Browsing by Author "Dzansi, G."

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Effects of perceived workplace politics in hospitals on nurses behavioural intentions in Ghana
(2014) Atinga, R.A.,; Domfeh, K.A.,; Kayi, E.,; Abuosi, A.A.; Dzansi, G.
AIM: To examine the effects of perceived workplace politics in hospitals on nurses' job satisfaction, commitment, exit intention, job neglect, absenteeism and performance. BACKGROUND: One of the factors contributing to nurses' poor advancement in clinical practice is the existence of petty politics, which has given rise to competing self-interest. However, little evidence exists to inform policy direction on the implication of politics on nurses' behaviour. METHOD: A total of 610 nurses comprising associate and nursing professionals completed a structured questionnaire modelled on workplace politics and its outcome variables. Descriptive statistics and mean comparisons were used to analyse data. A multivariate regression model was computed to examine association between perceived politics and nurses' behavioural intentions. RESULT: Perceived politics potentially leads to decline in job satisfaction, commitment and work performance. However, perceived workplace politics is associated with high intention to leave, negligent behaviour and absenteeism. CONCLUSION: Measures aimed at improving nursing management and health-care delivery should be directed at minimising the use of politics to promote self-interest. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Evidence-based best practices in nursing management centred on the creation of an enabling environment for nurses to participate in decision-making should be given critical attention.
Effects of perceived workplace politics in hospitals on nurses' behavioural intentions in Ghana
(Journal of Nursing Management, 2014) Atinga, R.A.; Domfeh, K.A.; Kayi, E.; Abuosi, A.; Dzansi, G.
To examine the effects of perceived workplace politics in hospitals on nurses' job satisfaction, commitment, exit intention, job neglect, absenteeism and performance. Background: One of the factors contributing to nurses' poor advancement in clinical practice is the existence of petty politics, which has given rise to competing self-interest. However, little evidence exists to inform policy direction on the implication of politics on nurses' behaviour. Method: A total of 610 nurses comprising associate and nursing professionals completed a structured questionnaire modelled on workplace politics and its outcome variables. Descriptive statistics and mean comparisons were used to analyse data. A multivariate regression model was computed to examine association between perceived politics and nurses' behavioural intentions. Result: Perceived politics potentially leads to decline in job satisfaction, commitment and work performance. However, perceived workplace politics is associated with high intention to leave, negligent behaviour and absenteeism. Conclusion: Measures aimed at improving nursing management and health-care delivery should be directed at minimising the use of politics to promote self-interest. Implication for nursing management: Evidence-based best practices in nursing management centred on the creation of an enabling environment for nurses to participate in decision-making should be given critical attention. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effects of perceived workplace politics in hospitals on nurses’ behavioural intentions in Ghana.
(2014) Atinga, R.A.; Domfeh, K.A.; Kayi, E.; Abuosi, A.; Dzansi, G.
AIM: To examine the effects of perceived workplace politics in hospitals on nurses' job satisfaction, commitment, exit intention, job neglect, absenteeism and performance. BACKGROUND: One of the factors contributing to nurses' poor advancement in clinical practice is the existence of petty politics, which has given rise to competing self-interest. However, little evidence exists to inform policy direction on the implication of politics on nurses' behaviour. METHOD: A total of 610 nurses comprising associate and nursing professionals completed a structured questionnaire modelled on workplace politics and its outcome variables. Descriptive statistics and mean comparisons were used to analyse data. A multivariate regression model was computed to examine association between perceived politics and nurses' behavioural intentions. RESULT: Perceived politics potentially leads to decline in job satisfaction, commitment and work performance. However, perceived workplace politics is associated with high intention to leave, negligent behaviour and absenteeism. CONCLUSION: Measures aimed at improving nursing management and health-care delivery should be directed at minimising the use of politics to promote self-interest. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Evidence-based best practices in nursing management centred on the creation of an enabling environment for nurses to participate in decision-making should be given critical attention.
The Experiences of Ghanaian Midwives on the Use of Nonadjustable Delivery Beds: A Qualitative Study
(SAGE, 2021) Dartey, A.F.; Dzansi, G.; Atachie, C.; Sunnu, E.; Nyande, F.K.
