Health Care Workers In Vietnam Research Articles

Impact of multifaceted interventions on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of adverse drug reactions reporting among healthcare workers in Vietnam: a comparative intervention study

BackgroundKnowledge, attitude, and practice of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and ADRs reporting among healthcare workers were related to the quality and ADRs reporting rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the multifaceted interventions on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers and to compare the proportion of spontaneous ADRs reports at the study center, before and after instituting multifaceted interventions.MethodsA comparative intervention study was conducted among healthcare workers at the hospital. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire before and after instituting the multifaceted interventions to assess the KAP of ADRs and their reporting. The impact of the multifaceted interventions was assessed by comparing their correct responses to the KAP questions and the proportion of spontaneous ADRs reports before and after the interventions. The pre- and post-intervention scores for KAP questions were compared usingMcNemar test by R Language.Results388 healthcare workers completed the study. The proportion of participants qualified for ADRs reporting increased significantly, from 73.5% (pre–intervention) to 99.2% (post–intervention) for knowledge scores, from 70.6% to 91.8% for attitude scores, and from 81.4% to 97.2% for practice scores (p < 0.001). Similarly, the number of spontaneous ADRs reports increased by 31% after 3 months of interventions.ConclusionMultifaceted interventions instituted at the study center improved the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health workers towards ADRs and spontaneous reporting. It would be beneficial to implement such interventions in other hospitals in Vietnam.

Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention to Improve Safe Handling of Chemotherapeutic Drugs Among Healthcare Workers in Vietnam

Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention to Improve Safe Handling of Chemotherapeutic Drugs Among Healthcare Workers in Vietnam

Personality traits are associated with physical symptoms, mental disorders, fear of COVID-19 and Health-related quality of life among frontline healthcare workers following COVID-19 pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study in Vietnam

ObjectiveThere is no evidence about the effects of personal traits on physical health, mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in healthcare workers in Vietnam, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to measure associations between the personality of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Vietnam and their physical health, mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). MethodsA multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted on 245 HCWs in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) was used to measure HCWs’ personality. Physical Health Questionnaire-14 (PHQ-14), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 7 (GAD7) and EuroQOL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5 L) instruments were used to measure physical health, mental health and HRQOL. Multivariate Tobit regression models were used. ResultsThe mean EPI Extraversion and Neuroticism scores were 8.75/24 (SD=5.66) and 8.69/24 (SD=6.30). The Extraversion score was negatively associated with PHQ14 respiratory infection (Coef.= - 0.13, 95 %CI=-0.24; -0.02) and GAD7 score (Coef. = -0.22, 95 %CI= - 0.40; -0.04). The Neuroticism score was positively correlated with PHQ14 gastrointestinal issue score, PHQ14 headache score, PHQ14 respiratory infection score, PHQ14 sleep disruption score, PQH14 total score, PHQ9 score, GAD7 score and fear of COVID-19 score, while negatively correlated with EQ-5D index (Coef. = -0.006, 95 %CI= -0.010; -0.002). ConclusionThis study indicated that personality had potential roles in impacting the physical and mental well-being of HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions to implement mindfulness practices, enhance overall well-being, and foster group dynamics among HCWs should be warranted..

