scholarly journals Establishing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Survey of Suggestions Made by Health Care Workers in Cross River State, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 944-948
Author(s):  
Queeneth Ndukwe Kalu ◽  
Oboko Oboko Oku ◽  
Ini-Abasi Udo Ilori

BACKGROUND: Rising trend in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in developing countries often result in sudden death, which are largely preventable through effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Most communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, however, lack access to CPR services, due to a deficiency in requirements for the establishment of such services. These requirements can be grouped into a triad of awareness, infrastructure and capacity building.AIM: This study was aimed at assessing the perceived need and recommendations for improvement in CPR services in Cross River State.METHODS: Proportionate sampling was used to recruit healthcare workers in this cross-sectional study. Data was obtained using semi-structured open-ended questionnaire consisting of recommendations for improving CPR services. Responses were coded and grouped into three essential areas. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 20.0.RESULT: Two hundred and twenty-nine (229) questionnaires were completed; mean age of respondents was 42.1 ± 11.2 years. The commonest cadre of healthcare worker was nurses (135, 59.0%). One, two, and three areas of suggestions were made by 55.5%, 37.1%, and 7.4% of respondents, respectively. Suggestions included training of health care workers on CPR (111, 48.5%) and provision of resuscitation equipment (95, 41.5%). Sixty-five respondents (29.3%) recommended creating awareness and means of contact, while some respondents recommended capacity building (132, 57.6%) and resuscitation infrastructure set-up (149, 65.1%).CONCLUSION: Healthcare workers perceive an urgent need for the establishment of CPR services in our health facilities and communities. There is need to address the triad of awareness, infrastructure and capacity building for the establishment of CPR services peculiar to Sub-Saharan Africa.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.M. Sani ◽  
I. Bitrus ◽  
A.M. Sarki ◽  
N.S. Mujahid

AbstractHepatitis is one of the neglected infectious diseases in sub Saharan Africa and most of the available data is based on blood donors. Health care workers (HCWs) often get infected as a result of their close contact with patients. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among this group of professionals with a view to improving the quality of care to their patients. Hepatitis B and C infections pose a major public health problem worldwide. While infection is highest in the developing world particularly Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare workers are at higher risk of acquiring blood-borne viral infections, particularly Hepatitis B and C which are mostly asymptomatic. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections and associated risk factors among health care workers in Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State - Nigeria. A standard rapid immuno-chromatographic technique i.e. rapid ELISA was used to screen all sera for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C viral antibody (HCVAb) respectively. Strips containing coated antibodies and antigens to HBV and HCV respectively were removed from the foil. Strips were labeled according to samples. Using a separate disposable pipette, 2 drops of the sample (plasma) were added into each test strip and allowed to run across the absorbent pad. Results were read after 15 minutes. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in 100 healthcare workers was determined by testing the plasma collected from the clients during their normal checkup using HBsAg and HCVAb test strips. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square test. The prevalence of HBV among HCWs was 19 out of 100 (19.0%) and that of HCV was 5 out of 100 (5.0%) where in both cases, higher prevalence was observed among female nurses. It was also observed that all HCV positive cases were recorded among nurses only. The study revealed that nurses are at greater risk of contracting HBV and HCV due to their frequent contact with patients. It is therefore recommended that effective vaccination and other infection control measures be encouraged among healthcare workers.


Author(s):  
Sushma I. ◽  
Nivin Simon ◽  
A. J. S. Pravin ◽  
M. K. Padmaprasad ◽  
M. Vijayabharathi ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Mask induced dermatitis is common among health care workers now because of the obligatory use of facemask for a longer period during COVID-19, the clinical features vary. Very few studies could be conducted due to the COVID induced constraints. Studies regarding reactions to face masks in health workers published to date are limited and hence we decided to do this study. The objective of this study was to find out the clinical presentations of mask induced dermatitis due to long term use of facemask on healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross sectional study was conducted among 40 healthcare workers attend our OPD with face mask for 6 months. After getting informed written consent clinical evaluation was made by history and dermatologic examination.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Total 40 health care professionals between the age group of 21-50 years (17 females and 23 males) came to our OPD with complaints of itching and dryness with signs of erythema, scaling, papules for 6 months duration. Out of them, 15 (37.5%) patients had exacerbation of pre-existing dermatoses like atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, acne. 10 patients (25%) had irritant contact dermatitis 7 patients (17.5%) had sweat-induced dermatitis, 4 patients (10%) had dermatitis due to sponge strip at the nasal bridge, 4 patients (10%) had dermatitis due to vehement use of ear loop involving retroauricular region.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study showed that wearing face masks results in the development and aggravation of other skin diseases due to various causes. Itch can induce scratching and thus lead to inappropriate use of face masks, which could compromise their function.</p>