More often, clients have difficulty getting in and out of beds, but the adjustable features of the beds make it possible for them to be comfortable, regardless of their condition. This situation may not be the same if nonadjustable delivery beds (NADBs) are used in conducting deliveries at health care facilities. This study explored the experiences of midwives using NADBs in selected Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) hospitals in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methods: The study employed an exploratory qualitative research design with purposive sampling. Semistructured interview data were audio recorded. The inclusion criteria were professional midwives with at least 1 year of working skills and the midwives should have conducted deliveries using NADBs during their practice. Data were collected concurrently with data transcription and analyzed using content analysis. Saturation was reached after the 20th interview. Results: Three themes emerged from the study: NADBs not comfortable to work with, assumption of awkward postures, and the nature of the delivery beds. Conclusion: The findings of the study show that midwives experience several setbacks in the use of NADBs in conducting deliveries as they sacrifice their health for work.
Factors Influencing Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among Persons Living with Hiv in Accra Metropolis
(University of Ghana, 2016-01) Cobblah, P.; Naab, F.; Dzansi, G.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an essential component in the management of HIV/AIDS. This research explored the factors influencing adherence to ART among persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) in the Accra Metropolis. An explorative descriptive qualitative design was used to explore the factors influencing adherence to ART among PLWHIV. A total of fourteen (14) participants living with HIV were purposively recruited from the ART clinic in a public Hospital in the Accra Metropolis. In-depth interviews were conducted with each participant lasting about 30-45 minutes. The social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura was used as an organizing framework. The study described the participants‟ behavioural adherence to ART and identified the cognitive and personal factors influencing such adherence. The findings revealed that the factors influencing adherence to ART are categorised into behavioural adherence, personal factors, treatment and self-efficacy factors and environmental factors. Consequently, there is the need for continuous education of PLWHIV on the benefits of adherence to ART.
Family Dynamics in the HIV/AIDS Care Cascade: An Insider Lens
(University of Ghana, 2019-03-26) Dzansi, G.; Anim-Boamah, K.
The narratives about HIV/AIDS at the initial stages of the disease was focused on preventing new infections, finding treatment and reducing mortality. Today, the improved access to treatment is increasing the number of people living with HIV/AIDS. The World health Organisation (WHO) noted that about 36.9 million people were living with HIV as at 2017 out of which 25.7 million were from Africa and 310, 000 from Ghana. Notably, Africa is a continent that places value on family life and social networks. While some families maintained strong bonds, other families faced with the menace of HIV/AIDS are at risk of losing family cohesion due to the negative perception and causality ideations about HIV/AIDS. Stigma is one of the major factors emanating from the internal and external environment of people diagnosed with HIV. The family is one of the social systems that facilitates or inhibits response and adjustment to difficult situations including the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness like HIV. It is for this reason that I explore how HIV/AIDS is affecting the family as a social institution. The presentation is a synthesis of information from professional, tacit and a scoping review lens. The questions pivoting the discussion include; How do people living with HIV/AIDS relate with their family members? What factors influence their family relations? What interventions would improve family life experiences for people living with HIV/AIDS? How are Nurses and Midwives positioning themselves within the HIV/AIDS care cascade in order to respond to the family dynamics? The family which is threatened by HIV/AIDS need information, motivation, care and support to navigate their experiences in a way that prevent maladaptation and family disintegration. Disintegration of the family contributes to existing socioeconomic burden; therefore, the clarion call is for all to arise and save the family through thinking through solutions, demonstrating a heart of love and a hand ready to care for a family living with an HIV reactive member.
Health-Seeking Behavior of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis B in Peri-Urban Ghana: Application of the Health Belief Model
(SAGE Open, 2024) Adjei,C.A.; Ampem,K.D.; Dzansi, G.; Tenkorang-Twum, D.; Klutse, K.D.
Sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B. In Ghana, the burden of hepatitis B is unevenly distributed, with the Brong Ahafo region having the highest prevalence (13.7%). Given that people with hepatitis B (PWHB) in Ghana have previously been found to have a lack of understanding of the impact of the infection, we sought to explore their health-seeking behaviour using the health belief model as an organising framework. A qualitative exploratory design was used. In total, 18 people were purposively selected for face-to-face interviews. The data was processed and analysed using QSR NVivo version 11.0 and the Braun and Clarke thematic analysis procedure. The belief that hepatitis B can cause liver cancer and death was the most important determinant of health seeking. Furthermore, access to accurate hepatitis B information, particularly information about availability of effective hepatitis B treatment, influenced a number of participants to seek formal care. However, the high cost of clinical monitoring and treatment to use herbal medicine, despite their concerns about the effectiveness of herbal medicines in managing hepatitis B. Given that hepatitis B information was a factor in health seeking, it is recommended that a hepatitis B awareness campaign focusing on the availability of hepatitis B treatment and where it can be obtained be carried out in the study area. Counselling PWHB at the point of diagnosis should highlight the relevance of life-long clinical monitoring. To remove financial barriers to hepatitis B care in Ghana, the government should include the cost of hepatitis B laboratory investigations and treatment in the health insurance scheme.
The Image of Nurses and Midwives in Ghana: Patient and Family Perspectives
(Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 2022) Ohene, L.A.; Acheampong, A.K.; Dzansi, G.; Kyei, J.; Adjei, C.A.; Adjorlolo, S.; Asante, I.N.A.; Woolley, P.; Nyante, F.; Aziato, L.
This study aims to explore the perceptions of patients and family caregivers on the image of nurses and midwives in Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory descriptive approach. A total of 25 participants were interviewed during data collection. Content and thematic analysis were applied in the data analysis to develop themes. The findings are captured under two major themes that describe the primary influences on participant images of nurses: Thus, (1) nurses’ and midwives’ attributes with four subthemes; staff appearance, communication strategies and behaviors, work attitudes, and professional competence and (2) patients’ status and subthemes were; uneducated poor and educated rich. We conclude that patients and families in Ghana recognize the professional attributes of the nurse and midwife, which reflect in their personality, grooming, communication, competencies, and attitudes. However, low publicity of the professional roles of nurses and midwives may have negative repercussions for their professional image. A policy to perform a regular public audit on the image of the Nurse/Midwife is important for professional advancement.
Institutional drivers for integrating palliative care services in a hospital in a sub-Saharan African military hospital context
(Palliative Care & Social Practice, 2024) Boateng, S.A.; Okyere, J.; Attafuah, P.Y.A.; Dzansi, G.
Background: The growing burden of life-threatening illnesses and advancements in care interventions call for the intentional integration of palliative care services into existing care systems. The absence of active, functioning palliative care services in most hospitals in Ghana is a major concern. This study explored the factors influencing the integration of palliative care services in one of such institutions. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the institutional drivers of palliative care integration in a military health facility. Design: Exploratory qualitative study. Methods: We employed a qualitative exploratory study design situated within a constructivist paradigm. A purposive sampling method was used to select and interview 11 healthcare professionals. A semistructured interview was used to conduct face-to-face, in-depth interviews with participants between April and May 2022. A thematic data analysis was done based on the Braun and Clarke analysis process with the aid of QSR NVivo-12. Results: The six themes that describe the institutional driving factors for integrating palliative care services were cognitive restructuring, supportive logistics and infrastructure, staffing, healthcare professional skills, institutional policies and priorities, and utilization of focal persons. It was observed that a paradigm shift in the mindset of healthcare professionals and administrators was a major driver that would determine the integration of palliative care services. A cognitive restructuring will facilitate a more aggressive integration of palliative care services because logistics, staffing, and medication access will be prioritized. Conclusion: Institutions have the responsibility of aligning with the WHO policy on palliative care service access and must invest in training, staffing, prioritizing palliative care needs and policies, procurement of essential drugs, and the provision of logistics and supportive infrastructure to scale up the implementation of palliative care services
Mental health burden among females living with HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
(Plos Global Public Health, 2024) Boakye, D.S.; Setordzi, M.; Dzansi, G.
Mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety, are common in women and young girls living with HIV/ AIDS particularly in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries where women’s vulnerability to psychiatric symptoms is heightened due to the prevalent intersectional stressors such as stigma and intimate partner violence. However, no synthesized evidence exists on the mental health burden of females living with HIV/AIDS (FLWHA) in Africa. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the mental health burden among FLWHA in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic literature review of articles published from 2013–2023 was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). Five electronic databases; PubMed, MEDLINE with full text, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, and Health Source: Nursing Academic Edition were searched for articles published in English. Nineteen articles (15 quantitative, 3 qualitative, and 1 case study) from over 7 African countries met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies’ quality was determined to be moderate. The prevalence of depression ranged from 5.9 to 61% and anxiety from 28.9 to 61%. Mental health burden was a logical outcome of HIV diagnosis. Predic tors of mental health outcomes in the context of HIV/AIDS were identified as intimate partner violence (IPV), stigma, childhood traumas, sexual abuse, poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. Social support and resilience were identified as protective factors against mental illness in FLWHA. Mental illness had a deleterious effect on viral suppression rates among FLWHA, resulting in delayed initiation of antiretroviral therapy treatment and increased mortality but had no impact on immune reconstitution in the face of ART adherence. Given the high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety and their relationship with HIV progression, it is crucial that mental health care services are integrated into routine HIV care.
Mothers' perspectives of physical and psychological issues associated with caring for Ghanaian children living with tuberculosis: A qualitative study
(Nursing Open, 2022) Tornu, E.; Dzansi, G.; Wilson, D.M.; Richter, S.
im: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the mothers' perspectives on issues associated with caring for Ghanaian children aged 0–14 years living with tuberculosis. Design: Exploratory descriptive qualitative design. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted face to face with 15 purposively sampled mothers from two health facilities in the Greater Accra area. Transcribed data were analysed using computer-enhanced thematic analysis. Results: Findings were grouped into (1) physical burden on the mothers and (2) psy chological burden on mothers. The eight subthemes indicate that mothers of children living with tuberculosis experienced tiredness, sleeplessness, body pains, weight loss and sicknesses as they cared for their children. In addition to worrying, mothers experienced stigma and negative emotions such as sadness, guilt, fear and loneliness. Conclusion: Mothers of children diagnosed with tuberculosis in Ghana experience physical and psychological health problems related to their caregiving roles. Nurses and other healthcare providers should identify specific problems and offer broadbased emotional and other support for these women.
Nurses’ and midwives’ perspectives on participation in national policy development, review and reforms in Ghana: a qualitative study
(BMC Nursing, 2021) Acheampong, A.K.; Ohene, L.A.; Asante, I.N.A.; Kyei, J.; Dzansi, G.; Adjei, C.A.; Adjorlolo, S.; Boateng, F.; Woolley, P.; Nyante, F.; Aziato, L.
Background: The World Health Organization has admonished member countries to strive towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through actionable health policies and strategies. Nurses and midwives have instrumental roles in achieving UHC via health policy development and implementation. However, there is a paucity of empirical data on nurses and midwives’ participation in policy development in Ghana. The current study explored nurses and midwives’ participation in policy development, reviews and reforms in Ghana. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory design was adopted for this study. One-on-one individual interviews were conducted after 30 participants were purposefully selected. Data was audiotaped with permission, transcribed and analyzed inductively using the content analysis procedures. Results: Two main themes emerged from the data: participation in policy development and perspectives on policy reviews and reforms. The findings showed that during health policy development and reviews, nurses in Ghana were overlooked and unacknowledged. Policy reforms regarding bridging the pre-service preparation gap, staff development and motivation mechanisms and influence on admission into nursing schools were raised. Conclusion: The authors concluded that nurses and midwives are crucial members of the healthcare systems and their inputs in policy development and reviews would improve health delivery in Ghana.
Perception of Dieners Regarding Social Acceptance and the Right toWork: A Qualitative Study
(SAGE Open, 2024) Dartey, F. A.; Dzansi, G.; Nyande, F. K.; et al
Globally, the right to work is a modest human right. It is a right acknowledged under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which delineates the various types of work. As such, each person is at liberty to take up any job granted that one has the capacity and skills. This decision must be free from stigma or discrimination. However, this is not the case with mortuary attendants in Ghana. This study explored the viewpoints of Ghanaian mortuary attendants and how society perceives their rights to work. The study used a qualitative research approach, with exploratory and descriptive designs, that sought an indepth understanding from sampled mortuary attendants on the perception of their community members toward their work. Saturation was attained with nineteen (19) participants from nine (9) health facilities located in the three regions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and audio recorded with concurrent data transcription and analysis using content analysis. Purposive sampling was used. The study included male or female mortuary employees with at least 1 year of working experience. The themes that emerged were as follows; self-stigma, public stigma, stigma-by-association, and structural stigma. The results were structured according to a stigma model. The study reveals high levels of stigmatization and discrimination against mortuary attendants. Researchers recommend the need for public education, and policy changes to reverse the scornful stigmatization and discrimination against death care workers and those in related profiles.
