Kavenga, Fungai; Rickman, Hannah M; Chingono, Rudo; Taruvinga, Tinotenda; Marembo, Takudzwa; Manasa, Justen; Marambire, Edson; McHugh, Grace; Gregson, Celia L; Bandason, Tsitsi; +9 more... Redzo, Nicol; Maunganidze, Aspect; Magure, Tsitsi; Ndhlovu, Chiratidzo; Mujuru, Hilda; Rusakaniko, Simbarashe; Manangazira, Portia; Ferrand, Rashida A; Kranzer, Katharina; (2021) Comprehensive occupational health services for healthcare workers in Zimbabwe during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. PloS one, 16 (11). e0260261-. ISSN 1932-6203 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260261
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. In low- and middle- income countries, they may be particularly impacted by underfunded health systems, lack of personal protective equipment, challenging working conditions and barriers in accessing personal healthcare. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, occupational health screening was implemented at the largest public sector medical centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, during the "first wave" of the country's COVID-19 epidemic. Clients were voluntarily screened for symptoms of COVID-19, and if present, offered a SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection assay. In addition, measurement of height, weight, blood pressure and HbA1c, HIV and TB testing, and mental health screening using the Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ-14) were offered. An interviewer-administered questionnaire ascertained client knowledge and experiences related to COVID-19. RESULTS: Between 27th July and 30th October 2020, 951 healthcare workers accessed the service; 210 (22%) were tested for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 12 (5.7%) tested positive. Clients reported high levels of concern about COVID-19 which declined with time, and faced barriers including lack of resources for infection prevention and control. There was a high prevalence of largely undiagnosed non-communicable disease: 61% were overweight or obese, 34% had a blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or above, 10% had an HbA1c diagnostic of diabetes, and 7% had an SSQ-14 score consistent with a common mental disorder. Overall 8% were HIV-positive, with 97% previously diagnosed and on treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers mirrored the national epidemic curve. Implementation of comprehensive occupational health services during a pandemic was feasible, and uptake was high. Other comorbidities were highly prevalent, which may be risk factors for severe COVID-19 but are also important independent causes of morbidity and mortality. Healthcare workers are critical to combatting COVID-19; it is essential to support their physical and psychological wellbeing during the pandemic and beyond.
Item Type | Article |
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Faculty and Department |
Faculty of Public Health and Policy > Dept of Global Health and Development Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases > Dept of Clinical Research |
Research Centre |
?? XZIM ?? Covid-19 Research |
PubMed ID | 34813627 |
Elements ID | 168543 |
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