Dementia care practices among community healthcare workers in Vietnam: a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundVietnam is one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world and the likelihood that someone may have dementia rises dramatically as the population ages. Although caring for persons living with dementia is important, little is known about the circumstances under which community healthcare professionals in Vietnam provide dementia care. This study aimed to describe the practice of caring for persons with dementia among community healthcare professionals in Vietnam.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 23 community healthcare professionals recruited from 10 primary healthcare centers, representing 10 of 24 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Participants were physicians (n = 11), physician’s assistants (n = 8) and community nurses (n = 4). Data were collected through in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Interview data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe mean age of the 23 participants was 44.6 ± 8.8 years; most were female (n = 16, 69.6%); and the mean time of working in the field of dementia care was 15.9 ± 8.4 years. Analysis of the interview data revealed five categories, which informed how care was provided: 1) Knowledge about dementia and its prevalence among older adults; 2) Identification of dementia in Vietnam; 3) Lack of attention to early diagnosis of dementia and difficulty in providing continuous care; 4) Dependence on family members for prompt and continuous care; and 5) challenges to providing dementia care. Despite having knowledge about dementia, some healthcare professionals incorrectly viewed dementia as an inevitable part of the ageing process. Participants reported that their limited training and practical experience in caring for persons with dementia caused a lack of confidence in dementia care.ConclusionsThe quality of care provided to persons living with dementia was negatively impacted by the limited training of healthcare personnel. The diagnosis, treatment, and provision of supportive services to persons living with dementia and their families are substantial challenges for the Vietnamese healthcare system. It is crucial to initiate and cultivate dementia care education programs aimed at expanding curricula for physicians, physicians’ assistants, and nurses.

A Survey of Pharmacists and Other Healthcare Professionals in Vietnam: Factors Influencing Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions.

Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals are significant factors that affect the reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). No previous research has examined the predictors of knowledge and attitudes toward ADR reporting in Vietnam. The aim of this study was to examine the factors (ie, demographic and job-related characteristics) associated with inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes toward ADR reporting in a Vietnamese public hospital. A survey recruited a cross-sectional sample of 511 healthcare professionals (with a response rate of 92.9%) at a public hospital in Vinh Long province, Vietnam, from December 2022 to February 2023, using a self-administered questionnaire. Factors related to knowledge and attitudes toward ADR reporting were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Pharmacists had significantly lower knowledge scores (mean = 5.86) than medical practitioners (7.24) and nurses (6.72). Additionally, pharmacists' attitudes scored significantly lower (34.61) than those of medical practitioners (37.21) and nurses (36.86). Multivariate logistic regression showed that educational level, healthcare profession, monthly on-call shifts, and number of direct patient interactions were factors associated with a lower level of knowledge regarding ADR reporting. Additionally, age group and healthcare profession were identified as factors associated with negative attitudes toward ADR reporting among healthcare workers. Our study identified several factors associated with lower levels of knowledge and negative attitudes toward ADR reporting among healthcare workers in Vietnam. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and education programs to improve healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes toward ADR reporting.

Abstract 14: Barriers to Effective Safe Handling of Chemotherapeutic Drugs Among Healthcare Workers in Vietnam: Needs Assessment by Electronic Survey

Abstract Purpose: To identify barriers and facilitators of effective safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs among healthcare workers in hospitals across Vietnam. Methods: We used Qualtrics to design a 45-question structured questionnaire in English and Vietnamese survey to assess the safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs. This questionnaire was distributed as an anonymous online survey through the e-mail listserv of the Vietnam Pediatric Oncology Association in August 2022. Survey instruments included years of practice, types of prior training, knowledge, personal practice, and organizational factors. Respondents were asked whether they used specific personal protective equipment (PPE) in the steps of preparation, administration, and disposal of chemotherapeutic drugs. Results: The survey was distributed to 310 healthcare workers at 14 children’s hospitals. Sixty-two healthcare workers from 13 hospitals completed the survey (response rate 20%). Among those who completed the survey, diverse occupations were represented (39 nurses, 21 physicians, and 2 pharmacists). Forty-six had received prior training in the safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs, and 25 had longer than ten years of practice. Forty-two workers reported involvement in the administration of chemotherapy, and 17 reported wearing chemotherapy gloves (compliant group) while 25 wore other types of gloves or no gloves at all (non-compliant group). Thirty-six workers (86%) reported the availability of chemotherapy gloves, and 38 (90%) were aware that not all gloves provide the same level of protection. In the compliant group, 71% (n = 12) were aware of institutional policies at their workplaces, while only 36% of the non-compliant group (n = 9) reported awareness of the institutional policies. When stratified according to the availability of institutional policy, long years of practice were more common in the compliant group. Conclusion: Overall, respondents reported having supplies of gloves and knowledge of glove use. Those who used chemotherapy gloves were generally aware of institutional policies and had longer years of practice. The next step will involve reviewing institutional policy at each institution and studying how long years of practice influence the practice of safe handling. Citation Format: Cham Nguyen, Linda Abramovitz, Kim Lien Nguyen, Bao Truong, Michelle Hermiston. Barriers to Effective Safe Handling of Chemotherapeutic Drugs Among Healthcare Workers in Vietnam: Needs Assessment by Electronic Survey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 14.

