for HCWs who were coloured [aOR 0.5; 95%CI (0.3-0.8)], admitted in the public sector [aOR 0.7; 95%CI (0.5-0.9)] in pre-wave 1 [aOR 0.6; 95%CI (0.3-0.9)] compared to wave one period. Conclusion: In-hospital mortality in HCWs was associated with age, race, wave period, presence of comorbidites and sector. Policies should be put in place to remove older HCWs with comorbidities from direct patient care. Optimal management of comorbid conditions is advised and improvement of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings for those that come into direct contact with infected patients.

scholarly journals National COVID-19 Hospital Admissions and Mortality Among Healthcare Workers in South Africa, 2020-2021

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla Tlotleng ◽  
Waasila Jassat ◽  
Cheryl Cohen ◽  
Felix Made ◽  
Tahira Kootbodien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) in close contact with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have an increased risk of infection compared to non-HCWs, but little is known about the clinical course and risks for mortality amongst HCWs in South Africa. In this study, we compared characteristics of hospitalised HCWs with non-HCWs with COVID-19 and assessed factors associated with COVID-19 mortality among HCWs. Methods: Data from 5 March 2020 to 30 April 2021 was obtained from DATCOV, the national surveillance programme monitoring COVID-19 admissions in private and public hospitals across South Africa. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with COVID-19 HCW admissions and mortality.Results: There were a total 169,678 confirmed COVID-19 admissions reported on DATCOV, of which 6,364 (3.8%) were HCWs. Compared to non-HCWs, HCWs were less likely to be male [aOR 0.3, 95%CI (0.3-0.4)], and more likely to be younger, white or other race, have pre-existing obesity and asthma, and be admitted in the private sector, in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West provinces. Pre-wave 1 [aOR 3.0; 95%CI 2.4-3.7)], wave 1 [aOR 2.1; 95%CI (1.8-2.5)] and post-wave 1 [aOR 1.3; 95%CI (1.0-1.7)] were associated with increase in HCW admissions compared to wave 2. There was an increased risk for in-hospital mortality among HCWs in the older age group (40-49 [aOR 3.8; 95%CI (1.6-8.80)]; 50-59 [aOR 4.7; 95%CI (2.0-10.9)] and 60-65 years [aOR 9.8; 95%CI (4.2-23.0)] compared to HCWs less than 40 years, with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, malignancy and TB. Mortality was decreased for HCWs who were coloured [aOR 0.5; 95%CI (0.3-0.8)], admitted in the public sector [aOR 0.7; 95%CI (0.5-0.9)] in pre-wave 1 [aOR 0.6; 95%CI (0.3-0.9)] compared to wave one period. Conclusion: In-hospital mortality in HCWs was associated with age, race, wave period, presence of comorbidites and sector. Policies should be put in place to remove older HCWs with comorbidities from direct patient care. Optimal management of comorbid conditions is advised and improvement of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings for those that come into direct contact with infected patients.

scholarly journals Dynamics of the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers at a COVID-19 referral hospital in Milan, Italy

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-107060
Author(s):  
Laura Milazzo ◽  
Alessia Lai ◽  
Laura Pezzati ◽  
Letizia Oreni ◽  
Annalisa Bergna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Referral Centre ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Professional Exposure ◽  
First Time ◽  
Time Point

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this single-centre prospective study was to evaluate the trend of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs working at the primary referral centre for infectious diseases and bioemergencies (eg, COVID-19) in Northern Italy and investigate the factors associated with seroconversion.MethodsSix hundred and seventy-nine HCW volunteers were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies three times between 4 March and 27 May 2020 and completed a questionnaire covering COVID-19 exposure, symptoms and personal protective equipment (PPE) training and confidence at each time.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose from 3/679 to 26/608 (adjusted prevalence: 0.5%, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.7% and 5.4%, 95% CI 3.6 to 7.9, respectively) between the first two time points and then stabilised, in line with the curve of the COVID-19 epidemic in Milan. From the first time point, 61.6% of the HCWs had received training in the use of PPE and 17 (61.5%) of those who proved to be seropositive reported symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Contacts with ill relatives or friends and self-reported symptoms were independently associated with an increased likelihood of seroconversion (p<0.0001 for both), whereas there was no significant association with professional exposure.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the HCWs at our COVID-19 referral hospital was low at the time of the peak of the epidemic. The seroconversions were mainly attributable to extrahospital contacts, probably because the hospital readily adopted effective infection control measures. The relatively high number of asymptomatic seropositive HCWs highlights the need to promptly identify and isolate potentially infectious HCWs.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis in Healthcare Workers and Infection Control Measures at Primary Healthcare Facilities in South Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e76272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareli M. Claassens ◽  
Cari van Schalkwyk ◽  
Elizabeth du Toit ◽  
Eline Roest ◽  
Carl J. Lombard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures

scholarly journals A case–control study of factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in Colombia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Merida Rodriguez-Lopez ◽  
Beatriz Parra ◽  
Enrique Vergara ◽  
Laura Rey ◽  
Mercedes Salcedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background Healthcare Workers (HCW) are repeatedly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCW in one of the largest cities in Colombia. Methods We conducted a case–control study, where cases had a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and controls had a negative result. Participants were randomly selected and interviewed by phone. Analyses were performed using logistic regression models. Results A total of 110 cases and 113 controls were included. Men (AdjOR 4.13 95% CI 1.70–10.05), Nurses (AdjOR 11.24 95% CI 1.05–119.63), not using a high-performance filtering mask (AdjOR 2.27 95% CI 1.02–5.05) and inadequate use of personal protective equipment (AdjOR 4.82 95% CI 1.18–19.65) were identified as risk factors. Conversely, graduate (AdjOR 0.06 95% CI 0.01–0.53) and postgraduate (AdjOR 0.05 95% CI 0.005–0.7) education, feeling scared or nervous (AdjOR 0.45 95% CI 0.22–0.91), not always wearing any gloves, caps and goggles/face shields (AdjOR 0.10 95% CI 0.02–0.41), and the use of high-performance filtering or a combination of fabric plus surgical mask (AdjOR 0.27 95% CI 0.09–0.80) outside the workplace were protective factors. Conclusion This study highlights the protection provided by high-performance filtering masks or double masking among HCW. Modifiable and non-modifiable factors and the difficulty of wearing other protective equipment needs to be considered in designing, implementing and monitoring COVID-19 biosafety protocols for HCW.

scholarly journals Acceptability of a COVID-19 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameerah M. N. Qattan ◽  
Noor Alshareef ◽  
Omar Alsharqi ◽  
Naseem Al Rahahleh ◽  
Gowokani Chijere Chirwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Health Related

Objective: This study aims to determine the acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia and the factors affecting their intention to accept the vaccine.Methods: The study used data from an online cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 8 December 2020 and 14 December 2020. This study employed bivariate and multivariable regression analyses. The bivariate was used to describe and tabulate the frequency of all the variables, including the sociodemographic characteristics, the risk perception and the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination and a chi-squared test of independence was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine and identify the factors associated with an intention to have the COVID-19 vaccination and the factors associated with its immediate acceptance.Results: Of the total of 736 healthcare workers who began the online questionnaire, 673 completed it (a 91.44% completion rate). Among the study participants, 50.52% were willing to have the COVID-19 vaccine, of which 49.71% intended to have the vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the country, while 50.29% would delay until the vaccine's safety is confirmed. Being a male healthcare worker, perceiving a high risk of infection, and believing that the COVID-19 vaccine should be compulsory for all citizens and residents in the country increased the probability of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and the probability of accepting the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.Conclusion: This study calls for more health-related education among healthcare workers to alleviate any fears that might be associated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

scholarly journals Exploring the factors associated with the mental health of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cyprus

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0258475
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Kapetanos ◽  
Stella Mazeri ◽  
Despo Constantinou ◽  
Anna Vavlitou ◽  
Marios Karaiskakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Introduction The spread of COVID-19 into a global pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of frontline healthcare-workers. This study is a multi-centre, cross-sectional epidemiological study that uses nationwide data to assess the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout among health care workers managing COVID-19 patients in Cyprus. The study also investigates the mechanism behind the manifestation of these pathologies, as to allow for the design of more effective protective measures. Methods Data on the mental health status of the healthcare workers were collected from healthcare professionals from all over the nation, who worked directly with Covid patients. This was done via the use of 64-item, self-administered questionnaire, which was comprised of the DASS21 questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a number of original questions. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with each of the mental health measures. Results The sample population was comprised of 381 healthcare professionals, out of which 72.7% were nursing staff, 12.9% were medical doctors and 14.4% belonged to other occupations. The prevalence of anxiety, stress and depression among the sample population were 28.6%, 18.11% and 15% respectively. The prevalence of burnout was 12.3%. This was in parallel with several changes in the lives of the healthcare professionals, including; working longer hours, spending time in isolation and being separated from family. Discussion This study indicates that the mental health of a significant portion of the nation’s workforce is compromised and, therefore, highlights the need for an urgent intervention particularly since many countries, including Cyprus, are suffering a second wave of the pandemic. The identified risk factors should offer guidance for employers aiming to protect their frontline healthcare workers from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

scholarly journals Running away from the jab: factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Marco Antonio Catussi Paschoalotto ◽  
Eduardo Polena Pacheco Araújo Costa ◽  
Sara Valente de Almeida ◽  
Joana Cima ◽  
Joana Gomes da Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Government Performance ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Current Vaccine ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how sociodemographic conditions, political factors, organizational confidence, and non-pharmaceutical interventions compliance affect the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Brazil. METHODS: Data collection took place between November 25th, 2020 and January 11th, 2021 using a nationwide online survey. Subsequently, the researches performed a descriptive analysis on the main variables and used logistic regression models to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: Less concern over vaccine side effects could improve the willingness to be vaccinated (probability changed by 7.7 pp; p < 0.10). The current vaccine distrust espoused by the Brazilian president is associated with vaccine hesitancy, among his voter base. Lower performance perception (“Very Bad” with 10.7 pp; p < 0.01) or higher political opposition (left-oriented) regarding the current presidency is associated with the willingness to be vaccinated. Higher compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) is usually positively associated with the willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine (+1 score to NPI compliance index is associated with higher willingness to be vaccinated by 1.4 pp, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Willingness to be vaccinated is strongly associated with political leaning, perceived federal government performance, vaccine side effects, and compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs).

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