Perception of nurses on the use of mobile phone text messaging for the management of diabetes mellitus in rural Ghana
(Nursing Open, 2023) Korsah, K.A.; Abdulai, E.; Dzansi, G.; Gamor, N.
Aim: This study aims to explore the perception of nurses on the use of mobile phone SMS for managing diabetes in rural Ghana. Design: Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative Design. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit (13) participants relative to data saturation after ethical clearance (REDACTED); using a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Participants believe SMS was useful in facilitating interaction between nurses, clients, family and statistically significant others; improving medication adherence and supporting blood glucose monitoring. The use of infographics was preferred to traditional SMS among digitally literate patients and voice calls for those who were illiterate. Participants had limited knowledge of downloadable diabetic applications. Participants were willing to accept and use SMS for the management of diabetes mellitus. Patient or Public Contribution: Thirteen nurses actively participated in the study
Psychological well-being of patients recovering from abdominal surgery: A qualitative study
(Elsevier, 2022) Akortiakuma, J.K.; Dzansi, G.; Aziato, L.
Background Patients recovering from abdominal surgeries may experience several psychological issues which affect their well-being and adversely impact recovery. This study sought to explore the postoperative recovery experiences focusing on psychological well-being after abdominal surgery in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Methods The study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Participants aged 21-63 years were recruited using the purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews with 15 participants subject to data saturation. Each interview was transcribed, read repeatedly, coded, labeled, and grouped using a framework analysis approach. Results Psychological well-being was poor after surgery but improved with positive recovery experiences. Participants experienced compromised psychological well-being due to anxiety, depression, abandonment, and lack of concentration. The anxiety was associated with delayed wound healing, wound discharges, surgical site infection, and wound dehiscence. Some participants felt abandoned by family while social interaction with friends and loved ones gave others hope. Postoperative pain and the fear of barrenness after surgery made some depressed. Loss of memory and concentration also affected their cognitive well-being. Self-motivation, mastering self-care roles, adhering to treatment, and hope of recovery facilitated psychological well-being. Conclusions Psychological well-being after abdominal surgery affects postoperative recovery. Psychological assessment and informational support for patients recovering from abdominal surgery will facilitate navigating the recovery experience. Developing a comprehensive follow-up system of care to facilitate continuity of care and offering professional support needs to be explored.
Qualitative study on the biological hazards associated with mortuary work: the Ghanaian perspective
(Journal of Hospital Infection, 2022) Dartey, A.F.; Dzansi, G.; Akortiakumah, J.K.; Asiamah, E.A.; Raji, A.S.; Osei, S.
Background: Workplace safety and health are significant public health concerns for maintaining a low-risk environment. In Africa and Ghana, most mortuaries are not well resourced, nor do they follow universal standard precautions for infection prevention. As a result, mortuary attendants are exposed to numerous biological hazards that threaten their health and well-being, and cause anxiety about contracting infectious diseases while attending to corpses. Objectives: To explore the biological hazards faced by mortuary attendants in Ghana in three selected regions. Methods: A qualitative research approach was used, together with an exploratory, descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate the biological hazards faced by mortuary attendants. Purposive sampling was used, and saturation was reached with 19 participants. Results: Most mortuary attendants reported exposure to infections through direct contact with bodily fluids. In addition, exposure to potentially contaminated syringes and needles, non-adherence to universal standard precautions for corpse handling, and the poor condition of storage systems and the work environment increase the risk of infection. Conclusion and recommendations: Mortuary attendants are exposed to biological hazards such as human immunodeficiency virus and other blood-borne diseases, making them hesitant to work and affecting their concentration. This study recommends the urgent provision of functioning cold rooms to preserve the integrity of corpses, personal protective equipment, and adequate training of mortuary attendants on universal standard precautions to improve working environments.