Sleep Quality and Poor Sleep-related Factors Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the workload of healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting their health. This study aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and identify factors associated with poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, 1000 frontline HCWs were recruited from various healthcare facilities in Vietnam between October 2021 and November 2021. Data were collected using a 3-part self-administered questionnaire, which covered demographics, sleep quality, and factors related to poor sleep. Poor sleep quality was defined as a total PSQI score of 5 or higher. Participants' mean age was 33.20±6.81 years (range, 20.0-61.0), and 63.0% were women. The median work experience was 8.54±6.30 years. Approximately 6.3% had chronic comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. About 59.5% were directly responsible for patient care and treatment, while 7.1% worked in tracing and sampling. A total of 73.8% reported poor sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between poor sleep quality and the presence of chronic comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 5.24), being a frontline HCW directly involved in patient care and treatment (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.16), increased working hours (OR, 1.84; 95% CI,1.37 to 2.48), and a higher frequency of encountering critically ill and dying patients (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95). The high prevalence of poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that in other countries. Working conditions should be adjusted to improve sleep quality among this population.

SG-APSIC1116: Assessing COVID-19 symptoms in infected healthcare workers in Vietnam

Objectives: In early 2021, when the COVID-19 vaccine was scarce in Vietnam, healthcare workers (HCWs) were prioritized for vaccination due to high risk of occupational exposure. However, there is some COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy within HCW communities. Assessing COVID-19 severity among vaccinated and nonvaccinated HCWs would contribute essential information to assure people of vaccine effectiveness and reduce vaccine hesitancy. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, Vietnam, from May to June 2021. Clinical and epidemiological data from HCWs with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were collected. The severity of symptoms were classified according to Vietnam Ministry of Health guideline (Decision no. 3416 issued July 14, 2021) into 5 categories: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical conditions Results: Overall, 25 HCWs qualified for this study (14 women and 11 men), with a median age of 31 years. Among them, 3 HCWs were infected due to community exposure, and the rest were infected due to occupational exposure. Also, 3 HCWs received the Astra Zeneca vaccine before being infected with SARS-CoV-2 (one fully vaccinated with 2 doses and the other 2 had had the first dose). Categorized by the severity of infection, 28% were asymptomatic, 44% had mild symptoms, 20% had moderate symptoms, and 8% experienced severe symptoms. All 3 vaccinated HCWs showed only mild symptoms. Cough and sore throat were the main symptoms recorded (60%), followed by fever (56%). Blood test results did not show significant differences between the severe and mild COVID-19 groups. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination reduced the severity of COVID-19 in this small sample of HCWs. Full COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for HCWs to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to limit the number of cases with severe disease.

SG-APSIC1011: Factors associated with improved knowledge of COVID-19 prevention and control following a training of healthcare workers in Vietnam

Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 is a novel and highly infectious virus. An effective response requires rapid training of healthcare workers (HCWs). We measured the change in knowledge related to COVID-19 and associated factors before and after training of HCWs in Vietnam. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate HCW knowledge related to prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 before and after attending a 2-day training-of-trainers course. Between June and September 2020, 963 HCWs from 194 hospitals in 21 provinces received the training. HCW knowledge was assessed using a 20-item questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions at the beginning and closing of the training course. A participant received 1 point for each correct answer. He or she was considered to have improved knowledge the posttest score was higher than the pretest score with a score ≥15 on the posttest. We applied the McNemar test and logistic regression model to test the level of association between demographic factors and change in knowledge of COVID-19. Results: Overall, 100% of HCWs completed both the pretest and posttest. At baseline, only 14.7% scored ≥15. Following the training, 78.4% scored ≥15 and 64.3% had improved knowledge according to the predetermined definition. Questions related to the order of PPE donning and doffing and respiratory specimen collection procedures were identified as having the greatest improvement (44.6% and 60.7%, respectively). Being female (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.0), having a postgraduate degree (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4–4.4), working in a nonmanager position (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1), previous contact with a COVID-19 patient (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.0), and working in northern Vietnam (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4–2.6), were associated with greater knowledge improvement. Conclusions: Most HCWs demonstrated improved knowledge of COVID-19 prevention and control after attending the training. Particular groups may benefit from additional training: those who are male, leaders and managers, those who hold an undergraduate degree, and those who work in the southern provinces.

Mental Well-Being of Health Care Workers in Vietnam During the Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact of COVID-19 Exposure, Anxiety, and Resilience Capacity.

Mental Well-Being of Health Care Workers in Vietnam During the Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact of COVID-19 Exposure, Anxiety, and Resilience Capacity.

Knowledge and Self-Protective Practices Against COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Vietnam.

Background: In middle-income countries such as Vietnam, where healthcare resources are already constrained, protecting healthcare workers (HCWs) is essential for ensuring the sustainability of COVID-19 response in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices regarding the prevention of the COVID-19 among the HCWs in Vietnam to identify the ways of disseminating information to maximize the safety of these essential workers.Methods: An online cross-sectional study, using respondent-driven sampling, was conducted in Vietnam with 742 participants within 2 weeks. The validity of the questionnaire was examined by exploratory factor analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the level of knowledge and practices among the HCWs to prevent the COVID-19. Inferential statistics and regression modeling were used to identify the associated factors with results.Results: Vietnamese HCWs had a high level of knowledge with more than 75% of the participants demonstrating awareness of all the modes of transmission aside from air. The mean knowledge score was 3.7 ± 0.8 (range 1–5). Nearly all the participants relied on the Ministry of Health (98.3%) and the internet (95.5%) for information regarding the COVID-19. The participants endorsed a moderately high level of self-protective practices with mean scores of 4.2 and 3.6 (band score 1–5) for the precautionary and psychological measures, respectively. Nurses were more likely to practice the precautionary measures than doctors and the HCWs at the central level were more likely to practice the psychological measures than those at the district level.Conclusion: Future education initiatives should consolidate the latest literature in an accessible format, focusing initially on the gaps of knowledge regarding aerosol transmission. These initiatives should primarily focus on the doctors, especially those in emergency and intensive care departments.

Behaviors and Attitudes Toward Smoking Among Health Care Workers at Health Facilities in 4 Provinces of Vietnam: A Representative Cross-Sectional Survey.

Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of premature death. Smoking prevalence in Vietnam ranks among the highest in Southeast Asia. Given the important role of health care workers (HCWs) in promoting and supporting smoking cessation, this project aimed to characterize the prevalence of smoking among HCWs in Vietnam, and their attitudes toward smoking cessation interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among care workers in four levels of the health system, within four provinces of Vietnam. Descriptive statistics evaluated participant attitudes, perception, behaviors, and knowledge about smoking. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated risk factors for smoking. Among 3343 HCWs, 7.5% identified as current smokers, comprising 22.2% males and 0.5% of females. Males had substantially greater odds (adjusted odds ratio = 55.3; 95% confidence interval [29.0, 105.6] of identifying as current smokers compared with females. HCWs in urban settings had higher odds of identifying as smokers compared with rural workers (adjusted odds ratio = 1.72; 95% confidence interval [1.23, 2.24]. Strong support for smoking cessation policies and interventions were identified, even among staff who smoked. HCWs play an integral role in identifying smokers and supporting smoking cessation interventions for their patients. Efforts to support affordable smoking cessation interventions within health facilities are likely to contribute to a reduction in smoking prevalence in Vietnam.