2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. e64-e69 ◽  
Author(s):  
André R Maddison ◽  
Walter F Schlech

The United Nations millennium development goal of providing universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for patients living with HIV/AIDS by 2010 is unachievable. Currently, four million people are receiving ART, of an estimated 13.7 million who need it. A major challenge to achieving this goal is the shortage of health care workers in low-income and low-resource areas of the world. Sub-Saharan African countries have 68% of the world’s burden of illness from AIDS, yet have only 3% of health care workers worldwide. The shortage of health care providers is primarily caused by a national and international ‘brain drain,’ poor distribution of health care workers within countries, and health care worker burnout.Even though the millennium development goal to provide universal access to ART will not be met by 2010, it is imperative to continue to build on the momentum created by these humanitarian goals. The present literature review was written with the purpose of attracting research and policy attention toward evidence from small-scale projects in sub-Saharan Africa, which have been successful at increasing access to ART. Specifically, a primary-care model of ART delivery, which focuses on decentralization of services, task shifting and community involvement will be discussed. To improve the health care worker shortage in sub-Saharan Africa, the conventional model of health care delivery must be replaced with an innovative model that utilizes doctors, nurses and community members more effectively.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 455-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nlandu Roger Ngatu ◽  
Ntumba Jean-Marie Kayembe ◽  
Elayne Kornblatt Phillips ◽  
Joa Okech-Ojony ◽  
Masika Patou-Musumari ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice M'baya Kansinjiro ◽  
Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando

Abstract Background: Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is the main measure for curbing HIV infection in children. Male involvement (MI) greatly influences uptake and adherence to PMTCT services yet the level remain low in Sub Saharan Africa. Lack of well stipulated roles for men in PMTCT is one of the main barriers to MI. Studies on MI have focused on women and Health care workers (HCW), thereby making men silent partners. The main aim of the study was to explore the roles and expectations of male partners in PMTCT services in Malawi. Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study that involved men whose partners were either pregnant or breastfeeding a child, health care workers working in PMTCT services for over six months and traditional leaders. We conducted 9 in-depth interviews and 12 key informant interviews from January to March 2018. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze data. Results: Male partners play supportive, HIV prevention behaviour change and decision-making roles in PMTCT services. Health assessment and health promotion activities are the male specific services required in PMTCT services and these should be delivered at both health facility and community levels. Conclusion : Male partners in PMTCT have expectations that need to be met at both health facility and community levels. There is need to have male-tailored package of health services that are directly provided to men along with PMTCT services at different levels in order to promote MI. The services should be provided in an atmosphere that allows and accepts male partners to exercise their roles in PMTCT services.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Atia ◽  
Mohammed Abdo

Abstract The rising incidence of COVID-19 continues to cause distress, worry, and fear amongst the public, mostly for healthcare workers, as they are the most vulnerable individuals at risk of contracting this new SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. This study measured levels of knowledge and attitude regarding COVID-19 among health care workers in Libya. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Libya between April 22 and June 16, 2020 using online pre-validate questionnaire. We obtained 272 valid participants from 28.7% nurses, 25.3% physicians, 34.2% pharmacists, and 11.8% other health care workers. The majority of respondents (54.4%) were from the western part of Libya, and most of participants (41.2%) used international health websites as a source of information. Most of the participants (89.3%) perceived that they had adequate knowledge about COVID-19, and (95.6%) of respondents affirmed that COVID-19 can be life-threatening disease. All participants agreed that the transmission of COVID-19 can be prevented by using standard and isolation precautions given by the health care authorities. In addition, most participants had good attitude toward the adequate information about COVID-19 in Libyan society. Readiness for the pandemic were low among government institutions as spotted from this study. Therefore, an effective educational training program should be implemented to ensure maintenance of appropriate practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11469
Author(s):  
Abbas Al Mutair ◽  
Alya Al Mutairi ◽  
Zainab Ambani ◽  
Abbas Shamsan ◽  
Sana AlMahmoud ◽  
...  