A qualitative study on women’s breast cancer diagnosis disclosure preferences and disclosure experiences in a middle-income country
(International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 2023) Osei-Tutu, F.; Iddrisu, M.; Dzansi, G.; et al.
With the increasing cancer incidence in Ghana especially breast cancer among women, its diagnosis and prog nosis present enormous fear and worry for women and their families. Thus, breaking the news of breast cancer diagnosis to patients presents enormous difficulty to healthcare professionals. Aim: This study sought to explore the preferences of people living with breast cancer regarding the disclosure of their diagnosis. Methods: The study used an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design to recruit and interviewed 17 women diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving treatment in a National Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Center of a major Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s 2006 thematic analysis approach. Findings: Two major themes, six subthemes, and five sub-subthemes were generated from the data. The study found that patients preferred detailed information on the stage of their cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and the lifestyle necessary to enhance their health. The participants preferred that the news of their diagnosis be broken to them gradually in the form of a conversation with consolatory gestures, without any hidden infor mation. From the study, clinicians do not follow any specific systematic method in the disclosure process, cli nicians used a conversation approach involving consolation, encouragement, comic words, and pampering mostly in disclosing cancer diagnosis which was found relieving. In conclusion, People living with breast cancer prefer full gradual disclosure of diagnosis in a conducive envi ronment in the presence of loved ones in a humane manner
Use of mobile phone among patients with HIV/AIDS in a low-middle income setting: a descriptive exploratory study
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2022) Dzansi, G.; Chipps, J.; Lartey, M.
The use of mobile phone and factors influencing usage have least been explored in spite of its relevance in mHealth adoption. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study to evaluate the use of mobile phone alarm application, text messaging and voice call among HIV positive clients. We randomly selected 362 respondents who were 18–65 years and receive care from two health facilities in Accra, Ghana. Questionnaires were administered and data analysed to describe and predict mobile phone use. SPSS version 20 was used to process data for analysis. Findings revealed respondent (n = 338, 93%) did not share their mobile phones. Voice call was predominantly used (n = 227, 63%) while text messaging and mobile alarm functions were sparingly used. Majority (n = 285, 78.9%) did not use the mobile phone application to support adherence. Age and employment predicted the use of mobile phone alarm (OR ± 1.56, p < 0.05), test messaging (OR ± 1.48, p < 0.05) and voice calls (OR ± 1.25, p < 0.05). We observed that younger age and employment influence the use of mobile phones. Voice calls are more acceptable because it is simple and easy to use. Knowledge and persuasion are fundamental to mobile phone literacy skills development and should be integrated in mHealth interventions.
Work-related psychosocial challenges and coping strategies among nursing workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
(BMC Nursing, 2023) Iddrisu, M.; Poku, C.A.; Mensah, E.; Attafuah, P.Y.A.; Dzansi, G.; Adjorlolo, S.
Background Nurses and midwives have been stretched by the COVID-19 pandemic amidst the heroic roles they have played during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses stood tall among their peers in the healthcare industry saving lives. The pandemic has had a toll on nurses physically, psychologically, and socio-economically. The numerous deaths have traumatized nurses coupled with the fear of possible infection. Nurses have seen their colleagues and loved ones lose their lives to the pandemic, nevertheless, they still render care to patients no matter the circumstances. Due to that, it is imperative to ascertain the extent to which nurses who are much needed in healthcare delivery have been affected by this pandemic. This scoping review used Arksey and O’Malley’s review methodology to investigate the nature of work-related psychosocial challenges nurses encountered during the peak of the pandemic, noting the major contributors to the challenges and the coping strategies used to address them. Methods We performed a scoping review and searched for articles from five databases including PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Grey literature from December 2019 to December 2021. A total of 7,334 articles were retrieved for the study but 45 met the inclusion criteria. Results Work-related psychosocial challenges identified included stress, burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Factors that accounted for the challenges were inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs), discomfort using the PPEs, extreme workload, and fatigue. Nurses experienced job insecurity, business closure, and separation from family and loved ones, and these contributed to their challenges. Strategies used to deal with the challenges centred on emotion-focused and problem-focused coping. Conclusions The study recommends regular counselling and support for all nurses working at the frontline to help them better cope with the devastating effects of the pandemic so that they could build resilience towards future pandemics.