Psychosocial Impacts of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers During the Nationwide Partial Lockdown in Vietnam in April 2020.

Background: The psychosocial impact of COVID-19 is greater among healthcare workers (HCWs) than the general population. This study aims to identify psychosocial problems faced by HCWs in Vietnam during the national partial lockdown between 1 and 22 April 2020 and to identify risk factors associated with psychosocial issues among this population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the second week of April 2020 during the national lockdown in Vietnam. Snowball sampling technique was used to recruit participants through web-based surveys. The Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to assess the impact of COVID-19 on HCWs through online surveys.Results: Of the 349 HCWs, we found 22.6% reported psychosocial problems. Most of participants reported having exposure to COVID-19 daily (48.7%). The majority of them also felt that their job put them at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections (90.3%) and expressed fear of potential infection (85.7%). Despite COVID-19 risks, 95.4% of participants, however, expressed their willingness to continue working at their current health facility. In addition, 94.8% of participants believed if they or their family members had been infected, their agency leaders would have provided them with appropriate medical care. Lastly, HCWs who worked in the internal medicine department who did not take care of COVID-19 patients or expressed fear of becoming infected were more likely to have higher total IES-R scores.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the support of healthcare leaders and assurance of care might be helpful in mitigating the psychological effects of COVID-19 among HCWs in Vietnam. These resources should be tailored to HCWs who are working in different areas of health services, including staff who are not working directly with COVID-19 patients. In addition, psychosocial health resources should be provided for not only physicians but also nursing staff.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research activities: Survey of study participants and health care workers participating in a hypertension trial in Vietnam.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound worldwide impact. Vietnam, a lower middle-income country with limited resources, has successfully slowed this pandemic. The objectives of this report are to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research activities of an ongoing hypertension trial using a storytelling intervention in Vietnam.MethodsData were collected in a mixed-methods study among 86 patients and 10 health care workers participating in a clinical trial designed to improve hypertension control. Several questions related to the impact of COVID-19 on patient’s daily activities and adherence to the study interventions were included in the follow-up visits. A focus group discussion was conducted among health care workers to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on research related activities.ResultsFewer patients in the intervention group reported that they faced difficulties in adhering to prescribed study interventions, wanted to receive a call from a dedicated hotline, or have a visit from a community health worker as compared with those in the comparison group. Most study patients are willing to participate in future health research studies. When asked about the potential use of mobile phones in health research studies, fewer patients in the intervention group felt comfortable using a mobile phone for the delivery of intervention and interviews compared with those in the comparison condition. Community health workers shared that they visited patient’s homes more often than previously due to the pandemic and health care workers had to perform more virus containment activities without a corresponding increase in ancillary staff.ConclusionsBoth patients and health care workers in Vietnam faced difficulties in adhering to recommended trial interventions and procedures. Multiple approaches for intervention delivery and data collection are needed to overcome these difficulties during future health crises and enhance the implementation of future research studies.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov. Registration number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03590691 (registration date July 17, 2018).

COVID-19 vaccination intention among healthcare workers in Vietnam

Objective: To assess the acceptance of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine among healthcare workers at two general hospitals in Vietnam when it is available. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling from January to February 2021 among 410 healthcare workers at two general hospitals in Vietnam via a self-administered questionnaire. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of vaccine acceptance including the demographic factors, COVID-19 knowledge, and vaccine beliefs based on the domains of Health Belief Model. Results: Among 410 healthcare workers, 76.10% showed vaccination willingness. Predictors of acceptance were determined that the group reporting as “vaccine acceptance” was more likely to be positive towards the perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.48-4.06, P<0.05), perceived benefits of vaccination, and cues to action (OR 4.36; 95% CI 2.35-8.09, and OR 5.49; 95% CI 2.84-10.61, respectively, all P<0.001), but less likely to have the perceived barriers to vaccination (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.09-0.38; P<0.001) compared with the no acceptance group. Besides, people who had a good knowledge regarding the severity of illness were 3.37 times more likely to have identified as vaccine acceptance (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.04-10.86, P<0.05). The demographic factors were also associated with willingness to receive the vaccine, with participants who were staff and received COVID-19 information from relatives were less likely to accept the vaccine over those who were doctors and not receiving information from relatives (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.13-0.96, and OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.17-0.78, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: A rate of willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was relatively high with discrepancies between occupation, receiving information from relatives, knowledge toward the severity of illness, and the elements of Health Belief Model. The findings will provide information for the management authorities to develop relevant interventions to promote COVID-19 vaccination uptake.