Background The outbreak of the novel Corona Virus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly to many countries leading to thousands of deaths globally. The burden of this pandemic has affected the physical and mental health of the frontline health care workers (HCWs) who are exposed to high risk of infection and psychological stressors. Aims The aim is to measure the level of depression among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic to establish interventional strategies. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to conduct the current study. The data of this study was recruited between 15 June and 15 July 2020 from healthcare providers who work in both public and private healthcare sectors in Riyadh and Eastern province in Saudi Arabia utilizing a self-administered questionnaire. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group (IRB Log No. RC20.06.88-2). Data were collected by using The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale SDS. A total of 900 healthcare providers working in the healthcare setting during COVID-19 pandemic were invited to participate in the study. A total of 650 healthcare providers participated in the study by completing and submitting the survey. Results Almost 30% suffered from depression which can be divided into three categories; mild depression (26.2%), moderate/major (2.5%) and severe/extreme (0.8%). The finding shows that the level of depression among respondents at the age range of 31–40 years old was significantly higher than the level of depression among respondents with the age above 50 years old. Non-Saudi healthcare workers experienced more depression than Saudi workers. It also shows how nurses suffered from depression compared to their physician colleagues. Those who did not suffer from sleeping disorder perceived more depression as compared to those who are having sleeping disorder. Conclusion It is recommended that health care facilities should implement strategies to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems among healthcare providers and eventually it will improve their performance in provision of safe and high-quality care for patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Endalkachew Mekonnen Eticha ◽  
Ashenafi Beru Gemeda

Background. Postexposure chemoprophylaxis can prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in risk health care workers; however routine adoption of these practices by the workers has been limited. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 311 health care workers of Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital between February and March 2016. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed using STATA 12. Results. In all, 83% of the participants had adequate knowledge of postexposure prophylaxis for HIV. All the respondents had heard about postexposure prophylaxis for HIV; however, only 37 (22.4%) workers know the definition of the postexposure prophylaxis. Among study participants, the majority of them, 272 (87.5%), knew the preferable time to initiate postexposure chemoprophylaxis. A significant number of the workers (43.4%) had an unfavorable attitude towards postexposure prophylaxis. Among 53 workers with a potential exposure to HIV, 38 (71.7%) took postexposure chemoprophylaxis and only 26 (44.8%) completed taking postexposure prophylaxis correctly. Conclusion. In all, most of the health care workers had adequate knowledge about postexposure prophylaxis against HIV/AIDS. The result shows that a significant number of individuals had a negative attitude and poor practice with regard to postexposure prophylaxis. Therefore, formal training that aims to improve attitudes and support to improve postexposure prophylaxis implementation and completion are needed. We would recommend the establishment of appropriate guidelines and the supply chain to ensure the availability of postexposure prophylaxis drugs for the protection of healthcare workers with potential high risk exposure to HIV.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Rehman ◽  
Muhammad Hakim ◽  
Nauman Arif ◽  
Siraj Ul Islam ◽  
Abdul Saboor ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Vaccines are one of the main cornerstones in the global initiatives to control the COVID-19 pandemic. National vaccination programs largely depend on vaccine availability and acceptance by a large proportion of the population to confer a measurable impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In this study we determine the acceptance, barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccination amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) in Pakistan Methods A structured and validated questionnaire was used in an online cross-sectional study. Health care workers residing in Pakistan were invited between 31st January to 9th February to participate in this survey. Results A total of 436 health-care workers took part in this survey and among those 327 (75%) were doctors. 260 (60%) health-care workers indicated that they would accept vaccination against COVID-19. 308 (71%) were completely confident or confident in using USA, UK manufactured COVID-19 vaccine. The acceptance concerning a potential Chinese vaccine was 267 (61%). 292 (67%) strongly agreed or agreed that they are concerned about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination while the concerns for safety were 293 (67%). Conclusions About a third of HCWs, a group generally biased towards early acceptance of health interventions – expressed concerns or refusal of vaccination against COVID-19 in this survey. A dedicated communication plan and information campaign addressing the issues of efficacy, quality, logistics and religious concerns is needed to address these hurdles to allow for a successful national vaccination campaign.


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