Exploring health workers' experiences of mental health challenges during care of patients with COVID-19 in Uganda: a qualitative study.

Journal: BMC research notes

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2021

Affiliated Institutions:  University of Amsterdam (UvA)/Utrecht University, Bijlmerdreef , DS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. muzyamba@merit.unu.edu. AfriSight, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Abstract summary 

The aim of this study is to qualitatively investigate the lived experiences of mental health among frontline health workers providing COVID-19-realted care in Uganda. This study provides insights into the contextual realities of the mental health of health workers facing greater challenges given the lack of adequate resources, facilities and health workers to meet the demand brought about by COVID-19.All in all, our findings suggest that healthcare workers are under enormous stress during this pandemic, however, in order to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, it is important to understand their challenges and sources of these challenges. The government thus has the reasonability to address most of the sources that were highlighted (long working hours, lack of proper equipment, lack of sleep, exhaustion, and experiencing high death rate under their care). Further, the Ugandan social fabric presents an opportunity for coping through its strong communal links and networks. Scaling these forms of local responses is cheap but contextually useful for a country with limited resources like Uganda.

Authors & Co-authors:  Muzyamba Choolwe C Makova Ogylive O Mushibi Geofrey Samukulu GS

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  WHO. Keep health workers safe to keep patients safe: WHO. 2020. https://www.who.int/news/item/17-09-2020-keep-health-workers-safe-to-keep-patients-safe-who. Accessed 21 Oct 2020.
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : 286
SSN : 1756-0500
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
COVID-19
Other Terms
COVID-19;Healthcare workers;Mental health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
Uganda
Publication Country
England