Psychological Stress Risk Factors, Concerns and Mental Health Support Among Health Care Workers in Vietnam During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly affected health care workers (HCWs), including their mental health. However, there has been limited evidence on this topic in the Vietnamese context. Therefore, this study aimed to explore COVID-19-related, psychological stress risk factors among HCWs, their concerns and demands for mental health support during the pandemic period.Methods: We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. An online, self-administered questionnaire was used and distributed through social media among medical and non-medical HCWs from April 22 to May 12, 2020. HCWs were categorized either as frontline or non-frontline. We measured the prevalence of psychological stress using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) instrument. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with psychological stress among HCWs.Results: Among the 774 enrolled participants, 761 (98.3%) eligible subjects were included in the analysis. Most respondents were females (58.2%), between 31 and 40 years of age (37.1%), lived in areas where confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported (61.9%), medical HCWs (59.9%) and practiced being at the frontline (46.3%). The prevalence of stress was 34.3%. We identified significant risk factors such as being frontline HCWs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.77 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–2.67]), perceiving worse well-being as compared to those before the COVID-19 outbreak [OR = 4.06 (95% CI: 2.15–7.67)], and experiencing chronic diseases [OR = 1.67 (95% CI: (1.01–2.77)]. Majority (73.9%) were concerned about testing positive for COVID-19 and exposing the infection to their families. Web-based psychological interventions that could provide knowledge on managing mental distress and consulting services were highly demanded among HCWs.Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological stress among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was high. There were also significant risk factors associated with it. Psychological interventions involving web-based consulting services are highly recommended to provide mental health support among HCWs.

Psychosocial Support for Healthcare Workers in Vietnam During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background As a national health care system becomes overwhelmed, healthcare workers (HCWs) are challenged in unique ways. Healthcare workers have been found to experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and suicidality, along with decreased attention to self-care. The present study reviews a health education and capacity-building workshop in Vietnam, which focused on teaching HCWs how to develop positive coping and self-care strategies. Methods The three-hour workshop was presented to 856 HCWs in August, 2021, and had learning objectives related emotional intelligence, burnout, compassion fatigue, PTSD, and practical tips for self-care. Participants were surveyed eight weeks after the workshop to measure their implementation of self-care practices. Participants provided numerous comments about the helpfulness of the self-care skills they learned. Results Eighty-six percent of participants either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, I have applied what I learned about self-care to my self-care routine. Discussion Participants in the sample clearly reported that they were implementing self-care strategies; their comments strongly support that this practice was not only functional, but also meaningful. The workshop presentations specifically targeted the areas of building social support, developing positive coping styles and self-care, improving lifestyle habits, and focusing on service to community and meaning-making. The fact that the vast majority of participants reported using these skills in their work and professional lives is an important outcome. Conclusion The available evidence demonstrates that participants in the workshop have implemented new strategies in their self-care practices. International collaborators in other countries are encouraged to partner with in-country teams to market and organize similar programs, and to be prepared to address the ongoing needs of the communities they support.

A case study of an influenza vaccination program for health care workers in Vietnam

BackgroundIn 2017, the Vietnam Ministry of Health conducted a demonstration project to introduce seasonal influenza vaccination to health care workers. A total of 11,000 doses of influenza vaccine, single-dose prefilled syringes, were provided free to HCWs at 29 selected hospitals, clinics, and research institutes in four provinces: Hanoi, Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak and Ho Chi Minh City.MethodsBefore the campaign, a workshop was organized to discuss an implementation plan including technical requirements, cold chain, uptake reporting, and surveillance for adverse events following immunization. All sites distributed communication materials and encouraged their staff to register for vaccination. Following immunization sessions, sites sent reports on uptake and adverse events following immunization. Left-over vaccine was transferred to other sites to maximize vaccine use.ResultsThe average uptake was 57% for all health care workers, with 11 sites achieving 90% and above. These 11 sites were small with less than 500 staff, including 5 primary hospitals, 3 preventive medicine units, and 2 referral hospitals. Among the six biggest sites with over 1000 staff, four sites had the lowest uptake (14–47%). Most of the high-uptake sites were from the central to the south; only one site, a referral hospital, was from the north. After redistribution of left-over vaccine, only 130 vaccine doses (1.2%) were not used and destroyed. Based on factors that affected uptake, including registration levels, differing communication strategies, availability of vaccination, and commitment by health facility leaders, we recommended ways to increase health care worker coverage; recommendations to improve reporting adverse events following immunization were also made.ConclusionsThe project demonstrated that it was feasible to conduct influenza vaccination campaigns among health care workers in Vietnam. Improvements in promotion of registration, more intense pre-planning, especially at larger facilities, and wider, more consistent availability of communication materials will result in increased efficiency and coverage in this program’s future expansion.

Working Conditions and Sick Building Syndrome among Health Care Workers in Vietnam.

Background: Little is known about risk factors for sick building symptoms (SBS) among health care workers (HCWs) who often face the workload, exposure to chemicals, and biological contaminants in the workplace. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between SBS and the symptoms among HCWs. Methods: A total of 207 HCWs were recruited in a large hospital-based cross-sectional survey between March and June 2017, southern Vietnam. Face-to-face interviews were conducted for collecting data on demographics, SBS-related symptoms, working environments, and conditions. Indoor environmental conditions were measured. SBS scores, ranging from 0 to 24, were determined by a sum of the scores of general symptoms, mucosal irritation, and skin symptoms; multivariate regression analyses and the Lindeman, Merenda, and Gold (LMG) test were used to investigate the predictors and its impact on the SBS. Results: A mean SBS score was 9.7 (range: 1–21). Compared with males, females were more likely to report higher SBS scores (10.2 vs. 7.9, p < 0.001). Being female, atopy, varying temperature room, stuffy “bad” air dust, and dirt had higher SBS scores of 2.0; 1.8; 1.7; 1.9; 3.8, respectively. LMG test showed that dust and dirt, and stuffy “bad” air were the predominant risk factors for SBS. Conclusions: Our study reveals that working conditions are important and significantly associated with SBS. Taken together with our findings, the working condition criteria approach trained for architects, builders, owners, and maintenance of the building is highly recommended for indoor air quality improvement. Furthermore, larger-sample studies about working condition are urgently needed to better manage SBS.

Job satisfaction of healthcare workers in Vietnam: A multilevel study

ABSTRACT This paper aims to assess the level of job satisfaction among healthcare staffs at commune health stations and explore the determinants at the individual and contextual levels. Data on 1,666 healthcare staffs were extracted from the Vietnam Health Facility Assessment survey 2015. Three levels of linear regression were applied to examine the associations between healthcare staffs’ satisfaction and three types of explanatory variables. Results showed that the score of job satisfaction among healthcare staffs was 3.14 points (out of 5). Their age, gender, and education level were significant predictors of their job satisfaction. Healthcare staffs from health facility having higher number of visits per capita and those from poor provinces reported higher level of job satisfaction. Compared to factors at the individual and commune levels, health facility-related factors played a more important role in determining healthcare staffs’ satisfaction in Vietnam. Bettering the physical property of CHSs and attracting local people to have health checkups would help increase job satisfaction among healthcare staffs.